VILLAGE OF LONG GROVE
Plan Commission

Special Meeting Minutes

February 18, 2003

 

1.         Call To Order.

 

Chairman Borawski called the meeting to order at 8:02 p.m.

 

Commissioners Present:            Chairman Borawski, Ed Acuna, Joseph Di Iorio, Michael Dvorak, Nicholas Fasano, Camy Gould, Robert Jenkins, Fred Phillips, and Lisa Phillips.

 

Absent:                                     Plan Commission Secretary Bret Zacher.

 

Also Present:                            Village Manager David Lothspeich, Village Superintendent Robert Block, Gene Chamberlain (4833 Preserves Parkway).

 

2.         Approval Meeting Minutes.

 

Since this was the first “Special” Meeting, there were no minutes to approve.

 

3.         Driveway Plans and Specifications Review. 

The Village Board requested that the Plan Commission review Section 7-1-1-5 “Specifications” of the Village Code to determine if any revision or clarification of the language is needed, especially with respect to the width of the driveway at the point where it meets the road. 

The Commission raised comments/concerns, including: (1) the need for consolidating all references concerning driveways into one section of the Village Code; (2) conflicting sections in the Village Code limiting driveway outside of building pad; (3) impact on the amount of impervious surface.  Following further discussion, the Commission directed Staff to prepare a single ordinance addressing these issues including: (1) maximum 18 foot width outside the buildable area, including decorative ribbons along the edge; (2) maximum 28 foot width at the street apron to accommodate a maximum 5' radius flare on both sides of the driveway; and (3) maximum 35 foot driveway width at garage doors.

4.         Low-level Illumination of Subdivision Identification Signs. 

The Village Board requested that the Plan Commission review whether Section 5-19-5-8 “Illuminated Signs” of the Village Code should be amended to permit low level illumination of subdivision entryway signs located in residential zoning districts.

Village Manager Lothspeich noted that Village Code currently prohibits the illumination of all signs within residential zoning districts.  The Village recently received a request for a new subdivision identification sign with illumination.  Staff recommended that any proposed changes be specifically limited to low-level/low wattage illumination to limit the visual impact on neighboring properties and to eliminate the ability to increase the level of illumination by increasing the light bulb “wattage”.  Village Manager Lothspeich noted that all signs would continue to require the approval of the Architectural Review Board.

The Commission raised comments/concerns, including: (1) difficulty locating certain subdivisions or streets because they are not illuminated; (2) Grandiose subdivision monuments’ negative impact on the rural atmosphere; (3) need to adhere to restrictions to control light pollution. 

Following further discussion, it was the consensus of the Commission to permit illumination of subdivision identification signs in residential districts with the following limitations: (1) low-level (need to define as wattage, low-voltage, etc.) with consideration given to directional lighting; (2) special attention given to subdivision monuments, wattage, and respect to neighbors.  The Commission also noted the preference that developers be required to include the signage plans, including illumination, during the consideration of the subdivision or PUD.  Staff was directed to draft a summation of the discussion.

5.         Undeveloped Parcel Reviews. 

Consideration of each vacant parcel of land within and surrounding the Village.  Chairman Borawski summarized that the 34 parcels have been before the Commission for over the past year with various commissioners, present and past, providing reviews and recommendations for zoning, usage (residential or commercial), along with input from the Park District. 

 

The Commission reviewed the following parcels:

 

Site #11 - Parcels #2 & #4

 

Parcel #4

The Commission raised comments/concerns, including: (1) the preferred option would be for the property to be purchased by the Lake County Forest Preserve District for open space; (2) the existing R1 (3 acre minimum) zoning classification needs to be complied with the number of lots based upon the number of buildable acres; (3) desire to protect the watershed on this property and the adjacent nature preserve; (4) possibility of connecting to the adjoining nature preserve through walking paths.  Following further discussion, the Commission requested that Village Planner Lane Kendig determine the amount of buildable land.

           

Parcel #2

The Commission raised comments/concerns, including: (1) the existing R2 (2 acre minimum) zoning classification needs to be complied with the number of lots based upon the number of buildable acres; (2) Route 22 vs. Old McHenry access; (3) currently not part of a boundary agreement - could be annexed; (4) develop separate from Parcel #4 but consider overall density, etc. as one development; and (5) consider possible school uses.

 

Village Manager Lothspeich mentioned that the fire protection districts are planning emergency warning sirens, and suggested that the Commission consider this need as plans for development are reviewed.

 

Undefined NW Corner Route 22 & Old McHenry.

The Commission raised comments/concerns, including: (1) the existing B2 zoning classification and PUD needs to be strictly complied with; (2) any consideration of change of plans, the second preference would be for the parcel to be developed as single-family residential; and (3) public water/sewer specifications must be included in the PUD.

 

6.         Other Business.

 

Chairman Borawski informed the Commission that Brett Zacher, Plan Commission Secretary, resigned from his position and asked for recommendations to fill the vacancy.

 

Commissioner Fasano attended the February 11th Board of Trustees meeting and reported that the Board would prefer that the current maximum 13,000 square foot bulk limitation not be increased due to concerns about the conversion of large residential structures to institutional facilities.

 

Chairman Borawski thanked Commissioner Fasano for his report and reminded the Commission if any of them could not attend the Village Board meeting on their assigned dates, they should find a substitute.

 

7.         Adjournment.

 

Commissioner Acuna moved, seconded by Commissioner Dvorak, to adjourn the meeting.  All Ayes.  No Nays.  Motion carried.  Meeting adjourned at 11:05 p.m.

 

Respectively submitted,

 

 

Laurel Karolczak

Secretary Pro-Tem