BROWN DEER PLAN COMMISSION

AUGUST 9, 2004 MEETING MINUTES

HELD AT THE BROWN DEER VILLAGE HALL

4800 WEST GREEN BROOK DRIVE

                                                                                                                                                           

The meeting was called to order by Village President Jaberg at 7:30 P.M.

 

I.          ROLL CALL

 

Present:             Village President Margaret Jaberg; Trustees Tim Schilz, Jeff Baker; Commissioners: Alan Nees, John Raffensperger, Roy Williams, Rick Stone

 

Excused:           Commissioners Gunnar Prawitz, Susan Bellehumeur

 

Also Present:      Russell Van Gompel, Village Manager; Andy Pederson, Assistant Village Manager/Community Services Director; Jesse Thyes, Planning/Zoning Specialist, Bill Dineen, Village Attorney

 

II.        PERSONS DESIRING TO BE HEARD

           

None.

 

III.       CONSIDERATION OF MINUTES:        July 12, 2004 - Regular Meeting

 

It was moved by Commissioner Raffensperger and seconded by Trustee Schilz to approve the regular meeting minutes of July 12, 2004.  The motion carried unanimously, with Commissioner Williams abstaining.

 

IV.              REPORT OF STAFF/COMMISSION MEMBERS

 

Mr. Pederson provided a brief update on the Bradley Road Request for Proposal.  Mr. Pederson stated that the Community Development Authority (CDA) has started to discuss the Bradley Road proposals; however, the discussions are currently in closed session.

 

Mr. Van Gompel introduced Bill Dineen, the Village’s Attorney, to the Plan Commission.

 

President Jaberg updated the Plan Commission on their previous recommendations being approved by the Village Board.

 

V.         UNFINISHED BUSINESS

 

A)     Discuss the Zoning District Land Use Charts as an introduction to the Village Code recodification process.

Mr. Thyes asked if there were any comments from the Commissioners, and stated that nothing new was prepared due to the numerous agenda items.

No action was taken.

 

VI.       NEW BUSINESS

 

A)     Discontinuance of a portion of Public Right of Way that lies north of W. Brown Deer Road in the Southwest ¼, of Section 2, T. 8 N., R. 21 E. in the Village of Brown Deer, Milwaukee County, Wisconsin.

 

Mr. Thyes gave a brief presentation about the proposal.

 

Attorney Dineen asked if the right of way (ROW) in question was only taken from the adjacent property to the east.  Mr. Thyes stated that the legal description for the property shows that the right of way would have been a part of the parcel to the east.

 

Commissioner Raffensperger asked if the ROW to be discontinued is shown on the official village map.  Mr. Thyes stated that the ROW is presently included on the map.

 

The applicant, David Barry from the James T. Barry Company, briefly discussed the reasoning for the request to vacate the ROW, and stated that the adjacent property owner is in favor of adding the ROW area to his existing property in the event of the Barry Company not purchasing the property.

 

Trustee Schilz inquired about the effect the discontinuance would have on the adjacent property’s taxes.  Attorney Dineen discussed how the taxes would be affected.

 

It was moved by Commissioner Raffensperger and seconded by Commissioner Nees to recommend the Public Right of Way Vacation and Discontinuance Resolution, with the recommended corrections and subject to review by the Village Attorney, to the Village Board.  The motion carried unanimously.

 

It was moved by Commissioner Raffensperger and seconded by Commissioner Nees to recommend the Ordinance to Amend the Official Village Map, subject to review by the Village Attorney, to the Village Board.  The motion carried unanimously.

 

B)     Conditional Use Permit application to allow a Motor Vehicle Sales Establishment at 5100 West Brown Deer Road, requested by Concours Motors, Incorporated.

 

Mr. Thyes presented a brief summary of the project proposal.

 

Lynn Bichler and Karl Wuesthoff, applicants, gave a brief presentation summarizing the changes to the proposal from the previous conceptual presentation.  The changes include the relocation of the service area to the east aside of the building, the revision of the type façade on the southwest corner of the building, and a finalized sign design.

 

Mr. Wuesthoff discussed his concerns with two of the conditions listed on the Conditional Use Permit (CUP).  Amongst the concerns raised were the one-week timeframe for the storage of vehicles in need of maintenance, and the prohibition of the operation of a rental business on the site.  Mr. Wuesthoff also clarified the carwash operation that is to be a part of the business, in that it is for use by the business only.

 

Ms. Bichler discussed the façade treatments and the type of materials that are to be used.  Mr. Thyes added that they are subject to review and approval by the Building Board.

 

Mr. Wuesthoff stated that the existing soccer field to the north of the building will stay intact for the time being and that an arrangement can be made with the local soccer club for its use.

 

President Jaberg asked if there were any proposals for the use of the vacant portion of the building.  Mr. Wuesthoff replied that he is working with a broker to explore options for that space.

 

Commissioner Raffensperger asked if the CUP addressed the North Shore Fire Department’s fire safety code.  Attorney Dineen clarified that the North Shore Fire Department does not have their own code; however the Village of Brown Deer does have its own code.  Mr. Thyes stated that the review by the Fire Department was completed and their comments have been incorporated into the draft of the CUP.

