HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes PLAN COMMISSION MINUTES
February 19,2019
PRESENT: Ed Bowen, Steve Cummings, Thomas Fojtik, Michael Ford,John Kiefer, Andrew
Mott, Thomas Perry, Kathleen Propp
EXCUSED: Derek Groth, John Hinz, Robert Vajgrt
STAFF: Darryn Burich, Planning Director;Steve Gohde,Assistant Director of Public Works;
Mark Lyons, Principal Planner;Jeff Nau, Associate Planner; Steven Wiley,Assistant
Planner;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 February 5, 2019 were approved as presented. (Propp/Ford)
I. STREET RIGHT-OF-WAY DEDICATION FOR COUNTY HIGHWAY Y
(W. SUNNYVIEW RD.)
The petitioner requests the dedication of street right-of-way to enable future expansion of County
Highway Y (W. Sunnyview Rd).
Mr. Wiley presented and reviewed the site and surrounding area. On December 14, 2018 Fox
Valley Land Surveying completed a Certified Survey Map (CSM) for the City of Oshkosh to
dedicate an additional 7 feet of right-of-way for eventual expansion of County Highway Y west of
Jackson Street. Right-of-way would be dedicated from the County parcels just to the south of
County Highway Y. This expansion would allow County Highway Y west of Jackson Street to
have a four-lane, 80-foot width consistent with that of County Highway Y east of Jackson Street.
The proposed 80-foot wide right-of-way will accommodate a four-lane street and provide area for
public sidewalks and ample terrace area for terrace trees and snow storage. The dedication was
included on a CSM recorded earlier this year at the Winnebago County Register of Deeds. The
dedication will become official upon approval by the Common Council.
There was no discussion on the item.
Motion by Ford to approve the street right-of-way dedication for County Highway Y(W. Sunnyvicw
Road).
Seconded by Kiefer.
Mr. Ford commented this is a great idea especially for connectivity reasons.
Plan Commission Minutes 1 February 19,2019
Mr. Fojtik agreed.
Motion carried 7-0.
Mr. Bowen arrived at 4:04 pm.
II. STREET RIGHT-OF-WAY DEDICATION AT 300-400 BLOCK OF WASHINGTON
AVENUE
The petitioner requests the acceptance of street right-of-way on the north and south sides of
Washington Street,west of Broad Street.
Mr. Nau presented and reviewed the site and surrounding area. The City of Oshkosh is requesting
the dedication of right-of-way along the frontage of two properties on the north side and six
properties on the south side of the 300-400 block of Washington Avenue, resulting in a 57' wide
right-of-way. This dedication was initiated by the Department of Public Works to provide right-of-
way area needed as a result of the recent street reconstruction. The additional right-of-way will
allow for adequate width for public sidewalk usage. The Department of Public Works noted that
the signatures are needed from the property owners. Mr. Burich added that they had met with the
neighboring property owners and discussed the dedication of extra lands to widen out the terrace.
Mr. Gohde explained the size change of the terraces before and after the construction. Mr. Burich
commended the neighboring property owners for willing to dedication additional right-of-way.
Ms. Propp questioned if the sidewalks have already been built.
Mr. Burich confirmed.
Motion by Propp to approve the street right-of-way dedication at 300-400 block of Washington Avenue.
Seconded by Mott. Motion carried 8-0.
III: GRANT VARIOUS EASEMENTS AND DEDICATE STREET RIGHT-OF-WAY EAST
OF CLAIRVILLE ROAD, NORTH OF THE WISCONSIN SOUTHERN RAILROAD
LINE (SOUTHWEST INDUSTRIAL PARK EXPANSION AREA)
The city is seeking approval of the granting of 13 various easements and the dedication of street
right-of-way related to the development of the Southwest Industrial Park Expansion Area.
