• August 2, 2010                                                           
    PLAN COMMISSION                                                   
    7:00 p.m.

     
    Mike Weinkauf called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. with Paul Beere, Maureen Eckert, James Joseph, Tom Rowntree and Mark Tamblyn present.
     
    Chris Johnson was absent.
     
    Jonathan Schattner, Zoning Administrator, and Betty Novy, Clerk-Treasurer were also present.
     
    Joseph moved, 2nd by Eckert to approve the minutes of the June 7, 2010 meeting.  Motion carried.
     
    Pubic Hearings:
    Conceptual Land Division to re-plat the north side of Stoneridge Subdivision to create
    nine lots from six:  Ridge Lane
    Owner:  Edward Stone;  Parcels #176031905008060;  176031905008050;  176031905008040; 176031905008030;  176031905008020; 176031905008010

     
    Ed Stone addressed the Commission.  He indicated nothing had changed since his presentation at the June meeting.  He also reported receipt of one phone call from a neighbor on proposed changes to the subdivision.
     
    Schattner displayed a plat and aerial view of the proposed land division.  He explained the proposal increases the number of lots on the north side of Ridge Lane from six five –acre parcels to nine three to five acre parcels.  Soil tests have been performed on the proposed lots and the tests are being reviewed by Racine County Code Administration.  A detention pond is located on lot six.  The Village Engineer has reviewed the conceptual plan and indicated a new topographic map is not required as it was provided when the subdivision was first platted (three years prior).
     
    Weinkauf opened up the hearing to the public.   Comments were heard as follows:
     
    Jim Scherrer, 2475 Upland Drive, stated two concerns.  First, he did not feel three to five acre lots with farm animals on them are an attractive concept to many people.  He also indicated concerns about use of the bridal path around the subdivision.  He is concerned that the path will be used by motorized vehicles, such as all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and motorcycles.
     
    Stone responded he is considering changes to the bridal path, either changing the terminology to “recreational trail” or eliminating it completely.  He stated he addressed concerns regarding motorized vehicles in the subdivision covenants and restrictions by prohibiting their use.  He also indicated that he could control this while he still owned over 50% of the lots, but that future homeowners could have the power to amend the restrictions.
     
    Mike Fischer, 33634 Ridge Lane, stated concern over future division of the lots.  He indicated Stone is increasing the number of lots in the subdivision because he perceives the five-acre lot size is holding back sales.  He questioned whether the number of lots will be increased again if they do not sell immediately.
     
    Commissioners Weinkauf and Beere explained Rochester’s land use plan was recently amended to allow three-acre average density on land divisions in un-sewered areas.  This increased the number of lots one could create from a large parcel.  Part of the reason for the change was the likelihood of five- acre lots being re-divided (vs. three acre lots) and the difficulty most individuals have caring for five-acres of land.  They felt three acre lots were more manageable.
     
    Stone stated he ultimately has the ability to create 56 lots out of the land he owns.  He also stated he is not being greedy by creating seventeen (total).  He indicated he does not anticipate making further divisions to the property, but that he cannot guarantee what will happen after he no longer owns the land.  A road was platted to his farmland to the north of this subdivision to allow for future development of that land.
     
    Dave Baldwin, 2516 Upland Drive, also stated concern about the bridal path.  He would like to see it eliminated.  He also questioned the number of farm animals that will be allowed on these lots.
     
    Novy explained an ordinance was recently passed that requires any owner of a parcel less than five acres in size to obtain a special exemption permit to keep farm animals on their property.    The permit application requires the property owner to show how they will manage care and house the proposed animals on their property.  The Village Board has the ability to grant or deny the permit based on compatibility with surrounding properties.  Beere indicated the permit can be revoked if the keeping of animals on a property causes problems.
     
    Tom Greil, adjacent property owner to the west, stated concerns about drainage.  He indicated the water draining across his farm has increased substantially in the past three years, so much that it has eroded a significant amount of land away from the area where the drainage path exits into Payne & Dolan’s gravel pit to the west.  He indicated Stone’s land contributes to the water flow.  He wanted the Plan Commission to be aware of watershed issues when considering future development.
     
