Renae Peters

The committee agenda was approved, followed by the approval of the previous month's minutes. A Public Art Sub-Committee update noted the ongoing acceptance of submissions for the Winter Art Contest. In Old Business, the committee reviewed the Park Master Plan for the former Denis Property, specifically discussing land use balance between active space and conservation/restoration to pre-settlement conditions, and recommended approval of the Master Plan. Under New Business, the committee reviewed options for the Ledgeview Park Playground Replacement, which is funded in the 2026 CIP. Direction was given to staff to identify a preferred vendor focused on inclusivity for design and purchase through a cooperative agreement rather than soliciting full RFP designs. Staff provided a report on current department activities before the meeting adjourned.

The committee held an information gathering session and meeting with representatives from the Village of Bellevue to discuss the path Bellevue has taken to provide fire and emergency medical services. The committee agenda was approved, and the meeting adjourned.

The Zoning and Planning Commission meeting included reviews and recommendations on several items. For Certified Survey Maps (CSMs), the commission recommended approval for a two-lot combination request for parcels on Labyrinth Lane, conditioned on adding required ESA setbacks and addressing technical corrections. A second CSM request for a retracement on Wayne Lane was also recommended for approval with conditions, including removing references to a burned-down barn and securing necessary county/state permits. A Conditional Use Permit (CUP) for a Wholesale and Warehouse-General use (plant wholesaler) at 1720 Swan Road was recommended for approval, citing harmony with the Comprehensive Plan and minimal adverse impact. The Building Site Operation (BSO) plan for the commercial greenhouse facility at 1720 Swan Road was recommended for approval with conditions related to architectural finishes, landscaping, and lighting requirements. Additionally, the BSO plan for a building addition and hard surfacing at 1480 Viking Lane was recommended for approval, contingent upon receiving a variance waiver or removing hard surfacing within the setback area. Finally, the commission provided feedback on a concept review for a proposed 270-unit multi-family development on the Denis property, emphasizing the need for strong interconnectivity, recreational opportunities, and design creativity due to the site's significant floodplain/floodway constraints.

The Zoning Board of Appeals meeting primarily addressed a variance request concerning APPEAL #02-2025. The request, submitted by Thomas & Lisa Kolocheski (agent Taylor Grzywa), sought permission to construct a large residential accessory structure (2,169 sq ft) within the primary residential viewshed and with a setback less than 100 feet from the public right-of-way, violating setback and size limitations. Petitioners cited lot topography and the need to store an RV as justification. The Board discussed the unique circumstances of the lot and the importance of preserving natural features. The Board ultimately approved the variance with specific conditions, requiring a dense vegetated screen along the right-of-way and restrictions on future construction that would require tree removal, particularly near the "ledge."

The Public Art Sub-Committee meeting included the approval of the agenda and the minutes from the September 8, 2025 meeting. Key new business items involved discussing ideas for a winter art contest, leading to a direction to publish information for a 2D art contest with January submissions. The group also directed staff to obtain pricing for "kaleidoscope planters" for potential purchase in 2026. Updates were provided regarding the Parks, Recreation & Forestry Committee.