Village of Northbrook Board of Trustees met May 23.
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 |
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
3. SWEARING IN
Fire and Police Personnel were sworn in by Village Clerk Ford.
4. MINUTES APPROVAL
A. Board of Trustees - New Board of Trustees - May 9, 2023 7:30 PM
Trustee Hebl moved, seconded by Trustee Ebhomielen to approve the May 9, 2023 minutes. On voice vote, the motion passed.
| RESULT: ACCEPTED [6 TO 0]
MOVER: Johannah Hebl, Trustee SECONDER: Joy Ebhomielen, Trustee AYES: Israel, Collison, Ross, Hebl, Pepoon, Ebhomielen ABSTAIN: Ciesla |
5. PUBLIC COMMENT TIME
President Ciesla noted the public can make comments by emailing publiccomments@northbrook.il.us. Email responses must be under 200 words in length.
6. MANAGER'S REPORT
Village Manager Cara Pavlicek reported the public should proceed with caution on Cherry Lane, due to construction; and vehicle stickers will be available on June 1, 2023. Also, Multimedia Assistant Inana Zomaya who recently joined the Village Manager’s Office was introduced.
President Ciesla noted the Northbrook Historical Society is the beneficiary of this year’s special vehicle sticker.
Director of Development & Planning Services Jonathan Mendel provided a brief overview of the Zoning Code rewrite project. The Village issued public surveys and hosted a community meeting to discuss the project. Furthermore, the consultants will draft a report for the Village Board to review.
7. WARRANT LIST
A. Review and Approval of Payments to be Made
• Payments to be Made Per Listing Dated May 1, 2023 - May 15, 2023 (Alpha & Descending Lists) Trustee Israel Moved for the approval of class A & B Warrants dated May 1, 2023 - May 15, 2023, in the amount of $3,051,414.42.
| RESULT: ADOPTED [6 TO 0]
MOVER: Bob Israel, Trustee SECONDER: Dan Pepoon, Trustee AYES: Israel, Collison, Ross, Hebl, Pepoon, Ebhomielen ABSTAIN: Ciesla |
B. Review of Frontage Deposit List Dated May 14, 2023
Trustee Israel Moved for the approval of Frontage Deposit refunds totaling $23,060.00 dated May 14, 2023.
| RESULT: ADOPTED [6 TO 0]
MOVER: Bob Israel, Trustee SECONDER: Dan Pepoon, Trustee AYES: Israel, Collison, Ross, Hebl, Pepoon, Ebhomielen ABSTAIN: Ciesla |
8. PRESIDENT'S REPORT
President Ciesla reported the grand opening for Napolita is pending June 2023; and the Village hosted a successful Flamingo Friday event. Furthermore, the Memorial Day parade is scheduled on May 29, 2023, at 10:30 am; and The Grapes on The Vine event is scheduled on June 17, 2023, from 4 pm to 8 pm.
A. COMMUNITY MOMENT
Donna Whittier discussed how invasive plant species affect the environment. Invasive species (such as European Buck Thorne) cause environmental harm by wiping out diverse plant species and animals. The goal is to replace invasive plant species with native plants. Furthermore, the Village will remove European Buck Thorne debris for homeowners. She thanked the Village for working with the Forest Preserve District to protect the quality of life in Northbrook.
B. PROCLAMATION:
A Proclamation Recognizing May as Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
C. PROCLAMATION:
A Proclamation Recognizing May as National Physical Fitness and Sports Month
D. PROCLAMATION:
A Proclamation Recognizing June 2, 2023 as National Gun Violence Awareness Day
E. PROCLAMATION:
A Proclamation Recognizing June 4-10, 2023 as National Garden Week
Cindy Blue thanked the Village Board for the proclamation. She encouraged the public to join the Northbrook Garden Club.
Trustee Ebhomielen stated she joined the Northbrook Garden Club last year.
F. PROCLAMATION:
A Proclamation Recognizing June 11, 2023 as Race Amity Day
Mary Hansen thanked the Village Board for the proclamation and encouraged the public to attend several June events.
