HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes PLAN COMMISSION MINUTES
September 4,2018
PRESENT: David Borsuk, Ed Bowen, Steve Cummings, Thomas Fojtik, Michael Ford, Thomas
Perry, Kathleen Propp, Robert Vajgrt
EXCUSED: John Hinz,John Kiefer, Andrew Mott
STAFF: Darryn Burich, Planning Director;Mark Lyons, Principal Planner;Jeff Nau,
Associate Planner; Steven Wiley, Assistant Planner;James Rabe, Director of Public
Works; Steve Gohde, Assistant Director of Public Works;Mina Kuss, 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 August 21, 2018 were approved as presented. (Vajgrt/Ford)
I. THIS ITEM HAS BEEN WITHDRAWN FROM THE AGENDA.
II. LAND ACQUISITION OF PROPERTIES LOCATED AT 859 THROUGH 905 W.17th
AVENUE AND A PORTION (BACK) OF 1732 KNAPP STREET
The City of Oshkosh Department of Public Works is requesting approval to acquire approximately
3.43 acres comprised of five parcels along the south side of W. 17th Avenue,east of Knapp Street as
a safety measure from methane gas emanating from a former landfill south of the subject site.
Mr. Nau presented the item and reviewed the site and surrounding area. All the properties are in
close proximity of the city-operated Kienast landfill which operated in the 1960s after being used
as a quarry. Over time, the decomposition of organic materials in the landfill creates methane gas
which poses a danger by the gas entering basements of nearby homes. The City contracted with
AECOM Technical Services, Inc. to perform several investigations to determine the amount and
extent of methane generation within the former quarries. The results of these investigations
indicate that methane is being generated from the municipal solid waste that was disposed of
within the former Kienast Quarry. The former Paulus Quarry does not appear to be generating
methane,but does appear to be functioning as a methane storage cell for methane that is generated
within the former Kienast Quarry. In an effort to control the potential migration of landfill gas
(LFG), an active LFG collection system is recommended. Acquisition of these properties and
demolition of the structures is recommended to reduce the risk of exposure and buildup of
methane and other LFG within the proximity of the structures.
Mr. Bowen and Ms. Propp arrived at 4:02 pm.
Mr. Borsuk asked where the locations were of the other methane mitigation areas.
Plan Commission Minutes 1 September 4,2018
Mr. Rabe responded that the other locations were Quarry Park and the Knapp Street quarries.
Mr. Borsuk questioned why the properties in question were not part of the Quarry Park or Knapp
Street quarries' investigation.
Mr. Rabe said he did not know why they were not looked at previously.
Mr. Borsuk asked if Staff looked into cleaning out the quarry as opposed to acquiring the
properties and setting up a methane mitigation system.
Mr. Rabe responded that it would cost tens of millions of dollars because the quarry is 40 to 50 feet
deep. The waste would then have to be hauled to a licensed landfill.
Noll Isely, 851 W. 171h Avenue, asked what a methane mitigation system is.
Mr. Rabe explains the system that would be installed would be very similar to the systems at the
nearby quarries. The system would consist of a perforated pipe system installed around the
perimeter of the former deep quarry,which was filled with the municipal solid waste that is
decomposing. Vacuum pressure would be applied to the system to draw any methane that is
being produced and then vented out into the air. Mr. Rabe noted that Mr. Isely's property would
not be affected.
Mr. Isely asked what the anticipated completion date is.
Mr. Rabe replied at this time, plans and specifications have not been completed. They are working
on completing those. He said dependent on the timeline, they would hope to start construction
this winter and hope to finish by next spring or early summer.
Mr. Borsuk wanted confirmation if the system would be vented or flared.
Mr. Rabe asked Mr. Gohde if he recalled Knapp Street quarries being vented or flared.
Mr. Gohde answered the Knapp Street quarries do not have a high enough concentration to be
flared in the extraction system. He said at this point, there is no plan to flare the proposed system
because the concentration level is not high enough.
Mr. Borsuk inquired if an air permit would be obtained to release the methane.
Mr. Rabe replied that all required permits through the DNR will be obtained as part of the plan
preparation and permitting process.
