MINUTES
COMMITTEE OF
THE WHOLE MEETING
JULY 1, 2003
IN
ATTENDANCE: President Byrne called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. The
following Trustees were present: Cashman, Duros, Hebda, Koch, Weil, Williams.
Also present were Village Manager Allison, Assistant Village Manager Kalmar, Assistant to the Manager Teich, Finance Director Nakrin, Chief Fleischhauer, Building Commissioner Gerth, Public Works Director Laudenslager, Village Attorney Citron and Deputy Clerk Pelletier.
1. APPROVAL OF 6/19/2003 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MINUTES.
Motion by Trustee Hebda, second by Trustee Duros to approve the 6/19/2003 Committee of the Whole Minutes. Roll call vote:
Ayes:
6-Weil, Williams, Cashman, Duros, Hebda, Koch
Nays: 0-None
Absent:
0-None
Motion declared carried.
2. HOLIDAY LIGHT SHOW – PROPOSED ROUTE.
Public Works Director
Laudenslager presented two alternative routes for the annual Holiday Light
Show, which differed from the original route that had been used over the last
seven to eight years. The first plan
presented had been shown to the Pinehurst homeowner association last year,
which included using a county maintenance road and exit out at Museum Blvd. The homeowner association had concerns with
the route passing along three sides of their homes and the noise created by the
generators at meetings held November 2002 and January 2003. New routes have been discussed John Cuneo.
Reversing the route to exit to Lakeview Pkwy. was not feasible with the
railroad crossing. The relocation of the light show to the Vernon Hills Athletic Complex did not
seem feasible. The second plan showed the entrance being moved further east on
the site, routing the vehicles past the front of the mansion and exiting north
along the county maintenance road and out onto Milwaukee Ave. Exiting the site would be a right turn
only. The yellow road on the map
presented was a current road and the red road would need to be improved over a
period of time. Staff met with IDOT to
discuss preliminary plans. Agreements would need to be drafted amongst the
entities. The second plan relocated the
show to the far northeast corner of the site.
Additional landscaping could be planted between the road and the
retention pond to the north of the homes.
Hours and event days could be reduced to limit the activity of the light
show. Temporary signage could be
installed at Museum Blvd. to limit traffic to residents only. Trustee Williams inquired the distance from
the tracks to the exit on Milwaukee Ave. and was informed it was approx. 400-500
feet. President Byrne stated if the 3rd
lane on Milwaukee Ave. was not completed, the light show would not take
place. The projected date of completion
for the 3rd lane is mid November.
Trustee Hebda suggested relocating “Imagination Station” to the
beginning of the route.
Maureen Wener, a member of
the Pinehurst homeowner’s association board, stated the light show was an
unfair burden to the residents that have located there. President Byrne stated the Cuneo site was
the most secured site in the village.
Trustee Hebda appreciated Ms. Wener’s comments, and stated the village
would look at a new route. Trustee
Hebda continued to state that with the economic times, the retail businesses
could benefit from visitors to the light show. President Byrne inquired from
the Chief on the traffic on Lakeview Pkwy. and was informed there was usually
traffic backed up on Lakeview, heavier on busier evenings. The possibility of double stacking vehicles
on the beginning of the route, which is two lanes, was discussed. Trustee Cashman stated perhaps the village
should abandon the site and work with the forest preserve district and relocate
the light show elsewhere in the county.
Trustee Weil inquired if the lights or noise was the biggest problem to
the homeowners. Motion by Trustee
Duros, second by Trustee Williams to approve the preliminary light show route
plan dated 3/26/2003 and bring back for further discussion on additional
information needed for final approval.
Roll call vote:
Ayes:
5-Williams, Duros, Hebda, Koch, Weil
Nays: 0-None
Present:
1-Cashman
Absent:
0-None
Motion
declared carried.
Committee of the Whole recessed at 8:00 p.m. until
8:10 p.m. for setup of power point presentation.
3. TIF CONCEPT PLAN PRESENTATION BY
HALF DAY PARTNERS, LLC.
Assistant Manager Kalmar introduced Joe
Antunovich, Architect for the TIF District.
