Commuinity Development Authority- MINUTES - 1/18/2011
CITY OF MUSKEGO Approved 2/15/11
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY (CDA)
MINUTES
TUESDAY, January 18, 2011
Chairman Glazier called the meeting of the Community Development Authority to order at 6:00 PM
Those in attendance recited the Pledge of Allegiance.
STATEMENT OF PUBLIC NOTICE
The meeting was posted in accordance with the Open Meeting Law.
PRESENT: Commissioners Kathy Chiaverotti, Rob Glazier, Gail Konkel, Larry Lefebvre, Ald. Harenda,
Ald. Soltysiak and Executive Director Muenkel
ABSENT: Steve Whittow (excused)
GUESTS: Ald. Neil Borgman, John Sutzner, Kathleen Baas, Corinne Baas, Gerald Kurth, Joanne Kurth,
Dick Rozek, Mike Fitzgerald, Jill Fitzgerald, et.al.
APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES OF October 19, 2010 and December 21, 2010
Ald. Harenda moved to approve the minutes of October 19, 2010 meeting. Commissioner
Lefebvre seconded. Upon a voice vote, the motion carried.
Ald. Harenda moved to approve the minutes of December 21, 2010 meeting. Commissioner
Lefebvre seconded. Upon a voice vote, the motion carried.
PUBLIC HEARING: To Consider Adoption of an Amended Project Plan for Redevelopment District #1
Chairman Glazier advised those in attendance that the public hearing was to consider the adoption of
an amended project plan for Redevelopment District #1 and to gather public input.
Reading of Public Notice by the Secretary
Notice was read by Executive Director Muenkel. He added that it was published twice and ten days
before this hearing date.
Presentation by Jeff Muenkel, Community Development Director
Executive Director Jeff Muenkel gave a short power-point presentation on the project plan. After the
presentation, there would be a time for those in attendance to address the CDA members. Written
comments or questions would also be accepted. He showed where the current boundaries of the
district were and where they were on the amended draft. He gave some background information on
why the redevelopment district was created in 2003. Redevelopment districts are generally created to
revitalize a declining urban area. With the amendment, the CDA was looking to change the boundaries
and add some objectives and goals into the program. He highlighted the following:
Identify the properties for development opportunities
General cleanup of the properties to meet the city’s property maintenance ordinance
Clean-up renewal program
Beautification and gateways to identify the area
Financial implementation measures such as low-interest loans and matching grants
Other incentive techniques such as marketing, retention plans, business contact list,
infrastructure improvements
To move forward with this plan, they would need to adopt the plan and recommend to the Common
Council. The CDA members can change the plan based on the public input from this meeting. When
the Common Council does approve the plan, the CDA would then see to its implementation.
Statements by those present wishing to speak for or against
CDA Minutes Page 2
January 18, 2011
John Sutzner (Janesville Road) asked if it would be better to move the school buses and Veolia to the
other industrial park instead of the Tess Corners Industrial Park? Chairman Glazier responded that this
is something the business owners would want to do. Executive Director Muenkel stated the CDA
needs to work with them to get their properties cleaned up. Try to work with Veolia to improve their lot.
They could make their fence line for the business more appealing. He mentioned that Veolia is
planning a new building which will necessitate changes to College Court. Ald. Harenda stated these
were good ideas. Ald. Soltysiak commented to do the improvements that the CDA is addressing and
doing these improvements, it may actually happen.
John Spitzner (Janesville Road) stated that he had worked on the appearance of Tess Corners since
before they tore up the road and there still aren’t trees between the curb and the sidewalk. He had
talked to the relevant approval entities and they all gave permission for the trees to be planted. Ald.
Harenda has the pictures he took of the area. He mentioned that he had observed staff watering the
trees in the other industrial park. He said the lights would not be in Tess Corners except for Nancy
Salentine’s efforts. Other issues he spoke on were county lots not paying taxes to the city, the road
development, signage, painting of the Muskego signs and no thank you to the scouts or the Moose
ladies, no historic districts other than Pioneer Drive, lack of parking. Finally, when will the trees come?
Executive Director Muenkel said they could put that in the redevelopment plan. On some of his issues,
Chairman Glazier suggested working through his alderman.
Kathleen Baas mentioned the red box for clothes and shoes at the Citgo station and questioned who
put it there? Executive Director Muenkel said that could be under the general clean up in the plan. The
city could see if they have approval for it and if not, it would have to get approval or it would have to be
gone by a certain date.
Joanne Kurth (Gaulke Drive) addressed some of the problems in the downtown Tess Corners. Years
ago, there was talk about making the Tess Corners area similar to the Greendale downtown area with
a mini-coffee shop, etc. She called attention to the signage on the Schaumberg property and the roof
is falling in and the signage has been on there for about eight years. The Citgo station’s grass grows
tall in the summer time. It is not a good image of old Tess Corners. The church maintains its property
and Terra Firma has done a wonderful job. She was glad that the Salentine dealership was back. They
do their best to maintain their farm. Disappointed in the planning that has gone on in the past. At the
entry to the city, the Harris Bank and the mall is not a good vision of Muskego. There needs to be
some work done in that area of the city before you think of development on the west end of town.