Mr. Perry arrived at 4:12 pm.
Plan Commission Minutes 2 September 4,2018
Mary Warnke,5110 Stretch Lane, said she does own a property within the neighborhood. Ms.
Warnke asked what the completion site would like look in terms of the pipe system and
landscaping.
Mr. Rabe responded that it would look very similar to Quarry Park and Knapp Street quarries.
The system would start as an active system in hopes of going to a passive system. There would be
a few taller pipes installed that would hopefully function as the passive system. The only fencing
that would be installed would be around the venting equipment, similar to the Knapp Street site.
He explained that the Knapp Street site is an open field with a small mound and then a small
fenced in area where the equipment is stored.
Ms. Warnke wanted to clarify that the site would be a maintained grassy area like the Knapp Street
site.
Mr. Rabe confirmed it would be.
Lee Moin, 885 W. 171h Avenue, is one of the affected property owners. Mr. Moin asked what the
plan is for working with property owners on the transition process and how to improve it. The
affected owners were notified over a year ago but the plan is just now in the process of being
approved. He said the communication they have had has been poor. Mr. Moin wants to ensure
that there will be a good transition plan. He added that one of the property owners is in ill-health.
Mr. Rabe stated the approval through Plan Commission and Common Council will allow them to
very actively finish the project. He said there have been some workload issues that have delayed
the project. He added that there is an acquisition specialist and an appraiser under contract to help
finish the project.
Mr. Fojtik wanted confirmation that the process could move forward once approved through Plan
Commission and Common Council.
Mr. Rabe confirmed.
Ms. Propp asked for an explanation on the process for the property owners.
Mr. Rabe said there would be a relocation order prepared. The appraiser would then do a report.
There have been some preliminary work that has been done but would need to be updated to be
current. The process would then follow the outline by the State Statutes. There would also be
timelines involved. Once the appraisal is issued,there is a timeline for the property owners to ask
for a second appraisal as outline in the State Statutes.
Ms. Propp wanted confirmation that there is a process for the owners and that it would be
outlined.
Plan Commission Minutes 3 September 4,2018
Mr. Rabe stated that some of the items have already been outlined though earlier communications.
The project has been ongoing for longer than expected. He confirmed that the statues are there to
protect the property owners in acquisition processes.
Mr. Moin stated there was already one appraisal prepared in the late summer. He said since the
odds are very high of the owners moving, there is no incentive to update the homes. The property
would degrade as time goes on. He asked if the property owners obtain a second appraisal later in
the process,how it would be taken into account. He also added that market prices are rising.
Mr. Rabe replied that those are items the acquisition consultant can work through on behalf of the
City. The acquisition consultant is going to be the primary one having those conversations. The
City relies on the acquisition consultant for those concerns as they are well versed in the statutory
requirements.
Ken Larie, 1722 Knapp Street, explained that his family is very familiar with the quarries. He said
his wife was a Schoenberger and her mom was a Paulus, who owned the Paulus property. His
mother-in-law also lost two children to the quarry. He asked where the system would sit on the
property, as it does generate some noise.
Mr. Rabe replied that at this point he has not reviewed the plans at that stage. Generally speaking,
they would try to keep it closer to the street towards the power supply. Public Service's power
supply would most likely be coming off of 17f Avenue. He stated again he does not know the
exact location yet. Within a few weeks, the plans will more detailed and he would have more
information for Mr. Larie.
Mr. Borsuk recalled that for the Knapp Street quarries, the site plan had to come back to Plan
Commission for approval. He was wondering if the proposed remediation would follow the same
process.
Mr. Burich said first they would have to classify the use and consider if it needed to be rezoned.
Mr. Burich thought it would be best to to review what happened with the Knapp Street site
because he could not recall if it came back to Plan Commission. There have been updates to the
zoning code and not all items need to come back to Plan Commission. The current lot is zoned SR-
5 and may require some type of zone change.
Mr. Rabe asked Mr. Burich if it would most likely be rezoned to Institutional.
Mr. Burich asked Mr. Nau what the current quarry properties are zoned as.
Mr. Nau replied that they are zoned as Institutional.
