*** All present are expected to conduct themselves in accordance with our City's Core Values ***

OFFICIAL NOTICE AND AGENDA of a meeting of a City Board, Commission, Department Committee, Agency, Corporation, Quasi-

Municipal Corporation or Sub-unit thereof.

PLAN COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF WAUSAU

Tuesday, January 16, 2018 at 5:00 pm.

City Hall (407 Grant Street, Wausau WI 54403) - COUNCIL CHAMBERS

Mielke (C), Lindman, Peckham, Gisselman, Bohlken, Zahrt, Brueggeman

AGENDA ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATION (All items listed may be acted upon)

1. Approve the minutes of the December 19, 2017 meeting.

2. PUBLIC HEARING: Discussion and possible action on amending Section 23.14.060(c) of the

Wausau Muncipal Code pertaining to criteria for approval of sponsorship signs. (City of Wausau)

3. Discussion and possible action on approving a conditional use at 1601 North 10th Street to allow

for sponsorship signs for an educational institution, in a R2, Single Family Residence District.

(Wausau School District)

4. Next meeting date and future agenda items for consideration.

5. Adjournment

Mayor Robert B. Mielke - Committee Chairperson

Notice is hereby given that the PLAN COMMISSION of the City of Wausau, Wisconsin will hold a

regular or special meeting on the date, time and location shown below.

Members:

Location:

Distribution List: City Website, Media, Committee Members, Council Members, Assessor, Attorney, City Clerk, Community Development,

Finance, Metro Ride, Human Resources, Police Department, Hebert, Lenz, DeSantis, Parks Department, County Planning

Meeting of the:

Date/Time:

This Notice was posted at City Hall and emailed to the Daily Herald newsroom on 1/11/2018 @ 10:00 a.m. Questions regarding this agenda

may be directed to the Planning Department at (715) 261-6760.

Please note that, upon reasonable notice, efforts will be made to accommodate the needs of disabled individuals through appropriate aids &

services. For information or to request this service, contact the Planning Department at 407 Grant Street, Wausau, WI 54403 or (715) 261-

6760.

PLAN COMMISSION

Time and Date: The Plan Commission met on Tuesday, December 19, 2017, at 5:00 p.m. in the

Council Chambers of Wausau City Hall.

Members Present: Mayor Robert Mielke, Andrew Brueggeman, Ron Zahrt, Patrick Peckham, Eric

Lindman, Gary Gisselman

Others Present: Brad Lenz, William Hebert, Brad Sippel, Melissa Engen, Denise Pody, Scott

Mertens, Bob Heinrich, Mark Heinrich, Patrick Galligan, Anne Dorava, Laura

Kutil, Peggy Ender, Mike Kutil, Jim Waldron, Bill Greenwood

In compliance with Chapter 19, Wisconsin Statutes, notice of this meeting was posted and transmitted to

the Wausau Daily Herald in the proper manner.

Mayor Mielke called the meeting to order at approximately 5:00 p.m. noting that a quorum was present.

