Planning Commission - Regular Meeting

Very cold and windy December 18th, 2025. Planning commission for the city of Watertown meeting to order. Brandy, roll call. Okay. Dargas Johnson. Alletky here. Cohane. Yep. Spire here. Dolly here. Kay's here. We have a quorum full board even. In fact, I'd entertain a motion for the November 20th meeting minutes. Motion to approve those minutes. Motion by Commissioner Dolly. Second. Second. Who seconded? You did, Michelle. Okay. All right. First,

uh, further discussion, questions, amendments, changes, any issues with the November 20th meeting minutes? Hearing none. All those in favor say I. I. Oppos. Same sign abstaining. Motion passes. Any disclosure of conflicts of interest or exparte communication? None. Declaration of new business. Any new business that anybody wants to talk about later. Wonderful. Public comment to submittal. Again, if anybody in the public, uh, nobody's here. Approval of the agenda. And take a motion to approve the agenda.

And I'm gonna make one adjustment to that, Liam. uh just switching flip-flopping the old business with the new business. So we'll review um 11A before we do 10 A and B. Understood. Subject to staff recommendations regarding the agenda. I would entertain a motion to approve the agenda. Motion to approve with that adjustment. I'll second second byky. You were a little too slow, Miss Argots. Um, so that brings us to vote. The vote. Yes. Thank you. I got distracted. All those in favor say I. I. Oppose. Same sign. Agenda is approved. 8A.

Review of the meeting schedule. Hey. Yeah. So, this is really just to get it in front of you all. Uh, you know, let us know if there are dates that you know ahead of time that you won't be able to attend. Otherwise, you know, just as early as you can let us know um and so that we can ensure that we have a quorum. But yeah, uh these follow the council meetings, so the first and third week typically of the of the months. So they'll still be Thursday at 4:15.

Liam, do they have court on Thursdays for trials? I'm on jury duty next year. So, I just wanted to make sure it's possible. It's possible that you would have court on a Thursday. [snorts] It depends on what jury you get picked for. Okay. Yeah, [laughter] exactly. Oh, yeah. A meeting I don't need to go to. Um, [laughter] yeah. I'm not gonna make I'm not going to make any comments about jury duty because it is very important. Yes. And there is uh yeah no action on this. Just really be in touch if there's anything just email us.

Uh I know that um one commissioner brought up that we are looking at the day before Christmas. Yes, that was one concern. Well, actually I think it's the day before Christmas Eve. So the 23rd. Yep. So that's on a Wednesday. That is a a nuance from typically our Thursday which we've seen sometimes with how how holidays fall. Um but you know that would be something too if there aren't any items we would cancel. Yeah. I mean it gets pretty quiet in December usually anyways. So probably Yeah. Good point. So all right. Well wonderful. Any other questions, concerns? Anything about that

about the meeting schedule? Guess it doesn't really matter for you, Dolly, because you're done and you um Okay, open public comment. Anybody want to say anything from the public? Nope. Okay, then we're going to do 11A old business review of the shipping container.

Okay, so yes, this was brought before uh the planning commission for approve, which it it was approved unanimously except there was the request that we add a definition for shipping containers. So currently we're adding it like we did to the lake commercial districts. We just added the um definitions or the uses definitions for the uses that were explicitly for those late commercial districts. So here we're using we're using the use of shipping containers or we're mentioning shipping containers for the first time in ordinance. So that is why then for right now I'm just adding it to the residential storage district as its own definition and then in the future I will be adding it to chapter 2190 with the entirety of the definitions so that we can also incorporate it into other zoning districts and do an overhaul at that time. So the definition is shipping container a steel unit originally constructed as a general cargo container used for the transport of goods and materials that are also used as structures for storage. So I wanted to keep it um pretty straightforward. Obviously, when they if they're applying for utilizing shipping containers in different applications, uh we would look at it from a building code standpoint to ensure that it was meeting the the code and and structural components.