Mr. Burich stated that it would probably have to be rezoned because most city properties are
zoned institutional but then the next question would be if it needed a conditional use permit or a
planned development would be necessary.
Plan Commission Minutes 4 September 4,2018
Mr. Bowen asked if the CSM dividing the property on 1732 Knapp Street would come back to Plan
Commission.
Mr. Nau confirmed that it would.
Mr. Bowen asked if the lots in question would be combined or left as is to manage any ongoing
liability for each parcel.
Mr. Rabe said he would have to look into it.
Mr. Bowen added that it would give Plan Commission another opportunity.to look at the area.
Mr. Rabe said the land division would come back to Plan Commission but he was unsure about
the combining of the lots.
Mr. Burich added the CSMs do not give much of an opportunity to look at the development on the
site. It would only show how and where the parcels are being divided or combined.
Mr. Bowen commented that the rezoning would come to Plan Commission nonetheless
Mr. Burich agreed but was not sure if a Planned Development would need to be added.
Mr. Borsuk said that when it comes back for rezoning, it would be nice to see what the final
remediation would look like so the neighbors could see.
Allyn Dannhoff, 1725 Sandra Street, said he was unsure why a rezoning needed to take place. The
proposed area is to address an environmental issue. He recalls gas stations across the city putting
in remediation systems which did not necessitate in rezoning. It was part in parcel to previous or
historic use of the land, which the proposed area is. Mr. Dannhoff would prefer not to rezone the
area for the possibility of other uses in the future. The possibility of other uses to the area would
not match the residential zoning surrounding it.
Mr. Burich said that this is not a gas stationed and it would be owned by the City. Properties that
are owned by the City are usually zoned as Institutional, such as parks.
Mr. Dannhoff asked what other uses are permitted in institutionally zoned areas.
Mr. Burich replied that we would have to look at the ordinance.
Mr. Dannhoff said those other uses are what he feels do not belong in a residential district.
Mr. Burich added that a planned development could be added. He said there are many options to
make it work.
Mr. Dannhoff asked if a conditional use permit could be an option.
Plan Commission Minutes 5 September 4,2018
Mr. Burich stated this type of use is permitted in the Institutional district but not in the SR-5
district.
Mr. Dannhoff questioned if it could be a zoning code change instead of rezoning a large portion of
a neighborhood.
Mr. Burich replied potentially.
Mark Baier, 1732 Knapp Street, asked if there would be an easement in order to access the back
portion of 1732 Knapp Street. He said there have been discussions in the past with Mr. Rabe and
Mr. Baier just wanted to confirm the access.
Mr. Rabe recalls the conversations and has made sure the acquisition specialist is aware of the
situation. Mr. Rabe said the owners do have a shed in the back portion which is extremely difficult
to access from the Knapp Street frontage. Mr. Rabe has informed the acquisition specialist that
there is a desire to work with the owners on this item.
Motion by Propp to approve a land acquisition of properties located at 859 through 905 W. 17th
Avenue and a portion (back) of 1732 Knapp Street.
Seconded by Vajgrt.
Ms. Propp recalls Quarry Park having the same issues. She remembers Quarry Park having huge
pipes at one point, monitoring wells. She would have liked to have a more of an active park but
structures are not allowed on that type of parcel due to the methane. She has since noticed soccer
goals but that is about it. She cannot foresee doing much to the area but grass or an informal use
that would not involve a structure. She asked Mr. Rabe to confirm.
Mr. Rabe said that the soccer goals are removable and are not anchored in. As part of the process,
the DNR is requiring more of an engineered cap over the top. They are also requiring items that
penetrate that cap into the soils below since it is a concern for the DNR. It is a concern because it
brings an opportunity where the cap is being penetrated and it is defeating the purpose of having
the cap installed. Therefore, portable items like the soccer goal in Quarry Park might be one of the
few things that would be allowed. The post construction and uses has not been detailed yet besides
knowing it will be an open,maintained grassy field.
Ms. Propp wanted confirmation that the site would look similar to Quarry Park once finalized.
Mr. Rabe confirmed.
