HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes
PLAN COMMISSION MINUTES JANUARY 4, 2005 PRESENT: Bryan Bain, Jon Dell’Antonia, Steve Gehling, Shirley Mattox, Kathleen Propp, Cathy Scherer, Donald Simons, Jeff Thorkildsen, John Weinsheim
and W. Lee Bettes, Chairman EXCUSED: David Borsuk STAFF: Kristi Bales, Principal Planner, Darryn Burich, Director of Planning Services, Jackson Kinney, Director of Community Development,
and Vickie Rand, Recording Secretary The meeting was called to order at 4:00 p.m. by Chairman Bettes. Roll call was taken and a quorum declared present. The minutes of the December 21,
2004 meeting were approved as mailed. (Dell’Antonia/Scherer) Unanimous. I: CONSENT AGENDA A: EXTRATERRITORIAL 3 LOT LAND DIVISION/CERTIFIED SURVEY MAP ALONG C.T.H. “Y” AND “T” IN THE
TOWN OF OSHKOSH – Omnni Associates, petitioner, Grundy Enterprises, owner The petitioners are requesting approval of an extraterritorial 3-lot land division/certified survey map involving
two existing parcels of land located in the Town of Oshkosh. The subject properties are generally located south of C.T.H. “Y” and west of C.T.H. “T” and involves the existing quarry
in the area as well as some agricultural lands adjacent to the quarry. Mr. Burich noted that C.T.H. “Y” is an arterial street; therefore it requires an 80’ width. He stated a condition
has been recommended for an additional 7’ reservation to be made for C.T.H. “Y”. Motion by Dell’Antonia for approval of an extraterritorial 3-Lot Land Division /Certified Survey Map
involving two existing parcels of land located in the Town of Oshkosh subject to the following condition. 1. An additional 7’ reservation be made for the width of C.T.H. “Y”. Seconded
by Simons. Motion carried 9-0. II: EXTRATERRITORIAL LAND DIVISION/CERTIFIED SURVEY MAP ALONG THE SOUTH SIDE OF C.T.H. “N” IN THE TOWN OF NEKIMI – National Survey & Engineering, petitioner,
Perry Yoder and Sons, owner The Plan Commission denied this land division request at its November 2nd meeting finding that it was not consistent with the Comprehensive Plan’s rural preservation
land use designation and the land division criteria, which was consistent with the staff recommendation. Additional information has been brought forward and has been incorporated into
this review.
Plan Commission Minutes -2-January 4, 2005 The owner is proposing a land division of an approximate 72-acre parcel of land that will create a 6-acre parcel (Lot 1) that will become a
residential building site for one single-family dwelling. The application request contains a note stating the purpose of the CSM is to convey Lot 1 to a member of the family that owns
the existing farm. The area is predominately agricultural in nature with some scattered smaller nonagricultural related residential uses. The main farmstead is located across the road.
Ms. Mattox arrived at this time. Dennis Yoder, 1328 Clairville Road, stated the subject farmland has been in the Farm Preservation Program since its beginning and they have followed
all the soil and water conservation practices. He stated his daughter was raised on the farm and continues to work on the farm along with her husband and he would like her to be able
to build a home on the land and continue to be an asset to the family farm. Mrs. Scherer questioned if his daughter earned an income from the farm. Mr. Yoder stated his daughter and
her husband both earn an income from helping with general farm duties. Mrs. Scherer questioned if the note on the CSM was similar to a deed restriction. Mr. Burich stated it was similar
to a deed restriction and in this case the land was only transferable to a family member. Mrs. Scherer also questioned if there was a restriction on the size of the land to be divided.
Mr. Burich stated the size of the land could be smaller than the 6-acre land division in this case. Mrs. Propp questioned when the staff found out about the rules under Farm Preservation
Program and if measures have been put in place so this is not overlooked again. Mr. Burich stated after the land division /CSM was denied they learned more about the Farm Preservation
Program and have added another layer to the GIS computer program so this is not overlooked in the future. Mr. Bain questioned if the Plan Commission could deny a land division, which
involves land under the Farm Preservation Program. Mr. Burich stated the request could be denied if it is not consistent with the Comprehensive Plan. Mr. Dell’Antonia wanted to clarify
that another land division on this property could not be done. Mr. Burich stated that was correct. Motion by Weinsheim for approval of an Extraterritorial Land Division /Certified Survey
Map of an approximate 72 acre parcel of land that will create a 6 acre parcel as found to be consistent with the City’s Comprehensive Plan per Section 30-71 (I)(4) of the City of Oshkosh
Zoning Ordinance and finds that the proposed land division will assist and assure the continuation of the agricultural use of the land per Section 30-71 (M)(5)(a) for the following reasons:
1) The lands to be divided are currently enrolled in the Farmland Preservation Program. 2) The lands to be divided will be transferred to a family member.
Plan Commission Minutes -3-January 4, 2005 3) The land division is consistent with the goals and regulations of the Farmland Preservation Program. Seconded by Bain. Motion carried 9-0.
