Tuesday, January 8, 2008

 

Pursuant to adjournment, the City Plan Commission met in the Common Council Chambers of City Hall, 5909 North Milwaukee River Parkway.

 

Mayor Tepper called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.

 

Roll Call:  Present: Mayor Jerome Tepper, Commissioners Paul Conway, Izzy Goldberg, Joseph Colacino, Jacek Flejsierowicz, Larry Appel, and Dennis Noble.  Absent:  None.

 

Other Officials Present: Richard E. Maslowski, City Administrator, Todd M. Stuebe, Director of Community Development, and Kenneth J. Veriga, Planning and Zoning Administrator.  

 

In accordance with the Open Meeting Law, the Glendale Herald, the City's official newspaper, was advised on Thursday, January 3, 2008, of the date of this meeting, the agenda was posted on the official bulletin board in City Hall, copies of the agenda were made available to the general public in the Municipal Building and the Police Department, and those persons who have requested were sent copies of the agenda.

 

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE.

 

The members of the Plan Commission, City staff and all those present pledged allegiance to the flag of the United States of America.

           

ADOPTION OF THE MINUTES.

 

Motion was made by Comm. Colacino, seconded by Comm. Noble, to approve the minutes of the meeting held on Tuesday, November 6, 2007, that were included in the packets.  Roll Call:  Ayes:  Mayor Tepper, Commissioners Goldberg, Colacino, Appel, and Noble.  Noes:  None.  Abstain:  Commissioners Conway and Flejsierowicz.  Motion carried unanimously.

Mayor Tepper recommended that approval of the December 12, 2007, meeting minutes be layed over until the next meeting as the Commission just received them and they are very voluminous, that he had not had a chance to read them, and that they are 18 pages long, and suggested that the Commission take the interim month to read them so that they can approve them after having read them.  Motion was made by Comm. Colacino, seconded by Comm. Goldberg, to table the approval of the December 12, 2007, Plan Commission meeting minutes until the February 5, 2008 meeting.  Roll Call:  Ayes:  Mayor Tepper, Commissioners Conway, Goldberg, Colacino, Flejsierowicz, Appel, and Noble.  Noes:  None.  Abstain:  None.  Motion carried unanimously.

 


MATTERS FOR CONSIDERATION.

 

I.                    7:00 PM Conditional Use Hearing, A-B Data, 5301 North Ironwood Lane.  Review and approve proposed headquarters office use and associated plan of operation.

 

Mr. Stuebe stated that the Staff Report was distributed to the Plan Commissioners and Applicant and is incorporated herein as follows:

 

Applicant, A-B Data, proposes to occupy 5301 North Ironwood Lane (formerly Manpower) for use as its headquarters office location.  The subject parcel is located in the B-1, Sub-Area C1, Zoning District and, under Section 13.1.39(c)(4) of the Zoning Code, is subject to conditional use review and approval by the Plan Commission.

 

The proposed typical hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., with light building use 24 hours per day throughout the year.  A-B Data anticipates a maximum of 500 employees at the site at any given time.  There are 526 parking spaces at the site.

 

Other than occupying the building minimal physical changes to the building or site are planned.  Manpower did remove and relocate the metal statue, and A-B Data has not yet made a decision as to utilization of the existing flagpoles.

 

A-B data proposes to utilize the existing pylon sign that was used by Manpower.

 

Mr. Stuebe stated that Staff recommends approval of a Conditional Use Permit for A-B Data to occupy 5301 North Ironwood Lane for use as its world headquarters office, subject to the following conditions:  1) Subject to annual conditional use review; 2) All signs to conform with the Glendale Code of Ordinances (Signs are subject to a permit through the Community Development Department); 3) All landscaping and lighting features being maintained and replaced and/or replenished whenever necessary pursuant to tenant/owner lease responsibilities; 4) Dumpster location to be reviewed and approved by the Planning and Zoning Administrator; 5) All City of Glendale building and fire codes being carried out to the satisfaction of the Building Inspector and North Shore Fire Department; 6) Written certification by owner of compliance with State of Wisconsin Department of Commerce requirements for physically disabled parking prior to issuance of Occupancy Permit.

Mayor Tepper asked the Applicant’s representative to please introduce himself and that if he had any statement he wished to make, this would be the time.

Bruce Arbit introduced himself as Co-Managing Director of A-B Data Limited, and expressed that they are excited to join the community in Glendale.  Mr. Arbit stated that while he is not a resident, he is a graduate of Nicolet and he checked carefully that he does not have a police record in the City, and that A-B Data is looking forward as a company to moving in. 