Mr. Borsuk mentioned he was in support of the proposed plan. He asked if the City has taken an
inventory of closed landfills and if there are potential problems with methane gas in those locations.
Mr. Borsuk said the northeast side has several landfills.
Plan Commission Minutes 6 September 4,2018
Mr. Rabe said he is unaware of other location where the City would have placed municipal solid
waste. He said he would have to do some research on that. He stated if it was a private landfill,the
responsibility would be different as opposed to the site in question where municipal solid waste was
disposed of.
Mr. Rabe said in this case it is the municipal solid waste decomposing that is the big generator of
methane. There are other types of landfill that do not generate the high concentration of methane
like solid waste generates. Mr. Rabe said he would have to do some research since there are
publications that have information about sanitation in the city that could be useful in finding other
potential areas.
Motion carried 8-0.
III. RESIDENTIAL DESIGN STANDARDS VARIANCE TO ALLOW A PORCH
ALTERATION USING MATERIALS NOT SIMILAR TO THE MATERIALS ON
THE ORIGINAL BUILDING AT 202 W. MELVIN AVENUE
The applicant is requesting approval of a variance from the City's Residential Design Standards to
allow a porch alteration using materials not similar to the materials used on the original building
at 202 W. Melvin Avenue.
Mr. Wiley presented the item and reviewed the site and surrounding area. The front steps have
deteriorated significantly and are unsuitable as a walking surface. The applicant would like to
demolish the concrete steps and two brick piers and construct a landing and steps of composite
decking. She states that the steps would be grey in appearance so as to have a similar color to
other elements on the home and would mirror the existing footprint. The applicant would reuse
the existing wrought iron railings which are original to the house. She would also have the stone
around the entry door tuckpointed. In her application and discussions with staff the applicant
stated that she does not have funding to reconstruct the steps as concrete. Staff notes that cost is
not considered grounds for a variance based on Wis. Stats. 62.23(7)(e)7. Staff is of the opinion that
the proposed alteration will have a detrimental impact to the home's architectural quality. Staff
would like to see efforts to obtain more than one quote. The applicant could explore funding
options for doing the work such as the city's rehabilitation loan programs.
Mr. Perry questioned if the applicant would have to re-file if the variance was denied.
Mr. Wiley replied that another option would be to lay it over, as it has been done in the past, and
have Staff work with the applicant for other alternatives.
Mr. Burich added if denied, the applicant would have to re-file.
Mr. Bowen asked if there was a picture of the proposed work since he did not see one in the staff
report.
Plan Commission Minutes 7 September 4,2018
Mr. Fojtik added that he could not find a picture either.
Mr. Wiley confirmed that he did not receive anything.
Mr. Cummings mentioned that he is also having a hard time envisioning what the proposed work
would look like.
Mr. Fojtik asked if the proposed work was completed,would there be a requirement for railings and
where.
Mr. Wiley replied the railings would be required by code on both sides. The applicant would also
have to screen in the area under the steps.
Mr. Perry asked if the wing walls were the main concern or if it was the composite steps.
Mr. Wiley verified that the wing walls have more of an impact with their loss.
Mr. Borsuk asked if there was a required or maximum timeline to lay over an item.
Mr. Burich mentioned two meetings would be preferred.
Mr. Bowen asked if there was a requirement to add a timeline for laid over items.
Mr. Burich said there is for conditional use permits and zone changes but not for design standards
variances.
Mr. Borsuk stated that the two meetings in the past was a way to keep the items in the agenda.
Mr. Burich agreed that it is good to lay an item over for a meeting or two to keep it on the schedule.
Mr. Cummings added that the home is very appealing architecturally. He feels the proposed steps
would be detrimental to the architectural integrity of the home.
Julie Gordon, 202 W. Melvin Avenue, said she has been waiting for many years to be able to fix the
steps but could not afford it until now. She has approached dozens of people to obtain quotes but
no one would give her one. She finally found Jim Tellock through a recommendation. Ms. Gordon
stated the cost to replace the existing steps and wing walls as is would be beyond her budget. She
wants to fix her steps and make it visibly appealing for the neighborhood. She would prefer to
replace the structure as is but it is not financially feasible. She mentioned it is not a historic
neighborhood. Currently,her steps are unusable.
