Council Minutes 12-20-21MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF DES PLAINES, ILLINOIS HELD IN THE ELEANOR ROHRBACH MEMORIAL
COUNCIL CHAMBERS, DES PLAINES CIVIC CENTER, MONDAY, DECEMBER
20, 2021
CALL TO The regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Des Plaines, Illinois, was called to order
ORDER by Mayor Goczkowski at 6:34 p.m. in the Eleanor Rohrbach Memorial Council Chambers,
Des Plaines Civic Center on Monday, December 20, 2021.
ROLL CALL Roll call indicated the following Aldermen present: Lysakowski, Moylan, Oskerka,
Brookman, Smith. Absent: Zadrozny, Chester, Ebrahimi. A quorum was present.
CLOSED SESSION Moved by Brookman, seconded by Lysakowski to enter into Closed Session to Property
Acquisition, Sale of Property, and Security Procedures.
Upon roll call, the vote was:
AYES: 5 - Lysakowski, Moylan, Oskerka,
Brookman, Smith
NAYS: 0 - None
ABSENT: 3 - Zadrozny, Chester, Ebrahimi
Motion declared unanimously carried.
The City Council recessed at 6:35 p.m.
The City Council reconvened at 7:07 p.m.
Roll call indicated the following Alderman present: Lysakowski, Moylan, Oskerka, Zadrozny,
Brookman, Smith. Absent: Chester, Ebrahimi. A quorum was present.
Also present were: City Manager Bartholomew, Assistant City Manager/Director of Finance Wisniewski, Assistant
Director of Public Works and Engineering Oakley, Director of Community and Economic Development Carlisle, Fire
Chief Anderson, Police Chief Anderson, and General Counsel Burkland.
PRAYER AND The prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America were
PLEDGE offered by Alderman Oskerka.
PUBLIC COMMENT Resident John Maag commented on the new development at Mannheim and Pratt, specifically
the electronic billboard. He commented on the City Council discussion from the previous
meeting regarding the cannabis dispensary. He also stated he had a comment on behalf of
Wayne Serbin, who was in the hospital; stating Wayne is opposed to the dispensary. John Maag
additionally requested an open house of the Des Plaines Theatre for the residents.
ALDERMEN Alderman Moylan wished everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Alderman Oskerka gave recognition to the Police Department in their handling of the Our Lady
of Guadalupe pilgrimage.
Alderman Zadrozny wished everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. He also shared
the heartbreaking news of the passing of his mother-in-law.
Alderman Brookman gave her condolences to Alderman Zadrozny and his family. She
recognized the work of Donna Adams and her Clean Up/Give Back team. She wished everyone
a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Page 2 of 12 12/20/21
Alderman Smith gave her condolences to Alderman Zadrozny. She thanked Police Chief
Anderson for his work with the Our Lady of Guadalupe pilgrimage. She also wished everyone
a healthy, happy, and safe New Year.
MAYORAL Mayor Goczkowski thanked the American Legion on their Shop with a Vet program run in
ANNOUNCEMENTS conjunction with Sam's Club and the Chicago Wolves; it proved young children with a gift
card and a shopping experience.
Mayor Goczkowski wished Alderman Ebrahimi well after his Covid-19 diagnosis.
On March 16, 2020, a Declaration of Civil Emergency for the City of Des Plaines related to
the COVID-19 emergency was authorized. The Declaration provided that: (1) the City may
enter into contracts for the emergency purchase of goods and services; (2) the City Manager
may implement emergency staffing protocols pursuant to the City's respective collective
bargaining agreements; and (3) directed City officials and employees to cooperate with other
government agencies.
In accordance with Illinois statutes, the Mayor's Declaration lasted only for a period of seven
days, unless it was extended by action of the City Council. At each subsequent City Council
meeting, the City Council, by motion, extended the Declaration until the next adjournment of
the next special or City Council meeting. This extension of the Declaration includes the
Supplemental Order dated July 29, 2020.
Mayor Goczkowski presented an extension to the Declaration of Civil Emergency.
Moved by Brookman, seconded by Lysakowski, to extend the March 16, 2020 Declaration of
Civil Emergency until the adjournment of the next regular, special, or emergency meeting of
the City Council.
