HomeMy WebLinkAbout10/09/2001 COW agendaCOMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
A G E N D A
Meeting Location:Meeting Date and Time:
Mount Prospect Senior Center Tuesday, October 9, 2001
7:00 p.m.
50 South Emerson Street
NOTE NEW START TIME
I.CALL TO ORDER - ROLL CALL
Mayor Gerald L. Farley
Trustee Timothy CorcoranTrustee Michaele Skowron
Trustee Paul HoefertTrustee Irvana Wilks
Trustee Richard LohrstorferTrustee Michael Zadel
II. ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES OF SEPTEMBER 25, 2001
III. CITIZENS TO BE HEARD
IV.CONSOLIDATION OF PLAN COMMISSION AND ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS
In the summer, Mayor Farley asked staff to research the feasibility of consolidating the separate
functions of the Plan Commission and Zoning Board of Appeals into one, all encompassing,
deliberative body. The Mayor’s motivation for this action is the desire to streamline and improve
the Village’s development review process.
This potential consolidation is consistent with administration efforts over the past several years to
make our development review and building permit process more user friendly for both businesses
and residents alike. While a number of improvements have been instituted, frustration is still
expressed regarding the length and complexity of the plan review process, especially as it relates
to Public Hearings. While streamlining the process is desirable, it should not come at the
expense of inferior development. The ultimate goal of a process review is to strive for a workable
balance between efficient process and necessary protections for the community.
The idea of consolidating the two bodies into one is consistent with that balancing effort. Not only
would it streamline the process by creating a “one stop” review body, but it also allows that single
body to review all aspects of the project. Requests for Variations (ZBA) and Development Code
modifications (Plan Commission) are not mutually exclusive. Rather, they frequently impact each
other and ultimately the overall quality of a given project. With a combined review board, all
aspects of a development would be reviewed by a single body looking at the whole picture.
NOTE:ANY INDIVIDUAL WHO WOULD LIKE TO ATTEND THIS MEETING BUT BECAUSE
OF A DISABILITY NEEDS SOME ACCOMMODATION TO PARTICIPATE, SHOULD
CONTACT THE VILLAGE MANAGER'S OFFICE AT 100 SOUTH EMERSON, MOUNT
PROSPECT, ILLINOIS 60056, 847/392-6000, EXTENSION 5327, TDD #847/392-6064.
Staff surveyed Northwest Municipal Conference member communities and found that a number
of them operate with a combined review board. For the most part, they have found the
arrangement to work satisfactorily. The purpose Tuesday evening’s discussion is to determine
Village Board support for such a consolidation. In addition, members of both the Plan
Commission and Zoning Board of Appeals have been invited to participate in the discussion.
Appropriate staff will be on hand to answer questions and facilitate discussion.
V. CREATION OF A COMMUNITY RELATIONS COMMISSION
Last year, in the wake of allegations of racial profiling by the Police Department, the Village
undertook a number of initiatives designed to ensure against such happenings as well as
preventing other discriminatory conduct within the Village. To that end, one initiative was the
creation of a citizens’ commission that would be empowered to, among other things, receive
complaints regarding discrimination, in any form, and provide a forum for review and
recommendations for corrective action. Additionally, such a Commission would be given the
mission of fostering and promoting understanding, mutual respect, cooperation and positive
relations between and among all residents of Mount Prospect regardless of age, economic level,
race, religious affiliation or ethnic origin. Additionally, should a consolidation of the Plan
Commission and the Zoning Board of Appeals become a reality, this Community Relations
Commission would also take on the responsibility of reviewing Community Development Block
Grant requests and hearing housing discrimination complaints brought pursuant to requirements
of Chapter 23 of the Village Code.
The proposed enabling Ordinance for the creation of this Commission is the result of an
exhaustive review of similar commissions in other communities. The goal was to provide an
effective forum for the fostering of good community relations on a number of fronts. It is also
designed to provide an effective forum for the review of specific complaints, while at the same
time providing necessary safeguards for those who might be the subject of a complaint.
Appropriate staff will be on hand to answer questions and to facilitate discussion.
VI.VILLAGE MANAGER'S REPORT
VII.ANY OTHER BUSINESS
VIII.ADJOURNMENT
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