Village of Northbrook Board of Trustees met April 27.
Here is the minutes provided by the board:
1. ROLL CALL
| Attendee Name | Title | Status | Arrived |
| Sandra Frum | Village President | Present | |
| Kathryn Ciesla | Trustee | Present | |
| Bob Israel | Trustee | Present | |
| Muriel Collison | Trustee | Present | |
| Heather Ross | Trustee | Present | |
| Johannah Hebl | Trustee | Present | |
| Dan Pepoon | Trustee | Present |
3. MINUTES APPROVAL
A. Board of Trustees - Regular Meeting - Apr 13, 2021 7:30 PM
| RESULT: ACCEPTED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Muriel Collison, Trustee SECONDER: Dan Pepoon, Trustee AYES: Ebhomielen, Frum, Ciesla, Israel, Collison, Ross, Hebl, Pepoon |
1. A Public Hearing to Consider Amendments to the Village of Northbrook's Plan of Operation and Governance for its Electricity Aggregation Program President Frum opened the Public Hearing.
Assistant Village Manager, Madeline Farrell commented that in 2011, the Cities of Highland Park, Lake Forest and Park Ridge, and the Villages of Deerfield, Glencoe, Lake Bluff, Northbrook and Skokie formed the North Shore Electricity Aggregation Consortium (NSEAC) through an intergovernmental agreement. The Consortium was established to act as a collective body of municipalities to create and manage municipal electric aggregation services on behalf of their residents and eligible businesses. In the original 2012 aggregation program (“Aggregation 1.0”), all municipal residents and small commercial customers were offered a fixed price alternative to the ComEd rate, resulting in direct-to-consumer cost efficiencies for those that voluntarily opted-in to the program. Furthermore, the Aggregation 1.0 program lasted three years. In 2020, the NSEAC concluded that the Aggregation 1.0 concept would not be feasible based on current market conditions, as fixed electric rates from alternative suppliers are now generally higher in cost than the ComEd rate.
However, the Consortium was made aware of a new electric aggregation concept, referred to as “Aggregation 2.0.” With Aggregation 2.0, a select portion of each municipality’s residential and small commercial customers, based on their electric consumption, would be offered a variable price offer from the Consortium’s alternative supplier that would be guaranteed to be equal to the ComEd supply rate. Unlike the Aggregation 1.0 concept, the cost savings in providing electricity to the consumers would be given to the municipality by the alternative energy supplier through grant funding. The municipality would have the opportunity to utilize these funds for sustainability initiatives and/or the purchase of renewable energy credits while consumers continue to pay rates at ComEd supply rates which have been determined to be the most competitive rates on the market at this time. There is no cost to the Village for proceeding with an Aggregation 2.0 program.
In accordance with the Act, two Public Hearings are required pertaining to amendments to the Village’s Plan of Operation and Governance (“POGO”) in order to establish a new electricity aggregation program within the Village. The Consortium issued an RFP on March 20, 2021, soliciting proposals for the Aggregation 2.0 concept.
Trustee Israel moved, seconded by Trustee Pepoon to close the Public Hearing. On voice vote, all were in favor.
2. RESOLUTION NO. 2021-54
A Resolution to Approve an Amended Plan of Operation and Government for the Electricity Aggregation Program
| RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Bob Israel, Trustee SECONDER: Dan Pepoon, Trustee AYES: Ebhomielen, Frum, Ciesla, Israel, Collison, Ross, Hebl, Pepoon |
President Frum noted the public can make comments by emailing publiccomments@northbrook.il.us. Email responses must be under 200 words in length.
President Frum read several emails the Board received from the public:
∙ Alice Lonoff expressed support for accessory dwelling units (ADU) in Northbrook.
∙ Nicole Zamir expressed support for accessory dwelling units in Northbrook. Furthermore, he believes ADU developments will help remedy discrimination and help people who are struggling financially during the pandemic.
