2005-04-06 - Plan Commission - Minutes Board or Commission: ❑ Plan commission
Document Type: ❑A e
g nda 0 Minutes
Meeting ate: 04/06/2005
Type of Meeting:
PUBLIC HEARING
BUFFALO GROVE PLAN COMMISSION
April 6, 2005
Jacobs Homes —Proposed Whispering Lake Estates development
South side of Aptakisic Road west of the JCYS facility
Chairman Ottenheimer called the hearing to order at 7:30 p.m. in the Village Council Chambers,
Buffalo Grove Municipal Building, 50 Raupp Boulevard, Buffalo Grove, Illinois. Chairman
Ottenheimer read the Notice of Public Hearing as published in the Buffalo Grove Daily Herald,
explained the procedure to be followed for the public hearing, and swore in all persons who
wished to give testimony.
Commissioners present: Chairman Ottenheimer
Mr. Smith
Ms. Bocek
Ms. Kenski-Sroka
Mr. Khan
Mr. Teplinsky
Mr. Stark
Mr. Cohn
Commissioners absent: None
Also present: Mr. Lawrence Freedman, Ash, Anos, Freedman& Logan
Mr. Keith Jacobs, Jacobs Homes
Mr. John Green, Groundworks, Ltd.
Mr. William Raysa, Village Attorney
Mr. Richard Kuenkler, Village Engineer
Mr. Robert Pfeil, Village Planner
Mr. Greg Summers, Associate Village Planner
The following exhibits were presented by the petitioner at the public hearing:
Exhibit 1: Concept Site Plan B dated December 28, 2004
Exhibit 2: Concept Site Plan C dated January 3, 2005
Exhibit 3: Preliminary Site Plan, revised February 22, 2005
Exhibit 4: Landscape Plan dated March 30, 2005
Exhibit 5: Engineering Plan, revised dated March 11, 2005
Exhibit 6: Floor Elevations of Hidden Lake Estates, Units A, B and C
Exhibit 7: Memo from Robert Pfeil to the Plan Commission dated April 1, 2005
Mr. Lawrence Freedman stated Jacobs Homes is the contract purchaser of the subject property
which is approximately 8 '/z acres on the south side of Aptakisic Road west of the JCYS.
Mr. John Green stated they have had two previous workshops on this proposal. In the course of
those workshops a number of elements have been changed, modified or adjusted within the plan.
He noted they are presenting a proposal for 8 '/z acres of which approximately an additional .4 or
.5 acres will need to be dedicated in order to create the appropriate right of way into the future
for Aptakisic Road.
Mr. Green stated they are presenting a straight R-4, single family development in accordance
with the R-4 single family zoning ordinances and regulations. The proposal is for 23 lots. The
property is an isolated island within an area of development. Currently it is vacant except for
three radio transmission towers. Because the property surrounding the site has been developed
in the past there are no other provisions or options that exist for connection to or through other
neighborhoods or other properties. Therefore all of this development needed to be created in
fashion that will allow the site to service and serve for its own needs and purposes and yet at the
same time create an appropriate R-4 zoning and an appropriate neighborhood that fits into the
scheme and programs of the Village of Buffalo Grove.
Mr. Green stated they have been in contact with Lake County who is in control of Aptakisic
Road will permit only one access and entrance. He stated the street they show on the plan is
approximately 675 feet in length and it would meet the standards for cul-de-sac widths for the
cul de sac size for the turnaround. He noted they had been asked to look at a pedestrian
connection of this development into the community.
Mr. Green stated the proposed plan eliminates the flag lot that used to at lots 5, 6 and 7. They
have also taken a 60 foot right of way off to the east. While there is nothing to the east right now
that can utilize that right of way, it means that if anytime in the future there is a chance to
provide any additional connections, the right of way will exist.
Mr. Green stated the plan meets the lot standards. The minimum lot standard is 70 feet wide and
the minimum lot standard is 8, 750 square feet. The average lot size shown is 10, 366 square
feet which is significantly in excess of the minimum standard for R-4 development. All the lots
have been developed in order to provide for a building footprint of 55 feet by 55 feet. As a result
of the needs of the single access onto Aptakisic Road they are looking at a couple of variations.
