PCM20090407
CITY OF MUSKEGO
PLAN COMMISSION MINUTES corrected & approved
6:00 PM Tuesday April 7, 2009
Muskego City Hall, Muskego Room, W182 S8200 Racine Avenue
Mayor Johnson called the meeting to order at 6:00 PM.
Those present recited the Pledge of Allegiance.
PRESENT
Mayor Johnson, Ald. Fiedler, Commissioners Hulbert, Burke, Stinebaugh, Jacques, Director
Muenkel, and Recording Secretary McMullen.
ABSENT
Commissioner Noah
Recording Secretary McMullen noted that the meeting was properly noticed on April 3, 2009 in
accordance with the Open Meeting Law.
MINUTES
Commissioner Stinebaugh made a motion to approve the minutes of the March 3, 2009
meeting. Ald. Fiedler seconded. Upon a voice vote, motion to approve the minutes was
ADOPTED unanimously.
OLD BUSINESS FOR CONSIDERATION
RESOLUTION #P.C. 006-2009 – Recommendation to Common Council to amend Chapter 17
Section 5.02(7) and Chapter 18 Sections 18.31(3)(b), 18.32(3)(b), 18.33 (3)(b), & 18.80 (2) of
the Municipal Code relating to wetland protection offsets. Director Muenkel explained the
proposed wetland setbacks have been decreased based upon the existing ordinance for high,
medium, and low susceptible wetlands as determined by the DNR. The proposed setbacks are
10 feet for low, 20 feet for medium, and 30 feet for high susceptible wetlands. Most of the
areas in the City would fall in the low-medium category. The new setbacks are being proposed
to reduce undue hardship from being placed on a property owner for construction of sheds and
patios. The normal setback for an accessory building would be approximatley15-20 feet from
the property lines. The setbacks would apply to any structures, but would not apply to
landscaping features such as retaining walls, fences and landscaping features. Ald. Fiedler
questioned what other communities’ setback requirements are. Director Muenkel stated the
City of New Berlin’s is 30-feet and 10-feet on vacant lots that were approved before 2001, City
of Franklin’s is 30-feet for grading and filling and 50-feet for a development, and the City of Oak
Creek uses the DNR setbacks of 75-feet, 50-feet, and 10-30 feet only when an area of
disturbance takes place. The DNR setbacks are only for new developments and projects over
1-acre of disturbance.
Mayor Johnson explained he worked with Ald. Schaefer and staff to reach a compromise, but
also stated he is unsure of what damage there would be to the wetlands if the setbacks are
decreased from 30 to 10 feet for a shed. Ald. Fiedler agreed and stated he does not see a
need for an additional 10 feet from the property setbacks especially for lots that are narrow.
Ald. Schaefer stated it is important to protect the wetlands from pollutants and water run-off.
Ald. Fiedler added that if the DNR thought this was a problem they wouldn’t allow not having a
setback to the wetlands. Ald. Fiedler stated he is concerned these new setbacks would
negatively affect the residents in district 6 and 7.
Plan Commission Minutes, continued
April 7, 2009
Commissioner Hulbert stated he supports the compromise reached between staff and
Alderman Schaefer. Commissioner Hulbert made a motion to AMEND Resolution #P.C.
006-2009 as presented with the wetland setbacks being 30,20, and 10-feet. Commissioner
Stinebaugh seconded. Upon a roll call vote, Resolution #006-2009 was AMENDED 4-2 with
Mayor Johnson and Ald. Fiedler voting no. Upon a roll call vote, Amended Resolution #006-
2009 was ADOPTED 5-1 with Ald. Fiedler voting no.