Mr. Antunovich presented the concept site plan dated 6/17/2003 for the
redevelopment of the area. The site
would contain 82,000 square feet of retail space; 10,000 square feet of above
office space; 180 condo units; 20 townhome units. Retail parking would consist
of 580 parking spaces. The condominiums would have 2-level parking beneath the
units with additional outside parking to allow 2 parking spaces per unit. The townhome units would have 2 spaces per
unit. The townhome units would share
the pond between them and CLC and final engineering still needed to be
addressed. The plan provided for the
extension of Port Clinton Road through the development. The Gilardi’s parcel was left as-is. Negotiations with Gilardi’s were
pending. The Half Day Inn was to be
looking to relocate. Trustee Koch acknowledged
the increase in parking from a previous plan.
Trustee Duros inquired if this project was similar to Sandberg and was
informed it was. He also inquired what
type of retailers the developer was planning to have occupy space and was
informed by Tim Hager, Taxman Corporation, they would seek life-style setters,
boutiques and a food market. John
Thomas stated Gilardi’s was not interested in relocating. The shared detention pond with CLC was still
being discussed. Mr. Thomas stated the
economics for this development would flow with what was needed and expected by
the village. Mr. Thomas stated the Port
Clinton extension was not vital for this project to proceed. Trustee Cashman endorsed the plan and
questioned what type of pedestrian crossing would be planned to access the
south portion of the TIF district to the river walk. The old plans would be
retired if the new concept plans were accepted. President Byrne stated meetings
with CLC were planned. Attorney Citron
stated agreements needed to be done by September to move forward. Manager Allison stated stormwater issues
still needed to be reviewed. Motion by
Trustee Cashman, second by Trustee Williams to approve the concept plan dated
6/17/2003. Roll call vote:
Ayes:
6-Cashman, Duros, Hebda, Koch, Weil, Williams
Nays: 0-None
Absent:
0-None
Motion declared carried.
4. CHUCK
E. CHEESE - CONCEPT PLAN PRESENTATION.
Asst. Manager Kalmar introduced Doug
Haley, Chuck E Cheese representative.
Mr. Haley stated CEC would be seeking a liquor license and a special use
to build out a 15,000 square foot space in Hawthorn Hill Fashion Square between
Best Hunan and Pastabilities. CEC was a
destination family entertainment facility that serves pizza and provides games
and animated entertainment for children.
The facade would be like the one constructed over David’s Bridal and
Linen and Things. Trustee Koch stated concerns
on the colors of the signage. Mr.
Kalmar stated the signage met the village’s sign regulations. The regulations
allowed for 2 colors in signage. The
other tenants signs in the center are single colored. Building Commissioner Gerth stated the awning might exaggerate
the color. President Byrne inquired if the center had covenants that needed to
be followed. He also had concerns if
the noise from this proposed plan would interfere with the other tenants. Mr. Kalmar stated staff would review the old
Discovery Zone plan and apply this project.
Trustee Hebda inquired if breakfast would be served as stated in packet
information. Mr. Haley stated he was
not aware if breakfast would apply for this particular site. Mr. Haley added an adult must accompany the
children under the age of 18. Trustee
Duros requested defined hours of operation and stated 11:00 p.m. was rather
late. Trustee Hebda inquired where the
nearest CEC was located and Mr. Haley stated one recently opened in
Gurnee. Mr. Haley stated the sign was
top lit versus back lit as most signs had been done by CEC. Mr. Kalmar stated this plan had to go to
technical review and planning and zoning for approvals. Color samples would be provided when project
returns for final approval. Mr. Haley
stated this CEC would be companied owned.
5. WHIRLYBALL
- CONSIDERATION OF P&Z REPORT REGARDING ZONING ORDINANCE AMENDMENT AND
SPECIAL USE PERMIT.
Assistant Manager Kalmar introduced Mark
Eiden for the presentation. Whirlyball
would be requesting a liquor license for their facility to be located at the
former Boogie Nites/Trios; Baja Beach Club and Slugger site. Planning and Zoning had unanimously approved
their plans with 12 conditions as stated in the packet. Whirlyball had made arrangements with
Hamilton Partners for overflow parking in their development to the west of the
site. Trustee Hebda requested the
facade to be improved and inquired if there would be designated teen nights and
was informed no designated nights for teens, but teens could reserve the
facility provided they are chaperoned.
The plan was to be opened by Christmas.
