1981-12-10- Appearance Commission -Minutes APPEARANCE COMMISSION
VILLAGE OF BUFFALO GROVE, IL.
THURS.. DEC. 10, 1981
I. CALL TO ORDER
Com. Gibbs called the meeting to order at 7:37 P.M. at the Village Hall
on Thursday, Dec. 10, 1981. Ch. Hardt arrived as Roll Call was taken.
II. ROLL CALL
Commissioners Present: Gibbs, Knaak, Cea and Hardt.
Commissioners Absent: Kirby, Paolillo and Carr. (Com. Carr is resigning.)
Bldg. Department Representative: Dominic Saviano, Deputy Bldg. Commissioner.
III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Nov. 12, 1981 — Motion to approve as presented was made by Com. Cea and
seconded by Com. Gibbs. Roll Call Vote: Aye — Knaak, Gibbs,
Cea and Hardt.
Nay — None
Nov. 12, 1981 minutes were approved and will be placed on file.
Minutes of Oct. 8, 1981 and Oct. 20, 1981 were postponed until Commissioners
who were present at those meetings are in attendance.
IV. OLD BUSINESS
A. Shoe Repair (Plaza Verde) — Sign
Mr. Mary Hymen (Manager of Plaza Verde) was present and after reviewing the
reasons for postponement of the sign at the previous meeting stated that the
problem still exists. Namely, the owner of the store — Essa Rayaan — operates
his business under the name, "Essa Rayaan and Sons, Inc." This DBA would not
identify his business. Also the previous plan included a neon window sign.
Mr. Rayaan has agreed to dispense with the neon shoe. B. G. Shoe Repair was
submitted as an alternate to Shoe Repair, but there remained the problem of
precedent. The cost of B. G. would be $340.00. Color would be Red — #2461.
Ch. Hardt explained the intent of the Sign Code to identify business by use of
the DBA on signage. In general, people use their product or business as part of
their name. The Commission has taken a strict stand on elimination of advertising.
Mr. Rayaan was present and explained that he has a second shop in Hoffman Estates
and advertises both locations in the newspaper. After further consideration,
the name E. R. Shoe Repair was suggested. This was agreeable with the Commission.
Com. Gibbs made the following motion:
I move we accept the modified change to
the Shoe Repair store at Plaza Verde to
read — E. R. Shoe Repair. Color to be
#2461 — Red, Helvetica style. Sign to be
constructed as per Plaza Verde Sign Package
specifications.
Com. Knaak seconded the motion. Roll Call Vote: Aye — Cea, Knaak,
Gibbs, Hardt.
Nay °• None
Motion Passed 4 to 0.
B. Lexington — Buffalo Grove Commons
Color Package — Jeffrey Samuels, Operations Manager, presented samples of the
materials and colors to be used on the three models approved previously.
The bricks will be manufactured by the same company. All mortar will be grey.
Each color package was displayed. All were acceptable except Ext. A — 3 and
Ext. 2 — 3 which included two different white shades for Shutter/Trim and the
Windows. After further consideration, it was decided that because there is
some separation between the whites, no difference would be noticed when light
and shadows are taken into account. Garages will be the trim color.
Com. Cea made a motion to accept the Color Package as submitted by
the Lexington Development Corp. for the
Buffalo Grove Commons.
Com. Knaak seconded the motion. Roll Call Vete: Aye — Knaak, Gibbs,
Cea, Hardt.
Motion Passed 4 to 0. Nay — None
R gatriLv the Ynnotnny Code, Oh. Hardt cautioned_ that since several color
packages include different fronts with the same siding, these combinations
cannot be built next to each other. This is to prevent the appearance of
several homes on a curvalinear street from being identical. If any changes
are made to any package submitted, they must be approved.
Model Area Houses
Colors were previously approved for Models #401 and #501, but the Commission
agreed that any one of the Color Packages presented here tonight would be
acceptable. The Monotony Code would apply to the Model area.
Com. Gibbs made the following motion:
I move the selection of colors for the
Lexington — Commons Models, ,#301, #401,
and #501 will be taken from the Color
Packages approved this evening.
Com. Cea seconded the motions Roll Call Vote: Aye — Knaak, Gibbs,
Cea and Hardt.