Mr. Green stated the first variation from Section 16.50.060.B.1.c. to allow a dead-end watermain
exceeding 600 feet. That is because the length of the cul de sac exceeds 600 feet and it is
important to the Fire Department to have a fire connection at the end of cul de sac. Also, Section
16.30.050.A.4 to allow a cul de sac length exceeding 500 feet is necessary due to this single
access. Mr. Green noted they have made some modifications to mitigate that length. When you
enter the site there is a paved divider for about 150 feet. That is separated opposite lots 1 and 23
so that any driveway conditions can still allow those cars to flow through. What it does is
effectively reduce the overall length of the cul de sac by about 150 feet because if there is a
problem on one side coming in, then the other side is still open and available. At Lots 5, 6 and 7
they have created a partial cul de sac bulb which allows them to flare out the street and to create
a passing opportunity or another safety net in the flow in the site. That means that the horizontal
length of the east to west length of the remaining portion is now below 500 feet. By creating
those two conditions on the site they believe they have met the intent of the ordinances and
provided the necessary safety.
Mr. Green stated the other variations being sought are Section 16.50.050.D.7 to allow a
reduction in the minimum depth of the sanitary sewer line to be 5 feet instead of 6 feet. When
you get to the end of sanitary sewer line runs you are often dealing with the fact that it is getting
closer and closer to the surface. That is the reason for the request for a variation. It does not
have effect upon the operation of sewer or upon the drainage or capacity of the sewer. Finally
they have requested a variation on lot 1 to allow 25 foot outside sideyard setback instead of 30
feet. That is the lot that abuts Aptakisic Road. Because of what they have endeavored to do
with lots 5, 6 and 7 to open those up, get rid of the flag lot and create the bulb at the inside
corner, they have had to squeeze lot 1 a little narrower than they would have liked. The 87 feet
means that one lot would be narrower in its buildable area than the other lots. They are asking
for consideration on that so that all of the lots can have the same product and they can have a
consistency in the design of the architecture throughout the community.
Mr. Robert Sklare, 1533 Madison Ct. N., asked where the three wetland areas exist and what will
be done to prevent flooding for the residents adjacent to them.
Mr. Green stated these are low quality wetlands that are small in scale and size. There is one
approximately at the north end of lot 8 and another approximately at the north end of lot 12 and
one where the retention pond is currently located. Each of them is at different elevations. They
have already had the wetland report done which indicates these wetlands are not quality wetlands
and they will need to create the compensatory storage for depressional areas which they have
included in their retention site.
Mr. Sklare noted that the plan calls for 35 foot setbacks whereas the adjacent property is a 40
foot setback. Would it not be better for the yards to be the same size?
Mr. Freedman stated that Mr. Sklare should just state his opinion rather than ask Mr. Green why.
Chairman Ottenheimer noted that Mr. Freedman was technically correct. These are questions in
the nature of cross-examination rather than comments or other questions. However, he will
allow the questions to be taken.
Mr. Green noted that lots 7 through 14 have been made deeper than the minimum standard of
125 feet and lots 2 through 5 have also been made deeper than the standard 125 feet so they have
taken that potential impact into consideration.
Mr. Pfeil commented that the site plan shows a 40-foot setback line, which is the R-4 minimum
rear yard setback standard.
Mr. Sklare asked how much money Mr. Jacobs was saving by having the sewer line at five feet
in depth instead of six feet.
Mr. Green stated Mr. Jacobs did not make the choice to do that. He noted he had indicated
before that as you approach the end of the sanitary sewer line system it is getting closer and
closer to the surface so they are requesting the five feet because they are getting to the end of
that line. It was not a decision to try to do anything other than to recognize that sewers have to
flow by gravity.
Mr. Sklare asked if there is water flow study on file with the Village.
Mr. Green noted that preliminary engineering has been done and it requires that all water be
directed to the detention area to be held and released at a reduced rate. Preliminary grading has
been in order to ensure that that is indeed what happens. Those have been submitted to the
Village Engineer and reviewed by him.