RESOLUTION #P.C. 007-2009 – Recommendation to Common Council to adopt the 2020
Comprehensive Plan for the City of Muskego. Director Muenkel explained a public hearing was
held and there were strong concerns regarding the CP-Conservation Preservation Zoning being
mandatory. The 2020 Committee met last Monday and also had a large crowd. The
Committee decided making Conservation Preservation zoning mandatory would not be best,
but instead to promote Conservation Preservation Subdivisions on a voluntary basis. The 2020
Committee also met again tonight and made changes to the text in the 2020 Comprehensive
Plan and to the Conservation Preservation Ordinance as well as Chapters 17 and 18.
Director Muenkel discussed changes to the 2020 Comprehensive Plan. The hatched marks on
the Land Use Map, which showed the Conservation Preservation Zoning overlay, has been
removed, however, at their meeting earlier tonight, the Committee decided to put the hatched
markings back on the map to show the areas where Conservation Preservation is encouraged,
but not mandatory. There are also amendments to the text of the Plan. Language relating to
Conservation Preservation will be replaced with language promoting Conservation Preservation
subdivisions. The four recommendations in Chapter 10 relating to Conservation Preservation
will be amended not making it mandatory, but instead promoting the Conservation Preservation
Subdivision Ordinance. The Resolution has been amended to read Be It Further Resolved,
That the Planning Commission approval is dependent on the removal of the Mandatory
Conservation Preservation DDA language for the Plan. Staff recommends approval
subject to amending to remove the mandatory requirement. Ald. Fiedler made a motion to
AMEND Resolution #P.C.007-2009. Commissioner Hulbert seconded. Ald. Fiedler stated he
likes the Plan, without the CP Zoning, and would like to see it move forward to Council. Ald.
Fiedler thanked the Committee members for their time and effort. Commissioner Hulbert
agreed and stated he had reservations on the CP zoning being mandatory, which may make
developers rush in to develop. Commissioner Hulbert stated it should not be mandatory.
Mayor Johnson commended the Committee members on their hard work. Upon a roll call vote,
Resolution #P.C. 007-2009 was AMENDED unanimously. Upon a roll call vote, AMENDED
Resolution #P.C. 007-2009 was ADOPTED unanimously.
Paul Omen, S63 W16495 College Ave
Multi-family developments should not be out of the question
Attractive 1500 sq ft condo should be allowed to get bonus parcels
Multi-family density will have a higher tax base
Brian Kramer, W188 S10751 Muskego Dam Road
Concerns over the protection of the City’s wetlands
All developments need to be supported with fire, police, roads and schools
Feels the City should promote green space
Need to respect the wetlands we have, according to Waukesha County’s website there
are a lot of wetlands in Muskego
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Plan Commission Minutes, continued
April 7, 2009
NEW BUSINESS FOR CONSIDERATION 1
RESOLUTION #P.C. 029-2009 – Recommendation to the Common Council to amend the
Zoning Map of the City of Muskego (CP Conservation Preservation District). Director Muenkel
explained because the Conservation Preservation will not be mandatory staff is recommending
denial of Resolution #P.C. 029-2009. Ald. Fiedler moved to ADOPT Resolution #P.C. 029-
2009. Commissioner Burke seconded. Upon a roll call vote, Resolution #P.C. 029-2009 was
DENIED unanimously.
RESOLUTION #P.C. 030-2009 – Recommendation to Common Council to repeal and
recreate the Chapter 17 Zoning Code and the Chapter 18 Land Division Code of the City of
Muskego. Director Muenkel explained language in Chapter 17 Zoning Code and Chapter 18
Land Division Code has been amended to not make Conservation Preservation mandatory.
Instead, to promote Conservation Preservation Subdivisions the 2020 Committee
recommended lowering the open space requirement from 60% to 50% and adding more
opportunities to receive bonus parcels as follows:
Under 40 acres – up to 4 bonus parcels
40-80 acres – up to 5 bonus parcels
Above 80 acres – up to 6 bonus parcels
Director Muenkel noted these bonus parcels would not be received by right but by direction of
the Plan Commission and Common Council. A developer would have to meet guidelines to
receive the bonus parcels. Director Muenkel explained the Comp Plan Committee discussed
having more options for qualifiers to receive bonus parcels and the Committee has left that for
discussion by Plan Commission. Ald. Schaefer, member of the Comp Plan Committee, stated
she felt the Committee was in agreement to giving out bonus lots as long as some of the
qualifiers were met and suggested changing the wording of the Ordinance and deciding what
the qualifiers are going to be. Ald. Schaefer agreed it would be more appropriate for Plan
Commission to make the decision on changing the language relating to bonus lots. Ald.