Mayor Tepper asked if anybody on the Commission had any questions that they wished to ask Mr. Arbit.  Hearing none Mayor Tepper asked if there was a motion relative to the request for a Conditional Use Permit.

Motion by Comm. Goldberg, seconded by Comm. Conway, to approve a Conditional Use Permit for AB-Data to occupy 5301 North Ironwood Lane for its use as its world headquarters office subject to the six conditions.  Roll Call:  Ayes:  Commissioners Conway, Goldberg, Colacino, Flejsierowicz, Appel, and Noble.  Noes:  None.  Abstain:  Mayor Tepper.  Motion carried unanimously.

 

II.                 7:00 PM Conditional Use Hearing, Port Plaza, L.L.C. (Fast Signs Center), 5312-5336 North Port Washington Road.  Review and approve exterior building modifications and site plan modifications.

 

                        Mr. Stuebe stated that the Staff Report was distributed to the Plan Commissioners and Applicant and is incorporated herein as follows:

 

Applicant, Port Plaza, L.L.C. (Fast Signs Center) is seeking approval to make building modifications.  The subject parcel is located in the B-1, Sub-Area B, Zoning District and, under Section 13.1.39(c)(3) of the Zoning Code, is subject to conditional use review and approval by the Plan Commission.

 

The present project involves the north end of the center, most recently occupied by 2nd Wind Exercise Equipment and previous to that Mattress Giant.  Applicant proposes to raise the roof height to better accommodate future tenants and to modify the building façade by adding an articulated parapet wall and standing seam aluminum awning system across the front of the building.  At present the proposed parapet and awning concept is only being applied to the north tenant space, however, it would in the future being extended across the entire façade to unify the appearance of the Fast Signs Center.

 

Materials include spilt face concrete masonry units (C.M.U.) up to the awning and EIFS for the parapet wall.

 

Signs would be positioned as indicated on the concept drawing.

 

No other site modifications are indicated on the plans.

 

                        Mr. Stuebe stated that staff recommends approval of a Conditional Use Permit for Port Plaza, L.L.C. to make the proposed building modifications at 5312-5336 North Port Washington Road, subject to the following conditions: 1) Subject to annual conditional use review; 2) All signs to conform with the Planned Sign Program (PSP) for the center or an amended PSP subject to Plan Commission approval; 3) All landscaping and lighting features being maintained and replaced and/or replenished whenever necessary pursuant to tenant/owner lease responsibilities; 4) Dumpster enclosure(s) to be reviewed and approved by the Planning and Zoning Administrator; 5) All City of Glendale building and fire codes being carried out to the satisfaction of the Building Inspector and North Shore Fire Department; 6) Written certification by owner of compliance with State of Wisconsin Department of Commerce requirements for physically disabled parking prior to issuance of Occupancy Permit.

                        Mayor Tepper asked the Applicant to introduce himself.

                        David Strachota introduced himself and stated that he is with New Horizon Ventures, and stated that Rob Schmidt apologizes that he was not able to attend tonight due to some prior out of town commitments and, therefore, he would be here and try to answer any questions that the Commission may have on what he is looking to do here.

                        Mayor Tepper asked Mr. Strachota if there was a statement he wished to make relative to the proposal.

                        Mr. Strachota stated that it was very well stated in the agenda as to what Mr. Schmidt’s intention is and that he can show you real quickly the north end that is the main objective initially for renovation, continuing that as it says the reason for that is the north end of the building only has an eight foot ceiling, which you can understand is not real accommodating to various types of tenants, so he wishes to raise that entire section of the building to increase the ceiling height, renovate the front façade, and create a higher parapet on the north end, which would help to hide the rooftop units from what would be the McDonald’s to the north.  Mr. Strachota stated that Mr. Schmidt’s intention is that once that is completed on the north end of the building and rented to generate some income, then he would like to continue on with the rest of the building to blend the façade renovations together.  Mr. Strachota stated that he will show the Commission quickly on the exhibit drawing where the north end is. 

                        Mayor Tepper asked Mr. Strachota to use the microphone.

                        Mr. Strachota stated that this section (pointing to the exhibit drawing) is the north end of the building that Mr. Schmidt is looking to begin with the renovation, and stated that the height of the front will not change drastically, the main difference will be a new storefront so that he can obtain two entrances rather than one as he feels it will increase the rent-ability potentially for two 1,500 square foot spaces instead of one large space, so therefore that part will be redone.  Mr. Strachota stated that the north end mainly is raising the parapet height to screen the rooftop units that will mainly be accomplished using an EIFS (exterior insulation finishing system) material that continues across the front of the building and then a standing seam metal roof awning.  Mr. Strachota stated that currently this section (pointing to the exhibit drawing) of the building has a canvas awning, from a picture standpoint not totally different from the way it looks like now, but that will eventually be redone to match the standing seam metal. 

