Council Minutes 09-03-2024MINUTES 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, TUESDAY,
SEPTEMBER 3, 2024
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 6:01 p.m. in the Eleanor Rohrbach Memorial Council
Chambers, Des Plaines Civic Center on Tuesday, September 3, 2024.
ROLL CALL Roll call indicated the following Aldermen present: Lysakowski, Moylan, Oskerka, Sayad,
Brookman, Walsten, Smith, Charewicz. A quorum was present.
CLOSED SESSION Moved by Sayad, seconded by Walsten, to convene into Closed Session under the following
sections of the Open Meetings Act — Pending Litigation, Probable or Imminent, and
Personnel.
Upon roll call, the vote was:
AYES: 8 - Lysakowski, Moylan, Oskerka, Sayad,
Brookman, Walsten, Smith, Charewicz
NAYS: 0 - None
ABSENT: 0 - None
Motion declared unanimously carried.
The City Council recessed at 6:03 p.m.
The City Council reconvened at 7:00 p.m.
Roll call indicated the following Alderman present: Lysakowski, Moylan, Oskerka, Sayad,
Brookman, Walsten, Smith, Charewicz. A quorum was present.
Also present were: City Manager Wisniewski, Director of Finance Podbial, Director of Public Works and Engineering
Oakley, Director of Community and Economic Development Rogers, Fire Chief Matzl, Police Chief Anderson, and
General Counsel Friedman.
PRAYER AND PLEDGE The prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America were
offered by Alderman Oskerka.
PROCLAMATION City Clerk Mastalski read a proclamation by Mayor Goczkowski declaring September 2024
as National Suicide Prevention Month.
Mayor Goczkowski presented the proclamation to a representative of Leyden Family Service
and Mental Health.
PUBLIC COMMENT Resident Dr. McKernan requested a stoplight at Mannheim Road and Pratt Street.
Director of Public Works and Engineering Oakley stated that at the October 7, 2024 City
Council meeting there will be an agenda item regarding that intersection for traffic signal
warrant analysis as well as preliminary designs for traffic signal at that location.
The Knights of Columbus of St. Zachary stated they are having their Tootsie Roll Drive
September 131— September 15', and are hosting annual Bowling Event on November 3`d
The members of Knights of Columbus shared tootsie rolls and took a photo with the City
officials.
Page 2 of 16 9/3/2024
Resident Chris expressed his concern that in his opinion there is not a cold -water ground at
1339 Willow Ave, which he stated could lead a to safety issue with the resident and first
responders. He also expressed fiustration with the length of time and requests for his own
permit application with the City.
Mayor Goczkowski asked Director of CED Rogers to follow-up with the resident regarding
his concerns about 1339 Willow Ave, he stated the City is trying to work on expediting the
permit process, and that the City will also look into his permit application.
ALDERMAN Alderman Moylan commended public works for their great job with the cleanup.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Alderman Oskerka echoed that public works did a solid job with the cleanup.
Alderman Sayad also thanked public works, first responders, and the residents for their work
after the microburst. He also stated there will be a fourth ward meeting on October 3' at
7:00 p.m. at the Golf Road Baptist Church. He further mentioned the budget meetings are
scheduled for October 10' and October 16' at 6:00 p.m., with a possible follow up meeting
on October 24'.
Alderman Brookman also thanked public works, and stated political signs are not allowed
on any public property.
Alderman Walsten also thanked public works, and inquired why the sirens did not go off.
City Manager Wisniewski stated it was determined that the storm did not meet the thresholds
required to trigger the sirens because it was a microburst which is localized and difficult to
predict.
Alderman Smith thanked public works for doing an excellent job.
Alderman Charewicz thanked public works, first responders, residents, and ComEd for their
storm response. He also stated the next Food Truck Round Up will be September 171 at
5:00 p.m.- 8:00 p.m. at Friendship Park, September 28' is the Des Plaines River Trail
Community Bike Ride, and also on September 281 the Izaak Walton League is hosting a
Door County Fish Boil. He mentioned there will be an eighth ward meeting on October 15'
at 7:00 p.m. at the conservatory.
Alderman Sayad mentioned the fire department is hosting s Fire Station Open House on
September 215' from 11:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. at Station 63.
Alderman Brookman acknowledged the work of the police and fire in connection with the
storm.
MAYORAL Mayor Goczkowski thanked public works and first responders. He also mentioned public
ANNOUNCEMENTS works will be picking up branches all this week and next week as needed. He stated the City
is hosting a Patriot Day tribute on September 11' at 8:00 a.m. at City Hall.
MANAGER'S REPORT City Manager Wisniewski echoed recognition of the police, fire, and public works teams for
their response to the aftermath of the storm. She also stated if any residents are experiencing
residual effects from the storm to contact public works directly.