Mr. Chair, go ahead, Mr. P. So in your research and definitions, did you come across anything where other communities look at the age of the storage container? Rusty? Does it have painting on it? Does it have where it came from in China written on it? I mean, so does it need to be a neutral color being that this is close to a residential neighborhood or could I have a bright yellow, orange, red I'm just those are some things that I've seen in other places

because we're talking about something that's going to be within a block of a an R1 or an R2 or R3 zone or whatever like that. Do we want to see um a ship? Some shipping containers are great. They look brand new and then some look like hell. In this case though, we're not allowing the placement of shipping containers. Are we allowing the shipping containers in the zone or not? I can't remember. So, um, we actually we are not. So, so it doesn't really matter. It's a good point though as we look at other areas where of ordinance where you might want to include shipping containers and may allow them. You may look at that.

That's that's just something I just seen. I I've seen other communities wrestle with this and a lot of it is is that they're okay if they're painted white or neutral colors and it's they look relatively new, but if they look like they just been off of a boat that's floating for three years out and it's got rust and painting and you know maybe not would impact the definition of shipping at this point in time but maybe you're right if we're talking about expanding the usage.

Yeah. Um and the other thing I believe that we would want to put the definition or the the use of shipping containers as because right now they fall under a storage unit. Um the fact that we are not allowing prohibiting them in the residential storage district is um you know that's just saying what what type of structure this is that cannot be placed there is really the purpose of the definition there. Um, if we wanted to add this definition or add shipping containers to other zoning districts, I think that we'd want to put it as a conditional use anyway. And then um you could at that time you could review what type of

standard Yeah. what type of container was being placed and then also set uh conditions and and knowing that we do have them in use in other areas of the community, it is in our best interest to find it in other areas. Yeah. And I think I could I would treat industrial zones different than I would res Can I build a structure out of shipping containers like a home? Oh, that would I mean that's a whole another animal. But yeah, I mean it's a structure like as long as you have residential siding and you make sure that it's that it is structurally in has the structural integrity all of those things.

The IDC code does address but but the only thing is is that like in some zoning you do not allow single wide manufactured homes to be moved in but be used as a house but yet you would allow someone to move in the shipping container and convert it into a home. Would that be a conditional use? I think it'd be something we want to probably at least rein that in a little bit at some point in time because I've se I certainly I haven't seen one in person, but I'm aware that folks will actually stack them and and then put rafters over the top of them and frame them in and stuff. Yep. I know a guy that's got a half a million dollar one out in the hills. It's gorgeous. It's Sometimes it can be really neat. Sometimes it can be quite odd. Yeah.

The person. All right. Wonderful. Do we have to do anything like are we taking any particular action on this? No, I mean just uh just a heads up. Yeah. Is if there's any opposition to it? I think it's looks good. Okay. Any comments, questions, concerns from the board? We wanted to get you guys' opinions on it before we brought it. I know that you guys left it open for staff to formulate, but we wanted to make sure to bring it back to you just in case there were any concerns before we bring it to city council. Thank you. Well, I always have worst case scenario. You know that, Mr. Chair. Please. Yes. No, I understand. I understand. Well, that's it's a that's valuable insight.

Mr. Ar demented over here, but um because I come up with these strange things. So, in our R2A that we were just dealing with, I need a storage shed and do I can I come before this board and ask for that to be my storage shed I bring in? You could. Okay. on a conditional use type of thing. Varian, it would be Yeah. I mean, it would be a variance request because you would basically be asking for metal siding or and we've had people actually use shipping containers as their accessory structure, their garden sheds, per se.

Um, and they've made them conforming to the residential district. And then they have to make sure that the, you know, like I mentioned previously, like the snow load, that they put a roof over it and then have the sighting um that they have to end up enclosing um like the outside of it to be able to attach the the siding. So you'd have to put pearlings on or something.

