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HomeMy WebLinkAbout0545_001Minutes COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE February 25, 1992 Roll Call The meeting was called to order at 7:34 p.m. by Mayor Gerald L Farley, Trustees present were Mark Busse, George Clowes, Tim Corcoran, Leo Floros, Paul Hoefert, and Irvana Wilks. Also present were Village Manager John Fulton Dixon, Public Works Director Herbert L. Weeks, Inspection Services Director Chuck Bencic, Planning Director David Clements, Finance Director David Jepson and Assistant Finance Director Carol Widmer, Deputy Public Works Director Glen Andler, and Water Superintendent Jerry McIntosh. Additionally, there were four members of the news media and twelve Village residents in attendance. II Minutes The Committee of the Whole Minutes of February 11, 1992 were accepted and filed. Joyce Pedersen, 1001 Ardyce, appeared before the Committee and expressed her concern over the manner that the Farmers Market is administered. She said the contract that a vendor is required to sign is unfair and that there was discrimination in the products that a vendor was allowed to sell. She explained that a provision in the contract required the vendor to pay legal fees for any legal action brought against the vendor by the Jaycees and that out-of-state vendors received more favorable treatment than in-state vendors. She said she was requesting the Village Board to: 1) Change the terms of the contract; and 2) Adopt an ordinance which stated that the Jaycees were responsible for the Farmers Market rather than the Mount Prospect Chamber of Commerce. During the discussion that followed, Mayor Farley said the Village Attorney has reviewed the contract and did not think it was inappropriate. Trustee Corcoran said he would like to have more information and that this should be an item for a future Committee of the Whole meeting. Trustee Clowes said he would like to receive information regarding the operation of Farmers Markets in other communities. Trustee Busse said he did not want the Village Board to become involved with the administrative procedures for running the Farmers Market. Ms. Pedersen gave Village staff some information she had regarding Farmers Markets in other communities. Village Manager John Dixon presented an, overview of the 1992-93 proposed budgets for the Planning, Inspection Services and Public Works Departments. Mr. Dixon explained that Planning and Inspection Services have the responsibility to see that the neighborhoods and the image of the Village is maintained and the Public Works Department is responsible for maintaining the Village's appearance and its infrastructure. These three departments make up 34.4% of the total Village Budget. Planning Deparlmot Planning Director David Clements presented his department's proposed 1992-93 budget of $600,290, a decrease of $43,375 from the 1991-92 Budget of $643,665. Mr. Clements gave a brief overview of the department's activities which include day-to-day planning consisting of: permit review, zoning administration, providing public information, working with residents and the business community on individual projects, counseling on local regulations, and helping to explain Village ordinances. The Department also has long-range planning activities which consist of monitoring the effectiveness of the Comprehensive Plan to assure that all future growth and redevelopment meets long-range planning guidelines. In the area of economic development, the Department provides public and business relations, including a business visitation program, and represents the Village interests locally and regionally. The Department is also responsible for the management of the upcoming Triangle Downtown Redevelopment Project. The Planning Department also oversees Community Development Block Grant programs which provides assistance to low -moderate income residents, the handicapped and elderly. In addition to the activities outlined above, the Planning Department provides staff and technical assistance to the Plan Commission, Zoning Board of Appeals, Sign Review Board, Business District Development and Redevelopment (B.D.D.R.C.) and the Village Board. The Planning Department has several major tasks planned for the upcoming year. One is the Zoning Ordinance revision which began during the 1991-1992 fiscal year and will be completed in the coming fiscal year. The goals of this project are to correct ambiguities and obsolete regulations in the current zoning ordinance. Draft copies of the changes will be presented to the Zoning Board of Appeals and then to the Village Board. The Economic Development budget will emphasize continuation of the facade program with funding for three facade improvements in key areas along Northwest Highway. The 1992-1993 budget proposes continued funding of several important and successful Community Development Block Grant Programs. The housing rehabilitation program enters its 11th year, and the Department expects to achieve the successful rehabilitation of 16 to 18 homes this budget year. Also, the Boxwood neighborhood programs are proposed for fifth 2 year funding. These programs provide after school activities for children