∙ Debbie DePalma expressed support for accessory dwelling units in Northbrook and requested the Village create a plan to regulate ADU developments.
∙ Bruce Bondy expressed support for accessory dwelling units in Northbrook. Furthermore, he believes it will create more housing opportunities in the community.
∙ Catherine Caporusso requested the Board reject the Plan Commission's recommendation regarding accessory dwelling units in Northbrook. Furthermore, she would like to see more housing opportunities for the elderly and first responders.
∙ Tracy Katz Muhl expressed support for accessory dwelling units in Northbrook and requested the Village research the use of ADUs in the community.
∙ Kevin Walden expressed support for accessory dwelling units in Northbrook. Furthermore, he believes it will create more housing opportunities for the elderly and have a positive impact the economy.
Sandra Dold expressed support for accessory dwelling units in Northbrook. Furthermore, she believes it will create more housing opportunities for the elderly.
6. MANAGER'S REPORT
Village Manager Rich Nahrstadt reported several Village employees are retiring at the end of the week and thanked them for serving the public.
Assistant Village Manager, Madeline Farrell, reported the Village vaccinated over 1,600 people at the Jewel-Osco second dose clinic on April 22. She noted Cook County has released vaccination data by town. In comparison to neighboring communities, Northbrook has the highest vaccination percentage. The MABAS Division 3 POD at New Trier High School has held seven first dose vaccination clinics and administered over 4,350 first doses (2,500 second doses).
Trustee Ciesla asked if the vaccination data is available to the public. Ms. Farrell responded yes, the data is available on the Cook County Department of Public Health website.
President Frum commented she was onsite helping run the second dose clinic.
Trustee Collison requested the Village create new ways for the public to celebrate the Fourth of July during the pandemic. She suggested hosting a drive-in movie, fireworks, or porch parade.
Mr. Nahrstadt commented staff has a meeting set up with the Park District staff to discuss Fourth of July festivities.
7. WARRANT LIST
A. Review and Approval of Payments to be Made
Trustee Ciesla Moved for the approval of class A & B Warrants dated April 1, 2021 - April 15, 2021 in the amount of $1,850,193.52.
| RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Kathryn Ciesla, Trustee SECONDER: Dan Pepoon, Trustee AYES: Frum, Ciesla, Israel, Collison, Ross, Hebl, Pepoon |
Trustee Ciesla Moved for the approval of Frontage Deposit refunds totaling $4,500.00 dated April 14, 2021.
| RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Kathryn Ciesla, Trustee SECONDER: Dan Pepoon, Trustee AYES: Frum, Ciesla, Israel, Collison, Ross, Hebl, Pepoon |
A. RESOLUTION NO. 2021-55
A Resolution Recognizing Carlos Früm for Over Two Decades of Service at the Northbrook Public Library
President Frum commented her husband Carlos Frum is retiring this month.
| RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Heather Ross, Trustee SECONDER: Johannah Hebl, Trustee AYES: Frum, Ciesla, Israel, Collison, Ross, Hebl, Pepoon |
A Resolution Recognizing Jill Brickman for Over Twenty Years of Service to Northfield Township
President Frum commented Jill Brickman will be retiring in May. Ms. Brickman started her career with the Village in 1992 and in 2017, Jill received the Glenview Citizen of the Year award. One of Jill’s biggest accomplishments during her time as Supervisor was the growth of the Northfield Township Food Pantry. The Northfield Township Food Pantry is a strong, well-known and respected community resource because of Jill’s leadership. Knowing that food insecurity may not be the only challenge facing residents, Jill has worked to increase awareness about the Township’s financial assistance services by regularly meeting with community leaders, school superintendents, school social workers and faith/civic organizations.
| RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Heather Ross, Trustee SECONDER: Johannah Hebl, Trustee AYES: Frum, Ciesla, Israel, Collison, Ross, Hebl, Pepoon |
A Resolution Recognizing Jeff Rowitz for 24 Years of Service at the Village of Northbrook President Frum commented Jeff Rowitz started his career with the Village in 1996, as the Director of Finance. Mr. Rowitz has a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Illinois State University. Furthermore, he has held multiple leadership positions and received numerous recognition awards.