                        Mayor Tepper asked if anybody had any questions they wished to ask of the Applicant.

                        Comm. Noble stated that he is to understand tonight the major part of the work, or what you are asking for, is going to be the north end or the north building.

                        Mr. Strachota stated that Mr. Schmidt would like to do it in phases, Phase I being the north end of the building and, as he mentioned, when that is completed, and rented to generate income, then Mr. Schmidt would take that and work on the rest of the building to blend it. 

                        Comm. Noble stated that he noticed from parking there that there seems to be somewhat of a drainage problem along the north end between the parking lot and building itself. 

                        Mr. Strachota stated that he thinks he noticed that too, especially this winter with some ice buildup right along there and, other than addressing that in some way so Mr. Schmidt does not have that problem, there really is no need for him to address the rest of the parking lot.

                        Comm. Noble stated that he would have an angry tenant if he does did not address it.

                        Mr. Strachota stated that presumably during this process would be the best time to address it.

                        Comm. Noble asked what they are going to do to the brick that is on the north side, painting it or what.

                        Mr. Strachota stated they are going to paint it to blend with the rest of the building. 

                        Comm. Appel stated that he is curious as to what the time frame is as to completing the south end so there is uniformity.

                        Mr. Strachota stated that the main criteria on completing the south end, in Mr. Schmidt’s feeling, is to rent the north end and, once it is completed, once he is generating income, then he will continue on to the south end.

                        Comm. Appel asked if it would be a good result for us if, suppose it takes 12 years.

                        Mr. Strachota stated that he is afraid if it took that long he probably would not be in the building anymore, but he understands the concern and, unfortunately, that is what Mr. Schmidt conveyed was his intention.

                        Comm. Appel stated he would not like to see this carried on forever and that it has to have an ending date, and that you are not doing so much to the south end of the building that it can not be done and, that as he understands it, they really are doing very little.

                        Mr. Strachota stated that what would be done to the south end is that the existing front façade is basically painted plywood, and so that would be redone with an EIFS material to blend with what they are doing here (pointing to the exhibit drawing) to withstand the weather better and have a better appearance than it does now, and then instead of the canvas awnings to replace it with the metal awnings, so that is pretty much the extent of that.

                        Comm. Appel stated that they are not rebuilding the building, but they are tweaking the building.

                        Mr. Strachota replied that is correct.

                        Comm. Appel stated that he thinks we need to have a time frame for this completion. 

                        Comm. Flejsierowicz asked if Mr. Strachota could point out on the rendering exactly the extent of what is being done.

                        Mr. Strachota stated that on the north end from this point over (pointing to the exhibit drawing) currently there is a center entrance door and that will be rebuilt with a new storefront to create two entrances here.  Mr. Strachota stated that it currently has a canvas awning and a plywood parapet and that the canvas awning would be replaced with the standing seam here and this parapet would be resurfaced with the EIFS material and a coping to match the awning.  Mr. Strachota stated that currently on this side (pointing to the exhibit drawing) the height of the building is basically only about nine feet and so, from that point up, there will be a new parapet built covered in EIFS material and, from here over this existing material is the same architectural split-face block that will be utilized to redo the front and that is what is now there.  Mr. Strachota stated that mainly this portion here (pointing to the exhibit drawing) the top siding will be replaced, the existing standing seam metal roof that is in there now would be replaced to match the new, and then this section, across the existing south portion of the building, is again just a painted plywood that will be resurfaced with the EIFS material, the new coping, and then the blue canvas awnings will come off and be replaced with the standing seam metal, and then the entire building will be painted to match the EIFS material.

                        Mayor Tepper stated that he wanted to say one thing, that he agrees with Mr. Appel, and that he does not think that leaving half of the project undone until the other half is income producing would be beneficial to the City in terms of not knowing what the success will be of that first building, and he would like to see an end date also, hopefully an end date that would be the same as the end date for the front building.  Mayor Tepper stated that it does not sound like there is an awful lot of expense, though he does not know the expense, but it does not sound like there is a lot being done to the second building that it should have to be done in stages, continuing that it is not that big of a building either and he thinks it would stick out like a sore thumb if we had those two contrasting, that although he does not know, but that is his impression.

