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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes PLAN COMMISSION MINUTES February 20,2018 PRESENT: David Borsuk, Thomas Fojtik, Michael Ford,John Kiefer, Andrew Mott, Thomas Perry, EXCUSED: Ed Bowen, Steve Cummings,John Hinz, Kathleen Propp, Robert Vajgrt STAFF: Darryn Burich, Planning Director;Mark Lyons, Principal Planner;James Rabe, Director of Public Works; Steve Gohde, Assistant Director of Public Works;Andrea Flanigan, Recording Secretary Chairperson Fojtik called the meeting to order at 4:00 pm. Roll call was taken and a quorum declared present. The minutes of February 6,2018 were approved as presented. (Perry/Kiefer) I: PUBLIC INPUT MEETING ON OSHKOSH AVENUE TRAFFIC IMPACT ANALYSIS AND RECOMMENDATIONS FOR FUTURE CORRIDOR IMPROVEMENTS The City of Oshkosh is expecting redevelopment of several properties on the north side of Oshkosh Avenue between N. Koeller Street and N. Eagle Street,including Oshkosh Corporation Global Headquarters and other commercial development. Development is expected to impact traffic operations on the Oshkosh Avenue corridor and throughout the area. City Administration is requesting Plan Commission to adopt recommendations as identified in the Oshkosh Avenue Area Traffic Impact Analysis. Kelly Greuel from KL Engineering presented the Traffic Impact Analysis for the Oshkosh Avenue Corridor between N. Washburn Street and the Fox River. Alternatives were provided for the Oshkosh Avenue between N. Koeller Street and the Fox River and three intersection along Oshkosh Avenue; N. Koeller Street, N. Westfield Street and N. Sawyer Street.The recommended improvements are based on analysis of existing roadway geometrics, current traffic volumes, and additional traffic expected to be generated by the proposed developments. Mr.Borsuk inquired when the Traffic Analysis was conducted. Mr. Rabe stated KL Engineering was hired in early December 2018 and traffic counts were conducted. Mr.Borsuk stated summer is peak season for boat traffic using Rainbow Park and the lift bridge is in operation. He was concerned the study did not reflect the busiest times of year for the Oshkosh Avenue and Sawyer Street intersection. Mr. Mott inquired where right of way would be taken from if Oshkosh Avenue needed to be widened. Mr. Rabe stated right of way would be taken from the north side of Oshkosh Avenue. Plan Commission Minutes 1 February 20,2018 Mr.Borsuk inquired when the Oshkosh Avenue Bridge would be replaced. Mr. Rabe stated the bridge was 20-30 years away from a full replacement. Mr.Borsuk questioned where the main entrance points to Rainbow Park and Golf Course area. Mr. Rabe responded with the reconstruction of the Oshkosh Avenue and Sawyer Street intersection,he believes this will be a primary access point for Rainbow Park. Improving the intersection would alleviate traffic through the neighborhood for those accessing Rainbow Park. He stated the planning process for the park at the Golf Course is not far enough along to determine a main access point,but N. Koeller Street extension may be an option. Mr. Mott inquired if the extension of Sawyer Street avoids Repp's Bar could the property remain commercial. Mr.Burich stated from a Planning perspective the property could remain commercial if it is avoided. The more efficient option for the area would be to acquire the property. Mr.Borsuk stated the intersection should be constructed to the best possible option,not just improvements to make it a little better. Mr. Rabe stated Sawyer St. and Oshkosh Avenue intersection is a longer term project that is not programmed in the CIP and is in the planning process to determine what the future intersection should be. Mr. Ford inquired if there was land to acquire north or south of Oshkosh Avenue to improve the intersection. Mr. Rabe stated it is very limited. If redevelopment occurs on the north side of Oshkosh Avenue,that may be the only option to obtain right of way.The houses on the south side of Oshkosh Avenue are already very close to the road. Mr. Fojtik stated his perception of the intersection is that it is avoided, especially by people pulling boats. If the intersection is improved, it will attract more traffic because it is useable. Mr. Borsuk stated the analysis should be expanded to east of the Oshkosh Avenue Bridge for a more holistic analysis of the area. He stated the information provided may not be enough to make a decision on the Sawyer Street intersection. He inquired if there was trip generation provided by Oshkosh Corporation. Mr. Rabe stated the trip generation information was provided by Oshkosh Corporation and is in the Traffic Impact Analysis Report. Ms. Greuel addressed concerns with the lift bridge. She stated the counts were from December 2017,however, seasonal factors are considered. More traffic was estimated for the area based on Plan Commission Minutes 2 February 20,2018 the potential for commercial redevelopment. The analysis extended to year 2045. She stated when the lift bridge is down there will be good traffic operations. When the lift bridge is up, there will be back-ups,but it is a matter of how quickly the traffic control can relieve them. Mr. Kiefer stated considering the constraints of the area,the alternatives are an improvement for the intersection at Oshkosh Avenue and Sawyer Street. Mr. Borsuk stated there may be options east of the Oshkosh Avenue Bridge that would help with the flow of traffic. Mr. Rabe stated that area would be part of a long term traffic plan that is outside the scope of the Oshkosh Avenue analysis. Mr. Borsuk inquired why