Village of Northbrook Board of Trustees met Jan. 24.
Here are 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 - Jan 10, 2023 6:30 PM
Trustee Ross moved, seconded by Trustee Collison to approve the December 13, 2022 minutes. On voice vote, the motion passed.
| RESULT: ACCEPTED [6 TO 0]
MOVER: Heather Ross, Trustee SECONDER: Muriel Collison, Trustee AYES: Israel, Collison, Ross, Hebl, Pepoon, Ebhomielen ABSTAIN: Ciesla |
President Ciesla noted the public could make comments by emailing publiccomments@northbrook.il.us. Email responses must be under 200 words in length.
President Ciesla noted Item 8B would be moved to the February 7, 2023 Meeting.
Mary Hanson, Northbrook, spoke in support of the community pledge video.
Mr. Goodman, spoke in opposition of requiring event permits. He expressed concern event permits violate the Free Speech Amendment. Furthermore, he requested the Village Board remove the resolution approving an IGA with School District 27 for reciprocal reporting from the consent agenda.
Nicole Milan, Northbrook, spoke on the inhumane situation regarding Rocky the coyote and the bald eagle death. She requested the Village Board support transferring the coyote to the wildlife sanctuary in Colorado.
Campsee Garther, Glenview, spoke on the inhumane situation regarding Rocky the coyote. She requested the Village Board support transferring the coyote to the wildlife sanctuary in Colorado.
Karen Fickle, Field Drive, thanked the Village Board for supporting gun violence prevention in Northbrook. She requested the Village Board provide educational resources to the public regarding safe gun storage.
Items 8A and 8E were moved from Consent Agenda to the Administration and Finance Committee Reports portion of the meeting agenda. Trustee Hebl moved, seconded by Trustee Pepoon as per Mr. Goodman’s request to discuss further.
5. MANAGER'S REPORT
Village Manager Cara Pavlicek reported the Village Boards meetings for February are scheduled on February 7, 2023 and February 28, 2023. Tonight, Northbrook will be getting snowfall, and the snow park ban will go into effect when the snowfall exceeds 2-inches.
6. WARRANT LIST
A. Review and Approval of Payments to be Made
∙ Payments to be Made Per Listing Dated January 1, 2023 through January 15, 2023 Alpha and Descending
Trustee Israel Moved for the approval of class A & B Warrants dated January 1, 2023 - January 15, 2023, in the amount of $1,710,818.44.
| 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 $4,000.00 dated January 15, 2023.
| RESULT: ADOPTED [6 TO 0]
MOVER: Bob Israel, Trustee SECONDER: Dan Pepoon, Trustee AYES: Israel, Collison, Ross, Hebl, Pepoon, Ebhomielen ABSTAIN: Ciesla |
President Ciesla wished the public a Happy Lunar New Year. The Annual State of Village Address is tomorrow, at 9am, location library, no fee. The Chamber sponsors the event, and the public must pre register to attend the event. The public can sign the community pledge on the Village website, and the Cultural Affair event is scheduled on Sunday, February 26, 2023, from 3-5 pm.
A. COMMUNITY MOMENT
Community Commission Member Marly Chan discussed the Lunar New Year. The celebration is 15-days long with certain steps. Furthermore, the celebration of different cultures creates more diversity in the community. She spoke on Asian hate crimes taking place in America, and combating racism.
8. CONSENT AGENDA
Trustee Hebl moved, seconded by Trustee Ross, to remove items 8 (A), 8 (B), and 8 (E) from the consent agenda. On voice vote, all were in favor.
