COMMON COUNCIL Minutes - 1/14/2020
Approved
CITY OF MUSKEGO
COMMON COUNCIL MINUTES
January 14, 2020
6:00 PM
Muskego City Hall, W182 S8200 Racine
Avenue
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Chiaverotti called the meeting to order at 6:18 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Present: Alderpersons Wolfe, Hammel, Borgman, Kapusta, Engelhardt, Kubacki and
Madden. Also present: City Attorney Warchol, Public Works and Development Director
Kroeger, Planning Manager Trzebiatowski and Deputy Clerk Blenski.
STATEMENT OF PUBLIC NOTICE
The Deputy Clerk stated that the meeting was noticed in accordance with the open
meeting law.
PUBLIC COMMENT
The following spoke regarding the Home Path Financial development and proposed
rezoning (Ordinance #1440):
Debra Bolton, W186 S7543 Kingston Drive
Robert Bliese, S77 W17458 St. Leonards Drive
Gary Kierzek, S77 W17482 St. Leonards Drive
Casey Fischer, S77 W17436 St. Leonards Drive
Darlene Bliese, S77 W17458 St. Leonards Drive
Daniel Miller, W173 S7661 Westwood Drive
CONSENT AGENDA
Alderperson Kubacki moved to approve. Alderperson Madden seconded; motion
carried. The following items were approved:
An Operator License for Ryan Larscheidt, Brianna Lipinski, Dennis Najoom, Miranda
Peters, Christina Potis, Jessica Smith and Erin Stehofsky
Common Council Minutes for December 10, 2019
Resolution #001-2020 - Approval Authorizing Representative to Sign and Submit the
Recycling Grants to Responsible Units Grant Application
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Ordinance #1440 – An Ordinance to Amend the Zoning Map and 2020 Comprehensive
Plan of the City of Muskego (Home Path Financial LP – B-3 and RS-3 to PD). On the
floor, deferred 12/10/2019.
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January 14, 2020
Planner Trzebiatowski gave a brief update regarding the petitioner’s requests. Home
Path Financial has submitted requests for rezoning, an amendment to the 2020
Comprehensive Plan, approval of a Certified Survey Map and Condominium Plat for a
future development. The site is proposed to be rezoned from B-3 – General Business
District and RS-3 – Suburban Residential District to PD – Planned Development District
based on the underlying zoning of RM-2 – Multiple Family Residence District and B-3 –
General Business District. The 2020 Comprehensive Plan is proposed to amend the
area currently identified as Commercial Use to Medium Density Residential and
Commercial Uses. The developer is requesting a total of 18 units within 9 duplex
buildings. Mr. Trzebiatowski noted that the developer did not request a density bonus.
Mayor Chiaverotti stated that Article IX. Planned Development Districts, Section 400-
82. Determination; basis for approval was sent to all the Council members. Developers
rely on the City’s Code when purchasing property and submitting proposals.
City Attorney Warchol stated the following:
An Ordinance was adopted in 2015 to rezone the property and allow 16
residential units. That Ordinance remains in effect.
The provisions in the Municipal Code (Section 400-82) outline the basis for
approval of a Planned Development District. He encouraged the Council to keep
the City’s Code in mind when making a determination.
A Protest Petition was filed by Ms. Bolton and Mr. Bliese. The petition has been
determined to be valid. Approval of the Ordinance requires a supermajority vote
(6 out of 7).
Any Council member who votes to deny should state the reasons. It is important
that an accurate record of the Council’s actions be created.
Alderperson Wolfe questioned why reasons for denial had to be stated. He also stated
he has an issue with the road within the development being public. Other condo
developments have private roads, which he prefers. Attorney Warchol stated that the
City cannot require a private road. The Mayor stated that whether or not the road is
public or private has nothing to do with rezoning the property. Alderperson Wolfe stated
the original proposal reflected that the road was private.
Mayor Chiaverotti stated her recommendation is to approve 18 units. There is no basis
for denial. She acknowledged that the recommendation from the Plan Commission was
for 16 units. However, the final decision is made by the Council.
Alderperson Borgman stated 16 units and a private road were approved in 2015. He
will not consider another option.
Planner Trzebiatowski stated the original proposal approved in 2015 was very
preliminary. It was a concept at best. Roads being public or private is not a zoning
issue. That should be discussed at the time of the Building, Site and Operation Plan.
He further noted that in 2015, the intent was that the Ingold residence would remain on
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January 14, 2020
the site. A public road would not have been an option. Now that the residence is gone,
a public road is possible.
Mayor Chiaverotti asked if the developer wanted to address the Council.
Ed Woodland, representative for Home Path Financial LP Team, was present. He
made the following comments:
The property was rezoned in 2015 to allow 16 new units with the existing Ingold
residence and outbuilding to remain. The total number of units was 18. The
same number of units is requested by Home Path Financial.
A public road can be beneficial for everybody.
A single-family development is not an option.
The site is very difficult to develop.
Home Path Financial relies on the City’s ordinances, zoning, staff, and public
officials to deal in good faith.
Home Path Financial believes the proposal will be an enhancement to the
community. A total of 18 units is respectfully requested to be approved.
Attorney Warchol noted that Mr. Woodland is stating the proposal has met the City’s
Code. If you are going to deny the proposal, the reasons why should be stated.
Alderperson Kubacki agreed.
Alderperson Kubacki called for the question. Alderperson Hammel seconded;
motion carried.
Vote on the Ordinance as presented: Alderperson Madden, Kubacki, Engelhardt,
Hammel and Wolfe voted yes. Alderperson Kapusta voted no based on the
recommendation of the Plan Commission; Alderperson Borgman voted no based
on the recommendation of the Plan Commission and the original approval for the
property. Motion to adopt Ordinance #1440 failed. The original proposal adopted in
2015 for 16 units remains in effect. Alderperson Kubacki stated that the reasons given
for denial were not in accordance with Chapter 400 of the Municipal Code. Mayor
Chiaverotti and Attorney Warchol concurred. Mr. Woodland wanted it noted for the
record that Home Path Financial objects to the reasons for denial.
Resolution #101-2019 – Approval of a Certified Survey Map and Condominium Plat for
Home Path Financial. On the floor, deferred 12/10/2019. Mr. Woodland stated that
Home Path Financial would withdraw the submittal. Attorney Warchol stated the
Council should take action even though Ordinance #1440 failed. Motion failed with 7
no votes.
REVIEW OF COMMITTEE REPORTS
Finance Committee – November 26, 2019
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January 14, 2020
VOUCHER APPROVAL
Utility Vouchers
Alderperson Kubacki made a motion to approve Utility Vouchers in the amount of
$158,818.68. Alderperson Engelhardt seconded; motion carried.
Tax Vouchers
Alderperson Kubacki made a motion to approve Tax Vouchers in the amount of
$18,909.65. Alderperson Madden seconded; motion carried.
General Fund Vouchers
Alderperson Kubacki made a motion to approve General Fund Vouchers in the
amount of $362,803.59. Alderperson Hammel seconded; motion carried.
Wire Transfers for Payroll/Invoice Transmittals
Alderperson Kubacki made a motion to approve Wire Transfers for
Payroll/Invoice Transmittals in the amount of $404,068.91. Alderperson Kapusta
seconded; motion carried.
COMMUNICATIONS AND MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS
There were no updates from the Aldermanic Liaisons.
ADJOURNMENT
Alderperson Madden made a motion to adjourn at 7:29 p.m. Alderperson Wolfe
seconded; motion carried.
Minutes taken and transcribed by Jill Blenski, Deputy Clerk.