Jim Tellock, contractor, addressed the deteriorating wing walls which are collapsing internally. Mr.
Tellock questioned the difference between modern composite steps as opposed to other steps in the
neighborhood. He mentioned that 95%of the homes on Melvin Avenue do not have similar concrete
steps. Most of the other homes have wood steps or old dilapidated wood steps.
Plan Commission Minutes 8 September 4,2018
Mr. Fojtik mentioned removing the wing walls would be the major concern and asked how the steps
would be built.
Mr.Tellock replied the wing walls are deteriorating. The wing walls are tilting in various directions
and have mortar missing between the bricks. The plan is to build the deck straight across to where
the wing walls stop and then they would fill the end with either composite decking or lattice
dependent on what the Plan Commission approves. It would be closed off underneath. There will
be a frost free floating slab to carry the weight. If the steps were concrete, there would need to be a
4 foot frost free wall to support the concrete which would increase the cost to$10,000-$15,000.
Ms. Gordon added the grey composite was chosen to match the house. The house has grey concrete
ledges underneath the windows. She thought the material would complement those features. The
current railings would be reused.
Ms. Propp asked Ms. Gordon if she would be open to the Plan Commission laying the item over in
order for her to work with Staff. She commented that the home is beautiful.
Ms. Gordon replied it would be ok.
Don Lofgren, 118 W. Melvin Avenue, stated he has the same steps as Ms. Gordon. Twelve years
ago,it took him a year and a half to find someone that would do that small of a job. He added it has
been hard to find people to do small jobs for concrete, painting, tree removal and such. For Mr.
Lofgren's steps,he found one person who could do the job and use brick. The gentlemen rebuilt the
steps but Mr. Lofgren was not happy with the end result. He knows Ms. Gordon has been
struggling. Mr. Lofgren stated he is fine with Ms. Gordon's proposed plan because he knows she
has high standards and keeps up with her home well.
Vicki Lofgren, 118 W. Melvin Avenue, agreed with Mr. Lofgren.
Motion by Vajgrt to lay over the residential design standards variance to allow a porch alteration
using materials not similar to the materials on the original building at 202 W. Melvin Avenue until
October 2nd
Seconded by Cummings.
Mr.Borsuk stated this is one of the clear cut areas of the ordinance. The predicament is the financials.
He mentioned if staff could help with design or material assistance.
Mr. Burich stated without a rendering, Staff struggled to show what the final site would look like.
Mr. Bowen mentioned when the item comes back to Plan Commission, it would be helpful to have
a rendering or drawing. It was nice to have a sample of the material but the renderings would help
Plan Commission envision the plan. Mr. Bowen agreed it is hard to find people to do projects. He
Plan Commission Minutes 9 September 4,2018
stated the intent of the ordinance is to keep design standards consistence but it also allows room for
variances in certain cases.
Motion carried 8-0.
IV. RESIDENTIAL DESIGN STANDARDS VARIANCE TO ALLOW MATERIALS NOT
SIMILAR TO THE EXISTING CLADDING AND OVERALL DESIGN CHARACTER
AT 647 WAUGOO AVENUE
The applicant is requesting approval of a variance from the City's Residential Design Standards to
allow a partial residing using materials not similar to the existing cladding and overall design
character at 647 Waugoo Avenue.
Mr. Wiley presented the item and reviewed the site and surrounding area. The applicant would
rather not patch a small section of siding next to the porch area,but replace the damaged siding
and cover one section of the wall with new vinyl siding. The vinyl siding would be a grey color
matching the rest of the home. The siding on the remainder of the home is in good condition and
does not require replacement. Having to reside the entire home would cause extreme financial
hardship for the home owner who is 88 years old and depends on the rental income for daily
expenses. Staff notes that cost is not considered grounds for a variance based on Wis. Stats.
62.23(7)(e)7. Last year the owners renovated the interior of the property for the tenants and they
want to maintain the exterior of the home. In the applicant's opinion,the new siding would
protect the exterior and compliment the look of the home. After evaluating the petitioner's
application, photographs, proposal,visiting the site and discussing the proposal and variance
internally, staff is of the opinion that the proposed residing will have a detrimental impact to the
home's architectural quality. Staff is unaware of whether the applicant looked at other siding
options.
