PLAN COMMISSION RECAP
The Ripon City Plan Commission met last night. In the spirit of this blog so far, here is my take on the issues we discussed last night:
* Approved the exterior design of a new strip mall on the West end of the city. The $400,000 building will be built in front of the current United Auto Parts store, but not replacing it. The Commission was pleased with the developer's move to add more brick to the facade facing the highway
* Approved a Conditional Use Permit for Oak Ridge Plastics to operate at the former Unique Auto Body location. The vote was 3-2, with myself and Jane Schueler in opposition. My "no" vote was not an indictment of Oak Ridge Plastics or their operations, though I am concerned about their proposed storage of potentially harmful chemicals. The Use Permit does NOT allow for the storage of the chemicals, but I still believe this company should be located in the new business park. I understand they are in a bind, as their previous facility burned down in June, and we have no building for them in the new business park. I am hopeful the city and the RCDC can work with Oak Ridge Plastics to help them grow and become a key part of the new business park as they grow
* Approved going ahead with amending Tax Increment District's #4 (Industrial Park) and #6 (West Side). TIF #4 needs to be amended to add the 58 acres we purchased last year to expand the park. TIF #6 will likely add the former Dairy Queen and Citgo sites, as well as some land to the north of Silver Creek where possible development could take place in the future. The additions could also allow us to look at upgrading Aspen Street, including a possible bridge across Silver Creek to connect with Old Berlin Road (that is how I know the street LOL)
* Agreed to focus on landscaping issues in the winter, when the Commission usually sees less building plans and permits due to the season. We are looking at possible ways to improve landscaping at new developments. I would personally like to see more of an investment in the "greening" of the city, as well as more use of brick and stone veneers on facades, especially on the main corridors of the city
* Asked staff to compile a list of current and possible ordinances from other cities relating to home energy devices (wind mills, solar panels, wood/corn burners, etc.). As more and more people consider the use of these products as natural gas and oil prices climb, it makes sense to be pro-active in this area versus making law as individual cases come forward.

That is what happened, and my take. Any suggestions or comments - please sign in and let us know, or email me.