CONSENT AGENDA Alderman Walsten requested item #3 to be removed from the Consent Agenda.
Alderman Charewicz requested item #7 to be removed from the Consent Agenda.
Page 3 of 16 9/3/2024
Moved by Brookman, seconded by Sayad, to Establish the Consent Agenda without items
#3&7.
Upon voice vote, the vote was:
AYES: 8 - Lysakowski, Moylan, Oskerka, Sayad,
Brookman, Walsten, Smith, Charewicz
NAYS: 0 - None
ABSENT: 0 - None
Motion declared carried.
Moved by Brookman, seconded by Sayad, to Approve the Consent Agenda without items
#3&7.
Upon roll call, the vote was:
AYES: 8 - Lysakowski, Moylan, Oskerka, Sayad,
Brookman, Walsten, Smith, Charewicz
NAYS: 0 - None
ABSENT: 0 - None
Motion declared carried.
License was approved; Minutes were approved; Ordinance Z-18-24 was adopted;
Resolutions R-145-24, R-146-24, R-148-24, R-149-24, R-150-24 were adopted.
APPROVE TO 7/ Moved by Brookman, seconded by Sayad, to Approve Resolution R-145-24, A
SANITARY SEWER SYS RESOLUTION APPROVING TASK ORDER NO. 7 WITH RJN GROUP, INC. FOR A
EVAL/ RJN SANITARY SEWER SYSTEM EVALUATION. Motion declared carried as approved
Consent Agenda unanimously under Consent Agenda.
Resolution
R-145-24
APPROVE LTR OF Moved by Brookman, seconded by Sayad, to Approve Resolution R-146-24, A
UNDERSTANDING/ RESOLUTION APPROVING A LETTER OF UNDERSTANDING WITH THE ILLINOIS
BUSSE HWY IMPROVE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION IN CONNECTION WITH THE BUSSE
PRJ/ KEY IDOT HIGHWAY IMPROVEMENT PROJECT. Motion declared carried as approved
Consent Agenda unanimously under Consent Agenda.
Resolution
R-146-24
APPROVE
Item #3 was removed from the Consent Agenda.
CONTRACTS/ SNOW
REMOVAL SVCS/
Alderman Walsten asked if there is a special blade they will be using for the permeable
LANGTON & DGO
pavement in the alleys.
Consent Agenda
Director of PW&E Oakley confirmed they should be using a rubber blade.
Resolution
R-147-24
Moved by Walsten, seconded by Sayad, to Approve Resolution R-147-24, A RESOLUTION
APPROVING CONTRACTS WITH LANGTON SNOW SOLUTIONS AND DGO
PREMIUM SERVICES COMPANY FOR SNOW REMOVAL SERVICES ON CERTAIN
ROADS AND ALLEYS WITHIN THE CITY.
Upon roll call, the vote was:
AYES: 8 - Lysakowski, Moylan, Oskerka, Sayad,
Brookman, Walsten, Smith, Charewicz
NAYS: 0 - None
ABSENT: 0 - None
Motion declared carried
Page 4 of 16 9/3/2024
APPROVE PURCH / FD Moved by Brookman, seconded by Sayad, to Approve Resolution R-148-24, A
UNIFORMS/ ON TIME RESOLUTION APPROVING THE PURCHASE OF FIRE DEPARTMENT UNIFORMS
EMBROIDERY FROM ON TIME EMBROIDERY, INC. Motion declared carried as approved unanimously
Consent Agenda under Consent Agenda.
Resolution
R-148-24
APPROVE FIRST AMD Moved by Brookman, seconded by Sayad, to Approve Resolution R-149-24, A
LIC AGRMT/ RESOLUTION APPROVING A FIRST AMENDMENT TO LICENSE AGREEMENT
CONCESSION/ BREW FOR CONCESSION BETWEEN THE CITY OF DES PLAINES AND BREW COFFEE
COFFEE LAB LAB, LLC FOR THE CITY -OWNED PROPERTY LOCATED AT 1501 MINER STREET.
Consent Agenda Motion declared carried as approved unanimously under Consent Agenda.
Resolution
R-149-24
APPROVE TO 4/ PROF Moved by Brookman, seconded by Sayad, to Approve Resolution R-150-24, A
ENG SVCS/ CIVIL TECH RESOLUTION APPROVING TASK ORDER NO.4 WITH CIVILTECH ENGINEERING,
ENG INC. FOR PROFESSIONAL SERVICES RELATED TO THE 2024 ACTIVE
Consent Agenda TRANSPORTATION PLAN. Motion declared carried as approved unanimously under
Consent Agenda.
Resolution
R-150-24
AUTH PURCH/ Item #7 was removed from the Consent Agenda.
