Village Board of Trustees

1200 Wilmette Ave Wilmette, IL 60091 AGENDA FOR THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE PRESIDENT AND BOARD OF TRUSTEES Village Board Council Chambers Tuesday, January 13, 2026 7:00 PM 1.0 Roll Call 2.0 Public Comment Members of the public that attend the above noticed meeting may address this public body during Public Comment. Members of the public that will not be attending the above noticed meeting may submit a comment in advance of the meeting by emailing their comment to publiccomment@wilmette.com. All emailed comments received two hours prior to the start of a meeting will be provided, unredacted, to the public body. Emails received at any time within two hours of the beginning of the meeting until its adjournment will be included in the draft minutes of the meeting. 3.0 Consent Agenda Matters listed for consideration on the Consent Agenda are items of routine business that ordinarily are not debated by the Village Board. Routine business may include adoption of ordinances, introduction of ordinances, land use cases with positive recommendations from a public body, minutes, reports, appointments, and contracts. Matters referred to a Village Board committee will not be acted upon until the assigned committee submits its report and recommendation to the full Village Board. Village Board rules (unless waived by majority vote) require that Ordinances not related to land use cases be “introduced” at one meeting and not considered for “adoption” until a subsequent meeting, at which time they may be discussed. The Village President will inquire if a member of the Board or member of the public wishes to discuss any item on the Consent Agenda. If such a request is made, the item will be removed from the Consent Agenda and taken up by the Village Board in the order shown. Thereafter, the Village President will request a motion and second for passage of all remaining items listed. The resulting roll call vote on the Consent Agenda will be applicable to each remaining agenda item. Any item removed from the Consent Agenda is subject to a five-minute time limit. Any agenda item beginning with a 3 is on the Consent Agenda. Land Use Committee Consent Agenda Zoning Board of Appeals Report, Case #2025-Z-25, 413 Lawndale Avenue, Page 1 of 29  regarding a request for variations in accordance with the plans submitted; adoption of Ordinance #2026-O-XX. Finance Committee Consent Agenda Administration Committee Consent Agenda Municipal Services Committee Consent Agenda Public Safety Committe Consent Agenda Judiciary Committee Consent Agenda 4.0 Reports of Officers 5.0 Standing Committee Reports 5.1. Land Use Standing Committee Report 5.2. Finance Standing Committee Report 5.3. Administration Standing Committee Report 5.4. Municipal Services Standing Committee Report 5.5. Public Safety Standing Committee Report 5.6. Judiciary Standing Committee Report 5.7. Reports From Special Committees 6.0 New Business 7.0 Adjournment If you are a person with a disability and need special accommodations to participate in and/or attend a Village of Wilmette public meeting, please notify the Village Manager’s Office at (847) 853-7509 or TDD 7-1-1 as soon as possible. For additional information, please call (847) 853-7511, the Village Clerk’s Office. Page 2 of 29 REQUEST FOR BOARD ACTION AGENDA ITEM: 3.3 Community Development Department SUBJECT: Case 2025-Z-57 447 Alpine Lane – Zoning Board of Appeals Request MEETING DATES: November 25, 2025 FROM: The Zoning Board of Appeals BUDGET IMPACT: None Recommended Motion Move to introduce and subsequently adopt Ordinance No. 2025-O-101 granting a request for a fence openness variation to permit 4.0’ tall solid fencing in a side yard adjoining a street at 447 Alpine Lane in accordance with the plans submitted. Background On November 5, 2025, the Zoning Board of Appeals voted unanimously to recommend approval for a request for a fence openness variation to permit 4.0’ tall solid fencing in a side yard adjoining a street at 447 Alpine Lane in accordance with the plans submitted. Documents Attached 1. Case 2025-Z-57 447 Alpine Lane ZBA Report 2. Ordinance No. 2025-O-101 Page 1 of 1 Page 3 of 29  3.3 REPORT TO THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES 11-25-25 FROM THE ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS Recommendation: The Zoning Board of Appeals recommends granting a request for a fence openness variation to permit 4.0’ tall solid fencing in a side yard adjoining a street at 447 Alpine Lane in accordance with the plans submitted. Case Number: 2025-Z-57 Property: 447 Alpine Lane Zoning District: R1-A, Single-Family Detached Residence Applicant: John Goetgeluck Nature of Application: Request for a fence openness variation to permit 4.0’ tall solid fencing in a side yard adjoining a street Applicable Provisions of the Zoning Ordinance: Section 5.4 Section 5.4.F.1.H Section 8.3 Section 13.4.H.2.A.ii Hearing Date: November 5, 2025 Date of Application: May 6, 2025 Zoning Board Vote: Chair Maria Urban Yes Karl Camillucci Not Present Brad Falkof Yes Didier Glattard Yes Christine Norrick Not Present Ryrie Pellaton Yes Marcy Sullivan Yes Notices: Notice of public hearing to the applicant, October 14, 2025. Notice of public hearing published in the Wilmette Life, October 16, 2025. Posted on the property, October 20, 2025. Affidavit of compliance with notice requirements dated October 16, 2025. Report Prepared By: Lisa Roberts, AICP Deputy Director of Community Development Minutes transcribed by Gale Cerabona 1.0 Page 4 of 29  Case 2025-Z-57 447 Alpine Lane Report Approved and Submitted By: Chair Maria Urban _________________________ 11/19/2025 Chair Maria Urban Date 2 Page 5 of 29 Page 6 of 29  Case 2025-Z-57 447 Alpine Lane STAFF INFORMATION AS PRESENTED TO THE ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS Description of Property The Subject Property is located on the southwest corner of Wilmette Avenue and Alpine Lane. The Subject Property has 70.0’ of frontage on Alpine Lane and 120.81’ of frontage on Wilmette Avenue. The property is 8,456.7 square feet in area. The property is improved with a split-level house and detached two-car garage accessed from Wilmette Avenue. The garage was constructed in 2009; at that time, the curb cut was relocated from Alpine Lane to Wilmette Avenue. The property is surrounded by properties zoned R1-A, Single-Family Detached Residence, and improved with single-family homes. Proposal The petitioner is requesting to retain approximately 21’ of 4.0’ tall solid fence along the west lot line in the side yard adjoining Wilmette Avenue. The petitioner received a permit for a conforming 4.0’ tall 50% open fence in the side yard adjoining a street and then filled in the fencing to make a solid fence. The petitioner is also requesting to enclose approximately 27’ of an existing open 4.0’ tall fence along the north lot line in the side yard adjoining a street. Because the Zoning Ordinance requires a minimum of 50% fence openness within a side yard adjoining a street, a fence openness variation is required. Other Zoning Requests at the Subject Property There is no record of a previous Zoning Board request at 447 Alpine Lane. Other Residential Fence Variation Requests 54 Crescent Place Case 2025-Z-38 ZBA: Grant VB: Granted Request for a 2.5’ fence height and a fence openness variation to permit the construction of a 6.0’ tall solid fence in a front yard 216 Lockerbie Lane Case 2025-Z-36 ZBA: Grant VB: Granted Request for a 2.0’ fence height and a fence openness variation to permit the construction of a 6.0’ tall solid fence in the rear yard of a double frontage lot 56 Indian Hill Road Case 2025-Z-18 ZBA: Deny VB: Denied Request for a 2.0’ fence height and a fence openness variation to permit the construction of a 6.0’ tall solid fence in a front yard 336 Sheridan Road & 328 Sheridan Road Case 2024-Z-58 ZBA: Grant VB: Granted Request for a 1.0’ gate height fence variation to permit the construction of two gates as part of a new front yard fence 3 Page 7 of 29  Case 2025-Z-57 447 Alpine Lane 52 Indian Hill Road Case 2024-Z-49 ZBA: Grant VB: Granted Request for a 1.67’ wall height variation and a variation for a wall in the rear yard of a double- frontage lot to permit the construction of a 4.67’ tall garden wall and a 2.0’ fence height variation and a fence openness variation to permit the construction of a 6.0’ tall solid fence in a front yard and in a rear yard of a double-frontage lot 735 Michigan Avenue Case 2024-Z-27 ZBA: Grant VB: Granted Request for a 2.5’ fence height variation