Nay — None
Motion Passed 4 to 0.
Ch. Hardt reminded Mr. Samuels that when houses are built on corner lots,
Landscaping Plans are to be submitted to the AC for approval.
Also, if any brick approved becomes unavailable and a similar brick is chosen,
it is not necessary to submit it to the Commission. Any die—similar substitution,
sign, or celor package changes, must be approved.
V. NEW BUSINESS
A. Jaycees — Welcome to Buffalo Grove
Mr. John Panella presented a site plan and proposed entrance sign to be
erected on Lake/Cook Road as far East of the Industrial Office sign as
possible, but where it will be the most visable. It will be 10 feet from
the property line, perpendicular to Lake/Road (N and S).
Whenever such signs are erected in the Village, it is the policy to grant
the organization that is putting up a new sign, space on the existing signs.
The Jaycees have not put up a sign in the Village of Buffalo Grove.
Mr. Panella has secured verbs) approval from Mr. Maybrook, owner of the land.
The Commission asked that written approval be submitted
Appearance Commission
Dec. 10, 1981 = Page Two
The Jaycees sign is Yellow with a Blue Border. The Women's Auxiliary will not put
up a sign on this standard. All such signs must be maintained in good condition.
Com. Cea made a motion to approve the sign submitted by the Buffalo Grove
Jaycees, with the stipulation that the sign be
kept in good repair. Also a letter permitting
the erection of this sign, shall be submitted
to the Building Dept. before a permit is issued.
Permission is also granted to add the Jaycees
emblem to the other existing similar signs.
Com. Knaak seconded the motion. Roll Call Vote: Aye Knaak, Gibbs,
Cea and Hardt.
Nay - None
Motion Passed 4 to 0.
(The Commission mentioned that it is not necessary to copy the Buffalo that is on
the other signs. A more realistic image would be acceptable.)
B. Grove Court - New Pole Lights
Mr. Bill Taylor - Eagle Electric; and Mr. Dennis Solit - Solit Lighting.
Mr. Taylor presented a diagram of the proposed fixtures which will replace six
existing fixtures for the purpose of increasing the lighting for safety, etc.
The present standards are 14 feet and the new poles will be 20 feet tall.
The lights will be 200 watt, single luminaires, high pressure sodium (coral)
which will match the existing street lighting. The new poles will be painted
bronze. The lights will have sharp cut-offs and will emit no glare.
True Value is a separate parcel and Mr. Zimmerman has given his approval for
the new lighting. The three quartz lights on the True"-Value roof will blend
with the new lighting. The poles in front of TrueValue are about 100 feet apart,
while the other four poles are closer together. The lights are on a photo cell
and can be overridden by a timer to go off after the Center closes.
Should the new lighting be sufficient, the lights on the True Value Hardware
Store may be taken down. Mr. Saviano will check the minutes to determine what
Stipulations were made when the roof lights were approved. The Police have
recommended better lighting for security. The Commission had no questions.
Com. Gibbs made the following motion:
I move we approve the lighting as presented
for Grove Court which will replace the existing
lights. The new poles are to be 20 feet and
the total height of the new lights is not to
exceed 24 feet. Fixtures as indicated, 400 watt,
sodium vapor (coral) bulbs. Lights to be on a
photo cell and over-ridden by a timer to go off
one hour after the center closes.
Com. Cea seconded the motion with the addition that the previous minutes
are to be reviewed and stipulations noted.
Roll Call Vote: Aye - Knaak, Gibbs, Cea, Hardt.
Nay - None
Motion Passed 4 to 0.
APPEARANCE COMMISSION
December 10, 1981 - Page Three
C. Wok Inn — Sign
Mrs. Helen Chin and Mr. Stanley Chin (Son) presented the sign — Wok Inn
Dining/Cocktails which they would like to erect in place of the Eyes Have It
sign next door to their Carry Out business. They feel the new dining room
needs to be identified.
Ch. Hardt explained Section 14.20 of the Municipal Code which allows only
1 wall sign per business establishment. In order to have two signs, a ZBA
variation would be needed.
