Board of Trustees

MONDAY, AUGUST 19, 2013 – 8:00 P.M. 1. Pledge of Allegiance led by Village Clerk Pramod Shah. 2. Call meeting to order and roll call. 3. Approve Consent Agenda. * 4. Approve, as submitted, minutes of regular meeting held Monday, August 5, 2013. * 5. Approve Voucher List #7-FY14 of August 19, 2013. * 6. Proclamations and Resolutions. A. Proclamations: National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month – September 2013 National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month – September 2013 7. Recognition, Awards and Honorary Presentations. * 8. Appointments, Reappointments and Resignations. 9. Presentations and Reports. 10. Report of the Village Manager. A. Regulation of Bee Keeping. * B. Police Tahoe and Public Works Pick-Up Truck – Currie Motors Inc., Frankfort, IL - $26,715 & Freeway Ford, Lyons, IL - $19,121. C. Request for Executive Session. 11. Report of the Corporation Counsel. CONSENT: * A. An ordinance granting relief from Chapter 10, Article 1, Section 10-10 of the Skokie Village Code pertaining to the temporary sale and consumption of liquor on the public right of way and municipal property. This item is on the consent agenda for second reading and adaptation. * B. An ordinance amending the zoning map with regard to the property located at 7200 McCormick Boulevard Skokie Illinois from an M3 Industry District to a B2 Commercial District. This item is on the consent agenda for second reading and adoption. * C. An ordinance approving a Plat of Subdivision for property located at 7200 McCormick Boulevard, Skokie, Illinois in a M3 Industry District. This item is on the consent agenda for second reading and adoption. * D. An ordinance granting Site Plan Approval for the Construction and Establishment of a Commercial Planned Development at 3300-3408 Touhy Avenue and 7200-7248 McCormick Boulevard, Skokie, Illinois in a B2 Commercial District with various relief from certain sections of chapters 82 and 118 of the Skokie Village Code. This item is on the consent agenda for second reading and adoption. * E. An ordinance granting a special use permit to establish and operate a limited service restaurant with a drive-through facility at 3316 Touhy Avenue, Skokie, Illinois. This item is on the consent agenda for second reading and adoption. * F. An ordinance granting a Special Use Permit to establish and operate a 3-lane drive through facility for a bank at 3328 Touhy Avenue, Skokie, Illinois in a B2 Commercial District and relief from Section 82-28(b)(1)a of the Skokie Village Code. This item is on the consent agenda for second reading and adoption. AR:lg 434978  * G. An ordinance granting a Special Use Permit to establish and operate a bar or drinking place at 3300 Touhy Avenue, Skokie, Illinois in a B2 Commercial District and relief from Section 82-28(b)(1)a of the Skokie Village Code. This item is on the consent agenda for second reading and adoption. * H. An ordinance granting a special use permit to establish and operate an automotive repair facility at 8254 Lincoln Avenue in TX Mixed Use District. This item is on the consent agenda for second reading and adoption. SECOND READING: I. An ordinance amending Chapter 18, Section 18-8 of the Skokie Village Code pertaining to the keeping of various animals. J. Request for an executive session in accordance with paragraph 2(c)(11) of the Illinois Open Meetings Act pertaining to the review or probable litigation. 12. Unfinished Business. 13. New Business. 14. Plan Commission. A. Plan Commission Case 2013-21P – Subdivision: 9300, 9310 & 9440 Kenton and 9301 Gross Point Road B. Plan Commission Case 2013-22P – Alley Vacation bounded by Payne Street, Tripp Avenue, Golf Road, and Kildare Avenue C. Plan Commission Case 2013-23P – Alley Vacation bounded by Payne Street, Crawford Avenue, Golf Road, and Keystone Avenue 15. Citizen Comments. 16. Adjournment. AR:lg 434978  WHEREAS, the National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month (Recover Month) is celebrating its 24th year of observance this September. This year’s theme, “Join the Voices for Recovery: Together We Learn, Together We Heal” emphasizes the need to use all available resources, both in our communities and on the Internet, to educate people about the disease of addition, seek help, and heal. It also celebrates those who have worked to advance the treatment and recovery landscape. Recovery Month is designed to help people understand there is hope and that help for alcohol and drug use disorders is effective and available; and WHEREAS, according to the 2012 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), published by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), 23.2 million persons aged 12 or older (9.4 percent of persons aged 12 or older), needed treatment for an illicit drug, or alcohol use problem. Of these, 15.5 million were dependent on or abused alcohol, but not illicit drugs, 3.7 million were dependent on or abused illicit drugs, but not alcohol, and 3.2 million were classified with dependence on or abuse of both alcohol and illicit drugs. WHEREAS, health care, addiction treatment and recovery services for those in need is a national health priority. In the past several years, steps have been taken to help expand treatment capacity and recovery support services in our country. To help increase the number of available treatment options, SAMHSA is leading the Access to Recovery initiative, a consumer-driven approach for obtaining treatment and sustaining recovery through a State-run voucher program. Working with all levels of government, communities, businesses