Plan Commission tables Waunakee Middle School shed after cemetery neighbor raises concerns

Staff presented a site-plan application for a replacement storage shed at Waunakee Middle School, describing a proposed 20-by-40 structure adjacent to the track and saying the proposal meets G1 zoning and the 10-foot setback. Staff recommended approval.

During the discussion, Gordy Aker of the Saint John's cemetery committee told commissioners, "That shed that's being proposed, I think, is a lot bigger than the previous shed that was there," and asked if the building could be moved farther from the cemetery fence. Commissioners pressed staff on whether the replacement was the same size as the prior shed and noted discrepancies between the elevations in the meeting materials and a revised elevation submitted later.

Commissioner Melissa Hunt said the application met zoning requirements but suggested approval could be contingent on the applicant having a neighborly discussion. Other members preferred the applicant appear in person to explain plans and confirm dimensions and sight lines.

A motion to table the site-plan application to the next meeting so the applicant could meet with neighbors and answer questions carried by voice vote. The item will return to the Plan Commission agenda; staff indicated the applicant previously faced time constraints but was not legally required to be approved tonight.

The next procedural step is for the applicant to meet with neighbors and for the commission to reconsider the application at a future meeting.