PLAN COMMISSION
July 8, 2010
Members present: Knudson, Burchill, Yoerg, Olson and Radermacher
Others present: Patrick Richter, Pat and Jerry Johnson, Gail Snyder, Gordon Conard and Denny Darnold
The meeting was called to order by Chairman Knudson at 7:00 p.m. Knudson introduced Mr. Paul Radermacher as a new plan commission member. Mr. Radermacher is chairman of the park board.
A motion was made by Burchill, seconded by Yoerg to approve the May 27, 2010 meeting minutes.
Motion carried.
Public hearing and consideration of an application for a conditional use permit to erect a 24’ x 76’ temporary classroom at 1232 Fifth Street (north of the Trinity Academy parking lot) – Good Shepherd Christian Academy. Knudson reviewed the public hearing notice. Darnold suggested that Mr. Patrick Richter, Good Shepherd Christian Academy be given an opportunity to present their request. Richter noted that he is a teacher and board member of Good Shepherd Christian Academy and that the academy has existed previous to 2009 for 27 years in River Falls. In 2009 the academy was hosted by Trinity Lutheran Church. Richter stated that they propose a temporary classroom for high school students for two to three years to be located north of the west parking lot at Trinity Lutheran Church and Trinity Academy. The structure is 24 feet x 76 feet.
Pat Johnson, 1302 Fifth Street stated that their home is located just north of the proposed location and is concerned about the general orientation and appearance of the proposed temporary building and asked about the number of students that may be at the school. A set of plans showing the proposed location was provided. Richter answered that there will be seven students with the hope to expand the number of students to 15.
Richter responded that the structure will be located on the south side of the vacant residence at 1232 Fifth Street and about six feet north of the parking lot. Darnold and Yoerg commented that with the lilac shrubs on the north side of the lot and the vacant residence in place the temporary structure would be difficult to see. Darnold commented that the structure would be more visible to the residences on the west side of Fifth Street.
Jerry Johnson, 1302 Fifth Street asked what the temporary structure may look like. Pictures of the structure were provided.
A motion was made by Burchill, seconded by Yoerg to close
the public hearing. Motion carried.
Radermacher asked for a clarification whether the request was for two or three years. Darnold stated the city could only approve for two years.
Yoerg asked about the vacant house, would it need to be removed. Darnold responded that the academy proposes to use the water and sanitary sewer services that the residence is connected to and that the residence would need to remain vacant. Yoerg asked about parking. Richter responded that he felt that parking would not be a problem as there will be only about four students that drive to class and
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July 8, 2010
that parking on the street is one possibility and also on the upper (east parking lot) on days that other church activities do not need the parking lot.
Burchill asked about the hours of classes and if that conflicted with the hours of Willow River School. Richter noted that classes are from 8:30 a.m. to 3:25 p.m. and that those are the hours to try to avoid the congestion in the area as Willow River school students arrive / depart.
Yoerg asked about outside activities. Richter noted that the students use the nearby parks and have field trips.
Darnold recommended that a motion for approval should consider the recommendations of the building inspector (7-8-10 memo) and fire inspector (7-6-10 memo).
Olson asked about the trees. Darnold commented that he thought the structure may be reoriented which would save some but not all the trees. It was noted that Trinity Lutheran Church has given permission for the trees to be removed.
A motion was made by Burchill, seconded by Yoerg to
recommend to the Common Council approval of a conditional use permit to Good
Shepherd Christian Academy at 1232 Fifth Street for a 24’x76’ temporary
classroom for two (2) years with the condition that the recommendations of the
building inspector (7-8-10 memo) and fire inspector (7-6-10 memo) be complied
with prior to issuance of an occupancy permit.
Motion carried.
Yoerg asked if the residence at 1232 Fifth Street may be removed during the two year period as the church has considered razing the residence. Darnold stated there is no reason the residence could be removed.
Conditional use permit review for outside storage at 1500 Crest View Drive – Valley Pools and Spas of Hudson. Darnold stated that Valley Pools and Spas have been compliant with the requirements of the conditional use permit and have always cooperated when asked to correct any conditions. Darnold recommended renewal of the conditional use permit for three years (2013).
A motion was made by Burchill, seconded by Radermacher to recommend approval of the renewal of the conditional use permit for outside storage / display of pools and spas to Valley Pools and Spas, 1500 Crest View Drive for three (3) years, to 2013, with conditions of the initial approval:
- Only display of pools and spas
- Display area enclosed by 5’ fence that can be secured.
Motion carried.
Amendments to Municipal Code Chapter 202 Signs – Community Development Director. Knudson commented that the city attorney’s review, comments and recommendations have not been completed.
Knudson noted that an issue has come up in recent days in regard to political signs as there was a District Court decision in 2004 and Wisconsin Statutes that do not allow cities to restrict placement of campaign signs for a specified time prior to an election.
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July 8, 2010
The plan commission requested to continue to move forward in review of the update of the sign ordinance as soon a possible.
Other business for information purposes only or for upcoming agenda. Darnold commented that the next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, July 22nd, 7:00 p.m. and the meetings in August are tentatively scheduled for August 5 and 26.
A motion was made by Yoerg, seconded by Radermacher to adjourn. Motion carried. 7:28 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Dennis Darnold, Secretary