Mr. Nau presented and reviewed the site and surrounding area. The city is in the process of
preparing a Certified Survey Map as part of the Southwest Industrial Park expansion. The map
will consolidate lands owned by the city, create four new lots and dedicate new streets to provide
access to the area. The city started acquiring this land in the early 2000s. Since then, construction
of public and private utilities have occurred which follow the proposed street layout. Additional
Plan Commission Minutes 2 February 19,2019
industrial park preparation included the construction of several storm water facilities to serve
anticipated industrial development. Lastly, the city completed construction of a railroad transload
facility, which will anchor the expansion area and attract development to the area. With the city
having a large amount of public infrastructure in place, the city has decided to include the granting
of a variety of easements to itself to serve various purposes. This will ensure that the city will have
continued access to its facilities after the city no longer maintains ownership of the underlying
land. Easements will also be granted to provide secured rail access and provide locations for
public utility providers such as Wisconsin Public Service, AT&T,etc. The city is proposing a right-
of-way dedication of Compass Way, Transit Drive and Clairville Road.
Mr. Fojtik asked if land owners were aware of the proposed easements and dedications of street.
Mr. Nau explained all the lands being affected by this are all city owned.
Motion by Perry to approve granting various easements and dedicate street right-of-way east of
Clarville Road, north of the Wisconsin Southern Railroad Line (Southwest Industrial Park
Expansion Area).
Seconded by Ford. Motion carried 8-0.
IV: PUBLIC HEARING: CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT FOR A GROUP DEVELOPMENT
LOCATED AT THE NORTHEAST CORNER OF ELK RIDGE DRIVE AND RUFFED
GROUSE WAY (THE HOMES OF HUNTERS RIDGE VI-A CONDOMINIUM
COMMUNITY)
The applicant requests approval of a Conditional Use Permit for a Group Development consisting
of eight two-family condominium structures totaling 16 dwelling units.
Mr. Nau presented the item and reviewed the site and surrounding area as well as the land use
and zoning classifications in this area. The applicant is proposing to develop the site with eight
two-unit condominium structures totaling 16 dwelling units. The development is consistent with
previous condominium developments to the north and east except that 2-unit structures are being
proposed whereas previous developments have structures with four to six dwelling units. This
development will be unique in the city in that the pre 2017 Zoning Ordinance did not allow more
than one single or two-family structure per parcel. The current ordinance allows this via
Conditional Use for a Group Development, a development with three or more principle structures
on a single parcel. The dwelling unit density for the proposed development is consistent with the
condominium developments to the north and east averaging four to five units per acre. The eight
proposed structures are identical,each containing two 1,518 square foot 2-bedroom units with
attached two car garages. Six of the structures are placed around the periphery of the public
streets facing inwards and remaining two are located centrally on the property. Other site design
criteria will be reviewed during the Site Plan Review process including but not limited to
architectural design standards, landscaping plan, site lighting plan, storm water management and
utilities.
Plan Commission Minutes 3 February 19,2019
Bob Reider, 615 N. Lynndale Drive of Appleton, stated he was from Carow Land Surveying. He
said Carow Land Surveying drafted the condominium plat. He explained the reason for the
change for duplexes was due to the demand.
John Plichta,3225 White Tail Lane Unit F, questioned that due to changes from the original plan, if
there was a procedure to notice the abutting properties.
Mr. Nau and Ms. Kuss replied mailings were sent out to property owners within 100 feet of the
proposed area, there is also a notification sign at the property and two legal publications.
Mr. Plichta asked how the construction vehicles would enter into the area.
Mr. Nau said that would be a question for the applicant since both Elk Ridge Drive and White Tail
Lane are public roads.
Mr. Plichta said he realizes that it is currently an empty field but does not understand how
incoming traffic could come in from the south or west side of the development site. He said he
does not understand how it would work with the fire lanes and the congestion.
Mr. Burich showed where the access points were on the map.
Mr. Reider expalined at this point the plan would be to come down Elk Ridge Drive because it is
paved much further.
Mr. Plichta asked if there is a timeframe to finish the project once it has started.
Mr. Burich replied there is not a timeframe.
David Sleight,3175 White Tail Lane Unit E, said he is the current president of the three building
association. He said their main concern is the use of the fire lanes because their access to the
driveways are off fire lanes,not off White Tail Lane or Elk Ridge Drive. He explained the owners
of the association are responsible for maintenance of the fire lanes. He would like to limit the
traffic coming from the new development onto their fire lane.