Upon roll call, the vote was:
AYES: 6 - Lysakowski, Moylan, Oskerka,
Zadrozny, Brookman, Smith
NAYS: 0 - None
ABSENT: 2 - Chester, Ebrahimi
Motion declared carried.
CITY CLERK City Clerk Mastalski congratulated members of Fire Department on their recent promotions,
ANNOUNCEMENTS and thanked them for all of their hard work.
MANAGER'S City Manager Bartholomew requested another Closed Session at the close of this meeting
REPORT under Sale of Property.
CONSENT AGENDA Moved by Lysakowski, seconded by Moylan, to establish the Consent Agenda.
No voice vote was taken.
Moved by Brookman, seconded by Oskerka, to approve the Consent Agenda.
Upon roll call, the vote was:
AYES: 6 - Lysakowski, Moylan, Oskerka,
Zadrozny, Brookman, Smith
NAYS: 0 - None
ABSENT: 2 - Chester, Ebrahimi
Motion declared carried.
Appointment was approved; Minutes were approved; Ordinance M-30-21 was approved;
Resolutions R-195-21, R-202-21, R-203-21, R-204-21, R-205-21, R-206-21, R-207-21,
R-208-21. R-209-21, R-210-21. R-211-21, R-212-21, R-213-21, R-214-21 were adopted.
AMEND CITY
CODE/ CLASS M
LIO LIC/ 2392 S
WOLF RD
Consent Agenda
Ordinance
M-30-21
AUTH PURCH/ INT
EXTRICATION
TOOLS/
EQUIPMENT
MANAGEMENT
COMPANY
Consent Agenda
Resolution
R-195-21
APPROVE AMD TO
AGRMT/ MEDIA
SVCS CTL ROOM
PROD EQUIP/
KEYCODE MEDIA,
INC
Consent Agenda
Resolution
R-202-21
APPROVE CNTRCT
RENEWAL/ LDSCP
MAINT/ BEARY
LANDSCAPING,
INC
Consent Agenda
Resolution
R-203-21
APPROVE CNTRCT
RENEWAL/ PKWY
RESTOR & PLANT
INST SVCS/ TNT
LANDSCAPE
CONSTRUCTION,
INC
Consent Agenda
Resolution
R-204-21
Page 3 of 12 12/20/21
Moved by Brookman, seconded by Oskerka to Approve First Reading of Ordinance M-30-21,
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE CITY CODE TO ADD ONE CLASS "M" LIQUOR
LICENSE. Motion declared carried as approved unanimously under Consent Agenda.
Moved by Brookman, seconded by Oskerka to Approve Resolution R-195-21, A
RESOLUTION APPROVING THE PURCHASE OF GENESIS RESCUE SYSTEMS RAPID
INTERVENTION EXTRICATION TOOLS FROM EQUIPMENT MANAGEMENT
COMPANY. Motion declared carried as approved unanimously under Consent Agenda.
Moved by Brookman, seconded by Oskerka to Approve Resolution R-202-21, A
RESOLUTION APPROVING AN AMENDMENT TO THE AGREEMENT WITH
KEYCODE MEDIA, INC. FOR THE PURCHASE AND INSTALLATION OF MEDIA
SERVICES CONTROL ROOM PRODUCTION EQUIPMENT UPGRADES. Motion
declared carried as approved unanimously under Consent Agenda.
Moved by Brookman, seconded by Oskerka to Approve Resolution R-203-21 A
RESOLUTION APPROVING THE SECOND RENEWAL OF A CONTRACT WITH
BEARY LANDSCAPING, INC. FOR DOWNTOWN LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE.
Motion declared carried as approved unanimously under Consent Agenda.
Moved by Brookman, seconded by Oskerka to Approve Resolution R-204-21, A
RESOLUTION APPROVING THE SECOND RENEWAL OF A CONTRACT WITH TNT
LANDSCAPE CONSTRUCTION, INC. FOR PARKWAY RESTORATION AND
PLANTING INSTALLATION SERVICES. Motion declared carried as approved
unanimously under Consent Agenda.
