COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY

The meeting of the Community Development Authority was called to order by Mayor Lois at 7:31 p.m. with the following in attendance: Mayor Claude Lois, Alderman Robert Miller, Bil Scherrer, James Spiegelhoff and James Peterson. Absent: Chairman Ken Jaeger, who arrived at 7:33 p.m. and assumed the position as meeting chairman. Excused: Carol Anderson. (Ms. Anderson later arrived at 7:36 p.m.). Also present were John Stockham, Stockham Consulting; Hydro-geologist, Linda Fellenz; Ann Flad-Jesion, RCEDC; City Engineer, Thomas Foht; Aldermen James Beardsley; Frank Cannella, James McCourt, Thomas Vos, Peter Hintz, John Ekes and City Administrator, David Torgler.

Alderman Miller moved and Mr. Spiegelhoff seconded to approve the minutes of July 15, 2003 as amended on page one, "Recess Into Open", sentence one should read as follows: "Mr. John Stockham of Stockham Consulting gave a presentation of a draft land-use analysis for the Riverfront Expansion Site #2." All were in favor and the motion carried.

None.

Mr. John Stockham of Stockham Consulting reviewed his proposed land use report for the former Bel-Mur site located at 320 E. Chestnut Street. Following the presentation, the floor was opened for discussion.

During Mr. Stockham’s review of his executive summary (On file at City Hall for viewing.), it was recommended that the City put a diagonal connector street in place between W. Chestnut St. and Commerce St., which would result in two parcels approximately 1.6 to 1.8 acres and 0.3 to 1.0 acres in size. It was further recommended that upon completion of the connector street that W. Chestnut and Commerce streets west of Milwaukee Avenue be converted to two-way.

His recommended land use for both parcels would be single-family, two-unit or condominium housing, not to exceed four units in a single building. It was recommended that they be similar in size and character to that in the adjoining residential neighborhood, and in the $160,000 to $180,000 price range. He then reviewed four different styles of proposed housing. Suggested maximum building height be 35 feet and maximum density be eight dwelling units per acre (up to a possible twenty units).

Mr. Stockham also discussed driveway access. He suggested that because of the

need to limit access onto Hwy 11, where the connector street would be, he suggested the use of shared driveways / garages accessible from alleys, rather than direct access to Hwy 11, as well as portions of W. Chestnut St. (that is no longer designated as Hwy 11) and Origen St.

Mr. Stockham further recommended that the City require, as a condition of sale, the rezoning of the property to either: Rs-3, Single Family Residential; Rd-2, Two Family Residential or TN-R, Traditional Neighborhood District.

In order to insure that the character of the development blends in with the surrounding neighborhood, a "request for proposal" (RFP) process was recommended, thereby allowing the City to set criteria for the development of the parcel.

Lastly, Mr. Stockham discussed screening / decorative landscaping that should be put in place along the north boundary of the property, next to the railroad yard.

The floor was then opened to questions from the public, noting that the City Engineer would address transportation questions, Thomas Foht.

Mr. Peter Girolamo, 116 W. Highland Ave., City of Burlington, inquired as to whether any additional property would have to be purchased to accommodate the connector street. Mr. Stockham indicated that it would only involve currently owned City property.

Considering the cost of curb, gutter and sidewalks, Alderman Cannella inquired as to whether it might be more cost effective to purchase additional property and configure the connector street in a different manner. Mr. Stockham noted that the Community Development Authority (CDA) had previously suggested that they were not interested in purchasing additional property.

Alderman Cannella also inquired about street access to and from lots 321 thru 337 that currently access W. Chestnut St. It was indicated that there would be access for these lots, possibly via a public alley.

Alderman James Beardsley, 1101 Cooperhawk Dr., City of Burlington, asked Mr. Stockham if he knew exactly what access would be allowed onto HWY 11 by the State, so developers could be made aware. Mr. Stockham stated that he did not know Department of Transportation (DOT) yet, but discussing this with them would be a next step. He further stated that he felt one access would accommodate this proposal.

Alderman Thomas Vos, 124 Kings Ct., City of Burlington, asked if development of the dead-end of Origen St. and the roadway network would be a developer or City cost. Mr. Stockham recommended that the City put in the infrastructure, as this is a State highway route and not a subdivision street.

Mr. Girolamo inquired as to why there couldn’t be a "Y" intersection between Commerce and W. Chestnut St., verses the bumped out area and "T" depicted on Commerce St.

Mr. Stockham stated that due to the volume of traffic that we have, they are not a safe type of intersection; further noting that the DOT is trying to stay away from this type of intersection, due to the higher rate of accidents. After a lengthy discussion followed regarding the proposed connector street and one-way vs. two-way streets, Mr. Stockham stated that the land use recommendations for the site would remain the same.

