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TOWN OF ROCHESTER Link to Town Board Meetings
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Link to Town Board Meetings |
May 7, 2007 PLANNING COMMISSION 6:30 p.m.
The meeting was called to order at 6:30 p.m. with Paul Beere, Brian Wanasek, Bob Willard and Chris Johnson present. Maureen Eckert was absent.
Betty Novy, Secretary, and John Tierney, Engineer, were also present.
Pledge of Allegiance.
Minutes. Bob Willard moved, 2nd by Chris Johnson to approve minutes of the April 2, 2007 meeting. Motion carried.
Request for reclassification of recommended land use for parcel owned by Racine County 815 N. English Settlement Road: Frank Risler, Racine County Planning and Development Tax Parcel: 014031913002000 (18.2 acres)
Frank Risler addressed the Commission regarding land under the ownership of Racine County. A print out of an aerial view was presented showing two parcels labeled as “Krueger Parcel” and “Krueger Pit”. Frank explained the portion of the Krueger property subject to this request was labeled “Krueger Pit”. The balance of the land labeled “Krueger Parcel” is to be retained for County purposes and is currently rented for agricultural purposes. Racine County wishes to put the “Krueger pit” land up for sale as it has not utilized the gravel pit for over 30 years. The land is currently zoned M-4 and A-2. The Rochester Land Use Plan designates the land as “Other Public Open Space”.
Frank explained Racine County plans to sell the land. “Public” is no longer an appropriate designation. Racine County intends to put a condition on the sale that whoever buys it must prepare and complete a reclamation plan. The question put to Commissioners is what Rochester will consider allowable use of the land. This will assist in marketing the sale. Two acceptable options were identified as rural residential use or light commercial use, such as a contractor’s business. Frank explained Racine County will not act to re-zone the land until such time as a development plan is received and approved. Brian moved, 2nd by Bob to recommend reclassification of the land as rural residential or, based upon review of a reasonable business plan, light commercial use. Motion carried. Frank requested that the Town issue a letter to that affect upon approval by the Town Board.
Conceptual Development Plan- Land Division creating two parcels out of one: 716 N Maple Lane Owner: Lavon North Tax Parcel: 014031916011000 (32 acres)
Betty reported notification of the pending land division had been given to abutting property owners. Dick North had also posted the required land division sign on the parcel fourteen days prior to the meeting. Racine County Planning and Development reviewed the revised land division proposal and verified that zoning will allow the pole barn on Lot 2 to remain. John Tierney reported his verification that right of way dedication has occurred properly on the plat. North family members were present. Speaking on their behalf, Betty reported on a request made for the Plan Commission not to take action on the land division at this meeting, as they had some second thoughts about layout. Betty explained that the land division was still on the agenda because of the notifications that had gone out to abutting property owners.
Sheila Webber, 455 N. Maple Lane, address the Commission. She questioned whether further divisions of this land would be allowed and stated concern about the number of driveways being allowed on the Rustic Road. Consensus of the Commission was that further divisions will be allowed as long as any proposal meets the density requirements of the Land Use Plan and no more than four parcels are created within a five-year period. The number of access points allowed on the Rustic Road falls under the jurisdiction of Racine County Public Works. However, it was agreed that rustic designation of the road makes the number of access points a higher priority for consideration by Racine County.
Colleen Holder, 33135 Academy Road, addressed the Commission. She questioned future plans for the North parcel. Members of the North family explained they are having second thoughts about the division as it is now presented because they would like to preserve the opportunity for some of their children to build homes on the land in the future. Due to this consideration, there may be minor changes to the way the land is divided. They are not anticipating high density development and propose to stay within the rural residential density calculation. The land division is being done to settle family issues right now.
Betty was questioned on whether further notice would be given to abutting property owners on the land division proposal. Betty indicated if any significant changes are made, notices will be mailed with copies of the revised proposal. Otherwise, residents are welcome to call the municipal office with any inquiries.
