June 6, 2011                                      
PLAN COMMSSION                                             
7:00 p.m.

 
Weinkauf called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. with Beere, Johnson, and Rowntree present.  Tamblyn and Eckert were absent.
 
Johnson moved, 2nd by Rowntree to approve the minutes of the May 2, 2011 meeting.  Motion carried.
 
Public Hearing:  Application for Conditional Use Permit to occupy an existing commercial building to conduct instructional dance and gymnastic classes, birthday parties, music lessons and fitness programs, at 29110 Evergreen Drive, Village of Rochester, Racine County Wisconsin
Owner:  BAM Strehlow, LLC;  Applicant:  Foursis Dance Academy, LLC
Parcel #17603190102030
 
Schattner reported the application is from a company who is interested in purchasing the property for the proposed use.  The property was formerly used as an automotive repair and parts facility.  The proposed use is compliant with B-3 zoning district requirements, but any use over 2,500 square feet in size requires a conditional use permit.
 
Steve Sharpe, architect for the project, reported on Foursis Dance Academy’s intent to reconfigure the interior space for the proposed uses.     Deanna Schicker and Rebecca Saglin, part-owners of Foursis Dance Academy were also present at the meeting.  Interior remodeling will meet international building code requirements and requires state plan approval.  The proposed use will allow the property to be cleaned up and its use will be more conducive to other businesses on the street.  Interior remodeling consists of three dance studios, a gymnastic area, a locker room, kitchen, two music rooms, and reception/ retail area.  There will be no showers.   Bathrooms are being re-done, replacing two existing with fully handicap accessible restroom facilities that comply with state code. 
 
The exterior layout meets minimum parking requirements.  Sharpe indicated the use is such that parents are generally dropping off children, rather than parking at the facility.  There will be no recitals held at this location, only instruction.  Recitals are held at the local high school. 
 
Applicants were questioned on the number of people who will be in the building at any given time, fire exits, and staff safety training.    
 
The maximum number of students expected in the building at any given time was stated as 20 to 40 kids.  The maximum class size is 10 – 15 students per class.  There are four fire exits.  This exceeds state code for the planned use.   The overhead doors to the rear of the building are also being preserved for ease of bringing equipment in and out of the building.    State code now requires all fire exits to be illuminated on the outside of the building.   This will be accommodated in the design.   They plan to have a total of eight staff members and, although this is not required, owners are mandating that all staff complete CPR and first aid training.  
 
Other than the architect and owners, no one else spoke in favor or against the application for conditional use .
 
Beere moved, 2nd by Johnson to close the public hearing portion of the meeting at 7:18 p.m.  Motion carried.
 
Action Items:
Application for Conditional Use Permit to occupy an existing commercial building to conduct instructional dance and gymnastic classes, birthday parties, music lessons and fitness programs, at 29110 Evergreen Drive, Village of Rochester, Racine County Wisconsin
Owner:  BAM Strehlow, LLC;  Applicant:  Foursis Dance Academy, LLC
Parcel #17603190102030

 
Rowntree questioned the architect on the ability of the structure to withstand severe weather, Sharpe indicated that the structure is a pole building and not as safe as standard construction or a masonry structure.  However, restrooms will have double ceilings and provide the safest shelter for occupants in case of a tornado or severe storm.
 
Schattner reported recommended conditions for the permit noting his primary area of concern being parking for the facility.  It was noted that a gravel parking area could be utilized so no on street parking should be allowed.    He also suggested the parking issue be re-visited if it proved to be an issue in the future.  Johnson questioned progress of sign ordinances that would allow businesses on Evergreen Drive better marketing opportunities and provide directions for Hwy. 36 traffic.  Schattner explained these ordinances are currently being worked on by the Ordinance Committee.
 
Beere moved, 2nd by Johnson to recommend approval of a conditional use permit to Foursis Dance Academy to occupy an existing commercial building to conduct instructional dance and gymnastic classes, birthday parties, music lessons and fitness programs, at 29110 Evergreen Drive subject to the recommended conditions of the zoning administrator (as follows):
 
1)      Upon receiving approval from the Village of Rochester Planning Commission it is the responsibility of the applicant to obtain a zoning permit card, at a cost of $125.00 from the Village Zoning Administrator, prior to starting this project. The zoning permit card must be displayed in a prominent location at the project site, and a copy of these conditions must be kept at the project site at all times.
 
2)         The proposed uses within the existing commercial building shall be restricted to those uses outlined in your written report, dated May 9, 2011.  In addition, the applicant shall comply with the submitted site and floor plans, dated May 18, 2011.
 
3)         The proposed landscaping plan shall be installed in accordance with the submitted plan, dated May 18, 2011 and shall be installed by October 1, 2011.  All existing and proposed trees, shrubs, and flowers planted in the landscape buffers must be kept in a healthy, growing condition.  In the event that these trees, shrubs, and flowers become diseased or die, it is the responsibility of the applicant to replace said tree, shrub or plantings with the same species.
 
4)         The applicant is required to place a freestanding light pole on the northeast side of the gravel parking area to allow for adequate illumination throughout the entire parking lot.  Said lighting shall not be directed onto an abutting property owner or into the public right-of-way.
 