PROPERTY/ 1374-1384 E.
OAKTON ST General Counsel Friedman stated this item was this item was removed because Alderman
Consent Agenda Charewicz has a conflict, and the City Council needs to vote it separately.
Resolution Moved by Oskerka, seconded by Sayad, to Approve Resolution R-153-24, A RESOLUTION
R-153-24 AUTHORIZING THE PURCHASE OF THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 1374-1384 E.
OAKTON STREET, DES PLAINES, ILLINOIS.
Upon roll call, the vote was:
AYES: 7 - Lysakowski, Moylan, Oskerka, Sayad,
Brookman, Walsten, Smith
NAYS: 0 - None
ABSTAIN: 1 - Charewicz
ABSENT 0 - None
Motion declared carried
APPROVE CLASS AB/ Moved by Brookman, seconded by Sayad, to Approve, CLASS AB (TAVERN & BULK
MARIANO'S SALES ON -SITE AND OFF -SITE CONSUMPTION) FOR 1918 WINTER STREET
Consent Agenda ILLINOIS LLC D/B/A MARIANO'S #541 AT 10 EAST GOLF ROAD. Motion declared
carried as approved unanimously under Consent Agenda.
SECOND READING/ Advanced to second reading by Brookman, seconded by Sayadi, to Adopt the Ordinance
ORDINANCE Z-18-24, AN ORDINANCE APPROVING MAJOR VARIATION FOR 1701
Z-18-24 BIRCHWOOD AVENUE, DES PLAINES, ILLINOIS (CASE #24-028-V). Motion
Consent Agenda declared carried as approved unanimously under Consent Agenda.
APPROVE Moved by Smith, seconded by Lysakowski, to Approve the Minutes of the City Council
MINUTES meeting of August 19, 2024, as published. Motion declared carried as approved unanimously
Consent Agenda under Consent Agenda.
Page 5 of 16 9/3/2024
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
CONSIDER
Director of Community and Economic Development Rogers reviewed a memorandum dated
APPROVING COND USE
August 8, 2024.
PERMIT FOR AN AUTO
SVC REP USE AT 1263
Petitioner Ahmet Polat has requested a Conditional Use Permit to operate an auto service
ELMHURST RD
repair facility, C3 Auto Corp, at 1263 Elmhurst Road. The subject property contains a single
Ordinance
building with a surface parking area. The existing building is vacant and is proposed to be
Z-17-24
used solely for auto service repair activities of the C3 Auto Corp business. The subject
property is an interior lot fronting Elmhurst Road on the west with a single access point.
The existing building varies in height with a one-story section in the front housing the four
service bays with an office/reception area and a two-story section in the rear housing office,
storage, and staff areas. The proposal does not include the interior alteration of the building,
its rooms, or its location. There are also no plans to alter the existing exterior building
materials, which consist of brick and wood paneling for the front, one-story building portion
and concrete blocks for the rear, two-story building portion.
Pursuant to the Zoning Ordinance, auto service repair facilities are required to provide two
parking spaces per service bay and one space for every 200 square feet of accessory retail.
As such, a total of ten off-street spaces are required for the proposed business, including a
minimum of one accessible space. The Site Plan indicates that the petitioner will restripe the
parking area to accommodate a total of 25 off-streeting parking spaces on site: eight along
the north property line at the rear of the property and 17 along the south property line.
However, no accessible spaces are indicated on the Site Plan. A total of two accessible spaces
are required for properties with between 21 to 50 off-street parking spaces. As such, staff
has worked with the petitioner to revise the Site Plan to show the required accessible spaces
as well as identify the remaining space designations for customers, employees, and vehicles
waiting to be serviced. The parking area on site is in disrepair so staff has added a condition
requiring the pavement areas to be repaved and restriped to match the revised Site Plan.
The existing property is void of any landscaping and the petitioner's proposal does not
include the addition of any new landscaping. However, given the positioning of the subject
property along a major commercial corridor in the City and ample space in front of the
building and parking area, staff have worked with the petitioner to revise the Site Plan to
provide the following improvements in conformance with the Zoning Ordinance:
• The installation of a minimum 3-foot-wide foundation landscaping bed along the
west building elevation/front walkway and installation of a turf, landscape, or
combined turf and landscape area in the remaining space between the west building
elevation and the west property line;
• The installation of a minimum 3-foot-wide landscape bed around the base of the
existing pole sign; and
• The installation of a minimum 8-foot-wide, 100-square-foot landscape bed on the
southwest corner of the subject property between the west property line and the
parking area.
In addition, staff has added a condition that a dumpster enclosure shall be installed in
conformance with the Zoning Ordinance and all garbage, used tires, and any other debris
shall be kept in the dumpster enclosure at all times.