and a summer day care program with field trips and handicraft activities. Two CDBG Programs will not be continued in the 1992-1993 fiscal year. These are the CDBG' Accessibility and Improvements Program and the Commercial Rehabilitation Program. Instead, increased spending is proposed for the residential and multi -family rehabilitation programs. Mayor Farley stated that he did not think the Village has placed a high enough emphasis on economic development. He said that other communities are more aggressive and that he would like the Village to focus on all areas of the Village to attract and retain large and small businesses. He recommended that the Village establish an Economic Development Commission of nine members to develop a comprehensive Economic Development Program for the Village. He suggested that the new commission would develop a strategic plan for economic development and help to prepare a promotional booklet about the Village. Trustee Wilks said BDDRC has advocated a publication about the Village for a long time. The estimated cost is $10,000. She said it was high time we tried to stop the exodus of businesses from the community and that she supported the new commission. Trustee Corcoran said he absolutely agreed that the Village should place a higher priority on economic development, and that a publication would only be a small part of the program. Trustee Hoefert said that he thought a commission would be helpful but that businesses often leave for economic reasons that may be beyond the control of the Village. He did not want to give the impression that businesses are leaving because of the community. Trustee Floros said that businesses often leave because they go out of business. He said there is a difference between a business leaving and a business closing. Trustee Floros added that the Facade Program is a real plus for the Village and that he would like to see a high emphasis continued on this program. Trustee Clowes said he is not sure two commissions are needed and there could be confusion if one commission is working on the downtown and another commission represented the rest of the Village. He also said he would like to see the Mount Prospect Chamber take a more active role in economic development. Mayor Farley responded that he thought two commissions would serve the Village better. Trustee Busse said he favored whatever action is needed to retain and attract new businesses. He also said he would like to see at least two visitations per month of existing businesses. Inspection Services Director Chuck Bencic presented the proposed 1992-1993 Budget for the Inspection Services Department which consists of the Building Code Division, the Environmental Health Division and the Engineering Division. The Total budget for 1992-1993 is $1,071,120 compared to $1,028,600 for 1991-1992 for an increase of $42,520. The increase can be attributed to increases in Personal Services and employee benefits of $43,770, an increase in Contractual Services of $10,750, and a decrease in Capital Expenditures of $12,000. The Environmental Health Division is responsible for inspecting all food establishments, swimming pools, day care centers, health clubs and multi -family residential: rental units. During 1991, this Division performed a total of 2,342 inspections and they also responded to 1,$16 citizens' complaints on property maintenance„ insect and rodent control and public health matters. One personnel change is proposed for 1992-1993. A part-time inspector has been added to the budget replacing a summer intern. Mr. Bencic explained that a part-time inspector would be available two days a week all year around to make inspections and to help maintain the necessary schedule of health inspections. The Engineering Division is responsible for the review and inspection of all private site developments and for the design, contract administration and inspection of Village projects such as street resurfacing and reconstruction, sewer and water main replacements„ the shared cost and new sidewalk programs, and bridge repair. There were approximately 57 ongoing and new development projects that were reviewed and inspected during 1991. The Engineering Division also reviews all subdivision plats, driveway„ patio and sidewalk permit applications and handles drainage and sump pump discharge complaints. They also review plans for roadway and traffic signal improvements proposed for the Mate and County roads within. Village limas. One major accomplishment last year was the successful application for a Class 9 rating in the Federal Flood Insurance Community Rating System (QRS) Program. Mount Prospect was one of only 9 communities in the State and one of only 2 in Cook County to receive a Class 9 rating. The Building Code Division is responsible for plain review, issuance of permits and inspection of all buildings and structures in the Village. This responsibility includes new residential, commercial and industrial buildings as well as all remodeling projects, fences, driveways, signs, decks, etc. In 1990, 1,938 permits were issued with a value of $33,640,000, and during 1991, 2,000 permits were issued with a value of $31,098,O00. The Building Code Division