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Link to Town Board Meetings |
November 5, 2007 PLANNING COMMISSION 6:30 p.m.
The meeting was called to order at 6:30 p.m. with Paul Beere, Bob Willard, Maureen Eckert, Brian Wanasek and Chris Johnson present.
Betty Novy, Secretary, was also present.
Pledge of Allegiance.
Minutes. Bob Willard moved, 2nd by Brian Wanasek to approve minutes of the August 6 & October 22, 2007 meetings. Motion carried.
Site Plan Review to co-locate up to three antennae at 150’ height on 190’ existing tower, including concrete pad with equipment; Location: 28622 Rowntree Road Applicant: Cricket Communications; Agent: Jeff Fowle Tax Id: 014031912010000
Betty reported on Racine County consideration of the application. The site plan was approved with standard conditions subject to any additional conditions that may be imposed by the Town of Rochester. Jeff Fowle addressed the Plan Commission. Jeff explained that Cricket Communications is a new cell phone provider that will be available in the area next year. Their antennas will be placed at 150 feet on this tower. The space became available because of the merger of Cingular Wireless with AT&T. Right now, there is enough space on the tower for other providers. Ultimately, height will be the limiting factor for additional antennae locates at this location. Plan Commissioners recognized a preference for co-location on existing towers vs. construction of new towers. Paul Beere moved, 2nd by Maureen Eckert to recommend approval of the Site Plan submitted by Cricket Communications. Motion carried.
Request for Interpretation: Density options available to Certified Survey Map land divisions under the “Rural Density Residential and Agricultural Land” classification in “A Land Use Plan for the Town and Village of Rochester: 2020”
Betty reported on a recent inquiry regarding a resident’s ability to divide a seven acre parcel. Although the Land Use Plan Committee had numerous discussions regarding whether the new “three-acre average density/ 50% open space” option was available to minor land divisions, Betty was unable to find language in the Land Use Plan stating that restriction. She requested Plan Commission review and interpretation of the Land Use Plan on this matter.
Plan Commissioners agreed that language disallowing the three-acre option for minor land divisions could not be found in the Plan. Bob Willard referenced August 29, 2006 minutes of the Land Use Plan Committee. It was specifically referenced in the list of Committee recommendations that “The new three acre average density does not apply to Certified Survey Maps under the “Rural Density Residential and Agricultural Land” classification. In this instance, the existing minimum five-acre average density applies.” It was noted that a direct text change was not associated with that recommendation.
Plan Commission members felt the Plan might be interpreted indirectly to support the restriction in terms of “meaningful” open space or by referencing the definition of open space, but agreed the restriction should be specifically stated in the Plan. Chris Johnson stated his opinion continues to be that open space requirements should not be imposed on minor land divisions and that three-acre density should be an option. He feels most minor land divisions will not have the necessary road frontage to create additional parcels under the three-acre scenario and that the issue will take care of itself in that way.
Betty was directed to research Land Use Plan Committee minutes to determine whether or not the recommendation made at the August 26, 2006 meeting was overturned at a subsequent meeting. If not, the Town Attorney is to draft a resolution for Plan Commission consideration at the December meeting. The resolution should amend Chapter 7 “Plan Implementation” subsection “Rural Density Residential Development”, paragraph one, to include the sentence “In the instance of Certified Survey Map land divisions, minimum five-acre average density applies.”
Brian Wanasek moved, 2nd by Maureen Eckert to adjourn at 7:07 p.m. Motion carried.
Respectfully submitted,
Betty J. Novy, CMC Clerk-Treasurer |