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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 07/17/2003 - Planning and Zoning CommissionMinutes of the City of McHenry PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION Special Meeting July 17, 2003 The July 17, 2003 Special Meeting of the City of McHenry Planning and Zoning Commission was called to order by Chairman Howell at 7:31 p.m. in the McHenry Municipal Center Council Chambers. Commission members in attendance: Buhrman, Cadotte, Ekstrom, Howell, Nadeau, Thacker. Absent: Franzen. Staff in attendance: City Planner Martin. Discussion of Aesthetics Issues raised regarding aesthetics in the community included: 1. Garages should not dominate the streetscape 2. Side-loaded garages can cause problems regarding: o Additional paving required for driveway o Where do you park recreational vehicles 3. Recreational vehicles illegally parked across sidewalks or on non-paved surface. Perhaps banning the existence of outside storage of rv’s in the community. 4. Means of enforcement to assure conformance 5. After-hours enforcement 6. Visible commercial trash receptacles 7. Violations of subdivision covenants. 8. More thorough enforcement of existing regulations 9. Ticket books on-hand to be utilized for offenders immediately, without benefit of seven-day notification. 10. Notify all residents of rules of the community by providing them with a brochure (perhaps at time of mailing vehicle sticker applications) which must be acknowledged by hand receipt. Once informed of the regulations, residents can be held accountable for violations. 11. Unpaid tickets could be treated similarly to unpaid taxes – property could be seized. 12. Fines /unpaid tickets could be turned over to collections and could potentially impact a resident’s credit rating. 13. Aesthetics Committee could assist Staff by providing notice of violations including locations to the Community Development Department. 14. The gateway to the City should be enhanced including the southeast corner of Route 31 and Bull Valley Road (however, it was pointed out this property is not within the City limits) 15. Question was raised as to the possibility of Planning and Zoning Commissioners being able to write tickets on behalf of the City. 16. Both Community Development and the Police Department must have better interdepartmental communication regarding violations and enforcement. Clarification must be made regarding whose responsibility enforcement is in a particular situation. Motion by Cadotte, seconded by Buhrman, that • Any and all regulations and ordinances in effect in the City of McHenry be strictly enforced by the respective department (police or community development), as defined per ordinance, with the issuance of a ticket or summons to the violating party; • That enforcement officers be provided with the appropriate tools to issue written citations for spot inspections and/or violations; • All citations be duly enforced by the City; • No grace periods be granted to defer compliance with said ordinances or regulations; • Ignorance of the law is not an excuse for non-compliance. Voting Aye: Buhrman, Cadotte, Ekstrom, Howell, Nadeau, Thacker. Page 2 P&Z Commission 7/17/03 Voting Nay: None Not Voting: None Abstained: None Absent: Franzen. Motion carried 6-0. Further discussion occurred regarding ways to inform the community of common ordinance violations. Ideas suggested included: • providing a pamphlet/brochure with annual vehicle sticker application mailings would reach the largest segment of the community • providing a vehicle sticker discount incentive to those residents who acknowledged receipt of the ordinance regulations. • including the brochure in the City’s new resident packets • providing the brochure to all senior citizens obtaining PACE vouchers for Dial-A-Ride • providing the brochure with occupancy permits • providing the brochure to any City resident/business person at any opportunity when they come to City for any/all type of City services. It was consensus of the Commission to recommend to Council that the various stated means of informing City residents be utilized to inform them of existing City codes and ordinances. A lengthy discussion ensued regarding the portion(s) of the City which should initially be targeted in the enforcement of code/ordinance violations. It was the consensus of the Commission that the Community Development Department be directed to begin aggressive strict enforcement of City code/ordinance violations in any neighborhood or commercial district which has the most obvious and numerous violations. A publicity campaign should be instituted to request residents assist in cleaning up their own neighborhood. The subdivision/district which receives the most complaints could be the place where aggressive enforcement begins. Discussion followed regarding locations of particular objection to members of the Commission. The Commission suggested within a specific period of time of occupancy, any newly-developed property must be seeded or sodded. Additionally, exterior lighting should be restricted to assure down lighting and prohibiting lighting spreading onto adjacent properties. The maintenance of retention/detention areas, including the permitted plantings and mowing high weeds, was then discussed. Utilization of aerator devices and native wetland plantings to discourage corporate geese was also discussed. Motion by Cadotte, seconded by Buhrman that the Planning and Zoning Commission also serve in the capacity of aesthetics management for the City. Voting Aye: Buhrman, Cadotte, Ekstrom, Howell, Nadeau, Thacker. Voting Nay: None Not Voting: None Abstaining: None Absent: Franzen Motion carried 6-0. Page 3 P&Z Commission 7/17/03 Chairman Howell suggested the Commissioners review the itemized points to be considered for aesthetics management and report back to the Commission at a future date. The Commission noted several locations in town where an abundance of dead trees in public right-of-way were noted. Planner Martin stated this matter would be investigated by Staff and the dead trees removed if within corporate limits and in right-of-way. Chairman Howell stated he would identify and assign for further review and recommendation by the Commission seven bullets or specific types of aesthetic issues to be considered, as well as a policy to implement enforcement: As an example, design guidelines could be created. • Potential bulleted areas of concern could include: • Architectural Design • Landscape Design • Vehicle Management • Façade Conformity Chairman Howell stated he would prepare a list of seven categories identified for review and consideration to be assigned to Commissioners for research. This matter would be included on the regular Agenda for the July 24, 2003 regularly scheduled meeting. Motion Cadotte, seconded by Thacker, to recess the Special Meeting to August 14, 2003 at 7:30 p.m. in the McHenry Municipal Center in the Council Chambers. Voting Aye: Buhrman, Cadotte, Ekstrom, Howell, Nadeau, Thacker. Voting Nay: None Not Voting: None Abstaining: None Absent: Franzen Motion carried 6-0. Adjournment Motion by Cadotte, seconded by Nadeau, to adjourn at 9:00 p.m. Voting Aye: Buhrman, Cadotte, Ekstrom, Howell, Nadeau, Thacker. Voting Nay: None. Not Voting: None. Abstained: None. Absent: Franzen. Motion carried 6-0. Respectfully submitted, _________________________________ Kathleen M. Kunzer, Deputy Clerk Planning and Zoning Commission C: Mayor, Aldermen, City Administrator, City Clerk, City Attorney, City Planner, City Engineers, Applicants, Landmark Commission Chairman, Chicago Tribune, Northwest Herald, Aldermen Conference Room, File Copy.