Mr. Bill Goulding, 424 Conkey St., City of Burlington, asked if this would be an opportunity to ask the railroad if they would be willing to sell the downtown property to add to the site; as well as ask the State if this is the direction they want to go. Mr. Stockham noted that interested developers may address this issue.

Ms. Ann Flad-Jesion of the Racine County Economic Development Corporation (RCEDC) addressed questions regarding financing. She noted that the City has received $595,000 worth of grant monies for this parcel. In addition, there may be another $590,000 from CDA escrow accounts – monies that have not be committed yet, as well as monies that have been freed up due to the receipt of grants for this project that can now be recommitted, if this is the CDA’s direction. She further noted that doing so may impact other projects that were identified when the escrow account was originally set up.

Alderman Vos commented that the road network needs to be determined first, by the City Engineer / Common Council, before marketing the parcel.

Mr. Spiegelhoff agreed with this, stating that the transportation issue needs to be resolved before attempting to recruit a developer.

Mr. Girolamo asked, money and lot size aside, why a park couldn’t be located on the site, if the roads were kept the way they are. Mr. Stockham explained that parks are usually centrally located in a neighborhood – further noting that the north side is non-residential and non-access.

Mr. Joe Baker, 372 Lewis St., City of Burlington, asked if there were any passenger train stops. It was stated that there are not.

Alderman Cannella asked for input from the residents regarding the housing styles that were presented.

Mr. Carl Weis, 366 W. Chestnut St., City of Burlington, noted a preference for plain, single family housing.

Mr. Craig Krueger, 400 W. Chestnut St. City of Burlington, agreed with Mr. Weis.

Mr. Larry Dornacher, 313, W. Chestnut, City of Burlington, also preferred single-family housing.

Ms. Rose Dolatowski, 501 W. Chestnut St., City of Burlington, inquired about the possibility of using the parcel for a banquet facility.

Mr. Stockham explained that the parcel was not considered for this type of a facility due to the requirement for a large amount of parking; and that it would bring a large number of people into a residential neighborhood – which might be problematic.

Alderman Vos asked for confirmation that all of the proposed options would be owner occupied.

Mr. Stockham stated that this is their recommendation.

Mr. John Brensinger spoke on his son’s behalf, owner of 289 Origen St., City of Burlington, stating that he felt his son would prefer single family or two unit condominiums.

City Administrator, David Torgler, asked City Engineer Foht to address the proposal for Commerce Street, and the properties along the street.

Mr. Foht explained several options regarding one-way and two-way traffic, as well as parking for the section of Commerce Street lying east of Origen Street. He noted that the right-of-way is wide enough to accommodated any proposed roadway for that section, without having to acquire property.

Mr. Ken Burbey, 302 W. Chestnut and Ms. Cass Hoffman, 300 W. Chestnut St., City of Burlington, were in favor of single-family housing, and were also in favor of the cul-du-sac at the end of Origen St.

Alderman Vos asked if there have been any studies done regarding a situation such as ours, regarding two-way streets.

Mr. Foht noted that there are a number of examples, and further discussed the effects the future bypass will have.

Mayor Lois noted that there is a lot of work remaining on this site, and suggested that there will be time to further discuss and analyze the traffic issues. He further noted that the public prefers single-family homes.

Administrator Torgler further agreed with Mayor Lois, and thanked Mr. Stockham for doing an excellent job in reviewing this parcel for future use.

Mr. Girolamo asked if there is really a need for more single-family housing.

Mr. Stockham indicated that there is a need for housing in the $160,000 to $180,000 range, based on interviews done with realtors in our area.

76. A resolution approving Amendment Number One to Task Order Number Two with Kapur & Associates for environmental engineering services for the not-to-exceed amount of $76,104.00.

77. A resolution approving Change Order Number One to the contract with Azarian Wrecking for the not-to-exceed amount of $38,895.00.

Mayor Lois moved and Bil Scherrer seconded to approve Resolution No. 76, A resolution approving Amendment Number One to Task Order Number Two with Kapur & Associates for environmental engineering services for the not-to-exceed amount of $76,104.00. Roll Call: Ayes: Mr. Peterson, Mr. Spiegelhoff, Mr. Jaeger, Mr. Scherrer, Ms. Anderson, Alderman Miller and Mayor Lois. Nays: None. All were in favor and the motion carried.

Mayor Lois moved and Mr. Spiegelhoff seconded to approve Resolution No. 77, A resolution approving Change Order Number One to the contract with Azarian Wrecking for the not-to-exceed amount of $38,895.00. Roll Call: Ayes: Mr. Peterson, Mr. Spiegelhoff, Mr. Jaeger, Mr. Scherrer, Ms. Anderson, Alderman Miller and Mayor Lois. Nays: None. All were in favor and the motion carried.

None.

Mr. Bil Scherrer moved and Mr. Peterson seconded to adjourn. All were in favor and the motion carried.

Meeting adjourned at 8:47 p.m.

Recording Secretary

Carmen Pedersen