A gentleman question about the flood water control in the area. Executive Director Muenkel stated the
city is looking at some improvement in the area just south of the channel. It’s in the Public Works
Committee.
A lady questioned if the school closes down, will they be putting a business there. Chairman Glazier
stated a lot will have to happen. It depends if the school district is going to move forward on their
school plan. This would have to go forward before the CDA would what to do about the property.
Executive Director Muenkel said it would be open for the public to give their input as the zoning is for
institutional use. It would have to meet the design guidelines and keep with the ordinances.
CDA Members Input
Ald. Harenda stated they were all good ideas and has been working on the trees in the area.
Chairman Glazier said that as the CDA works on the redevelopment plans, all of the input is
appreciated.
Closing of Hearing
At 6:53 p.m., Chairman Glazier declared the public hearing closed.
PUBLIC INPUT: None
OLD BUSINESS
RD #1 Plan Amendment Process
Other than the public hearing, nothing more was discussed.
RD#2 Plan
CDA Minutes Page 3
January 18, 2011
Signs
Executive Director Muenkel updated the CDA members on Pioneer Drive. Regarding the signage for it being a
historical area, two renderings were presented to the CDA members along with pricing. He would like to give it
to the business owners to see what they would like. The CDA would help pay for the signs with the businesses
paying for their business being noted on the sign. Ald. Soltysiak, Would the pricing include the electrical
hookups? Executive Director Muenkel said it would be done by We Energies and the CDA would pay for the
hookup. Commissioner Chiaverotti voiced her concern about businesses being listed on the historic sign and
what maintenance would be needed for businesses that leave or come to the area. Executive Director Muenkel
thought the sign would be designed to add or to remove businesses from the listing; the businesses wanted
people to know that they were there. Sign issues discussed by the CDA members were the locations,
design/theme on the signs, removing the business names from the sign, cost sharing with businesses, or one-
sided or two-sided. As the city will be doing some wayfaring signs this year, the CDA members felt they should
wait on a final decision so that the designing of the historic signs could match the wayfaring signs. The business
owners should be informed that the CDA is waiting until the city’s signage is done.
Residential Grant Program
Executive Director Muenkel shared that he should have a draft of the residential grant program for the next
meeting. They will try to make it as objective as they can and determine how a maintenance agreement would
affect property sales.
Parks and Recreation Department Land
It is being proposed that the Parks and Recreation Department land along Pioneer Drive be sold and
developed. Executive Director Muenkel stated this should be on the February Parks and Recreation Board
agenda. The city has in the budget a cold storage facility in the Public Works location to make an area for
public works, police, parks, conservation.
Ald. Harenda would like to see how all of these items will fit together. Executive Director Muenkel is working on
a specific plan on goals and objectives for the next meeting.
Ald. Borgman suggested that the area where the old town hall was be turned into a small historical park with an
old-fashioned gazebo and a few picnic tables. This would serve as a focal point and a real emphasis for the
community on this historic area. Liking the idea, CDA members noted another vacant piece of city land that
would be suited for this historic park; on the west side of street just north of the creek.
TIF 8 Funds
Executive Director Muenkel reported he is still working with key landowners; also, contacted some designers
who are putting together designs to upgrade the businesses/sites with costs. This will then be presented to the
landowners to see if they want to move forward.
Muskego Business Group Efforts/Partnership
Commissioner Chiaverotti updated the CDA members on the “Jammin’ on Janesville” program. InPro has
created a logo which is a construction barrel man and the public is going to be able to vote on his name by
going to the Chamber web site. The barrel men will be placed at several locations along the construction route.
She described the program also as “Muskego “Ale Carte” whereby the restaurants and pubs along the roadway
to serve smaller portions of their beverages/foods. The businesses in between will be encouraged to have
promotions. Off-the-road businesses will be encouraged to partner with on-the-road businesses. This will occur
the first Friday of June, July, August. They have hired a coordinator for the project. They are also working on a
free shuttle service.
Next Steps to take in RD #3
CDA Minutes Page 4
January 18, 2011
Executive Director Muenkel shared that staff is working on an updated newsletter for review at the February
meeting. They are also still working on the business contact list.