Schaefer requested if there are other issues not related to the bonus lots that those be sent
back to the Committee for discussion. Chris Buckmaster, Chairman of the Comp Plan
Committee, explained he would like the Plan Commission to look at the qualifiers for bonus
parcels and determine if the current ones are valid and does not see a need for it to come back
to the Committee. Director Muenkel explained deferring this item will not hold up the 2020
Comprehensive Plan from being adopted. Ald. Fiedler made a motion to defer. Commissioner
Hulbert seconded. Upon a voice vote, Resolution #P.C. 030-2009 was DEFERRED
unanimously.
OLD BUSINESS SCHEDULED FOR DEFERRAL
None.
CONSENT BUSINESS
Commissioner Burke made a motion to ADOPT Resolutions #P.C. 028-2009 and 035-2009
engross. Ald. Fiedler seconded. Upon a roll call vote, the motion passed unanimously
RESOLUTION #P.C. 028-2009 – Approval of a Two Lot Certified Survey Map for the Thiele
property located in the SW 1/4 of Section 17 (Tax Key No. 2227.991 / S83 W20342 Janesville
Road). Resolution #P.C. 028-2009 was ADOPTED unanimously.
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Plan Commission Minutes, continued
April 7, 2009
RESOLUTION #P.C. 035-2009 - Approval of an Accessory Structure for Gary Wollman
located in the SW ¼ of Section 29 (Tax Key No. 2275.994 / S99 W20367 Parker Drive).
Resolution #P.C. 035-2009 was ADOPTED unanimously.
NEW BUSINESS FOR CONSIDERATION 2
RESOLUTION #P.C. 033-2009 – Approval of an amended Building, Site, and Operation Plan
for Marx’s Pioneer Inn located in the SE ¼ of Section 9 (Tax Key No. 2196.983 /Pioneer Drive).
Commissioner Stinebaugh made a motion to ADOPT Resolution #P.C. 033-2009.
Commissioner Burke seconded. Director Muenkel explained the petitioner is proposing to add
a tiki bar accessory structure in the rear grass portion of the property near the horseshoe pits
and volleyball courts. The proposed structure will be placed on a 16’ x 18’ concrete slab with a
bar on top and a covered roof. The liquor license for the property already covers this area so
there will be no need for further amendments. The time allowed for outdoor sales, as approved
by the Finance Committee, will apply to the tiki bar and will be allowed until 11:00 PM.
Mr. Sobczak, owner of the Pioneer Inn, was present and stated there will be no running water
and no taps to the tiki bar.
Mayor Johnson expressed concern with the possibility of increased noise by people around the
bar area until 11:00 PM. Commissioner Hulbert suggested adding an annual review for one
year to monitor the noise. Commissioner Hulbert made a motion to AMEND Resolution
#P.C.033-2009 to include an annual review for one year. Ald. Fiedler seconded. Upon a roll
call vote, Resolution #P.C. 033-2009 was AMENDED unanimously. Upon a roll call vote,
AMENDED Resolution #P.C. 033-2009 was ADOPTED unanimously.
RESOLUTION #P.C. 031-2009 – Recommendation to Common Council to grant a PD
Planned Development Amendment to the Approved PD-47 Zoning District for Belle Chasse
Planned Development to Allow Reduced Setbacks and Offsets. Commissioner Stinebaugh
made a motion to ADOPT Resolution #P.C. 031-2009. Commissioner Burke seconded.
