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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutesPLAN COMMISSION MINUTES March 15, 2011 PRESENT: David Borsuk, Ed Bowen, Jeffrey Thorns, Thomas Fojtik, John Hinz, Kathleen Propp, Dennis McHugh, Donna Lohry, Robert Vajgrt, Karl Nollenberger EXCUSED: Tony Palmeri STAFF: Darryn Burich, Director of Planning Services; David Buck, Principal Planner; Deborah Foland, Recording Secretary Vice - Chairperson Propp called the meeting to order at 4:00 pm. Roll call was taken and a quorum declared present. The minutes of March 1, 2011 were approved as presented. (Vajgrt/Thoms) L ZONE CHANGE FROM M -2 CENTRAL INDUSTRIAL DISTRICT TO R -5 PD MULTIPLE DWELLING DISTRICT WITH A PLANNED DEVELOPMENT OVERLAY FOR PROPERTY LOCATED AT 19 WISCONSIN STREET (former Deltox property) This request is a zone change from M -2 Central Industrial District to R -5 PD Multiple Dwelling District with a Planned Development Overlay. Mr. Burich presented the item and reviewed the site and surrounding area. He explained the reasoning for the proposed R -5 PD zoning classification which is consistent with the balance of properties in the area and will ensure that all development will be required to obtain Plan Commission and Common Council approval through the planned development process. Ms. Lohry questioned if the integrity of Carl Steiger Park will be retained and if the property to the north of the park was the only site to be developed in the future. Mr. Burich responded that there would be no change with the status of the park other than changing the zoning from the current manufacturing status to the R -5 PD classification. He further stated that the property to the north of the park had already been sold to the University and any future sale of park land or any portion of it would require approval of the Plan Commission and Common Council. Mr. Thorns inquired if the zoning classification could be changed in the future if deemed necessary. Mr. Burich responded affirmatively and stated that the zone change was a cleanup of inappropriate zoning from past use of the site and referred to the zoning map displaying current zoning classifications for surrounding properties. The M -2 zoning designation is less restrictive and the proposed R -5 PD is more consistent with surrounding uses. The City is being proactive in changing the zoning in advance of any development and it will be more convenient when the University moves forward with development plans as appropriate zoning will already be in place. Motion by Vajgrt to approve the zone change from M -2 Central Industrial District to R -5 PD Multiple Dwelling District with a Planned Development Overlay for property located at 19 Wisconsin Street. Plan Commission Minutes March 15, 2011 Seconded by Borsuk. Motion carried 9 -0. Mr. Fojtik arrived at 4:08 pm. II. CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT FOR A CANINE SERVICE FACILITY AT 1921 SOUTH WASHBURN STREET The applicant is requesting a conditional use permit to establish a canine service facility including daycare, grooming, retail and transportation services within an existing 3,200 square foot storefront at a multiple tenant strip center at 1921 South Washburn Street. Mr. Buck presented the item and reviewed the site and surrounding area as well as the zoning in said area. He stated that the Comprehensive Plan recommends commercial use for this area and reviewed the proposed use and site plan. He also discussed the hours of operation, the number of employees, and services to be provided which would be mainly indoors. He also reviewed the conditions recommended for the request and commented that the petitioner had indicated that this site was a temporary location and another location for the business was in the planning process. Mr. Borsuk stated that he felt condition #2 relating to animals being allowed outdoors only when accompanied by a handler should include the word "leashed" as well. Mr. Thorns questioned if there would be adequate parking for the proposed use and if there were any traffic concerns or noise issues related to this request. Mr. Buck replied that the existing parking should be sufficient as retail business was the highest and most intense use and this type of service usually experiences very low parking necessities. He further stated that there were no traffic concerns with this use of the site as it is a pre- existing commercial center. He did not anticipate noise issues as the petitioner indicated that materials had been installed as sound barriers in the facility. Bruce Balthazor, 1921 S. Washburn Street, petitioner for the request, stated that he had been in contact with tenants in the structure next door and had no complaints of noise issues. He explained the use of sound barrier materials in the facility and stated that the existing doors had been replaced with steel doors to mitigate noise issues. He also stated that animal waste is picked up immediately and all dogs taken outdoors to relieve themselves would be on a leash at all times. Mr. Thorns inquired about this location being a temporary situation for the business. Mr. Balthazor responded that another site at the corner of West 20 Avenue and South Washburn Street was the potential new site and discussed features of the new location. Ms. Propp voiced her concerns with the small outdoor area on the site and questioned where the business was previously located. Mr. Balthazor replied that there would be no more than eight dogs in daycare per day and multiple dogs would not be going out at any one time which would be for bathroom breaks only and not for outdoor play purposes. He further commented that they were previously located at 2275 Omro Road however their lease had come due and they could not afford to remain at this location. Plan Commission Minutes March 15, 2011 Ms. Lohry questioned when they would be moving into their new location if the conditional use permit was granted and how animal waste was disposed of Mr. Balthazor responded that they were already operating at this location as they were not aware that a conditional use permit was required and the animal waste was disposed of in a dumpster on site. Ms. Lohry then questioned whether the disposal of animal waste in a dumpster met city codes. Mr. Balthazor replied that it met code standards and the City's Health Department had issued all the necessary permits and /or licenses required. He also noted that the staff report made reference to the primary service being dog daycare with the secondary service being grooming whereas it is actually the opposite with grooming being the majority of their business. Mr. Thorns commented that he personally used Ruff Cut's services and they did a nice job and operated a well run facility. Motion by Borsuk to amend condition #2 to read "No animal shall be allowed outdoors unless leashed and accompanied by a staff handler ". Seconded by Hinz. Motion carried 9 -0. Motion by Thoms to approve a conditional use permit for a canine service facility at 1921 S. Washburn Street as requested with the following conditions: 1. Overnight boarding of animals is prohibited. 2. No animal shall be allowed outdoors unless leashed and accompanied by a staff handler. 3. Immediate removal of any animal waste from the parking areas and greenspaces. Seconded by Vajgrt. Motion carried 9 -0. There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at approximately 4:28 pm. (Vajgrt/Propp) Respectfully submitted, Darryn Burich Director of Planning Services Plan Commission Minutes March 15, 2011