_06082026-713

Minutes of the Plan Commission Meeting June 8, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. Village Hall Board Room 1. Call to order: J. Muraski called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m. 2. Roll call Present: Plan Commission members President John Muraski, Ellery Gulbrand, Mark Semrau, Randy Smith, Dan Kussow, Natasha Gwidt, Mike Soletski Staff: Dave Wiese, Geoff Farr, Ciara Hurrish 3. Pledge of Allegiance: J. Muraski led everyone in the Pledge of Allegiance. 4. Approval of the agenda M. Soletski moved to approve the agenda. E. Gulbrand seconded. The motion carried unanimously. 5. Approval of the Plan Commission meeting minutes from May 11, 2026 R. Smith moved to approve the Plan Commission meeting minutes May 11, 2026. M. Semrau seconded. The motion carried unanimously. 6. PUBLIC HEARING AT 5:05 P.M. – CONDITIONAL USE REQUEST FOR VEHICLE SALES AND REPAIR FOR SUN POWER TRAILERS LLC DBA GRID SOLUTIONS LLCS AT 1631 BROOKFIELD AVENUE, UNIT BB01, VH-123 D. Wiese explained that the applicant is requesting a Conditional Use Permit to allow vehicle sales and repair activities associated with the conversion of utility trailers into off-grid solar- powered energy units. He noted that the applicant requires zoning approval to obtain a state dealership license for the sale of the trailers. Staff was supportive of the request. J. Muraski opened the public hearing and invited members of the public to speak. Steve Fischer, owner of Sun Power Trailers LLC dba Off Grid Solutions LLC, explained that the business converts utility trailers into mobile off-grid power hubs equipped with solar panels and battery systems. He stated that the trailers are built to order and sold primarily through online sales. He indicated that typically no more than two trailers would be on site at any given time and that most would be stored inside the building. R. Smith asked whether the business would generate any waste streams requiring special disposal. Mr. Fischer responded that the operation would not generate oils, fluids, or similar waste, as the work primarily involves solar panels, batteries, and electrical components. J. Muraski asked whether storing trailers on site would conflict with the property's lease agreement. Mr. Fisher stated he had discussed the proposed use with the property owner and was informed it would not violate the lease terms. No other members of the public came forward to speak. J. Muraski closed the public hearing. 7. ACTION ON CONDITIONAL USE REQUEST FOR VEHICLE SALES AND REPAIR FOR SUN POWER TRAILERS LLC DBA GRID SOLUTIONS LLC AT 1631 BROOKFIELD AVENUE, UNIT BB01, VH-123 J. Muraski asked what enforcement options would be available if the number of trailers stored on site exceeded the approved amount. D. Wiese explained that the conditions of approval could be modified and that the Plan Commission could establish limits or review periods through the Conditional Use Permit process. M. Soletski questioned the proposed restriction limiting hours of operation to 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., noting that other businesses within the industrial complex operate beyond those hours. D. Kussow asked how the trailers would be titled and licensed. Mr. Fis cher explained the trailers would be licensed as cargo or utility trailers and that the company would only be installing the electrical and solar systems. Commission members discussed battery storage and fire safety considerations. Board members suggested that the applicant provide a building layout identifying battery locations to assist the Fire Department in the event of an emergency. Mr. Fischer indicated he had no objection to providing that information. E. Gulbrand made a motion to approve the conditional use permit, subject to the following conditions: 1. Outdoor parking or display shall be limited to no more than five trailers on the site. 2. The applicant shall comply with all applicable local ordinances and dealer licensing requirements. 3. The applicant shall provide a building layout identifying the location of battery storage and related equipment for Fire Department reference. 4. The property shall continue to be maintained in its current condition. M. Soletski seconded. The motion carried unanimously. 8. REVIEW AND TAKE ACTION ON THE REVISED GLENDALE ACRES FINAL PLAT D. Wiese explained that the Revised Glendale Acres Final Plat consists of 30 residential lots and is the first phase of a larger development area recently annexed from the Town of Pittsfield. He reviewed the overall layout of the development and noted that the Village has been working with the developers to move the project forward so construction can begin. G. Farr noted that the cluster mailbox locations and notes should be approved by the Village Engineering Department and requested a condition requiring Lot 30 to be connected to sanitary sewer and water services. Commission members discussed coordination of street names between the Glendale Acres and Northern Reach plats, noting that roadway names must be consistent where streets connect. Commission members and staff discussed future trail connectivity within the development. N. Gwidt made a motion to approve the Final Plat of Glendale Acres, contingent upon: 1. Condition on adding storm water drainage easements as requested by Village. 2. Dedication and construction of a regional stormwater pond from neighboring properties 3. Trail dedications and conservancy easements to protect the trees and wooded areas. 4. Sanitary and stormwater easements as required by Village of Howard Engineering Department 5. All lots fronting Glendale Avenue are changed to outlots since utilities will not be available. 6. The CBU (cluster mailbox) locations (and notes) are approved by the Village of Howard Engineering Department 7. Road names need to be coordinated for the area so names aren’t changing across developments 8. Lot 30 shall be connected to sanitary sewer and water services R. Smith seconded. The motion carried unanimously. 9. REVIEW AND TAKE ACTION ON THE FINAL PLAT OF NORTHERN REACH D. Wiese explained that the Final Plat of Northern Reach is the next phase of development in the area west of Glendale Acres. He reviewed the revised plat provided to the Plan Commission and noted that lots fronting Glendale Avenue must remain as outlots until utilities become available. G. Farr explained that designating the Glendale Avenue parcels as outlots prevents the creation of buildable lots without utility service and helps avoid future special assessment issues. A representative of Vierbicher stated that Phase 2 of the development is anticipated to begin in the winter or spring. In response to questions from the Plan Commission, he stated that information provided to future homeowners would include the overall development plan so they are aware of future phases of development in the area. Commission members discussed the importance of ensuring future property owners understand that additional development may occur behind their properties. G. Farr requested that Condition No. 6 be revised to include approval of the cluster mailbox locations and notes. R. Smith made a motion to approve the Final Plat, contingent upon: 1. Dedication and construction of a regional stormwater pond from neighboring properties 2. Trail dedications and conservancy easements to protect the trees and wooded areas. 3. Dedicate northwest corner of the plat for a future park and provide a 20-foot access. 4. Sanitary and stormwater easements as required by Village of Howard Engineering Department 5. All lots fronting Glendale Avenue are changed to outlots since utilities will not be available. 6. The CBU (cluster mailbox) locations (and notes) are approved by the Village of Howard Engineering Department. 7. Road names need to be coordinated for the area so names aren’t changing across developments. E. Gulbrand seconded. The motion carried unanimously. 10. REVIEW AND TAKE ACTION ON VACATING A PORTION OF SECURITY BOULEVARD D. Wiese explained that the request is part of the T-Wall Development and reviewed the statutory process required to vacate public right-of-way. He stated that the proposed vacation area consists of excess right-of-way and is necessary for the approved development to move forward. Commission members asked questions regarding the impact of the vacation on property access, roadway configuration, and utility easements. Staff explained that the roadway would remain unchanged and that utility easements would be maintained as required.D. Kussow made a motion to approve vacating a portion of Security Boulevard. M. Soletski seconded. The motion carried unanimously. 11. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS (NONE) 12. ADJOURN THE MEETING N. Gwidt moved to adjourn. E. Gulbrand seconded. The motion carried unanimously, and the meeting adjourned at 5:40 p.m. Ciara Hurrish Public Information Officer/Deputy Clerk