Planning Commission — Agenda packet

TOWN OF ALGOMA WINNEBAGO COUNTY, WISCONSIN PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING 15 N. Oakwood Road, Oshkosh, WI 54904 Wednesday, August 12, 2026 at 6:00 pm. AGENDA The Commission may discuss and act on the following: 1. Call to Order. 2. Roll Call. 3. Discussion and possible action re: Minutes from June 10, 2026. 4. Discussion and possible action re: Certified Survey Map by petitioner Scott Kraus to amend parcels 002-0254 and 002-025402 located at 726/724 N. Oakwood Rd. 5. Discussion and possible action re: Town Comprehensive Plan Future Land Use Map Amendment request by Garanne Properties, Gary R. Lerch, for 2581 Omro Road, parcel 002- 0108. 6. Discussion and possible action re: Request to rezone 2581 Omro Rd, parcel 002-0108, from A-2 General Agricultural District to B-3 General Business District by Garanne Properties, Gary R. Lerch. 7. Discussion only: Update on Winnebago County Town/County Zoning Code Chapter 23 Text Amendment and Data Center Moratorium. 8. Adjourn. It is possible that members of other governmental bodies of the municipality may be present at the above scheduled meeting to gather information about a subject over which they have decision-making responsibility. No action will be taken by any governmental body at the above-stated meeting other than the governmental body specifically referred to above in this notice. Please note that, upon reasonable notice, efforts will be made to accommodate the needs of disabled individuals through appropriate aids and services. For additional information or to request this service, contact the Town Hall Office at 920-235-3789. Posted: August 6, 2026 Posted at: Town of Algoma Hall, www.townofalgoma.org. DRAFT Page 1 of 2 TOWN OF ALGOMA WINNEBAGO COUNTY, WISCONSIN PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES June 10, 2026 Algoma Town Hall, 15 N. Oakwood Road, Oshkosh, WI 54904 The Planning Commission meeting was called to order by Chairman Martin at 6:00 p.m. The following members were present: Bill Van Aacken, Mike Skoglind, Scott Fischer, Kyle Kehoe, Loren Potter and Sherri Maruska. The following members were excused: none The following staff members were present: Administrator Maggie Mahoney. On a motion by Commissioner Kehoe and seconded by Commissioner Van Aacken, passed on a unanimous 7-0 voice vote, the minutes from the April 15, 2026 meeting were approved. Chairman Martin introduced agenda Item 4, Certified Survey Map by petitioner Jim Merrill to combine parcels 002-066301, 002-0036, and 002-0035 on Oakwood Lane into one parcel. Jim Merrill was in attendance. Administrator Mahoney gave an overview of the item and analysis of the proposed CSM. Commissioner Skoglind asked about setbacks on private roads. Administrator Mahoney would defer to the county to answer that question, but from what she has observed the same setbacks are required but often times the private roads are not the standard 66 foot right of way and are usually more narrow. Commissioner Kehoe asked Mr. Merrill about the existing structure on the property. He explained that it is an existing conforming garage that was used by the property across the street. He plans on keeping and possibly using it as part of the new home as it is only about 25 years old. The commission discussed briefly. A motion was made by Commissioner Kehoe and seconded by Commissioner Van Aacken for the Planning Commission to approve a recommendation to the Town Board to approve the Certified Survey Map by petitioner Jim Merrill to combine parcels 002-066301, 002-0036, and 002-0035 on Oakwood Lane into one parcel. A voice vote was taken and approved the motion 7-0. Chairman Martin provided an overview of agenda Item 5, electing planning commission officers. Administrator Mahoney gave an overview of the positions and appointments. Commissioner Kehoe nominated Chairman Martin for Chair and Commissioner Van Aacken seconded the nomination. Commissioner Martin accepted the nomination. There were no other nominations. A voice vote was taken and Chairman Martin was unanimously approved 7-0 for the Chair position. Commissioner Martin nominated Commissioner Kehoe for the Vice Chair position and Commissioner Van Aacken seconded the nomination. There were no other nominations. A voice vote was taken and Commissioner Kehoe was unanimously approved 7-0 for the Vice Chair position. Chairman Martin nominated Administrator Mahoney for the Recording Secretary/Planning Coordinator position. Commissioner Kehoe seconded and Mahoney accepted the nomination A voice vote was taken and Administrator Mahoney was unanimously approved 7-0 for the Recording Secretary/Planning Coordinator position. DRAFT Page 2 of 2 Chairman Martin provided an overview of agenda Item 6, planning commission organizational information. Administrator Mahoney gave an overview of the orientation handbook for the planning