Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout01/25/2000 COW minutes REVISED MINUTES COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE JANUARY 25, 2000 I. CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order at 7:37 p.m. by Village Manager Michael Janonis. Present at the meeting were: Trustees Timothy Corcoran, Paul Hoefert, Richard Lohrstorfer, Michaele Skowmn and Irvana Wilks. Absent from the meeting was Mayor Gerald Farley. Trustee Dennis Pril~kel arrived at 8:44 p.m. Staff members present included Village Manager Michael E. Janonis, Assistant Village Manager David Strahl, Community Development Director William Cooney, Deputy Community Development Director Michael Blue, Public Works Director Glen Andler, Plan Commission members Mike 7adel, Toni Astreides and Carol Tortorello. Motion was made by Trustee Hoefert and Seconded by Trustee Skowron to appoint Trustee Comoran as Mayor Pre Tern for the meeting. Motion was approved unanimously. II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Approval of Minutes from January 11, 2000. Motion made by Trustee Wilks and Seconded by Trustee Lohrstorfer to approve the Minutes. Trustee Hoefert requested some changes regarding the general comments on the increase in fund balance. Trustee Corcoran noted that he was actually absent during the meeting but was listed as present. Minutes were approved with the suggested changes. Trustee Comoran abstained from approval of the Minutes. II1. CITIZENS TO BE HEARD Richard Hendricks, 1537 East Emmerson, spoke. He had previously promised that he would not reappear before the Village Board but he felt that he must appear for a good reason. He is restricted and cannot leave the State of Illinois. He also is concerned about the recent discrimination case against the Village. He is distressed about the fact that former Trustee Nocchi's arrest information was withheld from the press for a number of days while his arrest information was immediately released. IV. DOWNTOWN REDEVELOPMENT UPDATE Community Development Director Bill Cooney noted that the Ad Hoc Committee created the Strategic Plan approximately two years ago this month and the staff and development process has mirrored that plan as defined. He noted that Norwood Builders has nearly finished the third Clocktower building and that development phase is winding down. He provided an overview of what buildings have been removed and what areas are sited for construction in the near future and the timeframe of that construction. He provided an overview of the General Store construction process. He stated that the Lofts at the corner of Northwest Highway and Emerson are expected to go before the ZBA for discussion in the near future. The first discussion regarding the Village Hall is expected on February 8 at the Committee of the Whole meeting. He stated the Lofts along Northwest Highway and Emerson are designed in such a way that the project could be continued further north on Emerson to incorporate the existing Village Hall site. He anticipates the discussion regarding Village Hall to focus on combining the Village Hall and Senior Center into a single building and move to the existing Senior Center location. Construction has not yet begun on the Townhomes on the corner of Prospect and Emerson near Mm. P's but this project is expected to get underway in the very near future. He stated that staff is reviewing options regarding train station traffic flow improvement. He also stated that Streetscape improvements are under consideration and numerous meetings are in the planning stages regarding the Route 83 reconstruction slated for this summer. Bruce Adreanni, President of Norwood Builders, spoke. He stated that his company is proud to be in partnership with the Village and introduced the members of the Norwood team. Diane Watry, Marketing Director for Norwood, spoke. She stated that there are only 12 units left in the Clocktower building. She stated that based on marketing information, there will be larger units and more of a variety of units at the Village Centre buildings. She stated that 40% of the buyers to date have been existing Mount Prospect residents. General comments from the Village Board members included the following items: There was a discussion regarding the opportunity to combine a couple of units into a much larger unit in the new building under construction. There was also a discussion regarding the rear facades of the businesses along Busse Avenue. There was also an inquiry regarding the progress of the Streetscape improvement and the construction process for the brick pavers. Mr. Cooney responded by stating that his staff is working on the necessary easements for landscape enhancements along Busse Avenue and anticipates additional discussion with the business owners once the improvements to the rear of the building are completed with the public parking lot. This item was for information purposes only and required no Village Board action at this time. V. CORRIDOR DESIGN GUIDELINE UPDATE Village Manager Janonis stated that the Village Board requested input into the early stages of the Corridor Design process. Therefore, this is the first meeting anticipated to discuss this topic as the program progresses. Mr. Cooney introduced members of the Plan Commission who were present and the representatives from Wolff Clements, the design amhitects for the corridor improvements. Frank Clements, of Wolff Clements, provided a slide show summary of the findings of current conditions throughout the Village. He also suggested that it was important for the Village to consider establishing a specific identity to let people know they are in Mount Prospect and no place else. Craig Farnsworth of Wolff Clements spoke. He stated the establishment of an identity focusing on the community along the corridors and secondary gateways would be reviewed and proposed for consideration. He thought it was critical that the Village distinguish itself from other towns and the Village should consider a plan to increase green space where land is available. Frank Clements stated that the Village should think about establishing guidelines for private improvements abutting public right-of-way areas so that there is a standardized appearance consistent throughout the Village. He stated this is typically undertaken to eliminate visual clutter. He stated that after this initial review, he anticipates a return to the Village Board in late February/early March to review possible design concepts. General comments from the Village Board members included the following items: There was a discussion regarding how the primary entry points into the Village were determined. There was also a discussion regarding the need to provide a sense of community so the residents can identify the community as their home. It was also pointed out that there is a specific need to tie the residents at the extreme boundaries of the community as residents to the general area of the Village. There was a concern brought up regarding the status of the meridian strip along Golf Road. Mr. Clements responded to these items. He stated the primary entry points were determined by traffic flow and available space for improvement considerations. There was also a review of areas that directed people through specific areas of the community. He also stated there may be some grants available from IDOT to utilize for improvements of the appearance along Golf Road. However, much of the improvements that could be considered are determined on a project-by-project basis and there will be a need to consider the maintenance commitment of items proposed. Mike Zadel, Plan Commission member, spoke. He stated the members liked the concept of the unified theme and reiterated the fact that IDOT is willing to discuss possible improvements with the Village of various corridors. VI. MANAGER'S REPORT Village Manager Janonis reminded everyone of the Celestial Celebration scheduled for February 5. He also stated that there is a preliminary Village Hall report slated for discussion at the February 8 Committee of the Whole and he anticipates additional outreach to interested parties as part of that initial discussion. VII.ANY OTHER BUSINESS None. CLOSED SESSION Motion made by Trustee Wilks and Seconded by Trustee Hoefert to move into Closed Session to discuss Litigation. The meeting moved into Closed Session at 9:31 p.m. Meeting reconvened into Open Session at 11:20 p.m. VIII. ADJOURNMENT No other business was transacted and the meeting was adjourned at 11:21 p.m. Respectfully submitted, DAVID STRAHL Assistant Village Manager DS/rcc H:\GEN\Cow~Minutes\012500 COW Minutes.doc 4