Village of Milan Board of Trustees met November 7.
Here is the minutes provided by the Board:
The regularly scheduled meeting of the Hinsdale Village Board of Trustees was called to order by Village President Tom Cauley in Memorial Hall of the Memorial Building on Tuesday, November 7, 2017 at 7:30 p.m., roll call was taken.
Present: President Tom Cauley and Trustees Christopher Elder, Michael Ripani, Luke Stifflear, Gerald J. Hughes, Matt Posthuma and Neale Byrnes
Absent: None
Also Present: Village Manager Kathleen A. Gargano, Assistant Village Manager/Finance Director Darrell Langlois, Assistant Village Manager/Director of Public Safety Brad Bloom, Police Chief Brian King, Fire Chief John Giannelli, Director of Community Development/Building Commissioner Robb McGinnis, Director of Public Services George Peluso, Superintendent of Parks & Recreation Heather Bereckis, Village Planner Chan Yu, Administration Manager Emily Wagner, Management Analyst Jean Bueche and Village Clerk Christine Bruton
Pledge Of Allegiance:
President Cauley led those in attendance in the Pledge of Allegiance
Approval Of Minutes:
a) Regular Meeting of October 17, 2017
Trustee Byrnes suggested a change to the draft minutes, Trustee Hughes moved to approve the draft minutes from the Regular Meeting of October 17, 2017, as amended. Trustee Ripani seconded the motion.
President Cauley asked if any additional action was necessary with respect to the extension of the Thanksgiving Eve liquor service. Village Clerk Christine Bruton explained the ordinance was approved ‘as amended’; the Board agreed the amended document reflected the direction provided by the Board at the second reading. Therefore, there was no need to bring the item back for any additional consideration or approvals.
Ayes: Trustees Elder, Ripani, Stifflear, Hughes, Posthuma And Byrnes
Nays: None
Abstain: None
Absent: None
Motion carried.
Citizens’ Petitions:
None.
Village President’s Report:
No report.
First Readings – Introduction:
Administration & Community Affairs (Chair Hughes)-
a) Approval of a Recreational License Agreement-Fourth Term Extension with the
Hinsdale Platform Tennis Association (HPTA)
Trustee Hughes introduced the item and explained the intent is to extend the agreement in six month increments to give the Village and HPTA time to renegotiate the agreement, and to determine what is necessary to offer a high quality program. There are some things in the current agreement that are vague, and some that are not favorable to the Village. The agreement before the Board is for a two month extension and to give the Village Manager discretion to approve two additional two month extensions, if necessary, and warranted by continued constructive negotiations.
Ms. Alice Waverley, Chair of the Parks & Recreation Commission, addressed the Board and referenced the paddle walkways that failed 14 months ago, and the subcommittee that was formed to review the agreement. She added that many more issues have come to light since then. She believes the Village has only been reactive when something needs a repair, but rather needs a long term plan, with the goal of a higher class facility. She explained there is a lot of competition in the area, many more courts are available now, and because of the condition of Hinsdale courts, membership has declined. We have a competitive program, but the facility is not. She believes the subcommittee has been making progress determining what the relationship between the Village and HPTA should be.
Mr. Marty Brennan, President of the Hinsdale Paddle Tennis Association, addressed the Board and said he is on the subcommittee with Trustee Hughes, Ms. Waverley and staff, and believes they have reached a meeting of the minds. The goal is for the HPTA to expand and organize; to take over programming and facility management, and management of all financial resources. He believes with due diligence they can reach this goal. He added that maintenance and facility management is not their specialty. He has, however, talked to other clubs, looked at their budgeting, and believes they are at a point now where they can take over these responsibilities. They will have a town hall meeting with the paddle community to recruit volunteers to build the organization, and hope to have a tight business plan for the Village by spring 2018.
