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1985-01-14 - Village Board Committee of the Whole - Minutes SUMMARY OF COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE OF THE PRESIDENT AND BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE VILLAGE OF BUFFALO GROVE, ILLINOIS, HELD MONDAY, JANUARY 14, 1985, AT THE MUNICIPAL BUILDING, 50 RAUPP BOULEVARD, BUFFALO GROVE, ILLINOIS President Clayton called the meeting to order at 7:34 P.M. Roll call indicated the following present: President Clayton; Trustees Marienthal, O'Reilly, Hartstein, Glover, and Reid. Trustee Stone was absent. Also present were: William Balling, Village Manager; William Raysa, Village Attorney; James Doyle, Assistant Village Manager; Gregory Boysen, Director of Public Works; Richard Kuenkler, Village Engineer; James Truesdell, Village Planner; and Police Chief McCann. NORTHWEST MUNICIPAL CONFERENCE President Clayton reported that the Northwest Municipal Conference Meeting was held on Wednesday, January 9, 1985; she noted that the Legislative Breakfast will be held on Saturday morning, January 19, 1985, and asked any Trustees interested in attending to contact Mr. Balling. The Conference also approved the legislative program for the year, which President Clayton will distribute to the Trustees. HAPP FARM II Trustee O'Reilly reported that the Arlington Heights Plan Commission approved the Happ Farm II plan by a 6-1 vote, and sent it on to the Arlington Heights Board. PUBLIC HEARING - CHATHAM MANOR UNIT 3 President Clayton read the Notice of Public Hearing which was published in the Buffalo Grove Herald December 21, 1984. President Clayton called the Public Hearing to order at 7:39 P.M. , and then read the purpose of the Public Hearing. President Clayton then swore in the following witnesses for the developer to give testimony: Kyle Benkert, M. Arch M.C.P. Architecture; Sue Janusz, Land Consultants, Inc. ; Joe Euclid, McBride Engineering Company. Mr. Benkert distributed reductions of the exhibits; he stated that they are not trying to change the density or the building height, but to create a situation where there is more open space, more amenities, and better apartment units than the original plan. Mr. Benkert displayed the original plan as well as the proposed plan. The original plan called for 294 dwelling units, and the proposed plan calls for 292 dwelling units; the original plan called for 3-story walk-up apartment buildings with detached garages and open parking; the original plan had 46% open space; the new plan shows 3-story, elevator buildings with parking underneath, and 24 units per building, as well as 1 parking place per apartment outside the building, so there are 2 parking spaces per unit; the new plan is 54% open space. Mr. Benkert stated that they are asking for these changes because they believe that the 3-story walk-up building is obsolete. Sue Janusz then reviewed the various landscaping plans. President Clayton asked if there were any groups or agencies that wished to address the Board. Mr. Bill Honor, representing Chatham Manor Home Association I, stated that they wish to go on record as welcoming the changes in the land and the buildings which are proposed, however, they do have strong objections to marketing the units as rentals rather than sales; they were led to believe that the project would be finished as condos. COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE JANUARY 14, 1985 PAGE TWO Mr. Benkert stated that he is only responsible for Chatham Unit 3; he does not have any idea when the office portion of the project will be realized, but he said that he is interested in that portion himself. Mr. Benkert stated that the units are to be rental at this time, but they are being designed so that they can be converted to condominiums if the market turns around; they would much prefer to market the units as condos. The ownership will be Horizon Federal, and a management company has not yet been selected. Trustee O'Reilly stated that she would want the management company to be very carefully considered. Mr. Benkert stated that the underground parking will add about 6' to the total height of the building, which will be 37'3" at the highest point. Mr. Benkert stated that they are not requesting any variations at this time. Regarding construction traffic, Mr. Benkert stated that he will be in charge of construction so he will be happy to work with the Village to find the best solution; Mr. Kuenkler stated that there is a temporary access on the east parcel; Mr. Benkert stated that they will also try to work out a temporary access on the west parcel. Trustee O'Reilly also asked that something be worked out so that, if there is any damage to Weidner Road, the Village would be covered for same. In answer to a question from Trustee Glover, Mr. Benkert stated that he believes the original plan consisted of all 1 and 2-bedroom units, split evenly; the proposed plan will be all 2-bedroom units; the original plan showed 1.7 parking places