04/23/2007MINUTES
COMMITTEE. OF THE WHOLE.
APRIL 23, 2007
The village board met at 4:30 p.m. in the conference room of the village hall on
Monday, April 23, 2007. In attendance were:
Village Board Staff
Steven Harris; Mayor, -Robert D: Franz, Village Manager
Robert Benton, Trustee Philip Kiraly, Asst. Village Manager
Michelle Feldman, Trustee Barbara Little, Director of Public Works
Harriet Rosenthal, Trustee and Engineering
William Seiden, Trustee. Peter Coblentz, Village Attorney
Barbara Struthers, Trustee
Matthew Wylie, Trustee
BILLBOARDS ALONG EDEN S SPUR
The meeting was scheduled to provide the village board with an opportunity to hear the
specifics about the proposal to install five billboards along.the Edens Spur. Two would
be erected on private property at 151 Pfingsten Road and three on the retention basin
property. The Plan Commission recommended approval of the billboards on public
property but denied the two on private land.
Ross Mash of ZEBRA provided an overview of the proposal and then gave a power point
presentation showing the chronology of events since he started on this project in 2004.
He acknowledged that considerable work still remains in securing approval and permits
from other agencies, but first he needs to know if the village will approve the use and the
fees proffered at this point.
Mr. Mash distributed a five year pro forma showing what the village would receive in
compensation from impact and rental fees. The village will be paid rent starting at
$31,000 a year per pole against a 26% share of the net lease revenue, plus a $100,000
impact fee per pole and a $5,000 annual inspection fee per pole.
Also proposed is an extensive landscaping plan along Lake Cook Road that would not
only help shield the billboards but would also beautify what is now a rather unattractive
water retention basin. This will serve to meet an objective of the comprehensive plan that
calls for aesthetic improvements along the Lake Cook Road corridor.
If the billboards are approved, ZEBRA intends to sell its business to one of three much
larger companies which lease billboard space. The village would have pre -approved
leases that would be assumed by the new owner.
r
The board discussed the.proposal, raising concerns regardingthe impact on.revenue
should the advertising market decline and the rights of the village to control the. content
of the signs. Some indicated their overall dislike for this type of advertising and'
questioned why this area was so attractive for billboards. The petitioner responded that
the demographics are excellent and that the area along the Spur.is one of the few stretches .
where billboards. could be erected under the Highway Beautification Act.
ZEBRA was questioned whether any future costs that maybe necessary to get permits for
the signs would affect the amount to be paid the village. They answered that it would
not.
Mayor Harris informed the board that he has known the Mash familyfor fifteen.yeais and
that, when they approached him about the concept, he saw two primary benefits for the
village. An opportunity is now available to beautify the retention 'basis site and secure
'new revenue.for the .costly infrastructure improvements scheduled over the next several.
years.
After some deliberation, board -members expressed their general reaction to the proposal,
with several needing more time to weigh the pros and cons. It was agreed that the board
would revisit the issue at their April 30th committee of the whole meeting.
Larry Dondanville asked to share his views .on the matter.' He expressed concern for the
65,000 motorists who use the Edens Spur in that the signs will be in the area of the toll
booths. His survey of 19 miles of highways in the area indicate very few billboards and,
thus, it would be bad publicity for Deerfield to allow these huge signs on its borders.
Also, the money the village would get only amounts to $15 per year savings on an
average property.
The meeting adjourned at 6:55 p.m.
Minutes prepared by:
RORT D. FRANZ, Village ag
Continued Public Hearing: Zebra Outdoor Billboards
November 9, 2006
Page 4
years. :Mr. Loss said they will go over this issue with the Village Board and noted
there is 5% rental increase every five years.
Commissioner Marks asked the petitioners to explain what they mean in their
proposal when they state they will "create a partnership with local In unicipalities."
Mr. Loss replied they want to help the Village profit economically from the
billboards proposal. Commissioner Marks said the petitioners will probably sell
the signs, so the partnership is transitory. Mr. Loss said the terms of the
proposal are contractual with the Village.and it does not matterwho owns the
signs as the obligations go to the next party that owns,the billboards.
Commissioner Marks said the Special Use standards require that -the., proposal
not be injurious to surrounding property values.- He believes the value of
surrounding homes will be impacted,. especially before the trees are mature
enough to fully block the view. Mr. Loss said there is- no empirical data to show
that billboards negatively affect surrounding property values. Commissioner
Marks believes'that looking out on. billboards and their messages will be'a
detriment*to surrounding properties. Chairman Swartz reminded the petitioners
that it is their responsibility to provide the Plan Commission with evidence
supporting their proposal. Commissioner Oppenheim pointed out.the.way the
billboard sign faces are positioned, they will not be readable from the homes
across Lake Cook Road. Mr. Loss said the homes will view the black pole and
the wedge and said the backs 'of the houses face Lake Cook Road. He does not
believe the billboards will be intrusive given the distance of the billboards from
the houses.
Commissioner Marks inquired if the billboards will be traditional or if they will be
mechanical, digital or mobile. Mr. Loss explained they will all be traditional
billboards as any other types of billboards are too expensive to be feasible along
the Edens Spur. Mr. Loss said the billboard ads will be printed on stretch vinyl,
which is magazine quality print, will not chip, and will be quick to change.
Commissioner Marks asked if the Village has control over the types of
advertising on the billboards located on the 151 S. Pfingsten Road property. Mr.
Loss replied *the content will.not contain any alcohol, tobacco and adult
entertainment. Chairman Swartz pointed out that the eases and the types of
advertising allowed to go into them will be in place for 20 years. Commissioner
Marks asked about religious advertising and its possible impact on the Village.
Mr. Loss said past business practice shows that religious groups probably will not
advertise in this type of area. Commissioner Marks asked if the fees are
guaranteed. Mr. Loss said there are fees paid up front, there is an annual
license fee, and the lease agreement will address fees. Commissioner Marks
said the lease should have some language should there be an instance where
the fees are not paid.