Motion by Trustee Koch, second by Trustee Williams to approve
consideration of amendment to the zoning ordinance and special use permit for
Whirlyball as recommended by the planning and zoning commission. Roll call vote:
Ayes: 6-
Duros, Hebda, Koch, Weil, Williams, Cashman
Nays: 0-None
Absent:
0-None
Motion declared carried.
6. WESTFIELD
SHOPPINGTOWN-HAWTHORN – CONTINUED DISCUSSION OF PROPOSED MONTHLY “CLASSIC CAR
NIGHT”.
Building Commissioner Gerth introduced
Brian Newman, Westfield Shoppingtown-Hawthorn; and Craig Hanson, Bernard
Chevrolet. The pilot program for the
“Classic Car Night” would be scheduled for Wednesday nights, July 23rd,
August 27th and September 24th from 6:30 until 9:30
p.m. The event would be located at the
northeast corner of the parking lot.
Bernard Chevrolet would pay the Vernon Hills Police Department $400 per
event for services of 2 police officers to be on duty. Bernard Chevrolet would be present with
their 24-foot trailer with a 15’ x 3’ banner.
Knauz would be present with 1 vehicle.
All vehicles would be removed at the end of each evening event. Motion by Trustee Koch, second by Trustee
Duros to approve the “Classic Car Night” event as presented. Roll call vote:
Ayes:
6-Hebda, Koch, Weil, Williams, Cashman, Duros
Nays: 0-None
Absent:
0-None
Motion declared carried.
7. REQUEST
FOR ONE-YEAR TEMPORARY MARKETING SIGN(S) EXTENSION-WHITE DEER RUN GOLF CLUB.
Building Commissioner Gerth stated White
Deer Run Golf Club was requesting a one-year temporary marketing signs. Trustee Koch stated he would like to see the
signs cleaned up, with the removal of the “fish fry” attachments to these
signs. Motion by Trustee Hebda, second by Trustee Duros to approve the one-year
extension of the temporary marketing sign(s) for White Deer Run Golf Club. Roll call vote:
Ayes:
6-Koch, Weil, Williams, Cashman, Duros, Hebda
Nays: 0-None
Absent:
0-None
Motion declared carried.
8. REQUEST TO ELIMINATE PARKING ON CENTER DRIVE.
Public Works Director Laudenslager requested the elimination of parking along Center Drive due to the increased traffic as recommended by the Traffic Advisory Committee. Mr. Gerth stated overflow parking at 230 & 250 Center Drive had been made with Hamilton Partners for employee parking. Staff will draft ordinance for final approval. Motion by Trustee Duros, second by Trustee Hebda to approve the elimination of parking along Center Drive. Roll call vote:
Ayes:
6-Weil, Williams, Cashman, Duros, Hebda, Koch
Nays: 0-None
Absent:
0-None
Motion declared carried.
9. REQUEST TO INSTALL STOP SIGNS AT HICKORY HILLS DR. AND CORPORATE WOODS PKWY.
Public Works Director Laudenslager stated the Traffic Advisory Committee recommended installation of yield signs at Corporate Woods Parkway and Hickory Hill Drive. Mr. Laudenslager requested installation of stop signs for Hickory Hill Drive at both intersections. Trustee Koch inquired if traffic warrants were met. Staff would draft ordinance for final approval. Motion by Trustee Duros, second by Trustee Hebda to approve the installation of stop signs for Hickory Hill Drive. Roll call vote:
Ayes:
6-Williams, Cashman, Duros, Hebda, Koch, Weil
Nays: 0-None
Absent:
0-None
Motion declared carried.
10. VILLAGE COMMITTEES - LIAISON APPOINTMENTS.
Trustee Koch recommended the elimination of the golf course liaison committee, which had been created to oversee the development of White Deer Run and the renovation of the Village Golf Course Clubhouse. Staff would meet with the entities on various concerns and report to the Committee of Whole for further direction. Trustee Cashman concurred and was supported by Trustee Duros. Trustee Koch to be liaison to the Traffic Advisory Committee.
11. ADJOURNMENT
Motion by
Trustee Duros, second by Trustee Hebda to adjourn the meeting and go to
executive session for discussion of potential litigation and personnel. Roll call vote:
Ayes:
6-Duros, Hebda, Koch, Weil, Williams, Cashman
Nays: 0-None
Absent:
0-None
Motion
declared carried
Meeting adjourned at 9:10 p.m.
Linda Pelletier, Deputy Village Clerk Roger
L. Byrne, Village President