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06-28-2006 Special MeetingMINUTES OF THE SPECIAL MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DES PLAINES, ILLINOIS HELD IN THE ELEANOR ROHRBACH MEMORIAL COUNCIL CHAMBERS , DES PLAINES CIVIC CENTER, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 28, 2006 050 CALL TO ORDER: The Special meeting of the City Council of the City of Des Plaines, Illinois, was called to order by Mayor Anthony W. Arredia at 6:30 p.m. in the Eleanor Rohrbach Memorial Council Chambers, Des Plaines Civic Center on Wednesday, June 28, 2006. ROLL CALL: Roll call indicated the following aldermen present: Beauvais, Murphy, Sayad, Brookman, Becker, Smith, Argus. Alderman Christiansen was absent. Alderman Beauvais left the meeting at 7:41 p.m. Also present were City Manager Niemeyer, Economic Development Bleuher and Deputy Economic Development Angell. Director of Community & Director of Community & WARRANT REGISTER: 2006 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN REVISIONS: MAYOR ARREDIA DECLARED THAT THE CITY COUNCIL WAS NOW RESOLVED INTO A COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION Alderman Sayad, Chair Moved by Smith, seconded by Becker, to recommend to the City Council approval of the June 28, 2006 -Warrant Register, in the total amount of $537,334.28, and further recommend that Resolution R-96-06 be adopted at appropriate time this evening. Motion declared carried. COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT -Alderman Becker, Chair Moved by Becker, seconded by Murphy, to take from the table the matter of the 2006 Comprehensive Plan Revisions (tabled on June 5, 2006) . Motion declared carried. Director of Community & Economic Development Bleuher stated that many meetings have been held with both the Steering Committee and the public beginning on June 6, 20·05; the Steering Committee was comprised of elected and appointed City officials. Director Bleuher stated that the Zoning Code needs to be updated; the last time was in 1998; but we need to approve a new Comprehensive Plan first; it will take two (2) years for the Zoning Code's review once the Comprehensive Plan is approved. Director Bleuher stated that the Comprehensive Plan is the City's official policy guide for future land use, development and conservation within Des Plaines over the next ten to fifteen years; the Comprehensive Plan is an advisory tool to be consulted and considered by the Plan Commission, City Council and other officials and Staff when land use changes and capital facilities are proposed. Ms. Gina Trimarco, Project Manager, and Mr. Phil Hanegrast, Associate Vice President, with HNTB Corporation, 111 N. Canal Street, Suite 1250, Chicago, IL 60606, the City's planning consulting firm retained on April 18, 2005 -Resolution R-66-05, for a total fee of $105,071, were introduced. Ms. Trimarco reviewed the recommendations provided by Alderman Beauvais (see file): COMP. PLAN (Cont'd.) 051 6/28/06 PAGE TWO --Southwest corner of Rand-Miner should remain Community Commercial; the rest of the gateway needs some thought process/design standards. Ms. Trimarco said she agrees and they gave some suggestions regarding changes; --Miner-Busse should be mixed-use, low-density. Trimarco said they can entertain changing designation; Ms. that --Downtown Miner Street should not be developed piece- meal; we should open up the entrance to Metropolitan Square. Ms. Trimarco said that she agrees with that; Miner Street should be opened up; --traffic signals behind the Police Station -Graceland & Rand and Western and Northwest Highway. Ms. Trimarco said they are currently working with the consultant for the Traffic Study; that was not in their scope of work; --Busse Highway, north toward Miner Crabtree, Applecreek, Acres Lane, Trailside, Bellaire, Forest Edge and Ballard -should be residential/large lot, single family residency; --keep Harding Avenue low-density/townhomes; --keep Evergreen & Willow (west of Graceland) residential single family; --more designation or regulations of open space from developers in downtown area. Ms. Trimarco said that she agrees; they will recommend that in large developments more open space is dedicated. Alderman Beauvais stated that she will have to have a meeting with her residents before any final decisions are made on any changes. Alderman Beauvais asked if individual motions should be made on specific areas. Alderman Becker said they could do that. Moved by Beauvais, seconded by Becker, to recommend to the City Council that the 2006 Comprehensive Plan indicate that the southwest corner of Rand Road and Miner Street be mixed-use low-density townhomes or commercial. Motion declared carried. Alderman Sayad stated that maybe we should see