| RESULT: ADOPTED [6 TO 0]
MOVER: Johannah Hebl, Trustee SECONDER: Heather Ross, Trustee AYES: Israel, Collison, Ross, Hebl, Pepoon, Ebhomielen ABSTAIN: Ciesla |
A Resolution Authorizing a 36 Month Lease Agreement for Trash and Recycling Receptacles for the Central Business District from Big Belly Solar, LLC. from Needham, Pennsylvania
B. RESOLUTION NO. 2023-7
A Resolution to Approve Annual Contribution for Intergovernmental Risk Management Agency
C. ORDINANCE NO. 2023-2
An Ordinance Granting a Level III Design Review Permit for Projecting Signs at 1314 Shermer Road (@Properties)
D. ORDINANCE NO. 2023-3
An Ordinance Amending the Annual Fee Ordinance Regarding Parking Regulations on Asbury Road
E. ORDINANCE NO. 2023-4
An Ordinance Approving the Renewal and Transfer of Special Permits for Operation of Automotive Repair Facility with Outdoor Automobile Storage and an Automotive Detailing Facility in the I-1 Restricted Industrial District (Northshore Car Care – 1875-1881 Techny Road) (Plan Commission Docket NO. BOT-22-13)
COMMITTEE REPORTS
9. ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE
A. RESOLUTION NO. 2023-8
A Resolution Approving an IGA with School District 27 for Reciprocal Reporting
Village Manager Cara Pavlicek provided a brief overview of the reciprocal reporting agreement. The agreement allows information sharing regarding minors in specific instances being designated school officials and law enforcement.
Trustee Israel asked if the school district reviewed the agreement. Ms. Pavlicek responded school district 27 approved the agreement. To note, school district 31 and the Village previously entered into the same agreement. Trustee Hebl asked how other many districts have approved the agreement. Ms. Pavlicek responded the following school districts either have approved or are considering approval of a similar agreement: Districts 225, 31, 30, and 28.
Trustee Israel opened public comment.
Mr. Goodman discussed how the agreement criminalizes youth. He requested the Village Board deny the proposed agreement.
Trustee Israel discussed how information sharing helps the Police Department provide resources to students in a crisis.
Trustee Hebl suggested postponing discussion to a future Village Board meeting. President Ciesla noted all school districts would be participating in the reciprocal reporting.
Ms. Pavlicek noted the master agreement is proposed for schools in both Glenview and Northbrook.
Trustee Hebl made a motion to postpone discussion to a future Village board meeting, seconded by Trustee Ebhomielen. On voice vote, the motion failed.
Trustee Collison made a motion to approve a resolution approving an IGA with school district 27 for reciprocal reporting, seconded by Trustee Pepoon. On roll call vote, the motion passed. (4 Yes Vote, 3 No Votes)
| RESULT: ADOPTED [4 TO 3]
MOVER: Muriel Collison, Trustee SECONDER: Dan Pepoon, Trustee AYES: Ciesla, Israel, Collison, Pepoon NAYS: Ross, Hebl, Ebhomielen |
An Ordinance Amending Chapter 15 of the Northbrook Municipal Code Regarding Special Events Sam Reiss, Management Analyst, provided a brief overview of the proposed amendment. The proposed ordinance will clarify the types of special events. The Village conducted research with neighboring municipalities to draft the new language. To note, the proposed ordinance does not affect public forum.
Village Attorney Steve Elrod defined public forum.
Trustee Collison made a motion to approve an Ordinance amending Chapter 15 of the Northbrook Municipal Code, seconded by Trustee Ross. On roll call vote, the motion passed. (6 Yes Vote, 0 No Votes)
| RESULT: ADOPTED [6 TO 0]
MOVER: Muriel Collison, Trustee SECONDER: Heather Ross, Trustee AYES: Israel, Collison, Ross, Hebl, Pepoon, Ebhomielen ABSTAIN: Ciesla |
A. PRELIMINARY REVIEW - ZONING & DEVELOPMENT APPLICATIONS
B. Staff Memo Relating to 1657 Shermer Road
Village Attorney Steve Elrod provided a brief overview of the property's history and contract parties. The purchase & sale agreement is contingent upon zoning relief being granted. He provided a brief overview of the following: two alternative approaches, Illinois State Law meeting process, Plan Commission’s recommendation process, and Village Board voting process.