President Cauley stated he recalled that the failed walkways weren’t built by the Village; Director of Community Development Mr. Robb McGinnis confirmed this. President Cauley asked how to ensure that if HPTA takes over, preventative maintenance and work will be done properly. Mr. Brennan said they are vetting that now, and that there are people with this type of expertise in their community. Ms. Waverly said the Village is not the best at this management either, and alluded to a recent situation with the heaters that resulted in inconvenient down time for the courts. Trustee Hughes added the Village owns the assets, but needs help in determining what needs to be done to get ahead of these problems. Mr. Brennan explained the Hinsdale facility gets more play than any other facility in the Chicago area resulting in more severe wear and tear. This is a good time to revisit all of this and prepare the facility for the next ten years. President Cauley observed there has been unresolved disagreement between the Village and HPTA regarding capital expenses. His concerns are cost allocation and maintenance, but agrees a plan moving forward is necessary.
The Board agreed to move this item to the Consent agenda of their next meeting.
Zoning & Public Safety (Chair Stifflear)-
b) Approve a Referral to Plan Commission for Review and Consideration of a Text Amendment to Section 6-106 (‘Special Uses’), to allow automobile driving instruction as a Special Use in the O-2 Limited Office Zoning District
Trustee Stifflear introduced the item stating agenda Items B & C can initially be discussed together; both are changes to the zoning code to allow auto driving instruction, in the O-2 district and the B-1 district, but not on the first floor. Educational services are special uses in these districts, but driving services have a separate SIC code, and as such are not covered. These items will move to the Plan Commission for public hearing and their recommendation would come back to the Board for final approvals.
There are two separate applications for this text amendment; Item B is from Responsible Driver Driving School to be located in the O-2 district at 7 N. Grant Street. Item C, the second application, is from the owner of Top Driver Driving School to be located in the B-1 District at 1 Grant Square, on the second floor. For both text amendments, staff is suggesting a special use permit so specific parking situations can be evaluated on an individual basis, and to establish a minimum parking requirement of one space for every 250’ square feet as is consistent with other educational uses.
Mr. Bryan Kearney, owner of Responsible Driver, addressed the Board stating he is currently open in Westmont. He always wanted to be in Hinsdale, but felt the zoning approvals may be too lengthy a process. He noted that 90% of his students are from Hinsdale.
The Board agreed to move this item forward for a second reading at their next meeting.
c) Approve a Referral to Plan Commission for Review and Consideration of a Text Amendment to Section 5-105 (‘Special Uses’), to allow automobile driving instruction as a Special Use in the B-1 Community Business Zoning District**
Attorney Peter Coules, on behalf Caroline & Paul Zalatoris, owners of Top Driver Driving School, addressed the Board. Top Driver services many drivers from Hinsdale, but they couldn’t find a suitable location in Hinsdale. They reached out to the owner of 1 Grant Square for second floor space, which has been empty for two years. They will have two dedicated parking spots for convenient pick up and drop off of students.
The Board agreed to move this item forward for a second reading at their next meeting.
d) Approve an Ordinance approving a Site Plan and Exterior Appearance Plan for an exterior addition for Green Goddess Boutique – 52 S. Washington Street**
Trustee Stifflear introduced the item which is a request for a small addition by a business in the B-2 district. The existing front façade of the building was damaged by a car earlier this year, and the owner wants to restore the front of the store and make exterior improvements by slightly bumping out the windows. On October 11th, the Historic Preservation Commission unanimously recommended approval for the Certificate of Appropriateness, and also on October 11th the Plan Commission unanimously recommended approval of the exterior appearance site plan application. He called attention to exhibits in the packet that illustrate the façade before the accident and an illustration of the proposed changes.
Mr. Peter Coules, attorney for the applicant, described the proposed changes and added there is no change to the existing signage.
The Board agreed to move this item forward for a second reading at their next meeting.
e) Approve an Ordinance approving a Special Use Permit to operate an Animal Humane Society in the IB District and Concurrent Site Plan and Exterior Appearance Plan Approval for an Exterior Addition – Hinsdale Humane Society – 21 Salt Creek Lane**
Trustee Stifflear introduced the item stating this is a first reading to approve a special use permit to operate an animal humane society in the Institutional Building (IB) District, and a site plan and exterior appearance plan for a small exterior addition to the building that is the former Robert Crown Center. The Hinsdale Humane Society will move staff to the new location, and provide kennel and examination space for the animals. They will create an enclosed dog walk area with a privacy fence, and part of the rear parking lot will be removed which will contribute an additional 8,200’ square feet of green space on the property. The property is located on Salt Creek Lane and is surrounded by multi-family residential and general office uses. This proposal was before the Village Board on September 5th as a discussion item. The Board encouraged the Humane Society to solicit feedback from area neighbors; the packet provided to the Board provides the positive results of their outreach efforts. On October 11th, a public hearing was held by the Plan Commission with no neighbors speaking against the project, and the Plan Commission unanimously recommended approval of the special use permit.