performed 10,419 inspections during 1991.. Mr. Bencic stated that during 1991 there were more remodeling permits and fewer single-family permits issued. However, both require substantially the same amount of review time. One objective of the Inspection Services Department in 1992-1993 is to complete review of the 1990 BOCA Code and to recommend the necessary changes to incorporate it into the Village Code. Mayor Farley asked if the penalty for starting work without a permit is being addressed in the recommended Code changes. Mr. Bencic responded that the changes will provide for minimum penalty of $100 and a maximum of $1,000. During the discussion that followed, Trustee Hoefert asked if there was any overlap in health inspections between the Village and the State or County. Mr. Bencic said there was not. Trustee Corcoran asked for an update on the Microfilm Project. Mr. Bencic responded that the Village is continuing to contract for microfilming services rather than buying equipment to do it in-house. Trustee Clawes asked if Village engineering costs were added to Public "Works Projects and if we are charging enough for reinspection$. Mr. Bencic answered that we do not charge other departments and recommendations for increases in certain inspection services will be brought to the Village Board within the next three months. Trustee Clowes also said he would like to see performance measures incorporated in the budget. Trustee Busse asked if it is worthwhile to staff Inspection Services on Tuesday evening and Saturday morning. Mr. Dixon responded that this is being evaluated and would probably be reduced after the building season. Irvana Wilks said she agreed with the personnel change that exchanged an Intern position with a part-time position. Public Works. Department Public Works Director Herb Weeks presented the proposed 1992-1993 Budget, The Public Works Department consists of four divisions: Streets, Water and Sewer, Parking and Refuse Disposal. The Street Division of the Public Works Department has 14 separate service oriented programs for the maintenance of Village equipment and public properties. This Division is responsible for maintenance of approximately 150 miles of streets as well as parkways, storm sewers, street lights, traffic signals, public buildings, detention/retention basins, all beautification projects and pool vehicles.The Street Division Budget for 1992-1993 totals $4,641,680 compared with $4,736,885 in the 1991-1992 Budget, for an overall decrease of $95,205. The decrease is made up of reductions in the Street Maintenance, Forestry and Traffic Signals and Street Lighting Programs along with an increase in Administration and Support. Street resurfacing and reconstruction has been reduced $100,000, tree replacements by $16,000, traffic signal energy by $66,000 and traffic signal construction of $40,000. An increase of $70,220 in Administration and Support is made up of a provision for salary adjustments of $16,850, increased pension costs of $16,920, increased medical insurance of $18,600 and increased Workers' Compensation of $3,000. Mr. Weeks pointed out that even with the reduction of $100,000 for street resurfacing and reconstruction, it is still a high priority with $1,400,000 included in the budget for this purpose. Additionally, it is expected that approximately $600,000 in street reconstruction will be accomplished through the flood control projects that are included in the Capital Improvement section of the Budget. The decrease in costs for traffic energy is a result of a change in the Franchise Agreement with Commonwealth Edison that is expected to be approved prior to May 1, 1992. There is an increase in the request for flood control monies due to two major projects which are expected to be completed in the 1992-93 fiscal year. These two projects are the WaPella/Central/CanDota project and the Des Plaines backwater valve project. He also mentioned that storm water basin maintenance at the Opus/Kensington Business Park has been added to the budget this year. The project is expected to cost $10,000. The Water and Sewer Division has twelve major programs and all are related to the repair and maintenance of the water and sewer system. Major responsibilities include the maintenance of all pumping stations and adjacent properties, well houses including all appurtenances therein, all underground water and sewer facilities;, some 2,000 fire hydrants, approximately 170 miles of water mains, and 310 miles of sewers. The proposed budget for this Division of Public Works totals $6,645,855, an increase of $93,425 from last year. Of the increase, $28,750 is due to increases in medical insurance for employees and their families and $60,000 appropriated for initial funding for the possible acquisition of Citizens Utilities Company water system in Mount Prospect and Prospect Heights. Some of the significant projects in the Water and Sewer Budget include the continuation of the booster pump replacement program ($65,000), replacement water mains ($145,000), replacement sewer mains ($80,000) and replacement of control panel at Huntington Commons sewage lift station at $12,000. Mr. Weeks stated that the budget also included $30,000 for an