Mr. Reider explained there would be signage that would direct the construction vehicles directly to
the site instead of the other easement areas. He said the condominium plat does show a common
ingress and egress easement between the two different condo units but that would be discussed
during the condo declaration process. He stated the intent during construction is to avoid any
additional traffic.
Ted Dufour, 3265 White Tail Lane Unit B, pointed out areas of the site that have not been built yet.
He asked if the road connecting to Elk Ridge Drive would be paved as part of this process. He said
currently there are limited entry/exit access points.
Plan Commission Minutes 4 February 19,2019
Mr. Nau replied that it would all have to be paved per code requirements.
Mr. Burich added it is a requirement once the site is fully development. He asked Mr. Reider for
the schedule.
Mr. Reider responded the developer would like to get started as soon as possible. He said that it
would all be asphalted. He said the site plan shows everything that will be done and it will give
another entry/exit access point to the residents.
Mr. Burich asked about the schedule specifically relating to the road heading east to Elk Ridge
Drive.
A gentleman from the audience responded that it would go into the binder code immediately once
the area starts to get developed.
Mr. Bowen asked if this was the first request of this type since the ordinance update in regard to
the Conditional Use Permit of a group development for residential.
Mr. Nau replied he believes so.
Mr. Bowen asked if this would come back to Plan Commission for another approval similar to the
Planned Development process.
Mr. Burich replied it does not come back to Plan Commission once approved. He said once
approved, the applicant would just have to make sure everything else meets base code standards.
Ms. Propp questioned if there was another access point to White Tail Lane.
Mr. Nau said there is not another one from the proposed development but there is one to the
north.
Ms. Propp commented she is very impressed by the overall area around the proposed
development.
Motion by Ford to approve the public hearing: Conditional Use Permit for a Group Development located
at the northeast corner of Elk Ridge Drive and Ruffed Grouse Way (The Homes of Hunters Ridge VI—a
Condominium Community).
Seconded by Bowen. Motion carried 8-0.
V: PUBLIC HEARING: PROPOSED ZONING ORDINANCE AMENDMENT TO
SECTION 30-156-FLOODPLAIN OVERLAY ZONING DISTRICT,TO ADOPT
REVISED FEMA FLOOD INSURANCE RATE MAPS AND REGULATORY
Plan Commission Minutes 5 February 19,2019
FLOODPLAIN AND FLOOD STORAGE DISTRICT MAPS WITHIN THE SAWYER
CREEK WATERSHED
The City of Oshkosh Department of Community Development requests review and approval of an
amendment to Section 30-156 of the Floodplain Overlay Zoning District to adopt amended FEMA
Flood Insurance Rate Maps as the regulatory zoning floodplain maps as well as the Flood Storage
District Maps.
Mr. Burich and Mr. Nau presented this item and explained what step of the process they were in.
There was a meeting with all affected neighbors on February Th. Over 450 notices were sent out.
Mr. Burich reviewed the PowerPoint from the meeting. The PowerPoint reviewed background
information, propose and goals. Mr. Nau said 60 properties have been completely removed from
any impact of the 100 year floodplain conversely 23 properties now slightly touch the 100 year
floodplain. A reason for this is because of the more accurate data they have received. Mr. Nau said
this does not mean all 23 properties will have to get floodplain insurance. Mr. Nau showed the data
and maps complied by Strand Associated. The City Department of Community Development
requests review and approval of amended floodplain overlay maps to reflect the proposed new
Flood Insurance Rate Maps(FIRMs)that are scheduled to become effective on March 27th,2019. The
proposed FIRM is based on a Flood Insurance Study (FIS) for the Sawyer Creek Watershed dated
12/13/17. In order for the new floodplain maps to become effective, Winnebago County must map
the flood storage districts proposed outside of the City's jurisdiction in the Towns of Nekimi and
Utica. The Winnebago County Zoning Department is coordinating this process and the mapping
will need approval by the County Board. Adoption of the new FIRM's and FIS is the final step in
completing the process to adopt new Federal Emergency Management Agency Floodplain Maps,
ensuring the City's continued participation in the National Flood Insurance Program.
