A regular meeting/public hearing of the Planning Commission of Alexandria Township was held on the 24th day of November, 2008 at the Alexandria Township Conference Room, 610 Fillmore Street.
Roll Call: Commission members present were John Knowles, Julie Feuling, Russ Niskanen, Larry Steidl and Lyle Hammerschmidt. Also present was Bonnie Fulghum, Deputy Clerk and Ben Oleson, Township Zoning Administrator. As said members formed a quorum and the meeting was called to order by Chairman Knowles at 6:00 p.m.
Agenda: Hammerschmidt, seconded by Niskanen, made a motion to approve the agenda with the addition of Jack’s Recycling Center under Old Business. Motion carried unanimously.
Minutes: Feuling, seconded by Steidl, made a motion to approve the minutes of the 10/27/08 meeting as written. Motion carried unanimously.
Public Hearing: Chairman Knowles opened the public hearing regarding the conditional use application of Donald Froemming. The purpose of this application is to display/sell used vehicles. Site address is 4353 State Highway 27E. Both Mr. Froemming and the landowner, Gerald Krebs, were present.
Zoning Administrator Oleson provided history on this parcel of land. He stated that there have been two previous conditional use permits approved by the county. The first was in 1985 to allow a commercial painting business and further discussion in 1986 to allow autobody work; and the second in 1998 to allow semi-tractor/trailer parking. The county had also scheduled periodic reviews. Oleson stated that he checked on the conditions applied to those permits and found them to be in compliance.
Mr. Froemming told the commission that he plans to start a used car lot. He currently has an autobody business established at this address. He would like to consolidate his used car business, which is currently in Carlos, and his autobody business. He plans to have no more than ten vehicles for display at any one time. Mr. Froemming also stated that he will not need additional lighting nor signage, the only signage to be on the door and building.
Chairman Knowles inquired as to why the west screen fence was not installed as required by the conditional use permit. Mr. Krebs stated that small trees were planted on the west side by an adjacent landowner. The county allowed trees on the east side. Trees were also planted on the south side.
Chairman Knowles asked about the storage of materials behind the building. Mr. Froemming stated that this is comprised of damaged parts that are hauled out every two weeks or so.
Commissioner Feuling asked Oleson if the conditions outlined for Mr. Froemming’s CUP reflect the conditions that were set forth in the Hill CUP of 2007. Oleson affirmed that they are consistent.
Motion by Niskanen, seconded by Hammerschmidt, to approve the conditional use application of Donald Froemming and make a recommendation to the town board to approve with conditions as set forth in the staff report, items nos. 1 – 4. Roll: Niskanen, Steidl, Feuling, Hammerschmidt and Knowles – yes. None opposed. Motion carried.
Hammerschmidt, seconded by Feuling, made a motion to reconvene the regular meeting. Meeting reconvened at 6:22 p.m.
Zoning Administrator’s Report: None
Old Business: Kathy Hodges of Jack’s Family Recycling Center was present to discuss putting up temporary structures which would house e-waste roll-offs. Her intent is to get the roll-offs off the parking lot and under cover, thus making the area neater in appearance. She is requesting permission to erect six temporary structures.
Zoning Administrator Oleson stated that the commission has two points to consider regarding the temporary structures. Would they be regarded as part of the screening plan, which is a condition of the former CUP, or as a permanent building, thus requiring another CUP?
The consensus of the commission was to recommend approval of the temporary structures under the existing screening plan. They requested that Ms. Hodges provide a diagram depicting placement of all six structures. Other requirements were continual maintenance of these structures; that the remaining row of trees required by the original landscaping plan be planted spring of 2009, and that these structures be considered “temporary” until a new building can be constructed. This information to be forwarded to the town board for consideration at their December 1st meeting.
New Business: None
Adjournment: Being no further business, Niskanen, seconded by Steidl, made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Meeting adjourned at 7:42 p.m.
Respectfully submitted….
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Bonnie Fulghum, Deputy Clerk
Approved this _______day of ________, 2008
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John B. Knowles, Chairman