                        Comm. Appel stated that Mr. Strachota had mentioned that nobody wants to rent an eight-foot high building but thought that you just said you are only putting a parapet wall on that north building and concluded by asking if they are raising the roof.

                        Mr. Strachota stated that from an appearance standpoint on the side there will be a parapet wall, but the ceiling right now is at eight feet, and that will come up and the roof will come up to a 12-foot height, and then a parapet above there yet, so they will be adding five to six feet on this side for increasing the ceiling height in addition to the parapet above it screening the mechanicals.

                        Comm. Appel stated that the north building then has substantial work to be done.

                        Mr. Strachota replied in the affirmative.

                        Comm. Appel stated that he not only feels that there should be a time frame for completion of the whole project but thought that it will help you rent the project if you make that kind of commitment to finish that south building which does not sound like a whole lot of money, not to count other people’s money.

                        Mr. Strachota stated that he can see Comm. Appel’s point there, and that he can relay that obviously, or whatever the decision is tonight, to Mr. Schmidt.  Mr. Strachota stated that one thing that does work in favor of not so contrasting is that the colors of the existing north end are being maintained for the new portion.

                        Comm. Appel asked Mr. Strachota if he meant the south end.

                        Mr. Strachota apologized, agreeing that it is the south end, so you will not see a drastic contrast other than the main difference will be the quality of the material and the metal roof versus the canvas.

                        Comm. Conway asked what types of awnings are going to be on the building.

                        Mr. Strachota stated that it would be the standing seam metal roof awning.

                        Comm. Conway asked if it is going to be blue, and is going to be that blue.

                        Mr. Strachota replied in the affirmative and that, in fact, he has a sample of that (Mr. Strachota passed the samples of the blue standing seam metal and the EIFS for the Commissioners to review) and stated that the samples were the EIFS material that is above and the block would be painted to match. 

                        Comm. Conway stated that it is very blue.

                        Mr. Strachota stated that matches, that he held that sample up to the blue awning and they are almost identical, so it is the color that is there now.

                        Comm. Colacino asked if they plan on doing anything with the parking lot at all because he knows that the parking lot has some potholes and things - are you anticipating on doing anything with that at this point, continuing that he knows that there are some problems and he does not know where the lot line is between Pet Supplies Plus and the south end of the building because there is a real change in grade between the two properties.

                        Mr. Strachota stated that he is not aware of anything there other than what the other gentleman mentioned, and that he does know that there is a drainage problem right here at basically this asphalt right on the side of the building has sunk and so it creates a pocket there…other than that he stated he was afraid he could not answer.

                        Comm. Noble stated that speaking of the south side, there is a doorway on the south side and, referring to the south elevation, it shows a solid wall and it is not a solid wall, there is actually a doorway there that people come and go, and asked if that is going to be eliminated.

                        Mr. Strachota responded in the negative and apologized and said that was discovered after he had sent the packets off to the Commission that was missed on there, otherwise that is an existing elevation and nothing will be changed on there.

                        Comm. Noble stated that he was just curious that you were closing that door off.

                        Mr. Strachota stated that Comm. Noble had caught him.

                        Comm. Noble stated that is his job.

                        Comm. Flejsierowicz stated that the building overall is very bland…there is nothing exciting, and on the north elevation return you have one window on the existing south elevation you have a bigger window…continuing that you are going to see this corner as you go…and the canopy is very short…so could you make the windows match the south elevation by making them wider, and make the canopy run for a little bit longer so you are going to see more of a corner rather than a Dodge City building with one façade.  Comm. Flejsierowicz asked Mr. Strachota if he knew what he was talking about.

                        Mr. Strachota stated that you are talking about wanting to extend the display windows.

                        Comm. Flejsierowicz stated that is correct.

                        Mr. Strachota stated he sees a couple issues there from the standpoint of needing wall space for rent-ability in a small space, also the fact that this (pointing to exhibit drawing) is our bearing wall for our roof…it would increase the cost of creating a structural system to carry that versus the masonry that is existing already, and continued that from what is there now the improvement of the EIFS parapet will dress that up substantially along with the coping that matches everything on the front.

                        Comm. Noble stated that there could be a possibility, and to correct him if he is wrong on this or the idea is wrong, if you come around the corner with that awning and you have one window and, you are correct, wall space is paramount to retail, what happens if you place a band of blue and carry the band of blue as the same color the rest of the way just to break up the 15 feet of height.

                        Mr. Strachota asked if Comm. Noble is saying you want a color band around there.

                        Comm. Noble replied in the affirmative.