inspection of the downtown water tank and to provide specifications for rehabilitation work in 1993. It is expected that the cost of rehabilitation and painting will be around $450,000. This amount would then be included in the 1993/94 budget. The Parking ►ivision is responsible for the administration and maintenance of the various Village -owned or operated parking facilities. The Parking Division budget for 1992-1993 totals $103,810 compared to the 1991-1992 budget of $217,985, for a reduction of $114,175. A new Village lot was opened February 1, 1992 on the former site of the Aldi store and adjacent to the Old Public Works building. This lot is referred to as the Wille Street North parking lot. The 77 parking spaces acquired will be for commuter parking and should be available until the summer of 1993. The Refuse Disposal section of the proposed Budget contains the expenditures associated with the collection and disposal of solid waste from all residential units in the Village. The total budget for 1992 - 1993 is $2,544,130 compared to $2,403,035 for 1991 - 1992. The 1992 - 1993 budget reflects the costs associated with the second year of a three year agreement with Arc Disposal Co. The budget also includes higher recycling costs to cover the expanded recycling program that went into effect on August 1, 1991. Mr. Weeks mentioned that cardboard is not part of the recycling program but that they have received a number of suggestions from residents that it should be included. Mayor Farley asked Mr. Weeks how the Village handled requests for new street lights. Mr. Weeks responded that lights for subdivisions are forwarded to Commonwealth Edison and lights on major highways are provided by contributions from developers. Mayor Farley asked Mr. Weeks to see if anything could be done with the lights in the Boxwood area on Wheeling Road between Euclid and Kensington. He also said he would like to see more emphasis on the flower planting program. Mayor Farley also commended the Public Works staff for the work they put into the White Lights that were put up in conjunction with the 75th Anniversary. Trustee Floros said he would like the White Lights as an annual activity. He said he received many compliments on the lights and that he thought it was a worthwhile program. He also said he would like to see the flower planting to be restored to its previous level. Mr. Weeks responded that there is no provision in the 1992 - 1993 budget to continue the White Lights Program. He said the total cost of the Program was about $90,000 with $21,000 for labor, $28,000 for materials and contractual services and $41,000 for equipment. He also said that he would need the 3 seasonal employees if the flower program was restored to its previous level. Trustee Busse said he would also like to see the flower planting restored to the previous level. He asked Mr. Weeks about the Sewer TV Truck that is budgeted for $110,000. Specifically he asked if this equipment could be rented or if the work could be contracted. Mr. Weeks said it was a necessary piece of equipment and produced revenue for the Water Fund. Trustee Busse said he would like more information to justify this expenditure. He also asked about the resurfacing program and the progress with Opus on the traffic signal for Wolf Road, Mr. Weeks responded that the resurfacing program should be about the same as in previous years. Mr. Dixon said he is trying to get an answer from Opus regarding the light. Trustee Busse said he would like to be kept informed about this project. Trustee Hoefert asked what factors were used to determine the vehicle replacement schedule. Mr. Weeks said they use odometer miles, but they also used engine hours and how the vehicle is used. Trustee Hoefert also asked why the paint had to be removed from the downtown water tank. Mr. Weeks explained that all paints are not compatible and they needed to get down to the base metal. Trustee Hoefert also said it was important to include corrugated materials to recycling as soon as possible. Trustee Corcoran said he would like to see some hard numbers on how much it will cost to reinstate the flower planting program. He also said he would like to move ahead on adding cardboard to the recycling program. Trustee Wilks said she was concerned about the reduced participation in the cost -share tree replacement program and that she would like the fee to be reduced from $100 to $75. She also mentioned that according to the vehicle replacement schedule, costs could double in the 1993-1994 budget. Trustee Clowes said he supported the proposal to include cardboard in the recycling program as soon as possible. He also asked Mr. Weeks about maintenance responsibilities at Kensington Business Center. Mr. Weeks said there was $10,000 to repair intake and outflow structures for the Kensington ponds and $4,000 for mowing common areas and parkways. V Other Business Trustee Wilks asked if there would be another information meeting for the residents in the Citizens Utilities Area. Mayor Farley said he did not think another meeting was necessary but that the Village could send out another mailing. Trustees Corcoran, Clowes, Busse, Wilks and Floros said they thought another