 

Commissioner Raffensperger asked if a requirement of notifying the Village of long-term parking of vehicles in need of maintenance would be a good idea.  Attorney Dineen questioned the enforceability of such a provision.

 

Mr. Van Gompel asked for clarification of the lay out and utilization of the parking areas.  Ms. Bichler discussed the parking arrangements and the use of pervious pavement.

 

Commissioner Raffensperger inquired about the rental of cars from the site.  Attorney Dineen stated that a third party rental firm would not be considered an accessory use of the motor vehicle sales establishment.

 

Mr. Wuesthoff stated that rentals would be for their customers only.  Attorney Dineen stated that sort of rental business would be accessory to the motor vehicle sales establishment.  Mr. Van Gompel recommended a change to the draft CUP that would allow rentals as an accessory to the motor vehicle sales establishment.

 

Trustee Baker asked for a clarification of rental versus loaner vehicles.  Mr. Wuesthoff discussed the business’s policies.

 

Commissioner Nees asked how the business would accommodate the traffic generated from the use of the soccer field.  Mr. Wuesthoff stated that an area of the northern parking lot could be designated for that traffic.

 

President Jaberg inquired about the percentage of used vehicle versus new vehicle sales and also asked if large trucks would be sold from the site.  Mr. Wuesthoff stated that any used vehicles would be very high quality and also discussed the State of Wisconsin’s rigorous standards for used car sales.  Mr. Wuesthoff added that this dealership would not be licensed by Mercedes to sell large trucks.

 

Attorney Dineen discussed adding a clause to the CUP that would require reconsideration of the permit if the ownership of the business would change.

 

Trustee Baker inquired about using the vacant portion of the building for inventory storage.  Mr. Wuesthoff stated that it could be an option; however, the business prefers the display of the inventory.

 

President Jaberg asked if the landscaping plan has been reviewed.  Mr. Thyes stated that the Beautification Committee has the landscaping plan scheduled on the next agenda.

 

President Jaberg asked for a clarification of the proposed exterior façade.  Ms. Bichler clarified the terminology of the types of façade to be used.

 

It was moved by Commissioner Raffensperger and seconded by Trustee Schilz to recommend the Conditional Use Permit to allow a Motor Vehicle Sales Establishment at 5100 West Brown Deer Road with the recommended corrections to the Village Board for final review.  The motion carried unanimously.

 

C)     Conditional Use Permit application to allow a Convenience Store and Car Wash at 4685 West Bradley Road, requested by Walter Koceja.

 

Mr. Thyes presented a brief summary of the project proposal and stated that these plans are the same as what was previously approved in 2002 and 2003.  Mr. Thyes stated that those conditional use permits had expired due to lack of action by the applicant.

 

President Jaberg voiced concerns with the placement of the vacuums and the landscaping.  Mr. Thyes noted that the vacuums are to be placed on the west side of the site, and that the landscaping would have to be reviewed by the Beautification Committee.

 

President Jaberg recommended citing the Village’s Storm Water Management Ordinance on the permit.

 

It was moved by Commissioner Nees and seconded by Trustee Schilz to recommend the Conditional Use Permit to allow a Convenience Store and Car Wash at 4685 West Bradley Road with the recommended corrections to the Village Board.  The motion carried unanimously.

 

D)     Conditional Use Permit application to allow a Convenience Store and Public Garage at 4730 West Bradley Road, requested by Walter Koceja.

 

Mr. Thyes briefly reviewed the proposal for the Plan Commission.

 

President Jaberg inquired about the demand for gas on the north side of the street.  Wally Koceja stated that there was sufficient demand and that the sale of gas would improve the public garage portion of the business.

 

Trustee Baker asked if there would be any conflict with the “BP” operation located on 51st street and Brown Deer Road and inquired about the amount of parking for the vehicles in need of service.  Mr. Koceja stated that he has received approvals from the corporate office about the placement of the business, and clarified the parking layout.

 

Mr. Van Gompel inquired about the number of employees per shift.  Mr. Koceja stated that there are to be four employees on site.

 

President Jaberg asked about the proposed location for the fuel tanks.  Dave Uttech, Keller Structures, stated that the location will actually be determined by the Wisconsin Department of Commerce after Village approvals have been obtained.  Mr. Koceja added that the new tanks would be made of fiberglass.

 

Mr. Van Gompel asked if the north side of the building is to be landscaped as shown on the submitted site plan.  Mr. Koceja assured the Plan Commission that whatever portions of the site are not used for parking or for the placement of the dumpster will be landscaped.

 

President Jaberg voiced concerns over the effect this project could have on the redevelopment area of Bradley Road.

 

Trustee Schilz stated that this proposal will improve the site.

 

Mr. Koceja stated that the service bays will remain the same, and that the retail area will be remodeled.

 

Commissioner Raffensperger voiced concerns over the placement of the dumpster enclosure being too close to the residence to the north.

