Village of Northbrook Board of Trustees Met Feb. 23.
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 - Feb 9, 2021 7:30 PM
| RESULT: ACCEPTED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Bob Israel, Trustee SECONDER: Johannah Hebl, 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
Michaela Kohlstedt, Director of Development and Planning Services commented she contacted the applicant, who discontinued the 7-11 development project (located at Shermer & Techny), to find out their plan for the property. The Applicant notified the Village in November 2020, regarding their plan to discontinue the development project and continue demolition. Recently, the applicant stated they still do not plan on pursuing a 7-11 development and the Village will follow-up with the applicant in mid March 2021.
President Frum requested the Village monitor the property to insure the property gets developed or restored. She asked if the 7-11 on Shermer will be closing. Ms. Kohlstedt responded she has no information about the existing 7-11.
President Frum requested the Village follow-up with the applicant regarding the existing 7-11 on Shermer
Trustee Ciesla commented they received great feedback from the public regarding snow removal in the community.
President Frum commented the snow removal team is doing an amazing job and cleared many roadways.
6. WARRANT LIST
A. Review and Approval of Payments to be Made
Trustee Ciesla Moved for the approval of class A & B Warrants dated February 1, 2021 - February 15, 2021 in the amount of $1,669,466.68.
| RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Kathryn Ciesla, Trustee SECONDER: Dan Pepoon, Trustee AYES: Frum, Ciesla, Israel, Collison, Ross, Hebl, Pepoon |
Trustee Ciesla Moved for the approval of Frontage Deposit refunds totaling $6,000.00 dated February 14, 2021.
| RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Kathryn Ciesla, Trustee SECONDER: Dan Pepoon, Trustee AYES: Frum, Ciesla, Israel, Collison, Ross, Hebl, Pepoon |
A. Commission Appointment
President Frum commented Laura Collins is moving to the City and she is unable to continue serving on the Plan Commission, which created a vacancy. She is appointing Eric Schwager to the Plan Commission. Mr. Schwager is the Chief Financial Officer at the Holocaust Museum.
Trustee Pepoon moved, seconded by Trustee Hebl to appoint Eric Schwager to the Plan Commission. On voice vote, all were in favor.
President Frum reported C-PACE program consists of long-term fixed rate funding for commercial energy efficiency projects. The Village will be distributing information on the C Paste program to the Chamber and local businesses in Northbrook.
Green Moment
Celine Eide, Go Green Intern, reported they will be launching the "No Idling" campaign on March 17, 2021. The goal is to inform the public of harmful emissions released from car idling. Furthermore, car Idling releases 1 pound of CO2 into the air and CO2 is the longest lasting greenhouse gas in the atmosphere, which contributes to the warming of the atmosphere and oceans. In addition, CO2 causes hurricanes, wildfires and flooding events. On February 18, 2021, dallsnews.com reported Texas is experiencing the most horrific weather disaster in history.
The campaign objective is to eliminate car idling to minimize the effects of CO2 on the atmosphere. In Northbrook, a care idling study showed that over 50 pounds of CO2 was released within 3-hours. They plan on partnering with businesses that offer pick-up and delivery services to help make a positive impact on the community. The partnering business owners will be required to do the following: post "No Idling" signs on pick-up parking zones and make a public announcement. For partnering businesses, Go Green will post the business on their social media platforms and submit press releases in the newspapers.
Trustee Ciesla requested the Village post the campaign on social media platforms and the newsletter. Furthermore, she suggested the Village look at other opportunities to inform the public.
Ms. Eide thanked Trustee Ciesla for offering to publicize their campaign. She noted they will be distributing flyers to the public.
President Frum requested Celine Eide share the brochure with Assistant to the Village Manager, Madeline Farrell.
Trustee Pepoon suggested distributing information regarding not having plasticware included in carry out orders. President Frum responded the Village has done and will continue to do so.
Trustee Israel commented many of the restaurants ask the public if they would like plasticware included with their order in order to avoid plastic waste.
| RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Dan Pepoon, Trustee SECONDER: Johannah Hebl, Trustee AYES: Frum, Ciesla, Israel, Collison, Ross, Hebl, Pepoon |
COMMITTEE REPORTS
9. FINANCE
10. PUBLIC WORKS
A. RESOLUTION NO. 2021-21
A Resolution Authorizing an Agreement for Manhole Rehabilitation Services with Culy Contracting, LLC of Winchester, Indiana
Trustee Israel asked if the Board would like to discuss the resolution authorizing an agreement for manhole rehabilitation services or proceed with a motion. President Frum responded to proceed with a motion.