and a fence openness variation to permit the installation of a 6.5’ tall solid fence in a required front yard 1435 Westerfield Drive Case 2023-Z-49 ZBA: Grant VB: Granted Request for a 2.0’ fence height variation and a 50% fence openness variation to permit the installation of a 6.0’ tall solid fence in the rear yard of a double frontage lot, along Chestnut Avenue 2223 Iroquois Road Case 2023-Z-35 ZBA: Grant VB: Granted Request for a 2.0’ fence height variation and fence openness variation to permit the installation of a 6.0’ tall solid fence in the rear yard of a double-frontage lot 744 Illinois Road Case 2022-Z-33 ZBA: Deny VB: Withdrawn Request for a 2.0’ fence height variation and fence openness variation to permit the installation of a 6.0’ tall solid fence in a side yard adjoining a street 410 Vista Drive Case 2022-Z-67 ZBA: Grant VB: Granted Request for a 1.0’ fence height variation and a variation from the requirement that chain link fences are not permitted in a side yard adjoining a street to permit the modification of an existing chain link fence 2701 Birchwood Avenue Case 2022-Z-37 ZBA: Deny VB: Denied Request for a 1.0’ fence height variation and fence openness variation to permit the installation of a 5.0’ tall solid fence in a side yard adjoining a street 2145 Old Glenview Road Case 2022-Z-36 ZBA: Grant VB: Granted Request for a 2.0’ fence height variation and fence openness variation to permit the replacement of a 6.0’ tall solid fence in the rear yard of a double-frontage lot 2500 Kenilworth Avenue Case 2022-Z-12 ZBA: Grant VB: Granted Request for a 2.0’ fence height variation and fence openness variation to permit the replacement of a 6.0’ tall solid fence in a side yard adjoining a street 2041 Kenilworth Avenue Case 2021-Z-23 ZBA: Deny VB: Denied Request for a 2.5’ fence height variation and fence openness variation to permit the replacement of a 6.5’ tall solid fence in the side yard adjoining a street 222 Lockerbie Lane Case 2021-Z-15 ZBA: Grant VB: Granted Request for a 2.0’ fence height variation and a fence openness variation to permit the replacement of a 6.0’ tall solid fence in the rear yard of a double-frontage lot 4 Page 8 of 29  Case 2025-Z-57 447 Alpine Lane 1502 Elmwood Avenue Case 2021-Z-09 ZBA: Grant VB: Granted Request for a 2.0’ fence height variation and fence openness variation to permit the installation of a 6.0’ tall solid fence in the side yard adjoining a street 33 Canterbury Court Case 2020-Z-27 ZBA: Deny VB: Denied Request for a 2.0’ fence height variation to permit the construction of a 6.0’ tall open replacement fence in a front yard 437 Highcrest Drive Case 2019-Z-33 ZBA: Deny VB: Withdrawn Request for a 2.0’ fence height variation and fence openness variation to permit the installation of a 6.0’ tall solid fence in the side yard adjoining a street 1913 Thornwood Avenue Case 2019-Z-13 ZBA: Deny VB: Denied Request for a 2.0’ fence height variation and fence openness variation to permit the installation of a 6.0’ tall solid fence in the side yard adjoining a street 221 10th Street Case 2018-Z-31 ZBA: Grant VB: Granted Request for a 196.21 square foot (13.6%) rear yard pavement impervious surface coverage variation to permit the construction of a new rear walk and a 2.0’ fence height variation and a fence openness variation to permit the installation of a 6.0’ tall solid fence in the rear yard of a double frontage lot 1163 Romona Road Case 2018-Z-19 ZBA: Grant VB: Granted Request for a 2.0’ fence height variation and a fence openness variation to permit the installation of 6.0’ tall solid fence in a front yard 34 Canterbury Court Case 2018-Z-18 ZBA: Grant VB: Granted Revised request for a 1.0’ fence height variation to permit the replacement of a 7.5’ tall solid fence in a side yard and a rear yard 405 Vista Drive Case 2018-Z-15 ZBA: Deny VB: Withdrawn Request for a 2.0’ fence height variation and a fence openness variation to permit the retention of a 6’ tall solid fence in a front yard Zoning Ordinance Provisions Involved Section 5.4 outlines the variation procedures. Section 5.4.F.1.H establishes additional variation standards for fence requests. Section 8.3 references Table 8-2, which establishes a 21.0’ side yard adjoining a street setback on the Subject Property. Section 13.4.H.2.A.ii permits