meeting would be helpful. A meeting was set for Saturday, March 14, 1992 at 10:00 a.m. VI Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 11:25 p.m. Respectfully Submitted David C. Jepson, Finance Director DCJ/sm A!G E N D A ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS Special Meeting March 12, 1992 7:30 P. M. Senior Citizen Center 50 South Emerson Street 1. ZBA-_I2-Aw92, Vlllap-e of Mqunt Prosp-est To amend in its entirety Section 14.107 Non -conforming Uses of Mount Prospect Zoning Ordinance to provide a revised Section 14.107 on Non -conforming Buildings, Structures, and Uses. Village Board action is required for this case. 2. Zoning Ordinance Workshop A. Title, Purpose and Intent B. Administration and Enforcement i. Review of Initial Section; up through Variation Procedures. NOTE: In all cases where the Zoning Board of Appeals is final, a fifteen (15) day period is provided for anyone wishing to appeal their decision. No permit will be issued until this period has elapsed. 7X _S 1 X'S 77; MAYOR GERALD L FARLEY TRUSTEES MARK W BUSSE GEORGE A CLOWES TIMOTHYJ CORCORAN LEO FLOROS PAUL WM..HOEFERT IRVANA K. WILKS 4 -1992 Village of Mount Prospect MAR VILLAGE MANAGER JM IN FUurON DIXON VILLAGE CLERK 100 S. Emerson Mount Prospect, Illinois 60056 CAROL. A FIELDS Phone: 708 / 392-6000 Fax: 709 / 392-6022 A!G E N D A ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS Special Meeting March 12, 1992 7:30 P. M. Senior Citizen Center 50 South Emerson Street 1. ZBA-_I2-Aw92, Vlllap-e of Mqunt Prosp-est To amend in its entirety Section 14.107 Non -conforming Uses of Mount Prospect Zoning Ordinance to provide a revised Section 14.107 on Non -conforming Buildings, Structures, and Uses. Village Board action is required for this case. 2. Zoning Ordinance Workshop A. Title, Purpose and Intent B. Administration and Enforcement i. Review of Initial Section; up through Variation Procedures. NOTE: In all cases where the Zoning Board of Appeals is final, a fifteen (15) day period is provided for anyone wishing to appeal their decision. No permit will be issued until this period has elapsed. MINUTES OF THE MOUNT PROSPECT SAFETY COMMISSION March 2, 1992 • • B The Regular Meeting of the Mount Prospect Safety Commission was called to order at 7:35 P.M. 11. ROLL CALL Present upon Roll Call: Lee Beening, Chairman Chris Lenz, Commissioner Andy Mitchell, Commissioner Art Coy, Commissioner Fred Tennyson, Engineering Dept. Tom Daley, Police Department Absent: Del Ulreich, Fire Department Drew Johanson, Engineering Dept. Art Coy, seconded by Chris Lenz, moved to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of the Safety Commission held on December 2, 1991. IV. NEW BUSINESS A. Review Draft of Site Obstruction Ordinance. Tom Daley gave brief explanation of the development of the Site Obstruction Ordinance. Censuses of opinion was to review the draft with comments to be brought forth at a later date. Art Coy motioned to table the draft of the site obstruction ordinance until a future meeting. Seconded by Andy Mitchell. All Safety Commissioners concurred. B. Request for STOP SIGN at Haden and Martha Tom Daley described location for stop sign request. He indicated that the stop sign is not warranted. He also indicated that speed limit at this location is 20 MPH, however, it is not posted. IV, NEW BUSINESS continued l FT/m -2 - Tom Daley motioned to request Public Works to install 20 NTH speed sips on Hatlen in lieu of stop sign. All Safety Commissioners concurred. Having no further business the meeting was adjourned at 8:40 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Fred Tennyson MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE MOUNT PROSPECT SIGN REVIEW BOARD CALL TO ORDER: The regular meeting of the Sign Review Board (SRB) was officially called to order Monday, February 24, 1992 at 7:34 P.M. by Acting Chairman Kostak, at the Village Hall, 100 South Emerson Street, Mount Prospect, Illinois. ROLL CALL: Members of the Sign Review Board present: Hal Predovich, Thomas Borrelli, Richard Rogers and Warren Kostak. In the absence of Chairperson Adelaide Thulin, Warren Kostak was designated Acting Chairman. Also present were Bob Denoyer, Frank's Nursery; Jim Mansuri, Convenient Food Mart; Joe Gardall, Affiliated Realty; Richard Hendricks, resident; Michael Berke, Courtesy Home Center; George Woock, Whiteway Sign Company; Jack Lasar, Paws Inc.; James Beckett, Rainbow Sign Company; Robert Conter, Countryside Court Management; Rick Russo, El Sombrero; Kenneth Fritz, Economic Development Director. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: The minutes of February 3, 1992 were presented for approval. Richard Rogers made a motion to approve, seconded by Thomas Borrelli. The motion passed unanimously, four ayes, zero nays. One member absent. NEW BUSINESS: Sign -9-92, Frank'1902 South ... Elmhljr$t Road: Mr. Robert Denoyer represented Frank's Nursery and Crafts. Request: Petitioner seeks a special use equity option to install a new 12' high freestanding sign ((6' high x 12' wide) in place of existing sign of 84 sq. ft. and 18' high. Section 7.315 requires a maximum 50 sq. ft. freestanding sign area when within 100 lineal ft. of a residence district. Also seeks relief of side yard setback at driveway (18') instead of 60' required. Mr. Denoyer explained the problem of visibility. The request to increase the sign area from 50 sq. ft. to 72 sq. ft. was based upon the need for identification near Elmhurst Road. Because of the median located between the two driveways and the public utility easement running on private property parallel to Elmhurst Road, it is not possible to bring the freestanding sign closer to Elmhurst Road. The building is set back in excess of 300' from the front property line. Outlot developments as part of the subdivision on either side of the access driveway include Wendy's Restaurant to the north and Edwardo's Pizza to the south. These two businesses further block the visibility of the main structure setback on the parcel. Sign Review Board Minutes Page Two February 24, 1992 The request for a special use equity option to increase the freestanding sign area from 50 sq. ft. to 72 sq. ft. and to reduce the setback from the interior side lot line from 60' to 18' was predicated on the basis of not increasing the wall sign area from its present size. Mr. Denoyer indicated that there is no intention by Frank's to increase the size of the wall sign. He stated, in fact, that to the contrary, If a sign was to be modified on the wall if would, in all likelihood, be replaced with a smaller sign of individual channel letters. MotiQa: A motion was made by Mr. Rogers, seconded by Mr. Predovich to approve the special use equity option request by Frank's Nursery and Crafts on the basis that the wall sign would not be increased in size. The vote on the motion was four ayes, zero nays, one member absent. Sign -10-9.2. Convenient Food Bad, 2025 E= Euclid Avenue: Petitioner seeks a special use equity option and variation in setback for a freestanding sign from 5' to 0' (section 7.305) in order to maintain a 5' high by 14' wide sign on a 7' pole. The existing sign is to be relocated and reduced in height. ' The existing sign is proposed to be relocated on the pole to overhang the private parking lot instead of encroaching over the public right-of-way by approximately 7'. Landscaping and curbing would need to be placed at the base of the sign to meet the code and also to protect the edges of the sign from being damaged by vehicles in the parking lot. Mr. Mansuri also asked for some relief by the Sign Review Board in installing the sign because of the economic problems that they are having with the business. The Sign Review Board took this matter under advisement and made the following motion: Motion: 4-n*fix,x arij hv 10 Motion was approved four ayes, zero nays, one member absent. Sign -11- 2 CQuIlM Home Center. 7412 East Rand Road: Petitioner seeks a special use equity option in varying Section 7.305 standards with freestanding sign maximum sign area of 75 sq. ft. and 12' height to 120' in area and 15' in height. Sign is being re -faced and reduced from 158 sq. ft. and 25' in height. Sign Review Board Minutes Page Three February 24, 1992 Courtesy Home Center is located on a parcel of land that has been approved by the Village under a planned unit development for multiple uses. The major occupant of the property is Courtesy Home Center and recently developments have included Lube Pro Oil Change, Aldi's Food Store, and an additional site for retail or service business uses on an outlot adjacent to Rand Road, next to the freestanding sign. When the Lube Pro signage was presented to the Sign Review Board, staff required that the petitioner present the total sign needs for the site, including Courtesy Home Center, Aldi's, etc. At that time, it was noted that Courtesy Home Center would be applying for some relief through a variation or special use for the freestanding sign that did not meet the current regulations relative to area and height. Courtesy Home Center has presented a proposal that would reduce the height of the proposed sign from 25' in height to 15' in height and the sq. ft. area from 158 sq. ft. to 120 sq. ft. In so doing, they have added the Aldi Food Store sign to the main sign cabinet while removing the smaller cabinet containing 40 sq. ft. They are seeking a special use equity option to increase the square footage from 75 sq. ft. to 120 sq. ft. in which to install the sign at a height of 15'. It was recognized that the property occupied by Courtesy Home Center on the other uses has in excess of 450' frontage on Rand Road. Courtesy Home Center wall signage is not proposed to be increased and has been maintained on a regular basis by Whiteway Sign Company. The overall signage for the center is being reduced in size by virtue of sharing the freestanding sign space with Aldi's. The individual parcels for Lube Pro and the restaurant on adjacent property having frontage on Rand Road to the north have their own freestanding signs as permitted under the sign PUD and under a separate plan for development. Motion: A motion was made by Mr. Borrelli, seconded by Mr. Rogers, to approve the special use equity option request by Courtesy Home Center, provided the landscaping and curbing requirements are met as per the Sign Ordinance, and further provided that the wall signage for Courtesy Home Center