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TOWN OF ROCHESTER Link to Town Board Meetings
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Link to Town Board Meetings |
April 2, 2007 PLANNING COMMISSION 6:30 p.m.
The meeting was called to order at 6:30 p.m. with Paul Beere, Maureen Eckert, Bob Willard and Chris Johnson present. Brian Wanasek, was absent.
Betty Novy, Secretary, was also present.
Pledge of Allegiance.
Minutes. Chris Johnson moved, 2nd by Bob Willard to approve minutes of the March 6, 2007 meeting. Motion carried.
Conceptual Development Plan- Land Division creating two parcels and one remnant parcel out of one: 29020 Washington Avenue Owner: Joseph & Ione Kojis Trust; Applicant: Joseph Kojis Tax Parcel(s): 014031902043000 (36 acres)
Betty verified public notification procedures had been followed prior to the meeting. The Town Engineer reviewed the proposed land division noting several possible zoning issues. However, Racine County Zoning review found the land division acceptable as revised since the last meeting. Racine County Public Works also reviewed the land division and issued correspondence indicating their willingness to issue a driveway permit for Lot 2. Joe Kojis addressed the Board. A proposed well agreement was presented to deal with shared use of an existing well. However Mr. Kojis is considering drilling a well for the house on Lot #2 and installing an additional driveway. This will eliminate the need for shared easements and/or agreements. Thomas and Ella Motta, property owners west of the proposed land division, appeared to question what was happening. Jane Babik, property owner to the south, was also present. It was explained that there will be no new houses. This land division will only separate existing homes from the farm parcel so that they may be sold. Bob moved, 2nd by Maureen to recommend approval of the Kojis Certified Survey Map as presented. Motion carried.
Application for Variance to construct a 3.5’ x 3.5’ Java Jo’z advertising wall sign: 29134 Evergreen Drive Applicant: Groundupopps Enterprises, LLC, Agent: Skip DeBack Tax Parcel: 014031901021050
Skip DeBack addressed the Commission. Skip indicated Racine County zoning allows only one small sign per tenant on the building. He expressed a need to install additional signage at this commercial location due to the unique angle of the street and the limited visibility offered by signage installed on the front of the building. Bonita Weis, owner of “Java Jo’z”, was also present. She expressed an intent to solicit services to elderly patrons and felt increased signage will assist identification of the correct driveway entrance to the building and decrease the possibility of abrupt stops and possible traffic accidents. Signage on nearby commercial structures was also shown for comparison. Proposed signage was minimal in comparison to what already exists on other commercial structures along the street. Paul moved, 2nd by Chris to recommend approval of the application for variance. Motion carried.
Pre-Application Conference- Land Division creating two parcels out of one: 716 N Maple Lane Owner: Lavon North Tax Parcel: 014031916011000 (32 acres)
Bob Wetzel, surveyor, appeared with several members of the North family. The proposed land division was reviewed with the following comments:
The North family verified that the portion of the farm existing east of N. Maple Lane is in a LLC listed under a separate tax key number. It was stated that this land division is being pursued to accommodate the terms of a trust agreement. When questioned on whether any further divisions are expected down the road, the Norths’ indicated there are no immediate plans. The Norths’ were notified of public notification requirements that must be met before the Plan Commission can take further action.
Request for reclassification of recommended land use for parcel owned by Racine County 815 N. English Settlement Road Tax Parcel: 014031913002000 (18.2 acres)
Correspondence from Racine County Public Works was reviewed questioning acceptable land uses that could be advertised for sale of their quarry property on CTH J. Concerns were expressed regarding siting a private wastewater system on this property. There are limited areas of undisturbed soil. The only place seen as supporting a system would be at the top of the hill. Because of steepness, it was hard to see placement of multiple homes in that area. However, commercial use of the flat area was seen as a possibility. There was also question on whether Racine County had worked with the gravel pit owner to the south to see how abutting lands will be restored and how they will meet this parcel. Consensus of the Plan Commission was to invite someone from Racine County to attend the next meeting in order to discuss these issues.
Review and recommendation to adopt as a planning guide: SEWRPC Planning Report No. 48, “A Regional Land Use Plan for Southeastern Wisconsin: 2035”
Bob Willard reported on review of the planning report. He stated priorities and objectives of the report are the same as before, however reference is made to Comprehensive Plans being prepared by counties within the region. This report provides an overview approach that will help with that process.
Some of the same principles as before are stated, such as urban development should occur in urban services areas and rural lands should be maintained with a recommended density of one dwelling per five acres. The report acknowledges preservation of farmland but also references farmer’s rights, which is something new in this version. There is also much more information on groundwater quality and supply in this report than in the previous version. The report notes that northern Illinois is in the same aquifer as SE Wisconsin and indicates a need to consider water and water quality as the region develops. Almost all communities in the report exceeded intermediate growth projections stated in the previous version, with the exception of Milwaukee County which went down. SEWRPC’s request is for the Plan Commission and Town Board to adopt the report as a guide for regional development.
Chris Johnson requested an opportunity to review the Plan. Consensus of the Commission was to table further consideration of the report until Chris had the opportunity to do so.
Maureen Eckert moved, 2nd by Bob Willard to adjourn at 7:50 p.m. Motion carried.
Respectfully submitted by,
Betty J. Novy, CMC Clerk-Treasurer |