MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING
OF THE PLAN COMMISSION AND ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS
FOR THE CITY OF COUNTRYSIDE, IL
HELD IN COUNCIL CHAMBERS ON TUESDAY APRIL 12, 2005

Chairman Fullmer called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. Secretary Lube called the Roll; the following members were present:

PRESENT: Chairman Richard Fullmer, Jr., Secretary Robert Lube, Mr. Edward Ziemba, Mr. Daniel Moss, Mr. Steven Jasinski, Mr. Frank Thullen, Ms. Tina Grotzke, Mr. Richard Toth

ABSENT: Ms. Cynthia Schulz

ALSO PRESENT: Bldg. Comm. Krautstrunk, CDO Muenzer, Attorney Robert Peck, Ald. ElectJohn Von Drasek – Ward 2

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

The first order of business was approval of the minutes of March 1, 2005. Mr. Jasinski moved, seconded by Mr. Lube, to approve the minutes as presented. Motion carried by unanimous voice vote.

PUBLIC HEARING

Chairman Fullmer read the Notice of Public Hearing amending the requirements for promotional advertising balloons increasing the amount of tent/balloon events from the current two per year to one per quarter or four per year in Title 8, Chapter 5, Section 9-E of the Countryside Code. Mr. Muenzer stated that historically special events have been restricted to two per year; the auto dealers have sought additional permits and are requesting one special event permit quarterly. In reviewing practices in other communities, specifically Downers Grove and Orland Park, Mr. Muenzer noted that they allow no more than 60 days in a calendar year for special events. Downers Grove no longer allows balloons. Orland Park allows a maximum of 15 days per quarter. Hodgkins has no restrictions. Mr. Muenzer suggested revising the ordinance to reflect four special events per year allowing the businesses to decide how they use the allotted time. Mr. Jasinski noted that this request is not limited to auto dealers; it is open to all businesses in the city.

Ms. Ellen Hanna of Continental Motors and Mr. Bogdan Studzinski of Autobarn, both presented their views on the subject. Ms. Hanna stated that the four dealerships she represents will use balloons on a limited basis but would request four tent sales per year as special events which are tied into regional and national sales events. Balloons are in conflict with tents. Mr. Studzinski stated that Volkswagen is very strict with the type of balloons they use. Summer sales events last longer; they may use a three-week run for each event; they could tie two special events together, with a grace period and then schedule another tent sale during warmer weather months using four special events per calendar year for a total of 60 days yearly, dates to be chosen by the dealership.

Mr. Jasinski moved to increase special events from two to four per year, with dates chosen by businesses, with a maximum of four special events per calendar year for a total of 60 days per year. Mr. Ziemba seconded the motion; motion carried by unanimous Roll Call vote – 8/0/1.

The second request is amending the requirements for the special event permit from 20 days to a period not to exceed 30 days in Title 8, Chapter 5, Section 13-D-4 of the City of Countryside Code. Both representatives would rather see four special events per year with their choice of dates. Board agreed that no special event shall exceed 15 days or two special events combined within a 30-day period for a maximum of 60 days per calendar year. Mr. Ziemba moved to allow the above language, seconded by Ms. Grotzke and carried by Roll Call vote – 8/0/1.

This matter will come before the City Council at its Regular Meeting on April 27, 2005.

OTHER BUSINESS

Board members discussed otherprojects. Mr. Muenzer stated that the first draft of the Landscaping Ordinance is almost completed; it will be given to the Building Commissioner and City Engineer for review; after further revision it will be presented to the PC/ZBAin June.

Chairman Fullmer would like to finish work on the Sign Ordinance in the near future. Other projects discussed were the lack of action at the Clark Gas Station, opening Joann Fabrics and the PetSmart store in the Plaza. A 150-seat Mexican Restaurant is planned for the plaza.

ADJOURNMENT

There being no further business to discuss, Ms. Grotzke moved to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Mr. Toth and carried unanimously by voice vote.

Chairman Fullmer declared the meeting adjourned at 8:25 p.m.

RICHARD FULLMER JR., CHAIRMAN