Village of Palatine Village Council & Committee of the Whole met Feb. 6.
Here are the minutes provided by the council:
I. ROLL CALL – Time: 7:00 PM
| Attendee Name | Title | Status | Arrived |
| Jim Schwantz | Mayor | Present | |
| Tim Millar | District 1 Councilman | Present | |
| Scott Lamerand | District 2 Councilman | Present | |
| Doug Myslinski | District 3 Councilman | Present | |
| Greg Solberg | District 4 Councilman | Present | |
| Kollin Kozlowski | District 5 Councilman | Present | |
| Brad Helms | District 6 Councilman | Present |
Village Manager Reid Ottesen, Deputy Village Manager Hadley Skeffington-Vos, Village Attorney Nick Standiford, Director of Community Development Mike Jacobs, Director of Planning & Zoning Ben Vyverberg, Director of Public Works Matt Barry, Police Chief Dave Daigle, Fire Chief Patrick Gratzianna, IT Director Larry Schroth, Director of Finance Paul Mehring, and Director of Human Resources Pam Jackson and Deputy Clerk Doris Sadik
II. PLEDGE TO THE FLAG
Mayor Schwantz invited everyone to stand and join him in the Pledge to the Flag.
III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
1. Village Council & Committee of the Whole - Regular Meeting - January 16, 2023 - Accepted
| RESULT: ACCEPTED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Doug Myslinski, District 3 Councilman SECONDER: Tim Millar, District 1 Councilman AYES: Millar, Lamerand, Myslinski, Solberg, Kozlowski, Helms |
1. As Submitted -
Mayor Schwantz announced upcoming events:
Friday, February 10 - Sunday, February 12
Friends of the Palatine Library Used Book Sale
Palatine Library
Sunday, February 12: 8 AM - 1 PM
Knights of Columbus Pancake Breakfast
St. Thomas of Villanova
Internet Purchase/Exchange Zone
Palatine Police Department reminds citizens to use their “Internet Purchase/Exchange Zone” in the Police Department front parking lot to exchange goods sold through online sites.
V. RECESS TO THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE – Time: 7:03 PM Recess to Committee of the Whole - Motion Carried by Voice Vote
| RESULT: MOTION CARRIED BY VOICE VOTE [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Brad Helms, District 6 Councilman SECONDER: Kollin Kozlowski, District 5 Councilman AYES: Millar, Lamerand, Myslinski, Solberg, Kozlowski, Helms |
A. POLICE POLICY & CODE SERVICES COMMITTEE
BRAD HELMS, CHAIRMAN
1. Consider an Ordinance Approving a Special Use Transfer to Permit the Continued Operation of a Used Auto Dealership at 2240 N. Rand Road - Motion Carried by Voice Vote (Council District: Three)
Director Planning and Zoning Ben Vyverberg presented a Special Use Transfer to permit the continued use of an auto dealership at 2240 N. Rand Rd. The petitioner will be required to complete remaining conditions of the original ordinance including parkway trees and paving certain portions of the site by June 30, 2023. Staff recommends approval.
| RESULT: MOTION CARRIED BY VOICE VOTE [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Doug Myslinski, District 3 Councilman SECONDER: Tim Millar, District 1 Councilman AYES: Schwantz, Millar, Lamerand, Myslinski, Solberg, Kozlowski, Helms |
Director of Community Development Mike Jacobs presented current fencing regulations focusing on corner lots with fencing in the front yard and side yards abutting a street, along with setback requirements, decorative fencing, existing fencing and landscape requirements. A summary of current regulations and recent fence related zoning relief requests focusing on front yards and side yards abutting a street was reviewed. From recent fence related zoning relief requests, nearly 80% were approved or adjusted, 14% were denied. Jacobs mentioned that staff is look for policy direction.
Potential text amendments include:
1. Allow decorative fencing in a side yard abutting a street
2. Allow any other fencing in a side yard abutting a street when abutting a front yard
3. Adjust landscaping requirements for fencing in a side yard abutting a street
Councilman Helms commented that there are many different situations presented by residents regarding fencing relief.
