Plan Commission

CITY OF VIROQUA Plan Commission Wednesday, May 20, 2026 1. Roll call The Plan Commission was called to order at 5:00 p.m. by Mayor Krista Browne. Present were Krista Browne, Jan Rasikas, Mitch Wilson, Tanja Birke, and Sonya Newenhouse. Richard Running and David Levin were excused. Also present were Nate Torres, Joy Conley, Sarah Grainger, Fire Chief Chad Buros, Franz Funovits and several members of the public. 2. Review and approval of minutes from 03/25/2026 meeting - Motion by Tanja Birke/second by Mitch Wilson to approve the minutes. Voice vote all in favor. Motion carried. 3. Public hearing on application for conditional use of property located at 519 E Decker Street to allow a residential duplex in a B-2 district – The public hearing was opened at 5:17 p.m. Chief Buros went over the conditional use request, how it changed from the original single-family home to a duplex, and why it was coming to the committee. Franz Funovits explained the design change and the concerns the one neighbor Nancy had with the proximity to her property, specifically where her window faced the dwelling. A member of public asked if adjacent owners were notified of this hearing and Franz confirmed that all neighbors within 100 feet were notified. One other member of the public said he would like to see a rain garden on the property. The public hearing was closed at 5:37 p.m. 4. Discussion with possible action on conditional use application for property located at 519 E Decker Street – Sonja thinks the duplex design is wonderful and likes the comment of adding a rain garden. Krista asked if this will set any precedent for the future, but Nate explained this is unique and new zoning guidelines are in the works. Motion by Jan Rasikas/second by Tanja Birke to allow a residential unit at 519 E Decker Street with no specific conditions. Voice vote all in favor. Motion carried. 5. Discussion with possible action on draft ordinance regulating addition of accessory dwelling units (ADU) to parcels with existing primary structures – Sonya went over the ordinance and explained it was “cleaned up” and simplified including adding definitions for clarity at the Housing Advisory Board. She would like to see ADU spelled out at least once on each page. Nate told the committee where we are at this point and the next steps if a recommendation goes to council or the attorney. He suggested a public input hearing. Motion by Tanja Birke/second by Sonya Newenhouse to pass the draft ADU ordinance on to council to determine the level of interest to move on to an attorney. 6. Discussion and review of draft future land use map (Comprehensive Plan) – Nate reviewed prior discussions up to this point. Krista referred to line 6 of the March 25th minutes which mentions the extraterritorial zone map was reviewed and they are currently using the County’s designation of land and an updated map will be brought to the next meeting. Further discussion was tabled. 7. Discussion and review of draft goals, objectives, and recommendations (Comprehensive Plan) – Discussion was tabled. 8. Discussion and review of additional elements of comprehensive plan - Krista spoke as to what is the next step, which pieces go where and to what committees. Nate added it has been stuck in review the last few months and he has been working with Krista to move forward to the next phase. Tanja asked if there will be another draft and when. Nate is shooting for the June meeting. 9. Period for public comment – Several members addressed the board in regards to ADU’s, concerns about rain water and water density, structure design and aesthetics, criteria for choosing contractors, an update from a professional design conference attended, and thanking the committee for their work. 10. Adjournment – Motion by Mitch Wilson/second by Jan Rasikas to adjourn at 6:26 pm. Voice vote all in favor. Motion carried. Minutes respectively submitted by: Joy E. Conley, Deputy Clerk-Treasurer