BROWN DEER PLAN COMMISSION

JULY 12, 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, and Jeff Baker; Commissioners: Alan Nees, John Raffensperger, Susan Bellehumeur, and Rick Stone

 

Excused:           Commissioners Gunnar Prawitz, and Roy Williams

 

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

 

II.        PERSONS DESIRING TO BE HEARD

           

Karen Krolikowski, 4125 W. River Lane; Bradley Epstein, 9500 N. Green Bay Road; Bill Spransy, 4133 W. River Lane; and Craig Epstein, 8639 N. Deerwood Drive all requested to speak during the Plan Commission’s consideration of the development agreement for Jacob Dean Enterprises, LLC.

 

President Jaberg asked the Plan Commission if they were willing to allow input at that time.  The Plan Commission agreed to allow comments at that time.

 

III.       CONSIDERATION OF MINUTES:        June 14, 2004 - Regular Meeting

 

It was moved by Commissioner Nees and seconded by Commissioner Bellehumeur to approve the regular meeting minutes of June 14, 2004.  The motion carried unanimously with Trustee Schilz, and Commissioner Raffensperger abstaining.

 

IV.              REPORT OF STAFF/COMMISSION MEMBERS

 

Mr. Pederson provided an update on the Park Plaza Court Request for Proposal.  Mr. Pederson stated that the Community Development Authority (CDA) will be meeting on July 14, 2004 to discuss the Bradley Road proposals and to review the possibility of establishing a new Tax Incremental Financing (TIF) district.

 

Mr. Thyes updated the Plan Commission on the status of the Salvation Army store’s exterior storage; J.M. Remodeling’s landscaping plan revision, and the review of Wally Koceja’s conditional use permit review.  Mr. Thyes also discussed the progress of updating the Village’s off-street parking ordinance.

 

Mr. Van Gompel briefly discussed the impending changes to the TIF laws and explained the need for the closed session discussions at the CDA meeting.

 

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 discussed the land use charts for the new members.

Mr. Pederson updated the Plan Commission on the overall recodification and stated that Staff has met with the Attorney from Municipal Code to discuss the legal issues.

 

No action was taken.

 

B)     Discuss the progress for developing a solution to the matter of allowing exterior storage of merchandise, and supplies on commercial properties.

Mr. Thyes gave a brief presentation of the situation.  Mr. Thyes went on to discuss the most recent proposal that was submitted by the applicant for consideration and the recommendations that Staff is suggesting.

Attorney Bruce McIllnay gave a presentation that compared the applicant’s proposed standards, for allowing “exterior bulk sales” as a conditional use within the B3 Commercial Zoning district, to those standards that Staff had recommended.  Attorney McIllnay also stated that the wheel barrows and decorative barrels have been removed from the front of the store and that the issues with the soda vending machines and the propane tank exchange cabinet are being looked into and will be resolved.

Commissioner Raffensperger asked how many products are stacked on pallets over four (4) feet high.  Carmen Sterling stated that about three (3) products are stacked over four (4) feet high.

Commissioner Nees asked Staff the reasoning behind recommending a height limit of three (3) feet.  Mr. Thyes stated that the stacks of products would be concealed by cars that are parked in front of the store, and that the three (3) foot height limit would have less affect on the aesthetics of the site as compared to the six (6) foot limit proposed by Attorney McIllnay.

Commissioner Raffensperger stated that the proposed 3% floor area figure for determining the amount of exterior storage that would be allowed is too high and would allow too much, and that Staff’s recommendation of using 1% or 2% of the floor area for the calculations along with a four (4) foot height limit would be favorable.

Commissioner Bellehumeur asked how any extra material/storage would be accommodated.  Attorney McIllnay stated that Jeff and Carmen Sterling are interested in constructing additional storage space and that a proposal would be brought forward in the near future.

Commissioner Raffensperger stated that the Plan Commission is actually considering the separate issues of exterior storage and merchandise display.  Mr. Pederson stated that merchandise display could be handled or defined in many different ways.

Attorney McIllnay briefly discussed the importance of the display and merchandising of products along the front of the building.

Trustee Schilz noted that Staff’s recommendation is truly a compromise from not allowing exterior storage at all and that any products left out overnight are considered exterior storage.  Trustee Schilz voiced concerns about using a percentage of floor area to determine the amount the amount of storage allowed, but went on to say that Staff’s proposal is as far as the Village should allow with consideration to the four (4) foot pallet height allowance.

Attorney McIllnay discussed other details of the proposal stating that only products weighing over 25 pounds would be allowed under this proposal and that the proposal for “exterior bulk sales” would be for the B3 Commercial district only.

