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 2, 2013

Chairman Fullmer called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. Secretary Lube called the Roll of Members physically present:

PRESENT:Chairman Richard Fullmer, Jr., Secretary Robert Lube, Mr. Charles Stoub, Mr. Michael Anderson, Mr. Mark Benson, Ms. Tina Grotzke, Mr. Crecencio Gonzalez IV, Mr. Bryon Bednar.

ABSENT:Mr. Richard Toth.

ALSO PRESENT: Atty.Yehl, City Planner Swanson, Ald. Jasinski, Ald. Pondelicek.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

The first order of business was approval of the minutes of the March 5, 2013 meeting. Mr. Stoub moved to approve the minutes as presented, seconded by Ms. Grotzke and carried unanimously.

Chairman Fullmer stated the Rules of Proceeding for the hearing before the Plan Commission – Zoning Board of Appeals will follow a strict order of presentation. A sign-in sheet for interested persons is located at the podium. This hearing is being recorded. Please silence all cell phones and pagers.

PUBLIC HEARING RE: 5349 SOUTH 8^TH AVENUE

Public Hearing notice for the proposed front yard variance was published in the March 14, 2013 edition of The Doings Newspaper.

To consider a front yard setback variance to permit the construction of an addition to an existing single family residential home as follows:

• Consideration of a variance to Section 10-5C-5 (Yard Areas), to permit the construction of an addition to an existing single family residence which will have a front yard setback of 12.29′ from Bob-O-Link Drive instead of the required 30′ front yard setback requirement
• Consideration of a variance to Section 10-5C-5 (Yard Areas), to permit the construction of a decorative screening element which will be placed 9.37′ from Bob-O-Link Drive instead of the required 30′ front yard setback requirement.

At the real estate commonly known as 5349 South 8^th Avenue, Countryside, IL 60525.

The Applicants are Mr. Gerald and Mrs. Erica Grenada, property owners of 5349 So. 8^th Avenue, Countryside, IL 60525

Mr. Gonzalez moved to open the Public Hearing in this matter, seconded by Mr. Stoub and carried by unanimous voice vote. The Building Department has received the required Proof of Notice. The Applicant, Mrs. Erica Grenada, was sworn in by Chairman Fullmer. City Planner Mr. Swanson made the staff presentation. The first hearing concerns a single-family home on the NE corner of Bob-O-Link Drive and 8^th Ave. in the First Ward. This is a corner lot with two front yards — a post WWII type construction; the home does not comply with current front yard setback standards. The current home is 675 s.f.; the owners wish to add a second floor and transform the home into a post modern construction using reclaimed building materials. The addition will enlarge the home to 1,872 s.f. Renderings of the home were shown. The second floor FAR is within the Code. The addition will be 12.29 feet from Bob-O-Link Drive. The decorative screening element will be placed 9.37 feet from Bob-O-Link Drive -on the second floor — a terrace is adjacent to the home. The lot size is 6,700 s.f.; the existing garage is 415 s.f. City Engineer Fitzgerald has provided the initial report, which is not final, but his view is favorable so far. Mrs. Grenada will provide additional information tonight.

Mrs. Erica Grenada stated that her husband is a traveling judge who is hearing cases downstate and is not available tonight. For the past 2 å_ years they have been collecting salvage from other projects – faucets, bathtubs, etc. to build a home that is eco-friendly so as to reduce the carbon footprint. Basically they are against overbuilding – putting the largest home on the smallest lot. She provided updated drainage plans including location of the sump pumps and downspouts. Mr. Lube asked about the garage. Mrs. Grenada stated that the garage will be repaired and made to match the esthetics house. Ms. Grotzke asked about the exterior construction – that will be Hardyboard siding – a material that may be reused when it is removed. All existing interior features will be donated to other sites using regenerated building materials. The home will have no swimming pool. The decorative screen is set back on the second floor; it is not on the ground level. It is not a structure or an obstruction. Discussion re: the overhang of three feet on the second floor – the roof protrudes past the house. Atty. Yehl read a portion of the Code and stated that a decorative fence and an overhanging planter not on the ground do not require a variance.

There were no questions from interested parties. Mrs. Grenada stated that they are very excited about their move to Countryside. Mr. Stoub moved to close the evidentiary portion of the hearing, seconded by Ms. Grotzke and carried unanimously.