Jeff Rowitz thanked the Village for the opportunity to serve the community for 24 years. He stated it was an honor to work with the many talented Village employees who support the public. Furthermore, he recognized President Frum, Debbie Ford, Iwona Petryszak and Rich Nahrstadt for their amazing leadership skills.
| RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Heather Ross, Trustee SECONDER: Johannah Hebl, Trustee AYES: Frum, Ciesla, Israel, Collison, Ross, Hebl, Pepoon |
A Resolution Recognizing Greg Van Dahm for 26 Years of Service
President Frum commented the Village hired Greg Van Dahm as the Human Resources Manager on December 12, 1994. Mr. Van Dahm obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from Lake Superior State University and graduated from Western Michigan University with a Master of Arts in Industrial/Organizational Psychology. During his career, he held several leadership positions and is recognized as a leader in the human resources field.
| RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Heather Ross, Trustee SECONDER: Johannah Hebl, Trustee AYES: Frum, Ciesla, Israel, Collison, Ross, Hebl, Pepoon |
A Resolution Recognizing Deputy Chief Daniel J. Strickland For 24 years of Service to the Police Department
President Frum commented Dan Strickland began his career as a Police Officer with the Northbrook Police Department on January 2, 1997. Mr. Strickland attended the University of Arizona and Northern Illinois University where he received his degree in 1982. Furthermore, he attended the Cook County Sheriff’s Police Training Academy after being hired by the Village.
During his career, he held multiple leadership positions and greatly supports his community.
Dan Strickland thanked his family for supporting his career with the Village of Northbrook. Furthermore, he stated it was an honor to work with the many talented Village employees who support the public.
| RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Heather Ross, Trustee SECONDER: Johannah Hebl, Trustee AYES: Frum, Ciesla, Israel, Collison, Ross, Hebl, Pepoon |
A Resolution Recognizing Deputy Chief David Crawford for Nearly Twenty-Four Years of Service in the Fire Department
President Frum commented David Crawford began his career as a firefighter paramedic with the Northbrook Fire Department on May 16, 1997, after serving 2 years as a part-time firefighter in Gurnee. While serving in Northbrook, Mr. Crawford attended the Northwestern University Leadership Program, earned an Associate’s Degree in Fire Science from Oakton Community College, and a Bachelor’s degree in Fire Science Management from Southern Illinois University. During his career, he held multiple leadership positions and greatly supports his community.
David Crawford thanked the Village for the opportunity to serve the community. He recognized President Frum and the Village staff for their amazing leadership skills.
| RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Heather Ross, Trustee SECONDER: Johannah Hebl, Trustee AYES: Frum, Ciesla, Israel, Collison, Ross, Hebl, Pepoon |
A Resolution Recognizing Administrative Assistant to the Deputy Chiefs/Property Officer Mary Carlyon for Over 36 Years of Service to the Police Department
President Frum commented Mary Carlyon began her career with the Northbrook Police Department on June 25, 1984, as a Data Coordinator in the Records Department. During her career, she held multiple leadership positions and greatly supports her community. Throughout her career, Mary has volunteered her time with the Special Olympics Illinois organization. Furthermore, her personnel file contains many congratulatory and commendatory letters from residents, businesses, and neighboring law enforcement agencies that span the length of her career.
| RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Heather Ross, Trustee SECONDER: Johannah Hebl, Trustee AYES: Frum, Ciesla, Israel, Collison, Ross, Hebl, Pepoon |
Proclamation to Recognize June 13th as Race Amity Day
President Frum presented a proclamation to recognize June 13th as Race Amity Day. Race Amity is the tradition of close cross-racial and cross-cultural friendships that brings people together to collaborate in advancing equity and social justice. It is referred to as the “other tradition” in American story because it serves as the moral and spiritual counterweight to the dominant tradition of racism.