and society as a whole, SAMHSA is working to create a healthcare system that both embraces and understands the need for more drug and alcohol treatment services. NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE VAN DUSEN, Mayor of the Village of Skokie, do hereby proclaim the month of September 2013, as “NATIONAL ALCOHOL AND DRUG ADDICTION RECOVERY MONTH” and urge its residents to help those in need of treatment and to expand the treatment capacity in this country. We must seek to inspire all levels of government, business and society to work together toward creating a seamless healthcare system that embraces treatment and supports and understands those in need of treatment services. Dated this 19th day of August 2013 __________________________________________ George Van Dusen Mayor ___________________________________ Pramod C. Shah, Village Clerk 166197 National Alcohol and Drug Addition Recovery Month  WHEREAS, in the year 2013, the month of September has been declared National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month; and WHEREAS, in the year 2012, approximately 234,460 men in the United States will learn that they have prostate cancer, and across the nation prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed nonskin cancer in men; and WHEREAS, approximately 27,350 men will lose their lives to this disease in 2011, and one in six men in the nation are at risk of developing prostate cancer during their lifetime; and WHEREAS, it is known that almost one third of prostate cancer occurs in men under the age of 65, during their prime work years, and at any age, prostate cancer devastates families through loss of income, partnership, and support, and WHEREAS, prostate cancer leaves too many parents, women, children and other family members without a man they love, and African American families are disproportionately affected due to African American men having higher rates of prostate cancer diagnosis and death, than men of other racial or ethnic groups in the United States; and WHEREAS, research suggests that men could reduce their risk of prostate cancer mortality if they followed recommended prostate cancer screening guidelines, including examination by a health care provider and increased awareness and use of early detection practices. NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE VAN DUSEN, Mayor of the Village of Skokie, do hereby proclaim the month of September 2013 as, “NATIONAL PROSTATE CANCER AWARENESS MONTH” and urge all men in our community and throughout the country to become aware of their own risks of prostate cancer. They should talk to their health care providers about prostate cancer, and, whenever appropriate, get screened for the disease. Passed this 19th day August 2013 ____________________________________ George Van Dusen Mayor ____________________________________ Pramod C. Shah, Village Clerk 196452 National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month PLAN COMMISSION REPORT 2013-21P: Subdivision Plan Commission Council Chambers, 8:00 PM, August 19, 2013 To: Mayor and Board of Trustees From: Paul Luke, Chairman Case: 2013-21P: 9300, 9310 & 9440 Kenton Avenue and 9301 Gross Point Road Subdivision PLAN COMMISSION ANALYSIS At its July 18, 2013 meeting, the Plan Commission heard a request from Trustees of Schools Township 41 North, Range 13, on behalf of School District 68, to subdivide 42 parcels into 3 lots at the property currently addressed as 9300, 9310, and 9440 Kenton Avenue and 9301 Gross Point Road in an R2 Single-Family district. Lot 1 would contain the Old Orchard Junior High building and its associated parking lots and playfields. Lot 2 would contain the District 68 administrative building and its associated parking lots and school district bus lot, and Lot 3 would contain the former Sharp Corner School building and its associated parking lots and playfields. The Plan Commission concurred with the staff recommendation to grant the subdivision subject to conditions. In response to a commissioner’s question, a School District 68 representative stated that the subdivision was being requested in order to divide the land for the potential sale of the Sharp Corner School building. INTERESTED PARTIES Legal notice was properly posted, advertised and delivered to all property owners in the area of the subject site and all occupants within the subject site as prescribed by the Zoning Chapter. No interested parties spoke regarding the case. PLAN COMMISSION RECOMMENDATIONS AND VOTING The Plan Commission recommends by a vote of 7 ayes and 0 nays, with 1 member absent, that the petitioners’ request for a subdivision at 9300, 9310, and 9440 Kenton Avenue and 9301 Gross Point Road into 3 lots be APPROVED, subject to the recommended conditions. #433900 v1 – Master Plan Commission Report – 2013-21P: Subdivision: 9300, 9310, and 9440 Kenton Avenue and 9301 Gross Point Road 1 of 6 ATTENDANCE AYES NAYS ABSENT Marek X Stasica X Paradise X Carandang X Laxpati X Berman (Moved) X Mitchell (Second) X Luke X ATTACHMENTS 1. Plan Commission Recommended Conditions, dated July 18, 2013 2. Staff Report, dated July 18, 2013 3. Plan Commission Meeting Minutes for July 18, 2013 4. Plat of School District 68 Resubdivision, revised July 11, 2013 5. Land Use and Zoning Map #433900 v1 – Master Plan Commission Report – 2013-21P: Subdivision: 9300, 9310, and 9440 Kenton Avenue and 9301 Gross Point Road 2 of 6 PLAN COMMISSION RECOMMENDED CONDITIONS 2013-21P: Subdivision Plan Commission Council Chambers, 8:00 PM, August 19, 2013 RECOMMENDED CONDITIONS FOR APPROVAL 1. The property must be subdivided pursuant to the School District 68 Resubdivision dated June 20, 2013, revised July 11, 2013, and as may be further revised with the approval of the Village Manager, or designee, and Corporation Counsel. 