1990-05-16 - Plan Commission - Minutes PUBLIC HEARING
BUFFALO GROVE PLAN COMMISSION
Fire Station No. 27
May 16, 1990
Chairman Sheldon called the Public Hearing to order at 7 : 33 P.M. in
the Municipal Building, 50 Raupp Boulevard, Buffalo Grove , ILlinois.
Commissioners Present : Chairman Sheldon
Mr. Goldspiel
Mr. Krug
Mr. Rhodes
Ms. Howard
Mr. Braiman
Mr. Rubin
Mr. Charlette
Commissioners Absent : Mr. Rosenston
Also Present : Chief Thomas Allenspach, Buffalo Grove
Fire Department
Mr. John R. Thebault , McLennan & Thebault
Mr. Kenneth Lattanzi , McLennan & Thebault
Mr. Scott Clements , McLennan & Thebault
Mr. Julius Kwasek, Harris & Kwasek
Architects, Inc .
Mr. Robert Sebak, Harris & Kwasek
Architects, Inc.
Mr. Frank D. Childers , G&C Consulting
Engineers Inc .
Mr. Ronald Rehling , Rehling & Assocs .
Ms. Joanna Littrell , Civil Tech
Engineering Inc .
Mr. Greg Boysen, Dir. of Public Works ,
Village of Buffalo Grove
Mr. William Raysa, Village Attorney
Mr. Richard Kuenkler, Village Engineer
Mr. Michael O'Malley, Village Trustee
Mr. Robert Pfeil , Village Planner
Chairman Sheldon read the notice of public hearing as published in
the Buffalo Grove Herals, explained the format of the meeting and
Buffalo Grove Plan Commission-Public Hearing-May 16 , 1990-Page 1
swore in Messrs . Allenspach, Thebault, Lattranzi , Clements , Kwasek,
Sebak, Childers, Rehling, Littrell and Boysen.
Exhibits presented at the hearing were the Site Plan (Exhibit A ) ,
Elevation Illustrations (Exhibits B and C) , Floor Plan (Exhibit D) ,
Basement Floor Plan ( Exhibit E ) , Architectural Rendering ( Exhibit F) ,
Site Engineering Drawings (Exhibit G) , Landscape Plan (Exhibit H ) ,
and Traffic Signal Illustration (Exhibit I ) .
Chief Allenspach stated the request is for special use authorization
and preliminary plan approval for a fire station at the northwest
corner of Route 22 and Easton Avenue . He briefly reviewed the
history for selecting the site location which had been designated on
the Village ' s Comprehensive Plan for this expansion. He stated a
task force had worked on the station design to develop a low
maintenance facility with ease of function, primary mportance being
placed on easy access to equipment and apparatus for fast response in
emergencies . Changes in design from existing stations are the
elimination of a flat roof design to minimize leakage problems and an
exterior finish more compatible to the neighborhood.
Chief Allenspach addressed the zoning ordinance criteria for special
use , stating the new station would serve the public convenience by
providing fire personnel in closer proximity to the area as well as
space for Police Department personnel to act on minor traffic matters
and other calls .
Chief Allenspach stated the location and size of the station, the
nature and intensity of the operation and location of the site with
respect to the streets are in harmony with and appropriate to the
surrounding development and will not negatively impact development of
adjacent land or buildings. He further stated all necessary
utilities have been provided and parking areas are of adequate size .
Following Mr. Thebault ' s presentation of the site plan, Mr. Kwasek,
architect , reviewed that plan. Mr. Kwasek noted prior concerns
related to clear access onto Route 22 and having a secondary access
to the back of the site for employee parking . He noted that there is
a natural low area on the site causing them to locate the building to
the west portion of the site , and due to the height of the building
they will be moving the building back 1 ft. 6 in. further than shown
on the plan.
Mr. Kwasek reviewed the design of the building stating it is a
masonry structure with cedar siding accents over the doors and some
windows and between the sloping roofs. He stated their intent and
efforts were to create a design that would blend in with both
commercial and residential and develop a transition to the proposed
commercial to the west and the existing residential to the east .
He reviewed the floor plan noting the living areas are to the east
facing the natural part of the site , and the equipment areas and
Buffalo Grove Plan Commission-Public Hearing-May 16, 1990-Page 2
apparatus rooms are to the west. The basement area is under the
living space and will be used for storage and a possible exercise
area.