Approve the minutes of the November 21, 2017 meeting. Peckham motioned to approve the minutes of the November 21, 2017 meeting. Zahrt seconded, and the motion carried unanimously 6-0. PUBLIC HEARING: Discussion and possible action on approving a conditional use at 9916 Highland Drive to allow for a chemical warehousing and wholesale distribution facility, in a IP, Industrial Park District. Scott Mertens, 9605 Highland Drive, asked why the address is listed as 9916 Highland Drive when it cannot be accessed from Highland Drive. Hebert said that was the assigned address and will be reassigned when there is a public road. The address will be on Innovation Way. Mertens said that there are no roads or access off of Highland Drive, but there are a lot of semis. Lindman said that the township would need to be contacted to post signs. Mertens said that there are signs posted, but it has not done any good. Lindman said that County Road O will have more trucks on it going back and forth to the highway. Bob Heinrich, 9900 Highland Drive, said that two weeks ago a semi driver went up and down Highland Avenue looking for the property to deliver insulation panels. Heinrich said that the driver needed to use his driveway to turn around, which resulted in damage to landscaping and a wrecker needed to be called. The damage to the landscaping will total $2,500 and the cost of the wrecker for the driver was $775 due to the address. Heinrich said that he has a concern of the retention pond next to the property line that will contain all of the surface runoff. Lindman confirmed this. Heinrich said that the well is 30’ from the border of the pond and he is concerned with the quality of water in the well. Lindman said that it will be natural infiltration into the ground. Heinrich said that it will carry pollutants. Lindman said that it would be typical pollutants, like salts. The system was permitted by the DNR. Heinrich asked if it will be monitored. Lindman said that the silt buildup will be monitored and will be dredged from time to time. (After the meeting, it was determined that the detention ponds in the business campus will be wet ponds and will be clay lined to keep the water in the pond as well as the sediment The water will not infiltrate back into the ground.) Mark Heinrich, 9880 Highland Drive, said that this is going to happen and they have already poured the concrete foundation for the water tower. Heinrich said that he heard a rumor that there will be advertising on the golf ball tee style of water tower. Lindman said that there has been discussion as to whether the city logo will be put on it, but there has not been any discussion for advertising. Mayor Mielke closed the public hearing. Lenz said that the map in the packet shows a larger parcel, which is what it is now. The address will change and the chemical company would only take up the southwest corner of the property, west of the wetland area. The concerns expressed are for the larger Wausau Business Campus. The proposed use would require a conditional use permit and would fall under the ‘other’ category. It is similar to warehousing which is a permitted use. Peckham asked if there is a potential concern for groundwater contamination. Lindman said that there is not, unless there is an active spill, but that could happen anywhere in the city. There is runoff from all

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December 19, 2017 — Page 2

streets and developments, there haven’t been any issues. Peckham motioned to approve a conditional use at 9916 Highland Park Drive to allow for a chemical warehousing and wholesale distribution facility, in an IP, Industrial Park District. Brueggeman seconded, and the motion carried unanimously 6-0. This item is scheduled to go to Common Council on January 9, 2018. PUBLIC HEARING: Discussion and possible action on approving a conditional use at 1601 North 10th Street to allow for sponsorship signs for an educational institution, in a R2, Single Family Residence District. Patrick Galligan, 5207 Russell Drive, said that he is representing the Wausau School District and is available for any questions. Anne Dorava said that she lives on the corner of 10th Street and Stark Street and wonders what is meant by the use of the word historic and who deems it historic. Galligan answered that it was an editorial decision and they tried to be respectful of Thom Field. It is an honored place. Mayor Mielke closed the public hearing. Sippel said that the conditional use would be for designating a sponsorship sign. The signage would be located at the corner of Bridge Street and 10th Street. The criteria for conditional uses and sponsorship signs are listed in the staff report. The signage is not expected to impact properties and meets most of the requirements. Criteria #3 may not meet the interior requirement since it is facing the exterior. This will replace two existing signs. Peckham said that criteria #8 allows for signs for 150 days and asked if this should be addressed. Lenz said that the ordinance was created specifically for baseball diamonds. The intent was not for facing out; this sign is a little different. It doesn’t meet all of the criteria 100%; it is up to the commission if it is close enough. Peckham motioned to approve a conditional use at 1601 North 10th Street to allow for sponsorship signs for an educational institution, in a R2, Single Family Residence District with the allowance that Criteria #3 and #8 are not met. Brueggeman seconded. Gisselman asked if the ordinance could be waived and said that he didn’t think it could be waived. Lenz said that the criteria are listed in the ordinance on which to base a yes or no vote. Brueggeman asked if it could be acknowledged that all of the criteria are not met. Peckham asked if there is a difference between an ordinance and municipal code. Lenz said that the zoning code is chapter 23 of the Wausau Municipal Code – changes to it are passed by ordinance. Peckham said that he was taking it a different way. Peckham asked if this needs to be a sponsorship sign. Lenz said that it is a dual purpose sign – identification and sponsorship. Peckham said that it needs to be acknowledged that some parts do not mesh up with the criteria. Gisselman said that the ordinance needs to be fixed and come back. Gisselman recommended that the item should be tabled. Galligan said that the additional time that this will take is fine. The motion was withdrawn. Gisselman motioned to make amendments to the ordinance and to bring this back to the next Plan Commission meeting. Peckham seconded, and the motion carried unanimously 6-0. Gisselman asked Galligan if the signage would be lit. Galligan answered that would not be lit. PUBLIC HEARING: Discussion and possible action on approving a conditional use at 415 East Campus Drive to allow for a day care center, in a R2, Single Family Residence District. Laura Kutil, 411 East Campus Drive, said that she lives to the west of the property and has no issue with the current daycare. They have been good neighbors. The proposal is quite extensive and will have the

