PLAN COMMISSION

May 27, 2010                                                                                                                                     

 

Members present:  Knudson, Burchill, Vance and Casanova

 

Others present:  Dean Hanson, Jennifer and David Prissel, Mark Loughney, Sarah Atkins, Josh Bernhard and others.

 

The meeting was called to order by Chairman Knudson at 7:00 p.m.

 

A motion was made by Burchill, seconded by Casanova to approve the April 22, 2010 meeting minutes.  Motion carried.

 

Public hearing and consideration of an application for conditional use permit by Dean Hanson, 1001 First Street to construct a stairwell in his rear yard.  Knudson reviewed the public hearing notice.  Darnold commented that Mr. Hanson proposes to construct a four-foot wide wood stairwell in his rear yard to allow him to access his rear yard as there is a 10 ½ foot change in elevation between his front and rear yard areas.  The stairwell will be constructed entirely on his private property.  Chairman Knudson asked for comments in regard to the proposed stairwell.

 

David Prissel, 1008 First Street thanked the plan commission for listening to comments from the First Street and Myrtle Street neighborhood in regard to Dean Hanson’s application for a conditional use permit.  Prissel noted there are three matters of concern for the neighborhood:  a) Prissel expressed that he hoped the neighborhood maintains a friendly neighborhood and that consideration of this type of matter does not become divisive.  b)  The location of the stairwell is an issue as it is proposed on the southern most edge of the Hanson property, and it is unknown what impact that may have in regard to the city proposing a pathway through the 30 foot area owned by the city.  c)  That something is done to improve the 30 foot wide area owned by the city, located south of the Hanson residence.  Prissel noted he is unsure what may be developed on that property and that there is no consensus of the residents of the neighborhood as to how they would like to see it developed.  Some residents would like to have access provided to the pathway along the river and others do not want access at that location.  Prissel noted that city property is being used for storage, that trees and a garden have been planted in the area and that potentially a sprinkler system has been placed within the area.

 

Sarah Atkins, 925 First Street noted that she has lived at her residence since 2004.  Atkins noted that she is pleased to learn that the stairs will be placed on Mr. Hanson’s property.  She requested that as the city reviews any projects along or near the pathway and or St. Croix River that the city considers the environmental impact of those projects.  Projects that may require a high degree of maintenance or use of chemicals should be reviewed, Atkins noted.  Atkins expressed concern about the amount of milfoil that is in the bay area of the river and the conditions that limit the recreational use of the river.  She asked the city to approve only things that are environmentally friendly for the river.

 

Mark Loughney, 1000 First Street commented that he has been of the understanding that the city would improve the area between the Hanson and Atkins residences for a pathway and for stormwater utility improvements and that there would be views of the river.  Loughney expressed that the Hanson stairwell should be moved to the north to not infringe on the city constructing a pathway in the future.

 

 

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May 27, 2010

 

 

Josh Bernhard, 926 First Street stated he has lived at his residence since 2002 and that it has been his understanding that the city would extend a pathway on the city property from First Street to the pathway along the river.  Bernhard also expressed concern that a stairwell at its proposed location may interfere with the city extending a pathway in the future.  He expressed hope that the city would develop a pathway on the city property as it would be an asset to the community.

 

Dean Hanson commented that the proposed location of the staircase was chosen because a retaining wall exists on his lot that was built as part of the old stormwater system and that an existing wall provides a solid point to anchor the stairwell.  Hanson opined that if the city does construct a pathway it most likely will be near the center of the 30 foot wide area; thus, there would be separation between the city and private stairwells.  Hanson emphasized that by placing the stairs in the proposed location it will be easier to maintain as it will not be subject to snow accumulations and easier to maintain the vegetative growth.

 

A motion was made by Burchill, seconded by Casanova to close the public hearing.  Motion carried.  7:14 p.m.