fences in a required front yard, side yard adjoining a street, and rear yard of a double-frontage lot provided the fence be a minimum of 50% open. 5 Page 9 of 29  Case 2025-Z-57 447 Alpine Lane Action Required Move to recommend granting a request for a fence openness variation to permit 4.0’ tall solid fencing in a side yard adjoining a street at 447 Alpine Lane, in accordance with the plans submitted. (After the vote on the request) Move to authorize the Chairman to prepare the report and recommendation for the Zoning Board of Appeals for case number 2025-Z-57. CASE FILE DOCUMENTS Doc. No. Documents Location Maps And Plans 1.0 Zoning Map 1.1 GIS Map 1.2 Sidwell Tax Map 1.3 Plat of Survey 1.4 Plat of Survey as Site Plan Written Correspondence and Documentation 2.0 Completed application form 2.1 Letter of application with attachments 2.2 Proof of ownership 2.3 Notice of Public Hearing as prepared for the petitioner, dated October 14, 2025 2.4 Notice of Public Hearing as published in the Wilmette Life, dated October 16, 2025 2.5 Certificate of publication 2.6 Certificate of posting, dated October 20, 2025 2.7 Affidavit of compliance with notice requirements, filed by applicant, October 16, 2025 2.8 Fence permit 202501275 issued May 27, 2025 3.0 COMMENTS AND ARGUMENTS ON BEHALF OF THE APPLICANT 3.1 Persons appearing for the applicant 3.11 Mr. John Goetgeluck, applicant 447 Alpine Lane 3.2 Summary of presentations 3.21 Ms. Roberts said this is a request for a fence openness variation to permit 4.0’ tall 6 Page 10 of 29  Case 2025-Z-57 447 Alpine Lane solid fencing in a side yard adjoining a street. The Village Board will hear this case on November 25, 2025. 3.22 Mr. Goetgeluck said they moved into the home in 2020. He referred to his letter and the standards of review that pertain to rationale for the fence. On the rear lot line, he removed an unruly, difficult to maintain, 12-15’ tall hedge row where the fence was, as it was growing into power lines above it, and coyotes were going through the bushes. The new fence was built and installed. Slats were added later to make it neighbor-friendly, as their 14-year old Shih Tzu was escaping into the neighbor’s yard. His and the neighbor’s property line is the same. As their driveway is right there, headlights shine into their windows. A photo of the neighbor’s unkempt yard was referenced. Mr. Goetgeluck said he wanted to create a barrier for their 3- and 5-year old children. Coyotes have been sighted in their yard, so the fence is a reason to keep them out. 3.23 Mr. Pellaton identified the roll of netting adjacent to the driveway, and asked if that is extended for dog use. Mr. Goetgeluck said yes and also to keep balls the children play with in his yard. 3.24 Mr. Goetgeluck said his house is adjacent to Wilmette Avenue, which is extremely busy. Drivers go above the speed limit and drag race up the hill. The police were contacted and signs were placed; though, it’s still an issue. A closed fence would help be a better barrier. Headlights and noise are deterred. 3.25 Mr. Falkof asked about the variation and proposal. He referenced the north side at Wilmette Avenue where there’s a 4’ open fence and asked if his fence touches that. Mr. Goetgeluck said no. He only wishes to close the back corner where the driveway is. 3.26 Mr. Falkof referenced the northwest corner, utility pole where the fence is 4’ and asked if the height would be left at that. Mr. Goetgeluck concurred. He is just adding slats. 3.27 Mr. Falkof referenced the 6’ tall, double-slatted fence. Mr. Goetgeluck said that was already permitted. 3.28 Ms. Sullivan said it appears there are two proposals – one for the north side, and the other for the west side. Mr. Goetgeluck illustrated the west side 4’ fence already built and the 4’ fence along Wilmette Avenue that he wishes to add slats to. 7 Page 11 of 29  Case 2025-Z-57 447 Alpine Lane 3.29 Mr. Glattard asked why all of the fence is not going to be double-slatted. Mr. Goetgeluck said he planted 33 arborvitae four years ago, and they are just starting to grow. 3.30 Mr. Pellaton asked about the green 2’ fencing around the arborvitae. For the dog’s sake, he asked if this could be placed on the inside of the fence and accomplish the same thing. Mr. Goetgeluck said he could, but it wouldn’t look very good. The green fence is to keep rabbits from eating the arborvitae. The main concern is not the dog but rather the headlights, noise from the road, privacy/containment of the children from a main road, as they ride their bikes and play there. 