Plan Commission Meeting Minutes – February 7, 2019

A meeting of the City of Kaukauna Plan Commission was called to order at 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 7, 2019, by Chairman Penterman.

Members Present: Coenen, Feldt, McGinnis, Moore, Penterman, Schoenike, and Sundelius.

Absent and Excused: Oldenberg.

Also Present: Planning Director Jakel, Principal Planner Watson, Assistant Fire Chief Grindheim, Planning/Engineering Tech Holmes, Alderman DeCoster, Media.

• Excuse the Absent. A motion to excuse the absent Commission member was made by Coenen, seconded by Moore. All members voted aye. Motion carried.
  

• Minutes. A motion to approve the minutes of the January 24, 2019, meeting was made by Moore, seconded by Coenen. All members voted aye. Motion carried.
  

• Public Hearing – Special Exception for Hotel at 222 Lawe Street. Chairman Penterman declared the public hearing open at 4:01 p.m. and asked three times if anyone present wanted to speak in favor of or in opposition to the Special Exception permitting the placement and operation of a 60-room hotel at 222 Lawe Street. No one appeared. Chairman Penterman declared the public hearing closed at 4:02 p.m.
  

• Special Exception for Hotel at 222 Lawe Street. Mr. Jakel explained that as part of the Special Exception review process, the Plan Commission could approve the request as is, approve it with conditions, or deny it. If zoning permits the request by Special Exception, it’s use cannot be denied, however, Mr. Jakel asked the Commission to consider the following:
  
  1. The use is not detrimental to adjoining properties.
     
  2. The use is compatible and enhances the surrounding properties. The project is part of a long-range plan for the area that includes residential to the south.
     
  3. The project site can be immediately connected to infrastructure.
     
  4. Storm water can be managed via a regional storm pond pending approval by the Engineering Department.
     
  5. Vehicles will access the site off Lawe Street. A cross easement with the Kwik Trip property allows secondary ingress/egress.
     
  6. There is sufficient on-site parking with access to additional on-street and municipal parking.
     

  Mr. Jakel explained that there is a proposed residential project to the southeast of the site which will also require a Special Exception. Approval of the Special Exception does not imply any additional approvals including state-approved plans, codes, architectural drawings, etc. The Redevelopment Authority will review the building façade once the design is finalized, which will all be in accordance with Grand Stay specifications.
  

  Chairman Penterman asked if tapping into Kwik Trip’s storm water detention pond would be an option or would they need to be separate to avoid issues with possible contamination. Mr. Jakel explained the WDNR requires separate ponds due to the contamination possibility. Mr. McGinnis asked about parking restrictions on municipal lots. Ms. Watson explained that there are designated areas for overnight parking with a permit, other spots are limited to four hours. Mr. Moore asked about the possibility of changing those restrictions for employees of the hotel. Mr. Jakel explained that on-site parking is preferable. Ms. Watson explained that the City does not offer alternative parking options to other downtown merchants. Mr. Feldt asked about trailer or boat parking for guests. Mr. Jakel explained that issue has been brought up to the developer who is considering several options. Mr. Schoenike asked about plans for the vacant lot next to the car wash. Mr. Jakel explained that it could be considered for overflow parking or access for the proposed residential units in the back. Mr. Coonen explained that large truck parking and driver accommodations could be considered as well. Mr. Schoenike asked about the average room fee per night. Mr. Coenen explained that he has stayed in Grand Stay hotels in the past and they typically run around $110 per night, with rooms with different options costing more.
  

  A motion to recommend to the Council approval of the Special Exception request to place and operate a 60-room hotel at 222 Lawe Street was made by McGinnis, seconded by Sundelius. All members voted aye. Motion carried.
  

There being no further business to be brought before the Commission, a motion to adjourn the meeting at 4:25 p.m. was made by Sundelius, seconded by Moore. All members voted aye. Motion carried.

Julianne Schroeder

Community Development Coordinator