West Cook News

Village of Berkeley Planning & Zoning Commission met Nov. 26.

Here is the minutes provided by the commission:

1 Chairman Hurley called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.

2 Pledge of Allegiance

3 Roll Call

Present: Commissioners Bullard, Rubel, Routen, Chairman Hurley

Absent: Commissioners Jones, Lantero, Villafaña

Also Present: Village Administrator Rudy Espiritu, Village Attorney Greg Smith, and Fire Chief Michael Kuryla.

4 Public Hearing

4.1 Public Hearing regarding a proposed variation from the regulations of the Zoning Ordinance of Berkeley, Illinois to allow 5700 McDermott Drive to be improved by the building of two (2) storage units of twenty-five hundred (2.500) square feet each, which improvements may only be permitted if a variation is granted by the Planning and Zoning Commission from the Village of Berkeley Zoning Ordinance requirement that no accessory structure exceed seven hundred (700) square feet, in Section 12-9-3.A. of the Village of Berkeley Zoning Ordinance and swearing in of speakers.

Fire Chief Kuryla gave an overview and informed the Planning and Zoning Commission that Continental Electric is on McDermott Drive. They own a lot of things that are associated with their electrical contracting business that require storage. Here in Berkeley they would like to store their things indoors and out of the weather. The building does not require heat or air conditioning, but it does provide security. Originally they came to Berkeley to build a 5,000 square foot building. However, in discussion with them and Berkeley’s ordinances, the building would require a sprinkler system. Fire Chief Kuryla suggested to split the building in half to two (2) buildings. These buildings would require fire alarms but no sprinklers. According to the two plans they have provided, the buildings are identical and would be about 10 feet apart from each other on one large slab, behind their buildings they have a plat. The 700 square foot accessary number in our zoning code is more for residential zoning areas.

Brian Swiatek, Director of Field Operations for Continental Electric attended on behalf of Walkers Bros. Partners who own the building. They have leased the building from Walker Bros. since 2017 and have put about $500,000 in improvements. They are very happy here in Berkeley, however, they need cold storage “pole barn” for them to stay.

Chairman Hurley asked “is the building heated?” Mr. Swiatek responded that it is metal and not heated.

Commissioner Bullard asked “what will be stored?” Mr. Swiatek responded twenty-five (25) Solar Carts (similar to a massive pallet jack), Forty (40) game boxes, Rubbermaid carts.

Commissioner Bullard asked “if there would be anything combustible stored there?” Mr. Swiatek responded “No”.

Commissioner Bullard asked about the pitch of the driveway. Mr. Swiatek responded where the pitch of the driveway is and where the sewers were located. There is no drainage issue.

Commissioner Rubel commented that this is the first accessory structure in the M-1 district, so this project sets precedent. He asked “will temporary storage be eliminated on site?” Mr. Swiatek responded “No” the two containers will remain, but any open storage will be eliminated.

Commissioner Rubel asked “if they would incorporate masonry on South elevation? Mr. Swiatek responded its cost prohibitive because it’s behind their building.

Attorney Smith asked “what is the cost of the project?” Mr. Swiatek responded $200,000.

Commissioner Bullard asked “Why split the building into two buildings to avoid sprinklers? Fire Chief Kuryla responded that based on what they are planning to store, non-hazards and non-combustible the cost to install sprinklers would be costly. Fire Chief Kuryla’s concern would be if they were to sell the properties with the storage units on it. It may need further requirements.

Attorney Smith informed the Commission that if another owner proposes another use for the buildings that would require another review of use.

Commissioner Bullard commented as condition of variation, we would not allow storage of motor vehicles.

Commissioner Routen commented new owners would have to go through the entire process.

Commissioner Rubel is concerned about precedent of south elevation. The current proposal does not fit area without some masonry. He would like masonry added as a condition.

Chairman Hurley is concerned about cost of adding masonry onto the owners.

Commissioner Bullard commented that it is the responsibility of the Planning and Zoning Commission for aesthetics.

Chairman Hurley asked “why temporary storage staying?” Mr. Swiatek responded that storage units are transported with each project.

Fire Chief Kuryla stated that the conditions should be non-combustible items and non- heated only.

5 Motion to Approve an Ordinance of the Village of Berkeley Planning and Zoning Commission Approving an Application for Accessory Structure Size Variations at 5700 McDermott Drive, Berkeley, Illinois with the conditions that have been stated.

Commissioner	Motion	Second	Ayes	Nays	Absent	Abstain
Jackie Jones					X
Paul Bullard	X		X
Arthur Rubel		X	X
Larry Lantero					X
Bruce Routen			X
Gustavo Villafana
Chairman Hurley			X

MOTION CARRIED

6 Presentation and Discussion of Proposals to Update Various Sections of Zoning Ordinance

Fire Chief Kuryla would like to look into making improvements to Zoning Codes. Would like to make it easier to understand.

7 Chairman’s Report

8 Chairman Hurley adjourned the meeting at 7:40 pm.

Commissioner	Motion	Second	Ayes	Nays	Absent	Abstain
Jackie Jones					X
Paul Bullard	X		X
Arthur Rubel		X	X
Larry Lantero					X
Bruce Routen			X
Gustavo Villafana					X
Chairman Hurley			X

VOICE VOTE

MOTION CARRIED

https://www.berkeley.il.us/vertical/Sites/%7BB4877CC9-5533-47FA-94DE-B3C09F1665AB%7D/uploads/Planning_and_Zoning_Commission_November_26_2019_Minutes.pdf