Mr. Mike Matthys, architect for the project, provided a PowerPoint presentation to the Board which included a review of the work and function of the current kennel which has been in operation since 1953. The property is located in an institutional building district, the landscape plan and site improvement plan was reviewed and Mr. Matthys explained that some of the existing parking would be removed, thereby reducing impervious area and adding grass and landscaping. He described other area improvements including a pedestrian walking area and benches. There will be a fenced outdoor play area, and relocated enclosed trash receptacles. The proposed building and site are code compliant; building footprint, building height, and floor area ratio (FAR) are far below the requirements for the IB district. Additionally, there will be more parking and green space than is required by code.
The site lighting plan has been reviewed with Village Planner Chan Yu and is code compliant. He described the existing building and material, and outlined some exterior improvements which will include new masonry and limestone.
Mr. Jason Sanderson, contractor on the project, explained that after approvals, they will come in for permits and would expect to start construction in the spring. They anticipate the project will take six to eight months to complete, and will hopefully be ready to occupy by September or October 2018.
Mr. Glen Bjorkman of 923 S. Bruner, addressed the Board stating he is a Humane Society volunteer, and suggested this relocation will create an opportunity for the old Humane Society building as a possible new location for Hinsdale Community Services.
The Board agreed to move this item forward for a second reading at their next meeting.
Consent Agenda:
Administration & Community Affairs (Chair Hughes)-
a) Trustee Byrnes moved Approval and payment of the accounts payable for the period of October 18, 2017 to November 7, 2017, in the aggregate amount of $2,222,600.63 as set forth on the list provided by the Village Treasurer, of which a permanent copy is on file with the Village Clerk. Trustee Elder seconded the motion.
Ayes: Trustees Elder, Ripani, Stifflear, Hughes, Posthuma And Byrnes
Nays: None
Abstain: None
Absent: None
Motion carried.
The following items were approved by omnibus vote:
b) Accept the Village’s Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) and Management Letter for the Fiscal Year Ended April 30, 2017 (First Reading – October 17, 2017)
c) Approve a plan to allow residents to construct a temporary ice skating rink at Melin Park between November 15, 2017 and March 15, 2017, weather dependent (Routine item) (Item removed from Consent Agenda for separate discussion.)
Zoning & Public Safety (Chair Stifflear)-
d) Approval of an Ordinance Authorizing the Sale by Auction or Disposal of Personal Property Owned by the Village of Hinsdale (Routine item)
e) Approve the Purchase of two (2) New Police Squad Vehicles in the amount of $66,000 (Routine item)
Trustee Hughes moved to approve Consent Agenda Items b, d, and e, as presented. Trustee Byrnes seconded the motion.
Ayes: Trustees Elder, Ripani, Stifflear, Hughes, Posthuma And Byrnes
Nays: None
Abstain: None
Absent: None
Motion carried.
Item C - Approve a plan to allow residents to construct a temporary ice skating rink at Melin Park between November 15, 2017 and March 15, 2017, weather dependent
Trustee Ripani asked if the rink is constructed or supervised by the Village, and expressed concerns about liability if someone is injured. Superintendent of Parks & Recreation Heather Bereckis explained the rink is filled and inspected weekly throughout the season by Village staff. She described the ice rink system, and explained that accidents are covered by IRMA, like any other park incident would be. Assistant Village Manager/Finance Director Darrell Langlois added the Village is covered by tort immunity.
Trustee Elder moved to Approve a plan to allow residents to construct a temporary ice skating rink at Melin Park between November 15, 2017 and March 15, 2017, weather dependent. Trustee Ripani seconded the motion.
Ayes: Trustees Elder, Ripani, Stifflear, Hughes, Posthuma And Byrnes
Nays: None
Abstain: None
Absent: None
Motion carried.