KL Engineering does not recommend a roundabout at N. Westfield St. Ms. Geuel responded that a roundabout would work at the intersection of N. Westfield St.but a disadvantage of the roundabout is that it requires more right of way and may take away from potential commercial development. Roundabouts are not as pedestrian friendly as a stop light with pedestrian signals. Joe Schweda, 1309 Oshkosh Avenue stated he did not see any indication of bike lanes in the recommendations and would like them to be considered. Mr. Burich stated alternative routes are being looked at for bikes in the Oshkosh Avenue area. He stated he received a call from a resident along Oshkosh Avenue that is concerned with the increased traffic and speeding along Oshkosh Avenue due to Oshkosh Corporation development. She stated it is difficult to make left turns out of her driveway and questioned if there was a way to make improve that. Motion by Perry to approve recommendations from the Traffic Impact Analysis as follows: General Corridor Improvements A. N. Koeller Street to N. Eagle Street:Alternative 3 Four Lane Divided(median or painted median) B. N. Eagle Street to Fox River:Alternative 1 Four Lane undivided Intersection Improvements Intersection Improvements A. Oshkosh Avenue/N. Koeller Street:Alternative 1 —Roundabout with improvements B. Oshkosh Avenue/N. Westfield Street:Alternative 1 —Traffic signal with left turn lanes C. Oshkosh Avenue/N. Sawyer Street:Alternative 2A or 2C—Traffic signal with extension of Sawyer Street Seconded by Kiefer. Mr.Borsuk stated he would like to not make a recommendation on Sawyer Street intersection until there is a full seasonal set of data. He would like the east side of the bridge included in the recommendation/study. Plan Commission Minutes 3 February 20,2018 Mr. Collins stated KL Engineering used traffic data from the summer of 2017 and factored in seasonality when completing the analysis. Ms. Greuel stated from an operational stand point at Sawyer Street,the issues of left turns on the east side of the bridge should not impact the alternatives at Sawyer Street.The intersection east of the bridge would need to be improved in order to work out the issues at that intersection. Motion carried 5-1 (nay:Borsuk). II. OFFICIAL MAPPING FOR AN EXTENSION OF N. WESTFIELD STREET The City of Oshkosh is requesting approval to officially map an extension of N. Westfield Street. Mr.Burich presented the item and reviewed the site and surrounding area and discussed the need for officially mapping the extension of N. Westfield Street. He explained officially mapping this area reserves the land for street dedication and eventual construction of the street.The street will provide access to the proposed Oshkosh Corporation property as well as lands to the east and west of the street. Mr.Borsuk inquired if the extension would be a four lane road. Mr. Gohde stated the Traffic Impact Analysis proposes a single lane going into the extension and two lanes going out,for cars to turn left right or straight. Motion by Ford to approve official mapping for an extension of N. Westfield Street. Seconded by Borsuk. Motion carried 6-0. III. ZONE CHANGE FROM INSTITUTIONAL (I) DISTRICT TO SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL -5 (SR-5) DISTRICT FOR PROPERTY LOCATED 1650 VILLA PARK DRIVE The applicant is requesting a zone change from the existing Institutional (I) District to Single-Family Residential-5 (SR-5) District for a portion of the property located at 1650 Villa Park Drive. Mr.Burich presented the item and reviewed the site and surrounding area. He stated the zone change request consists of a former part of 4411, Parallel Park that was disposed to an adjacent property in 2017. The disposition resulted in the creation of a split-zoned parcel containing Single-Family Residence 5 (SR-5) and Institutional District.The immediate area contains exclusively single-family uses with the exception of the park. Staff is recommending approval of the zone change as a cleanup from the parkland disposition in 2017. There was no discussion on the item. Motion by Kiefer to approve the a zone change from Institutional(I)District to Single-Famile Residential-5 (SR-5) District for a portion of the property located at 1650 Villa Park Drive. Seconded by Borsuk. Motion carried 6-0. Plan Commission Minutes 4 February 20,2018 IV. ZONE CHANGE FROM CENTRAL MIXED USE DISTRICT (CMU) TO CENTRAL MIXED USE DISTRICT WITH PLANNED DEVELOPMENT OVERLAY(CMU-PD) AND APPROVAL OF A GENERAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN AND SPECIFIC IMPLEMENTATION PLAN FOR PROPERTY LOCATED AT 566 N. MAIN STREET The applicant is requesting a zone change from the existing Central Mixed Use District (CMU)to Central Mixed Use District with a Planned Development Overlay (CMU-PD).The applicant also requests approval of a General Development Plan and Specific Implementation Plan to allow for construction of a ten(10)foot high fence surrounding an outdoor patio. Mr. Lyons presented the item and reviewed the site and surrounding area consisting of one and two family residential to the east and commercial uses to the north,west and south.The proposed development consists of a fence around a previously approved outdoor patio at Fletch's Local Tap House.The applicant is requesting a base standard modification to exceed the maximum allowed 8' fence and install a 10' fence surrounding the outdoor patio. Mr. Lyons reviewed the landscaping, proposed signage and fence facades. The cedar fence is not architecturally compatible with the design and materials of the principal building and a base standard modification would need to be granted for the proposed fence. Staff recommends approval of the zone change request and approval of the General Development Plan and Specific Implementation Plan,the findings listed above and the proposed following conditions: 1. Final landscaping plan approval by the Department of Community Development. 