Page 4 of 12 12/20/21
AUTH PART IN THE Moved by Brookman, seconded by Oskerka to Approve Resolution R-205-21, A
NATL OPIOID RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY OF DES PLAINES TO PARTICIPATE IN THE
STLMT NATIONAL OPIOID SETTLEMENTS. Motion declared carried as approved unanimously
Consent Agenda under Consent Agenda.
Resolution
R-205-21
APPROVE AGRMT/ Moved by Brookman, seconded by Oskerka to Approve Resolution R-206-21, A
PROF PLAN REV & RESOLUTION APPROVING AN AGREEMENT WITH H.R. GREEN, INC. FOR
INS SVCS/ H.R. PROFESSIONAL PLAN REVIEW AND INSPECTION SERVICES. Motion declared carried
GREEN, INC. as approved unanimously under Consent Agenda.
Consent Agenda
Resolution
R-206-21
APPROVE AGRMT/ Moved by Brookman, seconded by Oskerka to Approve Resolution R-207-21, A
PROF PLAN REV & RESOLUTION APPROVING AN AGREEMENT WITH B&F CONSTRUCTION CODE
INS SVCS/ B&F SERVICES, INC. FOR PROFESSIONAL PLAN REVIEW AND INSPECTION SERVICES.
CONSTRUCTION Motion declared carried as approved unanimously under Consent Agenda.
CODE SERVICES,
INC
Consent Agenda
Resolution
R-207-21
AUTH EXPND OF Moved by Brookman, seconded by Oskerka to Approve Resolution R-208-21, A
FUNDS/ EL ALARM RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE EXPENDITURE OF FUNDS UNDER AN
MONITOR SVCS/ AGREEMENT WITH EMERGENCY 24, INC. FOR ELEVATOR ALARM MONITORING
EMERGENCY 24, SERVICES. Motion declared carried as approved unanimously under Consent Agenda.
INC
Consent Agenda
Resolution
R-208-21
APPROVE MSTR Moved by Brookman, seconded by Oskerka to Approve Resolution R-209-21, A
CNTRCT/ PROF RESOLUTION APPROVING A MASTER CONTRACT WITH AECOM TECHNICAL
ENGR SVCS/ SERVICES, INC. FOR PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERING SERVICES. Motion declared
AECOM carried as approved unanimously under Consent Agenda.
TECHNICAL
SERVICES, INC
Consent Agenda
Resolution
R-209-21
APPROVE MSTR Moved by Brookman, seconded by Oskerka to Approve Resolution R-210-21, A
CNTRCT/ PROF RESOLUTION APPROVING A MASTER CONTRACT WITH CHRISTOPHER B. BURKE
ENGR SVCS/ ENGINEERING, LTD. FOR PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERING SERVICES. Motion
CHRISTOPHER B. declared carried as approved unanimously under Consent Agenda.
BURKE
Page 5of12
ENGINEERING,
LTD
Consent Agenda
Resolution
R-210-21
12/20/21
APPROVE MSTR Moved by Brookman, seconded by Oskerka to Approve Resolution R-211-21, A
CNTRCT/ PROF RESOLUTION APPROVING A MASTER CONTRACT WITH GABRIEL
ENGR SVCS/ ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES FOR PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERING SERVICES.
GABRIEL Motion declared carried as approved unanimously under Consent Agenda.
ENVIRONMENTAL
SERVICES
Consent Agenda
Resolution
R-211-21
APPROVE MSTR Moved by Brookman, seconded by Oskerka to Approve Resolution R-212-21, A
CNTRCT/ PROF RESOLUTION APPROVING A MASTER CONTRACT WITH GEWALT HAMILTON
ENGR SVCS/ ASSOCIATES, INC. FOR PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERING SERVICES. Motion declared
GEWALT carried as approved unanimously under Consent Agenda.
HAMILTON
ASSOCIATES, INC
Consent Agenda
Resolution
R-212-21
APPROVE MSTR Moved by Brookman, seconded by Oskerka to Approve Resolution R-213-21, A
CNTRCT/ PROF RESOLUTION APPROVING A MASTER CONTRACT WITH M.E. SIMPSON CO., INC.