III: DESIGNATION OF BOUNDARIES, APPROVAL OF PROJECT PLAN FOR MODIFICATION # 5 TO THE MARION ROAD/PEARL AVENUE REDEVELOPMENT AREA – Redevelopment Authority The Redevelopment Authority
for the City of Oshkosh requests approval of Modification # 5 to the Marion Road/Pearl Avenue Redevelopment Area Project Plan and to designate the boundaries of the modified district.
The modification involves expanding the district’s boundaries to add several properties as well as removing a portion of one property from the district. Seventeen parcels are proposed
to be added to the district and a portion of one property will be removed. Mr. Gehling questioned if the proposal was basically to redefine the boundaries of the Marion Road /Pearl Avenue
Redevelopment Area. Mr. Burich stated the request was for designation of boundaries and approval of the project plan. Mr. Gehling questioned if the expansion area would automatically
be zoned C-3PD, and if any nonconforming uses would be created. Mr. Burich stated a rezoning application will have to be made for any new zoning designations, and non-conforming uses
at this time would become conforming under the proposed zoning. John Ruppenthal, 2195 Mitchell Street, stated he was supportive of this proposal and commended the attendance of nearly
all the Plan Commission members and their commitment to the City. Mr. Ruppenthal gave a brief history of the start up of the Redevelopment Authority (RDA) noting it was established in
2003 with members appointed by the Common Council with fellow members voting him as their Chairman with Jackson Kinney as their Executive Director, and was here on their behalf. He stated
the RDA was formed to concentrate 100% on redevelopment efforts in the City of Oshkosh, and noted the other members that make up the RDA. Mr. Ruppenthal stated since 2003 the RDA has
carefully evaluated each area considered for redevelopment. He stated an important area for redevelopment is the downtown area, and especially the Marion Road/Pearl Avenue area and encouraged
the Plan Commission to support the proposed expansion and project plan. He stated by supporting this proposal the area could become more serviceable for the City and the downtown area
and allow the City to continue improvements, and pursue larger scope projects. He stated the City identifies these areas so that property owners can make educated choices regarding the
sale or redevelopment of their property. He thanked the Plan Commission for their consideration and encouraged their support of the expansion and plan for this redevelopment area. Mrs.
Propp questioned if including the Mercury Marine property was done with their cooperation. Mr. Ruppenthal stated that Mr. Kinney has had many discussions with Mercury Marine. He stated
they realize how this area would be more valuable to the City as something other than an industrial area located in the downtown. He stated Mercury Marine has been very positive in their
dealings with the City and Chamco has been working with them regarding relocation of their plant.
Plan Commission Minutes -4-January 4, 2005 Mr. Dell’Antonia questioned if including the Mercury Marion property in the redevelopment area gave the City the authority to take the property.
Mr. Ruppenthal stated including the area in the redevelopment area gives an indication to the owner of the City’s plan for redevelopment of that area. Mr. Dell’Antonia stated if Mercury
Marine should change their minds about working with the City, they would be able to make an independent transaction. Mr. Dell’Antonia also questioned if the Lamico property was considered
for the expansion area at this time. Mr. Ruppenthal stated the Lamico property was not a critical area to have included at this time. Mr. Dell’Antonia questioned if they haven’t been
cooperative with the City. Mr. Ruppenthal invited Mr. Kinney to respond to further questions. Jackson Kinney, City of Oshkosh RDA Executive Director, Director of Community Development,
215 Church Avenue, stated the City has been working with Mercury Marine since 1996 when they they intended to sell all their property. He stated Mercury Marine is aware of the improvements
the City is trying to achieve in this redevelopment area, and how it would be an important land acquisition for the heart of downtown. Mr. Kinney stated Chamco is working with Mercury
Marine to move the manufacturing plant to the South West Industrial Park, where Mercury owns land, and also stated that Mercury, the University and the City would be able to work together
more pro-actively to develop this area. Mr. Kinney stated Lamico was not being negative regarding the redevelopment area, and probably would be included at some point, but as for now
the City is being considerate of Mr. Urban’s manufacturing operation and employees and as long as they didn’t need the property now it wasn’t really an issue, although they understand
it is a long term vision for the City of Oshkosh to include that property in the redevelopment area. He pointed out that Mr. Burich discussed the need for a zone change for that property
and they want to retain the current designation for the time being. Mr. Gehling stated City funds are often times used to prepare the land for its intended use and questioned if Modification
#5 would be approved what assurances could be given that the City would proceed with a riverwalk development. Mr. Kinney stated the City would be included in the chain of ownership through
a Developer’s Agreement to be able to reference the riverwalk. He stated the riverwalk is the key to the City’s downtown redevelopment efforts. He stated in 2008-2009 the Wisconsin Street
Bridge is scheduled for reconstruction and underpasses will need to be designed and the WIOWASH Trail will need to be extended to the downtown. Mr. Kinney stated a marina, or other facilities
could still be developed along the riverwalk as long as the City retains a permanent easement in the area. Mr. Gehling stated a unified approach is basically being made from Mercury
to the Amphitheater. Mr. Kinney stated a significant consistent unified vision for the area from the South Shore Redevelopment District north from the Amphitheater to the City Center
to Marion Road north to take into account the University’s Master Plan all fit well together. He stated it is a very consistent approach to pursue a riverwalk system along with commercial
development and new residential development adjacent to the riverfront. Mr. Bain questioned if the reconstruction of the Wisconsin Street Bridge would affect this development. Mr. Kinney
stated the Wisconsin Street Bridge would be relocated more to the north and not have an effect on construction of this area.