is not expanded from its current sign area. Any additional signage proposed would need to come before the Sign Review Board for approval under an amendment to the sign PUD. The vote on the motion was four ayes, zero nays, one member absent. Countryside Court Signage: Petitioner seeks a special use equity option to increase the sign area of a new freestanding sign from 50 sq. ft. to 65 sq. ft., 15' in height, and, a second freestanding sign on the same parcel, 24 sq. ft. and 6' in height. These would replace signs measuring 40' and 20' high and 320 sq. ft. and 70 sq. ft. in sign area. Sign Review Board Minutes Page Four February 24, 1992 The Countryside Court Shopping Center is part of a large planned unit development annexed to the Village of Mount Prospect in the early 70's as "Huntington Commons". The Countryside Court is located immediately south of Golf Plaza 11, a commercial strip center developed by DiMucci builders. Mr. Robert Conter, Management Agent for the owner of the shopping center, stated that they are seeking to reduce the existing freestanding sign to come within close compliance to the standards contained in the Sign Ordinance. Mr. Conter indicated that the sign will no longer be shared with the bank since the bank has subdivided a portion of the site and have applied for a separate freestanding sign on their parcel further to the south of the shopping center. The bank's sign will be located close to the brick fence to Huntington Commons Drive adjacent to Elmhurst Road. Mr. Conter stated that they would propose to reduce the sign from 40' in height to 15' in height and from 320 sq. ft. to 65 sq. ft. in area. They are seeking a variation of 3' in the height of the sign in order to provide to clearance under the sign for vehicles and passersby, since they propose to locate the sign on the same base as the present sign. El Sombrero Sign: The El Sombrero Restaurant has an additional freestanding sign that was permitted by the previous Sign Ordinance and was installed near the northernmost drive adjacent to the El Sombrero Restaurant. Mr. Rick Russo, owner of the El Sombrero Restaurant, was present and stated that since the placement of Savings of America, immediately to the north on an outlot of the Golf Plaza 11 Shopping Center, his sign has been blocked from view for southbound traffic. Mr. Russo proposes to install a reduced size sign that will have the same outlines as the larger Countryside Court sign. The proposed El Sombrero sign would measure 6' in height and 24 sq. ft. in area. This is a substantial reduction from the existing sign height of 20' and 70 sq. ft. in area. Mr. Russo also indicated that he wishes to remove the building (north wall) and place a new wall sign on the fro to Elmhurst. The combination of signage being proposed sq. ft. area than previously existed on the site. Rear Wall Signage: backlit sign on the rear of the nt of the tenant space adjacent by Ell Sombrero is less in total In addition, some of the business operators have, in the past, installed rear wall signs that were in excess of the 10 sq. ft. permitted by the ordinance for identification of service entrances. Most of the businesses have cooperated in removing the signs that were oversized, and have spoken informally with staff of replacing rear wall signage. They are looking at a more uniform approach to signage for the rear wall signs on the Countryside Court Center. Sign Review Board Minutes Page Five February 24, 1992 Mr. Canter indicated that the main I.D. sign does not propose to include tenant panels or include changeable copy since they are anxious to make a simple statement of the location of the strip center. He indicated that the El Sombrero sign was also important to the center and was the subject of discussion before a special meeting of the tenants with Mr. Russo. It was the unanimous vote of the tenants that Mr. Russo be allowed to place a reduced version of his sign at the same location. They indicated that the El Sombrero Restaurant brings substantial numbers of people to the center that would not otherwise frequent their shops. Mr. Canter indicated that Mr. Russo is planning to renew his lease for another ten years at this location. Mr. Conter and Mr. Russo were willing to stipulate that the El Sombrero sign would be removed should the restaurant change to another tenant use in the future. The Sign Review Board indicated that they felt a criteria for uniform sign treatment on the center has worked well without a written document but since the Sign Review Board was being asked to approve a full range of signage that the section of the Sign Ordinance on Sign Design calling for a sign criteria for shopping centers be submitted for consideration to the staff and Sign Review Board. Motion: A motion was made by Mr. Rogers and seconded by Mr. Borrelli to continue the case until March 16 in order to provide the time for the petitioner to develop a set of sign criteria and other ideas on sign development for the entire center. Vote on the motion was four ayes, zero nays, one member absent. U 031011120,11 1114,11 11F Meeting was adjourned at 9:42 P.M. KHF:cI YLA CLERKS Fi E BUSINESS DISTRICT DEVELOPMENT AND MAR 4 1992 REDEVELOPMENT COMMISSION Wednesday, February 26, 1992 The meeting of the Mount Prospect Business District Development and Redevelopment Commission (B.D.D.R.C.) was called to order by Chairman ProTem Bart Keljik at 7:40 P. M. on Wednesday, February 26, 1992 at the Village Hall, 100 South Emerson Street, Mount Prospect, Illinois. 