Plan Commission Meeting Minutes – September 5, 2019

PLAN COMMISSION

A meeting of the City of Kaukauna Plan Commission was called to order at 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 5, 2019, by Chairman Penterman.

Members Present: Coenen, Feldt, Moore, Oldenburg, Penterman, Schoenike, Sundelius, Thiele.

Also Present: Planning Director Jakel, Principal Planner Brunette, Planning/Engineering Technician Holmes, Assistant Fire Chief Schneider.

1. Minutes. A motion to approve the minutes of the August 8, 2019, meeting was made by Moore, seconded by Coenen. All members voted aye. Motion carried.
2. Wayfinding Signage Report. Ms. Brunette explained that staff worked with East Central Wisconsin Regional Plan Commission on developing a sign inventory that considered the condition and location/placement of signs throughout the community as well as any gaps and inconsistencies with the logo’s use. Destinations such as parks, schools, and medical facilities were identified and ranked by tier with higher tier destinations having priority relative to sign placement and number. Ms. Brunette explained that there is significant need for signage along trails to promote amenities within the City to out of town trail users. ECWRPC suggests 70 potential combinations of signs. Ms. Brunette explained that the Council has expressed an interest in a rebranding campaign and the rolling out of the new signs could be done in conjunction with that project. Mr. Jakel explained that the trails are not sufficiently signed and people on bikes or trails may not be using smartphone apps. Mr. Coenen asked if markers along trails may be helpful in emergency situations. Ms. Brunette explained that it would likely be beneficial in emergencies as well as a way to promote amenities that the City has invested in but promoted enough.
3. Recreation and Open Space Master Plan. Ms. Brunette explained that the somewhat technical plan is a complete overview and required by state statute. The Recreation Department could also utilize the plan in the grant application process. A large part of the plan is an inventory of amenities in each park. Ms. Brunette explained that an online survey received over 350 responses, mostly current users of our parks as well as some residents who use parks outside the community. The new inventory classifies parks by how they are used versus acreage. The goal is to make the plan interactive on the website as a digital experience. Ms. Thiele commented that the report was well done and asked about the process for implementing its suggestions. Ms. Brunette explained that the plan will be forwarded to the Recreation and Street Departments for input on implementation and maintenance. The plan includes “wish list” items that obviously couldn’t all happen at once. Ms. Brunette explained that the number one suggestion from the online survey was the extension of the CE Trail, which is a slow process due to the multi-jurisdictional nature. Mr. Jakel explained that the Plan Commission and Council could be asked to amend ordinances relative to dogs in parks as the trend is to allow access. Mr. Moore explained that language should address emotional-support animals. Ms. Brunette explained that allowing dogs in parks could be a philosophic question for the Council. Ms. Brunette explained that she encountered several instances where ordinances and signage did not match. Mr. Moore asked if it would be possible to have some type of map overlay to determine the walking distance to a park. Mr. Moore also asked about signage a Hydro Park identifying the prairie and explaining why it is not mowed. Mr. Jakel explained that he is working the Mike Pedersen on signage and applications for grant funds. Mr. Coenen asked about the potential to sponsor or donate a bench along a trail as a way to enhance parks and keep the community involved. Chairman Penterman explained that there is already substantial interest in that concept. Ms. Brunette explained that the Village of Little Chute has a solid park donation process relative to maintenance and life expectancy and suggested implementing clear guidelines to avoid a potentially uncomfortable situation. Mr. Feldt explained that utility-owned Rapide Croche should be annexed into the City. Mr. Schoenike explained that he liked the destination-playground option. Mr. Feldt agreed. Mr. Moore suggested a fenced-in area within parks to keep young children within a smaller area. Ms. Thiele explained that a splash pad/picnic area could hold its own against a municipal pool and might appeal more towards children with special needs. Mr. Feldt asked about including the Girl Scout Camp trail in the plan. Ms. Brunette explained that there is some confusing signage and staff is working to verify ownership as part of the 1000 Islands property. Mr. Coenen asked if pictures within the plan could be linked to a map online. Ms. Brunette explained that staff will work with the Recreation Department to make the plan mobile-friendly and interactive. A motion to recommend to the Council approval of the Recreation and Open Space Master Plan was made by Moore, seconded by Thiele. All members voted aye. Motion carried.
   
4. Site Plan Review for Randy Otto. Mr. Jakel explained that the site plan is for informational purposes only as this has been a difficult project with multiple reviews by Plan Commission. The driveway on CTH KK will be reduced in size for more direct access to the back of the property.
   
   

There being no further business to be brought before the Commission, a motion to adjourn the meeting at 4:50 p.m. was made by Schoenike, seconded by Sundelius. All members voted aye. Motion carried.

Julianne Schroeder
Community Development Coordinator