City of Countryside Plan Commission/Zoning Board Appeals met Nov. 13.
Here is the minutes provided by the board:
Roll Call
Secretary Gonzalez called the Roll of Members physically present as follows:
PRESENT: Chairman Richard Fullmer, Jr., Secretary Crecencio Gonzalez IV, Michael Anderson, Tina Grotzke, Marco Gutierrez, Shauna Urlacher, Ronald Ward, Steve Kehr, Robert Schwarz
Also Present: Attorney Peck, Planning Manager Richard Trent
APPROVAL OF MEETING MINUTES
The minutes of the Regular Meeting of October 2, 2018 were previously distributed to the Board Members. Chairman Fullmer asked if there were any corrections to be made to said minutes. There being no corrections or additions, motion made to approve the minutes of the Regular Meeting of October 2, 2018.
A motion was made by Mr. Gonzalez, seconded by Ms. Grotzke that this matter be APPROVED as presented. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 9 Fullmer, Anderson, Gutierrez, Grotzke, Gonzalez, Urlacher, Ward, Kehr, Schwarz
Nay: 0
CHAIRMAN’S COMMENTS
Chairman Fullmer stated the Rules of Proceeding for the hearing before the Plan Commission – Zoning Board of Appeals will follow a strict order of presentation. A sign-in sheet for interested persons addressing the Board is located at the podium. This hearing is being recorded. Please silence all cell phones and pagers.
Action Items
1. Case #21377-V: Consideration of a Variance
a. To consider granting a variance to exceed the maximum antenna height from 7’ to 13’ in order to install an additional antenna and equipment on the roof of the Holiday Inn in the B-2 Zoning District at the subject property -- 6201 Joliet Road.
Ms. Grotzke moved to open the Public Hearing in this matter, seconded by Mr. Gonzalez and carried by unanimous voice vote. Ms. Sheronica Chase, on behalf of T-Mobile, was sworn in by Chairman Fullmer. She is with LCC Telecom Services. The Building Department has received the required Proof of Notice.
Planning Manager Mr. Trent provided the Staff Report. He stated that this variance request is for an additional antenna on the penthouse on the roof of the Holiday Inn at 6201 Joliet Road. Last month Mr. Bieniek came in seeking permission to swap out their six (6) existing antennas and replace them with eight (8) antennas. The intent was to include a third new antenna but that antenna required a variance. The applicant is here tonight with the formal request.
The PowerPoint Presentation shows the location of three antennas on the building currently on the east elevation and north elevation. The existing penthouse stands 15’ off the roofline; the existing antennas are approximately 13’ off the roof line. The existing ordinance calls for a maximum antenna height of seven (7) feet from the roof line. In 2016, T-Mobile came in for a variance request to install two (2) antennas to be installed at approximately thirteen (13) feet from the roof line. Today, they are seeking a third antenna to be located between the two existing ones. Mr. Trent compared the 2016 and 2018 Propagation Maps. There was a slight change showing a larger coverage area -- to address dropped calls, increase capacity and finally to improve the overall performance. Staff recommends approval of this request subject to the six (6) conditions as outlined in the staff report.
The existing antennas on the penthouse are strictly related to in-house television and radio service. Mr. Trent is awaiting confirmation from the hotel manager.
Ms. Chase noted that Mr. Trent provided the pertinent information. This is a capacity site and not a coverage site – the goal of the upgrades is to help with dropped calls, internet access – having multiple “pings” off of the tower at one time. Transmission will be a lot better than with the existing antennas. Not only will they be adding antennas but the existing antennas will be upgraded to the latest technological advances. Mr. Gonzalez questioned the coverage in his area. Ms. Chase stated that Propagation Maps are used for coverage site; this is not a coverage site, it is a capacity site. These antennas only help to increase capacity – not actually increasing coverage in that particular area. Mr. Gonzalez asked if there was an obstruction in the line of sight that would make a difference later – no there is not. Mr. Trent stated there appears to be a clear feed between towers. Ms. Chase stated that cell tower antennas broadcast in a cone shape to get 360-degree coverage; microwave broadcasts are point to point. FCC regulations insure that each frequency does not disrupt any other frequency or any other provider in the area. There were no further questions from Board members.
Comments from Interested Parties -- Kirk Glover, 6047 Kensington, who lives right behind the subject property asked where the maximum height for an antenna is measured from on the roof -- flat on the roof or from the walls surrounding the roof (aka the parapet)? The antenna is measured from the flat of the roof.
Closing Statement – Ms. Chase stated that T-Mobile is in the process of upgrading two other sectors and would like to insure that this site gets the greatest capacity possible with the new technology; they ask that the variance be approved. Mr. Gonzalez moved to close the Evidentiary Portion of the public hearing, seconded by Ms. Grotzke and carried by unanimous voice vote. Mr. Schwarz moved to approve the variance subject to the six (6) staff recommendations, seconded by Ms. Grotzke; motion carried by unanimous Roll Call vote.