There was no discussion on this item.
Motion by Kiefer to approve the public hearing:proposed zoning ordinance amendment to section 30-
156 -Floodplain Overlay Zoning District, to adopt revised FEMA insurance rate maps and regulatory
floodplain and flood storage district maps within the Sawyer Creek watershed. .
Seconded by Mott. Motion carried 7-0-1 (Abstain:Fojtik).
Mr. Burich explained this is a two part process and the county still has to map the flood storage
districts.
VI: GENERAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN APPROVAL FOR A MULTI-FAMILY
DEVELOPMENT LOCATED AT 3054 W. 20TH AVENUE
The applicant requests approval of a General Development Plan to allow for a multi-family
development located at 3054 W. 20th Avenue with the following condition:
Plan Commission Minutes 6 February 19,2019
1. Base Standard Modification to exceed the maximum allowed 12 units per building to 42
units per building.
Mr. Lyons presented the item, reviewed the site and surrounding area, land use and zoning
classifications in this area. In 2008 the subject area and lots immediately west, were approved as
part of the Planned Development for two Community Based Residential Facilities (CBRF) and 25
single family condominiums. Subsequently, the two CBRF's were developed but the single family
condominium project never proceeded. The applicant is looking to purchase the property and
construct a new multi-family development. The applicant is seeking to construct three 42 unit
buildings. As the parcels were previously approved for single family condominiums, the
applicant is required to seek approval of a new General Development Plan (GDP)to alter the use
to multi-family. Staff understands the need for the larger building size to incorporate enclosed
parking within the buildings. Staff supports the concept for enclosed parking within the buildings
as it also preserves/increases green space throughout the site that would be traditionally taken up
by surface parking lots. Finalized site design, access, storm water management,utilities,
landscaping and signage will be reviewed during the Specific Implementation Plan (SIP) and Site
Plan review processes. Concept building elevations have been included. The proposed buildings
are a mixture of pre-cast concrete panels clad in brick or stone accents. The upper floors are clad in
two colors of horizontal lap siding with a horizontal transition board in complimentary colors.
The windows are traditional sash style. The apartment also features a private deck with an
extended gable roof canopy. Final building elevations including materials and a breakdown of
each material will be reviewed during the SIP process and will need to be in compliance with the
multi-family exterior design standards.
Mr. Mott asked what the build was to the north of the wet detention area.
Mr. Lyons replied in previous developments it was a leasing office or gym but he was not sure
what the exact use would be for this site.
Mr. Bowen asked what the exterior requirements were for this type of request.
Mr. Lyons responded there are multi-family development standards,however they are not as high
as standards for commercial and riverfront properties.
Mr. Bowen explained his thought process in compromising materials to allow a variance for the
height of the buildings.
Mr. Lyons said the building heights do meet code. He said 45 feet is the maximum allowed height
in the MR-12 zoning.
Mr. Bowen asked why the base standard modification was needed for.
Mr. Lyons replied there are two parts to this discussion. He said the first one was to see if multi-
family would be an appropriate use for the area and the second is to allow larger buildings such
as the three 42 unit buildings.
Plan Commission Minutes 7 February 19,2019
Mr. Fojtik questioned if this was a unique design to Oshkosh in terms of the garage location.
Mr. Burich said there are some buildings with attached garages and underground parking but he
could not think of one similar to the proposed buildings.
Mr. Bowen said it is relatively unique. He stated he is concerned with the size of the buildings and
would like to see a compromise with increasing the base development standards due to the
buildings being more visible.
Mr. Lyons read the zoning ordinance for cladding material requirements for multi-family
developments.
Mr. Bowen stated Plan Commission has been a little more sensitive to the appearance of buildings
especially if they are more visible like this one. He wanted it known that the cladding will be
looked at more in depth during the SIP process.
Ms. Propp stated her concern is the size. She asked if there were any other 42 unit buildings in
Oshkosh.
Mr. Burich confirmed there were and named a few.
Mr. Bowen suggested it may look bigger because the parking is integrated into the building.