Norris Reynolds commented Race Amity Day aims to eliminate racial prejudice and supports cross-racial relationships. Furthermore, Race Amity Day was created by the National Center of Race Amity. He discussed the several initiatives by the National Center of Race Amity with the Board.
I. PROCLAMATION:
A Proclamation to Recognize May 2-8, 2021 as "Drinking Water Week" in the Village of Northbrook
President Frum presented a proclamation to recognize May 2-8, 2021 as Drinking Water Week. This annual observance celebrates water as the most valuable natural resource and promotes the practice of water conservation. The Village utilizes more than 200 miles of buried pipes to ensure reliable water is transported from Lake Michigan to the Water Plant for treatment then into homes and businesses.
J. PROCLAMATION:
A Proclamation to Recognize May 16-23, 2021 as "Public Works Week" in the Village of Northbrook
President Frum presented a proclamation to recognize May 16-23, 2021 as Public Works Week. Public Works professionals are essential employees who impact the daily lives of residents, support local businesses, and make the community enjoyable for those just passing through. Public Works professionals help build and maintain the infrastructure, facilities, and services that are of vital importance to the community.
Trustee Collison suggested doing something to celebrate Public Works professionals. Trustee Hebl concurs with Trustee Collison.
Green Moment
Marilyn Fish, Board Member at Go Green Northbrook, discussed the need for native pollinators. She noted the East Monarch population is decreasing and the population has decreased by 80% since 1980. Furthermore, the bubble bee population is decreasing. To help the decreasing populations the public should plant more nectar plants that are not genetically modified and do not use pesticides. The Village can help by removing some of the turf grass from Village property to plant pollinated gardens.
9. CONSENT AGENDA
| RESULT: ADOPTED [6 TO 0]
MOVER: Kathryn Ciesla, Trustee SECONDER: Bob Israel, Trustee AYES: Ciesla, Israel, Collison, Ross, Hebl, Pepoon ABSTAIN: Frum |
A Resolution Approving an Agreement for Fiscal Year 2021/22 Stormwater Project Construction Oversight Services with Atlas Engineering Group of Northbrook, Illinois
B. RESOLUTION NO. 2021-63
A Resolution Authorizing the Renewal of an Agreement with Alpha Building Services, Inc. of Bridgeview, Illinois for Custodial Maintenance Services at Certain Village Buildings
C. RESOLUTION NO. 2021-64
A Resolution Authorizing the Renewal of an Agreement for the Purchase of Uniforms for the Northbrook Public Works Department from SDS Holdings, Inc. D/B/A Cutler Workwear of Mundelein, Illinois
D. RESOLUTION NO. 2021-65
A Resolution Authorizing the Renewal of an Agreement for Bicycle and Pedestrian Design, Planning, and Engineering Services with A. Epstein and Sons International, Inc. of Chicago, Illinois
E. RESOLUTION NO. 2021-66
A Resolution Approving a Plat of Resubdivision for 2324 Maple Avenue and 2329 Walters Avenue (Plan Commission Docket No. PCD-21-04)
F. RESOLUTION NO. 2021-67
A Resolution Authorizing a Contract with Schroeder & Schroeder, Inc. of Skokie, Illinois for the 2021 Concrete Street Patching and Improvement Program
G. RESOLUTION NO. 2021-68
A Resolution Authorizing an Agreement for Construction of Stormwater Project #26 with J. Congdon Sewer Service Inc. of Carol Stream, Illinois
H. RESOLUTION NO. 2021-69
A Resolution Authorizing Renewal of a Contract for Parkway Tree Trimming Services with Advanced Tree Care, Inc. of Lincolnshire, Illinois
I. RESOLUTION NO. 2021-70
A Resolution Authorizing the Execution of a Contract with Builders Paving LLC of Hillside, Illinois for the 2021 Asphalt Street Rehabilitation Program
J. RESOLUTION NO. 2021-71
