Village of Northbrook Board of Trustees Met Feb. 9.
Here is the minutes provided by the board:
1. ROLL CALL
| Attendee Name | Title | Status | Arrived |
| Sandra Frum | Village President | Present | |
| Kathryn Ciesla | Trustee | Present | |
| Bob Israel | Trustee | Present | |
| Muriel Collison | Trustee | Present | |
| Heather Ross | Trustee | Present | |
| Johannah Hebl | Trustee | Present | |
| Dan Pepoon | Trustee | Present |
3. MINUTES APPROVAL
A. Board of Trustees - Regular Meeting - Jan 26, 2021 7:30 PM
| RESULT: ACCEPTED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Johannah Hebl, Trustee SECONDER: Heather Ross, Trustee AYES: Frum, Ciesla, Israel, Collison, Ross, Hebl, Pepoon |
President Frum noted the public can make comments by emailing publiccomments@northbrook.il.us <mailto:publiccomments@northbrook.il.us>. Email responses must be under 200 words in length.
5. MANAGER'S REPORT
Village Manager Rich Nahrstadt noted and thanked Village staff for their hard work and dedicated service in light of the weather events on top of the ongoing pandemic.
6. WARRANT LIST
Village of Northbrook, Illinois Page 1 Updated 2/24/2021 9:10 AM
Minutes Board of Trustees February 9, 2021
A. Review and Approval of Payments to be Made
Trustee Ciesla Moved for the approval of class A & B Warrants dated January 16, 2021 - January 31, 2021 in the amount of $1,447,614.29.
| RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Kathryn Ciesla, Trustee SECONDER: Bob Israel, Trustee AYES: Frum, Ciesla, Israel, Collison, Ross, Hebl, Pepoon |
Trustee Ciesla Moved for the approval of Frontage Deposit refunds totaling $20,500.00 dated January 30, 2021.
| RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Kathryn Ciesla, Trustee SECONDER: Bob Israel, Trustee AYES: Frum, Ciesla, Israel, Collison, Ross, Hebl, Pepoon |
A. RESOLUTION NO. 2021-14
A Resolution Recognizing Tom Poupard for Over 30 Years of Service with the Village of Northbrook
President Frum commented Tom Poupard started his career with the Village as a Planner in 1990 and was promoted to Director of Community & Development in 1995. Furthermore, he was promoted to Director of Development & Planning Services in 2008. Mr. Poupard earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Urban Planning from Iowa State and a Master of Urban Planning degree from the University of Illinois. In addition, he maintains his certification for a certified Planner with the American Planning Association and has worked on numerous projects. The Village thanks Mr. Poupard for providing 30 years of service to the Village of Northbrook.
Tom Poupard, Director of Development & Planning Services commented Northbrook is a wonderful community and it has been a great honor to work for the Village of Northbrook. He is grateful for the opportunity to work with the Board of Trustees, Plan Commission and Village staff. Furthermore, he feels privileged to be able to raise his family in Northbrook and be in great health during the pandemic.
President Frum reported the Village hired a search firm to recruit a new Village Manager. The public will receive a postcard with a link to complete a survey for public input on characteristics for the new Village Manager. The Village will be interviewing community stakeholders and Board Members. The survey deadline is Friday, February 19, 2021 and two public forums have been scheduled (Tuesday, February 16, 2021, and Wednesday, February 17, 2021).
Green Moment
Derrik Chen, Go Green Board Member, discussed an invasive species in Northbrook. The Buckthorn plant is a large tree that can grow 11 meters tall and is commonly found in lightly shaded areas. The public can see the Buckthorn plant at Techny Field in the bushy landscape and around the golf course. However, Buckthorn is dangerous to the eco system and local forest preserve districts consider the plant a major threat to the health of natural areas. The Director of the Chicago Region Trees Initiative, Laura Scott stated the plant crowds out sunlight, which makes it difficult for other plants to grow and the plants shallow roots system prevent other plant species from thriving.
Furthermore, the berries grown on Buckthorn lack nutritional value and cause digestive issues for birds. To remedy this matter, the Buckthorn plants need to be removed and the Village should create educational programs for the public.
