PLAN COMMISSION

April 26, 2007

                                                                                                           

Members present:  Bieraugel, Burchill, Yoerg, Mailloux, Caruso and Bieraugel

 

Others present:  John Mingo, Terri Peterson, Jon Sonnentag, Tim Erickson, Jay Griggs and Denny Darnold

 

The meeting was called to order by Chairman Breault at 7:30 a.m.

 

Breault introduced the Common Council representative Al Burchill and welcomed Mr. Burchill to the plan commission.

 

Motion by Caruso, seconded by Yoerg to approve the meeting minutes of 4/12/07.  Motion carried.

 

Certifed survey map (CSM), two commercial lots, 642 and 644 Brakke Drive, northeast quadrant of Brakke Drive and Richard (Sterbenz) Drive, (town of Hudson – extraterritorial subdivision review) – Richmar Industries.  Darnold commented that the existing parcel has two office buildings.  The intent of the subdivision is to create individual lots and sale of lot 3.  Darnold stated that the town of Hudson plan commission and town Board have approved the proposed CSM subject to the granting of variances for accessory building and parking lot setbacks.  Darnold suggested that the city consider a similar approval consideration.

 

Motion by Yoerg, seconded by Mailloux to approve the two lot certified survey map as proposed by Richmar Industries for 642 and 644 Brakke Drive and to recommend approval to the Common Council subject to approval of necessary variances for parking lot and accessory building setbacks by the town of Hudson Board of Adjustment.  Motion carried.

 

Accessory building / garage improvements, west of alleyway, 112 Walnut Street – John Mingo.  Darnold commented that the existing accessory building west of the alleyway is proposed to be modified to add 16 foot wide doors on the west side of the building to allow the building to be used as a two car garage.  Darnold stated that without the proposed door in place it appears that it would be difficult to maneuver a vehicle into the accessory building.  Darnold stated that he assumed the proposed door would be on the east side of the building facing the alleyway.

 

Breault asked if the door could be moved to be off-center to allow greater accessibility.

John Mingo commented a power pole exists near the southeast corner of the building and the off-set of a door would not be as aesthetically pleasing.

 

Yoerg expressed concern about being able to maneuver a vehicle safely in / out of a garage considering a relative narrow alleyway and the building on the opposite side of the alleyway.  Mingo stated his wife’s car is not very large and that the single door will

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provide adequate access to the garage.  Originally there were two separate doors proposed, but by changing it to one door the ability to maneuver the vehicles will be significantly enhanced.

 

Darnold commented that the access is to a public alleyway and that is why the plan commission is more concerned about the accessibility of vehicles to the building, but there are no specific code restrictions in the B-3, Central Business District.  If the plan commission would consider denying the application, it would have to be based on a public safety consideration.

 

Motion by Caruso, seconded by Bieraugel to approve the proposed building improvement plans to provide a 16 foot wide door to the accessory building on the west side of the alley as requested by John Mingo, 112 Walnut Street.  Motion carried, 5-1.  Yoerg voting no.

 

Automatic teller machine (ATM), 111 Walnut Street, Dick’s Bar – Paul Kremer.

Darnold noted that the proposed ATM is on the south side of the building and referenced a photograph of the building showing the approximate location.  Darnold mentioned that there could be an issue with paper receipts that may be disposed of inappropriately and asked if the site may be viewed by a surveillance camera.  Terri Peterson, representing Dick’s Bar stated they are considering installing a waste receptacle and surveillance camera, with the camera to monitor overall activity and not just the proposed ATM.  Yoerg asked how far it would extend beyond the building wall.  Peterson stated maybe 3 to 4 inches at the most.

 

Caruso stated that this issue may have some public safety concerns and suggested that a surveillance camera should be a condition of approval.  The other members felt that was a separate issue and should not be attached to this consideration and the issue of surveillance should be generally referred to the Public Safety Committee.

 

Motion by Yoerg, seconded by Bieraugel to recommend approval of the proposed automatic teller machine (ATM) as proposed at Dick’s Bar, 111 Walnut Street.  Motion carried.

 

Other items for discussion purposes only or consideration at future agendas.   Breault advised the plan commission that he will forward the surveillance issue to the Publc Safety Committee.  Darnold noted that public forum for the downtown vision program will be Tuesday, May 1, 7:00 p.m., Phipps Center for the Arts.

 

Motion by Yoerg, seconded by Caruso to adjourn.  Motion carried.  7:55 a.m.

 

Respectfully submitted

Dennis Darnold, Secretary