Village of Northbrook Board of Trustees Met July 13.
Here is the minutes provided by the board:
1. ROLL CALL
| Attendee Name | Title | Status | Arrived |
| Kathryn Ciesla | Village President | Present | |
| Bob Israel | Trustee | Present | |
| 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 - Jun 22, 2021 7:30 PM
| RESULT: ACCEPTED [6 TO 0]
MOVER: Muriel Collison, Trustee SECONDER: Heather Ross, Trustee AYES: Israel, Collison, Ross, Hebl, Pepoon, Ebhomielen ABSTAIN: Ciesla |
President Ciesla noted the public can make comments by emailing publiccomments@northbrook.il.us. Email responses must be under 200 words in length.
Don Jacubek requested the Village Board issue a proclamation, which encourages thumbs up gestures towards Police Officers as an appreciation of the profession. President Ciesla responded she will send letters to encourage other municipalities to participate.
5. MANAGER'S REPORT
A. Village Engineer Report on State Capital Projects in Northbrook Village Engineer Matt Farmer reported on the IDOT Multi-Year Highway Improvement Plan FY 2022-2027. The first improvement project consists of repaving and ADA sidewalks (Waukegan Rd., Deerfield to Glenview). The construction will begin in August 2021 and the public will be notified through several platforms. Furthermore, the construction projects cost is $3,420,000.00. The second improvement project is bridge reconstruction on Willow Road.
The Village will replace the bridge over the West Fork of the North Branch of the Chicago River. Construction identified in the middle years of the MYP (Multi-Year Plan. He discussed several budgeted amounts for the project. The third improvement project is the repaving of Willow Road, which is identified in the middle years of the MYP.
Trustee Israel asked if they will remedy the drainage issue on Waukegan Road. Mr. Farmer responded the improvements include resurfacing and ADA sidewalks. The Village will not be performing water main or drainage improvements.
Trustee Israel asked what other ancillary improvements or side paths are planned. Mr. Farmer responded that IDOT has not provided any plans or designs yet.
Trustee Israel commented the State is responsible for covering sidewalk improvements and bike path costs for reconstruction projects. Mr. Farmer responded SMART repaving projects do not fall under the complete street’s category and would not require IDOT to provide side paths.
Trustee Pepoon requested clarification on improvements included in the project. Mr. Farmer responded only ADA ramps are included in the SMART Program.
Trustee Collison asked if the Village remedied the public’s concerns regarding the Cedar Lane improvement project and parking. Mr. Farmer responded they made changes to the plan and will be following up with the residents in the community.
Trustee Hebl asked how long Waukegan will be closed for the improvement project. Mr. Farmer responded they will close one lane at a time and the project will last through the summer and may extend into 2022.
Trustee Hebl asked if the speed limits will be reevaluated due to multiple car crashes. Mr. Farmer responded a speed study was performed three times. He noted the SMART project will not involve the speed study.
Village Manager Rich Nahrstadt reported the Plan Commission will conduct the first public hearing for accessory dwelling units on Tuesday, July 20, 2021. The Climate Action Plan public hearing is scheduled on Tuesday, July 27, 2021. Furthermore, the Village hired a new Management Analyst Matthew Galloway.
Management Analyst Matthew Galloway thanked the Village for the career opportunity.
Trustee Collison thanked staff for their hard work on the Pop-Up Patch. She requested an update on the abandoned 7-11 locations. Deputy Director of Development and Planning Services Chan Yu responded they are working with the property owners and they have not issued tickets for zoning code violations.
6. WARRANT LIST
A. Review and Approval of Payments to be Made
Trustee Israel Moved for the approval of class A & B Warrants dated June 16, 2021 - June 30, 2021 in the amount of $1,895,087.53
| RESULT: ADOPTED [6 TO 0]
MOVER: Bob Israel, Trustee SECONDER: Dan Pepoon, Trustee AYES: Israel, Collison, Ross, Hebl, Pepoon, Ebhomielen ABSTAIN: Ciesla |
Trustee Israel Moved for the approval of Frontage Deposit refunds totaling $28,300.00 dated June 29, 2021.
| RESULT: ADOPTED [6 TO 0]
MOVER: Bob Israel, Trustee SECONDER: Dan Pepoon, Trustee AYES: Israel, Collison, Ross, Hebl, Pepoon, Ebhomielen ABSTAIN: Ciesla |
President Ciesla discussed how the local economy is impacted by climate change. She asked the Board if they would like to schedule a Committee of the Whole meeting to discuss the Climate Action Plan after the public hearing takes place. The Village received many compliments regarding the 4th of July Fireworks. She noted the Pop-Up Patch looks amazing. Furthermore, Northbrook community members are encouraged to sign the Welcoming & Inclusive Community Pledge online.
A. DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION MOMENT
Ray Goodman Lucky discussed the use of pronouns. She noted pronouns are used to refer to a person. Currently, research shows using a person’s correct pronoun can reduce rates of depression and suicide. Furthermore, she discussed the importance of using a person’s correct pronoun and normalizing the practice of sharing pronouns. To learn more visit mypronouns.org.