                        Mr. Strachota stated that he would not see that as a problem.

                        Comm. Colacino stated that speaking of color, is there any way of considering changing from blue to some other more neutral, natural color, because that building blue turns him the wrong way.

                        Mr. Strachota stated that he brought that question up to Mr. Schmidt and he is not locked into the color and mainly he is working with what he has and the fact that he wanted to do it in stages and have the building blended together until the process was finished, but he is open to possibilities for sure.

                        Comm. Appel stated that he thought that they should run that canopy 10 or 15 feet further on each side, north and south, not a band of paint, that that would not make it, maybe to that seam or offset.

                        Mr. Strachota stated that there is a pilaster there that stands out.

                        Comm. Appel stated that the awning should possibly go to there, maybe not, but thinks that they need to do something here because there is nothing attractive on the north or the south side, period, just a wall.  Comm. Appel stated that he knows you want the blue, and that you want to make a statement because you have Bayshore and all kinds of competition and buildings so you want to be noticed and so forth, and that he could probably live with the blue but it is a little strong.  Comm. Appel stated that he thinks they need to do something more… spending this kind of money, continuing that he thinks they need a little more architecture, and that would be very minimal to run 10 or 15 feet, and that he does not see where that affects even the structural wall.

                        Mr. Strachota stated that it would not affect the wall and that would definitely be a possibility.

                        Comm. Flejsierowicz stated that in terms of your saying that this is expensive to make, asked for confirmation that this piece is going to be built, and questioned whether this was only going to be a new face.

                        Mr. Strachota stated that the face exists, it will be resurfaced, and the storefront windows will be replaced, but the existing parapet is there and will be resurfaced.

                        Comm. Flejsierowicz stated that putting in an I-beam…cutting this and putting in an I-beam, and then grouting both sides is maybe, shooting from the hip, $1,000, and talking about competition of Bayshore Mall and Port Washington Road becoming “Avenue”…especially around the Bayshore Mall, and you have an opportunity to do something here, continued that he thinks that they are supposed to use this opportunity and make something a little bit more appealing than what we see here.  Comm. Flejsierowicz stated that it looks like a strip mall from the 1970’s, and it is difficult to rent because it is not appealing, and to make money you have to invest some money.  Comm. Flejsierowicz stated that it looks, for him, like 30 years ago…all this design and that it has nothing to do with the elements from Bayshore Mall and the surrounding neighborhood.

                        Comm. Noble asked if that was actually two buildings at one time. 

                        Mr. Strachota replied correct it was.

                        Comm. Noble stated the tower was added to connect the two.

                        Mr. Strachota stated the building was filled in in-between.

                        Comm. Noble stated that as he sees it, one of the problems with the property…he would not say it is a problem, is that once you get past McDonald’s it is kind of like an asphalt jungle, and there is very little greenery and, although he is not saying that you should not come up with a Comprehensive Landscape Plan, it is what it is, it is all asphalt all the way over to the Cadillac dealership…basically.  Comm. Noble stated that he thinks the design is…maybe it is the colors that are hurting him, but the design is somewhat dated, and he thinks maybe the footprint of the building is what it is but thinks that…and he does not want to spend Mr. Schmidt’s money but, with a little more finesse, he thinks that we could jazz it up a bit. 

                        Mayor Tepper stated that is sounds like the Commission would like to see a little bit different plan.  Mayor Tepper stated he did not assume that Mr. Schmidt was getting ready to start construction immediately…it might be good if he reviewed the plans and brought them back to the Commission at a later meeting either at our February or March meeting.

                        Mr. Strachota stated that would be the Commission’s decision and he will inform Mr. Schmidt, and that he knows Mr. Schmidt was anxious to get started because the space is empty now and it was the prime time to proceed with it versus getting a renter now and delaying everything, and once he has another tenant…until they move out again he is delayed until they are gone. 

                        Mayor Tepper asked if anybody else had any questions and, hearing none, asked if there was a motion relative to this application.  Mayor Tepper stated that there is no motion, which means that his suggestion is that you probably go back to Mr. Schmidt and suggest that there is some redoing that needs to be redone before the Commission can approve the Conditional Use, that right now the Commission has not made a motion to do anything with it, either accept it or reject it so you have heard the comments, and that he thinks that is probably where the Commission is at right now.

                        Mr. Strachota stated that he would relay the information and thanked the Commission for their time.

                        Mayor Tepper thanked Mr. Strachota.

 

III.               Site Plan and Occupancy Review, OVL and S3 International, 6110 North Flint Road.  Review and approve logistics businesses use and plan of operation.