Michaela Kohlstedt, Director of Development and Planning Services discussed an application submitted by Quarterra Multifamily Communities, LLC, for the property located at 1657 Shermer Road. The Village has conducted several public meetings. She provided a brief overview of the zoning (I-1 and R-5), Comprehensive Plan (appropriate for major corridor multi-use), and Downtown Plan. The applicant is proposing a 318-unit multi-family luxury apartment building, with a 6,500- square foot commercial building for use as a potential restaurant. Furthermore, the applicant will donate 1.49-acres to HODC, to develop a four-story multi-tenant 48-unit affordable and supportive housing apartment building.
The applicant modified the plan by reducing the following: height, number of stories, and density. She provided a brief overview of the occupancy rates/parking data and proposed parking. She discussed the projects impact fees/taxes and traffic study. The developer will pay a onetime impact fee, and the projected property tax is $1.9 million annually.
Trustee Israel requested more information regarding stormwater impacts. Interim Village Engineer Jack Bielak responded the developer would need to comply with the new stormwater standards. Furthermore, the proposed development project will improve the stormwater conditions. The developer will sign statements guaranteeing no adverse impacts on neighboring properties.
Trustee Ross asked how many people previously worked on the Granger site. Village Manager Cara Pavlicek responded the 2017 Comprehensive Financial Report shows 350-employees worked on the Granger site.
Ms. Kohlstedt clarified the Architectural Control Commissions (ACC) role as a recommending body with Trustee Pepoon. To note, the ACC recommended approval of the application.
Trustee Ebhomielen asked if the site previously operated under regular business hours. Trustee Collision responded yes.
Rich Koenig, Executive Director of HODC, spoke on the benefits of affordable and supportive housing. The organization has completed 32 projects, and managed affordable housing units in 18 communities. The developments pay real estate taxes, and do not negatively impact property values. He provided a brief overview of the qualification process and unit design.
Trustee Collison requested more information regarding the community features and rental calculations. Mr. Koenig explained the community features are similar to past developments. The rents are calculated at a fixed amount by HUD, to determine if the applicant qualifies using an income scale. Furthermore, he explained how the development is different from public housing, and the screening process. He noted they have evicted people in the past.
Trustee Collison asked what services the organization hires contractors to perform. Mr. Koenig responded they hire contractors for landscaping and maintenance needs.
Mr. Koenig clarified the allowable preference to choose applicants with disabilities with Trustee Pepoon. The organization does not have a percentage of occupancy for disabled individuals at this time.
Trustee Collison asked if the supportive units are for disabled individuals only. Mr. Koenig explained the preference of allocating the units towards individuals with disabilities.
Trustee Ebhomielen asked if the quote rent rates apply to the development. Mr. Koenig responded yes; the mentioned rate rates apply to the development.
President Ciesla asked who is funding the project. Mr. Koenig responded the Illinois Housing Development Authority and several funding sources. To note, they will not request funding from the Village of Northbrook; and the project is designed to be self-sufficient with reserves.
Trustee Israel asked if the location is favorable. Mr. Koenig responded the location offers great transit/walk ability options.
The Board took a recess from 9:13 – 9:23
Trustee Collison opened public comment.
Rick Nelson, Northbrook, spoke in support of the proposed development project. He noted high density reduces carbon emissions and supports Northbrook's Climate Action Plan. Furthermore, the proposed project will create more affordable housing opportunities in the Village and generate great tax revenue.
Village Clerk Debbie Ford read five public comments the Village received:
Federico and Florence Maisch stated they opposed approval of Ordinances in opposition to the Plan Commissions Resolution for 1657 Shermer Road.
Michelle Kohler, spoke in support of the proposed development project. The development will provide housing opportunities for young professional who work from home, and support individuals with disabilities. Furthermore, the proposed density will not impact the school district.
Neil Burmeister, spoke in support of the proposed development project. He requested the Village board support affordable housing opportunities for adults with disabilities.
Debbie DePalma, spoke in support of the proposed development project. She thanked the Village for supporting affordable housing opportunities in the community. She expressed concern regarding the proposed land use.