ENGR SVCS/ M.E. FOR PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERING SERVICES. Motion declared carried as approved
SIMPSON CO., INC unanimously under Consent Agenda.
Consent Agenda
Resolution
R-213-21
APPROVE MSTR Moved by Brookman, seconded by Oskerka to Approve Resolution R-214-21, A
CNTRCT/ PROF RESOLUTION APPROVING A MASTER CONTRACT WITH URBANHYDRO
ENGR SVCS/ ENGINEERING, INC. FOR PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERING SERVICES. Motion
URBANHYDRO declared carried as approved unanimously under Consent Agenda.
ENGINEERING, INC
Consent Agenda
Resolution
R-214-21
APPOINTMENT/ Moved by Brookman, seconded by Oskerka to Approve the APPOINTMENT FROM
MARIA ROSA DECEMBER 6, 2021 CITY COUNCIL AGENDA OF MARIA ROSA CULLOTTA TO THE
CULLOTTA/ YOUTH COMMISSION — TERM TO EXPIRE SEPTEMBER, 4 2024. Motion declared
YOUTH carried as approved unanimously under Consent Agenda.
COMMISSION
Consent Agenda
Page 6 of 12 12/20/21
APPROVE Moved by Brookman, seconded by Oskerka to Approve the Minutes of the City Council
MINUTES meeting of December 6, 2021, as published. Motion declared carried as approved unanimously
Consent Agenda under Consent Agenda.
Alderman Chester entered the meeting at 7:23 p.m.
BUSINESS
CONSIDER
Director of Community and Economic Development Carlisle reviewed a memorandum dated
GRANTING A
December 9, 2021.
CONDITIONAL USE
PERMIT AND
The City Council at its December 6, 2021 meeting approved Ordinance Z-57-21 on first
MAJOR
reading as amended. The Council motioned to amend Section 6 of the ordinance so that
VARIATION FOR A
approval is binding only to the current petitioner and operator. The ordinance has been revised
CANNABIS
accordingly.
DISPENSARY AT
1504 MINER
The petitioner is requesting a conditional use under Section 12-7-3(K) of the Zoning Ordinance
STREET, DES
to allow a cannabis dispensary in the C-5 zoning district. The petitioner is also requesting a
PLAINES, IL
variation from the window transparency rules of Section 12-3-11 (Building Design Review).
Ordinance
Z-57-21
The petitioner is 280E, LLC, which is connected with operator D33 Mgmt, LLC. The group is
owned by Bryan, Kristie, and Zachary Zises, as well as Paul Lee. They are proposing leasing
1504 Miner Street, a single -story building at the corner of Miner and Metropolitan Way, for
an adult -use sales (recreational) retail cannabis dispensary. The space has been vacant since
late 2017, when the former Leona's restaurant closed. Legal retail sales of adult -use cannabis
products began in Illinois on January 1, 2020, enacted by the state Cannabis Regulation and
Tax Act of 2019. Since then, D33 Mgmt has operated locations under the brand Dispensary33,
one of the first adult -use retailers to be open in Illinois (Andersonville neighborhood of
Chicago). They have since opened a second location in the West Loop neighborhood of
Chicago and are pursuing a location in Wicker Park concurrent to their application in Des
Plaines.
The City of Des Plaines amended its Zoning Ordinance twice related to cannabis business
establishments (an umbrella term that encompasses retail dispensaries and cannabis supply -
chain businesses). The first amendments were in late 2019, and the second were in August
2021. Prior to August 2021, cannabis dispensaries were not possible in the C-5 Central
Business District/downtown Des Plaines, but Ordinance Z-42-21 established them as a
conditional use. All cannabis business establishments in Des Plaines, regardless of zoning
district, are prohibited from locating within 500 feet of a pre-existing school, place of worship,
or commercially zoned child care center. The subject property is more than 500 feet from the
zoning lot lines of these types of uses.
