Building & Zoning Committee

“Where People Count” Community Development 1000 Civic Center Drive, Niles, Illinois 60714 Mayor Telephone (847) 588-8040 ● Fax (847) 588-8050 ● TDD (847) 588-8059 Robert M. Callero Trustees April 8, 2010 Chris Hanusiak James T. Hynes Joe LoVerde Building and Zoning Committee Meeting 8:30 a.m. Louella B. Preston Andrew Przybylo In Attendance: Alan Weel Robert M. Callero – Mayor Village Manager Rich Wlodarski – Community Development Assistant Director George R. Van Geem Chuck Ostman – Community Development Director Steve Vinezeano – Assistant Village Manager Village Clerk Joe Annunzio – Village Attorney Marlene J. Victorine George Van Geem – Village Manager ______________ Andrew Przybylo – Village Trustee Community Chris Hanusiak – Village Trustee Development Tom Kanelos – Planning & Zoning Committee Director Bonnie Jacobson – Committee Member Charles Ostman Mary Ann Starzynski – recording Meeting called to order at 8:30 a.m. by Andrew Przybylo. Approval of Minutes: Andrew Przybylo made a motion, seconded by Chris Hanusiak to approve the minutes of the March 2, 2010 Building & Zoning Committee meeting as submitted. Mayor Callero stated that there was a correction needed. Jim Hynes was not listed as in attendance but quoted within the minutes. Correction will be made to documents. Again Andrew Przybylo made a motion to approve the minutes, seconded by Mayor Callero. All approved no opposed. Minutes of March 2, 2010 passed. Andrew Przybylo started the meeting with discussion on the Comprehensive Plan. Asked where we are going with this. Bonnie Jacobson responded by stating that at the last meeting there was a desire for a meeting with the firm Houseal Lavigne at their downtown office location to discuss the Comprehensive Plan proposal. Houseal Lavigne was unfortunately in the process of moving their office so staff spoke with John Houseal and Devin Lavigne on the telephone. Houseal Lavigne followed this conversation with a more detailed scope of services and costs involved (copy attached). Bonnie feels that the scope of service the Village would get is a tremendous value. Bonnie then stated the scope of services also includes optional items for an additional cost, such as a paper survey not only an online survey, a routing and service analysis for the free bus, a cultural/arts plan, a sustainability plan – Green Building in terms of energy, and an additional open house. Bonnie also stated that John Houseal assured her that all the elements listed in the Illinois Planning and Technical Assistance Act would be addressed in the plan. www.vniles.com Andrew Przybylo then asked how much this would cost. Bonnie responded the base cost is $104,100, the Priority Options $9,300 and Other Options $16,100. Stated can mix and match choices to include as desired. She also stated that the $400 for a paper survey would be well worth the cost. Chris Hanusiak then asked if the $400 cost was for mailing. Bonnie stated no. Chris then asked who is going to do the cost of mailing the survey and asked if we have a budget on what we spend for a mailer? Chuck Ostman responded we would do the mailing ourselves and that he could easily put together a budget proposal for mailing. Bonnie stated that the survey could be included in water bills or the Village Newsletter and copies would be available at the Library, Village Hall etc. Chuck Ostman then stated that there would be a cost involved with the printing and Chris Hanusiak asked what that cost would be. George VanGeem stated that it would be very reasonable stating that you can do the whole Village for about $1400. Chris Hanusiak was concerned that when something like that comes inside a bill, such as the water bill, that he himself throws out the extras without looking at the inserts. Wants to be certain that everyone would receive and respond to the survey not throw out information. Andrew Przybylo stated that it seems we need to get people involved and excited. Feels that marketing the Comprehensive Plan and management of the marketing is important. When do you release this, how do you release this? Wanted to discuss a game plan to discuss “Niles New Look” as there is a lot of money/cost involved. Chuck Ostman agreed and said participation is a necessary ingredient to the success. Andrew Przybylo stated this should be handled like the Census. Chuck Ostman remarked that Houseal Lavigne would be willing to help if we chose. Andrew Przybylo stated that by the next meeting we should have ideas to present as to what we think we can do to implement this. Bonnie Jacobson then asked if we have a good rapport with the local village newspaper reporters. The answer was yes. Chuck Ostman said that Bonnie has a lot of contacts with other municipalities and perhaps she should get their input. Andrew stated that by the next meeting there should be something to the effect of what we need to implement, put in motion the plan, maybe inviting the main participants to the council meeting, maybe some banners on the street. The other question Andrew had was cultural arts. He stated that Niles is a city with