Trustee Israel made a motion to approve the resolution authorizing an agreement for manhole rehabilitation services, seconded by Trustee Collison. On voice vote, the motion passed
| RESULT: ADOPTED [6 TO 0]
MOVER: Bob Israel, Trustee SECONDER: Muriel Collison, Trustee AYES: Ciesla, Israel, Collison, Ross, Hebl, Pepoon ABSTAIN: Frum |
A. Public Hearing for 1902 Techny for Understated Detailing Special Permit Renewal
Senior Planner Swati Pandey discussed a public hearing for 1902 Techny for Understated Detailing special permit renewal. The Applicant is requesting a renewal of the existing special permit (Ordinance No. 18-07) to allow the continued operation of an automotive detailing facility on the Subject Property, which is located in the ICS Industrial and Commercial Services District. In 2018, the Village Board approved Ordinance No. 18-07 granting the Applicant a special permit to allow the operation of an automotive detailing facility on the Subject Property. This approval was granted for a three-year term, starting from the date of the recorded ordinance, expiring on March 27, 2021. The Applicant has confirmed that they are operating within compliance of the original special permit and that no change is proposed.
Trustee Collison moved, seconded by Trustee Pepoon to close the Public Hearing. On voice vote, all were in favor.
B. ORDINANCE NO. 2021-6
An Ordinance Approving the Renewal of Ordinance No. 2018-07 Granting Special Permit for an Automotive Detailing in the ICS District (Understated Detailing – 1902 Techny Road) (Plan Commission Docket NO. BOT-21-04)
Trustee Collison made a motion to approve the special permit renewal, seconded by Trustee Israel. On voice vote, the motion passed.
| RESULT: ADOPTED [6 TO 0]
MOVER: Muriel Collison, Trustee SECONDER: Bob Israel, Trustee AYES: Ciesla, Israel, Collison, Ross, Hebl, Pepoon ABSTAIN: Frum |
An Ordinance Amending the Northbrook Zoning Code Regarding Short Term Rental of Dwelling Units
Michaela Kohlstedt, Director of Development and Planning Services discussed the Zoning Code amendment for short-term rentals. The ordinance states no dwelling unit may be used or offered as a short-term rental unless the owner or long-term tenant of the dwelling unit resides on the premises for the entire duration of any short-term rental. Furthermore, no more than two bedrooms within a dwelling unit may be used or offered as a short-term rental at any one time and each bedroom should not be occupied by more than two adults. In addition, no short term rental may be for a period shorter than two consecutive nights. The full list of restrictions and conditions are included in the staff report and draft ordinance. She noted the Board did not want to impose a cap on the total number of days that rooms could be rented on a short-term basis in a dwelling unit, so that condition was removed.
Trustee Collison asked if the two occupants per room are considered adults. Ms. Kohlstedt responded adults only.
Trustee Israel made a motion to approve the Zoning Code amendment for short-term rentals, seconded by Trustee Ciesla. On voice vote, the motion passed.
| RESULT: ADOPTED [5 TO 1]
MOVER: Bob Israel, Trustee SECONDER: Kathryn Ciesla, Trustee AYES: Ciesla, Israel, Ross, Hebl, Pepoon NAYS: Collison ABSTAIN: Frum |
1. Preliminary Review of a Request for a 3-Lot Subdivision at 2005 Techny Road
Deputy Director of Development and Planning Services Chan Yu discussed a preliminary review request for a 3-lot subdivision at 2005 Techny Road. The property will require rezoning from the R-2 Single Family Residential District to the R-4 Single Family Residential District. The subject property is 1.14 acres (49,624 square feet) consisting of one single
family home. The Applicant (Floyd A. Mittleman Trust) has not specified the design or style of home to be constructed on the lots once subdivided.
Trustee Collison stated she is in favor of the proposed plan and rezoning the property to R-4 Single Family Residential District. Furthermore, she is in favor of a combined tentative and final plat.