    Joseph indicated there are bound to be natural cycles of both high precipitation and dry years.  However, it is good to be aware of these water issues for future development.
     
    Weinkauf questioned whether there were any further comments from the audience.  There were none.
     
    Beere moved, 2nd by Tamblyn to adjourn the public hearing at 7:36 p.m.  Motion carried.
     
    Action Items:
    Conceptual Land Division to re-plat the north side of Stoneridge Subdivision to create
    nine lots from six:  Ridge Lane
    Owner/ Applicant:  Edward Stone 
    Tax Parcels #176031905008060;  176031905008050;  176031905008040; 176031905008030;  176031905008020; 176031905008010

     
    Beere moved, 2nd by Eckert to recommend approval of the conceptual land division as presented, adding that Stone is to give further consideration to  eliminating the bridal path; and the drainage pond on lot six is to be re-examined by the Village engineer for sufficiency based on the increased housing count.  Motion carried.
     
    Site Plan Review to Expand Parking Lot:  201 & 203 W. Main Street
    Owners/ Applicants:  Community State Bank & Village of Rochester
    Tax Parcels:  176031911201000 & 176031911202000
     
    Schattner presented a survey of the proposed parking lot, the landscape plan, and pictures of proposed landscape plants.  He reported the purpose of this coming before the Plan Commission is to request approval of the aspects of design which vary from strict implementation of parking and landscaping requirements specified in the zoning code.  This is allowed due to its location in the Historic Preservation Overlay District.  Bob Kordus, Asphalt Contractors, was present representing Community State Bank.
     
    Schattner read his recommendation as follows:
     
    1)      Under the ordinance requirements, the required number of parking stalls required to accommodate the bank property is one (1) space for each three hundred (300) square feet of floor area and 1 space for each 2 employees.  The required number of stalls to accommodate the Village Hall site is one (1) space for each four (4) seats.  The submitted plan illustrates that the proposed parking area site is not large enough in area to accommodate the parking allowed by Ordinance.  Ordinance 2009-1 allows the property owner to request variance approval from the Village Planning Commission to reduce the number of parking stalls to serve the two (2) properties. 
     
    2)      The proposed construction of the parking lot and driveway areas, including the proposed drainage plan must be reviewed and approved by the Village Engineer prior to the issuance of a zoning permit.
     
    3)      The size of each parking stall space shall not be less than one hundred and eighty (180) square feet or less than 9 feet in width, exclusive of the space required for ingress and egress. One stall shall be designed as handicap parking for automobiles and the other stall shall be designed as handicap parking for a van. The minimum dimensions for all parking spaces provided for use by persons with disabilities shall be fourteen (14) feet wide by twenty (20) feet long for automobiles and seventeen (17) feet wide by twenty (20) feet long for vans.  The property owner needs to indicate the dimensions of the handicap parking for automobile and van parking on the submitted plans.
     
    4)      All parking stalls and handicap parking stalls shall be permanently marked by painted lines or other approval material and said markings shall be maintained so as to be legible at all times.
     
    5)      The area of the proposed landscaping buffer place around the perimeter of the proposed parking lot meets the minimum requirements of the Ordinance.  The plant material proposed to be planted in the landscape buffers is native to this area and is acceptable.  All trees plants and shrubs planted around the existing building must be kept in a healthy, growing condition.  In the event any of these plantings become diseased or die, it is the responsibility of the property owner to replace said tree, shrub, or plant with the same species.  Any changes or revisions to the landscaping plan that exists of this property will require approval from the Village of Rochester Planning Commission and Rochester Village Board, prior to installation. 
     
    6)      The property owner is required to obtain a driveway permit from the Racine County Public Works Department to access onto Front Street (C.T.H. W), prior to obtaining a zoning permit from the Village of Rochester Zoning Administration.
     
