HomeMy WebLinkAbout08/10/1991 VB Agenda - SpecialMINUTES
SPECIAL MEETING OF THE VILLAGE BOARD
AUGUST 10, 1991
TRUSTEES' ROOM, VILLAGE HALL
I. CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order by Trustee Leo Floros at 8:05 a.m. Present
were: Trustees George Clowes, Paul Hoefert and Irvana Wilks. Absent from the
meeting were: Mayor Gerald L. Farley; Trustees Mark Busse and Timothy
Corcoran. Also present were: Director of Public Works Herbert Weeks, Village
Forester Sandy Clark and Finance Director David Jepson.
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Public Works Director Herb Weeks provided a summary of the Village's
regulations regarding parkway and right-of-way plantings. Mr. Weeks stated that
since 1984, the Village has been enforcing the current regulations on a complaint
basis and on an area -by -area basis. The area that has been selected for
enforcement is surveyed by Forestry personnel and any property owner with
plantings in violation of the Village Code is notified that they must make the
necessary corrections.
Mr. Weeks mentioned that the purpose of the regulations is to promote safety.
Generally, existing shrubs must be trimmed to a height of less than 30" and trees
must be free of all obstructions up to 6' above the ground. Any new plantings
of shrubs are prohibited in the parkways.
Trustee Floros stated this has been one of the most difficult areas for the Village
Board to administer. He said there are safety problems that exist and that the
Village Board must be concerned about safety. He said the Village Board was
interested in listening to the ideas that the residents had to offer.
Ross and Donna Johnson of 1009 Westgate Road acted as spokespersons for the
group of residents that were present. They pointed out that they also were
concerned with safety issues but they were also concerned with the differences in
parkway plantings that exist in properties throughout the Village. They mentioned
that there is some confusion regarding existing Village Ordinances and that the
Ordinances are not widely known by Village residents. They also stated that many
shrubs grow quickly and shrubs brought in compliance one year may be out of
compliance the next year. They suggested that if the regulations are not enforced
uniformly, the safety factor is lost. The Johnsons distributed a number of
photographs showing inconsistencies throughout the Village.
Mr. and Mrs. Johnson had presented some suggested changes in a letter dated
August 1, 1991 which would raise the shrub height to " and lower the line of
view of trees to 4'- above the ground. They stated that they preferred not to
include specific measurements but they thought some guidelines were appropriate.
Trustee Irvana Wilks stated that she was very concerned about safety and that the
Village roust enforce safety regulations. She said that an Ordinance that might
be acceptable to one resident could be unacceptable to a; neighbor. She reminded
the residents that no perfect Ordinance had been written, and that our primary
concern was for our children's safety.
Trustee Paul Hoefert said the safety factor and uniform treatment were important
and that possibly some concessions should be made in areas that did not have
sidewalks.
Trustee George Clowes said that the problem could be quickly solved if no
discretion is used and the Ordinances are strictly enforced. However, if discretion
is used, there will be differences of opinion. He stated that he preferred placing
a priority on keeping the intersections clear.
Trustee Floros asked the residents what they recommended. They suggested more
information through the Newsletter and establishing an Ad floc Committee to
study the problem and rake recommendations for possible changes. They
suggested that the Committee should be made up of residents, Trustees and.
members of the Safety Commission.
The residents suggested that Trustee Mark Busse be appointed to the Comrai.ttee
and Trustee Wilks volunteered to serve. Additionally, Ross and Donna Johnson
and Peter Harchan, 1311 Ironwood, volunteered to serve on the Committee.
Trustee Floros thanked the residents for their input and reminded them that the
Village Board does welcome input.
III. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 10:15 a.m.
Respectfully submitted,
DAVID C. JEPSON"
Acting Village Manager
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