Plan Commission

December 19, 2017 — Page 3

front yard paved for a parking lot. A criterion of a conditional use is that is cannot be injurious to other properties or substantially diminish property values. This will decrease the property value. The business will operate 6:00 a.m. – 12:00 a.m. There is concern about traffic congestions, specifically between 7:00-8:00 a.m. and 5:00 – 6:00 p.m. There will not be room for parents to turn around. This is a very quiet and peaceful neighborhood. The parking lot will be an eyesore, as it will not be a green, residential space. Where will the 8-9 employees park? Where will the snow be placed? What will happen with the runoff from melting snow? Kutil said that she has no problem leaving it as it is, but is not in support of the change. Kutil said that there may be bright lights in the parking lot and it will look commercial. Kutil added that it would be hard to change this back to a residential property once the changes are made, if the business does not work out. This is not good for the neighborhood; there are too many unknowns. It is a nice idea, but is an elementary start. It will not fit in the neighborhood. Peggy Ender, 427 East Campus Drive, said that she wrote a letter since she was not sure if she could attend the meeting. Ender said that when she bought her house two years ago the petitioner was the only one who answered the door when she tried to talk to neighbors before moving in. There has never been a problem or issue with the petitioner, but they have had problems with other neighbors. There is already foot and vehicle traffic, as 3M goes through at all times. Six to eight vehicles can easily fit in the driveway. Snowblowing can be handled or a compromise can be made. There have been several improvements on the house and they want to employ people. Alphabet Soup is located on the corner of Randolph Street, which was originally a residence and became a business. The parking lot lights are run on a sensor and do not seem to be a problem. Rose and Bubba’s Bait Shop is also a business that was converted from a single-family home to a business. There is a lot of traffic in the area because of Monk Gardens. There have been no police, fire or EMS issues from this property. Mike Kutil, 411 East Campus Drive, said that the concern is not with the current situation, but with the expansion. This is a busy road and will cause an issue. There will be additional parking on the street that will cause problems. The front yard will be paved and will not appear residential. This will change the immediate vicinity of the block. Mayor Mielke closed the public hearing. Mayor Mielke said that emails were received from Rose Gottung, Janeen Sullivan and Dawn Duschel who were all against the conditional use. Copies of the emails were passed out at the start of the meeting. Lenz said that staff shares some of the same concerns as the residents. An in-home daycare is permitted but a daycare center would need a conditional use. Churches and schools are allowed in residential districts, but they are located on larger lots. The zoning specifies minimum lot sizes for these uses, but lot size for a daycare center is not listed in the code. There would be 35 children, employees and parents at the property. The paving of the front yard is not desirable. The property is right in the middle of the block. The in-home daycare seems to be functioning fine. Lenz said there are building code issues with going larger. Hebert said that the plan that was developed is in the packet. The in-home daycare is licensed, but the daycare center will require a different license. The kitchen use will need to be reviewed. The square footage may not allow this many children. In the existing use, 35 square feet per child is required, per the code. There are different parameters for the different license. The kitchen will need some work and it is likely that an exterior door will be needed for each room. Lindman said that the daycare center is a great business, but he does not feel that it is the right location for the expansion. Lindman said that he would prefer a location on a larger lot. Gisselman asked if the petitioner is aware of the issues. Hebert said he had spoken to the petitioner and discussed the kitchen issues, parking, and conversations with neighbors. The petitioner has been in touch with the licenser. Mayor Mielke asked for a motion to approve, but no motion was made.