Catherine Caporusso, spoke in support of the proposed development project. She believes the development will cause traffic impacts in the area.
Public comments:
Alice Lonoff, Northbrook, spoke in support of the proposed development project. The proposed project will create more affordable housing opportunities in Northbrook.
Scott Cawley, 1824 Maple Avenue, spoke in opposition of the proposed development project. He noted the public owns the property; and discussed President Ciesla's comments at a past meeting. Furthermore, he requested the Village Board deny the application. Mark Paulissian, 2317 Illinois Road, spoke in opposition of the proposed development project. He expressed concern regarding the following: segregated housing, project size, traffic impacts, eviction process, and school impacts.
Mary Bush, 1000 Waukegan Road, requested more information regarding the wait list and traffic flow.
Bonnie Miller, 2200 Farnsworth Lane, spoke in opposition of the proposed development project. She expressed concern regarding the following: density, affordable housing plan, segregated housing/schooling, and lack of playgrounds.
Lisa Raju, 1300 Wendy, spoke in opposition of the proposed development project. She discussed the importance of considering the public’s concerns.
John Fernitz, Northbrook, spoke in opposition of the proposed development project. He requested the Village Board take the public’s concerns into consideration when evaluating the application.
Katie Shactman, Northbrook, spoke in opposition of the proposed development project. She shared her experience attending a past Plan Commission meeting. She expressed concern regarding the following: segregated housing, traffic impacts, and school impacts.
Brian Shactman, 530 Charlemagne Drive, spoke in opposition of the proposed development project. He expressed concern regarding the following: density, segregated housing/schooling and school impacts.
John Sobel, Woodlawn Road, Northbrook, spoke in opposition of the proposed development project. He provided a brief overview of the property's history. He expressed concern regarding the proposed density; and suggested creating a pathway for walkers and bikers.
John Wicker, Northbrook, spoke in opposition of the proposed development project. He expressed concern regarding traffic impacts and increased density. He requested the Village Board deny the developers proposal.
Gail Rego, Northbrook, spoke in opposition of the proposed development project. She supports offering affordable housing opportunities; however, she does not support the large, proposed development project.
Leonard Rego, Northbrook, spoke in opposition of the proposed development project. He noted a petition was submitted to the Village with 1,000 signatures opposing the project. He expressed concern regarding the following: density, traffic impacts, decreased home values, and school impacts. He requested the Village Board deny the application.
Paul Shulte, Northbrook, spoke in opposition of the proposed development project. He expressed concern regarding the following: density, access points, air quality impacts, and traffic impacts.
Karen Fliegler, 1814 Fieldwood Drive, spoke in support of the proposed development project. The proposed project will increase walk ability in the community and provide affordable housing opportunities.
Bruce Bondy, spoke in support of the proposed development project. The proposed project embraces urban design principals and promotes walk ability. Furthermore, the project increases affordable housing opportunities in Northbrook.
Jennifer Wiseman, spoke in opposition of the proposed development project. She expressed concern regarding the following: density, building height, developers proposed reductions, traffic impacts, through traffic plan, and school impacts. She requested information regarding the residential density.
Bo Hurst, spoke in opposition of the proposed development project. He shared his experience attending a past Plan Commission meeting. He expressed concern regarding the following: density, building height, and traffic impacts.
Cindy Lee, Northbrook, spoke in opposition of the proposed development project. She expressed concern regarding the following: affordable housing rates, density, and traffic impacts.
Lona Louis, Northbrook, she provided an historical overview of the Plan Commissions and Village Board voting history.
Herb Brenner, Northbrook, spoke in support of the proposed development project. He expressed the need to increase density and create more affordable housing opportunities.
Mr. Lee, Northbrook, spoke in opposition of the proposed development project. He expressed concern regarding traffic impacts and increased density.
Mark Walburk, Wood Lane Road, spoke in opposition of the proposed development project. He expressed concern regarding increased density and the affordable housing concept. He requested the Village Board deny the application.