NEW BUSINESS
Discussion about a New Redevelopment District along Racine Avenue from Janesville Road to College Avenue
At the last meeting, CDA members discussed the potential for development along Racine from Janesville to
College. To that end, Executive Director Muenkel presented a map of the northern area of potential boundaries
for a redevelopment district. Once the boundaries are decided, he can work on the goals and objectives for the
area. As there is a lot of empty land, Ald. Soltysiak felt it was more of a development district than
redevelopment. The CDA needs to see what they can do to help out in that area to create a positive image of
Muskego as well as more commercial tax base. He suggested the CDA start providing mechanisms and start
working with interested parties in better developing this area. Chairman Glazier asked if there was a need to do
anything along the stretch of residential properties? Further, he asked if there was any objections to the
boundaries as presented at this time. CDA members had none. Ald. Harenda and Ald. Soltysiak mentioned
contacting the residents in the area to see if they want to become a part of the plan. Executive Director Muenkel
advised the CDA members that the cities are still working on an inter-government agreement. Thus, he did not
see any real emergency in setting up the district. Commissioner Chiaverotti brought out that the CDA has
several other areas that they are working on and should consider these before starting another one.
Commissioner Lefebvre said they should be prepared. Chairman Glazier commented it would be a few
meetings before they have anything to discuss. Commissioner Konkel stated she would rather have the
redevelopment district in place. Executive Director Muenkel brought out that if they have the plan, then they
would have a mechanism in place for developers.
Possible approval of a Building, Site and Operation Plan for a business located in RD #1 in the NE ¼ of Section
2 (Tax Key Nos. 2165.985 / S66 W14580 Janesville Road)
Executive Director Muenkel presented the plan submitted by L-Spa to move their business to the Tess Corners
area on Janesville Road. It does meet all the ordinances. He pointed out how this coincides with the
Redevelopment District #1 plan and meets the design guide for the area. He was recommending approval from
the staff level at Plan Commission. He added that the landowners also looked at the Janesville grant/loan
programs offered by the CDA and would like to know if the CDA would consider a petition for a grant even if
they are in Redevelopment District #1 and the grant/loan program was set up for Redevelopment District #2.
Commissioner Konkel questioned if the grants could be used for new businesses though she was sure the loan
program could. Executive Director Muenkel advised it could and they may come forward saying it is for signage
or landscaping, or land acquisition. Chairman Glazier stated if the business owners were to come forward,
would the CDA entertain a proposal for financing through the grant and/or loan programs. He thought it would
be on the contingency of the Redevelopment District #1 being in place. Commissioner Lefebvre stated the CDA
would entertain a request once the Redevelopment District #1 plan was adopted. Chairman Glazier said aside
from the technical and the BSO, the CDA members can see this conceptually fitting into the redevelopment
district. They didn’t have any particular concerns to pass on to the Plan Commission. They wanted to promote
this project moving forward in terms of any sort of opportunity to take advantage of grants/loans once the
redevelopment district is in place.
Janesville Grant Award Discussion for S74 W16834 Janesville Road (Jill’s Cleaners)
Executive Director Muenkel informed the CDA members that Jill’s Cleaners did complete some of the
improvements within the one-year time period, but wasn’t able to complete everything. They were not able to
complete enclosing the refuse container and adding any new landscaping. The CDA members were provided
with photos of the completed work. The CDA members discussed if they should still approve the full $3,000 in
grant money for the project. Commissioner Lefebvre moved to approve the $3,000 especially considering
the amount of money that they spent and with a contingency that they enclosed the area within 90 days.
CDA Minutes Page 5
January 18, 2011
Commissioner Chiaverotti seconded. Further discussion ensued with CDA members questioning will this set
a precedent for other loan awards, wanting to have the original scope take place, suggesting a partial payment
with remaining dollars of the grant award paid after completion, how flexible or inflexible the CDA wants to be
on the grant/loan awards, and extending the deadline three months. Upon a voice vote, the motion failed 5-1
with Commissioner Lefebvre voting yes. After more discussion, it was recommended that they reapply for
the grant/loan money.
MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS AS AUTHORIZED BY LAW
Redevelopment District Development & Other Miscellaneous Information Updates
Executive Director Muenkel asked for the CDA members’ opinions on the O’Reilly Auto Parts submittal.
The location of the business is the former Blockbuster facility site. They have requested to paint the
upper façade the O’Reilly red color. Because of this request, it will be going before the Plan
Commission. CDA members were provided with a proposed picture of the red façade on the building.
What is their thinking on this image?
box it off so it is a sign not a façade;
do they have other signage options;
did the landlord have any input, would it be allowed;
CDA should not be weighing in on that, refer it to the Plan Commission.
how does it fit in with the entire building
use channel letters like the post office, rather than a bright red sign
Commissioner Konkel wanted an update on the road project. Commissioner Chiaverotti stated it was
still on schedule. The 60% plan is done which is determining where the road will go with some minor
adjustments here and there. The utility work is going to start in fall and lay in a year. Acquisition of
properties won’t occur until the first phase is completed and they have all the approvals. They are
planning to acquire the properties in 2012.
Next Meeting Date
February 22, 2011
ADJOURNMENT:
There being no further business, Ald. Harenda moved for adjournment, Ald. Soltysiak seconded. Upon a
voice vote, the motion carried unanimously. Meeting adjourned at 9:17 PM.
Stella Dunahee, CPS
Recording Secretary