'Me W Members of the Commission present: John Metzenthin, Joseph Janisch, Bart Keljik, and Keith Youngquist. Absent were John Eilering and Hal Predovich. Also present was Mr. Singer; Fidel Lopez, Broadacre Development; Larry Smith, Daily Herald; David Clements, Planning and Zoning Director; and Kenneth Fritz, Economic Development Director. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: The minutes of January 22, 1992 were approved on a motion by John Metzenthin, seconded by Keith Youngquist. The motion to approve as submitted passed unanimously, 4 ayes, 0 nays, 2 members absent. l ... ! i e1...... . i S r .. Fidel Lopez from Broadacre Development Company was present to give the staff and Commission, an update on the progress being made on the market studies being conducted by Libby Bruce and Steve Golden of their staff. Libby is concentrating on the retail market and Steve on the residential market. They have also contacted METRA regarding the recent study that was made on the impact of commuters on the downtown, in particular, off- street parking provisions. They have contacted Dun & Bradstreet and will be purchasing information regarding the relative economic indicators and ratings. In addition, appraisers have ben contacted in the area to help determine land values for retail and office space as well as residential values. Mr. Lopez indicated that there are two important reasons for the market studies. First is what kind and what mix of uses can be supported by the consumer/resident of Mount Prospect. The second, market studies will serve to be an important tool in order to line up lending for the development of the triangle. Mr. Lopez indicated that the window of opportunity for financing is improving, and is therefore anxious to step up the activities with staff, B.D.D.R.C. and the Village Board. Page 2 It is anticipated that the detailed market studies will be completed in draft form for staff's review in March with the finished product to be delivered to the Village Board and B.D.D.R.C. the first part of April. Mr. Lopez distributed the following information for review by B.D.D.R.C. and staff' Broadacre Consulting Company work program for the development of the downtown center (preliminary, subject to review and revision). 2. An article from March, 1992 Metropolitan Home entitled `fbe Search for the New Hometown." (This article amplifies the philosophy of Broadacre Development regarding a pedestrian oriented town center.) Urban design plan for downtown Village of Mount Prospect (first draft). Mr. Lopez asked the members of the Commission to read the material prior to the field trip scheduled for Lake Forest. Mr. Lopez described the concept of development that would feature an environment catering to the pedestrian and old fashioned hometown values. He envisioned a development where pedestrians would walk freely in the marketplace from their residence on brick -paved serviceways. They might visit a farmers market or an outdoor display of flowers, meeting neighbors on the street. He indicated that the range of residential uses should probably include townhouse condominium developments and should also provide family living and senior citizen opportunities. The form that the buildings take would depend upon more detailed market information and discussion with architects selected to carry out the concepts. He, however, offered a glimpse of a preliminary block study that indicated residential for a good portion of the initial phase of redevelopment with townhouse or condominium development being from 2 to 3 stories with the end of the block faces, containing retail and commercial office space in a multi -storied arrangement. Clearly the approach appears to be one of first trying to accommodate housing with an effort to introduce small specialty retail and personal service uses ancillary to the residential development. Mr. Lopez indicated that he has made contact with persons expert in the area of senior citizen housing and will be incorporating some of these ideas into the study of residential units in the future. He suggested that B.D.D.R.C. might consider developing committees that could help support the concept and create a sense of ownership in the proposed redevelopment by including such groups as the Garden Club, Historical Society, Arts Council, and service clubs, such as the Jaycees, Junior Women's Club, Kiwanis and Rotary. Page 3 PAM A Saturday morning field tour to Lake Forest has been scheduled for Saturday, March 21, 1992. The proposed itinerary would be to depart the Village Hall at 8:00 a.m, with members of R.D.D.R.C, Village Board, representatives of the Downtown Business Council, and interested property owners, and return to Mount Prospect following a light- lunch in Lake Forest. The meeting was adjourned at 8:44 p.m. on a motion by Joseph Janisch, seconded by John Metzentbin. The motion to adjourn passed unanimously.