Mr. Sklare asked if the preliminary grading was the dumping of the fill that took place about two
years ago on the site at 6:30 a.m.
Mr. Green noted that Mr. Jacobs was not the contract purchaser two years ago.
Mr. Sklare asked if Mr. Jacobs will clean that site up and make sure there were no chemicals in
the fill that was dumped.
Mr. Green noted that would be a responsibility of the seller because the seller cannot close on
the property unless the seller has demonstrated that it is a clean site.
Mr. Scott Wagman, 260 Stanton Ct. E., asked if the developer plans on putting in a light at the
entrance so that people can get in and out during rush hour.
Mr. Green stated the intersection will not meet the warrants for a traffic signal. However, Lake
County has indicated they will require a left turn lane on westbound vehicles and that is planned
to be included. Since there are two lanes moving eastbound, it meets the warrants for this
development with 23 lots.
Mr. Wagman asked for a further explanation of the variance of 25 feet instead of 30 feet on lot 1.
Mr. Green stated that when they tried to get rid of the flag lots at lots 5, 6 and 7 and created the
larger bulb at that 90 degree turn, it pushed the lot lines between 5 and 2 further north by about
five feet.
Mr. Jeff Horwitz, 1535 Madison Dr., stated one of his concerns is that there are almost three
houses that will butt up to the back of his property. As it is with no houses there, his back yard is
flooded and his concern is that with grading for the new houses the water will run off and create
a lake in the back. Further he does not understand why this development can't be zoned R-3 just
like the other properties surrounding the proposed development. By zoning it R-3 it would
probably correct a lot of the problems that a number of the residents have issues with.
Mr. Green noted there is a little hill in back of lot 6 and 7 which directs some of the water to the
south and the east and the west so that Mr. Horwitz gets some of the flow now. He stated they
are required to create a swale to take the land down below the level of Mr. Horwitz's land and
then bring it back up to meet that level of land so that the uncontrolled runoff that is now going
toward that direction will be captured and collected and moved to the retention facility.
Mr. Green stated the R-3 and R-4 standards do not differ on yards. The difference is the lot size
and the side yard. Since they are impacting the rearyard he suggests that the total difference in
side yard is 1 foot. It would have no differential in any of the development at all. He stated they
have also indicated that the property abuts Aptakisic Road, the property to the north is R-4 and
the property immediately to the north of Aptakisic opposite this is scheduled in the
Comprehensive Plan for more intense uses.
Mr. Horwitz noted that one foot difference makes a huge difference. There are developments in
Buffalo Grove where the houses are very close together and it is almost like living in Chicago
and that is what he is concerned about.
There being no further comments or questions from anyone else present, Chairman Ottenheimer
closed the public hearing at 8:30 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Fay Rubin, Recording Secretary
APPROVED BY:
LESTER OTTENHEIMER, Chair
Board or Commission: ❑ Plan Commission
Document Type: ❑A e
g nda 0 Minutes
Meeting ate: 04/06/2005
Type of Meeting:
PUBLIC HEARING
BUFFALO GROVE PLAN COMMISSION
April 6, 2005
Village Zoning Ordinance, Title 17 of the Municipal Code,
Consideration of amendments concerning motor vehicle sales,
Leasing and rentals in Business Districts
Chairman Ottenheimer called the hearing to order at 8:45 p.m. in the Village Council Chambers,
Buffalo Grove Municipal Building, 50 Raupp Boulevard, Buffalo Grove, Illinois. Chairman
Ottenheimer read the Notice of Public Hearing as published in the Buffalo Grove Daily Herald,
explained the procedure to be followed for the public hearing, and swore in all persons who
wished to give testimony.