All cannabis business establishments are also subject to the Use Standards of Section 12-8-13
of the Zoning Ordinance. These set requirements and limitations related to signage, lighting,
hours of operation (limited to 10 a.m. through 8 p.m.), prohibition of on-site consumption and
delivery to consumers, seismic and sonic detectors, consent to odor inspection, and full
compliance with state regulations, which may change from time to time. State regulations are
established both by state statute and the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional
Regulation (IDFPR). IDFPR licenses and inspects dispensaries, and sets forth requirements
that include, for example, exterior security cameras and on-site security personnel.
As the petitioner states in their project narrative, Green & Foster, LLC, is one of the partners
in the endeavor. Green & Foster is a "social equity" candidate that won a state conditional
Page 7 of 12 12/20/21
license lottery in Summer 2021. The state gives priority to social equity candidates in lotteries
for conditional licenses.
The City can collect a three percent Municipal Cannabis Retailers' Occupation Tax on the
gross retail sales of all adult -use cannabis. In their project narrative, the petitioner projects by
late 2022 the average sales for a dispensary in Illinois will be $500,000 per month, or $6 million
per year. Sales volume varies based on location, size of store, and other factors. Research from
various cannabis business sources reveals a range of national average annual sales between
$974-$1,773 per square foot. Using the petitioner's estimate, it is estimated the City could
collect an estimated $180,000 per year in cannabis taxes from this dispensary, and that does
not include other taxes that may apply, such as the home -rule retail sales tax (1 percent) and a
local share of the state retail sales tax.
The subject property is 5,428 square feet. The site and floor plans indicate a total proposed
building area of 4,180 square feet, which includes a downstairs storage area to complement the
upstairs sales, employee, and storage areas.
The parking requirement for cannabis dispensaries in Section 12-9-7 of the Zoning Ordinance
has three different ratios based on components of the floor plan: one space for every 200 square
feet of gross floor area with public access plus one space for every 250 square feet of gross
floor area dedicated to office uses, plus one space for every 1,500 square feet of gross floor
area dedicated to ancillary uses. The definition of"floor area" in Section 12-13-3 allows certain
spaces such as restrooms, mechanical rooms, hallways, and up to 10 percent of storage areas
to be excluded. Further, because the subject property is in the C-5 district, Section 12-7-3.11.6.
allows the first 2,500 square feet to be exempt. Given the order of the floor plan components
in the parking requirement — first public access, then office, then ancillary — the unexcluded
space falls under "ancillary use" and is subject to a ratio of one space per 1,500 square feet.
Therefore, the minimum parking requirement is two off-street spaces.
The petitioner is proposing three off-street spaces, all in the rear. One of the spaces is reserved
as an accessible space. In addition to the required off-street parking, there is immediately
adjacent angle parking on the east side of Metropolitan Way, just west of the sidewalk next to
the building. These eight spaces, one of which is an accessible space, are limited to 90 minutes
and are likely to be helpful in accommodating the use, although other businesses in the area
also rely on these spaces. Regardless, an overall parking shortage is not anticipated, especially
with the Metropolitan Square garage and additional on -street parking within a short walk of
the subject property. Finally, the petitioner reasonably projects that given their location some
customers will arrive via public transportation.
The petitioner will allocate one parking space for deliveries. The delivery plan in the project
narrative specifies the frequency of daily deliveries (likely two to three times per day) in Ford
Transit Connect or Sprinter vans. Delivery methods are also regulated by IDFPR, which
requires that deliveries be conducted by a licensed transporter and that a security guard be
present.
The project narrative and submitted renderings indicate that fagade alterations will be
necessary on the Miner side. These alterations make the project subject to the Building Design
Review requirements of Section 12-3-11. Specifically Sub -section D.La. 1. requires "highly
transparent, nonreflectance windows." The petitioner cites a state requirement that dispensaries
must maintain a window tint, which would make the storefront windows only partially instead
of highly transparent. The petitioner would apply a window film to achieve the state -required
tint. However, this requires a variation.
The PZB took a motion to recommend the City Council approve both the conditional use and
variation request, and the vote was 3-1, with three in favor and one against.