A Resolution Authorizing an Agreement for Engineering Services for Water Main Improvements on South Lane with Gewalt Hamilton Associates, Inc. of Vernon Hills, Illinois
K. RESOLUTION NO. 2021-72
A Resolution Authorizing the Purchase of Concrete Materials from Menoni & Mocogni, Inc. of Highland Park, Illinois
L. RESOLUTION NO. 2021-73
A Resolution Authorizing the Purchase of Liquid Aluminum Sulfate for the Water Treatment Plant from USALCO, LLC of Baltimore, Maryland
M. RESOLUTION NO. 2021-74
Village of Northbrook, Illinois Page 10 Updated 5/13/2021 12:34 PM
Minutes Board of Trustees April 27, 2021
A Resolution Approving a Replacement Wall Sign in Excess of District Height and Sign Area Limitations (Plan Commission Docket No. PCD-21-05 - 1033 Skokie Boulevard)
N. RESOLUTION NO. 2021-75
A Resolution Appointing a Delegate and Alternate Delegate to the Intergovernmental Risk Management Agency (IRMA)
O. RESOLUTION NO. 2021-76
A Resolution Approving a Contract with Community Partners for Affordable Housing (CPAH) P. ORDINANCE NO. 2021-14
An Ordinance Authorizing the Purchase of a 2021 John Deere 544P Front End Loader from West Side Tractor Sales of Wauconda, Illinois
Q. ORDINANCE NO. 2021-15
An Ordinance Adopting, Enacting, and Recodifying a Municipal Code for the Village of Northbrook, Illinois
COMMITTEE REPORTS
10. FINANCE
11. PUBLIC WORKS
Trustee Israel commented he has been co-chairing the Climate Action Plan Team with Trustee Ross and would like to introduce Michaela Kohlstadt and Tessa Murray to provide a brief overview of the plan and next steps.
Director of Development and Planning Services Michaela Kohlstedt introduced Tessa Murray to the Board. She started her career with the Metropolitan Mayor's Office in October 2020 and she is a graduate of McGill. Currently, she is assisting with the Climate Action Plan for Northbrook as well many tasks in the Development & Planning Services Department and work with the EQC. Furthermore, she will be taking a new position as the Sustainability Coordinator with the Village of Northbrook.
Tessa Murray discussed the Climate Action Plan with the Board. The public can provide feedback on the sustainability web page.
Trustee Israel commented the team worked hard to create solutions to save the planet. The goal is to encourage members of the public to contribute to saving the environment.
Trustee Ross thanked Director Kohlstedt and Ms. Murray for their hard work. She noted Ms. Murray has dedicated her weekends to rebuilding the garden at Village Hall. She encourages the community to help support a pollinator garden for the environment.
12. PLANNING/ZONING
A. Plan Commission Summary of Accessory Dwelling Unit Discussion
Director of Development and Planning Services Michaela Kohlstedt discussed the Plan Commission's summary of Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs). The Village amended the definition of "Family" to create a single-housekeeping unit. The Plan Commission held a joint workshop with the Architectural Control Commission on February 16, 2021 to address the regulation of Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) by the Village. The Commission expressed concern regarding the affordability of construction of ADUs, special permit uses and the impact on the neighborhood. She asked the Board how they would like to proceed.
Trustee Ross asked if the Commission discussed attached and detached ADUs. Furthermore, requested clarification if a basement in-law suite with a door to go outside is not considered an ADU. Director. Kohlstedt responded yes, that is correct so long as there is access into the main home from within as well.
Trustee Ross asked if an in-law suite is considered a family unit in the code. Ms. Kohlstedt responded yes, that is correct according to the definition of a single-housekeeping unit.