    In closing it was his recommendation that the  Planning Commission approve this plan subject to compliance with the comments mentioned above, Village Engineer approval for the construction of the parking lot and proposed drainage plan and obtaining approval of a driveway permit from the Racine County Public Works Department to access onto Front Street (C.T. H. W).
     
    The topic of the screening the Village’s dumpster was discussed.  Novy reported it was not always stored behind the municipal building.  She will find a different location to store the dumpster.

    Tamblyn moved, 2nd by Joseph to approve the plan subject to the recommendations of the zoning administrator; addition of a condition that specifies plantings abutting Front Street must be maintained at less than two-feet in height; and village engineer review and approval of plans to accept drainage from the parking lot of Chances Restaurant.  Motion carried.
     
    Site and Operational Plan Review to operate a Veterinary Clinic at 231 S. Millgate Drive
    Owner:  Waukesha Health Care/ Applicant:  Fox Valley Veterinary Service & Clinic, Ltd.
    Tax Parcel:  176031911009040
     
    Schattner presented an aerial view of the location and explained the proposal to operate a veterinary clinic at the site.  Tina Euteneier, Fox Valley Veterinarian Service, addressed the Commission.  She explained the clinic does not offer boarding services.  The only surgery that causes animals to stay overnight is the declawing of cats.   The clinic staffs four veterinarians.   Each day, one is ambulatory (performing off-site visits); one is performing surgery; and two are staffing appointments.  A garage is proposed to be located on site to house the vehicle used by the ambulatory veterinarian.
     
    James Hurst, Millgate Development LLC, addressed the Commission.  He stated the style of the proposed garage must be approved by the Millgate Architectural Control Committee.    Consensus of the Committee was that approval of the garage should be sought from Millgate Development before applying to the Village for architectural approval and permits.
     
    Schattner read his recommendation as follows:
     
    1)      Under Section 3.077 B-4 Highway Business District, the uses include those permitted uses allowed in the B-3, General Business District and the B-1, Central Business District.  Animal hospitals or veterinary clinics are an allowable use in the B-1 zoning district, provided that no service, including the boarding of animals, is offered outside of an enclosed building.
     
    2)      Before beginning this project, the applicant must obtain a zoning permit card from the Zoning Administrator after paying the required zoning permit fee of 125.00 to occupy the building as a veterinary clinic and a zoning permit fee of $70.00 for the cost to construct the detached accessory structure.
     
    3)      The proposed veterinary service and clinic shall be confined to the principal structure of the building and the proposed detached garage shall be located and sized as shown on the submitted plans received by the Zoning Administrator on July 12, 2010.  The proposed garage shall be restricted to the storage of lawn and garden equipment to maintain the outside premises of the property and to house an ambulatory vehicle associated with the veterinary service. No animals are allowed to be kept in the detached accessory structure.
     
    4)      The vinyl exterior of the proposed garage shall be harmony with the color of the principal structure located on this property.
     
    5)      Hours of operations shall be restricted to the following:
     
    Monday, Wednesday, & Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
    Tuesday & Thursday 7:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
    Saturday, 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
     
    6)      The applicant is required to maintain 5 parking stalls for each doctor that occupies the existing medical facility.  The applicant has indicated to me that there will be four full time doctors in this facility and one (1) part-time doctor filling in for one of the four doctors that may be absent that day.  Based on that information there must be a minimum of 20 parking stalls, and two (2) of these parking stalls shall be reserved for handicap parking for an automobile and van.  Handicap stalls must be provided in accordance with the Village of Rochester Ordinance, State of Wisconsin and/or American Disability Act requirements, whichever is more restrictive.  All parking stalls shall be clearly marked.
     
    7)      The applicant must provide for an on-site loading and unloading area on this property. This space shall be at least 10’ x 25’ feet for each 5000 sq. ft. of floor space or part thereof.  There shall not be any loading or unloading of material and equipment within the right-of-way of South Millgate Drive.
     
    8)      The applicant has indicated that there will be no additional landscaping occurring on this property, other than what presently exists.  All trees, plants and shrubs planted around the existing building must be kept in a healthy, growing condition.  In the event any of these plantings become diseased or die, it is the responsibility of the property owner to replace said tree, shrub, or plant with the same species.  Any changes or revisions to the landscaping plan that exists on this property will require approval from the Village of Rochester Planning Commission, prior to installation.
     