Page 8 of 12 12/20/21
Under Sections 12-3-4(D) and 12-3-6(G) of the Zoning Ordinance, the City Council has final
authority on approval, approval subject to conditions, or denial of the conditional use and
variation for a cannabis dispensary at 1504 Miner Street. If the City Council ultimately
approves the request, the following conditions are recommended by Staff:
1. The petitioner shall submit to the Des Plaines Police Department, at the frequency
determined by the Department, an updated and detailed list of security personnel.
2. Dispensary windows shall have substantially the same appearance as those used as an
example in the application submittal. Detailed specifications on transparency shall be
included with the building permit application.
3. No temporary certificate of occupancy or certificate of occupancy will be issued for
the Subject Property unless and until the Petitioner has provided proof that the Illinois
Department of Financial and Processional Regulation has issued a license to operate a
cannabis dispensing organization on the Subject Premises.
A representative from the petitioner, 280E LLC, gave further information regarding the
business operations, and answered questions from the City Council.
Many residents expressed their concern with the location of dispensary, and their opposition
of the Ordinance.
Several residents expressed their opposition to cannabis.
Moved by Moylan, not seconded, to Call the Question.
Upon roll call, the vote was:
AYES: 6 - Lysakowski, Moylan, Oskerka,
Zadrozny, Chester, Smith
NAYS: 1 - Brookman
ABSENT: 1 - Ebrahimi
Motion declared carried.
Moved by Lysakowski, seconded by Brookman, to Deny the Ordinance Z-57-21 and direct
staff to work with the applicant in finding another location, AN ORDINANCE GRANTING
A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT AND MAJOR VARIATION FOR A CANNABIS
DISPENSARY AT 1504 MINER STREET, DES PLAINES, ILLINOIS.
Upon roll call, the vote was:
AYES: 6 - Lysakowski, Oskerka, Zadrozny,
Brookman, Chester, Smith
NAYS: 1 - Moylan
ABSENT: 1 - Ebrahimi
Motion declared carried.
NEW BUSINESS
FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION — Alderman Zadrozny, Chair
WARRANT Alderman Zadrozny presented the Warrant Register.
REGISTER
Resolution Moved by Zadrozny, seconded by Oskerka, to Approve the Warrant Register of
R-215-21 December 6, 2021 in the Amount of $6,685,398.27 and approve Resolution R-215-21.
Upon roll call, the vote was:
AYES: 7 - Lysakowski, Moylan, Oskerka, Zadrozny,
Brookman, Chester, Smith
NAYS: 0 - None
ABSENT: 1 - Ebrahimi
Motion declared carried.
Page 9 of 12 12/20/21
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT — Alderman Chester, Chair
CONSIDER
Director of Community and Economic Development Carlisle reviewed a memorandum dated
SUPPORTING AND
December 9, 2021.
CONSENTING TO
RENEWAL OF
Applicant 300 East Touhy Avenue IL, LLC is the owner of 300 East Touhy Avenue and is
CLASS 6b
requesting renewal of a Cook County Property Tax Class 6b incentive. Class 6b incentives are
CLASSIFICATION
intended to encourage industrial investment by reducing the assessment level of eligible
FOR THE
properties for 12 years, and the incentive may be renewed once. The applicant filed their
PROPERTY
renewal request to the County in December 2020, making them eligible to receive County
LOCATED AT 300
approval of the renewal if they obtain support from the City. Local support for the initial
EAST TOUHY
incentive was approved in 2006 (R-98-06), facilitating new construction of the building, which
AVENUE
was completed in 2008. The incentive was activated in 2011 (Tax Year 2010).
Resolution
R-216-21
The subject property is approximately 144,000 square feet and contains a 13 -year-old,
approximately 48,000 -square -foot industrial building. The initial incentive reduced the
assessment level from the typical 25 percent to 10 percent for 10 years, then would increase
the assessment to 15 percent and 20 percent respectively in Years 11 and 12. The current tax
year (2020) is Year 11. The initial 6b allowed the applicant to construct the current building
and attract tenants, which currently are Estes Forwarding Worldwide (approximately 36,000
square feet) and Perfection Bakeries Inc., d/b/a Aunt Millie's Bakery (approximately 12,000
square feet). Estes is a national freight forwarder with 17 locations across nine states. The Des
Plaines location is the company's sole presence in Illinois. Aunt Millie's is a producer of baked
goods such as bread and uses the Des Plaines site as part of its supply -chain operations. Per
the application, there are 29 full-time employees across both businesses.