President Frum commented the Forest Reserve is working hard to remove Buckthorn.
| RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Johannah Hebl, Trustee SECONDER: Dan Pepoon, Trustee AYES: Frum, Ciesla, Israel, Collison, Ross, Hebl, Pepoon |
Trustee Israel moved, seconded by Trustee Pepoon, to move item 10(A) be moved to the Consent Agenda. On voice vote, all were in favor.
| RESULT: ADOPTED [6 TO 0]
MOVER: Bob Israel, Trustee SECONDER: Johannah Hebl, Trustee AYES: Ciesla, Israel, Collison, Ross, Hebl, Pepoon ABSTAIN: Frum |
A Resolution Approving a Master Service Agreement with Crowe LLP for Technology Professional Services and Task Order No. 1 for a Cybersecurity Incident Response Plan
B. RESOLUTION NO. 2021-16
A Resolution Approving a Master Service Agreement and Service Order with Call One for Telecommunications Services
C. RESOLUTION NO. 2021-17
A Resolution Approving the Purchase of Netmotion Security Software Annual Maintenance from CDW-G
D. RESOLUTION NO. 2021-18
A Resolution Authorizing the Transfer of Special Permit to Allow the Operation of a Child Day Care Service Facility (3433 Walters Avenue – Two Moms Preschool, LLC d/b/a Little Ones Preschool) (Ordinance No. 2013-34)
E. RESOLUTION NO. 2021-19
A Resolution Authorizing a Rider to an Intergovernmental Agreement for Emergency Snow Plowing Mutual Aid
F. RESOLUTION NO. 2021-20
A Resolution Approving a Service Provider Agreement and 2021 Statement of Work with Municipal GIS Partners, Inc., of Des Plaines, Illinois, for GIS Support Services
COMMITTEE REPORTS
9. FINANCE
Trustee Ciesla commented that the Village of Glenview is going to be closing their Lake Avenue Fire Station. . She anticipates the closure will not impact public services in Northbrook due to increased calls for mutual-aid. Staff will continue to monitor the situation. She stated she is happy Northbrook is not in a situation of closing stations.
President Frum commented the Board will discuss the budget on March 9, 2021.
10. PUBLIC WORKS
11. PLANNING/ZONING
A. Public Hearing for 1810 Skokie Blvd Rover's Place Special Permit Renewal
Senior Planner Swati Pandey discussed a special permit renewal for Rover's Place located at 1810 Skokie Blvd. The Applicant is requesting renewal of the existing special permit (Ordinance No. 16-03) to allow continued operation of an animal training and boarding kennel facility on the Subject Property, which is located in the I-1 Restricted Industrial District. In 2016, the Village Board approved Ordinance No. 16-03, granting the Applicant a special permit to allow the operation of an animal training and boarding kennel facility on the Subject Property. In addition, the Applicant is also requesting an extension of the weekend hours of operation (extending the closing to 7 p.m. for Saturday and Sunday). Since approving the special permit, the Village has received no complaints regarding the operation of the facility and the Applicant has remained in compliance with the terms of the special permit.
Trustee Pepoon made a motion to close the public hearing, seconded by Trustee Collison. On voice vote, the motion passed.
B. ORDINANCE NO. 2021-5
An Ordinance Approving the Renewal of Ordinance No. 16-03 Granting Special Permits for Animal Training and Boarding Kennel Facility in the I-1 Restricted Industrial District (Rover’s Place – 1810 Skokie Boulevard) (Plan Commission Docket NO. BOT-21-02)
Trustee Collison stated she has no concerns and is in favor of extending the term to June 30, 2026.
Trustee’s Ciesla, Israel and Ross concurred with Trustee Collison.
Trustee Hebl expressed concern extending the weekend hours near a residential community. She questioned if residents will hear dogs barking from the facility during the evening hours. She suggested the Village extend the term to June 30, 2026, only if the Village receives no complaints.
Trustee Pepoon stated he has no concerns and is in favor of extending the term to June 30, 2026.
Trustee Ciesla asked what the procedure is for complaints. Village Attorney Steve Elrod responded the Village will act if the applicant violates any condition of the ordinance. The Village can enforce the Noise Ordinance and nuisance provisions. He noted the Village investigates complaints received for ordinance violations.
Trustee Collison made a motion to approve the special permit renewal, seconded by Trustee Ciesla. On voice vote, the motion passed.
| RESULT: ADOPTED [6 TO 0]
MOVER: Kathryn Ciesla, Muriel Collison AYES: Ciesla, Israel, Collison, Ross, Hebl, Pepoon ABSTAIN: Frum |
Michaela Kohlstedt, Director of Development and Planning Services discussed the Affordable Housing Standards & Procedures. On January 12, 2021, the Board conducted a preliminary review of a 12-lot single-family residential subdivision and several Trustees requested clarification on the calculation of payment-in-lieu for developments consisting of 6-19 units. The calculation of payment-in-lieu does not include rounding. The fee-in-lieu unit amount set by the Village Board is $125,000.00 per affordable housing unit not constructed. The DPS staff calculated the payment-in-lieu for the 12-lot subdivision as follows: 12 units x 0.15 = 1.8 units x $125,000.00 payment-in-lieu fee = $225,000.00.
Furthermore, developments with 6-19 single-family detached units, no “rounding-up” is required when determining the automatic payment-in-lieu. If the Board would prefer that the amount of the automatic payment-in-lieu for developments with 6-19 single-family detached units always be rounded up to the next full “affordable housing unit” monetary equivalent, an amendment will be required.