Mr. Borsuk questioned what the material would look like.
Mr. Wiley replied it would be lap vinyl siding but it would not be straight on.
Mr. Burich asked Mr. Wiley if there was a sample.
Mr. Wiley replied there was not one submitted.
Mr. Perry asked what type of material was on the top portion of the home because it did not match
the majority of the home's siding.
Mr. Wiley said he was not sure but agreed that it did look different.
Mr. Cummings questioned if the owners lived in the property or if it was strictly rental property.
Plan Commission Minutes 10 September 4,2018
Mr. Wiley said he thought the owners lived offsite but would rather have the owner verify that
information.
Mr. Burich mentioned one of the concerns was the new siding would only be on one plane of the
home. It was difficult for Staff to support a portion of a facade being replaced due to inconsistency.
Mr. Vajgrt asked what the width of the plane was and the area of the proposed work.
Mr. Burich estimated 18-24 feet.
Mr. Wiley pointed out the one plane that would be re-sided.
Ms. Propp asked the location of the proposed area as well.
Mr. Wiley pointed out it was only the plane that jets out from the front facade.
Mary Warnke, 5110 Stretch Lane, stated the owners are her parents. Her father is 88 years old and
has owned the home since the 1950s. Ms. Wanrke's parents are on a fixed income. Her mother has
cancer and her father has diabetes. She understand cost is not grounds for a variance but she
understands hardship is. Ms. Warnke's parents only made a gross income of $2,813 last year and
rely on the rental for income. Her parents understand the responsibility of being a landlord and
renovated a majority of the interior last year. Ms. Warnke added they have looked into selling the
home but it was not the best alternative. Ms,Warnke said at the time of the submittal, she could not
find a tile with the same depth of the existing siding. Now, she has found a tile that is a closer match
to the existing tile and has the same depth. She would be open to fixing only the damaged areas
since she has found a better match for materials.
Ms. Propp suggested it would be best to lay over the item in order to have Ms. Warnke work with
staff on other solutions. She brought up the City's housing programs and thought the applicant
could apply for one of those.
Mr. Bowen asked Ms. Warnke if she had explored any of the City's programs.
Ms. Warnke replied she was aware of the programs but did not realize there were grants. She said
she is willing to explore those options.
Mr. Bowen added there are many types of programs with different avenues for loan types.
Plan Commission and Staff discussed and agreed on the timeline for the lay over.
Motion by Vajgrt to lay over the residential design standards variance to allow materials not similar
to the existing cladding and overall design character at 647 Waugoo Avenue until October 2nd.
Seconded by Ford. Motion carried 8-0.
Plan Commission Minutes 11 September 4,2018
V. PUBLIC HEARING AND APPROVAL OF RESOLUTION RECOMMENDING
ADOPTION OF THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE 2040
Staff is requesting approval of a resolution recommending adoption by the Common Council of an
update to its current comprehensive plan proposed as the City of Oshkosh Comprehensive Plan
Update 2040. The draft plan update was prepared by the East Central Wisconsin Regional
Planning Commission in consultation with city staff and an advisory group comprised mainly of
members of the City's Plan Commission over an approximate 2 year period.
Mr. Burich presented the item. The draft 2040 Plan is considered an "update" to the existing 2005-
2025 Comprehensive Plan which has involved evaluating and updating data (especially as it
relates to census data from 2000 to 2010), goals and objectives of that plan to assess its relevance 10
years later and what goals could be dropped off and what new ones need to be added to work on
for the next 10 years. The 2005 Plan was updated as a response to passage of the state's
Comprehensive Planning Law commonly referred to as the "Smart Growth Law" passed as part of
the 1999-2001 biennial budget. The Smart Growth Law defines what a comprehensive plan is and
prescribes the minimum 9 elements that a plan must contain. It is important to understand that
the comprehensive plan is not a strategic plan. A comprehensive plan looks out 20-30 years and
strategic plans are generally shorter (5 years) and are developed to help implement the objectives
of a comprehensive plan. At the city planning level, we measure actions for consistency most
frequently with the zoning ordinance and particularly with actions relating to how a property is
used and zoned. The Land Use Element also saw some significant changes with the land use table
and corresponding map seeing the most changes. The draft Comprehensive Plan Update 2040
Update does not outright replace the 2005 Plan. The Comprehensive Plan Update 2040 simply
updates the 2005 Plan and moves the 05 Plan into more of a supplementary role. The
Comprehensive Plan is a living document and while it used to provide some general direction it is
also constantly evolving based on organic changes that happen in the community.
