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PC MIN 04-04-2000 PH GRIDIRON CLUB CITY OF MUSKEGO PLAN COMMISSION PUBLIC HEARING MINUTES Tuesday April 4, 2000 Muskego Room, City Hall, W182 S8200 Racine Avenue PUBLIC HEARING for a Conditional Use in accordance with Section 6.03 of the City of Muskego Zoning Ordinance for Muskego Gridiron Club on behalf of Muskego Norway School District for the purpose of constructing outdoor lighted recreational facilities on the high school property, located in the SW ¼ of Section 34 (Tax Key No. 2242.999 and 2237.999.001 / W183 S8750 Racine Avenue). Present were: Mayor De Angelis, Alderman Salentine, Commissioners Hulbert, Schaumberg, Brodel, Smith, Gummer, Plan Director Turk, Assistant Plan Director Wolff and Recording Secretary Asti. Secretary Asti reported that the meeting was properly noticed in accordance with the Open Meeting Law. Mayor De Angelis declared the Public Hearing open at 7:00 p.m. Plan Director Turk stated that petitioner proposing to install four (4) light poles being seventy feet high with ten fixtures on each pole for the football/track and field stadium area. Each fixture contains a 1,500 watt down-angled metal halide lamp. Photometric plan has been submitted illustrating light levels within the football field but does not illustrate levels at property line. Staff has requested that detailed photometric plan of areas outside of the field be submitted for review by City Engineer. Plan Commission has previously required that 11:00 p.m. be the cutoff time for lighting of similar fields with extended hours granted by Common Council for special events. Mayor De Angelis asked the petitioner if he wished to speak on this matter. Mr. Earl Meinen, member of the Gridiron Club, stated that this project is designed to establish parent and community support for the sport activities at the High School. Private financing for the lighting and bleachers has been secured. Mr. Meinen introduced Mr. Berns to address issues regarding the lighting fixtures. Mr. Jim Berns, representative from Musco Lighting, addressed Commission stating that the fixtures proposed are designed to minimize the amount of glare. Mr. Berns handed Director Turk a chart illustrating the photometric projections, stating that the projected light level is run at a distance of 400’ from edge of playing field. The photometrics presented measure the level of light with maximum value of four foot candles when measured vertically. The Horizontal scans have a maximum value approximately .1 foot candle. Mayor De Angelis asked for members in the audience to address the Commission with their input of concerns, questions, comments, etc. Mr. Scott Villenauve, S86 W18575 Sue Marie Lane, addressed Commission in opposition of this proposal. Mr. Villenauve is concerned with the noise from the stereos of the cars along with people remaining on the premises after games have ended. Consideration should be given for the impact on the neighbors living in this area. By installing lights, PLAN COMMISSION PUBLIC HEARING – MUSKEGO GRIDIRON CLUB, Continued April 4, 2000 there may become more than a four or five game use of the property. Other sport activities will be encouraged to use this field turning these activities into three to four nights per week. An earlier shut off time, perhaps 9:00 p.m., needs to be determined. Mr. John Sterner, Head Football Coach, stated that he believes there would only be four to six games played on this field during the year. Exception would be a playoff game or hosting a game. The Conference sets the starting time for the games, which is 7:00 p.m. and normally finishes around 9:15 - 9:30 p.m. Rarely do the games run past 10:00 p.m. other than for weather conditions, or field injuries. Mr. Sterner stated that additional parking spaces will be proposed to address the parking situation. This field would be used for Varsity games which are held on Friday except for the last game of the year which is a Wednesday. Security would be added to evacuate the area directly after the game. This proposal would be a healthy addition for the community. Ms. Maureen Legros, W187 S8663 Jean Drive, has a concern with the noise pollution from the fans, the band and the PA system along with the amount of traffic. She also feels that once the lights are installed, the school may decide to have more events during the week. Billboards with advertisements may be allowed which could result in an incredible eyesore and devalue the surrounding properties. Ms. Linda LeMaster, S74 W17476 Lake Drive, spoke in favor, noting this proposal would be for four to five games a year and only Varsity games. Does not feel that the night games will go past 10:00 p.m. This is a very positive community activity. Ms. LeMaster is a teacher at the High School and assures that this project will be kept to the highest standards for all to enjoy. Ms. Patti