HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 3/7/2001 - Community Development Committee COMMUIVITY DEVELOPMENT MEETING
� MINUTES
March 7, 2001
Members Present: Chairman McClatchey, Alderman Bolger. Alderman Glab .
Others Present: City Clerk Althoff, City Administrator Lobaito, Community
Development Director Napolitano
AND
Assistant Fire Chief Steven Laing
Chairperson McClatchey called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. He noted
several items on the agenda and welcomed Assistant Fire Chief Laing.
RE8IDENTIAL 3PRINKLER SYSTEM PREBENTATION
Assistant Fire Chief Laing was in attendance to make a presentation
before the Community Development Committee on the benefits and
improvements of residential sprinkler systems. Assistant Chief Laing reviewed
the history of recent area residential fires and expressed frustration with the
overall results of their fire safety educational programs. He noted the Fire
Protection Board recently approved. the purchase of a "Stay Alive Smoke House"
which is a sta.te-of-the-art educational tool.
Assistant Chief Laing enumerated the recent improvements in residential
sprinkler systems. He suggested the cornmittee considered promoting the
� installation of residential sprinklers as a building opti.on. He noted insurance
companies typically reeognize the safety and prevention benefit reducing the
cost of insurance premiums by 10-15%.
In response to committee inquuy Assistant Chief Laing stated these
newer residential systems could be tested monthly or quarterly. The overall
cost of these systems has also been substantially reduced with the utilization of
PVC pipe. New design standards have also made them more palatable to the
general public. In conclusion Assistant Fire Chief Laing opined the installation
of these residential sprinkler systems would benefit the community.
Some discussion occurred. It was the consensus of the committee to
place, for further discussion and consideration, the residential sprinkler system
on a regularly scheduled council meeting night. The committee also suggested
residential sprinkler system contractors be invited to attend to provide
additional information.
Motion by Glab, seconded by Bolger, to recommend to full council the inclusion
of a presentation on the benefits of internal residential sprinkler systems on a
regularly scheduled council meeting agenda.
Voting Aye: Bolger, Glab, McClatchey
Voting Nay: None
Absent: None
Motion carried.
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3U11�P PUMP REGULATIONS
Community Development Director Napolitano informed the committee at
Alderman Glab's request the existing Municipal Code language regarding sump
pumps is to be reviewed by the committee. Alderman Glab noted he had
requested trus committee action in response to the incident on Manchester
Mall. Community Development Director Napolitano referenced two separate
sections in the Municipal Code, Section 7-22 and 26-120.
Director Napolitano noted the Municipal Code requires subsurface drains
to be provided around building foundations that enclose habitable spaces below
grade. In addition, drains are to be installed at or below the area to be
protected and shall discharge by gravity or mechanical means (a sump pump)
into a drainage system approved by the Building Inspector. Approved drainage
systems may include the storm sewer or drainage swales, however no discharge
into a sanitary sewer is allowed.
Some discussion followed regarding the sump pump problems
experienced at 1119 Manchester Mall. Director Napolitano noted staff has
talked to both the affected property owner and the neighbor in question.
Correction of the problem has been agreed to by both entities and will be
initiated, weather permitting, in the early spring. A temporaty solution has
� been instituted until then.
Some discussion followed regarding the inclusion of the phrase "as
approved by the cit�' in Section 7-22 of the Municipal Code. Alderman Glab
also suggested the inclusion of the phrase �or on to another property unless a
cross-easement or written permission has been obtained from the affected
properry owner" at the end of Section 7-22.
In response to Committee Chairperson McClatchey's inquiry, Director
Napolitano noted. some of the water run-off problem in this area might be
attributable to underground springs.
Motion by Glab, seconded by Bolger to direct staff to draft new Municipal
Code ordinance language addressing subsoil draining and its discharge for full
council discussion and consideration.
Voting Aye: Bolger, Glab, McClatchey
Voting Nay: None
Absent: None
Motion carried.
REVIEW OF RECREATIONAL VEHICLE AND TA PLATE DEFINITIONS
Community Development Director Napolitano reported as per Alderman
Glab's request the committee is to review the existing zoning ordinance
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language for recreational vehicles, specifically those vehicles having a TA plate
designati��n. Director Napolitano explained, a single recreational vehicle may be
parked or stored on a residential property, subject to the provision it must be
located on a paved surface. The City's current recreational vehicle definition
includes :�ny vehicle with RV, RT or TA license plates. A TA plate designation
includes all trailers with a maximum load weight of 3,000 lbs. or less.
Alderman Glab noted many of these trailers are utilized for purposes other than
recreation. He opined these trailers used for commercial purposes are a blight
on neighborhood aesthetics and should be prohibited. Alderman Glab also
noted he had received complaints of this nature from his constituents. Some
discussion followed.
In response to committee inquiry, Community Development Director
Napolitano opined prohibiting these trailers from parking/locating in residential
districts would place undo hardship on the existing residents who own said
trailers. Alderman Glab suggested staff investigate neighborhood covenants.
It was the consensus of the committee to obtain example ordinances
from other area municipalities regarding this issue.
OAKWOOD DRiVEWAY MORATORIUM CONSIDERATION
� Community Development Director Napolitano reminded the committee
formal action had been taken at the January 31, 2001 committee meeting to
investigate the feasibility of placing a moratorium on driveway construction on
Oakwood Drive in conjunction with the Crystal Lake Road Corridor Planning
Study disc:ussion. City Attorney McArdle has opined a municipality has no
powe to sixspend, even temporarily, their own ordinances. Community
Development Director Napolitano noted staff will continue to monitor all
driveway permit requests and inform Council immediately if a request from
High School District 156 is received.
Alderman Glab distributed a letter dated February 28+� requesting the
comrnittee:
direct the City Administrator and the Director of Community
Development to instruct staff that all building permits for both Elementary
School District 15 and High School District 156 need Council approval and to
flag such files for easy reference;
schedule a meeting to discuss these ordinances as soon as possible;
invite a representative of both school districts to a meeting to develop a
process with regard to the e�ansion, revision and/or alteration of their
conditional uses.
Some discussion followed. It was the consensus of the committee to investigate
the conditional use zoning ordinance language further and request a legal
interpreta.tion from City Attorney McArdle. Alderman Glab requested the
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committee request full council to direct City Administrator Lobaito and staff to
recognize the ordinance and enforce it accordingly.
ADJOURNMENT
Motion by Glab, seconded by Bolger to adjourn the meeting at 7:33 p.m.
Voting Aye: Bolger, Glab, McClatchey
Voting Nay: None
Absent: None]
Motion carried.
The meetin s adjourned at 7:33 p.m.
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Frank McClatchey, C rson
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