President Ciesla discussed the community pledge that was adopted and being a gender-neutral community.
B. GREEN MOMENT
Clare Poupard, Go Green Board Member, discussed the importance of trees. The trees in the community help absorb carbon monoxide and provide fresh clean air. Scientists in Germany have discovered that clusters of trees create a consistent local climate and store water. Furthermore, clusters of trees share nutrients and protect each other from predators. She encourages the public to observe and learn more about the trees in their community.
C. Commission Appointment
| RESULT: APPROVED [6 TO 0]
MOVER: Dan Pepoon, Trustee SECONDER: Muriel Collison, Trustee AYES: Israel, Collison, Ross, Hebl, Pepoon, Ebhomielen ABSTAIN: Ciesla |
| RESULT: ADOPTED [6 TO 0]
MOVER: Johannah Hebl, Trustee SECONDER: Bob Israel, Trustee AYES: Israel, Collison, Ross, Hebl, Pepoon, Ebhomielen ABSTAIN: Ciesla |
A Resolution Authorizing Renewal of an Agreement for Sewer Televising and Manhole Inspection Services with American Underground, Inc. of Wheeling, Illinois
B. ORDINANCE NO. 2021-20
An Ordinance Granting Approval for a Special Permit for Job Training and Vocational Rehabilitation Services(1370 Meadow Road – Cove Career Center) (Plan Commission Docket No. PCD-21-06)
COMMITTEE REPORTS
9. ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE
10. PLANNING AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
A. PRELIMINARY REVIEW - ZONING & DEVELOPMENT APPLICATIONS
1. A Preliminary Review of Zoning Code Text Amendment - Medical Office Parking Senior Planner Swati Pandey discussed a preliminary review of an application filed by Village of Northbrook, to consider a text amendment to Article IX of the Northbrook Zoning Code. Article IX of the Zoning Code establishes the minimum off-street parking requirements for various land uses in the community. Staff is seeking preliminary Board review to consider amending the code to reduce the parking requirement for medical office uses. Furthermore, to continue to attract businesses in the community and keep vacant spaces occupied, staff would recommend amending the medical office parking requirement to be the same as general office for consistency.
Requested relief:
∙ Zoning Code Text Amendment of Article IX to reduce the medical office parking requirement from 1 per 200 square feet to 1 per 250 square feet.
In reviewing this request, staff suggests the Board of Trustees consider the following policy questions:
1. Should the Zoning Code parking requirement be amended?
2. Should the parking requirement for medical office use be reduced from 1 per 200 square feet to 1 per 250 square feet?
Trustee Hebl questioned if the Village performs a parking review of the community. President Ciesla responded next fiscal year the plan is to rewrite the Zoning Code.
Trustee Hebl commented many of the empty parking lots are eye sores in the community. She suggested adding more greenery, such as plants and trees.
Village Attorney Steve Elrod asked if the Board would like to wait before making a decision on the preliminary review.
Trustee Collison commented she has received complaints from tenants and owners regarding parking issues. She noted she agrees with the requested relief.
President Ciesla commented the matter will be reviewed by the Plan Commission.
2. Preliminary Review for 175 Pointe Drive for 3-story townhomes
Senior Planner Swati Pandey discussed a preliminary review of an application filed by the Schwartz Family Partnership, LLC. The Applicant requests the necessary zoning relief to allow construction of six three-story rental townhomes, three of which will feature two family unit endcaps totaling 37 units on the existing vacant Site, south of the two existing condominium buildings on Pointe Drive. The property is zoned MFRC Multiple Family Residential & Commercial District. Furthermore, the property is designated as appropriate for Major Corridor Multi-Use in the Comprehensive Plan. She discussed the background information on the property.
The proposal includes 31 townhomes and 6 two-family units on the Site, totaling 37 units. There will be six buildings with 5-6 townhome units each. Each townhome unit will have three bedrooms, a private entrance, and an attached two car garage. The property amenities would include an interior courtyard with a fire pit, community kitchen garden, playground, and/or dog park.
Requested Zoning Relief:
1. Amendment to the Annexation and Development Agreement;
2. Amendment to the Special Permit for a Planned Development and Final Plan Approval and Special Permit approving Townhouse Dwellings (SIC 9862.00) and Multiple Family Dwellings (SIC 9864.00) for Lot 3 in the original planned development;
3. Amendment to the Zoning Code to reduce the lot area per dwelling unit requirement from 6,000 sf to 5,808 sf;
4. Text amendment to reduce the parking requirement for Townhouse dwellings or text amendment to allow parking variation request greater than 25%;
5. Yard and Setback variations;
6. Site Plan Approval; and
7. Other relief that may be necessary as further details are provided regarding the project.
The Board will want to consider the following questions:
1. Is an amendment to the development and annexation agreement as well as the planned development to allow new rental townhomes and multiple family residential consisting of 37 units with five affordable units (as opposed to the previously authorized 32 market rate units), on the vacant Site appropriate?