Todd Daniels, President of Shermer Place, stated he is speaking on behalf of the association. The association expressed concern regarding increased density. He suggested the Village create a park or choose a less dense development project. Furthermore, the Village Board should consider who would manage the HODC property, if they relinquish ownership in the future.
Colleen Ceo, Northbrook, spoke in support of the proposed development project. She shared insight into her personal life.
Bill Horn, Northbrook, spoke in opposition of the proposed development project. He questioned why the Village Board did not support the Plan Commissions recommendation. He expressed concern regarding increased density and requested variances. He requested the Village Board take the publics concerns into consideration.
Vida Wo, spoke in opposition of the proposed development project. She discussed the petitions submitted to the Village.
Gail Goldman, Northbrook, spoke in opposition of the proposed development project. The Board took a recess from 10:43pm 10:50pm
Peter Chmielewski, Division President of Quarterra Multifamily Communities (QMC), stated he received great feedback from the community regarding the development project. The development project is considered a $150 million dollar investment in Northbrook. The goal is to provide the following: diverse housing options, revitalize Downtown, perform infrastructure improvements, and provide affordable/supportive housing.
Jeff Woll, Quarterra Multifamily Communities (QMC), provided a brief overview of the following items: Climate Action Plan compliance list, financial impacts, site parking, traffic study, site circulation, and demographics.
Mr. Chmielewski, provided a brief overview of the following: operations, and retail. The goal is to create a viable development in the community and support businesses.
Patrick Cusack, on behalf of Atunivich and Associates working with QMC spoke on the architecture and design. The plan was modified to add more landscape buffering and parking. The project includes high quality design esthetic on the interior/exterior.
Mr. Chmielewski reiterated how the project complies with Northbrook’s goals.
Trustee Collison asked how the applicant remedies parking issues. Mr. Chmielewski responded only 85% of the parking is occupied on their existing developments. He discussed how they work with residents and neighbors to remedy parking challenges.
Trustee Collison asked what the building time frame is. Mr. Chmielewski responded the building time frame is 12-14 months, with project phases.
Trustee Collison asked if the affordable units have the same finishes as luxury units. Mr. Chmielewski responded yes.
Trustee Israel requested the distance between the right-of-way and building. Mr. Cusack responded 248-feet.
Trustee Israel requested more information regarding property value loss. Mr. Chmielewski responded data shows their development projects do not negatively impact property values.
Trustee Ross asked how they would let residents know they cannot proceed forward on Woodland Road. Mr. Chmielewski responded they would install painted signage and vertical arrows.
Trustee Ross asked how they plan on addressing traffic issues. Luay Aboona with KLOA on behalf of QMC responded they would work with the Village to address traffic issues.
Mr. Chmielewski clarified the facilities management operations with Trustee Ross.
Trustee Hebl asked about the commercial restaurant timeline. Mr. Chmielewski responded they would work with the tenant to determine the timeline.
Trustee Hebl requested information regarding community efforts. Mr. Chmielewski responded the management team manages partnerships with local business and community outreach efforts.
Trustee Pepoon asked where the construction crewmembers would park. Mr. Chmielewski responded the construction team would park onsite.
Trustee Pepoon asked what the triangle would be used for. QMC Engineer Matt Vogel responded the triangle would be a dry bottom with plants.
Trustee Ebhomielen asked how the applicant plans to manage retail noise spillage. Mr. Chmielewski responded the tenants would be required to comply with local jurisdictions and noise ordinances.
President Ciesla asked what the largest building HODC manages is. Mr. Koenig responded the largest building is 98-units.
Trustee Collison thanked the public for their comments tonight. She explained how the Plan Commission is a recommending body. She noted the petition had double signatures, and many people who signed the petition were misinformed regarding the proposed development project. She clarified how the development project includes two separate development projects. She shared several disappointing comments on social media regarding affordable housing and individuals with disabilities.
She favors the proposed affordable/supportive housing development project. Furthermore, the property supports dense major corridor uses, and local businesses favor the proposed development project. She expressed concern regarding parking and speeding. To note, the School Board did not expressed concern regarding the project.