big shoulders but Marie Antoinette next door and wanted to know if there was a timeline. Joe Annunzio responded that Niles is a healthy town, a vibrant town. Andrew wanted to know what cultural means. George Van Geem stated that he feels it is community based. He stated that in the center of Mount Prospect they have a big band shell dedicated, now it is their Veteran’s band shell but it is where the community orchestra plays, the schools play there, they have all kinds of family and children’s events there. Andrew Przybylo stated we don’t have anything like that. Andrew Przybylo stated that everyone likes the idea of promoting the cultural aspect to this master plan but what does that $7000 get us? Bonnie Jacobson responded by saying that Houseal Lavigne has it in two places, will need to do extra research on this to see where the talent is, what kind of cultural needs are. This is going to require another dimension of research and analysis and how it needs to be addressed in the overall plan. That is why it is an extra. Andrew Przybylo asked if Bonnie could by the next meeting find out what that is buying and to what affect, is it as simple as a band shell. Bonnie felt that ultimately what comes of it is different to each community, maybe the band shell is what worked in Mount Prospect but maybe not what Niles needs. Cultural is listed in two areas, one is the existing and the other is planning for the framework and actually doing it. Andrew wanted to know if this had to be agreed to as an option right away or if perhaps 4 months down the road Niles could decide to include this. Mayor Callero stated he is trying to figure out how Niles can do it in consensus with the Park District land. The problem that Niles has is that it has no downtown, no train station, our town is long – Milwaukee Avenue. He stated that he doesn’t have the idea of where it should be done he is thinking of the concept of conserving money and he just feels that maybe the Park District would help out. Andrew Przybylo stated that maybe that is part of the idea we should be thinking about some kind of joint effort. 2 Mayor Callero said that they might come back with use Leaning Tower. Andrew Przybylo stated that he never thought that was a great place due to traffic but none the less asked feels something should be done. Mayor Callero responded in the overall plan it is not for us it is for the next generation and the generation after that. That is what we are trying to do; the last plan was 40 years ago. We have to not only look at tomorrow but 20 years from now. To do justice to the next generations that live in Niles this is a plan that you fell in love with. They may say that it is on the drawing board but there isn’t enough money to do it so we aren’t going to do it, but ok it is there. In other words should it be in a park, Leaning Tower, Golf Mill. Bonnie Jacobson stated what is it – I think that is where that existing conditions analysis really is important. She stated that there is a big Asian population and to a certain degree how they contribute to the cultural element of Niles. Mayor Callero asked Bonnie that in Morton Grove she did come up with a plan. Bonnie responded that they did not address this aspect. When there was an effort between the Village and the Park District to buy out the little bank that was between and to create a focal point it all blew up politically. She stated that it was not something Morton Grove felt was important or that the community was in tune to - that is probably why John put it as an option. Andrew Przybylo stated because there was a stumbling block. Bonnie did remember John stating that they did do a cultural arts plan as part of a comprehensive plan for at least one other community. She will get the name of that community and feels it is worth calling that community and asking them if they feel it was worthwhile and what were the recommendations for them. Mayor Callero asked that Bonnie get a copy of that information and we will discuss. Andrew Przybylo stated that we don’t have to create a whole building and then questioned the Historical Society. Mayor Callero stated that is not enough room. He asked Bonnie to get us more information on this. Chris Hanusiak asked Bonnie if these options/prices are based upon that we do this at this time or is this we are going to do this after, perhaps go back and revisit. Bonnie stated that her gut was telling her that this is if done at this time. Like anything if you decide if you want to go back and do it a little later it will probably be a little more just because. Mayor Callero then stated he definitely says NO on the bus. He said we are doing our own survey right now with the people that know the route and feels we don’t have to reinvent the wheel. Andrew Przybylo stated that we should be aware of what ever they are doing should be incorporated into this plan. He stated that we know about Storm Water, we’ve talked about that and part of the plan is about Storm Water. Part of the plan is transportation, streets, pedestrian walk ways and all of that is interchangeable. It has to be