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TOWN OF ROCHESTER Link to Town Board Meetings
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Link to Town Board Meetings |
August 4, 2008 PLANNING COMMISSION 6:30 p.m.
Chairperson Paul Beere called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. with Brian Wanasek, Chris Johnson, Maureen Eckert and Bob Willard present.
Betty Novy, Secretary; and John Tierney, Engineer; were also present.
Pledge of Allegiance.
Minutes. Chris Johnson moved, 2nd by Brian Wanasek to approve minutes of the July 7, 2008 meeting as printed. Motion carried.
Certified Survey Map creating two parcels out of one Location: S. Westwood Drive Owner/ Applicant: Richard Reesman Parcel Id#014031914012000; 3 acres
John Tierney reported on revisions made to the certified survey map since the July meeting. A typographical error exists on the contours for Lot 2. The surveyor was given direction to correct the error. Drainage is shown towards the Westwood Drive ditch line, although the wetland area on Lot 1 will continue to overtop towards the north property line. There will be no disturbance to the wetland area, so no additional run-off will be created by the land division. Chris Johnson reported placement of the mound system for Lot 1 will create a berm. This will help direct any additional surface water from a house, driveway, etc., to flow towards Westwood Drive. Paul Beere moved, 2nd by Brian Wanasek to recommend approval of the Certified Survey Map contingent on correction of the typographical error on Lot 2. Motion carried.
Site Plan Review for an additional salt storage building at the west shop Location: 31929 Academy Road Owners/ Applicants: Racine County Public Works; Jeff Katz Parcel Id#0319100006000
Betty Novy presented the conditional use permit issued by Racine County Planning and Development. The permit is conditioned on review and approval by the Town. Jeff Katz presented aerial photographs showing the location of the proposed salt storage building and a photograph of the type of building it will resemble. The Department of Transportation is funding the building due to the additional lane miles created by the Burlington by-pass project. The building will accommodate 3,500 tons of salt. Brian Wanasek moved, 2nd by Chris Johnson to recommend approval of the conditional use permit for an additional salt storage building at 31929 Academy Road with no additional conditions other than those imposed by Racine County Planning. Motion carried.
Application for
Re-Zone from M-4 to A-2 Location: 34230 & 34118 Washington Avenue Owners/ Applicants: Gary LeClaire & Tom Greil Parcel Id#014031906027000 & 014031906013000
Betty Novy reported approval of the re-zoning application by the Racine County Planning and Development Committee. Approval was contingent on achieving approval from the Town. Gary LeClaire approached the Committee stating his desire to add an attached garage to his house. Racine County would not issue a zoning permit because his property is zoned for mining. He is limited in any improvements to the house because it is considered a non-conforming use. Gary explained his parcel was originally part of a larger land purchase by Payne & Dolan, Inc. for mining operations. After Payne & Dolan re-zoned the parcels for mining, they decided to sell the two parcels that abut the road to continue residential use instead. Mining operations are to the north of these parcels. Both Gary LeClaire and Tom Greil own the parcels abutting the road. They both are used residentially and agriculturally at this time. Gary and Tom are splitting the $500 fee to re-zone the parcels so that they can continue these uses without building restrictions. Brian Wanasek moved, 2nd by Maureen Eckert to recommend approval to re-zone 34230 & 34118 Washington Avenue from M-4 to A-2. Motion carried.
Public Notification requirements on applications for Conditional Use and other Zoning Issues
Brian Wanasek reported on attendance at the July 21st Racine County Planning and Development Committee meeting. Several Rochester residents were present and expressed disappointment that they were not notified when the Franciscan Missions conditional use/ day care proposal came before the Town Planning Commission and Board. Betty Novy reported the meeting process is such that Racine County sends notice to applicant’s abutting property owners of their scheduled hearing only because they are the zoning administrators who make the final decision on any application. However, they consider any input provided by the Town Plan Commission and Town Board when the meeting schedule works out such that the Town takes action before they do. If the Town does not take action before they do, they make any approval contingent on complying with any additional conditions imposed by the Town. Notice of Town meetings are not sent to abutting property owners. Racine County only notifies the applicant of the need to get Town approval.
There was discussion on the timing of applications, approval processes of both the County and Town, the impact of Town notification requirements in terms of potentially delaying action a month or two depending on when application materials are received and appropriate notice methods.
Consensus of the Committee was to require any applicant for conditional use or zoning changes to display a sign on their property with notice of an impending change for two weeks prior to the meeting. The sign should be the same used for land divisions that displays the Town’s phone number for additional information. A sign deposit should be required in the same amount as applies for land divisions.
Wind Energy Facility Ordinance
Brian Wanasek reported on a recent conversation with a Town of Spring Prairie Board member regarding the siting of windmills. A town in the Kettle Moraine area is having a significant problem with the quantity being installed and complaints regarding noise and the impact on scenic views. Spring Prairie is passing an ordinance imposing restrictions on their placement. Racine County’s wind energy ordinance was reviewed with some concern stated over its applicability in different zoning districts and lot size requirements. Consensus of the Commission was to table further consideration until Brian can obtain more information on this issue.
Changes to Ch. 27 “Land Division Ordinance”; Distribution of revised ordinance
Betty Novy distributed the revised land division ordinance. Paul Beere reported on several amendments passed by the Town Board. The ordinance was changed to replace any references to five acre densities with three acre density requirements. The Board made these changes based on their opinion that five acre parcels are more likely to be re-divided in the future than three acre parcels and the difficulty of caring for five-acre parcels when in residential use. Bob Willard and Brian Wanasek noted the land division ordinance and Land Use Plan are now two conflicting documents. Betty Novy indicated the two will have to be reconciled before the comprehensive plan is adopted. Mike Weinkauf reported on status of Racine County’s Comprehensive Plan. At present, they are still compiling and reviewing statistical information. The entire plan is expected to take at least another eight months. Committee meetings are typically held every third Thursday at the Racine County Ives Grove Complex.
Reschedule September meeting (regular meeting falls on Labor Day)
The September meeting was rescheduled for Monday, September 8th at 6:00 p.m., immediately preceding the Town Board meeting at 7:00 p.m.
Bob Willard moved, 2nd by Chris Johnson to adjourn at 7:34 p.m. Motion carried.
Respectfully submitted,
Betty J. Novy, CMC Clerk-Treasurer
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