these changes in writing before we vote on this for the final time. Moved by Beauvais, seconded by Sayad, to recommend to the City Council that the 2006 Comprehensive Plan indicate that the area of Crabtree Lane, Applecreek Lane, Acres Lane, Trailside Lane, Bellaire Avenue, Forest Edge Lane and Ballard Road be residential/large lot. Rolando, who lives at 2283 Eastview Drive, addressed the Committee of the Whole stating that he is a developer who has developed many small lots; you can see what is happening all over; people are sub-dividing their lots; it increases the value of the neighborhood; the property is worth so much more. Mr. Brian Burkross, 2133 Webster Lane, addressed the Committee of the Whole asking that if this area is designated large lot and the residents decide they don't want to go in that direction, are there going to be provisions to update the Comprehensive Plan?; will this be reflected in the Comprehensive Plan. Alderman Becker stated that the Comprehensive Plan can be updated for a fraction of the cost, as needed, maybe once a year. Mrs. Barbara Van Slambrouck, 286 Stratford Road, addressed the Committee of the Whole questioning whether this area is in the flood plain; maybe that would be justification to keep the lots as a large lot area. Motion declared carried (Aldermen Murphy, Becker voted no) . Brookman and ~ COMP. PLAN (Cont'd. ) PAGE THREE 052 6/28/06 Moved bv Beauvais, seconded by Murphy, to recommend to the City Council that the 2006 Comprehensive Plan indicate that Harding Avenue be low-density townhomes. Motion declared carried. Moved by Beauvais, seconded by Sayad, to recommend to the City Council that the 2006 Comprehensive Plan indicate that Evergreen Avenue and Willow Avenue (west of Graceland Avenue) be residential single family. Motion declared carried (Alderman Murphy voted no). Following a brief discussion, Alderman Becker stated that it was agreed that no further motions would be made; Staff will prepare a change sheet to the 2006 Comprehensive Plan based on the comments and recommendations from the aldermen this evening. Ms. Trimarco then reviewed the comments and questions from Alderman Smith (see file) regarding grant money for the Comprehensive Plan; the designation for Maryville property; traffic improvements at the Golf Road circle; the term of the Comprehensive Plan. Ms. Trimarco reviewed the comments and questions provided by Alderman Murphy which were quite detailed (see file) regarding the make-up of the Steering Committee, definition of "industrial base;" golf course recommendation; river walk; adequate parking for residential uses in the downtown district; difficult pedestrian crossings; Waycinden Park water contract; definition of "large format, auto oriented retail;" what was the participation at the public meetings -were there common demographics or agendas? Mr. Brian Burkross, 2133 Webster Lane, addressed the Committee of the Whole and read the list of people who comprised the Steering Committee; we were told that there would be resident participation on the Steering Committee, but there was none; most of these people have a vested interest in development in the City; this caused me a great deal of concern. Alderman Sayad referred to Page 13 of the Comprehensive Plan regarding one-way streets; how would you change them? Ms. Trimarco said they are not including any recommendations in their report; this would be dealt with in the Traffic Study. Alderman Sayad referred to Page 14 of the Comprehensive Plan regarding the meaning of "affordable housing." Mr. Trimarco and Deputy Director of Community & Economic Development Angell read the definitions. Alderman Sayad referred to Page 15 of the Comprehensive Plan regarding the upgrading and/or replacement of obsolete retail and office space; how would you do that? Deputy Director of Community & Economic Development said one way would be through the Facade Rehabilitation Program. Alderman Sayad referred to Page 31 of the Comprehensive Plan regarding the Rand/River/Golf Road area; you recommend community commercial; did you consider the trailer parks, the other taxing bodies, business owners, etc.? Ms. Tramarco said yes, we did consider all of that; we made our recommendation for the future. Alderman Say ad ref erred to Page 4 5, Item 4, of the Comprehensive Plan regarding what is being recommended to retain the unique character of the downtown. Ms. Tramarco said that one of the things being recommended is that developers integrate new buildings with the old buildings. COMP. PLAN (Cont'd. ) PAGE FOUR 053 6/28/06 Alderman Sayad referred to Page 53 of the Comprehensive Plan regarding the development of a local bicycle system; this should be connected east and west. Ms. Tramarco said that she agrees with