Village of Northbrook Board of Trustees Met June 8.
Here is the minutes provided by the board:
1. ROLL CALL
| Attendee Name | Title | Status | Arrived |
| Kathryn Ciesla | Village President | Present | |
| Bob Israel | Trustee | Absent | |
| Muriel Collison | Trustee | Present | |
| Heather Ross | Trustee | Present | |
| Johannah Hebl | Trustee | Present | |
| Dan Pepoon | Trustee | Present | |
| Joy Ebhomielen | Trustee | Present |
3. MINUTES APPROVAL
A. Board of Trustees - Regular Meeting - May 25, 2021 7:30 PM
Adopted with amendments.
| RESULT: ACCEPTED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Johannah Hebl, Trustee SECONDER: Dan Pepoon, Trustee AYES: Ciesla, Collison, Ross, Hebl, Pepoon, Ebhomielen ABSENT: Israel |
President Ciesla noted the public can make comments by emailing publiccomments@northbrook.il.us. Email responses must be under 200 words in length. A number of emails were received from the public, however no one indicated they would like their email read out loud.
5. MANAGER'S REPORT
Village Manager Rich Nahrstadt reported the public can purchase vehicle stickers at the Village Hall, online or by mail. The Village Spring Cleanup Day event is scheduled on Saturday, June 12, 2021, from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. and the Climate Action Plan Open House is scheduled on Wednesday, June 16, 2021, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. He noted 300 people attended the second dose Vaccination Clinic on June 8.
Furthermore, Pickle Ball will start on June 18, 2021 and will take place every weekend in the summer. He congratulated the Police Department on their several promotions for the month of June.
Trustee Pepoon asked if an open house is being held this coming Thursday regarding the reconstruction of Cedar. Mr. Nahrstadt responded yes, staff will be discussing the topic on the agenda tonight
6. WARRANT LIST
A. Review and Approval of Payments to be Made
Trustee Collison Moved for the approval of class A & B Warrants dated May 16, 2021 - May 31, 2021 in the amount of $(Not stated on audio).
| RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Muriel Collison, Trustee SECONDER: Heather Ross, Trustee AYES: Ciesla, Collison, Ross, Hebl, Pepoon, Ebhomielen ABSENT: Israel |
Trustee Collison Moved for the approval of Frontage Deposit refunds totaling $(Not stated on audio) dated May 30, 2021.
| RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Muriel Collison, Trustee SECONDER: Heather Ross, Trustee AYES: Ciesla, Collison, Ross, Hebl, Pepoon, Ebhomielen ABSENT: Israel |
President Ciesla reported the Northbrook Days event will be held in the west commuter lot. The Farmers Market opens on June 16, 2021, at 7 a.m. and Flamingo Friday is scheduled on June 18, 2021, from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. The Village encourages the public to donate non-perishable food items for Flamingo Friday. Furthermore, the Arts Commission’s Photo Festival is taking place now until June 28, 2021. The library will be hosting a virtual event called "How to have conversations regarding race", on June 15, 2021, at 7:30 a.m. The Village will be launching a Nextdoor account for the public to stay informed on important information.
A. DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION MOMENT
Bruce Bondy commented the Juneteenth celebration honors the end of slavery. The State of Texas was the first State to adopt Juneteenth as a national holiday in 1980. He read the history of Juneteenth to the Board. Furthermore, he recognized Judy Hughes for her research, which contributed to the Northbrook Historical Society. He noted the Facebook page for RAIN will have Juneteenth inspired activities for the public.
B. GREEN MOMENT
John Albrecht, Go Green Board member, discussed summer mosquitoes. To get rid of mosquitoes many people put larvicide in water, which kills the mosquito population. However, larvicide is not safe for the environment and very toxic to other living organisms. He noted many communities have discontinued using larvicide to protect the environment. The public can utilize natural remedies to get rid of mosquitoes, such as apple cider vinegar, eucalyptus oil and lemon grass oil.
C. PROCLAMATION:
A Proclamation Recognizing June 2021 as LGBTQ+ Pride Month
President Ciesla commented the Village of Northbrook cherishes the value and dignity of each person and appreciates the importance of equality and freedom. Furthermore, the Village denounces prejudice and unfair discrimination based on age, gender identity, gender expression, race, color, religion, marital status, national origin, sexual orientation, or physical attributes. The Village appreciates the cultural, civic, and economic contributions of the LGBTQ+ community, which strengthens their social welfare. The Board of Trustees of the Village of Northbrook declare the month of June 2021 as LGBTQ+ Pride Month in the Village of Northbrook. She encourages residents to recognize the contributions made by members of the LGBTQ+ community and to actively promote the principles of equality, liberty, and justice.
She discussed how Lizzie Applebee with Youth Services helps LGBTQ+ youth in the community. She noted the suicide rates for LGBTQ+ individuals in the community is very high. Furthermore, she thanked Ms. Applebee and Youth Services for supporting the LGBTQ+ community.