commission. On a motion by Commissioner Van Aacken and seconded by Commissioner Maruska passed on a unanimous voice vote, the Planning Commission adjourned at 6:17 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Maggie Mahoney, Administrator Page 1 of 2 AGENDA MEMORANDUM To: Plan Commission Chairperson and Members From: Maggie Mahoney, Administrator Date: August 12, 2026 RE: Discussion and Possible Action re: Town Comprehensive Plan Future Land Use Map Amendment request by Garanne Properties, Gary R. Lerch, for 2581 Omro Road, parcel 002-0108. GENERAL INFORMATION: Petitioner: Garanne Properties, Gary R. Lerch 2919 Waldwic Lane Oshkosh, WI 54904 Owner: Alexander and Mary Jean Irvine Revocable Trust 3022 Windfield Drive Neenah, WI 54956 Past Planning Discussion(s): None Action Requested: Petitioner is requesting a change to the Future Land Use Map, which is an amendment to the Town Comprehensive Plan. He is requesting that a change be made to one parcel to make a combination of residential and commercial use to all commercial use. This request is a minor amendment to the map/plan. The petitioner would ultimately like to rezone this parcel to B-3 General Commercial District, which is the next item on the agenda. Applicable Provisions: Town of Algoma Comprehensive Plan Chapter 23: Town/County Zoning of the Winnebago County Municipal Code Property Location and Type: The subject property is 5 acres on the southside of Omro Road, between Ran-lie Street and N. Westhaven Drive that is zoned A-2 General Agriculture District. The parcel abuts a residential neighborhood to the west, residential and businesses to the north, Service Oil to the east, and residential and vacant property to the south. The property serves as a hobby farm with existing structures, but is mostly open space as is typical with an agricultural lot. This parcel is in the protected area of our boundary agreement with the City of Oshkosh. Page 2 of 2 Town Comprehensive Plan: Land Use Recommendation Use Category Current Land Use A-2 General Agriculture District Current Future Land Use Residential and Commercial Proposed Future Land Use Commercial Future Land Use Map in the Town of Algoma Comprehensive Plan: Residential: Low density (yellows) Multi-family (orange) Commercial (pink and red) Institutional (blue) Mixed-Duplexes & Commercial/Retail (orange stripes) The full Town Comprehensive Plan and Future Use Map is available on the town website: https://townofalgoma.org/planning/ ANALYSIS: The current future land use map identifies both residential and commercial uses on this lot in roughly the same amount—both abut residential and commercial uses. The location of this lot on Omro Road, a main thoroughfare of town, and its proximity to other commercial lots with frontage on that road that also abut residential lots make it reasonable that it be commercial use. This is a use that is consistent with the planned use in the area. The proposed change is a reasonable amendment to the Town Comprehensive Plan Future Land Use Map. The Town Board will consider setting the date for a public hearing on this request. Staff is seeking a recommendation by the Planning Commission for the board on the amendment. RECOMMENDED ACTION: Staff recommends approval of the future land use map amendment as presented. Should the Planning Commission agree, the following motion may be made: “Motion to recommend approval to the Town Board to approve the Town Comprehensive Plan Amendment request by Garanne Properties, Gary R. Lerch, for 2581 Omro Road, parcel 002- 0108, to be commercial use on the Future Land Use Map. ” ATTACHMENTS: 1. Town Application Page 1 of 5 AGENDA MEMORANDUM To: Plan Commission Chairperson and Members From: Maggie Mahoney, Administrator Date: August 12, 2026 RE: Discussion and Possible Action re: Request to rezone 2581 Omro Rd, parcel 002-0108, from A-2 General Agricultural District to B-3 General Business District by Garanne Properties, Gary R. Lerch. GENERAL INFORMATION: Petitioner: Garanne Properties, Gary R. Lerch 2919 Waldwic Lane Oshkosh, WI 54904 Owner: Alexander and Mary Jean Irvine Revocable Trust 3022 Windfield Drive Neenah, WI 54956 Past Planning Discussion(s): None Action Requested: Petitioner is requesting approval of a change in zoning designation from A-2 General Agricultural District to B-3 General Business District for this parcel. This request is contingent upon approval of an amendment to the town’s future use plan for this parcel to be zoned entirely commercial. Applicable Provisions: Town of Algoma Comprehensive Plan Chapter 23: Town/County Zoning of the Winnebago County Municipal Code Property Location and Type: The subject property is 5 acres on the southside of Omro Road, between Ran-lie Street and N. Westhaven Drive that is zoned A-2 General Agriculture District. The parcel abuts a residential neighborhood to the west, residential and businesses to the north, Service