Director Muenkel explained the petitioner, Mr. Carity, is applying to amend the existing Belle
Chasse Planned Development District to allow reduced setbacks and offsets for lots within the
development. Currently, the setback and offsets are: front 40’ (40’ and 30’ for corner lots), one
side 15’, and the other side and rear 20’. The proposed setbacks are: front 35’ (35’ and 30’ for
corner lots), one side 10’, and the other side and rear 15’. In the narrative the developer stated
they have had problems selling lots with the required setbacks/offsets because the houses are
not fitting on the lots. A Common Council public hearing was held on March 24, 2009 and four
residents spoke against the request and Ald. Pavelko spoke on behalf of a resident who did not
support the amendment. Common Council originally approved the Belle Chasse Planned
Development rezoning in 2006 and the preliminary plat was approved in 2007 and 2008. The
development was divided into multiple phases and only the first phase on the west side of
Durham Drive is being build at this time. Out of the 42 buildable lots in phase 1, 10 of the lots
have houses built on them meeting the current setbacks and offsets. The original development
was proposed to be a RS-3 based planned development zoning with reduced lot size, reduced
setbacks and reduced offsets. Because of concerns, the development was scaled back to a
RS-2 planned development with no reductions to the RS-2 setbacks and offsets, except for a
reduction to the setbacks on corner lots at 30’. Director Muenkel noted that Mr. Carity has
informed staff that at this time he would be agreeable to 15’ setbacks. Staff is recommending
denial based on the past Plan Commission approvals.
Mr. Carity spoke on behalf of the request for reduced setbacks and offsets. Mr. Carity
explained the original process was long and took about a year and a half and he reluctantly
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Plan Commission Minutes, continued
April 7, 2009
agreed to the requests of the Plan Commission at the time. Mr. Carity explained there are
constraints on home construction today and noted that the Woodland Creek Subdivision has
the same setbacks and offsets that he was originally requesting of 35’ for the front year and 10’
for the side yards. Mr. Carity requested a reduction to the front yard setback and stated he
would be willing to compromise to 15’ side yard setbacks. Mr. Carity discussed an illustration of
four lots in the Belle Chasse subdivision, which shows a variety of different homes on the lots.
Mr. Carity noted homes with a side entrance garage requires more space to make the turn
radius, which could max out the side yard and front entry garages could max out the front yard
setback. Mr. Carity stated he has signatures from all of the existing homeowners and no one
has objections to the requested changes.
Mayor Johnson questioned how the houses would look with some having a setback of 35’ and
others having a setback of 40’. Mr. Carity stated visually you wouldn’t notice a difference.
Mayor Johnson expressed concern with lowering the setbacks and creating a crunched looked
between the houses. Mr. Carity explained every home will not have the same geometry and
there will be 15’ on either side of the house.
Ald. Fiedler noted that Plan Commission has already denied this request once and doesn’t like
the idea of changing the approvals mid-stream. Ald. Fiedler stated it is not a good idea right
now. Commissioner Hulbert agreed that it was not the right time for a change. Upon a roll call
vote, Resolution #031-2009 was DENIED unanimously.
RESOLUTION #P.C. 032-2009 – Approval of a 2-lot CSM an amended Grading Plan for
Commerce Center East (Interstate and Wal-Mart properties) located in the NW ¼ of Section 2
(Tax Key Nos. 2166.997 & 2169.999.003 / Moorland Road). Commissioner Stinebaugh made a
motion to ADOPT Resolution #P.C. 032-2009. Seconded by Commissioner Jacques. Director
Muenkel explained the developers are proposing a grading plan amendment to previously
approved plans for the Commerce Center East and Wal-mart. The CSM meets the bulk
requirements of the code and is establishing the end cul-de-sac bulb for the Commerce Center
east, the outlot for stormwater improvements, and the eastern most lot for future business
development. The Commerce Center East construction plans were approved for Phase 1 in