Commissioners present: Chairman Ottenheimer
Mr. Smith
Ms. Bocek
Ms. Kenski-Sroka
Mr. Khan
Mr. Teplinsky
Mr. Stark
Mr. Cohn
Commissioners absent: None
Also present: Mr. Robert Pfeil, Village Planner
Mr. William Raysa, Village Attorney
Mr. Greg Summers, Associate Village Planner
The following exhibits were presented by the petitioner at the public hearing:
Exhibit 1: Memo to the Plan Commission from Mr. Pfeil dated April 1, 2005
Mr. Pfeil noted that the issue of zoning control for automotive sales and leasing facilities is being
considered to address petitions on small properties such as the current Prestige Leasing proposal
at 88 Dundee Road. The Prestige site is a parcel of slightly larger than one acre which is zoned
B-3. The current structure of the Zoning Ordinance requires automotive sales to be located in a
B-4 District which is "highway commercial" zoning. On a staff basis and in discussions with
elected officials, the Village has determined that the level of zoning control should be greater for
smaller scale automotive sales and leasing facilities
Mr. Pfeil stated the proposal is to amend the Zoning Ordinance to create a special use in the B-2
District which would be carried forward into the B-3 District. The amendment would require
sales, lease and rental of new vehicles to be a special use. The Plan Commission would be able
to recommend appropriate conditions for each special use, and the conditions would be captured
in the ordinance approving the particular special use. Staff believes this level of zoning control is
appropriate for this type of smaller scale operation. Future re-use of a property would better be
controlled and regulated by the Village with this type of zoning in place.
Mr. Pfeil stated he surveyed other communities that have a substantial amount of automotive
uses, mainly Schaumburg, Gurnee and Libertyville. Although all three villages have highway
commercial districts for motor vehicle sales, he noted that leasing and rental of vehicles are
allowed as special uses in the general business districts. He noted that the proposed amendment
is consistent with the zoning controls used by other communities with extensive automotive uses.
Commissioner Smith asked if Prestige Leasing has been notified about this change and, if so,
what was their reaction.
Mr. Pfeil stated that Prestige Leasing has been notified of the proposed amendment. John
Schiess, who represents Prestige concerning its petition for zoning and plan approval, has
indicated that the property owner will submit a letter amending the petition to request a special
use in the B-3 District in place of the original request for rezoning to the B-4 District.
There being no further comments or questions from anyone else present, Chairman Ottenheimer
closed the public hearing at 8:50 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Fay Rubin, Recording Secretary
APPROVED BY:
LESTER OTTENHEIMER, Chair
Board or Commission: ❑ Plan Commission
Document Type: 0 A e
g nda 0 Minutes
Meeting ate: 04/06/2005
Type of Meeting: ❑ Regular Meeting
REGULAR MEETING
BUFFALO GROVE PLAN COMMISSION
April 6, 2005
Jacobs Homes, 16249-16349 Aptakisic Road (west of the JCYS facility)
Proposed Whispering Lake Estates subdivision
Annexation with R-4 zoning and approval
Of a Preliminary Plan for 23 single-family homes
Village Zoning Ordinance, Title 17 of the Municipal Code,
Consideration of amendments concerning motor vehicle sale,
Leasing and rentals in Business Districts
U.S. Cellular, south side of Aptakisic Road east of Buffalo Grove
Road (Commonwealth Edison property)— Special Use in the
R-1 District for a cellular communications antenna tower—
Workshop #1
Chairman Ottenheimer called the meeting to order at 8:40 p.m. in the Village Council Chambers,
Buffalo Grove Municipal Building, 50 Raupp Boulevard, Buffalo Grove, Illinois.
Commissioners present: Chairman Ottenheimer
Mr. Smith
Ms. Bocek
Ms. Kenski-Sroka
Mr. Khan
Mr. Teplinsky
Mr. Stark
Mr. Cohn
Commissioners absent: None
Also present: Mr. Lawrence Freedman, Ash, Anos, Freedman& Logan
Mr. Keith Jacobs, Jacobs Homes
Mr. John Green, Groundwork, Ltd.
