Village of Northbrook Board of Trustees met Oct. 13.
Here is the minutes provided by the board:
1. ROLL CALL
| Attendee Name | Title | Status | Arrived |
| Sandra Frum | Village President | Late | 9:13 PM |
| Kathryn Ciesla | Trustee | Present | |
| Bob Israel | Trustee | Present | |
| Muriel Collison | Trustee | Present | |
| Heather Ross | Trustee | Present | |
| Johannah Hebl | Trustee | Present | |
| Dan Pepoon | Trustee | Present |
Trustee Pepoon moved, seconded by Trustee Hebl to make Trustee Ciesla President Pro Tem for the meeting. On voice vote, all were in favor.
3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
4. MINUTES APPROVAL
A. Board of Trustees - Regular Meeting - Sep 22, 2020 7:30 PM
Trustee Pepoon moved, seconded by Trustee Hebl to approve the September 22, 2020 minutes. Trustee Israel noted he submitted a minor amendment regarding the triangle comment. Trustee Pepoon and Trustee Hebl amended the motion to include Trustee Israel's amendment.
RESULT: ACCEPTED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Dan Pepoon, Trustee
SECONDER: Johannah Hebl, Trustee
AYES: Ciesla, Israel, Collison, Ross, Hebl, Pepoon
ABSENT: Frum
5. PUBLIC COMMENT TIME
Trustee Ciesla noted the public can make comments by emailing publiccomments@northbrook.il.us Email responses must be under 200 words in length.
Village Clerk & Administrative Services Manger Debbie Ford read two letters the Board received. The first letter is from Isaiah Monterose, he expressed concern regarding the Police Department’s budget. The second email is from Rosemary Callahan, she expressed concern regarding vandalism of political yard signs, such as the COVID-19 board. She noted the public is not following safety guidelines regarding political rallies.
6. WARRANT LIST
A. Review and Approval of Payments to be Made
Trustee Ross Moved for the approval of class A & B Warrants dated September 16, 2020 - September 30, 2020 in the amount of $1,862,523.11.
RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Heather Ross, Trustee
SECONDER: Dan Pepoon, Trustee
AYES: Ciesla, Israel, Collison, Ross, Hebl, Pepoon
ABSENT: Frum
B. Review of Frontage Deposit List Dated September 29, 2020
Trustee Ross Moved for the approval of Frontage Deposit refunds totaling $14,000.00 dated September 29, 2020.
RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Heather Ross, Trustee
SECONDER: Dan Pepoon, Trustee
AYES: Ciesla, Israel, Collison, Ross, Hebl, Pepoon
ABSENT: Frum
7. PRESIDENT'S REPORT
A. PROCLAMATION:
Domestic Violence Awareness Month
Trustee Hebl read the proclamation to recognize Domestic Violence Awareness Month in Northbrook. The Board received a letter from the Domestic Violence Ministry, thanking the Board of Trustees for the proclamation. She noted two of her family members were victims of domestic violence and she discussed the history of domestic violence within her family.
Executive Director of the Legal Aid Clinic, Susan Shulman, commented they provide pro bono legal services for immigration, domestic violence and housing. Their goal is to achieve justice for their clients. Furthermore, domestic violence is defined as an intimate relationship where one partner abuses the other partner. Domestic Violence is an epidemic in America, which affects 1 in 3 women and is the number one cause of injury or death. In the United States, domestic violence is the most common crime that is rarely reported.
The COVID-19 pandemic has increased domestic violence cases by 44%. She thanked the Village for the proclamation to recognize Domestic Violence Awareness Month in Northbrook.
B. PROCLAMATION:
Rotary International Proclamation for World Polio Day in Northbrook, Il
Trustee Ciesla discussed the proclamation for World Polio Day in Northbrook to honor Rotary's polio eradication mission.
Trustee Ciesla thanked the public for rallying peacefully in Northbrook. She expressed disappointment for the vandalism of the political sign at Triangle Park. The Fire Department's virtual open house was a great success. She noted tomorrow is the last day to attend the Farmers Market, which will close for the year. The early voting will be held at Village Hall starting October 19, 2020 to November 2, 2020 and there will be a drop off bin for mail-in ballots inside the voting facility. In addition, Mortgage Assistance applications are due October 16, 2020.
8. MANAGER'S REPORT
Village Manager Rich Nahrstadt noted the Environmental Quality Commission is evaluating leaf blower restrictions and would like feedback from the Board. He noted staff would create a recommendation the Board can vote on regarding leaf blowers in Northbrook.
Trustee Ross suggested the Board evaluate the social equity impact on business owners. 9. GO GREEN MOMENT
Marilyn Fish, Board Member at Go Green Northbrook, discussed positive climate trends. The Sustainability Study issued the first draft recommendations for Northbrook. She noted greenhouse emissions have decreased and the recreational center (zero carbon building with solar panel roof) will be opening to the public. In the United States, 77% of Americans are in favor of alternative renewable energy resources and solar power is in high demand. The wind and solar industry are taking over the coal industry, which resulted in 13 coal plants closed for the year. To continue the decrease in greenhouse gases, the public should be cognitive of their energy use and drive electric vehicles.
