HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 11/8/2011 - Community Development Committee CQMMU1vITY DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MEETII�iG
�.. Tueaday,November 8,2011
Aldermen's Conference Room, 7:00 p.m.
In Attend�nce: Committee Members: Chairman Alderman Condoq Alderman Peterson
and Alderman Sami. Absent: None. Also in Attendance: Deputy City Administrator Martin,
Construction and Neighborhood Services Director Schwalenberg and Deputy City Clerk Kunzer.
Chauman Alderman Condon called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
Public Innut Session
No one signed in for Public Input Session.
Annual Cade Compliance Ug�,iatg
Deputy Administrator Martin provided the Committee with graphs indicating a comparison
between code compliance cases received, handled and resolved between 2010 and 2011. He
noted the increased numbers of foreclosures of residential properties has resulted in a substantial
increase in the numbers of property maimenance complaints which have been recorded and
ha.ndled by Staff.
Director Schwalenberg infotmed the Committee the annual report is for a twelve-motrth period
beginning IO/1/2010 through 9/30/2011. He explained the code compliance complaint
registration and resolution procedures, noting the goal is to obtain compliance and not to collect
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fines through the administrative adjudication process.
Alderman Peterson inquired what constit�,ited an "unfounded" complaint. Deputy Administrator
Martin responded violations aze not always visible from the roadway. At other times the
violation has been remedi� prior to Staff viewing it. Ofterrtimes, the complairrt is lodged by
angry neighbors who describe a complaim about something which cannot be viewed unless eirtry
onto the subject property is garned by the property owner. In those instances, Staff must secure
propexty owner permission prior to entering the site.
Alderman Santi inquired how long it ta.kes to determine a complaint would be unfounded.
Director Schwalenberg responded the length of time would vary. There is no tygical time period
which would be applicable.
Chairman Condon noted Staff is unable to encroach upon sameone's property without
permission of the propeity owner.
Alderman Santi noted the annual report indicated there were 80 unresolved cases and inquired
why the number was so high. Director Schwalenberg responded sometimes the matter is already
resolved, i.e. the weeds or tall grass have already been removed/cut. It would then be included in
the unfounded category.
Discussion followed regarding the need to lien properties which have incurred expense to the
tawn mowing, weed cutting, etc, Deputy Administrator Martin noted Staff has been working
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with City Attc�rney McArdle to draft a letter which will be sent out to all sewer only City
,� customers whc� are in default on their utility bill payments. Deputy Administrator Martin noted
the City has more than $24,000 in unpaid sanitary sewer liens. The City has made the decision to
dig up sewer connections for which the utility payments are in arrears and install a valve which
would provide for shutoff of services.
Alderman Peterson requested clarification regarding the category of zoning complaints. Deputy
Administrator Martin responded zoning complaints would include parking on the grass, illegal
signs,non-allo�able uses, etc.
Discussion Re�ardine Residential Generators
Director Schw;zlenberg informed the Committee that in light of recent extended power outages,
may residents liave purchases generators to be used during times of loss of power supply. Due to
the noise restrictions contained in the Zoning Ordinance and cross-referenced in the Municipal
Code Chapter 14 Section 14-8 Noise, amendments would have to be considered to allow
temporary or portable generators in the residential district. If the code and ordinance are not
amended it would lead to unfair enforcement due to the outdated allowable noise standards
currently identified in the code/ordinance.
Deputy Administrator Martin noted the noise created by a residential generator is likely no
louder than a lawn mower, air conditioner, or snow blower; however, residents are accustomed
to the sounds created by these items, whereas the generator is a "new" atypical sound which is
more rarely heard.
`— Chairman Condon inquired if the generators would be operated solely during power outages.
Director Schwalenberg noted the residential generators would be used only during power
outages; however, they would need to run during brief periods from time to time to ensure they
are working property. Director Schwalenberg noted Staff intends to provide an exemption for
residential generators to allow their operation during times of power outage.
Discussion ensued regarding the sound levels of typical residential generators. It was noted the
current noise standards contained in the Zoning Ordinance does not mesh with the standards
utilized in the specs provided to consumers regarding noise levels. Deputy Administrator Martin
noted this issue needs to be addressed
Motion by Peterson, seconded by Santi, to direct Staff to request Council approval to forward the
matter of noise standards for residential generators to Planning and Zoning Commission for
public hearing.
Voting Aye: Santi, Peterson, Condon.
Voting Nay: None.
Absent: None.
Motion carried.
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End of Year 2011 Review
� Deputy Admiriistrator Martin provided a brief summary of items discussed and acted upon
during 2011 b�� the Community Development Committee. A table summarizing the activity was
provided to the Committee for comment and review.