In response to Councilman Millar regarding decorative fencing and landscaping, Jacobs clarified that code allows a 3-foot tall fence in the front yard and a 4-foot tall fence in a side yard abutting a street with a 3-foot setback. A non-decorative fence requires a 5-foot setback. Councilman Millar stated fencing against a sidewalk is challenging and landscaping hanging over on the sidewalk is an issue. Jacobs confirmed a new fence cannot be installed up to the property line.
Ottesen mentioned staff tries to work around existing landscaping keeping a fence 3 - 5 feet away from the property lot line, if the fence is more than 5 feet away from the lot line it makes sense to allow landscaping but not mandate it.
Councilman Helms commented on issues with types of fencing creating site line problems.
Jacobs recommends the same allowance for decorative fencing should apply in the front yard, as well as, the side yard abutting a street; and recommends that as long as a certain distance is maintain from the property line there is no requirement for landscaping.
Councilman Myslinski prefers a landscaping requirement.
Ottesen mentioned that landscaping was meant for a softening effect.
Councilmen Solberg and Myslinski prefer landscaping for fences with a 10- foot or less setback.
Ottesen suggested streamlining the process and confirmed Council agreement for potential text amendments item #1, item #2 stays the same and item #3 requires landscaping for fencing with a 10-foot or less setback. A text amendment will be prepared and come back to Council in April.
3. As Submitted -
Nothing was submitted.
B. COMMUNITY & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
KOLLIN KOZLOWSKI, CHAIRMAN
1. Consider a Motion Adopting the Village of Palatine's Official 2023 Zoning Map - Approved by Voice Vote
Director of Community Development Mike Jacobs confirmed the Village's 2023 Official Zoning Map is updated and reflects current zoning of all properties as of December 31,2022.
| RESULT: APPROVED BY VOICE VOTE [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Jim Schwantz, Mayor SECONDER: Scott Lamerand, District 2 Councilman AYES: Schwantz, Millar, Lamerand, Myslinski, Solberg, Kozlowski, Helms |
Director of Community Development Mike Jacobs explained the 2002 Downtown TIF Facade Improvement Grant Program expired a few years ago and to further facilitate investment in the downtown area, staff recommends establishing a Downtown TIF District Facade and Interior Building Improvement Grant Program. Buildings in the downtown area built prior to January 1, 2000 with the majority of the first floor being dedicated to non-residential and sales tax generating uses will be eligible for the program. All requests will be subject to Village Council review and approval. The potential grant amounts for exterior/façade improvements are limited to $1,000 per linear foot of a building’s frontage on a public street, with a maximum of $50,000. An additional $500 per linear foot will be available for a building more than one-story tall, with a maximum of $75,000. Staff recommends Downtown TIF dollars in the amount of $450,000 be used to fund the program.
Village Manager Reid Ottesen mentioned that ten years ago the façade program primarily benefited the property owner. With the use of TIF funds, the intention is to recognize the exterior and interior benefits the business owner and improves the look of the downtown. Program funds shall not be used to renovate the same property more than once. This restriction would not apply to funding previously received from the Village for façade or interior building improvements that were approved by the Village Council more than 10 years before the date of application. The program is intended for those properties that started when the TIF started.
Jacobs mentioned the maximum that could be used for interior improvements is $75,000. Grants will be paid as a reimbursement, limited to 50% of the total eligible expense and 25% for signage, awnings or exterior lighting expenses. Improvements must be completed within 12 months from the date of the Village’s funding approval to be eligible for reimbursement.
In response to Councilman Kozlowski, Jacobs confirmed reimbursement is limited to 50% of the total eligible expense and Council reviews applications with the ability to deny requests. Notice will be given to business/property owners.
Councilman Myslinski questioned a RFP requirement.
Ottesen reported the construction project needs to be completed before reimbursement is made. The project will be reviewed for reasonableness, proof of contract, payment and following the prevailing wage act is required. A RFP is not required on behalf of the business owner because TIF funds are being used.
Ottesen mentioned depending on the success of the grant program, the Village could re-appropriate more funds.
In response to Mayor Schwantz, Ottesen confirmed the program is not retroactive. A business owner will not get reimbursement for improvements completed prior to the program. There is no exclusion for businesses that now have video gaming. Ottesen planned on earmarking $450,000 for this program.
Councilman Helms expressed support for including interior improvements being eligible for the grant.
