***TOWN OF
SPECIAL PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING
MUNICIPAL COMPLEX -
CALL TO ORDER: Chairperson
Bellmer called the Special Planning Commission Meeting of
PRESENT: Chairperson: Alvin Bellmer
Commissioners: Dennis Jochman Kris Koeppe
Terry Buck Michelle Schaetz Michael Van Dyke
Staff: George
Dearborn, Community Development Director
Mark Mommaerts, Associate Planner
Randy Gallow, Street Superintendent
Mike Kading, Director of Park & Recreation
EXCUSED: None
ABSENT: 1 position is vacant
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
OTHER BUSINESS:
Associate Planner Mommaerts
introduced the item and stated that the first issue was in regards to the
existing flora section of the code and that more input was desired from the
Commission.
Commissioner Schaetz stated that vegetation should be added to the
section that the developer shall make every effort to protect and retain all
healthy trees and vegetation.
Associate Planner Mommaerts
introduced the next item regarding the park improvement fees and fees in lieu
of parkland.
Director Kading stated that the
park improvement fee is collected to improve existing parks that new
developments have the opportunity to use.
He also stated the fees in lieu of land go to develop new parks in the
areas where there is new development without a park nearby.
Chairperson Bellmer asked about the fee in lieu of parkland and the
concern raised by Mr. Nemecek at the last
meeting. He also suggested a time period
in which the remaining fees would become due instead of when 50% of the lots
are sold.
Commission Jochman suggested using 18 months as a time period to pay
the remaining 50% of the fees and incorporating that into the letter of credit
as a part of the developer agreement.
Associate Planner Mommaerts
introduced the next item regarding street lights.
Chairperson Bellmer asked if the Town has any standards or
specifications regarding street lights.
Associate Planner Mommaerts
stated that the intent of the ordinance is to have the Plan Commission approve
the type or style of street light being used for aesthetic purposes.
Street
Superintendent Gallow stated that the Town has a street lighting policy adopted
as part of Chapter 15.
Associate Planner Mommaerts
introduced the next item regarding street trees.
Chairperson Bellmer expressed concern about the section being too rigid
and mandatory and why so many staff are involved in
the review.
Associate Planner Mommaerts
responded that staff review and approval is so that the location within the
right-of-way can be viewed and the type of tree can be viewed so that there can
be a mix of species throughout the subdivision so that if a tree disease where
to hit one species the whole subdivision wouldn’t lose their trees.
Street Superintendent Gallow
stated that there are provisions for street trees in Chapter 15 that allow
certain trees in the parkway.
Chairperson Bellmer suggested that the ordinance should specify that
street trees should be provided for local residential streets only and that the
subdivider should have the option of paying the fee
or purchasing the trees on their own.
Associate Planner Mommaerts
introduced the next item regarding sidewalks and stated that there are several
options available.
Chairperson Bellmer stated that the idea of requiring trials on all
arterials and collector streets is good and that it may be appropriate to have
sidewalks on the other side, but sidewalks on residential streets should be
dropped.
Director Dearborn stated that
it is a safety issue and provides an alternative to driving. He also stated that if the roadway where ever
reduced below 33’ back to back, then sidewalks should be provided.
Issues
where raised about assessments for repairs or replacing a sidewalk if it was
provided only on 1 side.
The
idea was brought up that sidewalks wouldn’t be required except if the Plan
Commission deemed they were necessary.
Associate
Planner Mommaerts asked the Commission if there were any other issues regarding
the ordinance.
Commissioner
Schaetz suggested that Low Impact Development be included
with the Conservation Subdivision.
Commissioner
Van Dyke suggested that round-a-bouts or traffic calming devices be mentioned
in the intersection section of the ordinance, section 6.10 1) c) 8). He also suggested including language
regarding noise and vegetation in the purpose section, section 6.01 3).
Chairperson
Bellmer ask for
clarification of pages 8-21 and whether it was a reorganization or rewite.
Associate
Planner Mommaerts responded that for the most part it is a
reorganization.
Commissioner
Koeppe expressed concern over the decibel levels of
the noise abatement section being too low.
Associate Planner Mommaerts
responded that this is the same as what the City of
Associate
Planner Mommaerts introduced the item and reviewed the issue raised at the last
meeting regarding industrial design guidelines and the changes made to the
ordinance.
ADJOURNMENT:
MOTION: Commissioner Schaetz, seconded by Commissioner Jochman
to adjourn the meeting of
Mark J. Mommaerts
Recording Secretary