HomeMy WebLinkAbout09/11/2003 P&Z minutes 13-03 VILLAGE OF MOUNT PROSPECT
PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION
WORKSHOP MEETING MINUTES
Mount Prospect Village Hall - 100 S. Emerson Street
Thursday, September 11, 2003 - 7:30 PM
The meeting of the Planning & Zoning Commission (P&Z Commission) of the Village of Mount Prospect was
held on Thursday, September 11, 2003 at the Mount Prospect Village Hall, 100 S. Emerson St., Mount Prospect,
Illinois.
CALL TO ORDER
Chairperson Arlene Juracek called the meeting to order at 7:34 PM. Commissioners Merrill Cotton, Joseph
Donnelly and Keith Youngquist were present. Commissioners Leo Floros, Richard Rogers and
Matthew Sledz were absent. Michael Jacobs, Deputy Director of the Community Development Department,
was present. Dave Toeppen, 409 S. Hi-Lusi Avenue, was also in attendance.
OLD BUSINESS
PZ-13-03 - Village of Mount Prospect~ Applicant: Proposed Text Amendments regarding the Village's
lighting regulations.
Michael Jacobs noted that the P&Z Commission last reviewed this issue during their July 24a~ regular meeting.
During that review the Comrff~ssioners identified two final issues with regards to the proposed lighting
amendments: 1) acceptable illumination levels at residential property lines; and 2) compliance deadline for the
proposed amendment.
Mr. Jacobs first reviewed the issue of illumination levels at residential property lines. To assist in the review
of this matter Mr. Jacobs obtained outdoor lighting illumination level readings from several of the
Commissioners homes to provide familiar examples of existing lighting within the Village's residential
neighborhoods. Mr. Jacobs noted that all of the readings obtained fell below the suggested maximum
illumination level of 0.5 foot-candies.
The Commissioners generally discussed the issue of illumination levels at property lines and then agreed that
Staff's recommended maximum illumination level of 0.5 foot-candles at any property line was acceptable.
Mr. Jacobs noted that the 0.5 foot-candle limitation would apply to outdoor lighting within any zoning district;
however, the Village Code's existing illumination level restrictions for parking lot lighting would be
maintained.
Mr. Jacobs then reviewed the issue of compliance with regards to the proposed lighting amendments. He
suggested that the proposed lighting amendments would become effective for all new improvements following
the Village Board's formal approval. With regards to existing lighting he suggested that a compliance date of
January 1, 2005 be utilized, which would be consistent with the compliance deadline established for all
parking lot lighting.
Following a general discussion the Commissioners agreed with the proposed compliance date and suggested
the proposed amendments include specific language referencing such. The Commission then directed Staff to
prepare a report incorporating all of the suggested amendments for consideration at the September 25a~
meeting.
NEW BUSINESS
Planning & Zoning Commission Agendas and Filing Deadlines
lanning & Zoning Commission
September 11, 2003 Workshop Minutes
Page 2
Michael Jacobs briefly summarized the Community Development Department's policies and procedures with
regards to processing formal development application requests. Mr. Jacobs stated that during the past summer
there were several lengthy meetings due to the number and complexity of the items scheduled for review. Mr.
Jacobs indicated that Staff is sensitive to the issue of meeting length, but at the same time attempts to process
formal application requests in a timely manner. Mr. Jacobs noted that at times the P&Z Commission has
utilized a second monthly meeting to help review items; however, it was Staffs understanding that the use of
a second monthly meeting was to be for the review of more general topics and issues, not typical development
applications. He then indicated that he wanted to use this opportunity to ensure that the P&Z Commissioners
agreed with Staffs approach in scheduling meetings.
Arlene Juracek indicated her support for the manner in which Staffhas been processing applications and
agreed that although some of the meetings have run lengthy it is still her preference that second monthly
meetings be reserved for general discussion items or Village initiated applications. She also noted that it is
often difficult to obtain a quorum for a second meeting due to scheduling conflicts amongst the
Commissioners.
Merrill Cotton indicated that he did not object to lengthy meetings and that it is to be expected as part of the
duties of serving on the Commission. He also noted that it is important for formal applications to be
processed in a timely manner to help promote economic development and redevelopment throughout the
community.
In summary, the Commissioners agreed with Staffs approach to scheduling items for review by the P&Z
Commission and they noted their understanding that lengthy meetings may occur from time to time. The
Commissioners also noted that a single monthly meeting is the preferred approach unless certain topics
warrant a separate and more focused review that would best occur during a second monthly meeting.
OTHER BUSINESS
Mr. Jacobs indicated that during the September 9th Committee of the Whole Meeting Staff presented a variety
of potential code/policy amendments to the Village Board to obtain some initial feedback and direction. The
items reviewed included a number of Zoning Code, Building Code and general policy related issues.
Following the Board's review, Staff will now process several formal amendments that will require review and
recommendation by the P&Z Commission and final action by the Board of Trustees. Mr. Jacobs suggested
that due to the number and complexity of some of the issues to be considered it would be beneficial for the
P&Z Commission to begin their review of these issues in a more informal workshop type format. The P&Z
Commissioners agreed with the suggestion and tentatively scheduled a meeting for October 9, 2003. Mr.
Jacobs stated he would notice the meeting date pending confirmation of availability by a majority of the
Commissioners.
ADJOURNMENT
At 8:45 p.m, Joseph Donnelley made motion to adjourn, seconded by Keith Youngquist. The motion
was approved by a voice vote and the meeting was adjourned.
Respectfully submitted,
Michael W. Jacobs, AICP
Deputy Director of Community Development