10. CONSENT AGENDA
RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Bob Israel, Trustee
SECONDER: Dan Pepoon, Trustee
AYES: Ciesla, Israel, Collison, Ross, Hebl, Pepoon
ABSENT: Frum
A. RESOLUTION NO. 2020-119
A Resolution Approving the Renewal of an Agreement for Plumbing Services with Santucci Plumbing Inc. of Northbrook, Illinois
B. RESOLUTION NO. 2020-120
A Resolution Approving the Renewal of an Agreement for HVAC Maintenance Services with Sherman Mechanical Inc. of Cary, Illinois
C. RESOLUTION NO. 2020-121
A Resolution Expressing Support for the Submission of an Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program Grant for Shermer Road Bicycle Accommodations
D. RESOLUTION NO. 2020-122
A Resolution Authorizing a Contract for Replacement of the Sanitary Sewer Lift Station Generator located at 1200 Skokie Boulevard with Engineered Services d/b/a Powerlink Electric of Vernon Hills, Illinois
E. RESOLUTION NO. 2020-123
A Resolution Authorizing the Transfer of Special Permit Approval for an Automotive Repair Shop with Outdoor Storage of Vehicles (1827 Janke Drive – Caliber Holdings Corporation) (Ordinance No. 2015-32)
F. RESOLUTION NO. 2020-124
A Resolution Authorizing the Purchase of 127 Parkway Trees for the 2020 Fall Planting Program through the Suburban Tree Consortium
G. RESOLUTION NO. 2020-125
A Resolution Approving the Renewal of Annual Maintenance for Esri Software
H. RESOLUTION NO. 2020-126
A Resolution Approving a Renewal Agreement with TargetSolutions Learning LLC I. RESOLUTION NO. 2020-127
A Resolution Approving a Contract with GovHR USA of Northbrook, IL for Assistance with Police Chief Recruitment
J. RESOLUTION NO. 2020-128
A Resolution Approving a Land Use Permit Agreement and a Public Facilities Construction and Maintenance Agreement with the Northbrook Park District Regarding a Village Water Main (Sportsman's Country Club- 3535 Dundee Road)
K. ORDINANCE NO. 2020-32
An Ordinance Granting a Special Permit Authorizing Three Wall Signs in Excess of the District Height Limit of 20 Feet in the IB Institutional Building District (180 Anets Drive – Northbrook Park District) (Docket No. PCD-20-09)
L. ORDINANCE NO. 2020-33
An Ordinance Amending the Northbrook Zoning Code to Allow Wall Signs In Excess of District Area Limitations in O-3 and O-4 Zoning District.
M. ORDINANCE NO. 2020-34
An Ordinance Granting Special Permit Authorizing A Wall Sign in Excess of the District Height Limit of 20 Feet and in Excess of the District Sign Area Limitations of 100 Square Feet in the O-4 General Office District and Amending Ordinances No. 81-34 and 02-04 Regarding Signs (933 Skokie Boulevard – Renaissance Chicago North Shore Hotel) (Docket No. PCD-20-07)
N. ORDINANCE NO. 2020-35
An Ordinance to Amend the Annual Fee Ordinance to Reduce Liquor License Classes A & E for Five Seasons and Roti Mediterranean Grill
O. ORDINANCE NO. 2020-36
An Ordinance Amending Chapter 26 of Northbrook Municipal Code Regarding Public Passenger Vehicles
P. ORDINANCE NO. 2020-37
An Ordinance Authorizing the Issuance of General Obligation Bonds, Series 2020, of The Village of Northbrook, Illinois
COMMITTEE REPORTS
11. FINANCE
12. PUBLIC WORKS
A. RESOLUTION NO. 2020-129
A Resolution Authorizing an Agreement with B&B Holiday Decorating, LLC of Des Plaines, Illinois for the Installation, Maintenance, and Removal of Holiday Lighting in the Village's Central Business District
Deputy Director of Public Works Matt Morrison commented staff worked with two vendors for sample installations and sought feedback on the two installation methods. Following that, staff asked the vendors for revised proposals for installation of the premium branch wrap. B&B Holiday Decorating provided the lowest proposal for the work. Staff has also discussed job site cleanliness with the vendor. As noted in the memo, the holiday lighting will be removed in the second year and holiday lighting will be available year around.
RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Bob Israel, Trustee
SECONDER: Johannah Hebl, Trustee
AYES: Ciesla, Israel, Collison, Ross, Hebl, Pepoon
ABSENT: Frum
13. PLANNING/ZONING
A. PRELIMINARY REVIEW - ZONING & DEVELOPMENT APPLICATIONS
1. Preliminary Review of Request for Rezoning of 1355 Rosemary Lane
Senior Planner Swati Pandey described a preliminary application request for 1355 Rosemary Lane. The Applicant is requesting to rezone the property from R-1 Single Family Residential to R 2 Single Family Residential District, to match the zoning of surrounding properties. Furthermore, the lot meets the lot area, width, and depth requirements for the R-2 zoning district and is a vacant lot.