One solution would be to combine the two cans into one large sign and center
it over the business frontage. The original sign is a legal non—conforming
sign. The Sign Code states that a face change which makes any sign less
non—conforming is acceptable. The Commission expressed the opinion that the
existing sign does contain some advertising than is not allowed. If it can
be combined with the new business incorporated with the existing carry—out
service, the Commission would consider the larger sign an improvement. There
was some question as to whether the two signs can be put together without the
center divider.
Com. Gibbs made a motion to Table Wok Inn until Jan. 14, 1982. Com. Cea
seconded the motion. Roll Call Vote was Aye Unanimously.
D. Video Dreams, Inc. — Sign at Strathmore Shopping Center
Mr. Ed Zale of Electric Signs and Steve Levenberg, Pres. of Video Dreams
presented plans for a new sign where General Jeans was located. The sign
conforms with the Strathmore Shopping Center Sign Package. The color will
be Yellow — #2016; constructed on a raceway. The raceway runs through the
center of the letters so that it is not seen. The disconnect will be at the
center of the sign. The letters will have a gold trim cap.
Ch. Hardt noted that the letters should all be at the same height as all the
other signs at the center. The Commission had no objections.
Com. Gibbs made the following motion:
I move that we accept the sign for Video Dreams,
as presented. Color to be #2106 — Yellow with
gold trim caps. To be mounted on a raceway as
indicated. Raceway to be centered, dark brown
with electrical disconnect painted out to match
the brown. Letters to be the same size as the
Little Italian Pizza and mounted on the same plane.
Com. Cea seconded the motion. Roll Call Vote: Aye — xnaak, Gibbs,
Cea and Hardt.
Nay — None
Motion Passed 4 to 0.
E. Mobil — Conversion of Station at Dundee and Arlington Hts. Road
R. D. Cothern and Dennis Wong, representatives of Mobil Oil Corp. stated the
reason for changing the Service Station is to accomodate the conversion from
Full Serve/Self Serve to all Self Serve islands. This type of service re—
quires shelter over the pump islands. Drawings of the proposed canopy were
presented. The existing building will not be changed on the outside but some
interior remodeling may be done. Meetings have been held with Mr. Balling
and Mr. Hruby and both concur that the changes sought are minor changes,
APPEARANCE COMMISSION
Dec. 10, 1981 — Page Four
Ch. Hardt stated that had the building structure been changed the AC would have
tried to have the canopy design blend in with the architecture of the B. G. Mall.
Canopy — The canopy is constructed of galvanized steel with a shingled roof to
match the existing building. The color of the canopy will be white to
match the building. The lighting will consist of four fixtures on the
posts: 2 directed down on the pumps and 2 upward the underside of the
canopy. The lights must be shielded and have exposure proof fixtures.
The height is 13.6 at the lowest point of the gable and will asoomodate
campers, etc. The total height will be approximately the same as the
building and the roof pitch will be the same. Columns will be white.
The islands will be relocated to the center line of the canopy columns.
The new compresser (Carrier model) will be beige tone. Washrooms are
screened from street with a brick planter in front — color is beige.
Ch. Hardt questioned the parkway plantings and asked if it could be improved?
Mr. Wend said that newer stations are using a gravel strip instead of grass be—
cause of the use of salt in winter. He was uncertain if this could be included
at this time. He noted that the landscaping was done as per AC approval in 1978.
Com. Cea made the following motion:
I move we approve the architectural change for
Mobil Oil for the Canopy as per Sheet #1:
noting that the color of the columns will be white.
Location of the columns to be changed.
The compressor located at the North end of the existing
building to beiainted to match the color of the brick. Earth Tone.
Also, it was noted that landscaping shall be maintained.
Com. Knaak seconded the motion. Roll Call Vote: Aye — Knaak, Gibbs,
Cea and Hardt.
Nay — None
Motion Passed 4 to 0.
Signage — Ch. Hardt explA1ned the intent of the Sign Code to bring legal non—
conforming signage into conformance with the Code when face changes
are requested. Whenever the change is not more non—conforming signs
may keep the legal status. The Mobil sign is closer to the Bell
Liquor sign than allowed.
Mr. Wong presented the specifications for the new sign. It will be
11 ft. x 7i high. Frame is aluminum can with aluminum poles, The
pole will be 12 feet high. Landscaping at the base of the sign shall
be maintained. The total height of the sign will not exceed 20 ft.
from the top of the curb.