Paul Beere moved, 2nd by Bob Willard to table action on the North land division proposal. Motion carried.
Pre-Application Conference- Land Division creating three parcels out of two: 33410 Washington Ave Owner(s): Marc & Tammy Chart; Nick & Jacqueline Ahlers Tax Parcel(s): 014-31905057004 (11.19 Acres) ; 014031905002010 (13.38 Acres)
Chris Johnson reported that Nick Ahlers contacted him in advance of the meeting to notify him of pending changes to the land division and that he would not be at the meeting. Betty reported the land division proposal had come before the Commission the previous year as the subject of a variance request. The variance request, regarding minimum lot width for Parcel 2 of the land division proposal, was granted and Racine County zoning comments presented no items of concern in this regard. John Tierney reported on his review of the proposal. He identified a drainage way from the north property line that cuts diagonally south across Parcel 1 and the panhandle of Parcel 2 and then abruptly terminates. He believes this to be evidence of a drain tile and suggested the building site be restricted from this area. Chris Johnson indicated Nick’s intent to place the home on the top of a hill, avoiding the drainage path. Chris indicated the dividing line between Parcel 1 and Parcel 2 will be moved 90 feet, although the direction was not known. Consensus of the Plan Commission was to table consideration of the land division until such time as the revised proposal is received.
Gravel Pit Permit Renewal Applications: Illinois Mining Corp./Parkview Sand & Gravel: 31844 Washington Ave;
Bob Willard noted dates in the permits will have to be updated and that condition number three allowed work on ten Saturdays, but did not limit hours of operations on Saturdays. Consensus of the Board was that the Town permit should be consistent with those limitations imposed by Racine County’s Conditional Use Permit.
Chris Johnson moved, 2nd by Brian to recommend approval of Illinois Mining Corporation’s gravel pit permit subject to inclusion of Racine County limitations and that Saturday hours not exceed last year’s permitted amount. Motion carried.
Payne & Dolan Inc. (two sites): N. Browns Lake Rd & Washington Ave., Honey Creek
Ray Postotnik addressed the Commission. In regards to the Buss gravel pit, there is a little more material to take out. Most of the pit is already restored and the balance is expected to follow suit by year end. As to the Honey Creek operation, asphalt plant operations will most likely occur next year.
Brian moved, 2nd by Bob to recommend approval of the Buss-Kramer (N. Browns Lake Rd) gravel pit subject to inclusion of Racine County conditions and that Saturday hours not exceed last year’s permitted amount. Motion carried.
Chris Johnson moved, 2nd by Paul Beere to recommend approval of Payne & Dolan’s Honey Creek gravel pit subject to inclusion of Racine County conditions and that Saturday hours not exceed last year’s permitted amount. Motion carried.
Review and recommendation to adopt as a planning guide: SEWRPC Planning Report No. 48, “A Regional Land Use Plan for Southeastern Wisconsin: 2035”
Chris Johnson reported on review of the document. He noted several references to five-acre density requirements, but noted the document was advisory and only to be used as a guide. He also noted good representation on the panel from Racine, Walworth and Kenosha Counties, but felt most of the focus was towards sewered areas. Both Chris and Bob Willard noticed more of a focus on groundwater sources and felt this was a positive thing. Bob Willard moved, 2nd by Brian Wanasek to recommend adoption of SEWRPC Planning Report No. 48 “A Regional Land Use Plan for Southeastern Wisconsin: 2035”. Motion carried.
Review and recommendation to adopt as a planning guide: SEWRPC Planning Report No. 49, “A Regional Transportation System Plan for Southeastern Wisconsin: 2035”
Consensus of the Board was to table consideration of the report so that commissioners had more time to look over the planning guide.
Brian moved, 2nd by Bob to adjourn at 7:29 p.m. Motion carried.
Respectfully submitted,
Betty J. Novy, CMC Clerk-Treasurer |