Oil to the east, and residential and vacant property to the south. The property serves as a hobby farm and has a few buildings, but is mostly open space as is typical with an agricultural lot. The petitioner would like to rezone this parcel to B-3 General Commercial District. Page 2 of 5 Parcel 002-0108 (2581 Omro Road) and surrounding properties current zoning: Existing Land Use Zoning Residential, hobby farm A-2 General Agriculture District Adjacent Land Use and Zoning: Existing Land Uses Zoning North Commercial, Residential R-1 Rural Residential District B-2 Community Business District South Commercial B-3 General Business District East Commercial B-2 Community Business District B-3 General Business District West Residential R-1 Rural Residential District A-2 General Agriculture District Zoning Definitions: A-2 General Agriculture District – This district is intended to accommodate both large and small-scale farms and hobby farms. Although scattered residential lots are allowed, agriculture is the predominant land use. This district should be located in those areas Page 3 of 5 suitable for agriculture, but not for large-scale agricultural operations, and adjacent to urbanizing areas. B-2 Community Business District – This district is intended to accommodate both large-scale and small-scale pedestrian- and auto-oriented commercial development that primarily serves the needs of the surrounding community, including professional offices, retail stores, service establishments, overnight lodging, entertainment facilities, and mixed-use housing. Lots are connected to a public sanitary sewer system or have an on-site sewage disposal system. B-3 General Business District – This district is intended to accommodate primarily large-scale commercial projects of regional importance that require access to major road corridors. This district is intended to include one or more parcels of land that as a general rule includes 20 acres or more. Lots are connected to a public sanitary sewer system or have an on-site sewage disposal system. R-1 Rural Residential District – This district is intended to accommodate single-family residences on scattered lots to foster and maintain the rural character and lifestyle of the surrounding area. Lots are generally served by on-site wastewater treatment systems. Town Comprehensive Plan: Land Use Recommendation Use Category Current Land Use A-2 General Agriculture District Future Land Use Commercial *contingent on future land use amendment Future Land Use Definitions from the Town of Algoma Comprehensive Plan: Residential – Residential land is classified as land that is primarily for human inhabitation (yellows). Commercial – Represents the sale of goods and services and other general business practices. This includes retail and wholesale trade, services, and other uses (red). Institutional Facilities – Defined as land for public and private facilities dedicated to public services (blue). The full Town Comprehensive Plan and Future Use Map is available on the town website: https://townofalgoma.org/planning/ Page 4 of 5 ANALYSIS: The proposed B-3 General Business District is a district that is consistent with the future use plan for commercial use. Changing the zoning from A-2 General Agriculture District to B-3 General Business would allow the lot to be developed for any uses that are permitted in that district, as well as those allowed by conditional use. I have attached the Chapter 23: Town/County Zoning of the Winnebago County Municipal Code 8-1 Land Use Matrix for your reference, which lists all of the permitted, conditional use, and accessory and temporary uses for each district. Here is a link to the full Chapter 23 which includes definitions of each use in 23.3-2. Here is a summary of the permitted uses the B-3 district: Residential: mixed use housing Special Care Facilities: group day care, hospice care, nursing home, retirement home Group Accommodations: boardinghouse, overnight lodging, resort Food and Beverage Sales: brewpub, restaurant, tavern Vehicle Rental, Sales, and Service: fuel station, repair shop, sales and rental, service shop General Sales: convenience, general retail including large format, outdoor General Services: administrative, adult oriented establishment, body-piercing, commercial kennel, small equipment rental, financial services, funeral home, general repair, general services, health care clinic, health care center, instructional services, professional services, tattoo, small animal veterinary clinic Recreation and Entertainment: indoor and outdoor entertainment and recreation Government and Community Services: administrative government center, civic use facility, community center, community cultural facility, community garden, educational (pre-K through 12 and post-secondary), park, public safety facility, recreation trail, worship facility Telecommunications and Utilities facilities and