per unit, and the proposed plan shows 2 parking spaces per unit. Trustee Glover complimented Mr. Benkert on the proposed plan with the underground parking. Trustee Hartstein also stated that it is a major improvement to have the parking directly accessible to the units; he shares Trustee O'Reilly's concerns regarding possible damage to Weidner Road. Trustee Marienthal asked if the underground storm drainage drains into the lake; Mr. Benkert stated that is correct; Mr. Kuenkler stated that the drainage will work properly. Trustee Marienthal also complimented the developer on eliminating the outside line of garages. Trustee Marienthal also stated that he was dismayed that the developer did not tell the original Chatham Manor owners that these units would be rental rather than condos. Mr. Benkert stated that this is the plan which all the original Chatham owners have seen, and they have always been shown as apartments; it is to the developer's financial advantage to market the units as condominiums, and the only way that they will be marketed as rentals is if the condominium market is not feasible. Mr. Honor stated that the Chatham Association does welcome the changes which have been made to the plan. Trustee Marienthal stated that he would like to see something happen with the office park as soon as possible. Mr. Benkert stated that these units will have more brick than the original manor homes, but they will match the color of the brick as closely as possible, and these structures will be compatible to the original structures. Trustee Reid concurs with the comments made by the other Trustees, and wholeheartedly encourages movement on the commercial parcel as soon as possible. . COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE JANUARY 14, 1985 PAGE THREE Mr. Raysa made some comments; it was noted that Stratford Circle is not shown on the plan, but is shown on the engineering plan; Mr. Raysa will want to review the Declaration of Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions with Mr. Truesdell; on page 2 of the draft First Amendment to the Annexation Agreement dated 1-9-85, the date of the engineering plan should read 12-20-84 rather than 1-9-85. Trustee Hartstein pointed out that the Annexation Agreement specifically provides that construction traffic is prohibited from entering or exiting from the north of the property by use of Weidner or White Pine Roads. President Clayton asked if there were any questions from the public; there were none. President Clayton closed the Public Hearing at 8:26 P.M. Mr. Balling and Mr. Raysa stated that the ordinances and covenants will be ready for the January 21, 1985 Regular Meeting agenda. JOHNSON PROPERTY PRE-APPLICATION CONFERENCE Mr. John Wauterlek of the Trammell Crow Company introduced himself and Mr. Bruce Bingham, also of the Trammell Crow Company, to the Board. Mr. Bruce Bingham stated that the parcel of property is approximately 75 acres, which they have divided into 2 halves, with the portion east of the main driveway consisting of Phase I; the development will be similar to other projects which Trammell Crow has done in other metropolitan areas, and particularly in Buffalo Grove. They propose single-story office/research buildings no more than 18' high, except for the buildings along the railroad tracks, which will be somewhat higher, since they do not abutt any residential or other office buildings; they plan a restaurant, which would not be fast-food; they have tried to incorporate the detention as a feature of the property, and have made it attractive and heavily landscaped; they are fairly dense in terms of landscaping; he reviewed the road system; they do their best to respond to market conditions in their development; they typically hold their properties for long-term investments; they plan to develop an office/research building and a warehouse building, with construction beginning in 1985, completion in the fall of 1985, and occupancy in 1986. Mr. Wauterlek stated that they do not have a good solution for the western portion of the property at this time; it will probably be one-story office buildings, possibly with a hotel; the plan is basically schematic. Trustee O'Reilly stated that she is really thrilled to see this moving, and particularly happy that Trammell Crow is the developer; she stated that her only concern at this point is the homeowners in the area. Mr. Bingham stated that they will meet with those residents and take their concerns into consideration. Trustee Reid stated that he concurs with Trustee O'Reilly's comments regarding Trammell Crow; he is concerned with the Linden Avenue access turning into a thoroughfare. Trustee Hartstein stated that he also is very pleased to see Trammell Crow developing what will be the eastern entrance to the Village; he also is concerned about the residents living in that area, and would like to see communication between the developer and the residents. `.J COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE JANUARY 