Mr. Childers , engineer, indicated that in the last two weeks two
wetland areas had been identified on an independent survey of the
area. One of those areas is a high quality wetland area and the
other is a fingered low quality area. Their wetland mitigation plan
will call for the excavation of a flat pond bottom. The high quality
area will remain undisturbed and the low quality area will be part of
the mitigation plan as it will be filled to provide rear access to
the site . Mr. Childers stated they feel the Army Corps of Engineers
permit will fall under the national permit for wetlands because the
area is under two acres and the process for the wetlands permit
should take three to four months .
Mr. Thebault explained hat the low quality area in question appears
to have been created as a result of a blocked culvert. They had made
their site adjustments to enlarge the site and move the building in
order not to interfere with the high quality wetland area, and he
stated the only reason for needing to interfere with the low quality
area is to provide the driveway to the rear of the property. Mr.
Thebault noted the parking lot does not infringe on or disturb the
low quality area, only the driveway crosses part of it. Mr. Childers
stated it is the opinion of the Village Engineer and others that the
permit from the Army Corps of Engineers would proceed with no
problems .
Mr. Rehling presented a landscape plan. In response to questions
from Commissioner Krug , Mr. Rehling stated planting species were
selected for their ease of maintenance and tree varieties and shrubs
were selected for their ability to endure area conditions. He then
reviewed the proposed types of plantings and their specific functions
on the site .
In response to a question from Chairman Sheldon regarding a tree
survey, Mr. Boysen stated this was a temporary holding area for
nursery stock and he has investigated the provisions for how that
stock will be utilized throughout the Village but there are no trees
on the property required to be preserved. Mr. Boysen stated the
stock will not be moved to another holding area but would go to its
final designated location.
Chairman Sheldon confirmed with Mr. Rehling that all landscaping on
the plan would be new stock provided by the developer.
Ms . Littrell reviewed plans for a signal to provide access onto
Route 22 . She stated that a permit is required from the Illinois
Department of Transportation because Route 22 is under their
jurisdiction, but they have agreed that a signal is warranted. Ms .
Littrell reviewed the design and function of the light noting it
Buffalo Grove Plan Commission-Public Hearing-May 16 , 1990-Page 3
would always be green until the station put in a call . She
indicated placement of the signal mast would be made to allow for
future widening of Route 22 .
Mr. Pfeil responded to questions regarding parking at the station
site stating that Mr. Hruby had determined that governmental service
standards were not appropriate as the use was more in keeping with
industrial type standards and, therefore , on that basis , in keeping
with using the number of employees as a standard, the parking is in
excess of requirements . Mr. Pfeil indicated this is comparable to,
if not more than, that provided at the Busch Street station.
Commissioner Braiman felt the governmental service standards were
more appropriate and accordingly suggested a variation might be
appropriate . Mr. Raysa concurred but did state precedent for use of
the alternative standards had been established at the Busc Street
station.
Commissioner Charlette asked if kick-out windows were provided in the
basement for emergency exit . Chief Allenspach explained there are no
windows in the basement and reviewed the emergency exit areas .
With respect to landscaping , Chairman Sheldon inquired about the lack
of a tree in the parkway. Chief Allenxpach stated the tree was moved
to another location on the site because its location on the parkway
blocked a clear line of sight and thereby posed a safety hazard. Mr.
Pfeil indicated the Village Attorney would determine if a variation
would be required for eliminating that tree from the plan. In
response to inquiries from Commissioner Goldspiel and Chairman
Sheldon regarding the necessity for a variation for removal of the
parkway tree , Mr. Raysa stated a variation would be necessary and
reviewed alternatives to meet that need. He indicated plan approval
could include a recommendation that the Village Board hear the
variation request .
Commissioner Krug inquired about handicap parking and access to the
building . Chief Allenspach stated handicap access would be to the
front of the building and they would be willing to sign handicap
access in the front .
Commissioner Krug then asked how landfill of the low quality wetland
area would affect water flow on the properties from the north to the
northwest . Mr. Childers explained that the property to the west
would be hard-piped and the property to the north would provide an
inlet and be piped-around detention pond, so overland flow would be
accounted for. He stated most water would be captured at the same
elevation and capacity as it is now. He further indicated the design
of the detention area will be approved by the Village and will meet
all standards for a stormwater detention area. He noted it will be a
dry-bottom detention area which should only store water during
periods of excessive rain.
Buffalo Grove Plan Commission-Public Hearing-May 16 , 1990-Page 4
Discussion followed regarding existing water conditions in the area.