Commissioner Nees discussed his approval of using floor area percentage in calculating the amount of exterior storage to be allowed.

Trustee Schilz voiced concerns over the possibility of pallets of product extending past the end of the building.  Mr. Thyes stated that staff has addressed that issue with their recommendation, and would not allow products to extend past the end of the building, and that in the case of Sterling True Value the pallets could not be stacked in front of the fenced area at the north end of the building.

Commissioner Bellehumeur inquired about using linear feet as a limiting factor for exterior storage.

President Jaberg further discussed the details of Staff’s recommendation and asked the applicants if they had considered creating a loading zone for the customers to pick up their purchases.  Attorney McIllnay stated that they would discuss the idea and that they would work with Staff.

President Jaberg stated that the proposed text amendment should list “bulk storage” and not “bulk sales” as originally proposed and directed staff to prepare comparisons of allowing “bulk storage” at other businesses within the Village.  President Jaberg also voiced concerns over cleaning under and around the display area as well as the safety of propane storage in front of the store.

Commissioner Raffensperger stated that a four (4) foot height limitation, instead of the originally proposed three (3) foot limit, should be considered.

The Plan Commission directed Staff to work with the Sterling’s and Attorney McIllnay to pursue a formal text amendment proposal to list “bulk storage” as a conditional use within the B3 Commercial district.

 

VI.       NEW BUSINESS

 

A)     Review and recommend the Certified Survey Map for 6720 W. Dean Road, requested by Franklin Bruns and Laurie Wilhelm.

Mr. Thyes gave a brief presentation about the proposal.

 

It was moved by Commissioner Raffensperger and seconded by Commissioner Bellehumeur to approve and recommend the Certified Survey Map for 6720 W. Dean Road with the recommended corrections to the Village Board for final review.  The motion carried unanimously.

 

B)     Review and recommend the Development Agreement for 4400 W. Brown Deer Road for the establishment of a motor vehicle sales establishment, requested by Audi of Brown Deer.

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

 

Attorney Debbie Tomczyk and Jason Pyne of Christopher Kidd architectural firm updated the Plan Commission on the proposal and stated that they are willing to accommodate Staff’s recommendations.

President Jaberg inquired about the storm water management plans.  Mr. Pyne discussed the storm water detention basin and how the basin would be oriented to discharge into the storm sewer on Deer Brook Trail.

President Jaberg inquired about the amount of parking and how it would change with the revisions to the landscaping.  Mr. Pyne stated that islands were added to break up the parking lot and the landscaping around the storm water retention pond was expanded, but there would still be enough spaces to meet the requirements of the zoning code.

Mr. Van Gompel asked how much of a buffer would be along the north end of the property.  Mr. Pyne stated that there would be approximately 80 feet of green space along the north lot line.

Trustee Schilz asked for a statement from Larry Neitzel about the driveway spacing requirements.

President Jaberg discussed some corrections and additions to the development agreement, and stated her concern over auto sales taking place on other parcels within the business park.  Mr. Van Gompel stated that each parcel is subject to its own development agreement, and that an individual’s agreement would have to be amended to allow sales on their particular property.

Trustee Schilz inquired about possible light pollution onto adjacent parcels.  Mr. Pyne stated that there would be minimal, if any, light carrying over to neighboring lots.

 

 

It was moved by Commissioner Raffensperger and seconded by Commissioner Bellehumeur to approve and recommend the Amendment to the 1977 Development Agreement for the Brown Deer Business Park to list “motor vehicle sales establishments” as a permitted use within the Business Park with the recommended corrections to the Village Board for final review.  The motion carried unanimously.

 

It was moved by Commissioner Raffensperger and seconded by Commissioner Nees to approve and recommend the Supplemental Development Agreement with Audi of Brown Deer to the Village Board for final review.  The motion carried unanimously.

 

 

C)     Review and recommend the Development Agreement for 4134 W. River Lane for the establishment of a restaurant with associated alcoholic beverage sales, requested by Jacob Dean Enterprises, LLC.

Mr. Thyes reviewed the proposal for the Plan Commission.

Greg Pardo, of Jacob Dean Enterprises, LLC, gave a presentation about the proposed restaurant and showed examples of how the building would be changed.  Mr. Pardo also stated that the existing sign structure would be preserved, with only the business name being changed.  Dean Gardner, of Jacob Dean Enterprises LLC, added to the comments about the restaurant business proposal

Commissioner Raffensperger asked if the remodeling would be completed prior to the restaurant opening.  Mr. Pardo stated that it would be completed.