 

                        Mr. Stuebe stated that there is a brief Staff Report on this occupancy, the existing building is the former Journal Sentinel property that was acquired by a group of investors who are also involved with the subject two businesses.  Mr. Stuebe stated that the Staff Report was distributed to the Plan Commissioners and Applicant and is incorporated herein as follows:

 

Applicants, Optimum Vehicle Logistics (OVL) and S3 International, seek site plan and plan of operation approval.  The subject parcel, now owned by Eric Dermond, Max Dermond, Stephane Dermond of OVL and Aksel Sidem, Jeff Wnuk, and Sebastien Imbert of S3 International, is located in the M-1 Warehouse, Light Manufacturing, Office and Service District and, under Section 13.1.39 of the Zoning Code, the site plan and plan of operation are subject to conditional use review and approval by the Plan Commission.

 

The proposed uses are logistics business offices with associated warehouse-distribution operations that involve ad hoc truck deliveries of vehicle parts to and from the site with trucking traffic volume anticipated to be less than five trucks per day between the two business entities.  No outdoor storage is proposed on the site.  Note that outdoor storage requires a conditional use permit.

 

Proposed Exterior Building Modifications. 

Proposed exterior building modifications include adding formal entrance features with sign locations for each of the two businesses and a replacement window system to improve interior light to the offices.

 

General Site Condition and Organization. 

Other than the addition of some accent landscaping along the base of the west building elevation, and patching and re-striping the parking lot, no other site modifications are proposed.

 

Hours of Operation and Number of Employees.  Business hours for OVL and S3 are Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.  OVL will have a minimum of 3 and maximum of 14 employees, and S3 will have a minimum of 12 and a maximum of 26 employees.  The maximum number of employees at the site is anticipated to be 50, to be accommodated by the 50 parking spaces on the site.

 

                        Mr. Stuebe stated that staff recommends approval for OVL and S3 International, to occupy and operate a logistics business office with associated warehouse and distribution operations at 6110 North Flint Road, subject to the following conditions: 1) All employee, customer, and associated parking to be contained on the subject parcel; 2) All signs to conform with the Glendale Code of Ordinances (Signs are subject to a permit through the Community Development Department); 3) All landscaping and lighting features being maintained and replaced and/or replenished whenever necessary pursuant to tenant/owner lease responsibilities; 4) Dumpster subject to review and approval by the Planning and Zoning Administrator; 5) All City of Glendale building and fire codes being carried out to the satisfaction of the Building Inspector and North Shore Fire Department; 6) Written certification by owner of compliance with State of Wisconsin Department of Commerce requirements for physically disabled parking prior to issuance of Occupancy Permit.

                        Mayor Tepper asked the Applicants to introduce themselves and make a statement.

                        Stephane Dermond introduced himself as President and part shareholder of Optimum Vehicle Logistics and part owner of the subject building that they acquired two months ago.

                        Jeff Tredo introduced himself a being with the architecture firm that has designed the project.

                        Mayor Tepper asked if one or both of the Applicants representatives wished to make a statement.

                        Mr. Dermond stated that they just wanted to go ahead and start working on the building that they have, continuing that OVL is an authorized distributor for AM General for Humvee vehicle spare parts and they would just like to get the operation going as soon as possible and start working on the building as soon as possible. 

                        Mayor Tepper asked where they are located now.

                        Mr. Dermond replied that they are located in downtown Milwaukee at 757 North Water Street.

                        Mayor Tepper asked if their whole operation would be moved there.

                        Mr. Dermond responded in the affirmative.

                        Mayor Tepper asked if anybody had any questions and asked if they had any drawings or anything that would show the Commission what they intend to do with the building.  Mayor Tepper noted that there were drawings and apologized and asked again if anybody had any questions.

                        Comm. Goldberg stated that he just had one question, continuing that he noticed that they are proposing exterior building modifications, and asked what about the interior, would anything be done there.

                        Mr. Tredo stated that there is a fairly substantial renovation of the interior building, especially the office block in the front, and asked is there not if there is a floor plan in that packet. 

                        Mayor Tepper stated that it is on the last page.

                        Mr. Tredo stated that basically the entire interior as it stands now, the warehouse is by-in-large open and vacant, and then the smaller rectangle at the front of the building would be gutted completely so that all the partitions that you can see in the interior are new construction. 

                        Comm. Goldberg asked about the hours of operation for the trucks, would it be 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

                        Mr. Dermond answered that it would be 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

                        Mayor Tepper asked if there were any other questions.