Com. Knaak expressed the opinion that gas stations display too many signs and
that such excessive signage is a detriment to the public because no one could
possibly read them while traveling down the street. Since the addition of the
words "Self Service" actually adds wording to the existing sign, it makes it
less conforming. Com. Knaak asked that signage be controlled and limited to
what is approved by the Appearance Commission.
Mr. Wong stated that he felt the owner would comply and co—operate with the AC
and suggested that the Village put into writing what is expected. Since Mobil
is spending a lot of money on the conversion, they will require the owner to
comply with the Village requirements. They cannot add this to the lease.
APPEARANCE COMMISSION
Dec. 10, 1981 — Page Five
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Ch. Hardt asked about the cost being shown on the: Pylon? This was preferred
by the Commissioners and Mobil also.
The Tri—Angular signs on the islands were described. These are a standard part
of the Mobil Corp. promotion campaigns and are necessary. Instructions for
dispensing gas must be posted. Also, No Smoking must be posted. Also, require—
ments concerning the type of gas containers that can be filled is necessary.
No signs will be mounted on the gas pumps.
The pylon will be placed on an angle with Mobil, Self Serve and a pricing
module 31 x 51 — Black and White will be mounted to the outside of the pole.
Ch. Hardt stated for the record:
The compromises that have been offered this date,
regarding the Self Serve option that is desirous to
Mobil Oil,is being done with the specific stipulation
that the property is not flooded with additional
signage.
The proposal will be contingent upon removal of all
other existing signs. Changeable copy will be limited
to the designated area on the islands (message unit)
or in the window.
(ALL OTHER SIGNAGE MUST COME BEFORE THE APPEARANCE COMMISSION.)
Commissioner Gibbs made the following motion:
I move we approve the Mobil Self Service and
Price change to the pylon sign. Also, the
Modular Island Message Units. Also the signs
required by law to be posted. The signage on
the building is to remain the same.
There will be 1 message unit on each island.
The pylon sign to be the size as indicated on the
drawing. It is to read Mobil, Self Serve the
dimensions are to be as'indicated: 10' 11-3/4"
with the 31 x 51 pricing sign mounted below. The
pylon is not to exceed 20 feet in height.
Pricing sign to be black and white. Non—illuminated.
Any signs necessitated by State law be allowed.
All other signs be removed from the property.
Any additional signs desired by the tenant must
come before the AC for approval.
Also, there will be an attempt by the representatives
of Mobil Corp. to discuss with their licensee the
improvement of the grounds surrounding the gas
station to make it comply with the original landscaping
plan of 3-4 years ago.
Landscaping to be placed and maintained around the pole.
Com. Knaak seconded the motion. Roll Call Vote: Aye — Cea, Knaak,
Gibbs and Hardt.
Nay —None
Motion Passed 4 to 0.
APPEARANCE COMMI ION
Dec. 10, 19$1 — rage six
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VI. ANNOUNCEMENTS
Chairman Hardt explained the New Open Meeting Act to become effective
Jan. 1, 1982. Basically, oneimportant change is that a meeting is
official any time a quorum comes together to discuss any business.
All Commissioners are bonded. Any citizen can bring a civil suit against
Commissioners.
A Workshop will be scheduled Jan. 7, 1982 to discuss ways to speed up
reviews. This Workshop is to be published.
Regarding the Landmark proposal submitted by Mr. James Truesdell will
be discussed further at the Workshop. Com. Knaak noted some problems.
Some sections need clarification. For instance, St. Mary's Church
could not have been allowed the addition.
The "For Lease" sign at the Mall has been up for the specified 90 days.
The Commissioners agreed to extend the permit for an additional 90 days.
Com. Knaak so moved. Com. Gibbs seconded the motion. Roll Call Vote
was Aye Unanimously.
VII. ADJOURNMENT
Com. Knaak made a motion to adjourn. Com. Cea seconded the motion.
The meeting adjourned at 11:05 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
Shirley Bates, cretary
Appearance Commission
APPEARANCE COMMISSION
sb Dec. 10, 1981 — Page Seven