Tom Baron, planner with the East Central Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission, said he has
been working with the City on updating the existing Comprehensive plan which was adopted in
2005. He added the Wisconsin State Statutes require that any municipality or any form of
government that makes land use decisions have an adopted Comprehensive Plan and that it makes
decisions that are consistent with that plan. It also states that communities update the plan once
every 10 years. Mr. Baron explained the background document of the plan includes demographic
data, it goes by the 9 elements, gives an inventory of the community and so on. A lot of the
information is new language. He states he would highlight some of the takeaways from the
update process. He explained the majority of the background data or the inventory was updated
and an analysis was done on the inventory data as well. There are 57 goals in the existing
Comprehensive Plan. Each goal has a series of objectives and actions that help to implements
those goals. They updated,modified or re-created 19 of those goals. There is updated background
information and analysis but the goals are very well written and in many cases, are ongoing goals.
There have been many new maps created due to the update. The process started in February 2016
with the hopes of it being adopted this fall. The City has been doing a lot of planning and
planning related work while the Comprehensive Plan was being updated. Some of these planning
Plan Commission Minutes 12 September 4,2018
related items are the Zoning Ordinance update, the downtown plan and development projects.
Mr. Baron mentioned the use of the Comprehensive Plan Update Committee to help in the
development of the update. There are also a number of stakeholders involved. There have been 17
project meetings thus far. The highlights from the meetings were from
Agricultural/Natural/Cultural Resources (water quality, waterfront as an amenity and landscaping
requirements), Economic Development (aggressive economic development program, Foreign
Trade Zone and Revolving Load Funds are unique and UWO Oshkosh and Fox Valley Tech as
important talent attraction components),Housing(16 Neighborhood Associations, desire for the
City to provide all housing options and strong desire to maintain and rehabilitate the City's
remaining housing stock), Intergovernmental(great relationship between the Oshkosh School
District and the City and I-41 corridor is important feature for the City), Land Use (currently
17,689.2 acres within city boundaries, land available to grow within city for the projected planning
period and use of Wisconsin Department of Administration population growth projections in
planning period), Transportation(bicycle and pedestrian planning and integration of the transit
systems offered in the city) and Utilities and Community Facilities (Oshkosh School District is an
asset for the city and firefighters are trained as paramedics). The City of Oshkosh is very proactive
in Economic Development as well with planning activities. There are a lot of area plans and
corridor plans which are strengths and assets for the City. The future Land Use Map was
developed utilizing the population projections from Wisconsin Department of Administration.
The data was applied to the zoning code and how land is currently being developed. Then, they
reviewed the existing 2005 Land Use Map. Mr. Baron stated there would minor changes before
adoption but is confident of the state of the draft.
Mr. Burich explained there was a lot of time and effort put into the Land Use Map. The Land Use
Map is used frequently in the planning department. The map is referenced during zone change
and annexations. He said one of the major changes in the map is due to the Zoning Ordinance
update 2 years ago. The Zoning Ordinance added new districts, therefore the Land Use table had
to be modified. The Land Use table in the Comprehensive plan now reflect the Zoning Ordinance.
Mr. Burich mentioned there were intergovernmental meetings with adjacent towns. They also
visited the Town of Vinland and Town of Black Wolf.
Mr. Baron added there was a lot of outreach to the surrounding towns. The adjacent town's
Comprehensive Plan and maps were taken into consideration during the process.