                        Comm. Noble asked about the nature of the business, seeking confirmation that basically they are a parts distributor of Humvee vehicles.

                        Mr. Dermond stated that is correct.

                        Comm. Noble stated that effectively what he is looking at in the floor plan here is the people who are taking orders, and then you have a warehouse of parts, the parts are either shipped direct or you have them on a shelf.

                        Mr. Dermond stated that is correct, and actually there are two operations that are moving into that building, one being the Optimum Vehicle Logistics, which is the distributor for the Humvee vehicles, and then the other business that is coming in is S3 International, which is also a logistics company that basically focuses on supporting foreign military air forces worldwide and aircraft spare parts as opposed to land vehicles.

                        Mayor Tepper asked if there were any other questions.

                        Comm. Colacino asked if this distribution center is a regional distribution center or is there more than one distribution center.

                        Mr. Dermond replied in the negative, that this is it.

                        Comm. Colacino asked for confirmation that they were supplying Humvee parts worldwide.

                        Mr. Dermond replied in the negative, continuing that their territory is the Middle East and Africa.

                        Comm. Colacino asked approximately how much traffic as far as the manufacturer bringing parts in and sending them out.

                        Mr. Dermond stated that they are going to do large purchases so it will be quarterly purchases…large purchases from the manufacturer, so it will truckloads at a time, but said that he would say no more than two or three trucks per week.

                        Comm. Colacino asked if the aircraft division is military aircraft or recreational aircraft.

                        Mr. Dermond stated that it is military aircraft.

                        Comm. Colacino asked if everything was in order with Uncle Sam.

                        Mr. Dermond replied in the affirmative, and stated that both companies are dealing with the military so both companies are ITAR (International Traffic in Arms Regulations) registered and have approved State Department Licenses for export.

                        Comm. Noble asked if there were going to be any containers on site.

                        Mr. Dermond replied in the negative and that there would be no containers.

                        Comm. Noble stated that Mr. Dermond had mentioned that things would be coming in bulk.

                        Mr. Dermond stated that deliveries would be coming in trucks.

                        Comm. Noble asked for confirmation that they were conventional carriers and that type of thing so there will not be any containers stored on site...as far as importing three, four, or five containers…

                        Mr. Dermond replied in the negative.

                        Comm. Colacino inquired regarding the Humvee parts, seeking confirmation that no type of weapons of any sort are involved.

                        Mr. Dermond stated no armament.

                        Mayor Tepper asked if there were any other questions.

                        Mayor Tepper asked if anyone wished to make a motion relative to this application.

                        Comm. Appel had a question on the other walls and that he just sees the west, continuing that he is trying to picture the building and asked if there were any views from north, south, and east, from the street, asking what do we have here and what else is there.

                        Mr. Tredo stated that it is an existing warehouse that predominates the site, and that the front of the office part faces Flint Road, as well as a couple window openings on the north and south sides of that office block are receiving new, larger window openings, so there is an improvement to the street façade that is taking place, as well as a little landscape strip and some landscape improvements in the front, but the rest of the building is primarily remaining untouched.

                        Comm. Appel asked what it is now.

                        Mr. Tredo responded that it is concrete block painted construction.

                        Mr. Maslowski stated that the building was built, occupied, and owned by the Milwaukee Journal and subsequently the Journal Sentinel, continuing that it was their main distribution center for northern Milwaukee County.

                        Comm. Appel asked how old the building is.

                        Mr. Maslowski stated the building was built in about 1971-72.

                        Comm. Appel asked the Applicant if they are going to paint the other walls or does something need to be done.

                        Mr. Tredo stated that the building is in good shape…there is no plan to, and that the previous owner had done regular maintenance and it has a good exterior.  Mr. Tredo stated that the only exterior improvements planned right now are to the office block on Flint Road.  Mr. Tredo stated that one of the nice features of the site is that a fairly-grown stretch of evergreens along the north side that take years to get that large, and they are there now, and that is an attractive feature of the site.

                        Mayor Tepper asked if there were any other questions and, hearing none, asked if anyone wished to make a motion relative to this application.

Motion by Comm. Colacino, seconded by Comm. Conway, to approve a Conditional Use Permit for OVL and S3 at 6110 North Flint Road, subject to the staff recommendations.  Roll Call:  Ayes:  Mayor Tepper, Commissioners Conway, Goldberg, Colacino, Flejsierowicz, Appel, and Noble.  Noes:  None.  Motion carried unanimously.

 

IV.              Site Plan and Occupancy Review, WI Detail Services, Incorporated, 6151-6161 North Flint Road.  Review and approve proposed automobile detailing business.