Alderman Santi noted the ice/snow removal on sidewalks would continue to be monitored during
the upcoming winter season. Director Schwalenberg noted Staff has taken a reactive posture
regarding the :;now/ice violations. To date, no tickets have been written regarding this type of
violation.
Deputy Administrator Martin noted the opportunity for developers to present their plans to the
Committee prior to public hearing before the Planning and Zoning Commission offers the
Committee an��pportunity to provide feedback during the initial stages of development.
Proposed Committee Meetin�Dates and Goals for 2012
Chairman Condon presented the following proposed meeting schedule which Staff has prepared
for 2012:
January, No Meeting
February 21, 2012
March �0, 2012
April,No Meeting
May 15. 2012
June,No Meeting
� July, No Meeting
August 21, 2012
September,No Meeting
October 16, 2012
November,No Meeting
December,No Meeting.
Chairman Condon suggested the Committee consider having a January meeting, in order to avoid
three consecutive months with no meeting (December, 2011 followed by January and February,
2012). She also suggested there be no meeting in March 2012. Discussion followed regarding
finalizing the proposed meeting schedule for 2012. The 2012 Committee meeting schedule was
established as follows:
January 17, 2012
February 21, 2012
March,No Meeting
April,No Meeting
May 15, 2012
June 19. 2012
July,No Meeting
August 21, 2012
September,No Meeting
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' October 16, 2012
� Novem ber,No Meeting
Decem�er,No Meeting.
Deputy Administrator Martin highlighted the proposed goals for 2012 paying particular attention
to:
#3 Discus�ion on West Illinois Route 120 Economic Revitalization
#4 Discus�ion on Signs including 2013 deadline, signs in city rights-of-way, sandwich board
signs ai�d temporary signs
#6 Outside display of inerchandise, where display is allowed, cost of permit, time frame of
permit
#8 Amend�nents to Zoning Ordinance relating to uses not listed as permitted uses, assembly
uses, le:�al description when required, public notice, when a court reporter is needed,
public hearing rules of procedure
#9 Zoning Ordinance amendments relating to electric chazging stations in parking lots,
shared parking requirements and parking associated with redevelopment, load
requirements, loading in public right-of-way.
Deputy Administrator Martin requested the Committee review the suggested goals and prioritize
them as to when they should be discussed.
Chairman Condon noted the Committee recently amended the Zoning Ordinance regarding the
parking of commercial vehicles in the residential district. A situation has come to the attention of
`- Staff relating to an oversized commercial truck being parked in the residential district. The
resident is currently making application for a variance to allow the resident's work vehicle to be
parking in his driveway due to his need to be available at a moment's notice to perform work
duties.
Discussion followed regarding whether the commercial parking restrictions in the residential
district should be amended to allow for extenuating circumstances or to consider variances on a
case-by-case basis.
Alderman Peterson questioned if all rental properties within the City would be included in the
proposed rental registration program. Deputy Administrator Martin responded it would include
all rental properties. This would ultimately assist with the crime-free housing as proposed by the
Police Department. Director Schwalenberg noted the registration of rental properties would be
the first step in the process. It would ultimately lead to annual rental property inspections.
At Deputy Administrator Martin's request, Chairman Condon suggested the following items for
inclusion on the January 17, 2012 meeting agenda:
1) Discussion of exceptions to prohibiting certain commercial vehicles to be parked in
the residential district
2) Rental Property Registration Program;
3) Begin discussion and establish outline for sign ordinance amendments and 2013
enforcement of non-conformities;
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4) Ecc�nomic Revitalization of West Route 120.
`'" Additional iterls to be considered for committee discussion in 2012 include:
1) Coc(e Enforcement
2) Re�ulations for temporary/blow up pools;
3) De�ignating permanent intersection locations for City-permitted right-of-way
temporary advertising signs.
Alderman Sam i suggested if permanent temporary sign locations were designated, it would be
easier for Staf'f to know when non-permitted signs are being posted. Deputy Administrator
Martin noted Staff would look into this matter and come back to Committee with a
recommendatic n.
Staff Renort
Deputy Administrator Martin provided the Committee with an update on potential incoming
businesses.
Other Business
Alderman Peterson inquired if it would fall under the purview of this Committee to ascertain
potential locatic�ns for securing a building which could be converted into a parks and recreation
facility. He noted discussion recently occurred at the Parks and Recreation Committee Meeting
about the possihility of the City purchasing an industrial building which would then be converted
the park athletics and program use. Deputy Administrator Martin responded this issue is related
to the Community Development Committee in that the Committee could assist in research to find
�- an appropriate building/location appropriate for the use.
Adiournment
Motion by Santi, seconded by Peterson, to adjourn the meeting at 8:23 p.m.
Aye: Santi. Peterson, Condon.
Nay: None.
Absent: None.
Motion carried.
Respectfully submitted,
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Geri Condon, Cliairman
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