Ms. Roslyn Schaefer, U.S. Cellular
Mr. Andre Termanowski, U.S. Cellular
Ms. Angelica Garcia, W-T Communication Design Group
Mr. William Raysa, Village Attorney
Mr. Richard Kuenkler, Village Engineer
Mr. Robert Pfeil, Village Planner
Mr. Greg Summers, Associate Village Planner
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Moved by Commissioner Smith, seconded by Commissioner Bocek to approve the special
meeting minutes of January 12, 2005. All Commissioners were in favor of the motion and the
motion passed unanimously.
Moved by Commissioner Smith, seconded by Commission Khan to approve the minutes of the
public hearing of February 16, 2005. All Commissioners were in favor of the motion and the
motion passed unanimously with Chairman Ottenheimer abstaining.
Moved by Commissioner Smith, seconded by Commissioner Teplinsky to approve the minutes
of the regular meeting of February 16, 2005. All Commissioners were in favor of the motion and
the motion passed unanimously with Chairman Ottenheimer abstaining.
COMMITTEE AND LIAISON REPORTS
Commissioner Stark stated he attended the April 4, 2005 Village Board meeting where they
continued the public hearing for Glenbrook properties on Weiland and Pauline. There was also a
referral to the Plan Commission for Jacobs Homes proposed Villas at Hidden Lake for 12 single
family homes on the northeast corner of Buffalo Grove Road and Deerfield Parkway.
Commissioner Teplinsky stated he attended the March 21, 2005 Village Board meeting where
there was a referral of U.S. Cellular for a cellular communications antenna tower.
JACOBS HOMES, 16249-16349 APTAKISIC ROAD (WEST OF THE JCYS FACILITY) —
ANNEXATION WITH R-4 ZONING AND APPROVAL OF A PRELIMINARY PLAN FOR
23 SINGLE-FAMILY HOMES
Moved by Commissioner Teplinsky, seconded by Commissioner Smith to recommend approval
to the Village of a petition for annexation with zoning in the R-4 One-Family Dwelling District
and approval of a Preliminary Plan with the following variations pursuant to the proposed
Preliminary Plans: ZONING ORDINANCE — Section 17.40.020.B. (to allow an outside corner
side yard of 25 feet instead of 30 feet on Lot #1); DEVELOPMENT ORDINANCE — Section
16.30.050.A.4. TO ALLOW A CUL DE SAC LENGTH EXCEEDING 500 FEET); Section
16.50.050.D.7. (to allow a reduction in the minimum depth of the sanitary sewer line from the
required 6-foot depth to 5 feet); Section 16.50.060.B.1.c. (to allow a dead-end watermain
exceeding 600 feet), so that the petitioner may construction 23 new single-family detached
houses.
Commissioner Teplinsky stated he likes the plan but his only concern is the single entry and the
cul-de-sac. Since there is no possibility for cars to be parked around the cul-de-sac, he is not
terribly concerned with access for school buses and emergency vehicles. With respect to the
variances request, he believes the petitioner has demonstrated a need for the variances and he
will vote positively.
Commissioner Kenski-Sroka stated she is very pleased with the plan and the way it has been
modified and is particularly happy to see that the petitioner was able to put the sidewalk in on the
east side of the property.
Commissioner Bocek stated the use on this property is exactly what the Village had planned and
it works very well.
Commissioner Cohn stated he struggled with the inter-connectivity of this property. He stated
he strongly feels neighborhoods have to be integrated. He stated he does appreciate the sidewalk
on the eastern side which will help. In the future he would like to find a better way to take these
types of properties and work them into the community.
Commissioner Stark stated his biggest issue is the flooding issue. The petitioner, however,
satisfied what he was looking for in stormwater management; the water now and making it clear
how additional water will be sent to the retention pond.
Commissioner Teplinsky stated the petitioner has shown why R-4 is appropriate for this parcel.
There appear to be 15 R-3 old farm lots abutting 14 R-4 lots in the proposed subdivision and, in
fact, this will actually be less dense for the neighbors in Old Farm than the Old Farm subdivision
is to the proposed development.
Mr. Raysa stated the site plan shows 30 feet against Aptakisic Road for Lot 1 but the petitioner
apparently wants 25 feet.
Chairman Ottenheimer stated that was correct.