G. RESOLUTION NO. 2023-106
A Resolution Approving a Pre-Development Agreement for the Northbrook Court Property Village Manager Cara Pavlicek discussed the proposed Pre-Development Agreement for the Northbrook Court Property. The packet includes a comprehensive review and approval schedule. She provided a brief overview of the following: Conceptual Master Plan, public private partnerships, and sales tax.
Ben Freedman, Senior Vice President for Development, Brookfield Properties, stated they will schedule public open houses to discuss the project and solicit feedback. The goal is to create a public private partnership. Furthermore, they look forward to continuing their strong business relationship with the Village.
President Ciesla spoke on Northbrook Court’s valuable asset status in the community. She thanked Brookfield Properties for investing $750 million in Northbrook, which will support schools, parks, and government municipalities. Furthermore, the Village looks forward to continuing a strong business relationship with the developer.
Village Attorney Steve Elrod spoke on the intent and purpose of the document before the Village Board. The Pre-Development Agreement is considered a non-binding agreement; and the goal is to create a public private partnership to enhance the redevelopment of the Northbrook Court property.
Trustee's Israel, Collison, Ross, Hebl, Pepoon, and Ebhomielen spoke in favor of the Pre Development Agreement.
President Ciesla spoke on the Village's and communities’ project involvement.
| RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Bob Israel, Trustee SECONDER: Joy Ebhomielen, Trustee AYES: Ciesla, Israel, Collison, Ross, Hebl, Pepoon, Ebhomielen |
9. CONSENT AGENDA
Trustee Israel moved, seconded by Trustee Pepoon, to add item 10 (A) to the consent agenda. On voice vote, all were in favor.
Trustee Israel moved, seconded by Trustee Hebl, to approve the consent agenda as amended, specifically with added item 10 (A), and remove items 9 (N) and 9 (O). On voice vote, all were in favor.
| RESULT: ADOPTED [6 TO 0]
MOVER: Bob Israel, Trustee SECONDER: Joy Ebhomielen, Trustee AYES: Israel, Collison, Ross, Hebl, Pepoon, Ebhomielen ABSTAIN: Ciesla |
A. RESOLUTION NO. 2023-107
A Resolution Authorizing a Contract for Traffic Signal Control Box Upgrades with Meade Electric Company of Willowbrook, Illinois
B. RESOLUTION NO. 2023-108
A Resolution Authorizing an Agreement for Shermer Corridor Phase II Engineering Services with A. Epstein and Sons International, Inc. of Chicago, Illinois
C. RESOLUTION NO. 2023-109
A Resolution Authorizing the Renewal of an Agreement for Pavement Marking Services with Preform Traffic Control Systems, Ltd. of Elk Grove Village, Illinois
D. RESOLUTION NO. 2023-110
A Resolution Authorizing Renewal of an Agreement for Cemetery Burials and Related Service with Property Werks of Northern Illinois, Inc. D/B/A Professional Cemetery Services of Dundee, Illinois
E. RESOLUTION NO. 2023-111
A Resolution Authorizing an Agreement for Engineering Services for Water Main Replacement & Roadway Reconstruction in the Northbrook Huntington Subdivision with Gewalt Hamilton Associates, Inc. of Vernon Hills, Illinois
F. RESOLUTION NO. 2023-112
A Resolution Authorizing the Spring 2023 Parkway Tree Planting Program and the Purchase of 285 Parkway Trees through the Suburban Tree Consortium
G. RESOLUTION NO. 2023-113
A Resolution Authorizing an Agreement for Refurbishment of Pumper Squad Unit #57 with MaQueen Equipment of Aurora, IL
H. RESOLUTION NO. 2023-114
A Resolution Appointing a Delegate and Alternate Delegate to the Intergovernmental Risk Management Agency (IRMA)
I. RESOLUTION NO. 2023-115
A Resolution Extending the Temporary Suspension of Police Alarm Service Charges for Residential Alarm Users
J. RESOLUTION NO. 2023-116
A Resolution Waiving Competitive Bidding and Authorizing an Agreement with Dacra Tech, LLC of Rosemont, IL
K. RESOLUTION NO. 2023-117
A Resolution Approving Task Order No 14 with Sentinel Technologies for a Telephony System Upgrade
L. RESOLUTION NO. 2023-118
A Resolution Approving the Purchase of Network Switches from Sentinel Technologies
M. RESOLUTION NO. 2023-119
A Resolution Providing for a Feasibility Study for a Proposed Northbrook Court Tax Increment Financing District and Business District and Approving a Professional Services Agreement for Economic Development Consulting
N. RESOLUTION NO. 2023-120
A Resolution Approving Contributions to Non-Profit Community Organizations
COMMITTEE REPORTS
10. ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE
A. RESOLUTION NO. 2023-121
A Resolution Approving a Contribution to Hunger Resource Network
Trustee Ebhomielen recused herself and left the room and returned after the vote.