2. Upon the passage of the ordinance by the Board of Trustees, the Mylar of the School District 68 Resubdivision must be submitted to the Village with all signatures other than Village staff or elected officials. 3. The School District 68 Resubdivision shall be effective upon its recording by the Village in the Office of the Recorder of Deeds of Cook County, Illinois. 4. All monuments must be set no later than 1 year after the date of the recording of the plat. 5. The petitioner must submit to the Planning Division electronic files of the plat of subdivision in approved and finalized form. The files must be scaled drawing files in AutoCAD format (version 2010 or older). The drawings must be formatted to SPCS, NAD83, HARN 2007, with SPCS north being straight up, and the primary units in U.S. Survey Feet. All elements must be contained within a single file, no XREF or PDF attachment files shall be used. 6. If work is to be performed on public property or if public property is utilized or impacted during construction and or development, the owner must provide, or must cause the developer and/or contractor to provide, the Village of Skokie with a certificate of insurance naming the Village of Skokie as additionally insured for any and all claims related to any and all work. The owner shall hold, and shall cause the developer and/or contractor to hold, the Village of Skokie harmless and indemnify the Village for any and all claims for property damage or personal injury related to work on or use of public property. 7. The petitioner must comply with all Federal and State statutes, laws, rules and regulations and all Village codes, ordinances, rules, and regulations. #433900 v1 – Master Plan Commission Report – 2013-21P: Subdivision: 9300, 9310, and 9440 Kenton Avenue and 9301 Gross Point Road 3 of 6 STAFF REPORT 2013-21P: Subdivision Community Development Department Council Chambers, 7:30 PM, July 18, 2013 To: Paul Luke, Chairman, Skokie Plan Commission From: Mike Voitik, Planning Technician Re: Subdivision: 9300, 9310 & 9440 Kenton Avenue and 9301 Gross Point Road General Information Location 9300, 9310 & 9440 Kenton Avenue and 9301 Gross Point Road Purpose To subdivide 42 parcels into 3 lots. Petitioner Trustees of Schools Township 41 North, Range 13, on behalf of School District 68 Size of Site Land to be subdivided: 935,745 square feet (21.48 acres) with 1,588.91 feet of frontage on Gross Point Road, 1,445.63 feet of frontage on Kenton Avenue, 152.97 feet of frontage on Niles Center Road, 98.49 feet of frontage on Knox Avenue, 33.00 feet of frontage on Kilpatrick Avenue, and 590.39 feet of frontage on Lyons Street. Existing Zoning & R2 Single-Family – vacant elementary school, junior high school, Land Use school district administrative offices, school district bus transportation yard, language school, preschool Adjacent Zoning & North B4 Regional Shopping – offices, clinics Land Use R4 Multifamily Housing – multifamily residences South R1 Single-Family – single-family residences R3 Combined Housing – multifamily residences R4 Multifamily Housing – multifamily residences, townhomes B1 Service Commercial – mixed commercial, offices B2 Commercial – mixed commercial East R1 Single-Family – single-family residences, public park R4 Multifamily Housing – multifamily residences West B3 Business – grocery store, clothing stores, hotel, automotive repair facility, automotive fuel station Comprehensive Plan The site is designated as single family detached residential. #433900 v1 – Master Plan Commission Report – 2013-21P: Subdivision: 9300, 9310, and 9440 Kenton Avenue and 9301 Gross Point Road 4 of 6 SITE INFORMATION  Public sidewalks are present along Gross Point Road, Kenton Avenue, Niles Center Road, Knox Avenue, Kilpatrick Avenue, and Lyons Street.  Overhead utilities run to the west of the running track south of the junior high school.  Five driveways are located along Gross Point Road, 7 driveways are located along Kenton Avenue, and a gated driveway is located at Lyons Street.  The site is directly served by the CTA 54A and 97 buses, which run along Skokie Boulevard, and the Pace 208 bus, which runs along Church Street. The site is indirectly served by the CTA 205 and Pace 215 buses, which run along Golf Road, a block and a half north of the subject site. STAFF ANALYSIS Petitioner’s Submittal The petitioner is requesting to subdivide 42 existing parcels into 3 lots at the property currently addressed as 9300, 9310, and 9440 Kenton Avenue and 9301 Gross Point Road in an R1 Single-Family district. The School District 68 Resubdivision is being requested in order to prepare for the district’s sale of the former Sharp Corner School building. Lot 1 will contain the Old Orchard Junior High building and its associated parking lots and playfields. Lot 2 will contain the District 68 administrative building and its associated parking lots and school district bus lot, and Lot 3 will contain the former Sharp Corner School building and its associated parking lots and playfields. Comments Staff Comment and Review sheets were sent to all pertinent departments. All departments returned the sheets with no comments regarding the subject case. The Planning Division supports the proposed subdivision. The subdivision will meet all requirements of the Village Code and Map Data Policy. STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS Staff recommends that the petitioner’s request to subdivide the subject site be GRANTED subject to conditions listed below: 1. The property must be subdivided pursuant to the School District 68 Resubdivision dated June 20, 2013, revised July 11, 2013, and as may be further revised with the approval of the Village Manager, or designee, and Corporation Counsel. 