Chairman Ottenheimer called for a vote on the motion and the vote was as follows:
AYES: Smith, Bocek, Kenski-Sroka, Khan, Teplinsky, Stark, Cohn
NAPES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
The motion passed 8 to 0.
Moved by Commissioner Kenski-Sroka, seconded by Commissioner Teplinsky to provide for
Findings of Fact.
The motion passed unanimously.
VILLAGE ZONING ORDINANCE, TITLE 17 OF THE MUNICIPAL CODE,
CONSIDERATION OF AMENDMENTS CONCERNING MOTOR VEHICLE SALES,
LEASING AND RENTALS IN BUSINESS DISTRICTS
Moved by Commissioner Kenski-Sroka, seconded by Commissioner Teplinsky to recommend
approval to the Village Board of the proposed ordinance.
There was no discussion.
Chairman Ottenheimer called for a vote on the motion and the vote was as follows:
AYES: Smith, Bocek, Kenski-Sroka, Khan, Teplinsky, Stark, Cohn, Ottenheimer
NAPES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
The motion passed 8 to 0.
U.S. CELLULAR, SOUTH SIDE OF APTAKISIC ROAD EAST OF BUFFALO GROVE
ROAD (COMMONWEALTH EDISON PROPERTY)— SPECIAL USE IN THE R-1 DISTRICT
FOR A CELLULAR COMMUNICATIONS ANTENNA TOWER—WORKSHOP#1
Ms. Roslyn Schaefer stated they are requesting a special use petition for the placement of a
cellular antenna on an existing Com Ed lattice tower of 131 feet and a setback variance to
accommodate that attachment.
Ms. Schaefer noted this is a proposal they had made almost two years ago which was approved
at the time and a special use was not required. The tower proposed at that time was 17 feet
shorter. At that height it came to their attention that the radio waves would be shooting through
the adjacent metal tower which causes problems with the radio waves and was therefore not an
acceptable application. Subsequent to that they also made a proposal to build a cell tower at that
location of 150 feet that was rejected. Therefore they are back to their original proposal with a
slight bit of additional height to accommodate the antennas.
Chairman Ottenheimer asked the petitioner to address the need for this tower, why this location
is appropriate and why the proposed height is appropriate.
Mr. Termanowski noted the propagation maps which show the areas they are experiencing
problems and where they need to place a cell to rectify the problem. He stated the placement of
this tower would help in their coverage objectives. The extra height is to avoid shooting radio
signals into the adjacent Com Ed tower which is relatively close and is made of steel and would
distort their signal. The tower they are mounting on is actually lower than the adjacent tower
and they are trying to compensate for the difference in height and have their antennas just over
the height of that adjacent tower so they are not shooting directly into it.
Chairman Ottenheimer asked how many feet higher than the Com Ed tower is the cellular
antenna.
Mr. Termanowski stated the antennas will be 12 feet higher than the adjacent tower.
Chairman Ottenheimer asked if it was possible to reduce that additional height to 6 feet or is 12
feet actually necessary.
Mr. Termanowski stated their rule is to have 1 foot of rise for every 5 feet of distance. They are
still a little lower than they could be but there was a recommendation from Com Ed to stay at
that height for construction reasons.
Chairman Ottenheimer asked why the petitioner believes there is a need for this tower at this
location.
Mr. Termanowski stated customers in this area are experiencing problems with receiving and
maintaining calls, dropping calls, not being able to initiate calls within their homes and shopping
areas. With customer complaints and collection of data from their existing network they can
target the coverage trouble areas. He noted they need to provide a certain grade of service to
their customers.
Chairman Ottenheimer asked what area this cell tower will actually serve.
Mr. Termanowski stated their average coverage is a 2 mile radius but a meaningful and good
coverage is a 1 mile radius.
Commissioner Smith asked if the majority of complaints are from Buffalo Grove.
Mr. Termanowski stated when customers call their center they may not necessarily be residents
of Buffalo Grove but they do specify at which locations they are experiencing trouble and they
must provide contiguous coverage or contiguous grade of coverage between cell sites.