Trustee Ciesla concurs with Trustee Collison. She requested the community provide feedback to the Board.
Trustee Israel expressed concern regarding drainage, placement of the retaining wall on the property line and retention on the property line. He noted the lot is heavily buffered with existing trees and the subdivision requires two additional driveways on Shermer. The fencing along the retention reduces the usable areas in the lots and there is not enough room to build three houses. He requested the Plan Commission evaluate the proposed plan.
Trustee Ross concurs with Trustee Collison.
Trustee Hebl concurs with Trustee Israel. She noted two lots are more appropriate for the proposed plan. Furthermore, she expressed concern regarding two additional driveways on Shermer.
Trustee Pepoon stated he is in favor of rezoning the property to R-4 Single Family Residential District. However, he expressed concern regarding the drainage wall against the property line. Furthermore, he is in favor of a combined tentative and final plat. He requested the Plan Commission address the mentioned concerns and receive feedback from the public.
President Frum stated she is in favor of rezoning the property to R-4 Single Family Residential District, with two lots only. She expressed concern regarding retention and the 30-foot setback.
2. Preliminary Review for Zoning Code Amendment - Sign Regulations
Director Kohlstedt further stated the total sign area limitation on a property is not effective as most properties seeking wall or awning signs will have to apply the individual sign area limitation, which restricts the amount of signage granted to the business based upon the wall area of the tenant space. Furthermore, the total sign area limitation is restrictive to properties with small frontages that generally consist of a single business.
Proposed text amendment language:
a) Total Sign Area: The total area of all signs on a zoning lot shall not exceed one (1) square foot per foot of zoning lot frontage; provided, however, that construction signs, real estate signs, joint identification signs, signs allowed without permits, and drive-through signs allowed as part of a special permit for an accessory drive-through facility shall not be counted toward the total allowance gross sign surface area permitted on a zoning lot.
b) Individual Sign Area Limitations: The following individual sign area limitations shall apply to all signs, whether counted toward the total allowable gross sign surface area established in Subparagraph 9-106 I 4 (a) or not:
1) Construction Signs: Not to exceed sixteen (16) square feet per sign face nor more than two (2) sign faces.
2) Real Estate Signs Exceeding Six (6) Square Feet: Not to exceed sixteen (16) square feet per sign face nor more than two (2) sign faces.
3) Awning, Canopy, and Marquee Signs: Not to exceed 100 square feet per sign face. No sign identifying an individual tenant of a multi-tenant building shall cover more than five percent (5%) of the wall to which it is affixed.
4) Wall Signs: Not to exceed 100 square feet per sign face or covering more than five percent (5%) of the wall to which it is affixed, whichever is less.
5) Ground or Pylon Signs: Not to exceed 100 square feet per sign face, or one (1) square foot per foot of zoning lot frontage, whichever is less.
6) Public Service Signs: Not to exceed 16.5 square feet per sign face, nor more than 33 square feet total.
The proposed amendment allows for a wall sign proportionate to the façade with the individual sign area regulation in place, as well as a proportionate ground/pylon sign for the property in relation to the lot frontage. She noted to measure sign area they measure the most regular shape around the text.
President Frum commented the process is very complicated and requested the Plan Commission evaluate the proposal.
Trustee Collison stated she is in favor of the proposal and thanked the Village staff for the presentation.
Trustee Ciesla concurs with Trustee Collison.
Trustee Israel stated he is in favor of the proposal.
Trustee Ross stated she is in favor of the proposal. She noted it gives business owners more flexibility.
Trustee Hebl stated she is in favor of the proposal.
Trustee Pepoon stated he is in favor of the proposal. He noted this proposal will greatly help businesses during the pandemic.
President Frum stated the proposal will be evaluated by the Plan Commission.
12. COMMUNITY
13. PUBLIC SAFETY
14. LEGISLATION AND COMMUNICATION
15. REMARKS FOR THE GOOD OF THE ORDER
16. CLOSED SESSION
17. ADJOURN
Trustee Hebl moved, seconded by Trustee Ciesla to adjourn the meeting at 8:18 p.m. On voice vote, all were in favor.
http://northbrookil.iqm2.com/Citizens/FileOpen.aspx?Type=15&ID=1557&Inline=True
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