Plan Commission Minutes -5-January 4, 2005 Mr. Bain questioned if Lamico could make a transaction at this time without City involvement. Mr. Kinney stated the Lamico site could change
hands to another manufacturing use, however, if someone wanted to redevelop the site they probably wouldn’t do it without the City’s involvement, but they wouldn’t be required to involve
the City. Mr. Bain questioned what it means to the taxpayers that the TID is now valued at approximately $15.6 million. Mr. Kinney stated the property values in Oshkosh have increased
in that area which will reflect on the City’s property tax rolls. He also noted the economic activity and jobs that result from the area being redeveloped. Mr. Simons questioned if there
was a danger that the Lamico site would be an island in the next 10-15 years. Mr. Kinney stated it is more likely to be a short-term situation as the City continues to work with the
businesses in the area. Ms. Mattox questioned if developers interested in the Mercury Marine area wanted more land than Mercury Marine had to offer would the City be more assertive with
Lamico. Mr. Kinney stated they would work more actively with the business owners if that were the case. Mrs. Scherer discussed Mercury Marine moving the manufacturing part of their operations
and questioned the relocation of the river related operations. Mr. Kinney stated the marina owned by Mercury Marine could be very compatible with the area, and the City would work with
them to develop a more aesthetically pleasing site. He stated Plant 33 might be moved to another site on the river somewhere in the Oshkosh area. Mrs. Propp questioned why the City would
remove this area from the tax increment. Mr. Kinney stated they are proposing to move the boundaries not TIF 13. Mr. Dell’Antonia questioned why the City was proposing to remove a parcel
from the redevelopment area. Mr. Kinney stated the area has been redeveloped, and it is basically an engineering issue regarding the legal description of the property. Chairman Bettes
asked Mr. Kinney if he could give a time frame for any redevelopment projects to take place. Mr. Kinney stated the earliest results the public would see would be the riverfront development.
He stated they are working with a prospective developer to start work in 2005 and they plan to work on the necessary rezoning and actively work with the Mercury Marine site in 2005.
Motion by Scherer for approval of Modification #5 to the Marion Road /Pearl Avenue Project Redevelopment Plan and the designation of the modified boundaries for the district. She stated
she was excited about the plan and was glad to see the creation of the Redevelopment Authority. She stated she is also pleased with the ongoing work with the property owners in the area.
Seconded by Gehling. Motion carried 9-0.
Plan Commission Minutes -6-January 4, 2005 IV: PRESENTATION OF THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN – Department of Community Development Kristi Bales, Principal Planner, City of Oshkosh, 215 Church
Avenue, presented a PowerPoint presentation on a broader level of the preliminary final draft of the update to the Comprehensive Plan. She stated no formal action would be taken today.
Chairman Bettes stated it was amazing to look back at the work done and commended Kristi on running a wonderful process of updating the plan. Mrs. Propp questioned what timetable there
was for any further updates. Ms. Bales stated she would like any further updates as soon as possible. She stated the Comprehensive Plan would come before the Plan Commission in two weeks
for recommendation to the Common Council. Mr. Thorkildsen stated the plan has much more detail and commended Chairman Bettes on his leadership roll in the updating process. Mr. Gehling
stated the current Comprehensive Plan appeared too much in report form and this update is more of a plan with a lot of action planned to take place in the next 10-15 years. He stated
it will be interesting to see how this plan works in conjunction with city growth. Mr. Dell’Antonia also commended Ms. Bales on an outstanding job and Chairman Bettes for his leadership.
Mr. Weinsheim suggested the list of “Desired New Businesses and Industry” be prioritized, and also questioned page 95, if the “Air Transportation” segment had been coordinated with Winnebago
County or the “Airport Master Plan”. Mr. Kinney stated they have been working with Winnebago County in their effort to update their master plan to ensure it is consistent with the Update
to the City’s Comprehensive Plan. He stated there are few issues to iron out regarding land use that may come to the Plan Commission as an agenda item in the future. OTHER BUSINESS No
other business was presented at this time. There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at approximately 5:20 p.m. (Dell’Antonia/Gehling). Unanimous. Respectfully submitted,
DARRYN L. BURICH Planning Services Director DLB/vlr