Councilman Lamerand was not supportive of including interior improvements. Ottesen explained the interior improvements are geared toward mechanical improvements (HVAC, electrical, ADA compliance, code compliance) bringing code compliance to older properties in the downtown area. This is beneficial to the business owners. Improvements such as new booths or a new bar would not be considered.
Jacobs mentioned renovation projects in older buildings need to meet new code requirements resulting in more expensive project costs than expected. This program could encourage businesses to move forward on renovation projects.
Councilman Lamerand expressed support for mechanical improvements and enhancements that bring the property up to Village Code.
Councilman Kozlowski expressed internal improvements could be paid for with other funds such as Build Back Better funds.
Ottesen mention the Village is making an effort to improve the downtown and think this program would assist in this effort. Council will be reviewing applications.
Councilman Millar is not supportive with the inclusion of interior improvements. A business plan should be presented showing how the improvements will generate sales tax dollars for Palatine. Business owners should expect needed upgrades as part of doing business; the TIF funds could be distributed to other taxing bodies.
Ottesen mentioned routine property maintenance for interior is not eligible. It needs to be a meaningful improvement.
Councilman Solberg questioned if only sales-generating businesses qualify to participate. Ottesen clarified that nothing precludes non-sales generating businesses from coming forward with a redevelopment agreement. This is a policy decision for the Council.
Councilman Solberg understands the interior upgrades for code compliance reasons and the incentive to do it now.
Ottesen asked if there were any questions on the exterior improvement portion of the program.
Council concurrence is to move forward only on the exterior improvement portion of the grant program. Staff will revise the interior improvement portion of the program focusing on code compliance and report next month.
3. As Submitted -
Nothing was submitted.
C. INFRASTRUCTURE & ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE
SCOTT LAMERAND, CHAIRMAN
1. Consider a Motion to Extend the Contract for the Village's Landscape Maintenance Program - Approved by Voice Vote
Director of Public Works Matt Barry presented the landscape maintenance contract for services in the downtown business area, train station and Gateway center, Police headquarters and Village Hall. A contract was awarded to Brian Edward Landscaping with renewal options for up to two additional two-year periods in 2022. The vendor is proposing a 3-year extension with an initial cost of $79,968 (increase of less that 2.5% per year from 2018) with annual increases for labor at 3% per year. This contract results in a fixed fee through 2025 at an amount less than those in 2016. Staff recommends approval.
| RESULT: APPROVED BY VOICE VOTE [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Brad Helms, District 6 Councilman SECONDER: Kollin Kozlowski, District 5 Councilman AYES: Schwantz, Millar, Lamerand, Myslinski, Solberg, Kozlowski, Helms |
Nothing was submitted.
D. FIRE POLICY & COMMUNITY INFORMATION COMMITTEE
DOUG MYSLINSKI, CHAIRMAN
1. Consider a Motion Authorizing the Village Manager to Execute a Contract for the Purchase of Fire Department Extrication Tools and Equipment - Approved by Voice Vote
Fire Chief Patrick Gratzianna explained the Village allocatted $1,350,000 in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds for the replacement of the aerial ladder truck and rescue equipment in 2022. With the remaining funds the Fire Department is seeking authorization to purchase Hurst Extrication Tools in the amount of $57,000 available in the 2022 approved budget using ARPA funds. The current equipment is ten years old; and the Hurst equipment will contain the newest technology and will improve response times, rescue efficiency and firefighter safety.
| RESULT: APPROVED BY VOICE VOTE [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Jim Schwantz, Mayor SECONDER: Tim Millar, District 1 Councilman AYES: Schwantz, Millar, Lamerand, Myslinski, Solberg, Kozlowski, Helms |
Fire Chief Patrick Gratzianna explained the Fire Department's participation in MABAS (Mutual Aid Box Alarm System) which coordinates mutual aid assistance throughout Illinois. MABAS initiated a comprehensive revision of the Master Agreement in 2019 to address changes in emergency response, certifications and liability and it can be used by all states. The 2022 MABAS agreement revisions align with the National Incident Management System (NIMS) and Interstate Mutual Aid laws. Staff recommends approval.
| RESULT: MOTION CARRIED BY VOICE VOTE [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Kollin Kozlowski, District 5 Councilman SECONDER: Scott Lamerand, District 2 Councilman AYES: Schwantz, Millar, Lamerand, Myslinski, Solberg, Kozlowski, Helms |
Nothing was submitted.