Mr. Childers stated that the pond on the other side of Easton
had been lowered by about one foot so the water now only stands for
a short period of time , but it does not change the historic character
of the wetland. Mr. Childers explained that it is the soil type and
indigenous plants that define the area as a wetland, not the amount
of standing water, and therefore the piping and other engineering for
the drainage does not affect that.
Chairman Sheldon noted they had requested testimony regarding the
\./ impact of the drainage system on surrounding areas .
In response to inquiry from Commissioner Goldspiel , Mr. Childers
noted they had withdrawn their request for variations concerning
side slopes , pond depth and mechanical aeration of the detention
area, and they were requesting only a variation to wave the
underdrain requirement . Commissioner Goldspiel confirmed that this
variation along with the need for a flat bottom pond is necessary to
maintain the character of the wetland and the hardship involved is
in having to meet the Army Corps of Engineers requirements for
mitigation of wetland areas . Mr. Childers stated the developer of
the parcel to the west ( Zale ) will be preparing the wetland
mitigation plan and the Village of Buffalo Grove will be applying
to the Army Corps of Engineers for the mitigation license.
Commissioner Goldspiel asked what the condition of the high quality
wetland would be and what type of maintenance would be involved. Mr.
Rehling indicated it would include low-lying weeds and would likely
require some special care. Chairman Sheldon suggested a sign be
placed at the site to identify it as a natural preserve area.
Commissioner Goldspiel asked about planting on the regraded areas of
the detention basin. Mr. Kuenkler explained that the area would be
no less than graded and seeded, but petitioner would have to meet
whatever requirements were set forth by the Army Corps of Engineers
in its mitigation plan approval .
Commissioner Braiman asked about commitments by the Zale group for
street lights and curbs and gutters , and inquired about the status of
sidewalks along Route 22 . He expressed concern about enforcing that
commitment in the future after this development has taken place .
Commissioner Rhodes indicated an aerial view of the surrounding areas
should have been presented.
Commissioner Rhodes inquired about the patio area size , use and
screening. Mr. Rehling stated the patio will be 12x20 and will be
screened by plantings from the street and residential area.
Commissioner Rhodes confirmed that there would be no gas pumps on
site , and that the basement area would house all mechanicals and
would be used for storage and the potential exercise area.
Buffalo Grove Plan Commission-Public Hearing-May 16 , 1990-Page 5
In response to an additional question from Commissioner Rhodes,
Mr. Lattanzi indicated they anticipate construction to begin in
July, with operation beginning in April , 1991 .
Commissioner Braiman inquired about the access road shown on the
site plan extending to the property to the west . Chief Allenspach
explained this was to provide an emergency exit for that property
and the raod will be either fenced or gated.
Chairman Sheldon called for staff comments or comments from public
agencies . There being none, Chairman Sheldon opened the hearing to
comments from the audience .
Ms . Dorothea Bohler, owner of the property to the east , stated that
there is standing water on the pond site . Mr. Chris Cook, whose
property backs up to the pond, stated also that the area is always
wet and soaked. Discussion followed between the residents and Mr.
Childers regardig the effect of the recent opening of the culvert .
Mr. Childers explained the proposed release system and stated the
carrying capacity of the pond had not been changed by this
development . Further explanation and discussion followed and Ms .
Bohler requested assurance that the development would create no more
water than exists now. Mr. Raysa stated case law provides that
development cannot adversely affect upstream or downstream property.
There being no further discussion or questions , Chairman Sheldon
closed the public hearing at 9 : 25 P.M.
Respectfully Submitted,
ROSEMARY ALLE Recording Secretary
APPROVED BY:
BARBARA SHELDON, Chairman
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Buffalo Grove Plan Commission-Public Hearing-May 16 , 1990-Page 6
REGULAR MEETING
BUFFALO GROVE PLAN COMMISSION
Fire Station No. 27
Zoning Ordinance Amendment-Offstreet Parking
in Residential Districts
Cherbourg Unit 2 , Nos. 30, 55 and 56
Northwest Building Supply
May 16, 1990
Chairman Sheldon called the Regular Meeting to order at 9 : 25 P.M. in
the Municipal Building, 50 Raupp Boulevard, Buffalo Grove, Illinois.