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December 19, 2017 — Page 4

PUBLIC HEARING: Discussion and possible action on approving a conditional use at 1415 West Street to allow for a car wash, in a B2, Community Service District. Sippel said that the site plan is located in the packet. The property is located at the corner of West Street and 17th Avenue. The lot is currently vacant. A car wash is allowed in the district with the approval of a conditional use. The surrounding land is for commercial uses. As proposed, the use is not expected to cause any major issues. Jim Waldron, 804 Oriole Lane, said that the property has been on the market for ten years. Mayor Mielke closed the public hearing. Gisselman asked if the conditional use would travel from owner to owner. It was confirmed by staff that it does. Zahrt motioned to approve the conditional use at 1415 West Street to allow for a car wash, in a B2, Community Service District. Brueggeman seconded, and the motion carried unanimously 6-0. This item will go to Common Council on January 9, 2018. Discussion and possible action on amending the Precise Implementation Plan at 1300 North River Drive to approve amendments to building facades and signage. Lenz said that there wasn’t anything included in the packet for this item. The building elevations that were approved through the UDD showed something on the walls, but it was not specifically approved as to what it should be. Nothing has been installed to this point, other than business signage. One idea was handed out at the beginning of the meeting. The owner has expressed a desire to not implement wall treatments as previously planned. Brueggeman asked if the original plan from the postal building is available. The last version was small and so many changes had been made. Lenz said that it is on file, but not accessible right now. He said a green wall with ivy was proposed for the old building to cover up the paneling. Then, it was changed to wood panels and signage, and then again to metal scaffolding with pictures. Lenz said that he could dig up previous concepts for a future meeting. Currently, the plan that was passed out is what they are bound to by the zoning. Lindman said that there have been discussions and it has gone around and around. At one time, advertisement was wanted, which was not the intent. With the landscaping, it is not sure what direction the commission wants to go. This part of the plan could be removed. Lindman said that he is not personally convinced that the pictures or murals would be the direction to go. Zahrt said that it is a good looking building with the trees and landscaping. It fits with what is going to be there. Peckham asked for clarification on where the latest plan came from. Greenwood said that they went to this type of thing inside and it shows the history as well. Greenwood said that they would like to leave the building like it is and see how the trees grow. Peckham said that there is room for improvement. Lenz said an option could be to allow murals on the building, similar to what was done on other buildings in the area through the River District. He said staff could work with one of the better muralists. Mayor Mielke said that this is a partnership and would like to see the continued success. Brueggeman asked if a finalized precise implementation plan would need to happen. Lenz said that the plan should be amended to remove the murals. Zahrt motioned to amend the precise implementation plan to accept the building as it currently is. Brueggeman seconded, and the motion carried unanimously 6-0. This item will go to Common Council on January 9, 2018.

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December 19, 2017 — Page 5

Discussion and possible action on recourse for non-compliance with precise implementation plan at 1300 North River Drive. This item was pulled from the agenda. Next meeting date and future agenda items for consideration. The next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, January 16, 2018. Adjournment Peckham motioned to adjourn, seconded by Zahrt. Motion carried unanimously 6-0 and the meeting adjourned at 6:00 p.m. The Plan Commission is next scheduled to meet at 5:00 p.m. on January 16, 2018.

