MEETING MINUTES OF THE
LONG GROVE ARCHITECTURAL COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING
Call to
Order: Chairman Michaelson-Cohn called the regular
meeting of the Long Grove Architectural Commission (AC) to order at
Members Present: Lynn Michaelson-Cohn; Chairman, Terry
Connolly,
Also Present:
Village Planner James Hogue, and members of the public.
Absent: None; (2 vacancies exist on the Commission).
1. Approval of the
Commissioner Calas moved to accept the February 9th
draft rescheduled meeting minutes as presented, seconded by Commissioner Plunkett.
On a voice vote; all aye.
2. Consideration of elevations for water system improvements (water
treatment plant and storage reservoir structure) to service Sunset Grove and
Downtown Business District on property located at 4180 Route 83 submitted by
ESI Consultants LTD.
Planner Hogue explained the
request to the Architectural Commission noting that further discussion had
occurred at the February Meeting. The AC
took the following action at that meeting;
A
motion was approved to accept the site plan, building footprints and site
layout as depicted on Exhibit “C-3” as prepared ESI Consultants/ Milhouse
Engineering on
A
second motion was approved to accept the landscape plan as depicted on Exhibit
“L-3” as prepared ESI Consultants/ Milhouse Engineering on
A
third motion was approved to accept the elevations as submitted as Exhibits “R-2,
3, 4, & 5 as prepared ESI Consultants (12.14.09) with modifications as
discussed and subject to the following conditions;
1). A mock-up of colors and materials be presented to
the AC after bidding and prior to construction of the project;
2). Materials and colors of vent pipes, lighting
fixtures and the overhead door be presented to the AC after bidding and prior
to construction of the project;
3). Full windows be incorporated into the reservoir
structure.
Mr.
Mark Eddington of ESI Consultants further explained the request and noted the
revisions as discussed at the February meeting had been incorporated into the
latest revisions to the elevations. He also explained the brick trim look
around the windows in the structure. He
indicated that the landscape plan had been submitted to the Village Arborist
for review and those revisions will be incorporated in to the landscape plan.
Finally he noted that due to grading issues on-site more of the bottom “stone
course” will be exposed on the reservoir structure.
Planner
Hogue noted that final materials, samples and colors on some “accessory”
features of the structure will be brought back to the AC for final
consideration. This final review was built into the bid process for the
structure as well so minor adjustments to specific elements of the structure
can still be made.
After
discussion to AC noted that exposed “stone course” added more interest to the
structure.
A
motion was made by Commissioner Connolly, seconded by Commissioner Calas to
accept the elevations (2.15.10) as presented with the understanding that final
“accessory features” to the structure would be brought back to the AC for final
review and approval. On a voice vote; all aye.
3. Consideration
of a request for subdivision identification signs for Prairie Trails PUD/Subdivision located on the west side of
north Krueger Road, submitted by Mr. Steve Hanssen of Brickman Landscaping, on
behalf of the Prairie Trails HOA.
Planner Hogue explained the request noting upon staff review of the proposal, the entrance signage would consist of two signs single faced. The area in which each sign will be mounted measures 30” x 96” inches or 20 square feet for each sign (40 square feet total) which is the maximum amount of permissible signage. The sign will be constructed of limestone mounted on a concrete foundation. Sandblasted engraved lettering will be painted black to highlight the copy.
Signs will be set back from the North Kruger and Thimbleweed Trail rights-of way 37’ feet and 34’ feet respectively. As proposed these signs should not pose a hazard to traffic due their setback and location outside of the vision triangle.
The sign was proposed to be illuminated with a fluorescent light source. This is not permitted per the Village Code. The petitioner presented an alternative lighting plan at the meeting which was in conformance with the Village Code and therefore approvable.
A landscape plan was also submitted for consideration by the AC.
The AC then discussed the proposal noting the overall look of the sign was attractive an appropriate at this location. The landscaping was also looked upon favorably. Further discussion of the revised lighting scheme also occurred with particular concern the intensity of the illumination source to be used.
A motion was made by Commissioner Plunkett, seconded by Commissioner Beadle to approve the signage and landscape plan as submitted. On a voice vote; all aye.
A second motion was made by Commissioner Connolly, seconded by Commissioner Beadle, to approve the illumination fixture as presented at the meeting with the final wattage of the illumination source being subject to staff review and approval. On a voice vote; all aye.
4. Consideration
of a request for a gazebo structure and signage to be placed on Archer Road,
adjacent to the Archer Parking lot to be known as the “The Long Grove Rotary Club Gazebo,” and within the B-1 Historic District,
submitted by Mr. John Maguire of the LGBCP.
Planner
Hogue explained the request noting that there were outstanding zoning issues
associated the location and placement of the gazebo structure at this location.
These issues are outside the scope of the AC. He asked that the AC simply
consider the aesthetics of the structure and noted that if the zoning issues
could be resolved the structure would need to be moved or simply could not be
built as proposed. He encouraged the AC to determine where a structure of the
type would not be appropriate in considering the request.
Mr.