systems Transportation: mass transit terminal, parking lots and structures Industrial uses: artisan shop The location of this lot on Omro Road, a main road of town, near residential neighborhoods and commercial lots make it reasonable that it be zoned B-3 General Business District based on the permitted uses stated above. Any development of the property will need to be reviewed and conform to dimensional standards and zoning code. Page 5 of 5 For the reasons stated above, the proposed change is consistent with the Town Comprehensive Plan and future land use map contingent upon the future land use map being amended to commercial use for this parcel. A public hearing for this rezoning will be held at Winnebago County Planning and Zoning and is currently planned for September 29, 2026. RECOMMENDED ACTION: Staff recommends approval of the rezoning request. Should the Planning Commission agree, the following motion may be made: “Motion to recommend approval to the Town Board to rezone 2581 Omro Road, parcel 002- 0108, from A-2 General Agricultural District to B-3 General Business District contingent on an amendment to the Town’s Comprehensive Plan for the future use of this parcel to be commercial use on the Future Land Use Map.” ATTACHMENTS: 1. Town Application 2. Chapter 23 8-1 Land Use Matrix AGENDA MEMORANDUM To: Plan Commission Chairperson and Members From: Maggie Mahoney, Administrator Date: August 12, 2026 RE: For Discussion only: Update on Winnebago County Town/County Zoning Code Chapter 23 Text Amendment and Data Center Moratorium SUMMARY: There are no proposals or applications for a data center in the town or county at this time. The town received the attached notice of public hearing from the county on July 14 following the county planning and zoning committee meeting on July 13. In order to meet the 10 day response requirement, the Town Board considered at their July 15 meeting. A public hearing was held by the county on July 28, 2026—see the attached notice packet for more information, including the proposed amendments and moratorium. This item still has to go through the county deliberative process. I wanted to make the Planning Commission aware of this matter as you were not able to provide a recommendation to the Board in July, but I anticipate future discussions, review and actions on this topic. ATTACHMENTS: 1. Public Hearing Notice Winnebago County Planning and Zoning Department NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING PLANNING AND ZONING COMMITTEE July 28, 2026 TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN: The applicant(s) listed below has requested a Text Amendment which is regulated by the Town/County Zoning Code, Chapter 23. You are receiving this notification because this application or petition for action: 1. affects area in the immediate vicinity of property which you own; 2. requires your agency to be notified; 3. requires your Town to be notified; or 4. requires you, as the applicant, to be notified. The Winnebago County Planning and Zoning Committee will be holding a public hearing on July 28, 2026 at 6:30 PM at the JP Coughlin Center, Room A & B, 625 E County Y, Oshkosh, WI. All interested persons wishing to be heard at the public hearing may appear in person or via Microsoft Teams using the information below. A direct link to the Microsoft Teams Meeting is available on the Winnebago County Meetings and Agenda calendar on the above indicated date. Microsoft Teams Meeting Information Link: https://winnebagocowi.portal.civicclerk.com/ Select the Agenda PDF on the meeting date and Click "Join Meeting Now" For further detailed information concerning this notice, contact the Town Clerk or the Winnebago County Zoning office, where the application is available for viewing. INFORMATION ON TEXT AMENDMENT REQUEST Application No.: 26-TA-003 Applicant: WINNEBAGO COUNTY PLANNING AND ZONING DEPARTMENT Agent: CARY ROWE, ZONING ADMINISTRATOR Location of Premises: N/A Tax Parcel No.: N/A Explanation: Create and add Section 23.8-53 to Chapter 23, Winnebago County Town County Zoning Codes of the Winnebago County General Code; To amend Chapter 23.3-2 to establish a data center definition; and To impose a 12-month Moratorium on the receipt, processing, and approval of new Data Center Zoning Applications. Definitions/Sections to be added to Chapter 23: 23.8-53 Moratorium. (1) For the purposes of this 23.8-53, "data center" is defined as a facility of at least 10,000 square feet of floor space built to support high-volume data management, processing, networking, storage, and transmission of digital information and applications. It includes hosting digital data, cloud computing services, artificial intelligence operations, telecommunications infrastructure, or similar technology functions including but not limited to associated support facilities. (2) Pursuant to Wis. Stats. § 59.69(4), Winnebago County enacts the