2. Upon the passage of the ordinance by the Board of Trustees, the Mylar of the School District 68 Resubdivision must be submitted to the Village with all signatures other than Village staff or elected officials. #433900 v1 – Master Plan Commission Report – 2013-21P: Subdivision: 9300, 9310, and 9440 Kenton Avenue and 9301 Gross Point Road 5 of 6 3. The School District 68 Resubdivision shall be effective upon its recording by the Village in the Office of the Recorder of Deeds of Cook County, Illinois. 4. All monuments must be set no later than 1 year after the date of the recording of the plat. 5. The petitioner must submit to the Planning Division electronic files of the plat of subdivision in approved and finalized form. The files must be scaled drawing files in AutoCAD format (version 2010 or older). The drawings must be formatted to SPCS, NAD83, HARN 2007, with SPCS north being straight up, and the primary units in U.S. Survey Feet. All elements must be contained within a single file, no XREF or PDF attachment files shall be used. 6. If work is to be performed on public property or if public property is utilized or impacted during construction and or development, the owner must provide, or must cause the developer and/or contractor to provide, the Village of Skokie with a certificate of insurance naming the Village of Skokie as additionally insured for any and all claims related to any and all work. The owner shall hold, and shall cause the developer and/or contractor to hold, the Village of Skokie harmless and indemnify the Village for any and all claims for property damage or personal injury related to work on or use of public property. 7. The petitioner must comply with all Federal and State statutes, laws, rules and regulations and all Village codes, ordinances, rules, and regulations. ATTACHMENTS 1. Plat of School District 68 Resubdivision, revised July 11, 2013 2. Land Use and Zoning Map #433900 v1 – Master Plan Commission Report – 2013-21P: Subdivision: 9300, 9310, and 9440 Kenton Avenue and 9301 Gross Point Road 6 of 6  Plan Commission Meeting Minutes Date: July 18, 2013 Chairman Luke announced that Commissioner Brian O’Donnell has resigned from the Plan Commission and has been appointed to the Zoning Board of Appeals as chairman. The commission wished him well on his new position. A motion was made by Commissioner Berman and seconded by Commissioner Mitchell to accept the minutes of the July 11, 2013 meeting. All voted aye. Case Description 2013-21P – Subdivision: 9300, 9310 & 9440 Kenton and 9301 Gross Point Road Trustees of Schools Township 41 Range 13, on behalf of School District #68, requests a 3-lot subdivision of the following property index numbers in Skokie, IL, in an R1 Single- Family zoning district: 10-15-115-003-0000 10-15-115-042-8002 10-15-117-008-0000 10-15-115-014-0000 10-15-115-043-8001 10-15-117-009-0000 10-15-115-018-0000 10-15-115-043-8002 10-15-117-010-0000 10-15-115-019-0000 10-15-115-044-0000 10-15-117-011-0000 10-15-115-021-0000 10-15-115-045-0000 10-15-117-012-0000 10-15-115-022-0000 10-15-115-046-0000 10-15-117-013-0000 10-15-115-023-0000 10-15-116-013-0000 10-15-117-014-0000 10-15-115-024-0000 10-15-117-001-0000 10-15-117-015-0000 10-15-115-026-0000 10-15-117-002-0000 10-15-125-052-0000 10-15-115-027-0000 10-15-117-003-0000 10-15-125-053-0000 10-15-115-034-0000 10-15-117-004-0000 10-15-126-029-0000 10-15-115-035-0000 10-15-117-005-0000 10-15-126-030-0000 10-15-115-036-0000 10-15-117-006-0000 10-15-126-031-0000 10-15-115-042-8001 10-15-117-007-0000 10-15-126-032-0000 Discussion and Interested Parties Legal notice was properly posted, advertised, and delivered to all property owners in the area of the subject site as prescribed by the Zoning Chapter. Notice was reviewed and ruled to be proper and correct. Beth Millard, Asst. Superintendent of Business and Tara Hilliard, Supervisor of Buildings and Grounds for School District #68 presented the case. They are proposing to consolidate the 42 existing parcels into 3 lots. Old Orchard Jr. High, the central campus would make up Lot 1, the administration and bus parking lot would be contained as Lot 433946Case 2013-21P 2, and Lot 3 would consist of the former Sharp Corner School which has been vacant since last summer. A commissioner questioned why the subdivision is requested at this time. Ms. Milliard stated that the School District has been looking into leasing Sharp Corner School but notes that there is a lot of work that is needed and they would rather sell that lot off. The commissioner asked if there is any interest in the property. There was some attraction by a private school. The chairman wanted confirmation that the district had the School Board’s approval, which it does. Staff supports the subdivision. The 42 parcels were originally designated for residential development and were never consolidated when the schools were built. This merging of lots would basically clean up the area maps. There are no easement, right-of-way or land dedication issues. Recommendation and Voting The Plan Commission concurred with staff recommendations and made a motion to approve the case. The vote was 7 ayes and 0 nays and 1 commissioner absent. Motion: Berman Second: Mitchell Absent: Stasica Ayes: 7 Nays: 0 433946Case 2013-21P PLAN COMMISSION REPORT 2013-22P: Alley Vacation Plan Commission Council Chambers, 8:00 PM, August 19, 2013 To: Mayor and Board of Trustees From: Paul Luke, Chairman Case: 2013-22P: Alley Vacation The southern 393 feet of the north-south unimproved public alley in an area bounded by Payne Street on the north, Tripp Avenue on the east, Golf Road on the south, and Kildare Avenue on the west. PLAN COMMISSION ANALYSIS At its July 18, 2013 meeting, the Plan Commission heard a request from the Village of Skokie to vacate the southern 393 feet of the north-south unimproved public alley in an area bounded by Payne Street on the north, Tripp Avenue on the east, Golf Road on the south, and Kildare Avenue on the west. The alley presently contains grass, trees, fences, and utility poles and is inaccessible to vehicular traffic. The northern 61.50 feet of the alley would remain public right-of-way because it is improved and provides access to the garage at 4235 Payne Street. The subject alley is a part of the Community Development Department’s alley vacation program that was started in 2002 to vacate unopened and unimproved residential alleys in the Village that are unnecessary for Village transportation and access needs. A utility easement over the entire right-of-way would remain so that utility companies can maintain their existing facilities. The vacated alley would be divided down the middle and transferred to the adjacent properties. The Plan Commission concurred with Staff’s recommendation to vacate the alley. One Commissioner asked if there were any underground utilities located within the alley. Staff replied that all utilities in the alley were located overhead. INTERESTED PARTIES Legal notice was properly posted, advertised, and delivered to property owners in the area of the subject site as prescribed by the Zoning Chapter. No interested parties spoke regarding the case. PLAN COMMISSION RECOMMENDATIONS AND VOTING The Plan Commission recommends by a vote of 7 ayes and 0 nays, with 1 member absent, that the petitioner’s request to vacate the southern 393 feet of the north-south unimproved public alley in an area bounded by Payne Street on the north, Tripp Avenue on the east, Golf Road on the south, and Kildare Avenue on the west be APPROVED, subject to recommended conditions as amended. #433906 Master Plan Commission Report – 2013-22P: Alley Vacation Bounded by Payne Street, Tripp Avenue, Golf Road, and Kildare Avenue 1 of 6 ATTENDANCE AYES NAYS ABSENT Marek X Stasica X Paradise (Moved) X Carandang X Laxpati (Second) X Berman X Mitchell X Luke X ATTACHMENTS 1. Plan Commission Recommended Conditions for 2013-22P 2. Staff Report for 2013-22P 3. Plan Commission Meeting Minutes for July 18, 2013 4. Plat of Vacation, dated July 15, 2013 5. Land Use and Zoning Map #433906 Master Plan Commission Report – 2013-22P: Alley Vacation Bounded by Payne Street, Tripp Avenue, Golf Road, and Kildare Avenue 2 of 6 PLAN COMMISSION RECOMMENDED CONDITIONS 2013-22P: Alley Vacation Plan Commission Council Chambers, 8:00 PM, August 19, 2013 1. The property shall be vacated pursuant to the Plat of Vacation dated July 10, 2013, revised July 15, 2013, and as may be further revised with the approval of the Village Manager, or designee, and Corporation Counsel. 2. Easements shall be reserved for all Village and Village franchised public utilities over the entire area to be vacated. A permanent public drainage easement shall be maintained in the vacated alleys. 3. Property owners shall not alter the grade or change the drainage pattern in the easement area without a permit from the Engineering Division. 4. Other than a fence, no structures or trees shall be constructed or planted within the easement area. 5. The vacation shall be effective upon the recording of a Plat of Vacation by the Village in the Office of the Recorder of Deeds of Cook County, Illinois. #433906 Master Plan Commission Report – 2013-22P: Alley Vacation Bounded by Payne Street, Tripp Avenue, Golf Road, and Kildare Avenue 3 of 6 STAFF REPORT 2013-22P: Alley Vacation Community Development Department Council Chambers, 7:30 PM, July 18, 2013 To: Paul Luke, Chairman, Skokie Plan Commission From: Mike Voitik, Planning Technician Re: Alley vacation bounded by Payne Street, Tripp Avenue, Golf Road, and Kildare Avenue General Information Location Unimproved alley, as follows: The approximately southern 393 feet of the north-south alley in an area bounded by Payne Street on the north, Tripp Avenue on the east, Golf Road on the south, and Kildare Avenue on the west. Purpose To vacate an unimproved public alley. Petitioner Village of Skokie Size of Site The alley totals approximately 393 feet in length and 16 feet in width. The total area of the alley is approximately 0.144 acres (6,288 S.F.) Existing Zoning & R1 Single-Family – detached residences Land Use Adjacent Zoning & North R1 Single-Family – detached residences Land Use South R1 Single-Family – detached residences East R1 Single-Family – detached residences West R1 Single-Family – detached residences Comprehensive Plan The alley is designated as single family detached residential STAFF ANALYSIS The Village of Skokie is requesting to vacate the southern 393 feet of the north-south unimproved public alley in an area bounded by Payne Street on the north, Tripp Avenue on the east, Golf Road on the south, and Kildare Avenue on the west. The alley presently contains grass, trees, fences, and utility poles and is inaccessible to vehicular traffic. The northern 61.50 feet of the alley will remain public right-of-way