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 5, 2012

Chairman Fullmer called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. Mr. Gonzalez called the Roll of Members physically present in Secretary Lube’s absence:

PRESENT: Chairman Richard Fullmer, Jr., Mr. Richard Toth, Mr. Mark Benson, Mr. Charles Stoub, Mr. Daniel Moss, Ms. Tina Grotzke, Mr. Crecencio Gonzalez IV, Mr. Bryon Bednar.

ABSENT: Mr. Robert Lube

ALSO PRESENT: Atty. Peck, CDP Swanson, Ald. Jasinski.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

The first order of business was approval of the minutes of the May 1, 2012 meeting. Mr. Gonzalez moved to approve the minutes as presented, seconded by Mr. Toth 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: TEXT AMENDMENT TO SECTION 10-6A-1

Chairman Fullmer read the Public Hearing Notice for the proposed text amendment

Published on May 17, 2012 in The Doings Newspaper.

Text Amendments to portions of the City of Countryside, IL Municipal Code (Zoning Ordinance) as follows:

Consideration of Amending Title 10 of the Municipal Code as follows:

Amend Section 10-6A-1 to allow motorcycle rentals as a permitted use

So long as it is in conjunction with a motorcycle retail dealership as the primary business.

CDP Mr. Swanson made the Staff presentation. He stated that Section 10-6A-1 of the City Code refers to the B-3 Service and Wholesale business district. With the recent opening of the Illinois Harley-Davidson Motorcycle dealership and the existing BMW Motorcycle dealership, a new type of business has approached the City. Businesses specializing in renting motorcycles prefer to locate within existing motorcycle retail dealerships. City Zoning only allows rental businesses by special use approval. Staff was directed to publish a text amendment seeking to allow such business as a permitted use so long as it is in conjunction with a motorcycle retail dealership as the primary business. Mr. Swanson stated that this business would involve a desk and a chair equaling about 100 s.f. inside the dealership on Joliet Road.

Questions arose as to the Yamaha Dealership in Dansher Park zoned M-1, which is less restrictive than B-3. After discussion, Board members agreed to include the Yamaha Dealership in the proposed text amendment language. Attorney Peck stated this would be a recommendation to amend Section 10-6A-1 and 10-7A-2 to allow motorcycle rentals as permitted uses so long as they are in conjunction with a motorcycle retail dealership as the primary business. Mr. Benson moved to approve the text amendment as written and include the M-1 zoning classification, seconded by Ms. Grotzke and carried by unanimous Roll call vote – 8/0/1. Chairman Fullmer stated that this matter will be put on the June 13 Regular City Council Meeting Agenda.

PUBLIC HEARING RE: TEXT AMENDMENT TO SECTION 10 – BICYCLE PARKING ORDINANCE

Chairman Fullmer read the Public Hearing Notice continued from the May 1, 2012 meeting, for the proposed text amendment published on April 12, 2012 in The Doings Newspaper.

Text amendments to portions of the City of Countryside, IL Municipal Code (Zoning Ordinance) as follows:

Consideration of amending Title 10 of the Municipal Code creating a Bicycle Parking Ordinance

To consider amending a bicycle parking ordinance in Chapter 10: Off-Street Parking and Loading.

Mr. Swanson made the Staff presentation. Countryside residents are encouraged to take an active role in improving their lives by walking, biking and other non-motorized activities. The City has received $25,000 grant to create the Countryside Active Transportation Plan – a non-motorized transportation plan. In January 2012, the City received $133,360 for a Safe Routes to School grant, to encourage a proper non-motorized transportation plan to and from schools and parks. The goal of the plan is not to eliminate motorized vehicles but rather to provide alternative means of transportation access to and from places within Countryside. Bicycles are key factors in this plan. To encourage and promote bicycle riding, the installation of bicycle racks for bicycle parking is deemed essential. Provisions in the City’s zoning code are necessary.

Mr. Swanson has reviewed bicycle ordinances from other municipalities such as Schaumburg, Downers Grove and Elmhurst and provided information governing the location, design criteria, dimensions and enforcement of the ordinance.

Bicycle racks/pads must be highly visible from the street or building entrance.

Bicycle racks/pads intended for employees may be located inside a building

Or near an employee entrance.

Bicycle racks/pads must be setback 4′ when located adjacent to a pedestrian walkway.

Bicycles should be locked to the rack in an upright position.

Bicycle parking should be on an improved hard surface securely anchored to a supporting surface.

The U-shaped bicycle rack is the preferred apparatus made of galvanized material. A photo of two bicycles secured to two racks on a sidewalk was displayed and discussed.

Should building size be a determinant in establishing the number of bike racks needed?

Mr. Benson believes this will be a huge problem for established businesses on private property; many businesses have no room for bicycle racks either on sidewalks or even using one parking space. Bike racks would be standardized, black in color, uniformity is important. Mr. Gonzalez suggested beginning at Countryside Mall where there is ample parking. Enforcement of an ordinance becomes an issue – should this be applied to any new business – any new development – any new business owner – or a major remodeling project. Who is required to install it -business owner or property owner?

Edward Kuchta, 731 – 61^stSt., stated that there can be six different designs of bike racks. He will be meeting with the Transportation Committee next week and has some material to share with members. Board members would like to know what businesses would actually use the bike racks. The City should install bike racks at City Hall and in City parks. Countryside Park has one bike rack and none in the other parks. Ideal School has one old long style rack on the west side.

Members agreed that installation should begin with the City parks; there should be no maximum number for retail establishments; require 2-3 to see how it works; number cannot be determined by building size. Grant money can only be used for planning. Mr. Kupta stated that apartment buildings need bike racks; many bikes are attached to lamp posts. Chairman Fullmer stated that new developments and major remodeling projects should be targeted for bike rack installation; also City property. The new City Center Developer will be designing bike racks in the site plan; flexibility is needed in the design standard.

Chairman Fullmer suggested that Messrs. Peck and Swanson work together to develop appropriate language. The new Triangle Park should have a bike rack; apartment buildings also need bike racks. Mr. Swanson will contact the Transportation Alliance to get some expert advice. Mr. Fullmer moved to continue this matter to the July meeting, seconded by Mr. Benson and carried by Roll Call vote – 8/0/1.

Other Business

Mr. Swanson stated that AutoBarn VW will be here for a sign variance. A martial arts studio selling weapons is planned for LaGrange Road at the former Phillips Florist store.

There is a huge parking issue there. Via Bella is allowed to continue in business until June 10. Mr. Moss advised that his term as Commissioner has expired and he was not reappointed; this was his last meeting. He thanked everyone for the past 8 years. All were saddened to see him leave.

Adjournment

Motion and second from the floor to adjourn the meeting; motion carried by unanimous voice vote. Chairman Fullmer declared the meeting adjourned at 8:40 p.m.

RICHARD FULLMER, JR., CHAIRMAN