Yeah. The like put up studs. But if they wanted to do that, it would it would come it wouldn't just go to you guys for a building permit to do that. It would be in front of us because it is starting as it But if it's going to look like a normal yard shed when they're done, do does it need to come in front of us? No, unless it's got unless it's too big, right? If it's too big or if they want to keep using the metal siding that they typically have really any place. Yep. Wonderful. Great discussion. Okay, moving on to 10A, our retiring commissioner amerituses. Okay.

And our new oncoming incoming.

Yeah, there's a a lot of tenure leaving off the board. Um, so I wrote a little I'm just going to read this so I don't miss anything. But um, at this time we would like to take a moment to recognize and thank the planning commission and board of adjustment members who have whose terms are concluding in 2025 and this being their last meeting which is Blake Dolly and Bonnie Alletki. Service on these boards is a vital and often unseen contribution to the city of Watertown. It requires careful review of complex land issues, thoughtful discussion, and a commitment to balancing private property rights with the long-term interest of our community. The decisions made here help shape our our neighborhoods, guide responsible growth, and ensure that Watertown remains a strong place to live, work, and invest. Our departing members have been a part of many intricate zoning amendments, volunteering to be on subcommittees that go above and beyond our scheduled meetings and have required large time commitments. Most recently both serving on the lake commercial districts that was very time consuming um but very important work. um they have approached this responsibility with professionalism, fairness and respect and we are grateful for their time, insight and dedication that each of you have given in service to this city. So at this time then we would like to present the plaques to our departed members in appreciation for your service. So Carla Well and actually will you guys come up Okay. So, um

so nice. You're prestigious. Okay. So Blake Dolly

um he has served for 13 years from 2013 to 2025 in which he served as chairman from 2018 to 2024 and then he also has served on the Watertown and Cottington County Joint Board of Adjustment and Planning Commission boards for eight years starting in 2018 to 2025. So, a lot of service, much appreciated. And then Bonnie Alitzki, she um this has been her comeback tour because she's been on the board um twice. So, her first term was in from 2008 to 2014 for six years and then again in 2018 to 2025 for an additional eight years totaling 14 years of service. So, lots of [applause] lots of knowledge and expertise and so yeah, on behalf of the city of Watertown and the city council and the residents that you serve, um thank you for your commitment and the public service to your community and I know with your guidance you'll be in good hands and hopefully continue to um to see out what you guys have accomplished. So, appreciate it.

Thank you guys. Sorry.

Wait, before you go, I have a little water tone swag for you. It's not much, but just to remind you and little letter for your service, but u just say the word and I will gladly [laughter] come back. because you know we changed the ordinance now that everything's kind of erased but you can only there is a term limit of nine years but you guys are

it's like nine consecutive years but thank you and thank you to all of you I mean uh it takes a lot so thank you for the time that you put in volunteering for the community of Watertown is very much appreciated even if you don't hear it enough so thank you thank you mayor thank you guys all All right. Um, well, I think we don't need to do an executive session, so we're adjourned. Hold on. Hold on. No, we're [clears throat] not adjourned yet. Um, I just I want to add, too, that now uh Julia Tate Oh, yes. I'm sorry.

Uh, Julia Tate and Justin Albby, who have been alternates for the past year, will now uh join as full members to in replace of Bonnie and Blake. So, welcome guys and thank you for your service as the alternates and and take and and all of your attendance in taking all of it in too to be prepared to take over the full board role. And we still do not have alternates um yet, but hopefully coming. So, again, that's a plug. If anyone out there wants to be a part of the board, um, get a hold of the mayor or any Carlo or myself and we will get you to the mayor in contact with him. So, yeah, appreciate everyone volunteering and your public service.

Welcome aboard, guys, as full members. It's exciting. Don't [clears throat] we have a good time? All right. Wonderful. Now, we can be ajourned, right? Yes. Merry Christmas. Yes. Merry Christmas.