Village of Northbrook Board of Trustees Met Aug. 10.
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 | Absent | |
| 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 - Jul 27, 2021 7:30 PM
| RESULT: ACCEPTED [5 TO 0]
MOVER: Johannah Hebl, Trustee SECONDER: Heather Ross, Trustee AYES: Israel, Ross, Hebl, Pepoon, Ebhomielen ABSTAIN: Ciesla ABSENT: Collison |
President Ciesla noted the public can make comments by emailing publiccomments@northbrook.il.us. Email responses must be under 200 words in length.
5. MANAGER'S REPORT
Village Manager Rich Nahrstadt reported the west Metra commuter lot is again open to the public after a successful Northbrook Days event. He discussed public intersection improvements on Dundee Road and Sanders intersection that are now completed. He noted FEMA will be performing a nationwide emergency test tomorrow.
6. WARRANT LIST
A. Review and Approval of Payments to be Made
Trustee Israel Moved for the approval of class A & B Warrants dated July 16, 2021 - July 31, 2021 in the amount of $1,675,714.64
| RESULT: ADOPTED [5 TO 0]
MOVER: Bob Israel, Trustee SECONDER: Heather Ross, Trustee AYES: Israel, Ross, Hebl, Pepoon, Ebhomielen ABSTAIN: Ciesla ABSENT: Collison |
Trustee Israel Moved for the approval of Frontage Deposit refunds totaling $15,600.00 dated July 30, 2021.
| RESULT: ADOPTED [5 TO 0]
MOVER: Bob Israel, Trustee SECONDER: Heather Ross, Trustee AYES: Israel, Ross, Hebl, Pepoon, Ebhomielen ABSTAIN: Ciesla ABSENT: Collison |
President Ciesla reported the Village, for Village buildings such as the Village Hall, is following the Illinois Department of Public Health face mask recommendations and requiring the wearing of masks by our employees and visitors. Private businesses can decide how they want to proceed regarding face masks. The Village hosted a successful Northbrook Days event for the public and Trivia Night events will start on August 26, 2021. The Village is 23% over budget for sales tax revenues for the fiscal year. She discussed the new public comment process for the public.
A. DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION MOMENT
Chris Carpenter shared a story regarding his daughter's racism experience at a public library. He encouraged the public to join their group called the Welcoming Walkers to combat racism and bring people together in the community.
President Ciesla discussed how the Village is combating racism in the community through the community pledge. She noted the Village newsletter brings awareness to the issues in the community. Furthermore, the Village plans on creating a Community Commission to manage educational programs, provide a platform for young adults to be heard and combat racism in the community.
B. GREEN MOMENT
Nel Badgley, Go Green Board Member, discussed how buildings affect the climate. She discussed how building construction produces tons of waste, mass energy use and fossil fuels. She noted buildings do not have to be brand new to be sustainable for the environment. Furthermore, the retro fitting process helps improve the energy efficiency of an existing building, which is part of the Northbrook Climate Action Plan.
C. ORDINANCE NO. 2021-24
An Ordinance Amending Chapter 2 of the Northbrook Municipal Code Concerning Commissions
| RESULT: ADOPTED [5 TO 0]
MOVER: Bob Israel, Trustee SECONDER: Johannah Hebl, Trustee AYES: Israel, Ross, Hebl, Pepoon, Ebhomielen ABSTAIN: Ciesla ABSENT: Collison |
President Ciesla commented the Sustainability Commission will have one youth member.
| RESULT: APPROVED [5 TO 0]
MOVER: Heather Ross, Trustee SECONDER: Johannah Hebl, Trustee AYES: Israel, Ross, Hebl, Pepoon, Ebhomielen ABSTAIN: Ciesla ABSENT: Collison |
A Resolution Adopting the Ten Shared Principles
President Ciesla commented the item was moved to the August 24, 2021 Board Meeting.
8. CONSENT AGENDA
Trustee Hebl moved, seconded by Trustee Pepoon, to move item 12(A) to the consent agenda. on voice vote, all were in favor.