Mr. Burich said staff had the same concerns and that is why they went to tour a similar
development in Holmen. He said the development they looked at was in the middle of a single
family neighborhood and the development complemented the area very well. He said after seeing
it,his concerns were lessened.
Mr. Lyons stated he also had the same concerns but after visiting the site,he realized it did not
have as big of an impact as he thought it would. He said he supported the idea more after he went
out to Holmen and saw the site. He explained the difference between the sites.
Mr. Kiefer questioned how this development would marry into the single family
neighborhoods/sub divisions.
Mr. Lyons showed on the map there is a large natural area to the north which would help create a
buffer from future single family. He said the placement of the buildings are also setback quite a
ways to give a buffer. He said seeing how the building interacted with the single family in
Holmen,his concerns were lessened. He said the large parcel to the east is zoned multi-family as
well. He reviewed other areas neighboring the site.
Mr. Burich stated this is not uncommon to Oshkosh. He stated there are other areas where multi-
family is integrated near single family zoning. He said one of the goals is to get a diversity of
housing throughout Oshkosh and this development gives that diversity to the area.
Plan Commission Minutes 8 February 19,2019
Mr. Cummings commented that in time landscaping will help soften the look like it did with other
areas of the city.
John Shuster, 2214 Omro Road, said he was an attorney with Caliber Law representing Linda
Carlson, the owner/operator of Brookview Assisted Living. He said the facility is licensed to
handle patients with Alzheimer and dementia. He said Ms. Carlson substantially opposes this
development and they view it as a substantial change to the nature of the neighborhood and the
nearby properties. He said the original approved development only consisted of 26 single family
condo units. He stated another substantial change is the sheer volume of traffic this new
development would bring. He said due to the types of residents being housed,noise level and
traffic level is an important consideration. He said there are also concerns about the setback of the
building to the west as well as the close proximity of the driveway entrance. He said there would
be an additional 252 cars to the area. He said the proposed plan is not consistent or compatible
with the neighboring area, specifically comparing height levels of buildings. He asked if there was
a construction plan or timeline.
Linda Carlson, 1019 E. Irving Avenue, said she wish she had more time to prepare since she just
found out about the development about a week ago. She explained the shared driveway is only
about a car and a half-length away from her residents'bedroom. She said she picked the site for
the quiet and serenity of the area. She reiterated what Mr. Shuster said. She said the high noise
and traffic volume would be very disruptive to her residents. She stated she is licensed with the
state for 50 residents with dementia and Alzheimer. She is also concerned about extra traffic at her
property due to people using it to turn around. She said this development would impact her
business. She stated this is very upsetting to her. She handed out packets she prepared containing
information about the assisted living facility, dementia and Alzheimer.
Ms. Propp asked if it was a secure facility.
Ms. Carlson confirmed it was a secure community.
Ms. Propp asked who currently maintains the private road.
Ms. Carlson explained it is just a dirt road but it is also a driveway to her property. She said it is a
shared driveway for her and the abutting property. She stated she maintains the driveway. She
pointed out the location of the driveway and the dirt road. She said the proposed building to the
north of her facility would block out the sun and take away their privacy.
Mr. Cummings left at 5:13 pm.
Mr. Mott questioned what lot the access point was located on.
Mr. Burich replied it was located on the adjacent property, lot 3470.
Plan Commission Minutes 9 February 19,2019
Mr. Perry stated he visited her facility a couple years ago. He said he could not recall if there was
fencing around the entire facility.
Ms. Carlson stated it is only gated around the patio area.
Mr. Perry said he has always been very hesitant about straightaways because there is a need for
speed. He said he shares the same concerns with the road being so close. He said though there is a
gated patio,most residents are allowed to walk the grounds. He suggested the developer work
with Ms. Carlson and her facility because her facility is not secure.
Mr. Bowen questioned if the private road is part of an easement or restrictive covenants.
Ms. Carlson stated as part of the original development, the private road would have led to the
condos but it was never developed.
Mr. Bowen questioned again the location purpose of the private road.
Mr. Gohde explained it is part of the original development. He said sanitary sewer intercept is
running underneath as well as where the grading and drainage was set up. He said the culverts
were already installed to allow the roadway to be place in this location. Mr. Gohde pointed out
where the culverts were located.