Trustee Collison stated the property conforms to surrounding properties and does not see any issues with the request.
Trustees Israel, Ross, Hebl and Pepoon concurred with Trustee Collison.
2. Preliminary Review - Regulation of Accessory Dwelling Units
Tom Poupard, Director of Development & Planning Services stated that the review of accessory dwelling units is a Village-initiated request to examine our current zoning regulations. He described the several types of accessory dwelling units. So-called “granny flats” are built for the purpose of allowing a family member to live in separate quarters from other family members. Typically, they are for seniors or those with disabilities. The coach houses or garage apartments allow detached garages to be converted into separate living quarters. These regulations work best in communities with alleys, where it is common to have large detached garages. Furthermore, coach house regulations allow a secondary dwelling unit to be constructed in the detached structure. A third category of accessory dwelling units have emerged (particularly on the West Coast) that are intended to help address the issue of housing affordability. The third category are those that are intended to broadly allow secondary housing units on single family lots, whether they be: detached, attached by means of an addition or conversion of an existing basement/other area of the home to be a separate living area. In Northbrook, there are a few existing ADUs that were constructed decades ago.
Staff often encounters situations where a home is being built or remodeled to accommodate living quarters for parents or other family members. They do allow a single-family home to have a second kitchen within the home if there are internal doors connecting the spaces. He noted 90% of Northbrook consists of wide homes with attached garages. Furthermore, the Board should discuss amending the Zoning Code to allow accessory dwelling units and staff provided the Board with several major discussion points to consider.
Trustee Collison discussed a situation with builder’s mass-producing accessory dwelling units. She asked if accessory dwelling units should be considered for existing homes or new homes that are built. Mr. Poupard responded he has seen more new house plans with accessory dwelling units as an option and does not anticipate any issues with new construction development of “tiny homes” by themselves on a property - only as accessory dwelling units.
Trustee Collison suggested drafting regulations to accommodate them in new developments, as they would be more acceptable if they are in a development from day one.
Trustee Hebl asked what the average size of an accessory dwelling unit is. Director Poupard responded under 700 square feet.
Trustee Pepoon questioned where people would park their vehicles if they allowed accessory dwelling units. He stated he did not want to see increases in the impervious surface limits to accommodate an accessory unit.
Trustee Ciesla asked how accessory dwelling units will be safe. Mr. Poupard responded they will insure the accessory dwelling units comply with the building codes.
Trustee Collison stated she is not interested in limiting the accessory dwelling units to only family members. She requested more information regarding attached accessory dwelling units and would encourage that approach. Furthermore, she would like to focus on occupancy, safety and parking. The coach house model is not appropriate for Northbrook and accessory dwelling units are a great alternative for affordable housing. The Board should consider issuing a special permit for accessory dwelling units and no affordability requirements.
Trustee Ciesla stated she is ok with detached accessory dwelling units and noted it diversifies the housing stock. She suggested addressing short-term rentals and parking regulations.
Trustee Israel stated he is not in favor of restricting accessory dwelling units to family members only. However, for detached units, he would like those restricted to family members only. He requested accessory dwelling units be permitted without a public hearing required; exception detached accessory dwelling units which should require a special permit. The Board should amend the zoning code to allow accessory dwelling units. He would like the units to remain affordable for new developments.
Trustee Ross stated she supports accessory dwelling units with limited restrictions. The accessory dwelling units will create affordable housing opportunities for the elderly populations. The units should not be limited to family members and has no preference regarding attached or detached units. She suggested the Architectural Control Commission review requests for accessory dwelling units, and she is not in favor of requiring a special permit.
Trustee Hebl stated accessory dwelling units should not be restricted to family members. She recommended the Plan Commission evaluate attached/detached accessory dwelling units and size. Furthermore, she does not anticipate there will be parking issues and she is in favor of temporary uses. She said that if the Architectural Control Commission (ACC) is asked to review plans, they should have criteria to base their decisions upon.
Trustee Pepoon stated accessory dwelling units should not be restricted to family members and requested parking to be considered in accessory dwelling unit developments. He expressed concern regarding detached accessory dwelling units becoming a nuisance to neighbors. A garage is generally quiet, but a dwelling is different. He is in favor of making affordability requirements for accessory dwelling units in new developments.
President Frum stated the attached accessory dwelling units should be evaluated by the ACC and the Plan Commission should evaluate detached accessory dwelling units. They will evaluate if a special permit should be required for detached accessory dwelling units. Her goal is to not create flooding issues by allowing accessory dwelling units in communities and the Village will insure the units are in compliance with height standards.
14. COMMUNITY
15. PUBLIC SAFETY
16. LEGISLATION AND COMMUNICATION
17. REMARKS FOR THE GOOD OF THE ORDER
18. CLOSED SESSION
Trustee Collison moved, seconded by Trustee Israel to go into closed session to discuss investigations and personnel 2(c) (1). On voice vote, all were in favor.
19. ADJOURN
President Frum adjourned the meeting at 9:10 p.m.
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