Commissioner Smith asked if there was any room for co-location on this tower.
Ms. Angelica Garcia noted that on the type of application they are doing where they are
extending the tower there would not be any co-location. However, any other co-locators could
go on the physical tower and do a transmount where they are on the actual tower instead of
extending the tower height as U.S. Cellular is doing.
Commissioner Bocek noted there are many factors that affect cellular service and asked if there
is documentation of the complaints of service such as number of calls that have come in.
Mr. Termanowski stated they have this information but it is not purely based on just the
complaints. It is a combination of running their computer simulations, collecting live network
data and customer complaints. Sometimes they have to foresee these things happening and when
they know the signal is not where it should be, the level of coverage is not where it should be. If
they continue at that rate, complaints will increase.
Commissioner Bocek stated it would helpful for the petitioner to provide whatever complaint
logs or documentation is available to convince her that the need is there.
Mr. Termanowski stated when a trouble area is defined customer complaints is just an additional
way of notifying them of problems. They are looking at how the network is performing. By
designing these extra cells sites they are foreseeing that as more users come on the level of
service degrades. They already know the coverage is bad there and customer complaints will
increase even more.
Commissioner Kenski-Sroka asked what materials the building will be made out of and what
kind of landscaping and fencing will be used.
Ms. Schaefer stated the proposal up to this point meets with the requirements as stated in the
Village code. They have put a pitched roof on the top.
Commissioner Kenski-Sroka stated the Commission will need to know what materials the
building is made out of and size and dimensions as well as exterior lighting and landscaping.
This sits on a piece of property where residents already look out on the Com Ed towers and if
they are going to look out on a building underneath the towers, it needs to be as attractive as
possible.
Mr. Pfeil stated an ART meeting is needed and after tonight that will be the next step and a more
formal review of the building appearance and landscaping will be done.
Commissioner Teplinsky asked about the setback variation request.
Ms. Schaefer stated none of the tower there meets the setback requirements. However, this is the
only tower in the area that Com Ed has approved for U.S. Cellular to use. The other towers were
ruled out by Com Ed for a variety of reasons.
Commissioner Stark asked who will economically benefit here.
Ms. Schaefer stated that would be Com Ed.
Mr. Raysa asked the petitioner to look at tab C which states the requirement of the Village in
Section 17.34.040 is that the petitioner provides written documentation concerning the need.
The answer was that engineers at U.S. Cellular have identified the need. He noted he does not
make the decision, but his initial comment is that the propagation maps have not shown the need.
He suggested that more information be provided. He noted the need must be proven to this
commission and to the Village of Buffalo Grove. He also noted that the propagation maps
provided are not very clear or understandable.
Ms. Schaefer stated that is a valid point and a lay person would not have a clear understanding of
what is referred to on the maps.
Mr. Raysa noted there is also no backup material to justify the maps and there is nothing that
tells how the map is prepared and more detail will be necessary.
The Commission agreed another workshop is necessary.
Chairman Ottenheimer noted the following items were needed for the next meeting:
1. Data specifically regarding the number of complaints registered which justifies the need
for the cell tower at this specific location.
2. Building materials
3. Basis and rationale for the requested variances
4. Evidence that will meet all of the requirements and standards necessary in order to
establish a special use.
5. Redone coverage maps showing the meaning of the maps both visually and written and
how maps were prepared and what they were based on
Commissioner Cohn stated he would add something on stealth and camouflage techniques and
how they apply and how they were considered here.
CHAIRMAN'S REPORT—None
FUTURE AGENDA SCHEDULE
Mr. Pfeil stated the next meeting will be April 20, 2005.
PUBLIC COMMENTS AND QUESTIONS—None
STAFF REPORT -None
NEW BUSINESS—None
ADJOURNMENT
Moved by Commissioner Teplinsky, seconded by Commissioner Smith and carried unanimously
to adjourn. Chairman Ottenheimer adjourned the meeting at 9:25 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Fay Rubin, Recording Secretary
APPROVED BY:
LESTER OTTENHEIMER, Chair