Commissioners Present : Chairman Sheldon
Mr. Goldspiel
Mr. Krug
Mr. Rhodes
Ms. Howard
Mr. Braiman
Mr. Rubin
Mr. Charlette
Commissioners Absent : Mr. Rosenston
Also Present: Mr. William Balling, Village Manager
Mr. William Raysa, Village Attorney
Mr. Richard Kuenkler, Village Engineer
Mr. Michael O'Malley, Trustee
Mr. Robert Pfeil , Village Planner
APPROVAL OF MINUTES - None
COMMITTEE AND LIAISON REPORTS
Commissioner Krug attended the Village Board workshop of May 14 ,
1990 , at which the following was discussed:
1 . Capital improvement of water systems
2 . Busch Road/Deerfield Parkway Corridor
3 . Lake Cook Corridor
Buffalo Grove Plan Commission-Regular Meeting-May 16 , 1990-Page 1
Commissioner Howard attended and reported on the meeting of the
Cherbourg Homeowners Association with Pulte Builders and the Village
Board regarding removal of hazardous building materials from those
homes.
Commissioner Rubin attended a regional workshop for Village Planners
regarding the mandate that all Villages amend their ordinances to
allow group homes for developmentally disabled adults.
FIRE STATION NO. 27, Route 22/Easton Avenue
Moved by Commissioner Goldspiel , seconded by Commissioner Braiman,
to recommend to the Village Board approval of the petition by the
Village of Buffalo Grove for special use authorization and
Preliminary Plan approval for a fire station facility in the
Industrial District , known as Fire Station No. 27 , with the following
variation: DEVELOPMENT ORDINANCE - Secion 16 . 50 . 040 .C. 3 . (to waive
the underdrain requirement ) , subject to the following:
1 ) Moving the building 1 ft . 6 in. to the east , and
2 ) Approval of a mitigation plan to be prepared by the Zale
development group and submitted by the Village of Buffalo
Grove for approval to the Army Corps of Engineers .
Further, that the Plan Commission notes that there was not a
variation published regarding varying of the tree ordinance or of the
parking requirement , and the Plan Commission therefore recommends to
the Village Board that it consider publishing and holding a public
hearing for variations on those items ;
Further, that the Plan Commission finds the plan is in accordance
with Petitioner' s Exhibits A-I ;
Further, that it is recommended that petitioner identify to the
Village Board the trees which will be serving on the plan as
replacements for the otherwise required parkway trees ;
Further, that appropriate signage be installed to direct the public
to the handicap parking space , wherever that is located;
Further, that the Plan Commission recommends that when the mitigation
plan for the wetlands is approved, the Village consider installing
appropriate signage to identify the natural area as such; and
Further, that the Plan Commission finds as a fact that the
requirements of the special use ordinance and of the variations have
been demonstrated.
During discussion, Commissioner Braiman noted he would prefer to move
the parking area 1 ft . 6 in. further rather than the building.
Buffalo Grove Plan Commission-Regular Meeting-May 16 , 1990-Page 2
Commissioner Goldspiel stated the need for the special use had been
demonstrated by the need to provide fire service to that area of the
Village , and the need for the variation was demonstrated by the
requirement to mitigage the wetlands . Commissioner Rubin added that
adequate testimony had been provided to warrant approval of both the
parking variation and the tree variation provided that it is shown
that the trees removed from the parkway are added to the plan in
another location.
Commissioner Goldspiel amended the motion as follows:
Further that the Plan Commission finds as a fact that should
publication not be required, the variation in the parkway trees
program is appropriate, and that the number of parking spaces shown
on the plan is appropriate to the use.
The motion was seconded, as amended.
The motion carried 7 to 0 , with the following vot :
Ayes : Goldspiel , Krug, Rhodes , Howard, Braiman, Rubin,
Charlette
Nayes : None
Absent : Rosenston
ZONING ORDINANCE AMENDMENT-OFFSTREET PARKING IN RESIDENTIAL
DISTRICTS
Proposed changes to the ordinance include providing Building and
Zoning with more power to enforce control of the ordinance and to add
a requirement to park on a paved driveway surface. Parking on a side
yard would still be permitted with control of maintenance up to the
Building and Zoning Department .
Discussion followed including suggesting requiring any motor-driven
vehicle be parked on a paved surface and possibly limiting the
percentage of yard area that could be paved. Recreational vehicles
including boats would still be allowed to be on a side yard.
Commissioner Goldspiel suggested it is best to avoid unnecessary
paving and noted many RV' s are only seasonally parked and there
should be some differentiation between permanent and temporary
situations. Screening of paved areas was discussed.
Commissioner Rubin objected to allowed percentages of paved coverage
and to allowing parking on the grass in a front yard. He suggested a
permit be issued for limited periods of time. Chairman Sheldon
stated the issue of enforcing that procedure and an appropriate
penalty for lack of compliance needed to be addressed.