Trustee Collison requested clarification on a garden apartment Airbnb listing. Ms. Kohlstedt responded from the photos, the garden apartment would qualify as an in-law suite if there are stairs accessing it inside the home as well. She noted with short-term rentals the owner can rent up to two bedrooms within a home.
Trustee Collison asked how long two bedrooms can be rented for. Director Kohlstedt responded no short-term rental may be rented for a period shorter than two consecutive nights, but there is no cap.
Trustee Collison commented the garden apartment can be rented out to individuals that are not related to the homeowner and must be rented for more than two nights. Director Kohlstedt responded the apartment must be registered with the Village and the homeowner must notify the neighbors.
Trustee Collison expressed concern regarding parking for detached dwelling units. She noted many companies are building detached dwellings units in historic neighborhoods with alleys. Furthermore, two separate dwelling units next to a single-family home is like an invasion of privacy. Currently, the neighborhoods are zoned as single-family and the Village would need to rezone the neighborhoods to multifamily, which could cause problems in the future. She requested the Plan Commission explore the idea of using ADUs for the elderly and individuals with disabilities. In summary, she is not in favor of detached dwelling units in Northbrook and agrees with the Plan Commission's expressed concerns.
Trustee Ciesla commented the goal is to create a place for families to have their loved one who is disabled live next to them and support housing opportunities for the elderly. Furthermore, she is not satisfied with the permitted uses in the ordinances. She expressed disappointment that there was no public comment at the joint workshop. However, the Board has received great support from the public regarding ADUs. She requested the matter be discussed at the Plan Commission for public comment. In summary, she has no concerns regarding parking, supports the ADU requirements and does not oppose detached units.
Trustee Israel concurs with Trustee Collison. He expressed concern regarding the Village regulating the use of ADUs in the community. However, he is in favor of attached ADUs for the elderly. He noted the communities design cannot support the use of detached ADUs. In summary, he is not in favor of proceeding forward with this matter and suggested new developments incorporate ADUs to increase housing opportunities.
Trustee Collison asked Trustee Israel if he was referring to detached or attached ADUs in the Wilma Model. Trustee Israel responded detached ADUs.
Trustee Ross thanked the Plan Commission and Architectural Control Commission for their hard work. She noted many communities are incorporating ADUs and requested the Board support proceeding forward. Furthermore, ADUs will help increase the availability of affordable housing opportunities. Currently, many cities across the nation are requiring zoning ordinances to allow ADUs in the community. She read an article excerpt to the Board, which stated ADUs are environmentally friendly. In summary, she is in favor of supporting the use of attached/detached ADUs and there is a great need in the community.
Trustee Hebl discussed a house located at 1301 Center, which had two families living in the home. She noted attached ADUs should maintain the exterior identity of the home. However, she is not in favor of detached ADUs for homes that are maxed out on lot square footage.
Trustee Pepoon concurs with Trustee Collison and Trustee Israel. He noted the Village took a major step in revising the definition of Family. Furthermore, he is in favor of attached ADUs that maintain the exterior identity of the home. However, he expressed concern regarding detached ADUs in the community. The Village requires planned unit developments to have proper parking and single-family housing should follow the same parking requirement. He thanked the Plan Commission and Architectural Control Commission for their hard work.
President Frum commented the Board is in favor of moving forward with attached ADUs. She noted she would not want someone looking into her backyard from the lot line and does not want to change the FAR. Furthermore, she expressed concern regarding emergency exits with the use of ADUs. She suggested separating the ADUs into two separate categories for discussion, such as attached and detached. In summary, she requested the Village staff provide the Board with more information regarding the regulation of detached ADUs across the nation.
Trustee Ciesla asked if addressing the ADUs separately creates more work for the Plan Commission and Village staff.
Trustee Hebl commented she would like the public to comment on both ADU types.
President Frum commented the Board needs to make a determination on how they would like to proceed.