Baker, S86 W18601 Sue Marie Lane, is opposing the noise both from the football game and the loud speakers along with the extra traffic. Ms. Baker feels that the night games will infringe on the privacy of the neighbors. Again, she feels that once the lights are installed, more activities than just the Varsity Football games may be held. Ms. Debby Tomczyk, S86 W18493 Sue Marie Lane, feels that restrictive conditions should be placed on this proposal especially regarding noise and hours. Ms. Tomczyk is requesting assurances for the neighbors that restrictions be placed on activities going forward and to give merit to the concerns of the neighbors. Mr. Jeff Baker, W185 S8534 Denice Court North, there are small children in this area and one issue is the traffic coming through the subdivision. The speeds are greater than the posted speed limits and he fears for the safety of the smaller children. Ms. Susan Hart, S86 W18503 Sue Marie Lane, parking on the street is a major nuisance. During the playoff games, both student and parent visitors park on the streets not only causing a major problem but blocking neighborhood driveways. Ms. Peggy Obry, President of the Gridiron Club, spoke in favor of this proposal as a positive activity for the school and the community. New parking lot will add extra 200 spaces to address the parking problem. The proposed lights are directed at the field with small amount of spill out on the south end of field. She believes that the lights will not be shining in resident homes. PAGE 2 PLAN COMMISSION PUBLIC HEARING – MUSKEGO GRIDIRON CLUB, Continued April 4, 2000 Mr. Jim Pipkora, S86 W18665 Sue Marie Lane, noted that if this is just for the football team, then he has no objections. However, if this field will be used for other activities he would not be in favor of this proposal. Ms. Mary Pretruszynski, S79 W17539 Alan Drive, appreciates all the concerns that have been heard and welcomes anyone with questions to work together with the Gridiron Club to come to resolution. Mr. Scott Villenauve, S86 W18575 Sue Marie Lane, who had spoke earlier, indicated that if this proposal is restricted to Varsity, one night per week with a total of four to five games he does not object to this proposal. The biggest concern is other activities being played several days a week leaving the residents with very little privacy. Mr. Terry Buehler, member of Gridiron Club, met with Cascio sound engineer at the end of the school day when students were dismissed. He feels the parking lot is like a speedway. Mr. Buehler could not believe the speed of the cars when leaving the parking lot. This is a dangerous situation both for the drivers and the pedestrians. Perhaps we need more Police enforcement to control situation. Mr. Dave Greiber, W187 S8675 Jean Drive, would like more friendly neighborhood proposal as far as when the games would take place. He feels that 11:00 p.m. is too late. Proposal should be more of a half way point keeping neighbors concerns and school activities in line. Ms. Patty Baker, S86 W18601 Sue Marie Lane, questioned if there are other football fields in the area. Perhaps the other fields that are not located in a residential area could be considered. Mr. Earl Meinen, member of the Gridiron Club, noted that if people want to come and meet with the Club to give input that would be appreciated. All entrances have been placed at the south end of the field so pedestrians will be directed away from Woods Road. Mr. Jerry Augustine, W148 S6715 Woodland Place, understands concerns but feels that bringing this type of facility to community would be a positive asset. This would help people become involved within the community. Mr. Jeff Baker, W185 S8534 Denice Court, noted that he attended the school board meeting when this item was proposed and feels that this could be extended to other sport clubs to want to play on this field. He feels this would be a hard task to achieve limiting this facility to four or five games per year. Mr. Dave Greiber, W187 S8675 Jean Drive, noted that he has a dog that is kept outside. Once these activities have ended and it is late at night he has a concern of getting a nuisance ticket due to the dog barking. Mr. Mike Plumley, W156 S7988 Audrey Court, wanted to clarify the presentation that was made to the school board. The intent was to allow the baseball and soccer teams to use the concession stands, bathrooms and possibly team rooms. There is no intent to hold soccer or baseball events on the lighted football field. PAGE 3 PLAN COMMISSION PUBLIC HEARING – MUSKEGO GRIDIRON CLUB, Continued April 4, 2000 Mayor De Angelis stated this matter would be heard through a resolution under New Business later this evening. There being no further questions or comments, the Public Hearing was adjourned at 7:58 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Sandra S. Asti Recording Secretary PAGE 4