coordinated. Steve Vinezeano stated that we already have a study that specifically addresses transportation issues. Have all the base information. Andrew Przybylo said for instance the bus. 15 years ago the population of Niles south of Touhy Avenue was negligible now there are condos and there are more people south of Touhy then Niles every had before. Mayor Callero said they don’t have to start from ground zero we can give them all kinds of information. Bonnie Jacobson responded she has already made a list of all the things that we have. A lot of good planning work done for the Milwaukee corridor plan that is still relevant. They are going to want to look at those existing studies, mapping information, GIS, that all helps and any information that we have about routing of the bus, surveys make sure to forward that information on to them. Steve Vinezeano then stated he had a question about the sustainability framework plan. Originally it was included as a regular element they were going to tackle now it is optional. Bonnie stated it is listed as a Priority Option. Steve stated that he doesn’t understand how you can plan anything without looking into the future for sustainability for the community. We have an industrial park that doesn’t even have all the necessary telecommunications opportunities. Bonnie stated that she didn’t know what was envisioned as the extra because certainly part of the community facilities and infrastructure plans should include a lot of this. That would be a good question what is really the extra of the sustainability plan? She felt a lot should be integrated into the other areas. 3 Andrew Przybylo stated that he doesn’t know what sustainability means but feels we are looking at what we want the Village to look like. We are looking at what the housing requirements are going to be in 20 years, you know single family homes are nice but is there an option, how much do we want to do a mixed use with some storefront commercial and townhome kind of dwelling above it like they have in downtown Skokie. Is that what we are talking about sustainability, looking toward the future and seeing what we think? Bonnie Jacobson responded that she sees it as all elements; sustainability is part of all the other things because how can you not look at it. Feels it should be included in the housing analysis. Chris Hanusiak commented that the sustainability framework plan is also about Going Green and going forward with solar and the products we are going to use in the Village. Steven Vinezeano commented that in the future the municipality may consider buildings having to be certified Green. Mayor Callero commented there are three points; economical sustainability, ecological sustainability and cultural sustainability. Chris Hanusiak stated that is where there are government funding - sustainable projects. Andrew Przybylo said okay so we need to find out more about this. Andrew Przybylo stated that he has voiced his concerns to Mayor Callero about spending this money based upon estimates and not bids. He understood that we didn’t have to bid because this is a contract. He wants to cover for the Board of Trustees because we are spending a lot of money how do we do this without going through the bidding process. Joe Annunzio stated that we have already done that. Andrew stated so we have done due diligence and everything that should ethically be done has been done. Joe Annunzio stated yes. Bonnie stated that what we received in the proposals were estimates from the firms and that Houseal Lavigne’s draft is a final cost with the next step to decide which options Niles wants. Mayor Callero stated that yes that is correct each firm gave an estimate. Andrew Przybylo then stated okay so this is going to be taken to a vote at the Board? Mayor Callero stated yes we should take it to the Board. Andrew stated it is in the budget. Mayor Callero stated yes that the committee recommends this that we have gone through the interviews, pricing and we should put it on the agenda next meeting. Andrew stated that he felt that was important before we sign a contract. Mayor Callero stated that we have to have the contract in hand though with definite pricing. Andrew stated okay so we need more information and the contract. Mayor Callero stated that the Board will give approval to sign. Andrew Przybylo asked if anyone has asked about it in the budget. Mayor Callero responded no not that he is aware of. George Van Geem stated that if they did it was just to make sure that it was in there, nobody had a problem with it. Andrew Przybylo stated that he is concerned about the perception of the money spent because this is not something that everybody understands or gets. He wants to emphasize the marketing of this plan not only because it will make it more valuable but because it will make it understandable in terms of what we spend on it. Chuck Ostman then asked is it your intent to take it to the Board this month to get Board approval? Mayor Callero responded if we have a contract in hand, laid all the ground work, and Andrew will be able to explain at the Board meeting