 

President Jaberg recommended that the issues be addressed, and the proposal be brought back to the Plan Commission in September.

 

The Plan Commission directed Staff to work with the applicant to clarify the concerns with signage, dumpster location, and landscaping.  The item will be placed on the September meeting agenda.  No action was taken.

 

E)      Text amendment to the Zoning Code to allow “Bulk Retail Sales” as a Conditionally Permitted Use within the (B3) Commercial Zoning District, and to repeal and recreate applicable sections of the Code, requested by Bruce McIllnay, agent for Jeff and Carmen Sterling.

 

Mr. Thyes presented a brief summary of the proposed text amendment along with Staff’s recommended changes to the proposal and changing the term from “bulk retail sales” to “bulk retail storage”.

 

Attorney McIllnay stated that he was open to Staff’s recommendations; however, there was concern over limiting the retail floor space percentage in calculating how much storage would be allowed.

 

President Jaberg discussed the examples of other sites in the Village and the amount of bulk retail storage that would be allowed on each particular site.

 

Commissioner Raffensperger asked about the size of pallets used for bulk retail storage.  Mr. Sterling clarified the pallet size versus the size of the products on the pallet.

 

President Jaberg voiced concerns over the storage of combustible materials.  Mr. Thyes stated that the North Shore Fire Department has reviewed the proposal and reviewed their comments.

 

Commissioner Nees discussed his experience with similar display issues in other areas of the country, and stated that this is not an uncommon request.

 

Mr. Van Gompel recommended that the retail storage only be allowed within 60 feet of the main entrance with a maximum amount of 120 linear feet of storage allowed, thus eliminating the use of a floor space percentage.

 

President Jaberg voiced concerns over the depth of the storage area.  Commissioner Raffensperger recommended a maximum depth of four feet to accommodate pallets.

 

It was moved by Commissioner Raffensperger and seconded by Trustee Baker to recommend approval of the Text amendment to the Zoning Code to allow “Bulk Retail Storage” as a Conditionally Permitted Use within the (B3) Commercial Zoning District, as amended, and to repeal and recreate applicable sections of the Code, to the Village Board, subject to the Plan Commission’s recommended changes to the text amendment, as amended.  The motion carried unanimously.

 

F)     Conditional Use Permit application to allow “Bulk Retail Sales” at 7649 North Teutonia Avenue, requested by Bruce McIllnay, agent for Jeff and Carmen Sterling.

 

Mr. Thyes briefly reviewed the proposal for the Plan Commission and stated that the applicant would have to comply with the standards of the revised text amendment proposal.

 

Trustee Baker asked if the bulk retail storage would be illuminated.  President Jaberg discussed the condition listed on the draft CUP regarding lighting of the site.

 

Mr. Van Gompel stated that the lighting issue can be reviewed in time for the public hearing.

 

It was moved by Commissioner Raffensperger and seconded by Trustee Baker to recommend approval of the Conditional Use Permit for “Bulk Retail Storage” at 7649 North Teutonia Avenue to the Village Board, subject to the pending approval of the proposed Zoning Code text amendment and the Plan Commission’s recommended changes to the Conditional Use Permit .  The motion carried unanimously.

 

G)     Rezoning Petition for the properties at 9305 and 9325 N. Green Bay Road from (M) Manufacturing to (BPD) Business Planned Development.

 

Mr. Pederson briefly discussed the status of the site and reviewed the rezoning request.

 

Mr. Van Gompel stated that there are a large number of permitted uses within the manufacturing zoning district that the Village would not want on this particular site, and that the rezoning of the property to the (BPD) zoning district would give the Plan Commission a chance to review any proposed use of the site.

 

President Jaberg asked if the rezoning would change the assessed value of the property.  Mr. Van Gompel stated that it would not, since the value is based on the use and not the zoning of a site.  

 

It was moved by Trustee Schilz and seconded by Commissioner Raffensperger to recommend the rezoning to the Village Board.  The motion carried unanimously.

 

VII.      Recess into Closed Session pursuant § 19.85 (1)(e) Wisconsin Statutes for the following reasons:

 

(e)                Deliberating or negotiating the purchase of public properties, the investing of public funds, or conducting other specified public business, whenever competitive or bargaining reasons require a closed session.

 

Prior to recessing into closed session, Mr. Van Gompel stated that the closed session is necessary since the Plan Commission is considering sensitive financial information and possible negotiations.

 

It was moved by Commissioner Nees and seconded by Trustee Schilz to recess into closed session at 9:50 p.m. The motion carried unanimously.

 

VIII.    Reconvene into Open Session for Possible Action on Closed Session Deliberations

 

It was moved by Trustee Schilz and seconded by Commissioner Nees to reconvene into open session at10:24 p.m.  The motion carried unanimously.

 

IX.       ADJOURNMENT

 

It was moved by Trustee Schilz and seconded by Commissioner Raffensperger to adjourn at 10:25 P.M.  The motion carried unanimously.

 

 

 

 

_____________________________________________

Andrew K. Pederson,

Assistant Village Manager/Community Services Director