Mr. Gonzalez moved to permit the variance for an addition with a front yard setback of 12.29′ from Bob-O-Link Drive, at the real estate commonly known as 5349 S. 8^th Avenue, seconded by Mr. Benson and carried by Roll Call vote – 8/0/1. This matter will come before the City Council at its Regular Meeting on April 10, 2013.

PUBLIC HEARING RE: FULLER’S MARKET, 5620 S. BRAINARD AVE.

Public Hearing notice for the proposed Ordinance Amendment was published in the March 14, 2013 edition of The Doings Newspaper.

To consider an amendment to Ordinance 04-27-O (Special Use Variation) for Fuller’s Market and Lube Center in order to convert existing interior space into additional three bays as follows:

• Amendment to Ordinance 04-27-O to convert the existing convenience store into three additional oil change/auto service bays to the already existing three oil change/auto service bays.

• Amendment to Ordinance 04-27-O to permit four parking spaces in the required 25′ front yard setback areas on Plainfield Road & Brainard Ave.

At the real estate commonly known as 5620 South Brainard Avenue (Fuller’s Market and Lube Center), Countryside, IL 60525.

The Applicant is Mr. Matthew Fuller, business owner of Fuller’s Market and Lube Center and property owner of 5620 South Brainard Ave., Countryside, IL 60525.

Mr. Stoub moved to open the Public Hearing in this matter, seconded by Mr. Benson and carried unanimously. Proof of Notice has been received by the Building Department. Matthew Fuller was sworn in by Chairman Fullmer. Mr. Swanson made the staff presentation.

The second hearing relates to a commercial property at the SW corner of Plainfield and Brainard Avenues. Background history reveals that Mr. Fuller received a special use from the City in 2004 for the construction of a gas station and auto service business at 5620 S. Brainard Ave. (04-27-O). The City approved an amendment to that ordinance in June 2011 (11-44-O) in order to construct a three-bay building addition to the existing business. Due to financial constraints, Mr. Fuller has never acted upon the amendment. At present, Mr. Fuller proposes a different option. He would like to convert the existing 3,000 s.f. convenience store into a 1,000 s.f. store and build two service bays and one alignment bay in the other 2,000 s.f. He owns the car wash property across the street which is within 600 feet, therefore, the parking variance is not applicable because he has off-site parking. This property is a corner lot with two front yards. Mr. Fuller requests a variance for four regular parking stalls in the 25′ front yard setback along Plainfield Road and Brainard Ave. Total required parking is 43; when both properties are combined, there are 52 total available spaces.

Matt Fuller stated that he will be using the existing building and making modifications to it. He will downsize the convenient store, which is underutilized at present, and convert it to the much needed service bays and alignment bay, without changing the footprint of the building. The construction cost for the previous amendment was approximately $550,000. Parking spaces will not diminish and the plan will improve traffic flow; this is better for business and makes more economic sense. He hopes to get the plans completed in three weeks and begin remodeling in June; he will install the sidewalk on Plainfield Road. He has received financial approval from the bank. The side drive is not used; it is basically an escape route or emergency exit used for garbage truck pick-up. The building is fully sprinkled; two U-shaped bike racks will be installed on the east and west side, within ten feet of the door. Mr. Fuller will replace the plant/ bush area with brick pavers and a bench for customers.

There were no comments from interested parties. Mr. Fuller had no closing statement. Board members agreed that this is a great plan. Mr. Benson moved to close the evidentiary portion of the Public Hearing, seconded by Mr. Lube and carried by unanimous voice vote.

Ms. Grotzke moved to approve the proposed plan, as presented, to repeal Ordinance 11-44-O, and to add two -U-shaped bike racks, seconded by Mr. Lube. Mr. Yehl stated that the motion is to recommend amending Ordinance 4-27-O re: Fuller’s Market & Lube Center, with the following conditions: to convert the existing convenience store into three additional service and alignment bays; to repeal Ordinance 11-44-O; to install two U-shaped bike racks; to install the sidewalk at the NE portion of the property as shown in Petitioner’s Exhibit A included herein; to approve the four regular parking stalls in the 25′ front yard setback area along Plainfield Road and Brainard Avenue; and to submit the permit application on or before July 1, 2013 for the real estate commonly known as 5620 S. Brainard Avenue. Motion carried by Roll Call vote – 7/0/1 abstention.

Chairman Fullmer stated that this matter will come before the City Council at its Regular Meeting on April 10, 2013.