2. Is it appropriate to allow a special permit for Townhome Dwelling (SIC 9862.00) and Multiple Family Dwelling units (SIC 9864.00) on the Subject Property?
3. Is it appropriate to allow a text amendment to reduce the parking requirement for townhomes or to allow a parking variation request greater than 25%?
4. Are there any specific concerns the Board has regarding the overall project design, such as the overall layout of the development, building setbacks, number of parking spaces, open space, amenities for the development, the buffers being provided along the periphery and between the buildings, access to the site, the architecture of the buildings, etc.?
5. Should this application be reviewed by the Architectural Control Commission?
Trustee Israel asked if the 83 parking spaces provided with the new development included -the existing parking spaces on the 3.1 acre Site. Ms. Pandey responded that the 83 parking spaces do not include the existing parking on-site. Trustee Israel further commented that the portion of the parking lot existing on the Site was constructed to also service the unbuilt 32 condominium units. Ms. Pandey responded that is correct.
President Ciesla asked who owns the parking lot. Ms. Pandey responded the applicant is the property owner.
David Schwartz commented they have owned the property for 40 years. He discussed the need for this type of housing in the market and their cost-effective approach of offering rental townhomes.
Village Attorney Steve Elrod asked why they did not include parking spaces in the garage. Mr. Schwartz responded they went according to Ms. Pandey's analysis.
Trustee Ross asked how many parking spaces will be created. Mr. Schwartz responded 40 parking spaces.
President Ciesla asked if the plan includes 83 parking spaces. Mr. Schwartz responded every unit has a two-car garage.
Trustee Hebl asked where the amenities will be placed on the property. Mr. Schwartz discussed the site plan and amenity package.
Trustee Pepoon requested clarification on snow storage. Mr. Schwartz responded the site will have plenty of snow storage.
Trustee Pepoon requested clarification on the cash in lieu regarding affordable housing. Mr. Schwartz responded they would like to offer affordable housing and would like to move forward with the fractional fee in lieu. He anticipates they will exceed the affordability requirement.
Trustee Ebhomielen asked if the transportation issues have been addressed. Mr. Schwartz responded he is not aware of any transportation issues. He noted a contract purchaser was trying to apply for tax credits.
Trustee Israel discussed the transportation concerns regarding buses in the area.
Trustee Israel asked if the property will be managed on-site. Furthermore, he asked if the road will be a private roadway. Mr. Schwartz responded a third-party company will manage the property off-site and they will offer long-term rentals. He noted the roadway is considered private.
Trustee Collison stated the development looks amazing. She encouraged the developer to contact the residents in the community to discuss creating a walking trail in the perimeter of the community. She expressed concern regarding the developments impact on community resources, such as the Police Department and Fire Department. She stated that six affordable housing units will have to be provided on-site since paying fee in-lieu for the fraction was not an option per Code. Furthermore, she encourages the use of green initiatives and requested the Plan Commission evaluate the parking concerns and peak parking demand should be evaluated. In summary, she requested information on the target audience and noted the Architectural Control Commission should review the application.
Trustee Israel concurs with Trustee Collison. He discussed the importance of transportation and accessibility. He noted he agrees with the proposed 37 units with special permit. Furthermore, he does not agree with approving a Zoning Code text amendment for the parking variation. He agrees with creating a walk way and the Architectural Control Commission should review the application.
Trustee Ross agrees with her fellow trustee's. She favors the development of rental townhomes, affordable housing and green initiatives. She expressed concern regarding no play area available for families. However, a path will help families travel to neighboring parks. Furthermore, the project meets special permit requirements and a Zoning Code text amendment is not needed for parking. In summary, she requested the Architectural Control Commission review the application.
Trustee Hebl requested the Architectural Control Commission review the application. She noted she is not in favor of Zoning Code text amendment; however, she is in favor of a special permit with lots of green space. She discussed reducing the number of units to increase parking on the property. Furthermore, she requested the developer create a safe playground for children in the community.
Trustee Pepoon stated he is in favor of a shared parking lot and developing 37 units. He expressed concern regarding the setback on the westside of the property. Furthermore, he agrees with creating a walkway and the Architectural Control Commission should review the application.
Trustee Ebhomielen concurs with Trustee Pepoon. She requested the developer add more greenspace and information on the target audience.
President Ciesla commented the Plan Commission will review the proposed request.
11. COMMUNITY AND SUSTAINABILITY
Trustee Ross commented in two weeks they will review the Community Action Plan.
12. PUBLIC WORKS AND FACILITIES
13. PUBLIC SAFETY
14. COMMUNICATIONS AND OUTREACH
15. REMARKS FOR THE GOOD OF THE ORDER
Trustee Collison congratulated a Village staff member on their pregnancy.
Trustee Ebhomielen discussed an untimely death in the community.
16. CLOSED SESSION
17. ADJOURN
Trustee Pepoon moved, seconded by Trustee Israel to adjourn the meeting at 8:57 pm. On roll call, all were in favor.
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