City of Countryside Plan Commission Zoning Board of Appeals met Oct. 5.
Here are the minutes provided by the board:
Meeting called to order at 7:15 p.m. by Chairman Fullmer.
Roll Call: PRESENT:
Secretary Grotzke called the Roll of Members physically present as follows: Chairman Richard Fullmer, Jr., Secretary Tina Grotzke, Ronald Ward, Steve Kehr, Robert Schwarz, Marco Gutierrez, Michael Anderson, Jon Gertsmeier, Danielle Edenfield
Also Present: Attorney Erik Peck, Planning Manager Richard Trent
Chairman's Comments - None
Approval of Minutes -- Approval of the Regular Meeting Minutes of September 7, 2021 and the Special Meeting of September 14, 2021, were previously distributed to Board Members. Chairman Fullmer asked if there were any corrections to said minutes. There being no corrections or additions, motion made to approve the minutes as presented.
A motion was made by Mr. Ward, seconded by Mr. Anderson that these matters be APPROVED as presented. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: 9 Chairman Fullmer, Grotzke, Ward, Schwarz, Gutierrez, Kehr,
Anderson, Gertsmeier, Edenfield Nay: 0
Action Items
1. CASE #PTAC21-0003: Consideration of a Text Amendment
a. To consider amending Zoning Code Section 10-10-6 to include Off-Street Loading
Regulations involving the parking, dropping, leaving or storage of tractors and/or trailers in the Code.
Ms. Grotzke moved to open the Public Hearing in this matter, seconded by Mr. Anderson and carried by unanimous voice vote.
The Staff Report was presented by Mr. Trent: he stated that Chapter 10-10-6 speaks to Off-loading Regulations in the Code. There has been a recent uptick in the amount of tractors and trailers being parked in random locations within the City. It was brought to Staff's attention by elected officials and concerned citizens. The response by the Police Department and Building Department is to address this issue with Text Amendments to Title 10 and Title 5. Normally the parking of these types of vehicles are found in the M-1 and/or M-2 Districts; Staff is starting to see more vehicles parked in various locations throughout the City in commercial and office districts. It is becoming a problem and must be addressed in a two (2) step process - #1 is to update Section 10-10-6 to limit the parking, dropping, leaving or storage of tractors and/or trailers; and #2 is to update Section 5-2-10 and Section 5-2-11 of the Motor Vehicles & Traffic Code to restrict the idling of trucks, parking and blocking of public or private driveways, and parking violation payments.
Mr. Trent shared photos of trucks parked along the parking lot haphazardly at 6201 Joliet Road (Holiday Inn) and Best Western. Some trailers are just dropped off - a stream of semis and their trailers are parked.
Best Western allows them to park there as patrons of the hotel. Another example is 6420 Ettleson Annex Building - an independent truck-U.S. Expediters; also 6428 Joliet Road - an office building. Staff is seeing an uptick of these violations; they must be addressed. The Police Department and Building Department are proposing updates to Section 10-10-6 specifically adding --- “Item G - parking, dropping, leaving or storage of tractors and/or trailers: Tractors and/or trailers may not be parked, dropped, left or stored in any front, side or rear yard of a residential, commercial, office and public or semi-public zone. These activities shall only be allowed in manufacturing zoned districts within designated areas by loading berths. Property owners found in violation of this section are subject to the penalties outlined in Section 5-2-11 of the City Code.” The first step is updating the Zoning Code. The second step is updating Title 5, Chapter 2, Sections 5-2-10 and 5-2-11.
Number 1 would allow for some exception - "Overnight parking of tractors and trailers shall be allowed at designated locations for registered patrons of hotels/motels displaying notice or placard from hotel. This time limit shall be limited for one (1) overnight stay."
The next step is to update Title 5, Chapter 2, Section 5-2-10 and Section 5-2-11. The language was provided. Currently, City citations are about $30 - not much of a deterrent for this type of activity. The intent is to increase the fine substantially and hopefully mitigate the problem in the future. Both proposed amendments (to Title 5) are something that the Plan Commission would not ordinarily deal with. The Infrastructure Committee would be the subcommittee to handle this matter and make a recommendation to City Council. The Plan Commission's task is to look at the proposed language specifically under Title 10, Chapter 10, Section 10-10-6.
Mr. Schwarz asked about the one (1) night limit for hotel guests; what if they are staying three (3) nights? Mr. Trent stated it should not become a terminal; the intent is for passage through town and move on, not remaining and giving other truckers the idea that parking is open to all. Mr. Trent stated that the site itself does not accommodate for semi-truck parking, it just sort of sprang up. There seems to be an attraction because the trucks are parked there. Not even half the trucks parked there have hotel placards. Those vehicles would be illegally parked. Ms. Grotzke stated that it is Best Western's responsibility to police their parking lot. Mr. Trent stated that enforcement on their end is not very good. They have been advised by the City that trucks with no visible placard are parked; their response is they don't have the resources to tow them away. Signage is another option -- which has not been implemented at this time. The City is trying to curb this issue; proposed language like this would help deter drivers from parking. Ms. Edenfield stated that hotels should be more cooperative and call the City when they notice trucks parked illegally. Mr. Gutierrez believes that businesses should monitor who is in their lot on a nightly basis.
Attorney Peck stated that the last fine in the proposed fine schedule would be addressed to the property owner, rather than the motor vehicle. Mr. Kehr stated that three (3) empty trailers without cabs is not normal - something is going on. Mr. Peck stated that fines could increase up to $750 for repeat violations.
Staff will work with Mr. Peck to fine tune the proposed language; specific language directed to the business owner is needed; also, make some provision for guests staying longer than one (1) night. The property owner and vehicle owner should be equally penalized. Discussion ensued re: proposed language revisions with City Staff and City Attorney. This matter will be CONTINUED to November 2, 2021.
A Motion was made by Ms. Grotzke, seconded by Mr. Gertsmeier, to CONTINUE this matter to next month's agenda; motion carried by unanimous voice vote. Aye: 9 Chairman Fullmer, Grotzke, Ward, Schwarz, Gutierrez, Kehr,
Anderson, Gertsmeier, Edenfield Nay: 0 .
Public Comment - None Other Business Comprehensive Plan Update RFP - Status Mr. Trent stated that Houseal Lavigne has been chosen as the Consultant - an exceptional group. They provided an excellent package for review; their presentation was spot on. They came prepared and fully knew the issues the City would be facing in the next 5-15 years. Mr. Trent called Camiros and thanked them for their presentation. The next step is to present a report to City Council for their consideration and final decision; the contract cost must be approved by City Council. Mr. Peck is currently reviewing the DRAFT Contract.
The next PC/ZBA Meeting is scheduled for November 2, 2021 with only one (1) agenda item. Mr. Tom Robb at 10025 – 5th Avenue Cutoff -- the property was sold and the new owner has nine (9) months to make improvements to the driveway that extends from 5th Avenue Cutoff down to the two (2) accessory buildings.
The Case Log has been updated to reflect the listing of cases heard over the years. And lastly, a DRAFT list of PC/ZBA Hearing Dates for 2022 has been provided.
ADJOURNMENT
A motion was made by Ms. Grotzke, seconded by Mr. Gutierrez, that this Hearing be ADJOURNED. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: 9 Chairman Fullmer, Grotzke, Ward, Schwarz, Gutierrez, Kehr, Anderson, Gertsmeier, Edenfield Nay: 0 Chairman Fullmer declared the meeting adjourned at 8:10 p.m.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Sdd_5eZv905ZCoCLREHwrIuA-LklfxN9Hos5uA5EQgM/edit
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