3.31 Chair Urban said the headlights from Wilmette Avenue really don’t affect the petitioner because they are parallel to the fence. Mr. Goetgeluck concurred, but the people pulling out of their driveways on the other side of Wilmette Avenue do affect them. 3.32 Mr. Goetgeluck said his neighbor has a variance for a 6’ tall open fence. The neighbors behind him also have a 6’ tall open fence. He cited another neighbor on Sandy Lane that has a variance for a 6’ tall open fence. Mr. Goetgeluck said he is asking for far less – just to close his 4’ fence in a little corner to have more privacy in his driveway. Mr. Glattard said those fences would have been grandfathered in. 3.33 Chair Urban said the neighbor on Sandy Lane is in a double jam, as they are near two busy streets. 3.34 Mr. Goetgeluck said he cut down trees to build the fence. He could plant arborvitae there, but power lines are present. 3.35 Chair Urban asked if there is anyone in the audience to speak on this case. 4.0 INTERESTED PARTIES 4.1 Persons speaking on the application 4.11 Mr. Michael Sullivan, resident 448 Alpine Lane 4.2 Summary of presentations 4.21 Mr. Sullivan said he lives across the street in a double side yard. He has 3 young 8 Page 12 of 29  Case 2025-Z-57 447 Alpine Lane children, and this is a safety concern, as the cars drive so fast. So much so that the Wilmette police often pull people over. Mr. Sullivan supports this proposal. This is one of the nicest-looking fences in the whole neighborhood. 4.22 Mr. Pellaton asked how a solid fence helps with safety. Mr. Sullivan said he believes it’s the height and the openness. 4.23 Mr. Goetgeluck said when his child was 2 years old, he got his head stuck in the fence, and he had to unscrew a slat. 5.0 VIEWS EXPRESSED BY MEMBERS OF THE ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS 5.1 Mr. Falkof referenced people who have done the work and come before the ZBA after the fact. This bothers him, as an informal precedent is being set. This request is de minimis, it’s a very good-looking fence, and is see-through just a bit if looking to the side. He said he will support this. 5.2 Mr. Glattard concurred and said he is in support. 5.3 Ms. Sullivan said she is not in favor of the fence facing Wilmette Avenue. She bikes there and hasn’t seen it be busy. 5.4 Mr. Pellaton recalled a case with headlights bothering the applicant; though, it was deemed plantings would have to suffice. This case is similar. A hardship could be a traffic on Wilmette Avenue. He will support this, has no issue, and appreciates the lower parts of the fence. 5.5 Mr. Glattard referenced the other cases had 6’ solid fences proposed. 5.6 Chair Urban reviewed the fence variance standards. The applicant is oriented toward a busy street. There are a significant number of 6’ fences in the area. A short stretch is being requested. Landscaping has been applied. She said she will support this. 5.7 Mr. Glattard said he appreciates proposing an alternating slat fence as opposed to a solid slat fence. It has a nicer look. 6.0 DECISION 6.1 Mr. Falkof moved to recommend granting a request for a fence openness variation to permit 4.0’ tall solid fencing in a side yard adjoining a street at 447 Alpine Lane in accordance with the plans submitted. 6.11 Mr. Glattard seconded the motion, and the vote was as follows: 9 Page 13 of 29  Case 2025-Z-57 447 Alpine Lane Chair Maria Urban Yes Karl Camillucci Not Present Brad Falkof Yes Didier Glattard Yes Christine Norrick Not Present Ryrie Pellaton Yes Marcy Sullivan Yes Motion carried. 6.2 Mr. Pellaton moved to authorize the Chairman to prepare the report and recommendation for case number 2025-Z-57. 6.21 Mr. Glattard seconded the motion, and the vote was as follows: Chair Maria Urban Yes Karl Camillucci Not Present Brad Falkof Yes Didier Glattard Yes Christine Norrick Not Present Ryrie Pellaton Yes Marcy Sullivan Yes Motion carried. 