The applicant would like to continue to lease to Estes and Perfection, but states the following
in the cover letter to the application: "In order for the Des Plaines location to compete with
surrounding properties receiving the Class 6b, as well as numerous collar county locations, the
Class 6b remains a necessary component in the control of operating costs." The applicant
contends that an end to the 6b would harm tenant viability and leave the building vacant. If the
renewal is granted, the applicant pledges approximately $480,000 of total improvements over
the life of the renewal. These include approximately $150,000 of exterior lighting upgrades,
paving, loading dock replacement, and interior remodeling (e.g. ventilation/HVAC) completed
in 2020. Work completed in the previous calendar year (current tax year) is typically
considered 6b evaluations. Further, the applicant is pledging over the next two years to
complete additional asphalt replacement in the parking lot and a full roof replacement, the
latter at an estimated cost of $285,000.
The applicant projects the incentive will lead to an additional approximately $419,000 in total
property tax revenue — spread across all taxing bodies — over the 12 -year life of the renewal.
The projections are based on the pledged property improvements, as well as triennial
reassessments of properties in Maine Township. The applicant is assuming that all other things
being equal, taxes will climb with each reassessment.
Property Tax Scenario for Sample Tax Year (2022):
1. Estimated taxes without 6b renewal, improvements, and full vacancy: $142,259
2. Estimated taxes with a 6b renewal, improvements, and continued full occupancy:
$164,474
3. Estimated taxes without a 6b renewal, but with improvements, and continued full
occupancy: $407,042
If granted, the renewal would lead to a 10 percent assessment level through Tax Year 2029
(Calendar Year 2030). In the following two years, the assessment level would climb to 15
Page 10 of 12 12/20/21
percent and 20 percent successively, returning to the full 25 percent assessment level in the
subsequent year.
A representative from the applicant spoke in support of the approval of the Class 6b renewal
for the property located at 300 East Touhy Avenue.
Moved by Brookman, seconded by Smith, to Approve the Resolution R-216-21, A
RESOLUTION SUPPORTING AND CONSENTING TO RENEWAL OF CLASS 6b
CLASSIFICATION FOR THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 300 EAST TOUHY AVENUE.
Upon roll call, the vote was:
AYES: 7 - Lysakowski, Moylan, Oskerka, Zadrozny,
Brookman, Chester, Smith
NAYS: 0 - None
ABSENT: 1 - Ebrahimi
Motion declared carried.
CONSIDER
Director.of Community and Economic Development Carlisle reviewed a memorandum dated
SUPPORTING AND
December 9, 2021.
CONSENTING TO
RENEWAL OF
Applicant Sure Investment Group, LLC is the owner of 2050 Clearwater Drive (former
CLASS 6b
address: 2100 Clearwater Drive) and is requesting support and consent for the renewal of a
CLASSIFICATION
Cook County Property Tax Class 6b incentive. Class 6b incentives are intended to encourage
FOR THE
industrial investment by reducing the assessment level of eligible properties for 12 years, and
PROPERTY
the incentive may be renewed once. The applicant filed their renewal request to the County in
LOCATED AT 2050
August 2021, making them eligible to receive County approval of the renewal if they obtain
CLEARWATER
local support from the City. Local support for the initial incentive was approved in 2007 (R -
DRIVE
81-07), facilitating new construction of the building in the same year.
Resolution
R-217-21
The subject property is approximately 218,268 square feet and contains an approximately
90,780- square -foot industrial building. The initial incentive reduced the assessment level from
the typical 25 percent to 10 percent for 10 years, then would increase the assessment to 15
percent and 20 percent respectively in Years 11 and 12. The initial 6b facilitated construction
of the current building, which is currently rented by Ambius, an interior landscaping and air -
purifying equipment company. Ambius provides the interior landscaping for primarily offices
and commercial users. They utilize the building for warehousing, maintenance, storage, and
distribution of live and artificial plants, as well as hand sanitizer units, air purifiers, and
nebulization systems, which neutralize odors in the work place. They have 80 full-time
employees. The applicant notes that many workers have been working remotely during the
pandemic but will eventually be expected to return to the office.