Buffalo Grove Plan Commission-Regular Meeting-May 16 , 1990-Page 3
The following issues were agreed needed review:
1 . Can it be legislated that people can' t pave drainage easements?
2 . Review of percentages of paved areas allowed in front yards , side
yards , etc . based on size of home or other criteria.
3 . Specific definition of a motorized vehicle ( based on State
licensing standards ) , and classification and definition of mini-
vans.
4 . Types of impermeable hard surfaces allowed.
5 . Screening for more than a two-car width drive .
6 . Limitations on size and height of vehicles allowed.
CHERBOURG UNIT 2 , NO. 30, 55 AND 56
Moved by Commissioner Goldspiel , seconded by Commissioner Rhodes , to
recommend to the Village Board approval of the Plat for Cherbourg
Unit 2 , Resubdivision No. 30 , dated 5/1/90 .
Commissioner Goldspiel received confirmation that the plat was in
accordance with the approved plan and complied with Village ordinance
requirements .
The motion carried unanimously, with Commissioner Rosenston absent .
Moved by Commissioner Goldspiel , seconded by Commissioner Rhodes , to
recommend to the Village Board approval of the Plat for Cherbourg
Unit 2 , Resubdivision No . 55 , dated 5/1/90 .
Commissioner Goldpsiel received confirmation that the plat was in
accordance with the approved plan and complied with Village ordinance
requirements .
The motion carried unanimously, with Commissioner Rosenston absent .
Moved by Commissioner Goldspiel , seconded by Commissioner Rhodes , to
recommend to the Village Board approval of the Plan for Cherbourg
Unit 2 , Resubdivision No. 56 , dated 5/1/90 .
Commissioner Goldspiel received confirmation that the plat was in
accordance with the approved plan and complied with Village ordinance
requirements.
The motion carried unanimously, with Commissioner Rosenston absent .
NORTHWEST BUILDING SUPPLY
Moved by Commissioner Goldspiel , seconded by Commissioner Howard,
that the Plan Commission recommend to the Village Board approval of
Buffalo Grove Plan Commission-Regular Meeting-May 16 , 1990-Page 4
the Plat of Dedication for Northwest Building Supply Company, at
the southeast corner of Long Grove Road, Aptakisic and Weiland Road,
revision date 5/7/90 .
Commissioner Goldspiel explained the reference to Buffalo Grove Road
on the plat was due to the fact that Weiland Road was once referred
to as Buffalo Grove Road, and the statement regarding being
"dedicated for public road purposes" in the legend was requested by
the Lake County Highway Department , and the Village was agreeable .
Commissioner Goldspiel confirmed that the Plat was found to be in
compliance with Village requirements .
The motion carried unanimously, with Commissioner Rosenston absent .
CHAIRMAN'S REPORT
Chairman Sheldon commented on the need for recreational amenities on
the Santucci development .
Commissioner Charlette noted plans for a levee project on the Des
Plaines River and suggested that be kept in mind in future review of
the Santucci property.
Commissioner Goldspiel stated he would like to see some of the Park
District donation for Santucci go into bike path development .
Mr. Pfeil stated Santucci was scheduled for a 6/6/90 public hearing
and the Chairman asked that the recreational issue be addressed, and
the issue of the impact of the levee project on the weir.
FUTURE AGENDA SCHEDULE
On 5/23/90 there will be workshops for Deerfield Bakery and the
National Gymnastics Academy.
PUBLIC COMMENTS AND QUESTIONS
Chairman Sheldon asked about the roof-top mechanicals at the Willow
Grove School on Checker Road.
Commissioner Charlette asked if anyone was interested in being
in the
Buffalo Grove Days parade .
Commissioner Rubin asked about the left-turn light at Weidner Road.
STAFF REPORT - None
Buffalo Grove Plan Commission-Regular Meeting-May 16 , 1990-Page 5
ADJOURNMENT
Moved by Commissioner Rubin, seconded by Commissioner Braiman, to
adjourn. The motion carried unanimously. Chairman Sheldon adjourned
the meeting at 11 : 10 P.M.
Respectfully Submitted,
ROSEMARY ALL , Recording Secretary
APPROVED BY:
k445'&4,V4r4i
BARBARA SHELDON, Chairman
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{ Buffalo Grove Plan Commission-Regular Meeting-May 16 , 1990-Page 6
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