    9)      The applicant indicated that they do not intend to place any additional lighting on the property.  This lighting that presently exists on this property shall not be directed onto a neighboring property or directed into the right-of-way of State Trunk Highway 36 or South Millgate Drive.  Any additional lighting placed on this property will require approval from the Village of Rochester Planning Commission, prior to installation.
     
    10)  All medical waste generated from this business activity shall be contained within the principal structure until such time that it is disposed of in a proper manner.  Dumpsters shall be properly screened from public view and shall be emptied on a weekly basis.  Medical waste shall not be placed in the outside dumpsters.
     
    11)     A complete and thorough maintenance program must be established to ensure attractiveness.  The continued positive appearance of the buildings and the property is dependent upon proper maintenance attitudes and procedures.  Maintenance programs must be established that include watering, maintaining and pruning all landscape plants and shrubs; cleaning up litter and emptying trash containers in a timely fashion; sweeping, cleaning, and repairing paved surfaces; replacing broken and vandalized parts; replacing burned out lights; and cleaning, painting, and repairing windows and building façade.
     
    12)     Outside storage is prohibited on the property.  Outside kennels or dog runs are also prohibited on this property.
     
    13)     Any advertising signs that exist on this property must conform with Chapter 15, Planning and Zoning found in the Village of Rochester Municipal Code and shall require a separate zoning permit for any new sign placed on the property.  Beacons, streamers, pennants, pinwheels, strings of lights not permanently mounted to a rigid background, and inflatable signs and tethered balloons are prohibited.  No sign shall contain, or include or be illuminated by any flashing light, or moving part or be illuminated by other than white lights or be composed of any animated part. Colored coverings are not permitted.  Specific prohibited signs include projecting signs, billboards, pole signs, roof signs, pylon signs, trailer signs and bench signs.
     
    14)     The applicant must comply with the provisions of Section 14, Performance Standards found in Chapter 15, Planning and Zoning of the Village of Rochester Municipal Code.
     
    15)     The applicant must allow the Zoning Administrator or any Village employee full and unlimited access to the project site at a reasonable time to investigate the project’s construction, operation, or maintenance.
     
    16)     The applicant must obtain all necessary federal, state and local permits, approvals and licenses and must comply with all applicable codes.  If there are any more restrictive covenants associated with this property, the property owner must adhere to these restrictions.
     
    17)     Your acceptance of this approval/permit and beginning the project means that you have read, understand, and agree to these conditions.  Therefore, Fox Valley Veterinary Service LTD and their heirs, successors, and assigns are responsible for full compliance with these conditions.
     
    18)     It is the property owner’s responsibility to inform any subsequent owner or operator of these conditions. 
     
    Eutenier requested that the hours be amended to 7:30 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. all seven days of the week.   They will not immediately increase their operating hours, but in the future they may consider offering urgent care. 
     
    Joseph moved, 2nd by Eckert to approve the site and operational plan submitted by Fox Valley Veterinarian Service to occupy 231 S. Millgate Drive with a veterinarian clinic subject to the recommendations of the zoning administrator with the following exceptions:
     
    -Item number four is to be amended to reflect approval of the garage subject to architectural review of the Plan Commission prior to issue of the zoning permit; and
     
    -Item number five is to reflect the change in operational hours of 7:30 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. all seven days of the week. 
     
    Motion carried.
     
    Reschedule  September 6, 2010 meeting due to Labor Day holiday
     
    The September meeting was tentatively planned for 6:00 p.m. on September 13th  immediately preceding the Village Board meeting.  If the agenda is lengthy, the Clerk is to contact Commissioners to re-schedule to another date.
     
    Tamblyn moved, 2nd by Joseph to adjourn at 8:36 p.m.  Motion carried.
     
    Respectfully submitted,
     
     
     
    Betty J. Novy, CMC
    Clerk-Treasurer