John Maguire, of the LGBCP indicated the structure will be a multi-purpose
structure. It will have access handicapped individuals. It will serve as a
drop-off \pick-up point for visitor to the downtown are which is one reason why
the proposed location of the structure was selected. It will also serve as a
performing arts venue with access to “
After
discussion the AC liked the look of the structure noting it was very “Long
Grove looking”. Commissioner Calas noted a concern with placement of the
structure and pedestrians gathering in the street especially during
performances. Mr. Maguire noted that an existing light pole and planter box
provided a buffer which would keep people gathering in the street.
Planner Hogue explained the signage may be considered a “directional and warning sign” which is permit exempt if the sign contains 2 square feet of copy area as defined by the Village Code. Permit exempt signs do not require AC review, however, as this type of signage will be eventually incorporated into the “wayfinding” signage for the downtown, this was a good opportunity to present this concept to the AC for future reference.
Staff calculated
the area of the sign at 3 square feet. To qualify as a “directional and warning
sign the “area” would need to be reduced by 1 square foot. Mr. Maguire was made
aware of the modification to the proposed signage.
The
AC liked the look of the signage and indicated it was appropriate in the
downtown as “wayfinding” signage.
A
motion was made by Commissioner Connolly, seconded by Commissioner Plunkett,
approve the gazebo structure as presented with a preference for the structure
being placed at the location as proposed. On a voice vote; all aye.
A
second motion was made to approve the signage as presented with the sign copy
not to exceed two (2) square feet subject to staff review. On a voice vote; all
aye.
5. Consideration
of a request for replacement directional signage identifying the Historic
Business District, submitted by Mr. John Maguire of the LGBCP.
Planner Hogue indicated the
request is being made by Mr. John Maguire of the Long Grove Business &
Community Partners (LGBCP). The request
is to replace the existing directional signs located at
The existing directional
signs were constructed perhaps 30 or 40 years ago and have become weathered and
in a general state of disrepair. Staff is considering these to be
non-conforming signs.
Based upon
staff review of the proposal, the directional signs would contain 12 square
feet of signage (36” x 48”), be double sided and non-illuminated. This is the approximate size of the existing
non-conforming signage as well. In addition, the sign would be constructed so
as to allow a temporary event sign to be placed on the bottom of the permanent
directional sign which would be used to promote the various festivals held
within the community and then removed. This is similar to what is current done
with regard to festival signage. The
overall design of the signage will be in conformance with the “wayfinding”
signage as identified in the “Downtown Master Plan” process.
Per the Village Code non-conforming signs may be
repaired and maintained but not enlarged. The existing signs will be replaced
with signage which is identical in terms of square footage. Structural elements are not proposed to be
altered. The “event signage” may be considered a temporary sign which may be
approved administratively and is not a permanent part of the proposed permanent
sign face.
Non-conforming signage does
not specifically require AC approval. However, given the prominent location of
the proposed signage, staff felt AC review and comment on the proposal was
appropriate.
Mr. John Maguire noted that
finding the downtown was critical to its success and survival, particularly
with the current economy. Large gateway signage has been discussed however
getting permission to place the signage in the various rights-of –way has been
difficult. This signage will serve as a temporary alternative to the gateway
signage until such time as approvals of placement of the gateway signage have been
received.
The AC was supportive of the
efforts to identify the downtown area and found the proposed signage to
appropriate and tasteful.
A motion was made by
Commissioner Calas, seconded by Commissioner Plunkett to approve the request
for replacement directional signage identifying the Historic Business District
as submitted. On a voice vote; all aye.
OTHER BUSINESS:
1). “Green System” for Water Treatment Plant - Chair
Michaelson-Cohn referenced the comments made by Commissioner Connolly with regard
to a “lead-free” water treatment plant as it relates to the new water treatment
plant for the Village.
Commissioner
Connolly commented that some states had mandated that “low level lead” brass
valves be used in water treatment plants to help to minimize any lead
contamination to the drinking water. While some lead is required in making
brass alloy “lead free” brass contains not more than 0.25% percent lead as opposed
to 25% lead in a standard brass alloy. As the Long Grove treatment plant was
being newly constructed use of these “lead free” valves may be a good idea.
The
AC concurred with this thinking. The consensus was that staff will work with
Commissioner Connolly to draft a letter on behalf of the AC for Village Board
consideration regarding the use of lead free brass valves in the Long Grove
Water Treatment Plant.
2).
AC Appointments – Planner Hogue
reported that at the last Village Board meeting appointments had been made to
all Boards and Commissions. All incumbent AC members were reappointed with the
exception of Commissioner Beadle who chose to step down due to conflicts with
his work schedule. Two new appointments were made to the AC as well. Terms of
office were selected by a lottery system on a staggered schedule. Planner Hogue
will have reappointment letters out to all Commissioners in the near future.
The
AC thanked Commissioner Beadle for his service to the AC and community at
large. The AC wished Commissioner Beadle well and noted his presence on the
Commission will be missed.
Adjournment: Commissioner Connolly made a motion to adjourn,
seconded by Commissioner Plunkett. On a
voice vote; all aye. Meeting adjourned
at
Respectfully
Submitted,
James M. Hogue
James
M. Hogue
Village Planner