 

Darnold commented that the city had reduced the Myrtle Street right of way area, through a partial vacation, to 30 feet wide with the intent that the city may in the future construct a storm water main and also a pathway connecting the sidewalk on First Street to the pathway along the river.  Also at the time of that review the fire chief had raised the issue of emergency access to the river pathway.  Darnold commented that in regard to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WisDNR) not approving a pathway / stairwell on the city property.  Darnold opined that it is his experience that WisDNR is very cooperative in working with communities to achieve access and that each lot is allowed to have a stairwell, including the city.  Darnold suggested to the neighbors that if they desire a pathway between First Street and the river pathway to go to the Park Board to express their views.

 

In regard to the location of the stairwell on Mr. Hanson’s property, Darnold noted that he hoped that there may be some possibility of moving the stairwell three to five feet to the north to reduce any concern of the location.  Knudson asked Hanson about the possibility of moving the stairwell to the north.  Hanson reiterated that this is the best location to construct the stairwell so that it will not be impacted by snow accumulations and that it will be easier to maintain the vegetation.

 

Vance asked about the slope.  Hanson noted that with the old retaining wall that was constructed for the stormwater system that the slope is nearly straight up and down.

 

Burchill asked if the WisDNR had approved or commented on the project.  Darnold stated that he sent WisDNR the hearing notice and project information, and they have not responded.  Burchill asked if a setback is required.  Darnold commented that stairwells are not considered buildings, and a setback for this type of improvement has not been required.  For instance, a stairwell in the front yard does not require a setback.  Knudson asked about stairways to decks.  Darnold noted that if a stairway is required to provide access they are allowed to be constructed in a setback area.

 

 

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May 27, 2010

 

 

Knudson emphasized the separation of the two issues in regard to the future development of the city’s 30 foot wide area and the staircase proposed on Mr. Hanson’s private property.

 

Darnold recommended approval.

 

A motion was made by Burchill, seconded by Vance to approve the application for conditional use permit to construct a four (4) foot wide, wood stairwell in the rear yard at 1001 First Street as proposed by Dean Hanson, seconded by Vance.  Motion carried.

 

Casanova commented that the Park Board does not have any plans at this date to extend a pathway from First Street to the pathway along the river and that the neighborhood has not previously expressed support of a pathway be developed.

 

Certified survey map (CSM) to create two, zero-lot line lots at 2213 Namekagon Street – Judith Olson.  Darnold commented that the proposed certified survey map (CSM) meets the criteria for this type of subdivision.  A copy of a parcel map showing the two-family residential lots and which lots have received approval for creating zero-lot line lots was presented by Darnold.  Darnold recommended approval of the proposed CSM to create two, zero-lot line lots as proposed by Judith Olson.  A motion was made by Casanova, seconded by Burchill to approve the certified survey map (CSM) as proposed by Judith Olson to create two, zero-lot line lots on lot 40 of St. Croix Valley Park (2213 Namekagon Street) and to require that the proposed party wall agreement be filed with the St. Croix County Register of Deeds upon execution with a copy to be provided to the city.  Motion carried.

 

Amendments to Chapter 202, Signs - Community Development Director.  Knudson commented that the city attorney expressed concern about regulating the content of messages that may be displayed on the electronic message display signs, such as off-premise advertising.  Knudson further explained that the city attorney is reviewing the existing sign ordinance and the proposed amendments to the sign ordinance as to provisions that may have concerns in regard to constitutionality.  It was agreed that the recommendations of the plan commission and community development director would be forwarded to the city attorney for review before the plan commission forwards a recommendation to the Common Council.  Darnold commented that the city attorney and he agree that a public hearing should be conducted on the overall comprehensive amendment to the sign ordinance.  Vance commented that the public needs to understand that in the consideration of recommending amendments to the sign ordinance that enforceability and constitutionality must be addressed.

 

Other business for discussion purposes only.  Darnold will forward a memo asking for availability of members to meet the week of June 21st.

 

A motion was made by Casanova, seconded by Vance to adjourn.  Motion carried.  7:44 p.m.

 

Respectfully submitted,

Dennis Darnold, Secretary