this. Alderman Sayad stated that a redevelopment concept should be done for Elmhurst Road too. Alderman Brookman referred to Page 2 9 of the Comprehensive Plan regarding new or modified residential district development standards; will residents have to replace their home with the same design? Ms. Tramarco said no if what is being replaced is compatible with the neighborhood. Alderman Brookman referred to Page 11 of the Comprehensive Plan regarding controls on height, site coverage, etc. with single-family residential teardowns and redevelopment. Ms. Tramarco said that would be covered under City ordinances. Alderman Brookman referred to Page 22 of the Comprehensive Plan regarding the negotiation of a boundary agreement with adjacent communities to address the future of unincorporated areas adjacent to Des Plaines; would this impair our ability to annex property. Ms. Tramarco said no. Mrs. Barbara Van Slambrouck, 286 Stratford Road, addressed the Committee of the Whole stating that she likes the new downtown; especially Miner Street; she likes the old buildings; they make the City look quaint; the industrial area concerns her, especially around the airport; she thinks it is nice to have the industrial area in different parts of the City; the City needs to provide more affordable housing for people who don't make a lot of money. Mr. Brian Burkross, 2133 Webster Lane, addressed the Committee of the Whole stating that he thought the aldermen would have been involved with this process a lot sooner; they should have represented us in the meetings; East River Road residents are concerned about that area being designated high-density; is it possible to make the Comprehensive Plan a bit clearer about the direction you want it to take? Mr. Gary Phipps, 477 N. East River Road, addressed the Committee of the Whole asking the aldermen to respect the wishes of the residents in his area; you are planning high-density in a rural area; the condos you put up are an eyesore; you are arrogant and presumptuous if you think you can do this; shame on you; withdraw your high- density recommendation. Ms. Sandy Kangas, 815 E. Oakton Street, addressed the Committee of the Whole stating that she is a Board member of the Des Plaines Theater Preservation Society; thank you for keeping the theater as an anchor on Miner Street; it could be a very important draw for downtown Des Plaines. Mrs. Planica, 570 N. East River Road, addressed the Committee of the Whole stating that she has lived there 25 years; she remembers how it looked before; the area is slowly going from single family homes to eyesores; she is concerned about what is happening to her neighborhood. Mrs. Susan Mack, 514 Teela Lane, addressed the Committee of the Whole stating that her biggest concern is that they have large acre lots and they want to preserve this; she doesn't want high-density in her area. COMP. PLAN (Cont'd. ) WARRANT REGISTER: Resolution R-96-06 2006 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN REVISIONS: ADJOURNMENT: PAGE FIVE 054 6/28/06 Mr. Fred Mack, 514 Teela Lane, addressed the Committee of the Whole stating that when they were here two (2) years ago and were told that there was no further plans for acquisition of land on North East River Road and now it is in the Comprehensive Plan. Alderman Becker stated that the addresses all the unincorporated Plaines. Comprehensive Plan area surrounding Des Mr. Mack asked if the City was going to come in and condemn their property. Alderman Becker said no, we are just creating a land use plan. Alderman Becker stated that any annexation of the area on North East River Road would have to be done with the approval of the residents. MAYOR ARREDIA ASSUMED THE CHAIR AND DECLARED THE CITY COUNCIL BACK IN SESSION Moved by Sayad, seconded by Smith, to concur with recommendation of Committee of the Whole to adopt Resolution R-96-06, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DES PLAINES THAT THE FOLLOWING BILLS ARE DUE AND PAYABLE AND THAT THE MAYOR AND CITY CLERK BE AND ARE HEREBY AUTHORIZED TO MAKE PAYMENT FOR SAME. Total: $537,334.28. Upon roll call, the vote was AYES: 6-Murphy, Sayad, Brookman, Becker, Smith, Agus NAYS: 0-None ABSENT: 2-Beauvais, Christiansen Motion declared carried. Alderman Becker announced that the motions made under the Committee of the Whole will not be reported out; they will be incorporated with the other comments and recommendations from the aldermen into a change sheet for review by the aldermen before final approval of the 2006 Comprehensive Plan. Moved by Sayad, seconded by Brookman, that the Special meeting of the City Council adjourn. Motion declared carried. Meeting adjourned at 10:07 p.m. Donna McAllister, MMC CITY CLERK APPROVED BY ME THIS DAY OF An tho