06/05/2006MINUTES
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
June 5, 2006
The village board met at 8:40 p.m. in the conference room of the village hall
following its regular meeting on Monday, June 5, 2006. In attendance were:
Village Board Staff
Steve Harris, Mayor Robert D. Franz, Village Manager
Bob Benton, Trustee Robert Fialkowski, Finance Director
Michelle Feldman, Trustee Philip Kiraly, Assistant Village Manager
Harriet Rosenthal, Trustee Barbara Little, Director of Public Works and
William Seiden, Trustee Engineering
Barbara Struthers, Trustee Jeff Ryckaert, Planner
Matthew Wylie, Trustee John Sliozis, Chief of Police
FIRE PIT REGULATIONS
The board discussed the issue raised by two residents concerning unregulated fire pits in
the village. The Municipal Code bans open burning but is vague on outdoor fireplaces
and portable fire pits. Most neighboring communities are in the same position; however,
Skokie has imposed certain restrictions on these units:
1. The fuel used is charcoal, propane gas, dry, seasoned firewood or commercial fire
logs.
2. The fireplace or cooking unit is raised above ground level.
3. The fireplace or cooking unit is constructed of noncombustible brick, stone, or metal
materials and is commercially designed for outdoor fire or cooking and is maintained
in good working order.
4. The fireplace or cooking unit, if movable, is placed on a noncombustible surface
during use and is maintained at a safe and reasonable distance from any combustible
material.
5. The fireplace or cooking unit is directly attended by and under the supervision of an
adult at all times during use.
6. The fire shall be entirely extinguished prior to leaving the fireplace or cooking unit
unattended.
It was agreed that these devices should not be prohibited but that some regulations are
needed as to their use, including proper supervision and a means to extinguish the fire
quickly. The village attorney was directed to draft an ordinance for further consideration
by the board.
PAYMENTS IN LIEU OF SALES TAX
The board reviewed the village attorney’s June 2nd memo regarding impact fees, taxes
and land use controls for first floor and non-retail commercial uses. He emphasized that
there are certain constraints even on Home Rule communities that make it difficult to
generate revenue in lieu of sales tax receipts. Discussion then centered on how best to
preserve the retail commercial nature and vitality of the C-1 and C-2 business districts
and, at the same time, protect the village’s economic interests.
The possibility of an overlay parking district was explored, with the idea that it could be
used to require payment by every business in the district that didn’t provide the required
parking. It was felt that this would work well within the village center, where parking is
always an issue.
It was agreed to keep the topic open since other municipalities are also looking at non-
traditional revenue enhancements from banks and other non-retail uses.
RESIDENTIAL PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENTS
The recent publicity over the possible sale of the Briarwood Country Club raised the
issue of whether the village has sufficient controls in its zoning and subdivision
ordinances to effectuate its preferences in planning for the future redevelopment of that
property. Staff is of the opinion that, given its current zoning (R-1, R-2, and R-3), a
developer will be requesting a Planned Unit Development under R-5 zoning. Along with
our Subdivision Ordinance and Stormwater Management Code, the village should have a
good deal of control in the density and overall plan for the site.
Trustee Wylie has argued strongly that, even though there are no immediate plans to
redevelop, the village should position itself so that it is proactive in planning for what it
eventually wants if the golf course is sold. Waiting until it happens puts us in a reactive
mode with little time to determine our redevelopment objectives. After discussing the
matter, the majority of the board agreed to maintain the status quo at this point. They feel
that there are adequate zoning provisions already in place and that addressing the
redevelopment of the property could unnecessarily alarm the residential areas adjacent to
it.
The discussion also involved comments regarding affordable housing. Trustees Struthers
had scheduled representatives of the Metropolitan Planning Council to speak with the
board on the topic at a committee of the whole meeting tentatively scheduled for June
25th. The board asked that, instead of meeting, the council send whatever written
material it has on the subject.
TEARDOWN FEES/CONTRACTOR VIOLATIONS
Trustee Feldman had requested that the board consider increasing fees and fines as a
means of funding another inspector to improve enforcement measures at construction
sites. Staff believes that there is better compliance in that more effective procedures have
been established to police the contractors. The one area that needs addressing is street
excavations in that the patches over time sink, and public works must make repairs.
Higher demolition fees were discussed briefly. There was no support for increasing the
fee similar to that imposed by Lake Forest and Highland Park.
SIGNS ON RESIDENTIAL PROPERTIES
Trustee Struthers expressed concern with both the proliferation of signs and the length of
time some of them are posted on residential lots. It was explained that no signs are
permitted within the right-of-way (except open house signs on Wednesdays and
Sundays), but certain signs can be placed on residential properties.
A better effort will be made to police this problem, with all departments paying more
attention to enforcing the ordinance. Contractors in particular will be watched since they
are erecting signs primarily to advertise for more business.
ENTRANCE WALL AT CHESTNUT AND DEERFIELD
Barbara Little reviewed entrance wall landscape concepts at the northeast corner of
Chestnut Street and Deerfield Road. She asked the board’s opinion on various sketches
and received direction on the scope of the work desired and the types of landscaping
material to be used.
The meeting adjourned at 10:15 p.m.
Minutes prepared by:
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ROBERT D. FRANZ, Village Manager