Mr. Mott asked if the culvert and road could be moved over.
Mr. Gohde replied it could be done but it would affect the city's access to the utilities.
Andy Klemp,93 S. Pioneer Road of Fond du Lac, said he is from Gremmer &Associates who came
up with the conceptual plan. He said they were also involved in the original plan back in 2008. He
said Mr. Gohde is correct about the road and that there is an easement underneath. He said there
is a culvert pipe between the wet pond and the dry pond.
Chad Robertshaw, 2150 Morningstar Lane, said he did a lot of research before planning where to
build their house. He said he definitely would not have picked the site if he knew he would be
walking out to a four story tower. He stated he is concerned because landscaping will not hide the
buildings and the extra traffic it would bring to the area because the YMCA and school are already
high traffic areas. He said the one access point for all the vehicles to enter/exit onto 201h Avenue is
very dangerous especially for children. He said the development is not compatible with the area.
Brad Kortbein, 201 W. Veterans Street of Tomah, said he is from Cornerstone Architects and help
design this development. He said he also helped with designing the previous development. He
explained the parking at grade is due to the wetlands. He said it is designed to protect the
building and the tenants. He explained the site in Holmen and how there is single family right
next to it and a church near it but they all complement each other. He stated they feel the
development would complement the local area and the City of Oshkosh.
Plan Commission Minutes 10 February 19,2019
Ms. Propp asked if Mr. Kortbein designed the entire site or just the buildings. She said one of her
main concerns is the roadways and was curious how wide it would be because most private roads
are very narrow.
Mr. Kortbein replied the private road has not been sized yet most typically it would be 24 to 26 feet
wide. He said the only thing the conceptual plan does not show is the surface parking. He said
the surface parking will be near the buildings.
Mike Blank, 1230 W. College Avenue Suite D of Appleton, said he is the developer of Morning Star
Lane. He said he is in favor of the original plan. He said there is a lot of investments in the area
and in Oshkosh with the homes on Morningstar lane being$350,000 and up. He said the traffic
situation seems like it would be a disaster.
Mr. Perry stated he would likely be voting no because of the road access. He said he is not
opposed to the development but would like to see another alternative. He said the concerns are
with the safety of the residents and the CBRF.
Ms. Propp stated she has the same concerns because the private road is immediately adjacent to
the CBRF. She inquired about the fencing on the patios.
Mr. Perry replied it is fenced but it is not a high fence. He said most residents are not subject to a
more restrictive plan.
Ms. Propp stated she has serious concerns and cannot support it either.
Mr. Kiefer stated he would likely be voting no. He said the development is not in tune with the
surrounding neighborhood. He said the traffic by the school is very high and cannot imagine
adding another 250 plus cars to the area.
Mr. Bowen stated he was in favor of this until he saw the proximity of the private road. He said he
is very familiar with the site in Holmen. He stated he is not as concerned with the north side
because of the natural bufferyard. He said he is also not as concerned with the density or the
building size. He said the main concerns are the extra traffic, one access point and the proximity of
the private road. He said the development is in line with the Comprehensive Plan and encourages
a diversity of housing.
Mr. Burich clarified the private road was set when it was approved years ago.
Mr. Mott said he concurs with Mr. Bowen. He said there is room to compromise and engineering
with the site. He said he is not against the development just the proximity of the road,therefore he
will be voting no.
Mr. Ford said he will be voting yes because it aligns with the Compressive Plan and it gives the
diversity of housing which a goal of the Plan Commission and city.
Plan Commission Minutes 11 February 19,2019
Ms. Propp suggested laying over the item to give the developer a chance to work out an alternative
plan since it feels no one is against the development just the proximity of the private road.
Motion by Bowen to lay over the General Development Plan for a multi family development located at
3054 W. 201h Avenue until March 191h
Seconded by Ford. Motion carried 6-1 (Nay:Perry).
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at approximately 5:34 pm. (Kiefer/Propp)
Respectfully submitted,
Darryn Burich
Director of Planning Services
Plan Commission Minutes 12 February 19,2019