The current lease to Ambius expires July 31, 2022, and extending the lease is contingent upon
renewal of the 6b incentive. The applicant expects the building will be vacant if the 6b is not
renewed. If renewal is granted, the applicant pledges approximately $84,000 of improvements,
which include office remodeling and asphalt paving. The investment would amount to $0.92
of investment per square foot, which is less than the minimum $10 typically required by the
City.
However, the applicant asserts that Ambius generates sales tax through state's taxation of
general merchandise. The submittal contains a listing of the state sales tax paid between
September 2019 and September 2021, typically ranging between $20,000 and $40,000
monthly—with a nadir of $2,513 per month in middle of the pandemic (January 2021). Staff
has reviewed state tax forms submitted by the applicant and revenue data to confirm these
numbers. The City's portion is about 10 percent of the state general merchandise tax, or 1
percent of gross sales of general merchandise. The applicant also asserts that 80 employees
have an indirect impact on sales tax by generating consumer spending in Des Plaines.
OTHER MAYOR/
ALDERMEN
COMMENTS FOR
THE GOOD OF THE
ORDER
Page 11 of 12 12/20/21
The Council may waive the investment -per -square -foot policy if it believes that based on
generating sales tax revenue and preserving jobs a waiver is warranted. The approving
resolution contains this waiver.
The applicant's projected property tax scenarios:
1. Estimated taxes with no 6b renewal and full vacancy;
2. Estimated taxes with a 6b renewal, improvements, and continued full occupancy; and
3. Estimated taxes without a 6b renewal yet with improvements, and continued full
occupancy.
If granted, the renewal would be activated and applied to the 2021 tax bill (paid in Calendar
Year 2022) and lead to a 10 percent assessment level through Tax Year 2030 (Calendar Year
2031). In the following two years, the assessment level would climb to 15 percent and 20
percent successively, returning to the full 25 percent assessment level in the subsequent year.
Director of Community and Economic Development Carlisle stated since the finalization of
the City Council Agenda and packet, the applicant has made additional pledges not reflected
in the packet. The applicant pledges to invest additional funds into parking lot reconstruction
and rooftop HVAC; to be completed by mid -2024. The improvements will bring the value up
to approximately $4.10 per square foot, which is less than the minimum $10 typically required
by the City. The Council may waive the investment -per -square -foot policy if it believes that
based on generating sales tax revenue and preserving jobs a waiver is warranted. If the City
Council seeks to pass the resolution, it will need to be passed as revised.
Representatives from the applicant spoke in support of the approval of the Class 6b renewal
for the property located at 2050 Clearwater Drive; they also answered questions from the City
Council.
Moved by Brookman, seconded by Moylan, to Approve the Resolution R-217-21 as revised
by staff, A RESOLUTION SUPPORTING AND CONSENTING TO RENEWAL OF CLASS
6b CLASSIFICATION FOR THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 2050 CLEARWATER
DRIVE.
Upon roll call, the vote was:
AYES: 7 - Lysakowski, Moylan, Oskerka, Zadrozny,
Brookman, Chester, Smith
NAYS: 0 - None
ABSENT: 1 - Ebrahimi
Motion declared carried.
Alderman Brookman and Alderman Chester wished everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy
New Year.
CLOSED SESSION Moved by Brookman, seconded by Chester to enter into Closed Session to Sale of Property
and Litigation.
Upon roll call, the vote was:
AYES: 7 - Lysakowski, Moylan, Oskerka, Zadrozny,
Brookman, Chester, Smith
NAYS: 0 - None
ABSENT: 1 - Ebrahimi
Motion declared unanimously carried.
The City Council recessed at 9:02 p.m.
Page 12 of 12 12/20/21
The City Council adjourned at 9:16 p.m.
ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 9:16 p.m.
iessic�MMastalski — City Clbrk
APPROVED BY ME THIS Y
DAY OF , 2022
Andrew Goczkowski, MAYOR