Trustee Israel thanked the public for their comments tonight. He confirmed the traffic reports are reasonable, and the Village has a great need for affordable/supportive housing opportunities. He thanked the ACC and Plan Commission for their hard work. He provided a brief overview of the property's history. Furthermore, the proposed plan is a great investment for Northbrook.
Trustee Ross thanked the public for their comments tonight. She shared her experience on the Village Board; and read emails from families in the community. Furthermore, the Climate Action Plan supports increased density to reduce carbon emission, and the proposed project includes several CAP items. She recommended the applicant have a contact to address traffic issues. She discussed how there is a great need in Northbrook for affordable/supportive housing opportunities; and supports an alternative means of compliance.
Trustee Hebl thanked the public for their comments tonight. She favors the proposed development project, and the supportive/affordable housing plan. The applicant’s investment will revitalize Northbrook. She anticipates the development will increase traffic.
Trustee Pepoon favors the proposed development project. The applicant’s investment will revitalize the Downtown area, and create supportive/affordable housing opportunities. Furthermore, he supports the traffic study, and increased density.
Trustee Ebhomielen discussed how the Downtown area needs to be revitalized. She anticipated the project would positively impact the community. Furthermore, the applicant has incorporated several CAP, and she supports the proposed project.
President Ciesla thanked the public for their comments tonight. She shared her experience meeting with stakeholders and business owners in the community. She discussed how multifamily and remote working is trending in America. She discussed the studies the Village performed to help revitalize the Downtown area. Furthermore, the Village received a letter of support from the school district, and property tax revenue generated from the development will support the youth in the community. In closing, she supports the proposed development project.
Trustee Israel made a motion to approve the following ordinances: 10 (D), 10 (E), and 10 (F), seconded by Trustee Hebl. On roll call vote, the motion passed. (7 Yes Vote, 0 No Votes)
C. RESOLUTION NO.
A Resolution Denying Requests for Text Amendment, Rezoning, Special Permits, Development Concept Plan Approval, Variations, Exceptions, Waiver, Site Plan Approval, and Tentative Plat Approval (1657 Shermer Road) (Plan Commission Docket No. PCD-22-08)
D. ORDINANCE NO. 2023-6
An Ordinance Amending the Northbrook Zoning Code to Increase the Permitted Maximum Height for Planned Developments within the VGRC Village Green Residential & Commercial District (1657 Shermer Road) (Plan Commission Docket No. PCD-22-08)
| RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Bob Israel, Trustee SECONDER: Johannah Hebl, Trustee AYES: Ciesla, Israel, Collison, Ross, Hebl, Pepoon, Ebhomielen |
An Ordinance Rezoning the Property Located at 1657 Shermer Road and Amending the District Zoning Map (1657 Shermer Road) (Plan Commission Docket No. PCD-22-08)
| RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Bob Israel, Trustee SECONDER: Johannah Hebl, Trustee AYES: Ciesla, Israel, Collison, Ross, Hebl, Pepoon, Ebhomielen. |
An Ordinance Granting Approval of Special Permits, Development Concept Plan, Variations, Exceptions, Waiver, Site Plan, Tentative Plat, a Development Agreement, and a First Amendment to Purchase and Sale Agreement (1657 Shermer Road) (Plan Commission Docket No. PCD-22-08)
| RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Bob Israel, Trustee SECONDER: Johannah Hebl, Trustee AYES: Ciesla, Israel, Collison, Ross, Hebl, Pepoon, Ebhomielen |
12. PUBLIC WORKS AND FACILITIES
13. PUBLIC SAFETY
14. COMMUNICATIONS AND OUTREACH
15. REMARKS FOR THE GOOD OF THE ORDER
President Ciesla note the coyote is located in Cook County.
16. CLOSED SESSION
None
17. ADJOURN
Trustee Collison moved, seconded by Trustee Israel to adjourn the meeting at 12:50 am. On voice vote, all were in favor.
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