because it is improved and provides access to the garage at 4235 Payne Street. The Community Development Department is continuing to implement its alley vacation program which vacates unopened and unimproved residential alleys in the Village that #433906 Master Plan Commission Report – 2013-22P: Alley Vacation Bounded by Payne Street, Tripp Avenue, Golf Road, and Kildare Avenue 4 of 6 are unnecessary for Village transportation and access needs. In the past, property owners were required to petition the Village to vacate an alley and pay all associated costs involved in the process. In some instances, where the land from the alley increased the street frontage of a lot or its development potential, residents were required to pay for the alleys. The alley proposed to be vacated in this case does not fall under this category. It has been determined that the vacation of alleys will benefit both residents and the Village. Residents will receive minimally increased land area while the Village will reduce maintenance costs. Comments Staff Comment and Review sheets were sent to all pertinent departments. All departments returned the sheets with no comments regarding the subject case. The Planning Division staff supports the proposed alley vacation. There are many similar unopened and unused alleys within the Village. Although they are still Village property and contain utilities, the Village has no intent to open or pave the alleys. Thus, the Village requests to vacate these alleys and return the property to the adjacent property owners. A utility easement over the entire right-of-way will remain so that utility companies can maintain their existing facilities. Once the alley is vacated, the adjacent property owners will be sent a copy of the Plat of Vacation. When the property owners sell their property, their surveyor will prepare a new Plat of Survey indicating the additional land that has been added to the property. Residents may use the additional land as they would any other part of their property, with the exception that structures other than fences may not be constructed in the easement area, and this space must always be maintained for unobstructed drainage. Chapter 5 of the Comprehensive Plan supports the vacation of this alley which represents group number 8 of the alley groups identified for vacation in the Alley Plan. To date, 108 of the 139 alley groups identified have been vacated. STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS Staff recommends that the proposed alley vacation be GRANTED subject to the following conditions: 1. The property shall be vacated pursuant to the Plat of Vacation dated July 10, 2013 and as may be further revised with the approval of the Village Manager, or designee, and Corporation Counsel. 2. Easements shall be reserved for all Village and Village franchised public utilities over the entire area to be vacated. A permanent public drainage easement shall be maintained in the vacated alleys. #433906 Master Plan Commission Report – 2013-22P: Alley Vacation Bounded by Payne Street, Tripp Avenue, Golf Road, and Kildare Avenue 5 of 6 3. Property owners shall not alter the grade or change the drainage pattern in the easement area without a permit from the Engineering Division. 4. Other than a fence, no structures or trees shall be constructed or planted within the easement area. 5. The vacation shall be effective upon the recording of a Plat of Vacation by the Village in the Office of the Recorder of Deeds of Cook County, Illinois. ATTACHMENTS 1. Site Photos 2. Plat of Vacation, dated July 10, 2013 3. Land Use and Zoning Map #433906 Master Plan Commission Report – 2013-22P: Alley Vacation Bounded by Payne Street, Tripp Avenue, Golf Road, and Kildare Avenue 6 of 6  Plan Commission Meeting Minutes Date: July 18, 2013 Chairman Luke announced that Commissioner Brian O’Donnell has resigned from the Plan Commission and has been appointed to the Zoning Board of Appeals as chairman. The commission wished him well on his new position. A motion was made by Commissioner Berman and seconded by Commissioner Mitchell to accept the minutes of the July 11, 2013 meeting. All voted aye. Case Description 2013-22P – Alley Vacation bounded by Payne Street, Tripp Avenue, Golf Road, and Kildare Avenue The Village of Skokie requests to vacate the approximately southern 393 feet of the north-south alley in an area bounded by Payne Street on the north, Tripp Avenue on the east, Golf Road on the south, and Kildare Avenue on the west. Discussion and Interested Parties The Planning Ttechnician summarized the case stating that staff is supportive of the alley vacation as it is not improved or used by vehicles. It will divided 50/50 between adjacent property owners; each receiving about 8 feet of land added on to their property. The chairman asked if there were drainage problems. There is significant topography towards Gross Point Road but staff is unsure if there are any issues. Another commissioner inquired if there were any underground utilities. Staff responded no. The chairman gave background information regarding the Village’s alley vacation program that was initiated in 2004. There is no expense to the property owner and historically, real estate taxes do not increase due to the fact that no permanent structure can be built on the additional land. Fencing and shrubbery can be installed. Recommendation and Voting The Plan Commission concurred with staff recommendations and made a motion to approve the case. The vote was 7 ayes and 0 nays and 1 commissioner absent. Motion: Paradise Second: Laxpati Absent: Stasica