HomeMy WebLinkAbout12/13/2005 COW minutes
MINUTES
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
DECEMBER 13, 2005
I. CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order at 7:09 p.m., in the Village Board Room of Village Hall,
50 South Emerson Street, by Mayor Irvana Wilks. Present at the meeting were:
Trustees Paul Hoefert, John Korn, Richard Lohrstorfer and Michaele Skowron. Absent
from the meeting were: Trustees Timothy Corcoran and Michael Zade!. Staff members
present included: Village Manager Michael Janonis, Assistant Village Manager David
Strahl, Community Development Director William Cooney, Environmental Health
Coordinator Bob Roels and Planner Jason Zawila.
II. MINUTES
Approval of Minutes of November 8, 2005. Motion made by Trustee Hoefert and
Seconded by Trustee Lohrstorfer. Minutes were approved.
Approval of Minutes of November 15, 2005. Motion made by Trustee Hoefert and
Seconded by Trustee Skowron. Minutes were approved.
Approval of Minutes of November 22, 2005. Motion made by Trustee Hoefert and
Seconded by Trustee Skowron. Minutes were approved.
III. CITIZENS TO BE HEARD
Paul Seils, of the Special Events Commission presented the Holiday Decorating Awards.
The list is as follows:
Grand Prize - 2116 Lawrence
Best Block - 200 South Pine Street
Best Business - Keffer's Pharmacy
Best Use of Lights - 227 South Leonard
Christmas Fantasy - 1415 Sauk Lane
Best Religious - 1420 South Redwood
Simple But Elegant - 1832 Magnolia
IV. RETAIL RECRUITMENT PROPOSAL
Community Development Director Cooney outlined a proposal to supplement economic
development activities within the Village. He stated the proposed contract would be for
one year period for a specialist focusing on retail recruitment throughout the entire
community.
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Cathy Maloney has provided this type of service for two other communities and among
the processes she undertakes, is convening of focus groups, review of surveys and
target recruitment. The contract is proposed not to exceed $39,000 and she is currently
working with Elmhurst in this capacity under a contract basis.
General comments from Village Board members included the following items:
There was a general discussion regarding the type of knowledge and recruitment efforts
that would be normally undertaken regarding landlords, brokers, business owners and
possible tenants. There was also discussion about what works in other communities
and how that application would work in Mount Prospect. There was also discussion
regarding exclusive recruitment zones within the specific areas of the surrounding
suburbs.
Consensus of the Village Board was to consider the contract for services at an
upcoming Village Board meeting.
V. LIGHTING REGULATIONS
Community Development Director Cooney stated this is a follow-up to the September 27
Committee of the Whole meeting. At that time, the Village Board asked staff to refine
the modifications with the Police to make sure that the full cut-off lights focused enough
light as to not pose a security issue. The Police Department responded by stating they
would be supportive of these modifications and they do not pose a security issue. He
also stated that the Board had directed staff to finalize the lighting regulations regarding
wall lighting and define wall lighting as a full cut-off fixture and not to use the word
"wallpacks" since that is a specific type of light.
General comments from Village Board members included the following items:
It was noted that the lighting regulations would likely continue to evolve and there would
be a need to revisit various lighting issues in the future including the possible height of
light standards.
Dave Toeppen, 409 South Hi-Lusi, spoke. He stated he was satisfied with the
movement of the Village regarding lighting and considers these regulations a significant
improvement. He also suggested the Village Board consider regulations of LED lights
on signs in the near future because that appears to be an expanding trend for message
boards.
Consensus of the Village Board was to finalize the regulations for presentation to
the Planning and Zoning Commission for input and bring before the Village Board
for final approval once that input has been obtained.
VI. CIRCULAR DRIVES
Community Development Director Cooney stated circular drives are currently a
Conditional Use and staff has provided illustrations of possible circular drives based on
lot coverage and lot sizes. He illustrated that the driveway coverage must be kept in the
front yard and under 50% of the front yard coverage. Staff is recommending Code
modifications to include a 75' wide lot can have driveway coverage not more than 50%
and the Village Board remains final on that determination.
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General comments from Village Board members included the following items:
There was discussion regarding the impact of these proposed limitations on corner lots.
It was also requested that some real-world examples of pictures be provided to the
Village Board for illustrative purposes. It was also suggested that the staff make
available illustrations for homeowners to consider when they undertake such a project.
There was also discussion regarding the 50% front yard coverage relating to 100' and
75' wide lots.
Village Manager Janonis stated that this information would be provided to the Planning
and Zoning Commission for input and once that input is obtained, further discussion
would be brought before the Village Board.
Community Development Director Cooney stated that the pending circular driveway
case could be disposed of at this time because it does meet the proposed coverage
specifics and not require the pending proposal to languish further. He also stated that
staff was recommending the elimination of the safety consideration component in
determining whether a circular driveway would be approved or not.
VII. ADMINISTRATIVE ADJUDICATION PROCESS
Village Manager Janonis stated that this is before the Board for some additional input
regarding the process itself, the philosophical approach of the Village Board and the
computer software purchase in addition to the Hearing Officer choice.
Environmental Health Coordinator Bob Roels spoke. He stated staff is recommending a
two tier approach to differentiate between minor violations and chronic violations based
on review of processes in place in other communities. He also pointed out an overview
of the process relating to administrative adjudication and the limit on the continuation
period.
Village Attorney Hill stated the focus of the administrative adjudication process is to cut
down on the number and length of continuances that are normally granted by the Court
system and allow flexibility in staff response to resolve matters.
Assistant Village Manager Strahl stated the computer program purchase, if approved,
would move forward for final consideration at the December 20 Village Board meeting.
Village Manager Janonis stated that staff has talked to at least one adjudicator and
would review other existing adjudicators for recommendation to the Village Board.
Consensus of the Village Board was to endorse the two-tier approach as
recommended by staff, to move forward with the computer program purchase and
staff to recruit an administrative adjudicator hearing officer directly through
regular recruitment efforts.
VIII. VILLAGE MANAGER'S REPORT
The Village Manager stated there is no Committee of the Whole meeting on
December 27.
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IX. ANY OTHER BUSINESS
None.
IX. ADJOURNMENT
DS/rcc
The meeting moved into Closed Session at 9:18 p.m. Motion made by Trustee
Hoefert and Seconded to Move into Closed Session at 9:19 p.m.
The meeting reconvened into Open Session at 10:07 p.m. and immediately
adjourned.
~ s.tLf
DAVID STRAHL
Assistant Village Manager
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