following moratorium: Notwithstanding any other provision in Chapter 23, there shall be a moratorium on the receipt, processing, and approval of new data center development applications. The purpose of this moratorium is to allow Winnebago County time to evaluate potential health, safety, and environmental impacts, and develop recommendations regarding infrastructure requirements, operational standards, and future regulations. The moratorium shall be in effect for a period of twelve (12) months from the date of publication or until it is rescinded, whichever is earlier. The moratorium enacted herein is not intended to be, and does not constitute, a "development moratorium" as that term is defined in Wis. Stats. § 7966.1002(1)(b). 15.06A Data Center - A facility of at least 10,000 square feet of floor space built to support high-volume data management, processing, networking, storage, and transmission of digital information and applications. It includes hosting digital data, cloud computing services, artificial intelligence operations, telecommunications infrastructure, or similar technology functions including but not limited to associated support facilities. It is not similar to any other land use listed in Exhibit 8-1. Page 1 1 2 3 ORDINANCE: Amend Chapter 23 of the Winnebago County General Code to Impose a 12- 4 month Moratorium on the Receipt, Processing, and Approval of New Data Center Zoning 5 Applications and Establish Data Center Definition. 6 7 TO THE WINNEBAGO COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS: 8 9 WHEREAS, pursuant to Wis. Stats. § 59.69(4), Winnebago County possesses authority to exercise 10 powers necessary for the health, safety, and welfare of its residents; and 11 12 WHEREAS, Wis. Stats. § 59.69 authorizes counties to adopt and amend zoning regulations governing 13 the use of land and structures within their jurisdiction in order to promote public health, safety, prosperity, 14 aesthetics, and the general welfare and to encourage the most appropriate use of land throughout the 15 county; and 16 17 WHEREAS, Wis. Stats. § 59.69(4) authorizes counties to enact temporary moratoria for a limited period 18 of time in order to address the issue giving rise to the need for the moratorium; and 19 20 WHEREAS, Winnebago County recognizes that large-scale data centers represent a rapidly emerging 21 category of development associated with cloud computing, artificial intelligence, digital storage, 22 telecommunications infrastructure, and related technologies; and 23 24 WHEREAS, modern data center developments may require significant electrical infrastructure, backup 25 generation systems, telecommunications facilities, transportation improvements, land area, emergency 26 response planning, and water resources depending upon facility design and operational requirements; 27 and 28 29 WHEREAS, Winnebago County’s zoning ordinances do not currently contain regulations specifically 30 addressing the siting, development, operation, expansion, infrastructure impacts, environmental 31 considerations, or compatibility standards associated with large-scale data center development; and 32 33 WHEREAS, there are some Towns subject to the zoning jurisdiction of Winnebago County pursuant to 34 Winnebago County General Code Chapter 23; and 35 36 WHEREAS, the Winnebago County Board of Supervisors finds that additional study is necessary to 37 evaluate the potential impacts of data center development on land use patterns, agricultural preservation, 38 utility infrastructure, transportation systems, environmental resources, emergency services, economic 39 development objectives, and neighboring property owners; and 40 41 WHEREAS, the Winnebago County Board of Supervisors further finds that acceptance of applications for 42 large-scale data center development prior to completion of such study could impair Winnebago County’s 43 ability to establish a comprehensive and predictable regulatory framework governing future proposals; 44 and 45 46 WHEREAS, local governments throughout Wisconsin have recently considered or adopted temporary 47 data center moratoria or development pauses to provide time for research, public engagement, and 48 ordinance development, including Dane County, Manitowoc County, and the City of Madison; and 49 50 WHEREAS, the Winnebago County Board of Supervisors finds that a temporary pause on the 51 acceptance and processing of new data center development applications will provide the opportunity 52 necessary to conduct research, engage stakeholders, evaluate infrastructure impacts, and develop 53 recommendations regarding future zoning and land use regulations; and 54 55 WHEREAS, the Winnebago County Board of Supervisors further finds that such action is intended to 56 preserve the County’s planning authority while standards are developed; it is not intended to permanently 57 prohibit data center development within Winnebago County; and Page 2 58 59 WHEREAS, establishing a definition for data centers will eliminate ambiguity. 