Public Notices & Hearings

Monday, January 13, 2020 I. Call to Order and Roll Call The public hearing of the Wheaton City Council was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Mayor Suess. The public hearing was held in the Council Chambers, Wheaton City Hall, 303 W. Wesley Street, Wheaton, Illinois. Upon roll call, the following were: Present: Mayor Suess Councilman Michael Barbier Councilwoman Erica Bray-Parker Councilwoman Suzanne Fitch Councilwoman Lynn Robbins Councilman Christopher Zaruba Absent: Councilman John Rutledge City Staff Present: Michael Dzugan, City Manager John Duguay, Assistant City Manager James Kozik, Director of Planning & Economic Development Paul Redman, Director of Engineering Susan Bishel, Public Relations Coordinator Andrea Rosedale, Administrative Assistant II. Public Hearing – Vacation Request/Public Alley right-of-Way/Summit Street Subdivision a. Presentation Craig Henninger, 842 N. Summit St., spoke on behalf of Henninger Homes regarding their vacation request for the alley on the east end of Summit Street. He stated in conjunction with the builder’s proposal to construct five new homes, the City included a condition of approval to submit a petition for the alley east of the subject property. The request is to mitigate drainage for the nearby lots. It is currently used as an easement for utilities and the area will continue to maintain that easement. b. Public Comment Shawn Rooney, 222 N. Prospect St., inquired whether the builder would be paying for the land if it is vacated, and he expressed concern that the trees in the alleyway could be removed. Mr. Rooney suggested that the land could possibly be divided among the adjacent property owners. He expressed concern that if the alley were built upon, the structure would be close to his home. Mr. Henninger stated this vacation request was a collaborative effort with City staff. He stated if the alley were vacated, the builder wouldn’t need to a variance for lot depth. He stated they do not intend to build in the alley, and the builder doesn’t intend to remove trees unless it is required for drainage. WHEATON CITY COUNCIL PUBLIC HEARING MINUTES January 13, 202 c. Council Comment In response to Councilwoman Fitch’s question about stormwater improvements, Director of Engineering Redman stated while it is preliminary at this point, the proposed improvements generally would require regrading of some areas to compensate for any filled area and installing a storm drain on the north end of the subject area. Assistant City Manager Duguay answered Mayor Suess’s question about compensation for the land by stating that under City Code, if a permanent easement is required over the entire right-of- way, there is no compensation required. Director of Planning & Economic Development Kozik confirmed Councilman Zaruba’s question regarding where a fence could be constructed. A new homeowner would be able to put up a fence that would extend the additional 12 feet of the vacated alley. City Manager Dzugan stated if the alley were not vacated, this would not be allowed, and there would be a 12 foot difference between fences on the adjoining properties. Councilman Barbier stated due to the permanent easement, granting this request seems to be the most straightforward solution. In response to Councilman Zaruba’s question, Director of Engineering Redman stated the alley is currently not being used for anything and consists of grass and trees. III. Adjournment Councilman Zaruba moved and Councilwoman Robbins seconded a motion to close the public hearing at 7:12 p.m. Roll Call Vote: Ayes: Councilman Zaruba Councilman Barbier Councilwoman Bray-Parker Councilwoman Fitch Mayor Suess Councilwoman Robbins Nays: None Absent: Councilman Rutledge Motion Carried Unanimously Respectfully submitted, Susan Bishel 2