 

                        Mr. Stuebe stated that the Staff Report was distributed to the Plan Commissioners and Applicant and is incorporated herein as follows:

 

Applicant, WI Detail Services, Incorporated, proposes to occupy two 1,500 square-foot tenant spaces in the subject multi-tenant building (owned by Curt Crain) for use as an automotive detailing business.  It is the understanding of Staff that the subject business entity has been operating in the building immediately adjacent to the north.  WI Detail Services states that it does business with local businesses including Concours Motors, Concours BMW, Andrew Automotive, Lexus North Shore, WE Energies, Silver Spring Automotive, and Prestige Auto Service.  The site is zoned M-1 Warehouse, Light Manufacturing, Office and Service District, and the proposed occupancy is subject to review and approval by the Plan Commission.

 

Hours of Operation and Number of Employees.

The proposed hours of operation are from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. six days per week.  WI Detail has nine (9) employees working one shift.  The subject property has a total of twenty-two parking stalls, of which six (6) are anticipated for use by WI Detail services.

 

The applicant states that the only proposed signage will be standard Crain building signage.

 

No outdoor storage is proposed on the site.  Note that outdoor storage requires a conditional use permit.

 

Mr. Stuebe stated that the staff recommends Use and Occupancy approval for WI Detail Services, Incorporated, to occupy the proposed tenant spaces and operate an automobile detailing service subject to the following conditions: 1) No noise, odors, potential fire hazards, or smoke; 2) All employee, customer, and associated parking to be contained on the subject parcel; 3) All signs to conform with the Glendale Code of Ordinances (Signs are subject to a permit through the Community Development Department); 4) All landscaping and lighting features being maintained and replaced and/or replenished whenever necessary pursuant to tenant/owner lease responsibilities; 5) Dumpster enclosure(s) to be reviewed and approved by the Planning and Zoning Administrator; 6) All City of Glendale building and fire codes being carried out to the satisfaction of the Building Inspector and North Shore Fire Department; 7) Written certification by owner of compliance with State of Wisconsin Department of Commerce requirements for physically disabled parking prior to issuance of Occupancy Permit.

Mayor Tepper greeted the Applicant and asked them to introduce themselves.

Debbie Gordee introduced herself as President of Wisconsin Detail Services. Todd Schultze introduced himself as Operations Manager.

Mayor Tepper asked if they wished to make a statement.

Mr. Schultze stated that they have been in the City of Glendale for awhile and they do a fair amount of business within the local community, and they are looking to expand and continue do business here.

Mayor Tepper asked if they were changing sites from one site to another.

Mr. Schultze replied in the affirmative, confirming that they are moving to a bigger site.

Mayor Tepper asked if they would be abandoning the site they are at now.

Mr. Schultze replied in the affirmative.

Mayor Tepper asked where they were now.

Mr. Schultze stated they were at 6115 North Flint Road, three buildings down on the same side of the street.

Mayor Tepper asked if there were any questions by the Commission.

Comm. Colacino asked if they could explain their operation as far as detailing, is this strictly exterior detailing or is there painting involved of these vehicles.

Mr. Schultze stated that primarily they do a wholesale business and that they deal with Andrew Automotive, Concours, and some of the other dealers throughout Milwaukee, and detail cars that are traded in that the dealer decides they are going to keep and sell on their lot, making them look as close to brand new as they can.  Mr. Schultze stated they do not do any body work or paint work or anything like that, and that they steam clean the inside, wax, wash, and buff the outside, and take them back to the dealership.

Mayor Tepper asked if there were any other questions.

Mayor Tepper asked if someone would like to make a motion relative to this application.

Motion by Comm. Colacino, seconded by Comm. Noble, to approve a Conditional Use Permit for WI Detail Services subject to the staff recommendations.  Roll Call:  Ayes:  Mayor Tepper, Commissioners Conway, Goldberg, Colacino, Flejsierowicz, Appel, and Noble.  Noes:  None.  Motion carried unanimously.

 

ADJOURNMENT.

                        Motion by Comm. Flejsierowicz, seconded by Comm. Colacino, to adjourn the Plan Commission until 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, February 5, 2008.  Roll Call:  Ayes: Mayor Tepper, Commissioners Conway, Goldberg, Colacino, Flejsierowicz, Appel, and Noble.  Noes:  None.  Motion carried unanimously.

 

Todd M. Stuebe, Director of Community Development

Kenneth J. Veriga, Planning & Zoning Administrator

Recorded:  January 22, 2008