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, June 1, 2010

Chairman Fullmer called the meeting to order at 7:45 p.m. Secretary Lube called the Roll of Members physically present:

PRESENT: Chairman Richard Fullmer, Jr., Secretary Robert Lube, Mr. Jim Jasinski, Mr. Charles Stoub, Mr. Daniel Moss, Mr. Richard Toth, Mr. Crecencio Gonzalez IV, Mr. Mark Benson, Ms. Tina Grotzke

ALSO PRESENT: Atty. Erik Peck, Mayor Conrad, Ald. Pondelicek, CDP Swanson, Asst. Admin. Ms. Peterson,

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

The first order of business was approval of the minutes of the May 4, 2010 meeting. Ms. Grotzke moved to approve the minutes as presented, seconded by Mr. Benson 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.

Chairman Fullmer stated that he received a letter from Mr. Arce, Tavern on LaGrange, seeking a continuance to the July 6^th meeting for two variances. Mr. Swanson stated that he does have a lease from Mr. Wolf for the 9825 W. 55^th St. property for parking and he has the appropriate application. Residents are present tonight but the hearing is not going forward. Chairman Fullmer moved to continue the Arce hearing to the July meeting, seconded by Mr. Toth. Board members could deny him that request or remove it from the agenda, according to Mr. Peck. The Board could also place conditions, such as sending another notice for a new hearing date; he should receive some penalty for his actions. Mr. Moss amended the motion to include the requirement to re publish a notice in the newspaper and send certified mailings to residents within 600 feet of the property, seconded by Mr. Gonzalez and carried unanimously. Mr. Swanson sought clarification regarding which property address should be utilized; it was agreed that both property addresses should be used. Motion carried by unanimous Roll Call vote – 9/0/0.

PUBLIC HEARING RE: 6404 AND 6406 JOLIET ROAD

Chairman Fullmer read the Notice of Public Hearing for the following amendments to the PUD published in The Doings Newspaper on May 13, 2010 re: Consideration of an amendment to the final Countryside Senior Apartment Planned Unit Development Plan to allow an additional existing freestanding sign to portions of the City of Countryside, IL Municipal Code (Zoning Ordinance) – an amendment to Section 10-9-4 (Mixed Use Planned Developments) Title 10, Chapter 9 in the Municipal Code in order to allow an additional existing freestanding sign at the Township of Lyons Offices located within the Countryside Senior Apartments Planned Unit Development at the real estate commonly known as 6404 and 6406 Joliet Road, Countryside, IL 60525. The Applicant is Ms. Liz Reyes of Mercy Housing Lakefront, located at 1205 S. LaSalle Street, Unit 1800, Chicago, IL 60603.

Mr. Toth moved to open the Public Hearing in this matter, seconded by Mr. Jasinski and carried by unanimous voice vote. Ms. Reyes was sworn in by Chairman Fullmer. Proof of Notice was received by the Building Department.

Mr. Swanson presented the Staff Report. re: 6404 and 6406 Joliet Road, commonly known as the Township of Lyons office, 6404 Joliet Road and the Countryside Senior Apartments Planned Unit Development, 6406 Joliet Road. They are here to consider an amendment to Section 10-9-4 (mixed use planned developments) to allow an additional existing freestanding sign at the Township of Lyons offices located within the Countryside Senior Apartments Planned Unit Development. The current zoning is B-1 Retail with a PUD designation. Estimated square footage of 94,988; estimated acreage is 2.18 acres.

Mr. Swanson stated that the site plan was approved by the City Council for one free-standing sign. Mercy Housing Lakefront and the Township of Lyons desire to allow the existing Township sign to remain on the property; an amendment is required for that purpose. The existing sign is 9’4 tall by 8′ wide. The surface area of both sides is 72 square feet; it is located about 4′ from the property line. The proposed sign approved by the City Council is 13′ high and 7′ wide and internally illuminated.

Ms. Reyes stated that the face of the sign will be changed so there is no duplication of Township Trustee names. There will only be Countryside Senior Apartments of Lyons Township, the address, – with Fair Housing logo and Accessibility logo — with two external spotlights shining up on the sign. Mr. Jasinski is opposed to an additional sign on Joliet Road. Mr. Lube noted that a sign might be needed in this case since there is no building sign and confusion exists between the two buildings – the new building sits far back at the rear of the lot. After discussion, it was agreed that the new sign will mirror the dimensions and illumination of the current sign and be located 15-20 feet from the property line.

Mr. Toth moved to amend the planned unit development to permit the continued use of the current freestanding sign for the Township of Lyons, and to permit a second freestanding sign upon the single lot commonly known as 6404 and 6406 Joliet Road, in substantial conformity with Petitioner’s Exhibit A, which is the site plan showing the location of that sign with the same dimension and style as the existing Township sign with internal illumination, seconded by Mr. Lube and carried by Roll Call vote – 8/1/0. Mr. Gonzalez opposed. Chairman Fullmer stated that this matter will come before the City Council at its Regular Meeting on June 9, 2010.

PROPOSED LANDSCAPE REVISION

Mr. Swanson addressed the landscape plan for 6404 and 6406 Joliet Road that was approved for the Senior Apartments by the Council indicating parkway trees along Joliet Road. After discussion with the general contractor, they advised that parkway trees would conflict with very major utilities buried along and under Joliet Road and suggested putting the trees elsewhere. Ms. Reyes stated that they will move the parkway trees to other locations on the site. Trees planted along Joliet Road would block the signage. This is a LEEDs Silver certified building. The Board agreed to amend the landscape proposal to remove parkway trees and shrubbery from the public right-of-way; other than that the plan remains the same.

OTHER BUSINESS

Mr. Swanson stated that he has revised the application packet for PC/ZBA Hearings. He distributed the revised copies to Board members and would appreciate their comments and recommendations. He suggested members review them during the month and bring their opinions to the July meeting.

Other matters on the July 6^th agenda – Mr. Maas will be seeking two options for a new freestanding sign with electronic message Board or a monument sign with an EMB. Chairman Fullmer asked whether Mr. Maas has complied with his enclosed trash container in the proper location. Ms. Grotzke drove by today and it was not. Mr. Swanson will follow up on that. Edward Jones wishes to open a financial office at 6555 Willow Springs Road. Tavern on LaGrange will be in for two variances. It will be a full evening.

ADJOURNMENT

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

Chairman Fullmer declared the meeting adjourned at 8:45 p.m.

RICHARD FULLMER, JR., CHAIRMAN