Lizzie Applebee thanked the Village for the proclamation recognizing June 2021 as LGBTQ+ Pride Month.
D. RESOLUTION NO. 2021-82
A Resolution Establishing Work Committees of the Board of Trustees
| RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Muriel Collison, Trustee SECONDER: Heather Ross, Trustee AYES: Ciesla, Collison, Ross, Hebl, Pepoon, Ebhomielen ABSENT: Israel |
| RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Johannah Hebl, Trustee SECONDER: Dan Pepoon, Trustee AYES: Ciesla, Collison, Ross, Hebl, Pepoon, Ebhomielen ABSENT: Israel |
| RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Heather Ross, Trustee SECONDER: Muriel Collison, Trustee AYES: Ciesla, Collison, Ross, Hebl, Pepoon, Ebhomielen ABSENT: Israel |
A Resolution Authorizing the Outfitting of a Dump Truck with a Wing Plow by Monroe Truck Equipment, Inc. of Monroe, WI.
B. RESOLUTION NO. 2021-84
A Resolution Authorizing an Agreement with Garry Scott Construction Company to Remodel the Battalion Chief Bathroom at Fire Station 11
C. RESOLUTION NO. 2021-85
A Resolution Authorizing Approval of a Non-Exclusive Easement Agreement for Water Main at 2000 Center Avenue
D. RESOLUTION NO. 2021-86
A Resolution Authorizing a Contract for Masonry Facade Repairs at Crestwood Place Building C with Otto Baum Company, Inc. of Morton, Illinois
E. RESOLUTION NO. 2021-87
A Resolution Approving a Fourth Amendment to the Village Manager Employment Agreement with Richard A. Nahrstadt
F. RESOLUTION NO. 2021-88
A Resolution Transferring Special Permit from Greenhouse Group LLC to Curaleaf for a Recreational Cannabis Dispensary located at 755 Skokie Boulevard
COMMITTEE REPORTS
9. FINANCE
10. PUBLIC WORKS
A. A Presentation Updating the Village Board on the Cedar Lane Reconstruction Project
Village Engineer Matt Farmer discussed the Cedar Lane reconstruction project. The Village will be hosting an open house on Thursday, June 10, 2021. This open house will take place from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at 1657 Shermer Road. The Village Staff encourages Village Board members and residents to attend the Public Information Open House to view plans for the project and discuss the project in more detail.
B. RESOLUTION NO. 2021-89
A Resolution Authorizing the Removal of a Landmark Tree at 2359 Farnsworth Lane
Deputy Director of Public Works Matt Morrison discussed a resolution authorizing the removal of a landmark tree at 2359 Farnsworth Lane. The property owners (Katie and David Shin) of 2359 Farnsworth Lane submitted a tree removal permit application in July 2019, in conjunction with the construction of a new home on the property. The landmark Sugar Maple tree is located within the required yard, which is conflicting with the construction of a larger patio and pool. The Tree Preservation and Protection Review Board considered the request for the removal of the landmark tree in the required yard on September 17, 2020. In their review, they found that the removal of the tree was appropriate.
Furthermore, the Tree Preservation and Protection Review Board recommended Village Board approval of the request with several conditions.
Staff recommends the Village Board approve a permit for the removal one (1) landmark tree in the required yard of 2359 Farnsworth Lane with the following conditions:
1. A fee of $150 per DBH inch, less the number of inches that are replanted, be assessed for the removal of the landmark trees in accordance with the Annual Fee Ordinance.
2. If replanting is done to reduce the reforestation fee, it will be done with approved trees and outlined in a landscape plan approved by the Public Works Director.
3. The wood from the tree must be milled for a purpose other than firewood, mulch, or wood chips.
4. The tree removal permit will be issued in conjunction with the permit for the new patio and pool.
Trustee Collison suggested the Board review the tree polices to help streamline the process for homeowners. Furthermore, she is in favor of approving the request.
Trustee Hebl asked if the petitioner followed the rules regarding the removal of the tree. Mr. Morrison responded yes, the property owners have not tampered with the tree.
Trustee Pepoon asked how the Tree Preservation and Protection Review Board determines if a tree can be removed. Mr. Morrison responded the Tree Preservation and Protection Review Board reviews each case and when removal is not warranted they will recommend trimming or other steps before removal is approved. Ultimately the Tree Preservation and Protection Review Board’s goal is to maintain the urban forest.
Trustee Pepoon asked if only one of the three new trees have been planted. Mr. Morrison responded yes, the planting of new trees is a requirement for new home construction. The two remaining trees will be incorporated into the landscape plan that is a condition of the tree removal permit.