Trustee Ciesla made a motion to table the discussion until May 25, 2021, seconded by Trustee Ross. On voice vote, the motion passed. Trustee Collison and Trustee Pepoon voted no.
B. PRELIMINARY REVIEW - ZONING & DEVELOPMENT APPLICATIONS
1. Preliminary Review of Request for Special Permit for Job Training & Vocational Services for Cove School at 1370 Meadow
Senior Planner Swati Pandey discussed a preliminary application submitted by The Cove School, Inc. as potential lessee of 1370 Meadow Road, which is owned by TEF Shermer, LLC. Currently, the space is vacant and was previously a real estate office. The property is designated as appropriate for Village Center Mixed Use in the Comprehensive Plan and zoned C-3 Central Business. Cove School is a private school in Northbrook serving students in K-12 grades with learning disabilities. The school is seeking to lease additional space within Downtown Northbrook to operate a Cove Career Center to provide transition and career services to students graduating from the 12th grade. The center would provide college/career counseling, vocational experiences and independent living skills.
The proposed tenant space will be used by Cove School offering one-on-one and group class services to adults between the ages of 18-25 years. The class sizes may vary with a maximum of 10 students with a student/staff ratio of 5:1. The business will have 15 employees in total at any given time in the facility. The hours of operation as stated by the applicant include: Monday to Friday from 7:30 AM - 5:00 PM, occasional evening and weekend hours. The facility will host special events such as game night or community outings, once or twice per month in the evenings or weekends. The Subject Property is located within the “Special Parking Area” of the Village Green Overlay district and therefore does not require a parking assessment per the Off-Street Parking requirements set forth in the Zoning Code or provide additional parking facilities.
The Applicant has stated that the majority of staff and students will arrive at the facility by a car or a cab and do not expect more than five adults arriving or leaving the facility at the same time. There is no outdoor activity proposed for this use. No exterior changes will be made to the building or the site. There will be modifications made to the interior tenant space to accommodate the use and a building permit will be required. The interior space will consist of offices, conference rooms, social space and a training kitchen.
While reviewing the request, Senior Planner Pandey noted the items for the Board of Trustees to consider.
President Frum commented the proposed request is not a school and will not affect liquor licenses for restaurants.
Trustee Pepoon asked why Cove School suggests there is no parking needs. Senior Planner Pandey responded the students are mostly special needs and may be do not drive. However, she also believes their high school student data may provide an indication of parking needs.
Trustee Ciesla commented many of the students attending this facility are special needs individuals.
Trustee Collison commented she is in favor of the vocational program. However, she is disappointed the space is not being utilized by a retail tenant. She suggested the Board discuss establishing retail restrictions to create a more vibrant Downtown area. Furthermore, she is in favor of approving the applicants request and noted the Special Permit term should be concurrent with the lease agreement.
Trustee Ciesla expressed concern regarding the pick-up and drop-off of students on the property. She noted the location is very busy and not safe. Furthermore, she will support the request if the Applicant presents a plan showing how they will make the area safe for students attending their program.
Trustee Israel stated he is in favor of approving the proposed request.
Trustee Ross stated she is in favor of approving the proposed request. She noted the school will bring more business to nearby retail establishments.
Trustee Hebl stated she has no concerns and would like to see how the Applicant addresses the parking issues.
Trustee Pepoon requested the Plan Commission address the pick-up and drop-off safety concerns. He noted the school will bring more business to nearby retail establishments.
President Frum requested the Plan Commission address the pick-up and drop-off safety concerns. Furthermore, she agrees the school will generate more business to nearby retail establishments.
13. COMMUNITY
14. PUBLIC SAFETY
15. LEGISLATION AND COMMUNICATION 16. REMARKS FOR THE GOOD OF THE ORDER 17. CLOSED SESSION
18. ADJOURN
President Frum adjourned the meeting at 9:55 p.m.
http://northbrookil.iqm2.com/Citizens/FileOpen.aspx?Type=15&ID=1565&Inline=True
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