what we have done, what the whole committee has done, and that this is our choice and now we want to put it up to vote for approval. Bonnie Jacobson stated that what she needs to do is go back and get info from Houseal Lavigne on the sustainability plan, the cultural arts plan, call the other communities that have the cultural arts plan, and get copies of them, and have John draft the contract. Mayor Callero said that is correct, we will have another meeting to gather all this information then take it to the Board. Andrew Przybylo feels that on the date of the vote that Bonnie should speak to the topic and maybe do a short video, 10 minutes, of what this could mean to the Village of Niles and why this needs to be done. Mayor Callero stated that the question will come up as to how old the surrounding community’s platform’s are and to have that information available. Chuck Ostman asked do you feel we should have a sub committee of this committee so we can really get the enthusiasm of the community. It is going to take a lot of time. Bonnie stated yes that John wanted a 4 comprehensive plan community group, a core group that would be representative of the community. Andrew Przybylo stated that generally it is a good idea except when you get people with their own agendas. Chris Hanusiak stated you are going to get that. Andrew Przybylo said how do you know? Like you’re going to get a guy who is a great walker and he is going to push a walk pathway where none should exist or your going to find somebody who has another agenda. Bonnie stated that she felt it was saying that you want representatives from the Plan Commission, the Chamber, Park District, etc. Andrew Przybylo said if you are talking that fine but if you are going to put a big net out there and catch whomever. Mayor Callero said look at the Environmental Committee they had their own agenda but did they hurt the Village in any way, NO. You are going to have people with their own agendas what you need is someone from the Park District, Historical Society, Chamber, etc. A sub committee, those people with different talents who are able to do different aspects. Andrew Przybylo stated that in terms of the sub committee that the consultants want they should be drawn from people who are also representative of their area of expertise. Mayor Callero stated the only core people you have – as long as you have – start with various departments and take somebody from there then add others with an interest. Bonnie said that she is going to speak with John since he is the one with so much experience in this. She is going to ask for a list of how many people and key people to have on the committee. Wants to get a sense of who should be an interviewer and who should be a committee member. And discuss this as he has done this in several other towns and the situation is not unique to Niles by any means to get a handle from him of who also what size as you want a size that is big enough where you can get the input but not too many involved either. Will bring a generic list back to the next meeting. Andrew Przybylo said okay so at the next meeting we can talk about what this sub committee will be and what is expected of them. Decide where the various representatives should come from. We tore down Oak school years ago as it was no longer necessary but maybe somewhere along the line we should have an educator from the school district to say 20 -3 0 years we are going to need another school and where are you going to put it. Mayor Callero said wait this sub committee is more marketing plans? Chuck Ostman stated he felt it was a working committee to figure out where Niles is going. Andrew Przybylo stated he doesn’t know how many meetings we are talking about but think the input from somebody in schools and parks is necessary. Also stated that meetings should be where the public is going to come to support. Chuck Ostman said he will put something together for the next meeting to explain who the people involved might be and what their role might be. Andrew Przybylo stated lots to do for next meeting. Anything else to cover? Bonnie Jacobson said just a quick update on the sign and landscape ordinance. A new draft of the landscape ordinance was received and it is much improved but she feels it still needs a little work. The sign ordinance she spoke with Al and he was going to be working on it the last couple weeks but Bonnie just came back in the office so she will be talking with him. Chuck Ostman stated that Al was going to get together with staff after he came up with a good draft then he was going to sit down with staff and kind of review that draft and then bring it back to us. So we are waiting for Al to come up with a rough draft. Andrew Przybylo said okay, anything else. Motion to adjourn, Chris Hanusiak seconded. All in favor. Next meeting set for Wednesday, May 5, 2010 at 8:30 a.m. Mayor Callero stated that he will be out of town but to go ahead with the meeting without him. That will give plenty of time to set up for the May 25th Board Meeting to present during the regular meeting 1st item on the agenda. 5