President Frum asked if the Board would like to change the ordinance. Furthermore, she asked if the Board would like to add rounding or no rounding when calculating payment-in-lieu.
Trustee Collison stated she is in favor of “rounding-up”.
Trustee Ciesla stated she has no preference.
Trustee Israel stated he does not want to change the ordinance.
Trustee Ross stated she is in favor of “rounding-up” to hold the developers responsible.
Trustee Hebl stated the ordinance is new and does not want to change it at this time.
Trustee Pepoon stated he supports the current approved ordinance and does not want to change it at this time.
President Frum stated she does not want to change the newly passed ordinance. The Board can make changes to the ordinance in the future.
Trustee Ciesla concurs with President Frum.
President Frum suggested the Board review the ordinance after one or two years, to determine if changes are needed.
D. PRELIMINARY REVIEW - ZONING & DEVELOPMENT APPLICATIONS
1. A Preliminary Review for 1875 Techny for Special Permit for UHaul Truck Rental Senior Planner Swati Pandey discussed a preliminary review for special permit for U-Haul Truck Rental located at 1875 Techny Road. The Subject Property consists of two multi-tenant industrial buildings with multiple tenants. The Applicant is Northshore Car Center, which is a tenant on the subject property. In 2018, a special permit was granted to Northshore Car Center through Ordinance 2018-25, to allow an automotive repair facility with outdoor automobile storage and automotive detailing on the Subject Property. The Applicant is requesting a special permit to allow U-Haul truck rental and leasing without drivers in the I-1 Restricted Industrial District.
The Applicant has stated that they would have no more than twelve (12) trucks parked outdoors in the parking lot. The hours of operation for the proposed U-Haul business: Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Saturday 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and closed on Sunday. The hours for Monday through Saturday, match the previously approved ordinance for the auto repair and auto detailing business. The Sunday hours for the auto repair business are 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., while the U-Haul business is proposed to be closed. The facility will be staffed by a total of two employees and no exterior changes will be made to the building or the site.
President Frum asked if the Applicant ceased operations when they were notified by the Village to apply for a special permit. Ms. Pandey responded that is correct. The Village received a complaint regarding U-Haul operations without a special permit and the applicant ceased operations.
Trustee Hebl asked if the date on the application is wrong, because it states "January 14, 2020". Ms. Pandey responded the date is incorrect and should read 2021.
Trustee Collison requested clarification on the complaint received. Ms. Pandey responded the complaint was regarding the operation of a U-Haul trucking business on the property and was submitted by a neighboring business. She expressed concern regarding U-Haul trucks along the train tracks and that it would make it highly visible along Techny Road. She stated that with the new townhome subdivision and the park district facility, she was concerned about the compatibility of the use for this area. Furthermore, she asked how the Village will ensure the Applicant is only using 12 trucks and if the permit has a restriction on the number of trucks. President Frum responded the Plan Commission will evaluate the mentioned concerns.
Trustee Collison requested the Plan Commission evaluate the 24-hour drop-off and pick-up option at this location.
Trustee Ciesla stated the proposed operation will benefit the residents in the community. She noted the location is very industrial and surrounded by businesses. Furthermore, the Applicant’s business operations are unique, and they take great care of their property. In addition, she supports their request.
Trustee Israel concurs with Trustee Ciesla. He noted he drove to Highland Park to rent a U-Haul because there is no U-Haul trucking rental in the community. He anticipates the U-Haul trucking operation will benefit the community. However, he expressed concern regarding the shared property with other uses.
Trustee Ross concurs with Trustee Israel. She noted there is ample parking and would like the Plan Commission to evaluate the other uses on the property.
Trustee Hebl thanked Michaela Kohlstedt for drafting the notification letter to the business and commended the business for ceasing operations until the Village grants a special permit. She anticipates the U-Haul trucking operation will greatly benefit the community and supports their request.
Trustee Pepoon stated the proposed operation will benefit the residents in the community and he supports their request.
President Frum stated the Plan Commission will review the Applicant’s request for special permit.
2. A Preliminary Review for 824 Waukegan requesting Zoning Code Text Amendment for Gate Signs Senior Planner Swati Pandey discussed a preliminary review for a Zoning Code Text Amendment for Gate Sign located at 824 Waukegan Road. The Applicant (General Masonry Supply) has an unauthorized entrance gate sign mounted on the property, which is currently not permitted in the Zoning Code. The Applicant states that they are requesting a Zoning Code Text Amendment to allow an entrance gate sign in the C-2 district for advertising their business. The zoning relief required is a Zoning Code Text Amendment to allow entrance gate signage as a special permit in the C-2 Neighborhood Commercial District and a special permit to allow entrance gate signage in the C-2 Neighborhood Commercial District.