Agenda Item No. 2

STAFF REPORT TO PLAN COMMISSION – January 16, 2017

AGENDA ITEM

Amending Section 23.14.060(c) of the Wausau Municipal Code pertaining to criteria for approval of sponsorship signs. BACKGROUND

At the December Plan Commission meeting, the Wausau School District requested the approval of a conditional use for a designation sign and sponsorship signs. The request did not meet the letter of the ordinance, but the Plan Commission deemed the proposal was within the intentions of the ordinance. The proposed ordinance amendments would accommodate the proposal from the Wausau School District without compromising the original intent of Section 23.14.060(c). STAFF RECOMMENDATION Approve text amendment to zoning code as presented in attachment. Staff contact: Brad Sippel 715-261-6686

Proposed text amendment to Wausau Municipal Code 23.14.060 (Signs):

(c) Sponsorship signs for educational and public institutions may be allowed in a

residential district subject to issuance of a conditional use permit by the Plan Commission. Approval

of the signs shall should be based on the following criteria:

(1) Area. Each sponsor’s sign or nameplate shall be limited to 32 square feet in area.

(2) Number. The total number of signs on a zoning lot shall be approved by the

Plan Commission with the intention of minimizing overall visual pollution.

(3) Type. Signs may be affixed to fences of recreational fields or to structures on

the premises. Freestanding signs are not permitted. Signs shall are recommended to face

the interior of the field, facility, etc. for greatest visibility to the users of the premises.

(4) Setback. Signs must meet the yard requirements for the use or structure

specified in each zoning district, unless placed on a legal non-conforming structure.

(5) Height. Signs shall not project higher than the fences or structures to which

they are mounted. Signs mounted or other structures shall not exceed fifteen (15)

feet in height.

(6) Content. Signs may contain the name, logo, telephone number, street address,

and website address of the sponsor, but shall not contain mottos, slogans, or other

commercial messages unless they are an integral part of the logo.

(76) Illumination. Signs shall not be electronically lighted or have any electronic

components as part of the display.

(8) Duration. Signs may be displayed for a total of 150 days in any calendar year.

Agenda Item No. 3

STAFF REPORT TO PLAN COMMISSION – January 16, 2017

AGENDA ITEM

Approving a conditional use at 1601 North 10th Street to allow for sponsorship signs for an educational institution, in a R2, Single Family Residence District. BACKGROUND

At the December Plan Commission meeting, the Wausau School District requested the approval of a conditional use for a designation sign and sponsorship signs. The request did not meet the letter of the ordinance, but the Plan Commission deemed the proposal was within the intentions of the ordinance. The Plan Commission held a public hearing for the proposal at the December meeting. One nearby resident spoke at the public hearing, asking how the School District deemed Thom Field was historic. Signs designating public or municipal institutions are allowed by conditional use. Sponsorship signs are allowed by conditional use, with additional criteria listed in the Wausau Municipal Code, as listed in the attached staff report from the December meeting. The sign proposed by the Wausau School District combines the functions of a designation sign and sponsorship signs. If the ordinance amendment is approved as proposed under Agenda Item 2, then the conditional use request meets the conditions of the ordinance. The staff report and plan from the December meeting is attached. STAFF RECOMMENDATION Approve conditional use for designation sign and sponsorship signs as proposed by the Wausau School District at the December public hearing. Staff contact: Brad Sippel 715-261-6686

STAFF REPORT

TO: City of Wausau Plan Commission

FROM: Brad Sippel, Assistant Planner

DATE: December 13, 2017

GENERAL INFORMATION

APPLICANT: Patrick Galligan, Wausau School District

LOCATION: 1601 North 10th Street

EXISTING ZONING: R2, Single Family Residence District

REQUESTED ZONING: Conditional Use

PURPOSE: To allow for a designation sign and sponsorship signs for an

educational institution. In the R2 District, designation signs and

sponsorship signs may be allowed as a conditional use.