| RESULT: ADOPTED [5 TO 0]
MOVER: Bob Israel, Trustee SECONDER: Johannah Hebl, Trustee AYES: Israel, Ross, Hebl, Pepoon, Ebhomielen ABSTAIN: Ciesla ABSENT: Collison |
A Resolution Approving the Release of Certain Written Minutes of Closed Session Meetings of the Village Board of Trustees
B. ORDINANCE NO. 2021-25
An Ordinance Authorizing the Purchase of a Replacement Dump Truck from TransChicago Truck Group of Elmhurst, Illinois
C. RESOLUTION NO. 2021-107
A Resolution Authorizing An Agreement for the Replacement of the Water Treatment Plant's Sludge Collector Equipment and Filter Media with Keno & Sons Construction Company of Lake Bluff, Illinois
COMMITTEE REPORTS
9. ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE
A. RESOLUTION NO. 2021-108
A Resolution Supporting and Consenting to Approval of Class 6b Classification and Approving a Class 6b Incentive Agreement (3401 Commercial Avenue – Northbrook Distribution Center, LLC)
Deputy Director of Development and Planning Services Chan Yu discussed a resolution supporting and consenting to the filing of a Cook County Class 6b Property Tax Incentive application by Northbrook Distribution, LLC, as the contract purchaser of the property commonly known as 3401 Commercial Avenue. The Board conducted a preliminary review of the Applicant’s request on April 13, 2021. The Subject Property has been vacant for approximately 3 years. The Applicant intends to purchase the property, make a series of interior improvements and expand its existing business, Sterling Brands, LLC, to occupy the entire Subject Property. The Applicant plans on investing $300,000 initially and an additional $200,000 within the next 24 months after purchasing the property. Furthermore, the Tenant will be a vendor for the Village of Northbrook’s plastic recycling program and will offer plastic recyclables collection storage and weekly pickup of plastic recyclables collection from Village Hall to the satisfaction of Village staff.
The Board of Trustees should consider the following questions:
1. Does the Applicant’s 6b proposal satisfy the general Cook County criteria for approval of a 6b incentive?
2. Does the Applicant’s 6b proposal satisfy the general Village criteria for the approval of a 6b incentive?
3. Is the incentive appropriate to encourage the expansion of this business into Northbrook?
4. Does the Tenant’s agreement to partner with the Village of Northbrook’s plastic recycling program and not expand Aargus Plastics, Inc. to the Subject Property assist in the concerns raised by the Trustees during the April 13, 2021 preliminary review?
Trustee Israel commented the resolution will enhance the tax base and create 50 job opportunities.
Trustee Ross stated she is in favor of approving the resolution and is excited about the partnership with the Village of Northbrook’s plastic recycling program.
Trustee Hebl concurs with her fellow Trustees. She requested the recycle container in Village Hall be located in a designated area for the public to access.
Trustee Pepoon concurs with his fellow Trustees.
Trustee Ebhomielen concurs with her fellow Trustees.
President Ciesla thanked the Applicant for investing in the Northbrook community and partnering with the Village of Northbrook’s plastic recycling program.
| RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Bob Israel, Trustee SECONDER: Dan Pepoon, Trustee AYES: Israel, Ross, Hebl, Pepoon, Ebhomielen ABSENT: Ciesla, Collison |
A. PRELIMINARY REVIEW - ZONING & DEVELOPMENT APPLICATIONS
1. Preliminary Review for Special Permit Amendment for SunCloud Health at 1535 Lake Cook Road Senior Planner Swati Pandey discussed a preliminary review of an application filed by SunCloud Health, SC (the “Applicant”) as a potential lessee of the property commonly known as 1535 Lake Cook Road. The property is zoned O-2 Limited Office District and the Northbrook Comprehensive Plan’s Future Land Use designation is Professional Office. In 2020, SunCloud Health, SC was granted approval for a Special Permit for Specialty Medical Care Facility at Suite 300 of the Subject Property.
The Applicant is requesting to amend Ordinance 2020-24 in the O-2 Limited Office District accommodate two requests:
1. Expansion of the Specialty Medical Care Facility for the residential eating recovery center to Suite 500 with site work; and
2. Allow site work adjacent to the previously approved Specialty Medical Care Facility for residential eating recovery center to Suite 300.
The Applicant currently has a stop work order for exterior site work at Suite 300 without a permit. The Applicant is seeking the necessary approvals for the proposed site work. Furthermore, the Applicant is proposing to install brick patios and a mulched walkway behind Suite 300. For Suite 500, the Applicant will be expanding their facility with an identical floor plan. There is a total of 325 parking spaces available on the property according to the site plan provided by the Applicant. Based on the proposed use by the Applicant for Suite 500, the proposed use will require less parking than if the 12,500 square foot building were used for general office or medical office.
The Board should consider the following policy questions:
1. Is it appropriate to amend the special permit to allow expansion of the specialty medical care facility to another building on the Subject Property?
