MINUTES

COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING

VILLAGE OF VERNON HILLS

AUGUST 21, 2001

 

 

IN ATTENDANCE: Chairman Pro-Tem Henley called the meeting to order at 8:30 p.m. The following Trustees were present: Duros, Hebda, Henley, Koch, Ryg, and Williams

Also present were Manager Allison, Assistant Manager Kalmar, Assistant to the Manager Teich, Public Works Director Laudenslager, Building Commissioner Gerth, Finance Director Nakrin, Corporation Counsel Citron, Attorney Geo-Karis and Village Clerk Schwartz.

1. APPROVAL OF 8/07/01 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MINUTES
Motion by Trustee Hebda, second by Trustee Duros to approve the 8/07/01 Committee of the Whole Minutes.
Roll call vote:
AYES: 6 - Duros, Hebda, Henley, Koch, Ryg, Williams
NAYS: 0 - None
Motion declared carried.

2. AARON'S ENTERPRISES - MILWAUKEE AVENUE - CONCEPT PRESENTATION
Corporation Counsel Citron gave the disclaimer on concept presentation. Assistant Manager Kalmar stated that the petitioner is proposing a mixed-use development on the property located north of Georgetown Square, approximately 5 acres. It will include an office building, automotive fueling station with food and a convenience store, carwash and oil change facility. The property is zoned B-1 and a special use permit would need to be approved to allow the automotive portion of the project. No technical review has been done. The property is not part of the TIF study, but part of corridor plan.

Ronald Cope representing Aaron's Enterprises commented that a mini mart is an acceptable use and stated that in 1997 a planned unit development was approved for a Burger King, discount tire and cleaners. Allen Krakower, land planner, presented the plan for a gas station, convenience store, car wash facility, oil change facility and a one-story general business building.

Trustee Duros and Ryg did not support the concept as part of the Corridor Plan. It may have been an acceptable use in 1997 but since the Corridor Plan was done, it no longer is an acceptable use. Staff had no comments or recommendations at this time.

Neil Goldberg, Vice President of Condo Board at Georgetown, stated a lot of time and effort was put into the Corridor Plan and should be followed. This is not an appropriate use and a nice entryway into Vernon Hills. Phil Reinstein representing the Presbyterian Church agreed with Mr. Goldberg.

3. THE NAFCO GROUP - TOWNHOME PROJECT - CONCEPT PRESENTATION
Assistant Manager Kalmar reported that the petitioner is proposing to construct 16 townhomes on 1.65 acres at the northwest corner of Route 45 and Grosse Pointe Circle. The property is zoned B-1 and would need to be rezoned to R-6. Technical review has not been done but general comments were forwarded to Mr. Naft on density, landscaping, and driveway alignment. Howard Naft and Scott Neirman of Nafco presented the plan. The height of the berm is undetermined at this time. Assistant Manager Kalmar suggested that the petitioner look at the Concord development for ideas.

Trustee Duros suggested blending in with Grosse Point Village using extensive landscaping and approved of the initial concept. Trustee Hebda suggested working on the architecture to blend into neighborhood better and cut down on the density. Trustee Henley suggested an office building as a more compatible use since it is next to Angelo's. Trustee Williams commented on landscaping and asked if the building was 2 stories. Mr. Naft confirmed a 2-story building with a basement and that the landscaping will blend with Grosse Point Village. Engineer Brown suggested aligning the access point with across the street and that the stormwater cannot be moved. Trustee Ryg approved of the concept but had reservations about density. She requested fewer and larger units. Assistant Manager Kalmar stated the plan can move ahead to technical review.

4. CUSTOM HOME SALES CENTER, GREGG'S LANDING - FINAL SITE AND LANDSCAPING
Assistant Manager Kalmar reported that the petitioner is requesting final site and landscape approval for a proposed Sales Center. The plan has gone through technical review and staff is satisfied with petitioner's responses. A representative of Allen Kracower and Associates presented the custom home and sales center located on the southwest corner of Gregg's Parkway. It will offer a complete package of services for the custom homebuyer and will also be an information center for all pods to Gregg's Landing. Trustee Koch asked if any builder could be used and the petitioner answered yes. William D. Meyers representing Cuneo stated their approval of the concept. Trustee Ryg asked how the custom home concept is protected and monotony does not occur. Staff will make sure that does not happen. Trustee Koch requested that the sales people need to be truthful and all information needs to be disclosed.

Motion by Trustee Hebda, second by Trustee Koch to authorize staff to draft the necessary ordinance granting final site and landscape plan approvals, subject to the following:

  1. The Sales Center shall remain for a maximum of three years after issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy. The petitioner may apply to the Village Board for an extension of time prior to expiration of this approval.
  2. If development of the commercial lot occurs while the trailer is in use, it shall be permitted to remain on the site subject to approval by the Village Board.
  3. The site shall be developed pursuant tot he plans submitted by Allen L. Krakower & Associates, Inc. with a revision date of 8/10/01.
  4. Final approval by the Village Engineer and Landscape Architect prior to issuance of a building permit.
  5. Compliance with all ordinances and standards of the Village except as otherwise provided for in the Gregg's Landing Development and Land Management Agreements.

Roll call vote:
AYES: 6 - Hebda, Henley, Koch, Ryg, Williams, Duros
NAYS: 0 - None
Motion declared carried.

5. VILLAGE INFORMATION AND IDENTIFICATION SIGNS
Assistant to the Manager Teich referred to his memo dated July 3, 2001 and asked for direction and consent. Trustee Koch commented that Aspen and 60 would be a good place for a sign as suggested by Trustee Hebda. He asked about the cost of the CLC sign in Grayslake stating it was an excellent electronic sign. Trustee Hebda suggested asking the developers for financial help on the informational sign. Assistant to the Manager Teich confirmed he will talk with the developer. The Board asked for the cost of the electronic sign before approving.

6. METRA DOUBLE TRACKING ISSUES
Assistant to the Manager Teich referred to his memo dated July 3, 2001 regarding Metra's proposals to issues surrounding the project. Manager Allison reported that residents stated concerns on environmental issues (sound and vibration). He suggested hiring a consultant to address the issues. Trustee Ryg suggested involving other communities in the process.

7. ADJOURNMENT
Motion by Trustee Duros, second by Trustee Koch to adjourn Committee of the Whole.
Roll call vote:
AYES: 6 - Henley, Koch, Ryg, Williams, Duros, Hebda
NAYS: 0 - None
Motion declared carried.

Meeting adjourned at 10:07 p.m.

 

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Jeanne M. Schwartz, Village Clerk Roger L. Byrne, Village President