PUBLIC HEARING RE: 5408 SOUTH LA GRANGE ROAD

Public hearing notice for the proposed parking variance was published in the March 14, 2013 edition of The Doings Newspaper.

A parking variance request to permit the re-location of the Shirtprinting 4U business as follows:

Consideration of a parking variance to Section 10-10-5-B (Schedule of Parking Requirements), to permit a business to locate in a commercial building which provides 14 regular parking stalls instead of the required minimum 35 parking stalls.

At the real estate commonly known as 5408 South LaGrange Road, Countryside, IL 60525.

The Applicant is Mr. Micah McHenry, business owner of Shirtprinting 4U; the property is owned by Ms. Georgia Gavrilos, 1 South Glenview, Lombard, IL 60148.

Mr. Lube moved to open the Public Hearing in this matter, seconded by Mr. Stoub and carried by unanimous voice vote. The Building Department has received the required Proof of Notice. Mr. Micah McHenry was sworn in by Chairman Fullmer.

City Planner Mr. Swanson made the staff presentation. This is an existing business. Shirtprinting 4U has been in Countryside for 16 years and would like to remain here. The applicant would like to move next door, at 5408 S. LaGrange Road. The property has been vacant for over two years; it is approximately 1,700 s.f. The strip mall center includes the Ultra Discount Nutrition business (1,700 s.f.) and Yong In Martial Arts (3,000 s.f.). There are 14 regular parking stalls on the property — inadequate per City parking standards. Existing and proposed land uses require a total of 35 spaces. Board members viewed a photo of the existing strip mall and the parking stalls. The applicant requests a parking variance to move his business next door. His business is very low impact re: parking; most of his business is done online and over the phone.

Mr. Swanson recommended the following Conditions be included: obtaining a building permit to re-stripe the east and west sides of the building for regular and handicap parking stalls; remove the existing signage indicating parking for Ultra Discount Nutrition business; erect three permanent 30-Minute Parking signs in front of the building; install 4 U-shaped bicycle racks – two on the southside of the brick support column on the east, and two on the northside of the brick support column on the east side of the building. There was extended discussion re: the four bicycle racks – after examining all the areas, the location will be determined by the Building Department. Mr. McHenry stated that they cannot be placed near the windows for fear of damage; he does not see much bike traffic at that location. Bike racks should not create an obstruction or become a nuisance. Mr. Gonzalez stated that restricting parking signage on private property is not enforceable. Mr. McHenry stated that the business owners have an amicable relationship re: customer parking; the three businesses close at 5 p.m.

Comments from interested parties – Alice Smith, 5401 – 7^th Ave. noted signs from Tavern on LaGrange patrons allow them to park here after business hours. Mr. Dimitrius Gavrilos, owner, stated that there has never been a parking problem; he sees very little bicycle traffic on LaGrange Road – it is a safety issue.

Mr. McHenry thanked the Board for considering the matter; he stated that he needs to move but would like to stay in Countryside; he sees no major parking issues. The three business owners are all low impact users and cooperate with each other. Mr. Gonzalez moved to close the evidentiary portion of the public hearing, seconded by Ms. Grotzke and carried unanimously.

Mr. Gonzalez moved to accept the plan as presented and allow the Building Department to determine bike rack location and restripe the parking lot,seconded by Mr. Stoub. Mr. Yehl stated that this is a motion to recommend a parking variance to Section 10-10-5-B to permit a business to locate in a commercial building which provides 14 regular parking stalls instead of the required minimum of 35 parking stalls with the following conditions: 1) to obtain a building permit to restripe the east and west sides of the building for regular and accessible parking stalls; 2) to remove the existing signage indicating parking for Ultra Discount Nutrition business; and 3) to install four U-shaped bicycle racks, location to be determined by the Building Commissioner, at the real estate commonly known as 5408 So. LaGrange Road. Motion carried by unanimous Roll Call vote – 8/0/1. Chairman Fullmer stated that this matter will come before the City Council at its Regular Meeting on April 10, 2013.

OTHER BUSINESS

Mr. Swanson stated that there are no applicants for next month’s hearing. The Board will discuss text amendments re: FAR – review the 30% requirement and review the s.f. for detached garages. Residents are more concerned with interior space. The other text amendment regards the overlay district on LaGrange Road – review adding the businesses that were removed in 2010.

ADJOURNMENT

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

Chairman Fullmer declared the meeting adjourned at 9:10 p.m.

RICHARD FULLMER, JR., CHAIRMAN