Ayes: 7 Nays: 0 433965 Case 2013-22P PLAN COMMISSION REPORT 2013-23P: Alley Vacation Plan Commission Council Chambers, 8:00 PM, August 19, 2013 To: Mayor and Board of Trustees From: Paul Luke, Chairman Case: 2013-23P: Alley Vacation The approximately southern 34 feet of the north-south alley in an area bounded by Payne Street on the north, Crawford Avenue on the east, Golf Road on the south, and Keystone Avenue on the west. PLAN COMMISSION ANALYSIS At its July 18, 2013 meeting, the Plan Commission heard a request from the Village of Skokie to vacate the southern 34 feet of the north-south unimproved public alley in an area bounded by Payne Street on the north, Crawford Avenue on the east, Golf Road on the south, and Keystone Avenue on the west. The alley presently contains grass, trees, fences, and utility poles and is inaccessible to vehicular traffic. The remainder of the north-south alley was previously vacated in 1952. The subject alley is a part of the Community Development Department’s alley vacation program that was started in 2002 to vacate unopened and unimproved residential alleys in the Village that are unnecessary for Village transportation and access needs. A utility easement over the entire right-of-way would remain so that utility companies can maintain their existing facilities. The vacated alley would be divided down the middle and transferred to the adjacent properties. The Plan Commission concurred with Staff’s recommendation to vacate the alley. INTERESTED PARTIES Legal notice was properly posted, advertised, and delivered to property owners in the area of the subject site as prescribed by the Zoning Chapter. No interested parties spoke regarding the case. PLAN COMMISSION RECOMMENDATIONS AND VOTING The Plan Commission recommends by a vote of 7 ayes and 0 nays, with 1 member absent, that the petitioner’s request to vacate the southern 34 feet of the north-south unimproved public alley in an area bounded by Payne Street on the north, Crawford Avenue on the east, Golf Road on the south, and Keystone Avenue on the west be APPROVED, subject to recommended conditions as amended. #433970 Master Plan Commission Report – 2013-23P: Alley Vacation Bounded by Payne Street, Crawford Avenue, Golf Road, and Keystone Avenue 1 of 6 ATTENDANCE AYES NAYS ABSENT Marek X Stasica X Paradise X Carandang (Second) X Laxpati (Moved) X Berman X Mitchell X Luke X ATTACHMENTS 1. Plan Commission Recommended Conditions for 2013-23P 2. Staff Report for 2013-23P 3. Plan Commission Meeting Minutes for July 18, 2013 4. Plat of Vacation, dated July 15, 2013 5. Land Use and Zoning Map #433970 Master Plan Commission Report – 2013-23P: Alley Vacation Bounded by Payne Street, Crawford Avenue, Golf Road, and Keystone Avenue 2 of 6 PLAN COMMISSION RECOMMENDED CONDITIONS 2013-23P: Alley Vacation Plan Commission Council Chambers, 8:00 PM, August 19, 2013 1. The property shall be vacated pursuant to the Plat of Vacation dated July 10, 2013, revised July 15, 2013, and as may be further revised with the approval of the Village Manager, or designee, and Corporation Counsel. 2. Easements shall be reserved for all Village and Village franchised public utilities over the entire area to be vacated. A permanent public drainage easement shall be maintained in the vacated alleys. 3. Property owners shall not alter the grade or change the drainage pattern in the easement area without a permit from the Engineering Division. 4. Other than a fence, no structures or trees shall be constructed or planted within the easement area. 5. The vacation shall be effective upon the recording of a Plat of Vacation by the Village in the Office of the Recorder of Deeds of Cook County, Illinois. #433970 Master Plan Commission Report – 2013-23P: Alley Vacation Bounded by Payne Street, Crawford Avenue, Golf Road, and Keystone Avenue 3 of 6 STAFF REPORT 2013-23P: Alley Vacation Community Development Department Council Chambers, 7:30 PM, July 18, 2013 To: Paul Luke, Chairman, Skokie Plan Commission From: Mike Voitik, Planning Technician Re: Alley vacation bounded by Payne Street, Crawford Avenue, Golf Road, and Keystone Avenue General Information Location Unimproved alley, as follows: The approximately southern 34 feet of the north- south alley in an area bounded by Payne Street on the north, Crawford Avenue on the east, Golf Road on the south, and Keystone Avenue on the west. Purpose To vacate an unimproved public alley. Petitioner Village of Skokie Size of Site The alley totals approximately 34 feet in length and 16 feet in width. The total area of the alley is approximately 0.012 acres (544 S.F.) Existing Zoning & R1 Single-Family – detached residences Land Use Adjacent Zoning & North R1 Single-Family – detached residences Land Use South B2 Commercial – trophy store, hair salon, resale shop, dry cleaners, convenience store, full-service restaurant, automotive fuel station, automotive repair facility East R1 Single-Family – detached residences West R1 Single-Family – detached residences Comprehensive Plan The alley is designated as single family detached residential STAFF ANALYSIS The Village of Skokie is requesting to vacate the southern 34 feet of the north-south unimproved public alley in an area bounded by Payne Street on the north, Crawford Avenue on the east, Golf Road on the south, and Keystone Avenue on the west. The alley contains grass, trees, fences, and utility poles and is inaccessible to vehicular traffic. The remainder of the north-south alley was previously vacated in 1952. #433970 Master Plan Commission Report – 2013-23P: Alley Vacation Bounded by Payne