Commissioner Stone voiced concerns over the size of the waiting room area, and the possible overflow of people outside.  Mr. Pardo stated that there will be benches along the east side of the building.

Commissioner Stone asked if the waiting crowd could be contained within the building.  Mr. Pardo stated that the 7’ x 7’ waiting area should be sufficient because the goal of the business is to remain small and personable.

Commissioner Raffensperger asked if liquor sales were necessary for the restaurant.  Mr. Pardo responded by saying that he does not want liquor sales per say, only a few Mexican drinks with the meals, and not the preparation of specialty drinks.

President Jaberg invited comment from the citizens that requested to speak on the issue under “Persons Desiring to be Heard”.

Karen Krolikowski discussed concerns over people outside of the restaurant, parking overflow, traffic concerns as well as preserving the feel of the original village area.  Mr. Pardo stated that the site should accommodate customer parking and that the business would be small enough to personally address any concerns or complaints.  Dean Gardner stated that the Audio Emporium parking lot could also accommodate overflow parking.

Brad Epstein stated that people would not be willing to stand and wait, but instead would leave for another restaurant.  Mr. Epstein also stated that he is in favor of the proposal.

Bill Spransy requested the denial of the liquor license and spoke against the restaurant proposal as a whole.

Craig Epstein stated that business would be difficult at that location, however is excited to see a new Mexican restaurant in the area.

Trustee Schilz asked for clarification of the hours of operation and the number of employees.  Mr. Gardner asked if it would be possible to open at 6:00 a.m. instead of the proposed 7:30 a.m., and stated that dinner would be served until 10:00 p.m. and that there would be two (2) full time employees, and two (2) or three (3) part time employees.

President Jaberg asked if the hours of operation can be restricted in conjunction with a liquor license being issued.  Mr. Van Gompel stated that it is possible to restrict the hours with the development agreement.

Trustee Schilz stated his concerns about the proposed name of the restaurant and the image it may portray.  Mr. Pardo discussed how the name “Poco Loco” was created.  Mr. Gardner stated that a name change could be open for discussion.

Trustee Schilz inquired about the history of Mr. Gardner’s previous restaurant.  Mr. Gardener stated that his restaurant on Brown Deer Road closed due to issues with a new landlord.

Commissioner Nees asked for a clarification of the 10:00 p.m. closing time.  Mr. Pardo stated that food would be served until 10:00 p.m., but no new business after 10:00. 

Commissioner Raffensperger stated that service would be until 10:00.

President Jaberg asked if the previous Conditional Use Permits for the site would have to be rescinded.  Mr. Thyes stated that staff will check with the Village Attorney.

President Jaberg voiced concerns over the commencement of interior remodeling prior to a development agreement.  Mr. Thyes stated that he and Bob Premo, the building inspector, had met with the applicants and determined that the remodeling was minor and therefore the applicants could proceed at their own risk because the approval of the use was not guaranteed.  Mr. Pederson added that the building board would have to review any exterior changes to the building.

Trustee Schilz asked staff to notify the neighbors to attend the Village Board meeting.

It was moved by Commissioner Raffensperger and seconded by Commissioner Nees to approve and recommend the Development Agreement for a “restaurant with associated alcoholic beverage sales” at 4134 W. River Lane to the Village Board for final review.  The motion carried unanimously.

 

D)     Complete the 6-month review of the amendment to the Conditional Use Permit issued to Hospitality Child Care on January 5, 2004.

Mr. Thyes briefly discussed the status of the situation and reviewed the initial amendment request.  Mr. Thyes asked the Plan Commission to extend the review of the extended hours for another 6 months.

 

Mr. Van Gompel suggested that the review period be limited to 3 months due to the redevelopment efforts for the Commerce Center site.

 

Trustee Baker asked if the extended hours would be carried over through the relocation of the day care center, if the Commerce Center is redeveloped.  

 

Mr. Thyes stated that the Village Attorney has recommended that the permit not be recorded until after the Village Board grants the final approval to make the permit continuous, thus leaving the option to revoke the permit open.

 

It was moved by Commissioner Bellehumeur and seconded by Commissioner Raffensperger to extend the Conditional Use Permit’s review period for an additional three (3) months.  The motion carried unanimously.

VII.      ADJOURNMENT

 

It was moved by Commissioner Raffensperger and seconded by Commissioner Bellehumeur to adjourn at 9:58 P.M.  The motion carried unanimously.

 

 

 

 

_____________________________________________

Andrew K. Pederson,

Assistant Village Manager/Community Services Director