2. If so, should there be any operational limitations?
3. Is it appropriate to allow site work for Suites 300 and 500, as requested per the site plan?
4. Is it appropriate to grant a variation to reduce the loading space requirement?
Trustee Israel thanked the owner for taking responsibility. He noted he favors the proposed development design and amending the Special Permit.
Village Attorney Stewart Weiss asked if SunCloud commenced operations. Ms. Pandey responded no, they received building permits for interior work but have not received a certificate of occupancy.
Trustee Ross thanked the owner for taking responsibility. She stated she is in favor of the proposed request.
Trustee Hebl asked if Suite 400 was notified of the special permit request. Ms. Pandey responded the Village will issue public notice once the Applicant completes a formal application. She noted last year a tenant from Suite 400 was present for public comment.
Trustee Hebl expressed concern regarding parking and office space.
Trustee Pepoon stated he supports the Special Permit request.
Trustee Ebhomielen requested clarification on the loading space requirement. Furthermore, she asked what Suite 300 was previously used for. Ms. Pandey responded the loading space is a defined item in the Zoning Code and if the Applicant does not meet the defined requirements, they typically request a variation while providing a loading area on site. She noted Suite 300 was previously a medical office.
Trustee Ebhomielen stated she has no concerns regarding the request.
President Ciesla requested feedback from the Police and Fire Department regarding emergency calls. She noted SunCloud Health is a very professional organization.
2. Preliminary Review for Redevelopment Plan for Northeast Corner at Covenant Village
Senior Planner Swati Pandey discussed a preliminary review of an application filed by Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc. (the “Applicant”), on behalf of Covenant Living (the “Owner”) of the property located at 2625 Techny Road. The Applicant requests the necessary zoning relief to allow construction of three 3-story residential buildings, totaling 36 units replacing one 24-unit single-story residential building on the northeast side of the property along on Techny Road. The property is zoned R-8 Multiple Family Residential and is designated as appropriate for Senior or Special Residential in the Comprehensive Plan. The existing Covenant Living facility was approved in 1963 by the granting of a special permit for a Planned Development, and any changes require an amendment to the special permit. The last set of major amendments to the Planned Development were approved in 2006 for Phase 1 and 2008 for Phase 2 improvements.
The proposed development includes three buildings with 12 units each. The proposed units are all independent living units and vary in size from approximately 1,150-1,460 square feet. Each unit will have one to two bedrooms with kitchen, bathroom, and storage areas. The buildings would be three stories not to exceed approximately 55 feet in height when measured from grade, where a maximum of 65 feet is permitted in the R-8 district. Furthermore, the stormwater detention requirements will be reviewed in greater detail during formal application submittal.
Requested zoning relief:
∙ Approval of an amendment to an existing special permit for a Planned Development (Ordinance No. 63-14) in the R-8 Multi-Family Residential District to add three residential buildings with a total of 36 units.
The Board should consider the following questions:
1. Is an amendment to the special permit for the Planned Development to allow three new residential buildings consisting of 36 units to replace one single-story building with 24 units appropriate?
2. 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.?
3. Should this application be reviewed by the Architectural Control Commission?
Trustee Israel expressed concern regarding stormwater management an proper permitting of the stream relocation. However, he supports the proposed development plan.
Trustee Ross concurs with Trustee Israel. She requested the Applicant include affordable housing opportunities.
Trustee Hebl concurs with Trustee Israel and she is in favor of the proposed request. She requested the Applicant address the stormwater concerns and provide information on their program.
Trustee Pepoon stated he is in favor of the proposed request. He requested the Applicant include affordable housing opportunities.
Trustee Ebhomielen stated she is in favor of the proposed request. She requested the Applicant include affordable housing opportunities.
President Ciesla discussed how Covenant Living supports the community. She noted Covenant Living places over 400 ambulance calls annually, which is very high. She requested the Plan Commission evaluate the developments impact on the Police and Fire Department. Furthermore, she requested the Applicant include affordable housing opportunities.
3. Preliminary Review for 1103 Waukegan for Special Permit for Accessory Drive-Through Senior Planner Swati Pandey discussed a preliminary application submitted by GW Northbrook 2, LLC (the “Applicant”) as owner of 1103 Waukegan Road. The property is zoned C-2 Neighborhood Commercial District and is designated as appropriate for Community Retail uses in the Comprehensive Plan. In 2019, the Applicant filed a formal application for the redevelopment of the site with a new gas station and 7-Eleven convenience store. The Applicant was recommended to return before the Board with a revised plan addressing the concerns about hours of operation and the transfer terms of the special permit. On December 21, 2020, the Applicant withdrew their formal application citing termination of their project with their prospective tenant.
