TOWN OF ROCHESTER
Racine County, Wisconsin
Municipal Office Phone:  (262) 534-5742;  Facsimile:  (262) 534-4084
Mailing Address:  203 W. Main Street, P.O. Box 352, Rochester, WI  53167

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August 1, 2005                                     PLANNING COMMISSION                                              6:30p.m.

                

The meeting was called to order at 6:30 p.m. with Paul Beere, Bob Willard, Chris Johnson, Brian Wanasek and Maureen Eckert present.  

 

Betty Novy, Secretary, was also present.

 

Pledge of Allegiance.

 

Bob moved, 2nd by Maureen to approve minutes of the July 7, 2005 meeting as printed.  Motion carried.  

 

Certified Survey Map to create two parcels:

Location: Gen. Secretariat of Franciscan Missions- 940 N. Browns Lake Rd.

Agent: Atty. Dennis R. Lynch

(Parcel# 014-03-19-15-004-003: 16.48 acres)

 

Atty. Lynch addressed the commission.  He explained a small change to lot layout since last presented.  Due to setback requirements, the size of Lot 2 was increased to 4.6 acres.  Access easement documents and a proposed deed restriction were presented.  A grant of easement verified the ability to access Lot 2 off of a paved access drive existing to the south of the lot.  The deed restriction will require a future lot line adjustment to eliminate the “flag” portion of Lot 2, which is being created solely to meet minimum road frontage requirements.  The “flag portion” will be eliminated should the access drive become a public road in the future.  Soil tests were also presented. 

 

Concern was stated by abutting property owners, Jacob Koehler and Joanna Storm, regarding increased runoff from the new lot. It was explained there are no ditches along the access drive.  Storm-water and snow melt flow to the east.  This occasionally creates ponding on the Koehler and Storm properties.  Pictures that were taken after a heavy rainstorm in 2004 were shown.  Atty. Lynch and a representative from Allan Builders responded all runoff from new structures and pavement on Lot 2 will be pitched to the west.  There will be no culvert under the driveway.  Any additional storm-water management measures will be directed to the west.

 

Brian indicated the Town cannot require approval of the Certified Survey Map to be contingent on fixing an existing drainage problem, it can only require that it not add to the problem.

 

Brian moved, 2nd by Maureen to recommend approval of the Certified Survey Map contingent on completion of the following items:

 

  • The building envelope for Lot 2 needs to be displayed on the CSM.

  • The existing private sewerage system serving Lot 1 needs to be located on the CSM

  • The setback distances (from lot lines) for existing buildings on Lot 1 need to be shown on the face of the CSM.

 

Motion carried.

 

Conditional Use Permit Application for construction of a Convent/ Religious Facility:

Location: Gen. Secretariat of Franciscan Missions- 940 N. Browns Lake Rd.

Agent: Atty. Dennis R. Lynch

(Lot 2, Proposed Certified Survey Map Parcel# 014-03-19-15-004-003: 4.6 acres)

 

Atty. Lynch explained the Conditional Use Permit application is to locate a nine-bedroom convent/ religious facility on Lot 2.  The site plan for the facility was reviewed as well as minutes from the July 18, 2005 Racine County Planning and Development meeting where they considered this application.  Correspondence from Atty. Lynch addressed concerns at the July 18th meeting as follows:

 

  • Lighting.  Site lighting will all be attached to the residence and be motion sensitive.  There will be no pole lighting or parking lot lights. 

 

  • A future interior drive connecting the convent to the mission building.  Weather permitting, the sisters will walk from the convent to the mission building.  Otherwise, they will drive out of their residence building parking lot to the mission building.  There will be no connecting driveway.

 

Additional concern was raised by abutting property owner, Joanna Storm.  She questioned future outside storage facilities on Lot 2.  Atty. Lynch indicated this will be dictated by the conditional use permit.  If additional buildings are proposed, they will have to go through the conditional use application process. 

 

Joanna then questioned signage.  Father Sereno indicated only one sign will mark the entrance off the access drive.  Residents will be long term so there will not be a great need for directional signage. 

 

Atty. Lynch clarified the proposed use as residential/ living quarters only.  A Milwaukee Journal article previously stated the facility would be used as a day-care center.  This was incorrect and the source of this information unknown.

 

Additional considerations:

 

  • A three-car garage will be constructed as part of the site plan.  A 30’ x 40’ parking area will accommodate the swing radius for exiting and the garage and an additional four parking places. 

 

  • No fencing is proposed. 

 

  • Motion lighting will be shielded to the west so as not to disturb existing residences to the east. 

 

  • The access drive is to be properly maintained, including cut back of brush and snow plowing, to accommodate emergency vehicle access.

 

Maureen moved, 2nd by Brian to recommend approval of the conditional use application contingent that the following conditions be included on the permit:

 

  • The parking area is to be defined;

  • That lighting is to be shielded to the west; and

  • The drainage is to be directed to the west.

 

Motion carried.

 

Atty.  Lynch pointed out approval for the Certified Survey Map did not include direction to record the deed restriction drafted to address the “flag portion” of Lot 2.

 

Brian moved, 2nd by Maureen to amend the motion regarding Certified Survey Map approval to include recommendation to require recording of the deed restriction disposing of the “flag portion” of Lot 2 should the access drive become a public road.  Motion carried.

 

Bob moved, 2nd by Brian to adjourn at 7:50 p.m.  Motion carried.

 

Respectfully submitted:

 

 

 

Betty J. Novy, CMC

Planning Secretary

 

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