Street, Crawford Avenue, Golf Road, and Keystone Avenue 4 of 6 The Community Development Department is continuing to implement its alley vacation program which vacates unopened and unimproved residential alleys in the Village that are unnecessary for Village transportation and access needs. In the past, property owners were required to petition the Village to vacate an alley and pay all associated costs involved in the process. In some instances, where the land from the alley increased the street frontage of a lot or its development potential, residents were required to pay for the alleys. The alley proposed to be vacated in this case does not fall under this category. It has been determined that the vacation of alleys will benefit both residents and the Village. Residents will receive minimally increased land area while the Village will reduce maintenance costs. Comments Staff Comment and Review sheets were sent to all pertinent departments. All departments returned the sheets with no comments regarding the subject case. The Planning Division staff supports the proposed alley vacation. There are many similar unopened and unused alleys within the Village. Although they are still Village property and contain utilities, the Village has no intent to open or pave the alleys. Thus, the Village requests to vacate these alleys and return the property to the adjacent property owners. A utility easement over the entire right-of-way will remain so that utility companies can maintain their existing facilities. Once the alley is vacated, the adjacent property owners will be sent a copy of the Plat of Vacation. When the property owners sell their property, their surveyor will prepare a new Plat of Survey indicating the additional land that has been added to the property. Residents may use the additional land as they would any other part of their property, with the exception that structures other than fences may not be constructed in the easement area, and this space must always be maintained for unobstructed drainage. Chapter 5 of the Comprehensive Plan supports the vacation of this alley which represents group number 139 of the alley groups identified for vacation in the Alley Plan. To date, 108 of the 139 alley groups identified have been vacated. STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS Staff recommends that the proposed alley vacation be GRANTED subject to the following conditions: 1. The property shall be vacated pursuant to the Plat of Vacation received July 10, 2013 and as may be further revised with the approval of the Village Manager, or designee, and Corporation Counsel. #433970 Master Plan Commission Report – 2013-23P: Alley Vacation Bounded by Payne Street, Crawford Avenue, Golf Road, and Keystone Avenue 5 of 6 2. Easements shall be reserved for all Village and Village franchised public utilities over the entire area to be vacated. A permanent public drainage easement shall be maintained in the vacated alleys. 3. Property owners shall not alter the grade or change the drainage pattern in the easement area without a permit from the Engineering Division. 4. Other than a fence, no structures or trees shall be constructed or planted within the easement area. 5. The vacation shall be effective upon the recording of a Plat of Vacation by the Village in the Office of the Recorder of Deeds of Cook County, Illinois. ATTACHMENTS 1. Site Photos 2. Plat of Vacation, dated July 10, 2013 3. Land Use and Zoning Map #433970 Master Plan Commission Report – 2013-23P: Alley Vacation Bounded by Payne Street, Crawford Avenue, Golf Road, and Keystone Avenue 6 of 6  Plan Commission Meeting Minutes Date: July 18, 2013 Chairman Luke announced that Commissioner Brian O’Donnell has resigned from the Plan Commission and has been appointed to the Zoning Board of Appeals as chairman. The commission wished him well on his new position. A motion was made by Commissioner Berman and seconded by Commissioner Mitchell to accept the minutes of the July 11, 2013 meeting. All voted aye. Case Description 2013-23P – Alley Vacation bounded by Payne Street, Crawford Avenue, Golf Road, and Keystone Avenue The Village of Skokie requests to vacate the remaining approximately southern 34 feet of the north-south alley in an area bounded by Payne Street, Crawford Avenue, Golf Road, and Keystone Avenue. Discussion and Interested Parties The Planning Technician summarized the case stating that staff is supportive of the alley vacation as it is not improved or used by vehicles. The majority of the north/south alley was vacated in the 1950s leaving this small remnant portion. It is completely fenced off and only affects 3 properties. It will be divided 50/50 between adjacent property owners; each receiving about 8 feet of land added on to their property. The chairman gave background information regarding the Village’s alley vacation program that was initiated in 2004. There is no expense to the property owner and historically, real estate taxes do not increase due to the fact that no permanent structure can be built on the additional land. Fencing and shrubbery can be installed. Mohammad Aleemuddin, 9641 Kildare, inquired how he will know when the vacation will take place. Staff advised him that as an interested party, he will receive a copy of the Plan Commission report in advance of the Village Board meeting. Recommendation and Voting The Plan Commission concurred with staff recommendations and made a motion to approve the case. The vote was 7 ayes and 0 nays and 1 commissioner absent. Motion: Berman Second: Carandang Absent: Stasica Ayes: 7 Nays: 0 433958 Case 2013-23P