Trustee Pepoon made a motion to approve a resolution authorizing the removal of a landmark tree at 2359 Farnsworth Lane, seconded by Trustee Hebl. On voice vote, the motion passed.
| RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Johannah Hebl, Trustee SECONDER: Dan Pepoon, Trustee AYES: Ciesla, Collison, Ross, Hebl, Pepoon, Ebhomielen ABSENT: Israel |
A. PRELIMINARY REVIEW - ZONING & DEVELOPMENT APPLICATIONS
1. Preliminary Review of a Text Amendment to Allow Solar Panels as Permitted Accessory Uses Chan Yu, Deputy Director of Development and Planning Services, presented preliminary review of a text amendment to allow solar panels as permitted accessory uses. SolSmart is a national designation program led by the Solar Foundation and International City/County Management Association (ICMA) and is funded by the U.S. Department of Energy and Solar Energy Technologies Office. It has established a tiered program featuring three levels of designation: Bronze, Silver and Gold. SolSmart also provides free technical assistance to help communities achieve its program designations. Furthermore, the Village received the Silver designation on March 27, 2020. He discussed the proposed language for a sloped roof and flat roof.
Staff recommends amending the Zoning Code to add Section 9-101 D (20) and the language below:
∙ Rooftop Photovoltaic (PV) Solar Energy System. An active solar energy system that converts solar energy directly into electricity, mounted on the rooftop of the principal building on a zoning lot.
∙ Permitted in all Zoning Districts.
∙ Sloped Roof: the highest point of the system shall not exceed the highest point of the roof to which it is attached as allowed by zoning requirements.
∙ Flat Roof: the highest point of the system may exceed the height limits applicable to each Zoning District by six feet.
∙ Must comply with the bulk, space and yard requirements of the Zoning District in which the Rooftop PV Solar Energy System is located (with the exception of the above Section (c) for a Flat Roof).
In addition to the above proposed amendments, staff recommends the following definition be added to Section 12-206 of the Zoning Code:
∙ “Rooftop Photovoltaic Solar Energy System”: An active solar energy system that converts solar energy directly into electricity, mounted on the rooftop of the principal building on a zoning lot.
The Board consider the following policy questions:
1. Is it appropriate to allow Rooftop Photovoltaic Solar Energy System panels as a permitted accessory use as of right in all Zoning Districts, without a special permit?
2. Should there be any additional physical restrictions placed on Rooftop Photovoltaic Solar Energy System panels?
Trustee Collison asked if other communities’ require special permits. Mr. Yu responded they are permitted by right.
Trustee Collison asked what regulations other communities have in place besides height requirements. Mr. Yu responded no regulations outside the building code.
Trustee Ross asked if the Village can quantify the cost for homeowners. Mr. Yu responded the average homeowner will save $2,500.00.
Trustee Hebl asked if the regulations define maintenance of solar panels. Mr. Yu responded there are no maintenance requirements or annual applications. Village Attorney Steve Elrod commented the Village does not have any maintenance requirements or annual applications for solar panels.
Trustee Pepoon asked if there are any concerns regarding solar panels from the public. Mr. Yu responded no.
Trustee Collison commented she would like the Village to achieve the Gold designation. She stated a special permit is not necessary and does not want to change the existing height requirements.
Trustee Ebhomielen asked if the residents will receive a discount for installing solar panels. Mr. Elrod commented residents can receive tax incentive for installing solar panels.
Trustee Ebhomielen suggested marketing the solar panel rewards to the public.
Trustee Collison concurs with Trustee Ebhomielen. She requested the Village market the tax credit incentives on all social media platforms.
Trustee Ross thanked staff for their hard work. She encourages the public to attend the Climate Action Plan open house and supports the proposed request.
Trustee Hebl stated the use should be permitted without a special permit and the height restrictions should be increased.
Trustee Pepoon stated the use should be permitted and the height standards should remain the same.
President Ciesla commented the matter will be discussed at the Plan Commission.
Mr. Elrod commented the Plan Commission will host a public hearing on the proposed text amendment.
President Ciesla requested the Board consider overhauling the zoning code. She asked if the Board is interested in reviewing the Tree Ordinance.
Trustee Collison commented she would like to streamline the process for tree permit requests, which should not come before the Village Board.
President Ciesla asked if other Trustees would like to review the Tree Preservation Code A majority of the Board was not in favor of reviewing the Tree Preservation Code.
12. COMMUNITY
13. PUBLIC SAFETY
14. LEGISLATION AND COMMUNICATION
15. REMARKS FOR THE GOOD OF THE ORDER
Trustee Hebl commented she attended the 2021 GBN high school graduation. She noted the speakers discussed mental health awareness at the event.
Trustee Pepoon commented a healing heart was displayed at the Police Station for the Children's Advocacy Center to support child abuse survivors.
16. CLOSED SESSION
17. ADJOURN
Trustee Hebl moved, seconded by Trustee Ross to adjourn the meeting at 8:27 pm. On roll call, all were in favor
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