The Applicant is proposing to remove the existing structures and gasoline tanks on the Subject Property and construct a brand new 6,500 square foot building consisting of a Starbucks’s restaurant with drive-through, a two-tenant commercial building, and a parking lot. A total of 40 parking spaces have been proposed onsite. Furthermore, the pedestrian access is available through two public sidewalks, along Shermer and Waukegan Roads.
Required zoning relief:
∙ Repeal the existing special permit from 1968;
∙ Special Permit to allow a Drive-Through facility accessory to an Eating Place (SIC No. 9980.00);
∙ Variation to reduce the required front yard (north) from 25’ to 5’4” and corner side yard (east) from 25’ to 10’;
∙ Variation to reduce the required rear setback (south) from 25’ to 24’6” approx.
∙ Variation to reduce the required number of loading spaces from 1 to 0; and
∙ Site Plan Approval
While reviewing the request, the Board of Trustees will want to consider the following items:
1. Is it appropriate to allow for redevelopment of the Subject Property with a new restaurant, an accessory drive-through facility, and new retail/office space? If so, should there be any operational limitations such as hours of operation?
2. Is the new proposed site design adequate with a single lane drive-through, reduction in the number of curb cuts along Shermer Road and Waukegan Road, and added green space around the perimeter of the Subject Property? Is the landscape screening on the east side adjacent to the residential district adequate?
3. Should the Applicant be referred to the Architectural Control Commission, in addition to the requirement that the Plan Commission review the request?
Michaela Kohlstedt, Director commented that the curb cuts on Shermer Road were reduced with proposed one full access curb-cut.
President Ciesla requested more elegant landscaping in the gateway entrance and create a partnership with the property owner. She expressed concern regarding the estimated number of vehicles in the drive-through and loading space. She asked if Starbucks receives deliveries from semi-trucks. Mitch Goltz with GW Northbrook 2, LLC responded no, the deliveries are loaded at the front door. He noted the public takes advantage of the mobile online ordering, which also reduces stacking for the drive-through.
President Ciesla asked if they have any tenants for the retail/medical space. Mr. Goltz responded they only have two tenants, a dentist office and Starbucks.
President Ciesla stated she favors the proposed plan.
Trustee Pepoon asked if he spoke with the neighboring tenant to the south. Mr. Goltz responded they have addressed concerns with the neighboring tenant.
Trustee Israel requested the Applicant make the location bicycle friendly and collaborate with the adjacent bike shop. Mr. Goltz responded they plan on installing bike racks.
Trustee Israel requested the Plan Commission review screening on the northeast side of the property. Mr. Goltz responded they will be installing a fence and landscape design.
Trustee Ross stated she is in favor of the proposed request.
Trustee Hebl stated she is in favor of the proposed request. She requested the landscaping not obstruct the public’s view. She asked if Starbucks locations increase development in the area. Furthermore, she asked if the Starbucks on Skokie and Dundee will be closing. Mr. Goltz responded yes, Starbucks drives successful new development. He noted the Starbucks on Skokie and Dundee will not be closing. The new location will help alleviate the high volume of traffic at the existing Starbucks.
Trustee Pepoon stated he is in favor of the proposed request.
Trustee Ebhomielen requested an attractive landscape design and expressed concern regarding the outside seating.
President Ciesla commented the request will be reviewed by the Plan Commission.
11. COMMUNITY AND SUSTAINABILITY
A. RESOLUTION NO. 2021-109
A Resolution Adopting the Village of Northbrook Climate Action Plan
Trustee Ross discussed a resolution adopting the Village of Northbrook Climate Action Plan. She encouraged her fellow Trustees to support the resolution to create a safe environment for the public.
Trustee Ross made a motion to approve resolution 2021-109, seconded by Trustee Israel. On voice vote, the motion passed.
President Ciesla thanked the Village for their hard work.
| RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Heather Ross, Trustee SECONDER: Bob Israel, Trustee AYES: Ciesla, Israel, Ross, Hebl, Pepoon, Ebhomielen ABSENT: Collison |
13. PUBLIC SAFETY
14. COMMUNICATIONS AND OUTREACH
15. REMARKS FOR THE GOOD OF THE ORDER
Trustee Hebl requested the Village add an agenda item regarding decisions.
President Ciesla responded the Board will be involved providing ideas and feedback.
Trustee Ebhomielen commented National Night Out event was a great success.
16. CLOSED SESSION
17. ADJOURN
Trustee Pepoon moved, seconded by Trustee Hebl to adjourn the meeting at 8:55 pm. On roll call, all were in favor.
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