7.0 FINDINGS OF FACT UPON WHICH DECISION WAS BASED The Zoning Board of Appeals finds that the request meets the variation standards of Section 5.4.F and the fence variation standards of Section 5.4.F.h of the Zoning Ordinance. The particular physical conditions of the property, its location as a corner lot with a side yard along Wilmette Avenue, imposes upon the owner a practical difficulty. The plight of the owner was not created by the owner and is due to the orientation of the lot. The difficulty prevents the owner from making reasonable use of their property with the safe enclosure of their backyard. The proposed variations will not impair an adequate supply of light and air to adjacent properties or otherwise injure other properties and its use. The variations if granted will not alter the essential character of the neighborhood. The fence height is conforming at 4’. The style is such that there is some visibility through it when viewed at an angle. The fence secures the backyard from Wilmette Avenue, which is busy street. Other such fences exist in the area including fences to the west that were granted variations for both height and openness. 8.0 RECOMMENDATION The Zoning Board of Appeals recommends granting a request for a fence openness 10 Page 14 of 29  Case 2025-Z-57 447 Alpine Lane variation to permit 4.0’ tall solid fencing in a side yard adjoining a street at 447 Alpine Lane in accordance with the plans submitted. 11 Page 15 of 29 Page 16 of 29 Page 17 of 29 Page 18 of 29 Page 19 of 29 Page 20 of 29 Page 21 of 29 Page 22 of 29 Page 23 of 29 Page 24 of 29 Page 25 of 29 Page 26 of 29 Page 27 of 29  ORDINANCE NO. 2025-O-101 AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING VARIATIONS PURSUANT TO THE WILMETTE ZONING ORDINANCE (447 Alpine Lane) WHEREAS, John Goetgeluck (“Applicant”) has requested variations from Section 8.3 and Section 13.4.H.2.A.ii of the Village of Wilmette Zoning Ordinance. Specifically, Applicant requests a fence openness variation (“Requested Variations”) to permit 4.0’ tall solid fencing in a side yard adjoining a street upon the subject property commonly known as 447 Alpine Lane, Wilmette, Cook County, Illinois, and legally described as: LOT 1 IN MARGULINS SUBDIVISION OF THE NORTH 320 FEET OF LOT 27 IN COUNTY CLERKS DIVISION OF THE WEST 1/2 OF SECTION 33, TOWNSHIP 42 NORTH, RANGE 13 EAST OF THE THIRD PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN, IN COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS. WHEREAS, the Zoning Board of Appeals, after giving due and proper notice as required by law, held a public hearing on November 5, 2025, on the foregoing application and the Requested Variations and thereafter filed with the President and Board of Trustees of the Village a report accompanied by findings of fact specifying the reasons for the report and recommending granting the requested relief, in accordance with the plans as submitted and discussed at the public hearing, and on the condition that all other requirements of the Zoning and Building Ordinances be complied with; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the President and Board of Trustees of the Village of Wilmette, Cook County, Illinois: SECTION 1: The foregoing findings and recitals are hereby made a part of this Ordinance and are incorporated by reference as if set forth verbatim herein. SECTION 2: The aforementioned report and recommendation of the Zoning Board of Appeals of this Village is concurred with and approved, and the Requested Variations are granted. 2.0 Page 28 of 29  SECTION 3: The Director of Community Development of the Village of Wilmette, Illinois, hereby is authorized and directed to issue the necessary permits to allow the proposed construction, in accordance with the plans as submitted at the public hearing, and on the condition that all other requirements of the Zoning and Building Ordinances be complied with. SECTION 4: This Ordinance shall be in full force and effect from and after its passage and approval as required by law. PASSED by the President and Board of Trustees of the Village of Wilmette, Illinois, on the 25th day of November 2025, according to the following roll call vote: AYES: NAYS: ABSTAIN: ABSENT: Clerk of the Village of Wilmette, IL APPROVED by the President of the Village of Wilmette, Illinois, this 25th day of November 2025. President of the Village of Wilmette, IL ATTEST: Clerk of the Village of Wilmette, IL 2 Page 29 of 29