E. ADMINISTRATION, TECHNOLOGY & COMMUNITY HEALTH COMMITTEE
GREG SOLBERG, CHAIRMAN
1. As Submitted -
Nothing was submitted.
F. BUSINESS FINANCE & BUDGET COMMITTEE
TIM MILLAR, CHAIRMAN
1. As Submitted -
Nothing was submitted.
VII. RECONVENE THE VILLAGE COUNCIL MEETING – Time: 8:00 PM Reconvene the Village Council Meeting - Motion Carried by Voice Vote
| RESULT: MOTION CARRIED BY VOICE VOTE [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Brad Helms, District 6 Councilman SECONDER: Doug Myslinski, District 3 Councilman AYES: Millar, Lamerand, Myslinski, Solberg, Kozlowski, Helms |
All items are considered to be routine by the Village Council and will be enacted by one motion, with waiver of first reading. There will be no separate discussion of these items unless a Council Member so requests, in which event the item will be removed from the Consent Agenda and considered in its normal sequence on the agenda.
Item #5 was removed from the Consent Agenda, approval is for Items # 1-4 and 6-8.
| RESULT: ADOPTED BY ROLL CALL [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Scott Lamerand, District 2 Councilman SECONDER: Brad Helms, District 6 Councilman AYES: Millar, Lamerand, Myslinski, Solberg, Kozlowski, Helms |
2. Consider a Motion to Approve 2023 Warrant #3 - Approved
3. Consider an Ordinance Approving a Special Use Transfer to Permit the Continued Operation of a Used Auto Dealership at 2240 N. Rand Road - Approved (Council District: Three)
Ordinance #O-8-23
4. Consider a Motion Adopting the Village of Palatine's Official 2023 Zoning Map - Approved
5. Consider an Ordinance Establishing a Downtown TIF District Facade and Interior Improvement Grant Program - (Council District: Six)
This item was removed from the Consent Agenda.
6. Consider a Motion to Extend the Contract for the Village's Landscape Maintenance Program - Approved
7. Consider a Motion Authorizing the Village Manager to Execute a Contract for the Purchase of Fire Department Extrication Tools and Equipment - Approved
8. Consider an Ordinance Authorizing the 2022 Mutual Aid Box Alarm System (MABAS) Master Agreement - Approved
Ordinance #O-9-23
IX. REPORTS OF STANDING COMMITTEE
A. ADMINISTRATION, TECHNOLOGY & COMMUNITY HEALTH COMMITTEE GREG SOLBERG, CHAIRMAN
1. As Submitted -
No Report
B. BUSINESS FINANCE & BUDGET COMMITTEE
TIM MILLAR, CHAIRMAN
1. As Submitted -
No Report
C. COMMUNITY & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
KOLLIN KOZLOWSKI, CHAIRMAN
1. As Submitted -
No Report
D. FIRE POLICY & COMMUNITY INFORMATION COMMITTEE
DOUG MYSLINSKI, CHAIRMAN
1. As Submitted -
No Report
E. INFRASTRUCTURE & ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE
SCOTT LAMERAND, CHAIRMAN
1. As Submitted -
No Report
F. POLICE POLICY & CODE SERVICES COMMITTEE
BRAD HELMS, CHAIRMAN
1. As Submitted -
No Report
X. REPORTS OF THE VILLAGE OFFICERS
A. VILLAGE MANAGER
1. As Submitted -
No Report
B. VILLAGE CLERK
1. As Submitted -
No Report
C. VILLAGE ATTORNEY
1. As Submitted -
No Report
XI. CLOSED SESSION AS REQUIRED
No Closed Session requested.
XII. RECOGNITION OF AUDIENCE
No one came forward.
XIII.ADJOURNMENT – Time: 8:05 PM
Motion to Adjourn the Village Council Meeting - Motion Carried by Voice Vote
| RESULT: MOTION CARRIED BY VOICE VOTE [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Brad Helms, District 6 Councilman SECONDER: Kollin Kozlowski, District 5 Councilman AYES: Millar, Lamerand, Myslinski, Solberg, Kozlowski, Helms |
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