Long Grove Plan Commission & Zoning Board of Appeals (LGPCZBA)

February 3, 2009

Commissioners Present: Jeff Kazmer, Mike Dvorak, Joe DiIorio, Charles Cohn, Tobin Fraley, Shelly Rubin

Absent: Wendy Parr

Chairman: Fred Phillips

Also present: Village Planner James Hogue; Planning Commission Secretary Terri Taylor; Village Attorney Jon Furr; and members of the public.

1. Call to Order: Chairman Phillips called the meeting to order at 8:02 p.m.

2. PUBLIC HEARING Consideration of a request for a Special Use Permit and/or additional relief necessary and/or appropriate under the zoning code to allow the continued operation and maintenance of an existing wireless communication antenna and related facilities and the co-location of additional antennas on the existing monopole telecommunications tower at 4210 Illinois Route 22 and zoned under the R-1 Zoning District Classification submitted by Mr. Frank Dobbs on behalf of Crickett Communications. (Discussion by full PCZBA).

Chairman Phillips read the public hearing. He then swore in the audience.

Village Planner Hogue provided a summary of the petitioner’s request. He explained that what they are requesting is within the reasonable limits of the existing structure. The engineering report shows that the current monopole is structurally able to handle the addition of the requested antenna. The existing small cabinet would need to be expanded. He explained that the Village of Long Grove policy is to collocate antennas on existing monopoles rather than to build new ones.

Frank Dobbs, Crickett Communications, provided background information about the company. He stated that his company agrees with the village policy regarding collocation and said the addition of this new antenna would have limited impact to the area.

Commissioner Cohn asked about ownership of the pole.

Mr. Dobbs said it was owned by Crown Castle.

Kerry Bell, 4393 RFD appreciated that a certified letter was sent regarding this request. She expressed two reasons she believes the request should not be approved: 1. Three lightning strikes to her home since the tower was built; and 2. Believes the new antenna is not necessary. She also expressed the desire to have the tower removed.

Chairman Phillips explained that the Village of Long Grove does not have the right to remove the pole and that currently the only request is to make a change to the existing pole.

Bobby and Donna Baker, 4395 RFD expressed confusion regarding the topic of the hearing. They believed they could talk about having the pole removed.

Discussion took place regarding this matter.

Mr. Baker expressed concerns about the health implications of the current pole and adding another antenna.

Mr. Dobbs stated that he could not answer questions about this because he was not qualified.

Village Planner Hogue explained the original process that took place to erect the monopole on what was at that time unincorporated Lake County property. The Village of Long Grove had no say in what was happening. At a later date the property was a forced annexation into the Village of Long Grove.

Mrs. Baker asked why the annexation occurred.

Village Planner Hogue explained what happened.

Commissioner Rubin asked about how many antennas were currently on the monopole.

Village Planner Hogue said two antennas.

Mrs. Baker asked if they could continue to add on.

Mr. Dobbs said it could likely hold five or six antennas depending upon structural capacity.

Mrs. Bell described the experiences with lightning strikes to her home.

Mr. Dobbs said the tower currently meets all regulations.

Audience members expressed concern about never being made aware that this pole was erected in the first place.

Discussion took place about placement, agricultural zoning and the telecommunications act.

Mr. Baker said he objected to the PCZBA approving this special request.

Commissioner Rubin asked if any other objections had been submitted.

Village Planner Hogue said he had not received any other objections from residents nearby.

Mrs. Bell wondered why Crickett could not have used one of the other poles in the area.

Commissioner Fraley, in reference to the concerns about lightning strikes, explained that without scientific evidence, there was no way for anyone to prove that the lightning strikes were directly caused by the monopole.

Commissioner Rubin asked about the addition of cabinets in the leased area.

Discussion took place about who would carry the responsibility of the burden if there were a problem with the pole, owner or those leasing space upon it.

Commissioner DiIorio asked why this particular tower had been selected.

Mr. Dobbs explained that radio frequency engineering make the selection based upon needs of the network itself.

Commissioner Fraley thanked the audience for coming to the meeting to express their opinions and providing feedback.

Commissioner Cohn made a motion to recommend approval of this special request with the conditions that it be signed off by the property owners and that certified electrical inspection of the pole be completed to ensure all safety measures are met; Commissioner Fraley seconded the motion; on a voice vote; six ayes, one nay (Commissioner Rubin).

The Public Hearing was officially closed at 9:08 p.m.

3. Approval of Minutes; December 2, 2008

Commissioner Kazmer made a motion to approve the December 2, 2008 meeting minutes as amended; Commissioner Rubin seconded the motion; on a voice vote, all ayes Commissioner DiIorio abstained due to absence from that meeting.

4. Other Business

The commission discussed the resignation of Commissioner Jenkins. They resolved to recognize Bob Jenkins officially with an informal event for his 30-year contribution to the Village of Long Grove.

Village Planner Hogue stated that the Canady request may be back for the April meeting and possibly another cell tower request for the March meeting.

Canterbury update – problems with communal septic

Sunset update – all approved, however there is a delay with financing

5. Adjournment

Commissioner Fraley made a motion to adjourn; seconded by Commissioner Rubin. On a voice vote, all ayes; no nays. Meeting was adjourned at 9:25 p.m.

6. Next Regular meeting March 3, 2009, 8 p.m.

Respectfully Submitted,

Terri Taylor; Secretary, Long Grove PCZBA