60 61 NOW, THEREFORE, THE WINNEBAGO COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS DOES ORDAIN that 62 Winnebago County General Code Chapter 23, Article 8, Division 3, covering "Allowable Land Uses", is 63 amended to add the following subdivision: 64 65 23.8-53 Moratorium. 66 (1) For the purposes of this 23.8-53, "data center" is defined as a facility of at least 10,000 square feet 67 of floor space built to support high-volume data management, processing, networking, storage, and 68 transmission of digital information and applications. It includes hosting digital data, cloud computing 69 services, artificial intelligence operations, telecommunications infrastructure, or similar technology 70 functions including but not limited to associated support facilities. 71 (2) Pursuant to Wis. Stats. § 59.69(4), Winnebago County enacts the following moratorium: 72 Notwithstanding any other provision in Chapter 23, there shall be a moratorium on the receipt, 73 processing, and approval of new data center development applications. The purpose of this moratorium 74 is to allow Winnebago County time to evaluate potential health, safety, and environmental impacts, and 75 develop recommendations regarding infrastructure requirements, operational standards, and future 76 regulations. The moratorium shall be in effect for a period of twelve (12) months from the date of 77 publication or until it is rescinded, whichever is earlier. The moratorium enacted herein is not intended to 78 be, and does not constitute, a "development moratorium" as that term is defined in Wis. Stats. § 79 66.1002(1)(b). 80 81 BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED that the Winnebago County General Code Chapter 23, Article 3, Division 2 82 "Land Use Definitions" is amended to add the following: 83 84 15.06A Data Center A facility of at least 10,000 square feet of floor space built to support high-volume 85 data management, processing, networking, storage, and transmission of digital information and 86 applications. It includes hosting digital data, cloud computing services, artificial intelligence operations, 87 telecommunications infrastructure, or similar technology functions including but not limited to associated 88 support facilities. It is not similar to any other land use listed in Exhibit 8-1. 89 90 BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED that this Ordinance shall not apply to: 91 i. Existing lawfully established data center facilities; 92 ii. Routine maintenance, repair, replacement, or upgrades to existing facilities; 93 iii. Projects that have received all necessary County approvals prior to the effective date of this 94 Ordinance; 95 iv. Telecommunications facilities otherwise regulated under state or federal law. 96 97 BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED that during the moratorium period, County staff shall: 98 a. Review existing County ordinances and comprehensive planning documents; 99 b. Evaluate potential impacts of large-scale data center development on utility infrastructure, 100 transportation systems, emergency services, land use patterns, agricultural resources, environmental 101 resources, and neighboring property owners; 102 c. Consult with municipalities, utilities, regional planning organizations, economic development entities, 103 industry representatives, property owners, and members of the public; 104 d. Develop recommendations regarding definitions, zoning classifications, siting criteria, performance 105 standards, buffering requirements, infrastructure requirements, environmental protections, and 106 operational standards applicable to future data center development; and 107 e. Prepare a report and recommended ordinance amendments for consideration by the Planning and 108 Zoning Committee and County Board. 109 110 BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED that the Winnebago County Board of Supervisors declares that the 111 purpose of this temporary moratorium is to facilitate informed planning and development of land use 112 regulations and that nothing contained herein shall be interpreted as a determination that data center 113 development is either appropriate or inappropriate within Winnebago County. 114 115 BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED that this ordinance shall be effective for a period of twelve (12) months Page 3 116 upon adoption and the date of publication or until it is rescinded, whichever is earlier. 117 Respectfully submitted by: PLANNING AND ZONING COMMITTEE Committee Vote: 5-0 118 Fiscal Note: Vote Required for Passage: MAJORITY OF MEMBERS PRESENT 119 120 121 Approved by the Winnebago County Executive on __________________________. 122 123 ___________________________ 124 Gordon Hintz 125 Winnebago County Executive 126