2008. As part of the originally approved improvements, a line of trees was to be left in place.
This line of trees exists behind where Wal-Mart is to be built, not the trees by the Glenbrook
Subdivision. Wal-Mart will have to build a screening wall along the entire rear of the property
still. Behind the wall will be a retaining wall and then the row of trees. The developers are
proposing to remove the row of trees and the retaining wall with grading up to the screening
wall. Approximately 50 trees and a variety of shrubs would be added back to the area. Director
Muenkel explained one of the largest reasons for the change is the newly approved 18-foot
berm that will have considerable landscaping and will now be found next to the Glenbrook
Subdivision. Also, the original intent was to screen the commercial use from the residential
area behind Wal-Mart, but that has been rezoned to Business Park use. The City Forester has
reviewed the existing tree line and didn’t feel the existing trees would be effective, as most are
coniferous and junk trees and probably would not survive during the grading work.
Commissioner Hulbert stated he does not disagree with the proposed plan. Ald. Fiedler
questioned what the height of the news trees will be. John Heller, developer, stated the trees
will be 7-9 feet in height. Commissioner Stinebaugh expressed concern with the building
shown on the site line diagram. Commissioner Stinebaugh stated the building does not look
like the campus style development that was originally proposed. Mr. Helller stated the building
shown is the exact same building that was shown in November. Upon a roll call vote,
Resolution #P.C. was ADOPTED unanimously.
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Plan Commission Minutes, continued
April 7, 2009
RESOLUTION #P.C. 036-2009 – Approval of Building, Site, and Operation Plan for Well #9
located in the SE ¼ of Section 13 (Tax Key No. 2212.079 / Outlot 1 of Big Muskego Estates) -
Commissioner Jacques made a motion to ADOPT Resolution #P.C. 036-2009. Commissioner
Burke seconded. Director Muenkel explained the proposed well house will be located on
Durham Drive within outlot 1 in the Big Muskego Estates Subdivision. The plans show a single
story dwelling. The house is to be constructed with siding, face brick, asphalt shingles and
windows. The house will have traditional architectural elements such a ornamental doors,
dormers, shutters, a garage, and window surrounds. Louvers are shown on the eastern
elevation for venting. The site plan included is for Well #13 in Quietwood East II Subdivision,
but the same type of landscaping and intensity will be used for Well #9 also. Director Muenkel
noted this well house was going to wait until later this year, but there is an opportunity to
receive funding through a grant within the next month.
Commissioner Jacques stated she has no objections to the proposed well house because it
looks like a well house should look. Upon a roll call vote, Resolution #P.C. 036-2009 was
ADOPTED unanimously.
NEW BUSINESS PLACED ON FILE
DOCKET #P.C. 004-2009 – Approval of a Four Lot Certified Survey Map for the Thomas
Wernette property located in the NE 1/4 of Section 12 and the SE 1/4 of Section 1 (Tax Key
No. 2205.041 / W128 S7110 Flintlock Trail).
DOCKET #P.C. 034-2009 – Approval of a Two Lot Certified Survey Map for the Larson
property located in the SE 1/4 of Section 13 (Tax Key No. 2212.999.002 / W125 S8330 North
Cape Road).
MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS
Discussion on removing requirement for High Pressure Sodium lighting – Director Muenkel
explained a resident questioned why the design guides mandate the use of high pressure
sodium lighting when there are better more efficient bulbs. Commissioner Hulbert explained in
the past the high-pressure bulbs were better quality and was less intense than the metal halide,
which had a bright glow. Commissioner Hulbert suggested looking into technology changes
and see what the data is.
ADJOURNMENT
Commissioner Hulbert made a motion to adjourn at 7:45 PM. Commissioner Jacques seconded.
Upon a voice vote, motion carried. With no further business to come before the Commission, the
meeting was adjourned.
Respectfully submitted,
Kellie McMullen,
Recording Secretary
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