EXISTING LAND USE: Athletic fields

SIZE OF PARCEL: Approximately 15.25 acres

SURROUNDING ZONING AND LAND USE:

North: R2, Single Family Residence District; Residences

South: R3, Two Family Residence District; Residences

East: R2; Residences; Storage Warehouse

West: R2; Residences, public pool, parking lot

See attached map

ANALYSIS

From Wausau Municipal Code 23.72.060, no conditional use shall be recommended by the city

plan commission unless the commission finds:

(a) That the establishment, maintenance, or operation of the conditional use will not be

detrimental to or endanger the public health, safety, morals, comfort, or general welfare;

(b) That the conditional use will not be injurious to the use and enjoyment of other property in

the immediate vicinity for the purposes already permitted, nor substantially diminish and impair

property values within the neighborhood;

(c) That the establishment of the conditional use will not impede the normal and orderly

development and improvement of the surrounding property for uses permitted in the district;

(d) That adequate utilities, access roads, drainage and/or necessary facilities have been or are

being provided;

(e) That adequate measures have been or will be taken to provide ingress and egress so designed

as to minimize traffic congestion in the public streets; and

(f) That the conditional use shall, in all other respects, conform to the applicable regulations of

the district in which it is located, except as the regulations may, in each instance, be modified by

the common council pursuant to the recommendations of the city plan commission.

The Wausau School District is seeking approval of a conditional use permit for sponsorship signs

at Thom Field, 1601 North 10th Street. In the R2 District, sponsorship signs may be allowed as a

conditional use. Signs designating public or municipal institutions are also allowed by

conditional use. The property is used as an athletic field. The property is located at the corner of

Bridge Street and 10th Street, is bordered on all sides by residences, and on the west by a public

pool and parking lot.

Chapter 23.14.060 of the City of Wausau Municipal Code places the following criteria on the

issuance of a CUP for sponsorship signs in residential zoning districts:

(1) Area. Each sign shall be limited to 32 square feet in area.

(2) Number. The total number of signs on a zoning lot shall be approved by the Plan

Commission with the intention of minimizing overall visual pollution.

(3) Type. Signs may be affixed to fences of recreational fields or to structures on the

premises. Freestanding signs are not permitted. Signs shall face the interior of the

field, facility, etc. for greatest visibility to the users of the premises.

(4) Setback. Signs must meet the yard requirements for the use or structure specified in

each zoning district.

(5) Height. Signs shall not project higher than the fences or structures to which they are

mounted. Signs mounted or other structures shall not exceed fifteen (15) feet in

height.

(6) Content. Signs may contain the name, logo, telephone number, street address, and

website address of the sponsor, but shall not contain mottos, slogans, or other

commercial messages unless they are an integral part of the logo.

(7) Illumination. Signs shall not be electronically lighted or have any electronic

components as part of the display.

(8) Duration. Signs may be displayed for a total of 150 days in any calendar year.

A plan for the signs is attached. The proposed sign would be mounted on the street side of the

bleacher stands, facing Bridge Street, and would replace two existing signs that display the logos

of Wausau East High School and Wausau West High School. The total sign area, including the

designation, school logos and the sponsorship signs, is 192 square feet. Each larger sponsorship

sign is 5.25 square feet, and each smaller sponsorship sign is 4.375 square feet.

There would also be an anchor partner recognition sign on the press box, an additional 5.25

square feet of sponsorship signage. The sponsorship signage is part of the sponsorship package

that the School District signed with local businesses to fund new scoreboards over a few years.

The proposed conditional use is not expected to have major impacts to adjacent properties or the

general public. The sign as proposed may not meet criterion (3) from Chapter 23.14.060, above.

Although it is mounted on the interior of the property facing an entrance, it does not face the

interior of the field. This section of Chapter 23.14 was intended to allow for sponsorship signage

while minimizing the visual clutter to the general public and preventing a billboard effect of

covering the exterior of a sports facility in advertising. The Plan Commission should determine if

the sign as proposed meets the intent of the ordinance. The Plan Commission should consider

also requiring an additional condition that the sign be constructed of durable materials to

maintain its attractiveness over time.