Mr. Burich mentioned the goals, actions and objectives were aligned with the City's strategic plan
goals. The City's Strategic Plan goals are strongly imbedded into the Comprehensive plan goals.
Mr. Cummings said there was more information added about historic preservation.
Mr. Fojtik asked Mr. Burich to explain protected areas.
Mr. Burich referred to the Land Use Map on the PowerPoint. The protected areas are boundary
agreements the City has with certain towns. These towns are Town of Nekimi, Town of Algoma
and Town of Black Wolf. The City of Oshkosh would agree not to exercise any land use control in
those particular areas. The protected areas are the town's growth area where they can exercise
Plan Commission Minutes 13 September 4,2018
their own land use control. There are growth areas outside of the towns that are not protected
areas. These growth areas would be potentially used by the City as it grows over time.
Mr. Borsuk mentioned he had a few concerns and was wondering how to address them.
Mr. Baron replied there are two ways for it to be addressed. One would be to bring it up at this
meeting and the second would be to submit written comments.
Mr. Burich added this is not the final product but the final draft. There are still items that need to
be updated or changed as suggestions and concerns are received. Some examples of the minor
changes that still need to be made would be removing the reference to Lakeshore Golf Course and
updating various numbers.
Mr. Borsuk mentioned his concerns. He is concerned with Transportation because he did not see
any mention of Highway 45 south of Oshkosh to Fond du Lac. He feels it is always a potential for
the DOT repairing it and putting Highway 45 under Highway 41 to maintain Highway 41. He
added that Jackson Street is the only direct,north and south street in the community.
Mr. Borsuk pointed out that Jackson Street is used to move traffic. He said to tie it off on the south
with County Road I, County Road N and the improvement of Highway 26 interchange making it
accessible from the south industrial park and the businesses on that side. Another concern is the
west side arterial. It is mentioned in the plan and has been discussed in the past but there has been
no action. He said the opportunity was lost with Clairville Road. He feels it is important to look at
and have it gear towards Highway 26 and not Highway 44.
Mr. Burich stated that the action states Highway 44 due to the boundary agreement with the Town
of Nekimi.
Mr. Borsuk stated the logical plan would be from Highway 21 to Highway 26. Another concern
would be in the Economic Development section with the clusters. He mentioned the Aviation and
Aerospace and how it is not realistic in this area. He feels there should be a redevelopment of the
industrial portion in terms of fine tuning the function.
Mr. Bowen inquired about the Environmental areas on the Land Use Map.
Mr. Burich explained the Environmental areas represents an environmental feature. It is helpful in
knowing there is an existing environmental feature for planning purposes.
Mr. Bowen said it is a unique feature that would require its own category.
Mr. Lyons stated the Environmental areas largely identifies areas that are undevelopable due to an
environmental reason.
Mr. Burich added it is not a nature preserve and therefore needs to be distinguished in having its
own category.
Plan Commission Minutes 14 September 4,2018
Mr. Baron outlined the next steps. He said once Plan Commission approves the draft, there would
be a first reading at the September 251h Common Council meeting. Then, a second reading on
October 9th.
Mr. Bowen wanted confirmation there would be changes to the draft due to comments and
feedback from the Plan Commission prior to being distributed to Common Council.
Mr. Burich confirmed there would be minor changes and those would be reported. However, if
there were significant changes made, the Plan Commission would be notified and potentially
involved depending on how significant the change was. Most of the minor changes that still need
to be updated are editorial changes. A few other changes would be updating the maps and tables.
Jason White, 1204 Fairfax Street, said he had some concerns about the references to manufacturing
within the Economic Development portion. There is a section which listed weaknesses and it
included manufacturing perception. He understands the section is about promoting
diversification. He said manufacturing is a strength of the economy and not just a weakness from
a perception standpoint. He feels the verbiage should be modified to recognize manufacturing as
a strength.
Motion by Uajgrt to approve the resolution recommending adoption of the Comprehensive Plan
Update 2040.
Seconded by Bowen. Motion carried 8-0.
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at approximately 5:34 pm. (Vajgrt/Bowen)
Respectfully submitted,
Darryn Burich
Director of Planning Services
Plan Commission Minutes 15 September 4,2018