06/04/2007MINUTES
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
JUNE 4, 2007
The village board met at 8:50 p.m. on Monday, June 4, 2007 following the regular
board of trustees meeting. In attendance were:
Village Board Staff
Robert Benton, Trustee Robert D. Franz, Village Manager
Michelle Feldman, Trustee Philip Kiraly, Asst. Village Manager
Harriet Rosenthal, Trustee Peter Coblentz, Village Attorney
William Seiden, Trustee Jean Spagnoli, Planner
Barbara Struthers, Trustee
WINDOW SIGNAGE REGULATIONS
Ms. Spagnoli reviewed drawings which were requested of her at the last committee of the
whole meeting held on April 30. She explained one drawing is a visual representation of
60% window coverage (mullion to mullion) which visually appears to be a greater
percentage. The other drawing depicts the impact of imposing a 60% coverage rule along
with the proposed percentage coverage. Ms. Spagnoli explained throughout the
commercial areas there are many different mullion configurations. The Koenig and Strey
building was pointed out as an example with their many small windows. The trustees
agreed that a 60% coverage restriction should be avoided as it would be too limiting to
the businesses.
Ms. Spagnoli explained an option to the last proposed ordinance which was based on the
concerns discussed at the last committee of the whole meeting. Proposing a maximum of
20% of a window area (structural element to structural element) may be used for
temporary and/or permanent signage with additional square footage allowed for
informational, political and Deerfield community event signs. Trustee Feldman stated she
believes the proposal to be an excellent compromise. Political and Deerfield Community
Event signs would be allowed an additional 10% window area coverage. Discussion was
held regarding restricting community event signs to just Deerfield for the additional 10%
window coverage. Suggested at the last COW meeting was an event either held within
Deerfield or to benefit a public or quasi-public organization within the Village of
Deerfield. Trustee Seiden said he would like the area expanded to include more than just
Deerfield events. It was pointed out that any event sign could be incorporated into the
20% window coverage. Mr. Coblentz said he would look into the matter of restricting
the additional percentage to just Deerfield events.
Illumination of permanent signs was discussed. A compromise was reached allowing up
to 8% of the window area to have self illuminating signs including exposed neon that
would be 40% of the 20% of allowed signage. The potential danger associated with neon
signs due to the high number of electrical volts running though the tubing was a concern.
Suggested was the need for UL approval and the Village electrical inspector’s approval
and field inspection. Trustees agreed.
Mr. Coblentz was directed to prepare a revised window sign ordinance based on these
compromises.
BRICKYARDS LEASE WITH PARK DISTRICT
The manager reported that the village and park district never completed an amendment to
the Brickyards lease to include provisions for the Patty Turner Senior Center located
within the park. A draft lease was prepared at the time the facility was in the planning
stages but never acted on by either board. The village attorney updated the document for
further review.
The board did not have any questions about the lease. It has been given to the park
district for review and comment prior to final action by the respective boards.
RECREATIONAL VEHICLE REGULATIONS
The board discussed whether it should broaden regulations governing the location of
recreational vehicles on private property. Currently, there are standards regarding
parking and storage and on the size of the vehicle.
Staff reported that regulations in neighboring communities are varied but not dissimilar to
what Deerfield enforces. There are minimum complaints received on this issue, even
though there appears to be a relatively high number of recreational vehicles in town.
After discussing the pros and cons of stiffer regulations, it was agreed that no changes
would be made at this time. Staff will closely monitor complaints and keep the board
informed of any unusual activity.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 10:07 p.m.
Minutes prepared by:
__________________________________
ROBERT D. FRANZ, Village Manager