5)         A separate zoning permit is required for any advertising signs placed on this property.
 
6)         The applicant is required to remove all paper, wood, concrete block, stone and fill material from this property.  Outside storage is not permitted on this property.
 
7)         The hours of operation shall be restricted to the following:
 
Monday through Friday                       9:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Saturdays                                             9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Sundays                                               Private birthday parties                       
 
8)         The owner is required to obtain building permit approval from the Village Building Inspector prior to starting construction within the existing commercial building.
 
9)         The existing commercial building shall comply with the Village of Rochester Fire codes.
 
10)        Adequate parking must be provided on-site for all uses in the building, in accordance with Section 20-1088 Parking Requirements found in Chapter 20 (Zoning) of the Racine County Zoning Ordinance, adopted by the Village of Rochester on November 4, 2008.  You are required to have one (1) stall for each two (2) employees, plus a reasonable number of stalls for students and other parking.  Each parking stall must be a minimum of nine (9) feet wide and 180 square feet in area, exclusive of the space required for ingress and egress.  Handicap parking stalls must be provided in accordance with State requirements.  Aisles and spaces shall be clearly marked.  The driveways and all parking areas must be maintained in an all-weather, dust control condition.  Parking is prohibited within the public right-of way of Evergreen Drive.
 
11)        A complete and thorough maintenance program must be established to insure 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; sweeping, cleaning, and repairing paved surfaces; and replacing burned outside lights.
 
12)        The applicant is responsible for full compliance with Article VII, Division 4 Performance Standards of Chapter 20, Zoning, of the Village of Rochester Zoning, adopted by the Village of Rochester on November 4, 2008.  (See attached copy)
 
13)        The applicant must allow the Zoning Administrator or a Village employee full and unlimited access to the project site at a reasonable time to investigate the project’s construction, operation, and maintenance.
 
14)        The applicant is responsible for obtaining all necessary federal, state and local permits, approvals, and licenses and complying with their applicable codes.
 
15)        No additions, deletions, or changes may be made to these conditions without the prior approval from the Village of Rochester Planning Commission and Rochester Village Board.
 
Motion carried.
  
Request for extension of time to comply with Resolution # 2009-5 “Implementation Plan for construction of a Gas Station/Convenience Store/Car wash at 151 S. Millgate Drive”.  (Jim & Mary Hurst, Millgate Development LLC)
 
Jim and Mary Hurst addressed the Commission.  Hurst reported on continuing attempts to finance the project.  He is currently negotiating with some interested investors and is hoping to come to terms within 45 days and get the project started.  If they are not successful with financing, they are also actively exposing the lot to other organizations that may be interested in locating at the site.   Weinkauf questioned the likelihood of success for a convenience store/ gas station at that location.    Hurst indicated several feasibility studies had been done.  After running the numbers, they felt there was no way it could not be successful.  Hurst reported on a successful open house for the Fox Valley Veterinarian Service that had located on Millgate Drive.  Their success has spurred some interest in other lots in the development as well.  He feels the economy is finally breaking a bit.
 
Johnson moved, 2nd by Beere to approve the request for extension for an additional six months on Resolution #2009-5.  Motion carried.
 
Resolution adopting the Southeastern Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission (SEWRPC) Report No. 52 “A Regional Water Supply Plan for Southeastern Wisconsin: 2035
 
Schattner reported two future sites identified in the plan for municipal water towers in Rochester; one on STH 36 and D; and the other a little further south on CTH J.   The planning guide only provides recommendations and is not binding on any municipality.  He recommended adoption of the plan.  Johnson recommended referring the plan to the village engineer to assist with his stormwater drainage analysis.
 
Johnson moved, 2nd by Beere to recommend adoption of the SEWRPC Report No. 52 “A Regional Water Supply Plan for Southeastern Wisconsin: 2035.  Motion carried.
 
Resolution adopting the Southeastern Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission (SEWRPC) “Amendment to the Natural Areas and Critical Species Habitat Protection and Management Plan For The Southeastern Wisconsin Region.
 
Schattner reported the original plan, which was adopted in 1997, was recently amended.  The amended report contains recommendations for protection and acquisition of environmentally sensitive areas, outlines endangered species in the area, and recommends either public or private ownership to protect these assets.
 
Beere moved, 2nd by Johnson to recommend adoption of the “Amendment to the Natural Areas and Critical Species Habitat Protection and Management Plan For The Southeastern Wisconsin Region.”  Motion carried.
 
July Meeting Reminder:   Meeting will be Wednesday, July 6th
 
Novy reminded Plan Commissioners that, due to the July 4th holiday, the July meeting will be held on Wednesday, July 6th.
 
Due to the passing of Jim Joseph, Beere requested Novy send a letter to the Joseph family communicating appreciation for Jim’s contributions and service on the Plan Commission and Western Racine County Sewerage District board.
 
Beere moved, 2nd by Rowntree to adjourn at 8:00 p.m.   Motion carried.
 
Respectfully submitted,
 
 
 
Betty J. Novy MMC, CMTW, WCMC
Clerk-Treasurer