| RESULT: ADOPTED [5 TO 0]
MOVER: Bob Israel, Trustee SECONDER: Muriel Collison, Trustee AYES: Israel, Collison, Ross, Hebl, Pepoon ABSTAIN: Ciesla RECUSED: Ebhomielen |
B. RESOLUTION NO. 2023-122
A Resolution Approving a Contribution to North Suburban Legal Aid Clinic
Trustee Ross recused herself and left the room and returned after the vote.
| RESULT: ADOPTED [5 TO 0]
MOVER: Bob Israel, Trustee SECONDER: Johannah Hebl, Trustee AYES: Israel, Collison, Hebl, Pepoon, Ebhomielen ABSTAIN: Ciesla RECUSED: Ross |
11. PLANNING AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
A. ORDINANCE NO. 2023-31
An Ordinance Amending the Northbrook Zoning Code to Allow Multi-Color Electronic Message Board Display in the IB Institutional Building District (St. Norbert’s & Our Lady of the Brook – 1809 Walters Avenue) (Plan Commission Docket No. PCD-23-02)
President Ciesla requested the applicant address community impacts.
Director of Development and Planning Services, Jonathan Mendel provided a brief history of the existing ground sign and application process. The applicant is requesting to install an electronic bulletin board ground sign with a multi-color display. To note, the IB District permits the use of an EMC sign with one color. Furthermore, the topic of concern is how the text amendment will affect the IB District.
President Ciesla stated Chairman Elisco requested the Village Board evaluate how the text amendment affects other zoning districts.
Director Mendel Unidentified Speaker stated the Plan Commission submitted a unanimous recommendation to the Village Board.
President Ciesla suggested the application be referred to Trustee Collision's Committee to evaluate impact.
Trustee Collision stated applicants must apply for a special permit to install a sign. To note, the application received a positive recommendation from the ACC (Architectural Control Commission). Director Mendel confirmed the Zoning Code allows the use of a black/white or amber electronic sign; and the Zoning Code states ground signs must be setback 6-feet in the IB District. The proposed sign is 6' W x 8.2' H; will be installed in the same location with a zero setback. Trustee Israel stated he favors the multi-color display request.
Trustee Ross felt confused about the Plan Commission recommendation based on some of their comments suggesting any change should be universal.
Trustee Hebl expressed concern the request will set a precedence in the Downtown District. She noted multi-colored signs are predominately displayed in high traffic commercial/industrial areas, not residential/park areas. Furthermore, she does not favor the proposed request.
Trustee Pepoon favors approving the request with a special permit and compliance with Zoning Code sign regulations.
Trustee Ebhomielen stated she favors the multi-color display request.
President Ciesla stated the Downtown District does not have any signs like the proposed request (6' W x 8.2' H signs with multi-color display). Furthermore, she does not favor the sign request.
Village Attorney Steve Elrod clarified the proposed text amendment. The multi-colored electronic sign will be added as a special use. Furthermore, applicants interested in a multi-colored electronic sign must demonstrate they meet the seven elements in the Zoning Code. Trustee Collision noted the Village received only one negative public comment.