Second Readings / Non-Consent Agenda – Adoption:
Administration & Community Affairs (Chair Hughes)-
a)Approve a Temporary Use Permit for The Cashmere Store, 30 E. Hinsdale from November 1 through November 30, 2017 (Email correspondence to Village Board on October 27, 2017)
Trustee Hughes explained this item formalizes the approval for a temporary use permit. Village Manager Kathleen A. Gargano explained the store is currently operational and will be open for 30 days, although the property owner is looking for a permanent tenant. Administration Manager Emily Wagner added the Cashmere Store was able to use the interior space as is. They do the same thing at a north shore location and sell 60% of their inventory in the first 10 days. The store is open for the short time period because there is only a finite amount of merchandise.
Trustee Stifflear expressed concern regarding signage; Director of Community Development Robb McGinnis explained the code allows for staff approval of temporary signage for a period of 60 days. Trustee Byrnes was somewhat concerned regarding this business model for Hinsdale, but President Cauley commented he doesn’t think there will be a proliferation of this type of business because landlords want a long term leased tenant. Trustee Posthuma commented this store’s inventory is consistent with our downtown businesses.
Trustee Hughes moved to Approve a Temporary Use Permit for The Cashmere Store, 30 E. Hinsdale from November 1 through November 30, 2017. Trustee Elder seconded the motion.
Ayes: Trustees Elder, Ripani, Stifflear, Hughes And Posthuma
Nays: Trustee Byrnes
Abstain: None
Absent: None
Motion carried.
b) Approval of a Resolution Determining Amounts of Money to be Raised through Ad Valorem Property Taxes for the Village of Hinsdale in the Amount of $9,849,578 (First Reading – October 17, 2017)
Trustee Hughes introduced the item noting this is a routine annual item. He explained that after the approval of this resolution, an ordinance will come to the Board for approval with final numbers.
Trustee Hughes moved Approval of a Resolution Determining Amounts of Money to be Raised through Ad Valorem Property Taxes for the Village of Hinsdale in the Amount of $9,849,578. Trustee Elder seconded the motion.
Ayes: Trustees Elder, Ripani, Stifflear, Hughes, Posthuma And Byrnes
Nays: None
Abstain: None
Absent: None
Motion carried.
President Cauley reported that Police Chief Brian King asked him to mention two recent auto thefts involving unlocked vehicles with keys left in the car. He encouraged residents to lock their cars and take the keys. Chief King added that one car has been recovered and they are following a lead on the other. He said over 100 communities were impacted by this type of crime last year.
Discussion Items:
a) Construction update
Director of Public Services George Peluso reported ALamp will finish by the end of the week, weather permitting. The project will finish on schedule.
b) Update on proposed I-294 Tollway expansion
President Cauley said there is nothing new to report this month, but believes there will be new information by next meeting.
Department And Staff Reports:
a) Police
b) Economic Development
c) Community Services
d) Parks & Recreation
The report(s) listed above were provided to the Board. There were no additional questions regarding the content of the department and staff reports.
Village Manager Gargano added with respect to the resolution for the tax levy approval, it is subject to potential changes as a result of possible action by the State legislature, specifically a property tax freeze. She has shared Village opposition with Representative Bellock and Senator Nybo. She added that a vote was taken earlier today on the DAS, small cell legislation, and was passed, but Representative Bellock represented her communities and voted no. President Cauley added that property tax increases in Hinsdale largely go to police and fire pensions; Hinsdale runs on a lean budget, and he believes it’s wrong to cap communities to try to remedy State problems. This is not a good idea.
Reports From Advisory Boards And Commissions:
No reports.
Other Business:
None.
New Business:
None.
Citizens’ Petitions:
None.
Trustee Comments:
None.
Adjournment:
There being no further business before the Board, President Cauley asked for a motion to adjourn. Trustee Elder moved to adjourn the regularly scheduled meeting of the Hinsdale Village Board of Trustees of November 7, 2017. Trustee Hughes seconded the motion.
Ayes: Trustees Elder, Ripani, Stifflear, Hughes, Posthuma And Byrnes
Nays: None
Abstain: None
Absent: None
Motion carried.
Meeting adjourned at 8:28 p.m.
http://www.villageofhinsdale.org/VBOT%2017%2011%2007%20minutes.pdf
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