Committee of the Whole

CITY OF PLYMOUTH, WISCONSIN TUESDAY, JANUARY 28, 2025 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING COUNCIL CHAMBERS CITY HALL, 128 SMITH STREET OFFICIAL MINUTES 1. Call to Order and Roll Call: Mayor Pohlman called the meeting to order. On the call of the roll, the following were present: Diane Gilson, Jeff Tauscheck, Dave Herrmann, Angie Matzdorf, John Nelson, Greg Hildebrand, and John Binder. Also present: City Administrator/Utilities Manager Tim Blakeslee, Police Chief Ken Ruggles, Deputy Police Chief Matt Starker, Assistant Administrator/Community Development Director Jack Johnston and City Clerk/Deputy Treasurer Anna Voigt. 2. Approve the Minutes from January 14, 2025: Motion was made by Gilson/Binder to approve the minutes. A unanimous aye vote was cast. Motion carried. 3. Update on Outdoor Alcohol Consumption at Outdoor Events: Chief Ruggles explained that the department has observed at many outdoor special events people on streets and sidewalks with open containers of alcohol and consuming the contents. It has also been observed the sale of alcoholic beverages on the sidewalks outside some of the licensed establishments. Chief Ruggles explained that this conduct is prohibited under Section 11- 4-1 unless waived by the common council for duly authorized events. Blakeslee added that the staff’s idea is the event organizer is going to request this and then it comes to Council for approval. Mayor Pohlman started off the conversation asking if the organizer is requesting it who carries the insurance if they are selling outside on the sidewalk. Chief Ruggles clarified that this wouldn’t allow sale outside of a licensed establishment. There have been some events that were approved for distributors like the brewery and distillery. Matzdorf asked if non-profits only get two temporary licenses in a calendar year. Clerk Voigt stated that only temporary wine licenses were limited to two. Chief Ruggles stated that there are various types of licenses including temporary licenses. Chief Ruggles stated that part of the issue during events is how far should people be able to wander. He gave the Cheese Drop as one of the most recent events. The event was licensed but right be for the Cheese Drop a crowd was wondering from down the street with open containers in there hand to watch on the sidewalk of Mill St. Chief Ruggles explained this would technically be a violation of ordinance against the individual carrying the beverage and the establishment that let them walk out with it. Chief Ruggles explained that he is seeking guidance as to where the department should enforce and shouldn’t. Hildebrand stated that German Night in City Park does a pretty good job and fence it off. Matzdorf used Cheese Drop as an example if the Council approves this event how far do you regulate it; from the bar from their house? Chief Ruggles suggested restricting it to the area identified within the request from the organizer. Ruggles added if Council would like to approve it in a larger scale staff just needs to know what that scale is. Right now there is no definition which events are approved and how far this should be able to travel. Matzdorf asked what other municipalities do. Chief Ruggles stated its mixed some other municipalities don’t interfere at all and don’t enforce. Hildebrand stated that people walking a mile away from their house are going to be in the wrong, but in the downtown area its ment to enjoyed during the events. Chief Ruggles stated that the intent is not to stop people from enjoying the events its just to understand the interpretation of the ordinance and what Council wants the department to enforce. Hildebrand asked how many events are there people wondering with drinks? Chief Ruggles stated that it is all parades Mill Street has had their own  vendors in the past. Matzdorf stated it would be hard to imagine the School District to ask for permission for alcohol. Chief Ruggles stated it is not on common for people to have alcohol during that parade. Herrmann asked about process, if these permits would be coming off consent agenda. Blakeslee stated that any Alderperson would be able to take it off consent agenda this would just include additional wording asking for waiving alcohol for this event. 4. Discussion and possible recommendation on Sec. 13-1-106 of the Plymouth Municipal Code regarding Commercial Wall Signs: Assistant Administrator/Community Development Director Johnston explained this change is coming from a Board of Appeals meeting request from Sargento to place signage higher on their upcoming LAG building renovation project. Board of Appeal denied their request because it did not meet the three- part test. As an alternative, staff recommended discussing a municipal code adjustment. Staff recommends consider allowing sign placement higher than what the ordinance currently allows with approval by the Plan Commission prior to any building permit issuance. Hildebrand asked if it will change the size of the sign? Johnston stated no it will only change the placement of the sign in terms of how high it can be on the building. Pohlman stated it makes sense to allow signs on taller building as long as it’s not gaudy. The committee came to the consensus to move forward to Plan Commission. 5. Adjourn: Motion was made by Matzdorf/Tauscheck to adjourn the meeting. A unanimous aye vote was cast. Motion carried.