14, 1985 PAGE FIVE Trustee Reid stated that his comments have already been made by other Trustees; he too is concerned that the proposed Busch Road location for the Department is not a central location in the Village. Chief McCann stated that central location for a Police Department is not extremely critical, since most calls are taken when the cars are already on the street; it would be an advantage to be next to the Fire Station; it is a plus that the Village already owns the property; since Busch Road is a collector road, it is ideal for access; and he believes that the Busch Road site is a good location. Trustee Glover thinks it is timely to be planning; he thinks the plan is quite ambitious; he does not believe that the Busch Road location is centralized; he would be more comfortable with a larger parcel of land; he would like to keep the campus facility in the present location; he would hope to design something with an architect for more immediate needs, which could be expanded. Trustee Hartstein stated that there is no question that the need is there; with regard to location, he understands the desire to utilize land which is already owned by the Village, but he also believes that there is benefit to keeping the police services more centrally located; he believes there is a need to rethink \„/ the configuration of this particular campus area. Mr. Balling stated that his personal goal is to come up with a solution to keep everything on the present campus. Further discussion was held on financing options, ventilation in the Public Works building, and use of the Youth Center. Mr. Balling stated that he now has some direction from the Board, and staff will incorporate the suggestions made tonight into a plan to be brought to the Board. ADJOURNMENT Moved by Hartstein, seconded by Reid, to adjourn the meeting. Upon voice vote, the motion was unanimously declared carried. The meeting was adjourned at 10:31 P.M. Janet NI< Sirabian, Village Clerk COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE JANUARY 14, 1985 PAGE FOUR Trustee Marienthal also stated that he is pleased that Trammell Crow has entered into negotiations with the Johnson family; he complimented them on the number of curb cuts; he is very pleased to hear that they are speaking to people in their hotel division; he is also concerned about the residents in the area. In answer to a question from Trustee Hartstein, Mr. Truesdell stated that the two possible sites for a commuter station on the Soo Line tracks are at Busch Road, or at Lake-Cook Road; both sites are on the west side of the tracks. Trustee Hartstein asked that the Plan Commission be mindful of the possibility of the commuter station in the plan. President Clayton noted that there are very positive comments from the Board, and stated that this will be referred to the Plan Commission as soon as an application is received. Mr. Wauterlek reviewed the different divisions in the Trammell Crow organization. President Clayton thanked Mr. Wauterlek and Mr. Bingham for their presentation, and stated that the Village is looking foward to working with them. The developer will be ready with the application for next week's meeting; since everyone had very positive comments tonight, President Clayton asked if there would be any objection to putting this on the Consent Agenda for the January 21, 1985 Regular Meeting; there was no objection from the Trustees. President Clayton declared a recess from 8:48 P.M. until 9:01 P.M. FACILITIES PLANNING Mr. Balling stated that the intent of tonight's workshop is to present some concepts to the Board, get Board input regarding approach, and take Board direction and mold it into a budget presentation for 1985/86. Mr. Balling stated that several staff members worked extensively on this presentation; Mr. Doyle coordinated the overall presentation, Chief McCann focused on police needs, and Mr. Boysen focused on the Public Works areas. Mr. Balling pointed out that the two major areas which need renovation are the Police and Public Works areas. Mr. Balling then reviewed his memo to the Board concerning Facilities Planning of January 10, 1985. Trustee O'Reilly stated that she did not want to make any decisions tonight because of the complexity of the situation. Trustee O'Reilly stated that she toured the facilities again, and found it extremely valuable, and she urged the other Trustees to do the same. Trustee O'Reilly noted that she would prefer not to see the Police station moved up to the proposed Busch Road location, because she believes that it is extremely important to keep the Department near the administrative offices. Trustee Marienthal stated that he believes that the Police Department should be kept in its present area because of the central location in the Village. Trustee O'Reilly and Trustee Marienthal also commented on the proposed financing of this project. Mr. Balling answered some questions, and stated that the goal would be not to exceed the Village's non-home rule tax rates.