Attorney Peck stated this is a motion to approve a variance to permit a maximum height of an antenna not to exceed fifteen (15) feet instead of the permitted seven (7) feet above the roof line, on the property commonly known as 6201 Joliet Road subject to the following six (6) conditions: 1) all construction shall be in substantial compliance with Petitioner’s Exhibit A; 2) All antenna and equipment on the roof top will be painted to match the wall of the building; 3) Any additional antenna proposed in the future will require an amendment to the Variance; 4) All antenna and equipment would have to be removed immediately if no longer in use or service; 5) All construction and operation permitted by such zoning variation shall be subject to all applicable City Codes; and 6) That said use be established within six months of the effective date of any ordinance granting the requested variance.
A motion was made by Mr. Schwarz, seconded by Ms. Grotzke that this matter be APPROVED as presented. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 9 Fullmer, Anderson, Gutierrez, Grotzke, Gonzalez, Urlacher, Ward, Kehr, Schwarz
Nay: 0
Chairman Fullmer stated this matter will come before the City Council at its next Regular Meeting on December 12, 2018.
2. Case #21429-SU: Consideration of a Special Use
a. To consider granting a Special Use to permit an amendment to Ordinance #08-14-O which granted a special use permitting a planned unit development (Countryside Senior Apartments) in the B-1 Zoning District at the subject properties -- 6404-6406 Joliet Road.
Ms. Grotzke moved to open the Public Hearing in this matter, seconded by Mr. Gonzalez and carried by unanimous voice vote. Mr. Trent stated that the City of Countryside is the applicant on behalf of Mercy Housing. This is a Special Use request to amend the existing Ordinance 08-14-O. The Plan Commission recommended denial at that time but was overruled by the City Council with certain conditions. One of the specific conditions involved quarterly inspections -- agreed to by Mercy Housing. That has not happened on a regular basis. This was a state-funded development that had certain guidelines in place; they do yearly inspections. Discussion took place between both entities; the Infrastructure Committee recommended an amendment to the existing ordinance allowing for yearly inspections. Efforts will be coordinated and one fee charged for all units to be inspected. In order for this item to move forward, it would need to return to the Plan Commission for recommendation, then on to City Council for approval. Photos of both buildings were shown; the recommendation is to amend the ordinance to allow inspections to occur on a yearly basis and only charge a $135 license fee per year. Mr. Tisinai, Chief Building Official, will accompany the State staff on inspections. He is familiar with changes in building codes and will make sure that they are being addressed.
Mr. Gutierrez recommends separate inspections; there could be safety issues. Mr. Trent noted that a Preventive Maintenance Schedule and Unit Inspection Report check list would be followed. Discussion ensued re: current building codes. Chairman Fullmer stated that at the time the building was built, Mercy Housing did not have a track record with the City. The facility has not been inspected by the City for the past ten (10) years. The City has not received any copies of the State’s annual reports in the past. There have been no reported incidents connected with the building. The City should establish a pattern of documenting and record keeping. Mr. Trent will ask for copies of previous years’ inspections. There have been no complaints received from residents at this point.
Mr. Gonzalez moved to close the Evidentiary Portion of the public hearing, seconded by Mr. Ward and carried by unanimous voice vote. Ms. Grotzke moved to approve the Special Use and amend Ordinance 08-14-O, as requested, seconded by Mr. Gonzalez and carried by unanimous Roll Call vote. Attorney Peck stated this motion is to recommend the special use as granted in Ordinance 08-14-O by amending condition #3 in the Ordinance to permit an inspection on a yearly basis and a rental license fee of $135 on the property commonly known as 6404 and 6406 Joliet Road.
A motion was made by Ms. Grotzke, seconded by Mr. Gonzalez that this matter be APPROVED as presented. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 9 Fullmer, Anderson, Gutierrez, Grotzke, Gonzalez, Urlacher, Ward, Kehr, Schwarz
Nay: 0
Other Business
Mr. Trent has prepared a listing of the meeting dates for 2019. The City Council will approve those dates at their next meeting. Also included in the packet is a listing of the 2018 Zoning Cases. Mr. Trent will provide the list to Board members on a monthly basis.
Continental Honda is scheduled for next month – they will be adding square footage at the rear (east side) of the building to expand the service area by approximately 4,165 sf. Some of the newer facilities that have recently done expansions have gone through a review process – this is a minor review process that is necessary for dealership to move forward with the project.
Russell’s Bar-B-Q – new soffits were installed and painted. Sign discussions have been ongoing. Their site plan showed two access points; one off of 56th Street and the other off of LaGrange Road. They seek to modify their site plan due to the shared driveway with Ledo’s Pizza – (cross-access issues) – they wish to eliminate the cross access between the properties. They will have to come back before the Plan Commission for that purpose. Russell’s drive-thru would wrap around the building and exit onto 56th Street, preferably with a right turn only to LaGrange Road.
The former Pizza Hut is now called The Halal Guys – they are moving forward. Tavern on LaGrange is officially closed. The gas station (former Speedway site) project on Brainard & Plainfield requested an extension. They are closing on the property on December 4th at which time they will demolish the site; the extension was until April 2019.
ADJOURNMENT
A motion was made by Ms. Grotzke, seconded by Mr. Gonzalez that this meeting be ADJOURNED. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 9 Fullmer, Anderson, Gutierrez, Grotzke, Gonzalez, Urlacher, Ward, Kehr, Schwarz
Nay: 0
Chairman Fullmer declared the meeting adjourned at 8:00 p.m.
APPROVED:
https://www.countryside-il.org/agendas-minutes/november-13-2018/
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