| RESULT: ADOPTED [4 TO 2]
MOVER: Muriel Collison, Trustee SECONDER: Bob Israel, Trustee AYES: Israel, Collison, Pepoon, Ebhomielen NAYS: Ross, Hebl ABSTAIN: Ciesla |
B. ORDINANCE NO. 2023-32
An Ordinance Granting Special Permit for Ground Sign With Multi-Color Electronic Message Board Display and Setback Variation In IB District (St. Norbert’s & Our Lady of the Brook – 1809 Walters Avenue) (Plan Commission Docket No. PCD-23-02)
Trustee Collison made a motion to adopt Ordinance 2023-31 & 2023-32 for text amendment & special permit for 1809 Walters for St. Norbert's Electronic Sign, seconded by Trustee Israel. On roll call vote, the motion passed. (4 Yes Vote, 2 No Votes)
| RESULT: ADOPTED [4 TO 2]
MOVER: Muriel Collison, Trustee SECONDER: Bob Israel, Trustee AYES: Israel, Collison, Pepoon, Ebhomielen NAYS: Ross, Hebl ABSTAIN: Ciesla |
C. PRELIMINARY REVIEW - ZONING & DEVELOPMENT APPLICATIONS
1. Preliminary Review of a Request for Special Permit for Vasa Fitness, LLC at 4125 Dundee Rd (Sanders Court)
Senior Planner Swati Pandey discussed an application submitted by Vasa Fitness LLC, for the property located at 4125 Dundee Road at Sander’s Court. The applicant is requesting zoning relief to allow a physical fitness center facility above 2,500 square feet in the C-2 Neighborhood Commercial District. The property is zoned C-2 Neighborhood Commercial; and the Comprehensive Plan’s Future Land Use designation is Community Retail uses. She provided a brief overview of the following: site/floor plan, amenities, operation hours, wall signs (special permit request), and parking. She noted the requested relief/primary issues the Village Board should consider.
Ms. Pandey cited the Zoning Code regulations for wall signs. She confirmed the applicant will be allowed to place signage on the facade facing Sanders Road, if approved. Furthermore, the submitted data shows building code occupancy information; and staff will request programming data for the facility to determine peak times when a formal application is filed.
Trustee Collison spoke in favor of the application. She confirmed no concerns regarding the proposed signage, parking, or traffic. Furthermore, she expressed concern regarding midnight operations, and would like to know the hours of the different fitness centers in the area and an opinion of the Police Department if they would have any concerns with the late hours of operation. She requested the applicant include the following: CAP recommendations, and Zumba classes.
Trustee Israel spoke in favor of the application. He requested a special permit be issued for the signage; text amendment not needed.
Trustee Ross spoke in favor of the application. She confirmed no concerns regarding midnight operations.
Trustee Hebl spoke in favor of the application. She confirmed no concerns regarding parking, and requested the applicant submit peak hours information. Furthermore, she concurs with Trustee Israel's comments regarding the use of a special permit without a text amendment.
Trustee Pepoon spoke in favor of the application. He requested the special permit align with the lease agreement; and confirmed no concerns regarding the wall signs. Furthermore, he requested the Plan Commission evaluate parking.
Trustee Ebhomielen spoke in favor of the application. She expressed concern the wall signage will look different from the rest of the shopping center and would like to note the overall look of the center with the proposed signage.
Kirk Livingstone, Vasa Fitness representative, clarified the market analysis process. He explained how Vasa's fitness model is different from LA Fitness. Furthermore, the memberships start at $10 to $20. Furthermore, wall signage information comparing to other signs of the center will be submitted with the formal application.
President Ciesla spoke in favor of the application. She thanked the landlord for securing a tenant after 7-years of vacancy. She stated that although she would have preferred a sales tax generating business for the community but wishes the new business success; and in future the Village strives to partner with the landlord to attract quality businesses.
12. COMMUNITY AND SUSTAINABILITY
Trustee Ross stated the Board authorized the spring 2023 Parkway Tree Planting Program, and purchase of 285 trees.
13. PUBLIC WORKS AND FACILITIES
14. PUBLIC SAFETY
15. COMMUNICATIONS AND OUTREACH
Trustee Ebhomielen stated the Village hosted a successful Flamingo Friday event.
16. REMARKS FOR THE GOOD OF THE ORDER
Trustee Israel encouraged the Village Board to read Lee Goodman's Facebook essays. Furthermore, he thanked several Village employees for their community support efforts; and encouraged vehicle operators to be cautions of bicyclist on the road.
Trustee Collision recognized the Public Works Department for their support efforts in the community, in honor of National Public Works Week.
17. CLOSED SESSION
None
18. ADJOURN
Trustee Pepoon moved, seconded by Trustee Ross to adjourn the meeting at 9:20 pm. On voice vote, all were in favor.
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