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 December 16, 2010 Trustees Chris Hanusiak James T. Hynes Building and Zoning Committee Meeting 8:30 a.m. Joe LoVerde Louella B. Preston In Attendance: Andrew Przybylo Robert M. Callero – Mayor Alan Weel Steve Vinezeano – Assistant Village Manager Village Manager Joe Annunzio – Village Attorney George R. Van Geem George Van Geem – Village Manager Andrew Przybylo – Village Trustee Village Clerk Tom Kanelos – Planning & Zoning Committee Marlene J. Victorine ______________ James Hynes – Village Trustee Chris Hanusiak – Village Trustee Community Chuck Ostman – Community Development Director Development Rich Wlodarski – Community Development Assistant Director Director Bonnie Jacobson – Planning Coordinator Charles Ostman Mary Ann Starzynski – Recording Meeting called to order at 8:30 a.m. by Andrew Przybylo. Approval of Minutes: Andrew Przybylo asked if the minutes for the November, 2010 meeting were okay. Chris Hanusiak moved to approve the minutes, seconded by Tom Kanelos all approved. The meeting began with a review of the changes to recent sign code. Chuck Ostman presented a handout with pictures to help illustrate. It was noted that Drive-Thru is going to commission to be “Special Use”. All signs that are non-conforming would have to be conforming by January 1, 2025. Andrew Przybylo asked why the year 2025? Chuck Ostman responded that gives business 15 years to conform. George Van Geem then stated if 15 years is being allowed then it should be 2026. Chuck Ostman agreed and said all conforming by 2026. Notice signs for towing will be considered for removing as towing is regulated by the state. Chuck Ostman commented that 4 by 8 signs are unattractive and we should let it be regulated by the state. Andrew Przybylo asked if normal is what the state says. Chuck Ostman responded yes. Chuck Ostman commented that the sign code is scheduled to go before the commission and is the only item on the agenda in January. Mayor Callero asked how high Advantage and Cardinal Signs were. He commented that we say reduce but what is current height? Doesn’t feel it is a blight or unsightly. Andrew Przybylo responded that the height should be 20 feet not 25 feet. Joe Annunzio asked if there was any study done as to why certain height. Chuck Ostman responded that other municipalities only allow 18 feet we allow 20 feet. He also www.vniles.com commented that other communities only give 10 years to conform and we are allowing 15 years to conform. Chuck Ostman felt the signage has an impact on the entire Village and that it is not a great hardship to reduce the height. Chris Hanusiak responded that 15 years is a long time especially if surrounding communities are allowing less time, we are accommodating business. Mayor Callero asked if the height restrictions were transferrable with the property. Chuck Ostman responded yes the property has 15 years to conform. Tom Kanelos commented that there didn’t seem to specifically be an example of a 20 foot sign in the handouts. Chuck Ostman responded he would provide an example of a 20 foot sign. Tom Kanelos questioned residential signage. Chuck Ostman responded that construction signage is permitted but only while actual work is being performed. Mayor Callero then asked if neon signs having 5 years to conform were correct. Chuck Ostman responded yes 5 years. Andrew Przybylo asked how the Comprehensive Plan is coming along. Bonnie Jacobson responded very good and said there was a meeting December 14, 2010. Mayor Callero asked how many residents attended. Chuck Ostman responded that there were no residents in attendance on the sub committee. Bonnie Jacobson stated that the response to the Comprehensive Plan survey was good. Andrew Przybylo asked if the Village intended to do anything with the Newspapers. Bonnie Jacobson responded that the Chamber did an email blast to all businesses. At that time a possible flyer was shown. Steve Vinezeano suggested less use of pictures, too crowded. Andrew Przybylo said topic “caption” good but felt needed more “scare” tactics. Didn’t feel it was clear what we are trying to say. Chuck Ostman responded that we could try other ideas before using a flyer handout. Chuck Ostman stated that the next meeting on January 11, 2011 at 7 p.m. was a sub committee meeting. He stated that Houseal is presenting existing conditions analysis at the meeting. Andrew Przybylo asked Tom Kanelos if he was confident the Board was accepting the sign ordinance as is. Tom Kanelos responded pretty much – yes – “pass”. Chuck Ostman stated that Rolf Campbell is coming to present. He also noted that he and Bonnie Jacobson would be present and noted that the Chamber understands changes are necessary. Chuck Ostman then started a general discussion on permitted and special use. He asked if policies developed over the years should be continued. Examples are restaurants “special use” pertain to hours, atmosphere. Once a restaurant leaves another can come in to the same location but end up being a totally different atmosphere. Morrison Roadhouse use to be small now very busy. Old Kokonuts will be a definite character change with the PlayBook going into the location. If a business is going to be located within an existing business, examples are banks, precious metals, video, if less than 10% of total volume it is okay but if more than 10% of total volume then “special use”. Rich Wlodarski used Subway within Wal-Mart as an example. Chuck Ostman stated that we are receiving a lot of requests for used car sales. Also sports items being sold on street corners. Asked if donation boxes should be regulated (i.e. clothing). Stated that the policy, interpretation is special use. Mayor Callero felt that there should be limits to non retail on certain streets. Chuck Ostman commented on the DiPaolo concrete that a claim for fines/fees has been filed but not received yet. Andrew Przybylo motioned to adjourn. Chris Hanusiak 2nd and all agreed. Meeting adjourned 9:04 a.m. 2