President Frum requested clarification on the C-2 District. Ms. Pandey responded the C-2 District is Neighborhood Commercial and incorporates strip mall shopping centers.
Village Attorney Steve Elrod commented the Village contemplates the possible existence of the use in the area. The Village should evaluate if the applicant meets the specific standards for issuance of the special use.
President Frum commented the Applicant violated the approved building permit with the Village. She asked if the Applicant made any improvements to the site. Ms. Pandey responded the violations were primarily for outdoor storage on the property and none of the materials have been removed since January 12, 2021.
Trustee Collison stated she is disappointed with the Applicant. She noted they are a new business in the community and greatly appreciated their letter. However, they did not remove the items off the property, which is violating the Village rules. Furthermore, she is not in favor of approving their request.
President Frum asked what the compliance deadline is for removing the materials off the property. Ms. Pandey responded the compliance deadline is Friday, February 19, 2021.
Trustee Collison asked what options are available to allow an exception during the pandemic. Mr. Elrod responded the Village has approved exceptions in the past, such as the Village President Emergency Declaration. Furthermore, President Frum or the Board will have to reintroduce the declaration, if such exceptions were granted.
President Frum asked if they can make the declaration specific to a single business. Mr. Elrod responded the declaration will apply to all businesses.
Trustee Israel asked if a special permit can be used during the pandemic. Mr. Elrod responded the Board has the authority to waive or exempt Village rules. He recommends the Board exercise their authority power very carefully. The rule that is prohibiting their idea is a Village law, not a State law.
President Frum asked if the Board is in favor of allowing a gate sign in the C-2 District.
Trustee Collison stated she received a letter from the applicant expressing the need for a gate sign to attract clientele during the pandemic. She expressed the need for the Village to help support businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Michaela Kohlstedt, Director of Development and Planning Services commented the Applicant is requesting approval to use the sign currently attached to the gate and would like the sign to remain attached forever. Furthermore, they would like to amend the Zoning Code to allow their gate sign permanently.
Trustee Collison stated the Applicant’s letter is requesting approval of the gate sign until end of year 2021. She asked if they can make the gate sign a temporary extension, because the sign is not permanently affixed and is a sticker.
Trustee Ciesla stated the Applicant is asking for forgiveness after they failed to ask for permission. She noted she admires their site and would like the Plan Commission to evaluate the gate signage impact on the community. However, the Applicant violated the Village rules and she does not believe they are being truthful regarding their business finances, it has not been demonstrated whether the business is suffering due to the pandemic or due to the nature of the business being slow during the winter months.
Trustee Israel concurs with Trustee Ciesla. He noted he likes the gate sign and the signage is not intrusive. However, the Applicant needs to show a declaration of intent they are going to abide by the Village rules. Furthermore, he is not in favor of approving a Zoning Code Text Amendment at this time and does not see an alternative to allow a gate sign on a temporary basis.
Trustee Ross stated the Applicant might not have moved their materials to storage because they are waiting for a lease agreement to be executed. She expressed interest in allowing a temporary permit if available. Furthermore, she agrees with Trustee Ciesla and Trustee Israel.
Trustee Hebl stated she does not want Northbrook to become a billboard community. She noted the gate sign is not appropriate in the C-2 District and the Applicant violated the sign ordinance.
Trustee Pepoon stated the Applicant should have demonstrated good faith before the Board. He expressed disappointment the Applicant has not removed the materials off the property. Furthermore, he is not in favor of changing the signage regulations to allow gate signs in the C-2 District.
President Frum stated the matter is regarding permitting the use of gate signage in the C-2 District, which is a major concern due to the location of C-2 Districts. She requested the Plan Commission evaluate how permitting the use of gate signage will impact the C-2 District. She noted the Board is split regarding gate signage in the C-2 District. Furthermore, she questioned the conditions for the special permit and requested the Plan Commission further evaluate the matter.
Trustee Ciesla requested the Village staff provide an update at the next Board of Trustees meeting, regarding the removal of material from the property.
Village Manager Rich Nahrstadt commented they will provide an update at the next meeting. He noted the Zoning Text Amendment is considered a Petitioner Zoning Text Amendment. The petitioner must establish an escrow and pay for the legal review services.
President Frum asked if the Board would like the request to be a Village Board initiated petition.
The Board responded no.
12. COMMUNITY
13. PUBLIC SAFETY
14. LEGISLATION AND COMMUNICATION
15. REMARKS FOR THE GOOD OF THE ORDER
Trustee Hebl commented the Village staff is doing a great job with their social media posts and encourages the public to follow their social media platforms.
President Frum wished everyone a Happy Valentine's Day.
16. CLOSED SESSION
17. ADJOURN
President Frum adjourned the meeting at 8:57 p.m.
http://northbrookil.iqm2.com/Citizens/FileOpen.aspx?Type=15&ID=1554&Inline=True
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