2. Sign shall be attached/integrated into front fence facade and not placed on top of the fence. 3. Base standard modification to allow a 10' fence in the side and rear. 4. Plan Commission to approve final fence design that is architecturally compatible with the design and materials of the principal building. 5. Full removal of existing driveway and replace curb and gutter to City of Oshkosh standards. Mr. Lyons noted Peabody's Ale House,a nearby bar with outdoor patio,is an example of a fence not compatible with the design and materials of the principal building. It was approved prior to the existing code which did not require the fence materials to be compatible with the building. Jeremy West,owner of 566 N. Main St. stated he was willing to integrate the proposed signage into the fence. He questioned why the condition was needed for removal of the existing driveway and replacing it with curb and gutter. Mr. Gohde stated code requires that once a driveway is closed,it is no longer considered a vehicular access point. It would need to be closed off to restrict access to the area where there is no longer legal parking. He stated in order to receive a permit for the fence,the driveway would need to be closed. Mr. West stated the fence height on the Main Street side may be shorter than 8 feet and discussed matching materials to the building on the Main Street fence side. Plan Commission Minutes 5 February 20,2018 Mr.Burich stated if Plan Commission approves the fence as proposed, a base standard modification would need to be added to the conditions to allow the fence materials to differ from the principal building materials. He stated this patio in particular, as some extenuating circumstances because the patio is enclosed on three sides by a fence. Other patios in the area are enclosed by buildings on at least two sides. Staff's main concern is the front facade of the fence. Mr. Fojtik inquired if Plan Commission would approved the request as proposed,would the applicant use fence materials that are compatible with the building. Mr. West stated he was unsure and would like to get started on the project as soon as possible. Mr. Kiefer inquired if the front facade could be separate from the east and south fence facades. Mr.Burich stated separating out the fence facades would be allowed. He stated staff's main concern was the interaction at the front and the south and east side of the fence were not as much of a concern from a materials stand point. It would be impractical to put in 90 feet of wrought iron and concrete fence and a large investment for the applicant. Mr. Ford stated he was in favor of having the front fence facade compatible with the building materials. He inquired if the condition for removing the existing driveway was needed or if staff would work with the applicant. Mr.Burich stated the condition was not needed on the planned development and can be handled by staff. Mr.Borsuk stated if the driveway removal needs to be done,this would be the opportunity to include the condition as part of the development of the property. Mr. West inquired if the Plan Commission would consider giving him two years to complete removing the driveway.Two years would give him time to recoup some of his investment. Mr. Mott inquired why the applicant proposed an 8 foot fence on the front facade. Mr. West responded the fence is to control people going in and out of the patio. He stated he may shorten the fence to 7 feet and have approximately two inch gaps between the boards so the patio is visible from Main Street.The proposed 10 foot fence on the south and west sides would prevent people from climbing over the fence. Plan Commission came to the consensus to amend the following conditions and add a base standard modification: 4. Department of Community Development to approve final west side fence design that is architecturally compatible with the design and materials of the principal building. 5. Full removal of existing driveway and replace curb and gutter to City of Oshkosh standards within 2 years. 6.Base standard modification for south and east fence materials as proposed. Plan Commission Minutes 6 February 20,2018 Motion by Kiefer to approve the Zone Change From Central Mixed Use District(CMU) To Central Mixed Use District With Planned Development Overlay(CMU-PD)And Approval Of A General Development Plan And Specific Implementation Plan For Property Located At 566 N. Main Street 1) Final landscaping plan approval by the Department of Community Development. 2) Sign shall be attached/integrated into front fence facade and not placed on top of the fence. 3) Base standard modification to allow a 10'fence in the side and rear. 4) Department of Community Development approve final west side fence design that is architecturally compatible with the design and materials of the principal building. 5) Full removal of existing driveway and replace curb and gutter to City of Oshkosh standards within 2 years. 6) Base standard modification for south and east fence materials as proposed. Seconded by Perry. Motion carried 6-0. There being no further business,the meeting adjourned at approximately 5:25 pm. (Kiefer/Perry) Respectfully submitted, Darryn Burich Director of Planning Services Plan Commission Minutes 7 February 20,2018