The C3 Autos Corp business will be open 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday,
9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturdays, and closed on Sundays. Their services include tune-ups and
servicing for the brake system, engine, exhaust system, tires, and transmission. They will
Page 6 of 16 9/3/2024
also offer auto accessories for sale and installation on site. A maximum of six employees —
two managers and four laborers —will be present on site at a given time.
The PZB voted 6-0 to recommend that City Council approve the request with the staff
recommended conditions.
If the City Council decides to approve this request, staff and the PZB recommend the
following conditions of approval:
1. The parking area shall be repaved with a dust -free hard surface and the parking
spaces shall be painted on the property to match the approved Site Plan. A revised
parking striping plan may be approved by the Community and Economic
Development Department if the plans meet requirements of Section 12-9-6 and Site
Plan Review standards pursuant to Section 12-3-2.13.
2. Inoperable vehicles shall not be parked or stored outdoors on the Subject Property
except vehicles actively being serviced. Vehicles may only be parked in striped
spaces.
3. Only four service bays shall be allowed for the life of this conditional use.
4. No auto body related activities are permitted unless this conditional use is amended.
Sale and display of motor vehicles or parking of vehicles unrelated to the auto
service repair use is not permitted at any time.
5. Used tires may only be stored inside the building, a dumpster, a fully enclosed fence
enclosure, or a permitted accessory structure. A contract with a tire disposal
company must be provided to staff, or an affidavit must be signed attesting that no
used tires will be stored on site.
6. Prior to the time of building permit, the petitioner shall obtain the Des Plaines Fire
Department's review and written approval of all waste oil removal arrangements and
practices for the Subject Property.
7. The dumpster shall be stored inside the building or within a dumpster enclosure in
compliance with Section 12-10-11 of the Zoning Ordinance at all times.
8. Any and all property violations shall be resolved to the satisfaction of staff prior to
the issuance of any business registration.
Director of CED Rogers stated this item was deferred from the August 19th meeting for
further evaluation of one of the conditions of the sample ordinance in Section 4 Subsection
C in which there is a description of a requirement to repave the parking lot. He stated that
after a reinspection, staff is amenable to an amendment to that section to require crack
sealing, resealing of the existing parking lot, and restriping.
General Counsel Friedman asked if that language is already in the amendment; Director of
CED Rogers stated it is not.
General Counsel Friedman stated a motion would be needed to approve the ordinance on
first reading as amended as indicated by Director of CED Rogers.
Moved by Charewicz, seconded by Smith, to Approve First Reading of Ordinance Z-17-24
as amended to encompass that crack sealing, seal coating, and striping will be enough for
the parking lot and as indicated by Director of CED Rogers, AN ORDINANCE
APPROVING CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT FOR AN AUTO SERVICE REPAIR USE
AT 1263 ELMHURST ROAD, DES PLAINES, ILLINOIS. (Case #24- 032-CU).
Upon voice vote, the vote was:
AYES: 8 - Lysakowski, Moylan, Oskerka, Sayad,
Brookman, Walsten, Smith, Charewicz
NAYS: 0 - None
ABSENT: 0 - None
Motion declared carried.
Page 7 of 16 9/3/2024
NEW BUSINESS
Advanced to second reading by Charewicz, seconded by Sayad, to Adopt the Ordinance
Z-17-24 as amended to encompass that crack sealing, seal coating, and striping will be
enough for the parking lot and as indicated by Director of CED Rogers, AN ORDINANCE
APPROVING CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT FOR AN AUTO SERVICE REPAIR USE
AT 1263 ELMHURST ROAD, DES PLAINES, ILLINOIS. (Case #24- 032-CU).
Upon roll call, the vote was:
AYES: 8 - Lysakowski, Moylan Oskerka, Sayad,
Brookman, Walsten, Smith, Charewicz
NAYS: 0 - None
ABSENT: 0 - None
Motion declared carried.
FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION — Alderman Sayad, Chair
WARRANT Alderman Sayad presented the Warrant Register.
REGISTER
Resolution Moved by Sayad, seconded by Smith, to Approve the Warrant Register of
R-151-24 September 3, 2024, in the Amount of $3,148,324.01 and Approve Resolution R-151-24.
Upon roll call, the vote was:
AYES: 8 - Lysakowski, Moylan, Oskerka, Sayad,
Brookman, Walsten, Smith, Charewicz
NAYS: 0 - None
ABSENT: 0 - None
Motion declared carried.
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT— Alderman Moylan, Chair
CONSIDER Director of Community and Economic Development Rogers reviewed a memorandum dated
APPROVING A COND August 22, 2024.
USE FOR A
LEASING/RENTAL The subject property consists of two separate parcels located in the M-2 General
AGENT, LARGE Manufacturing district at 125 E. Oakton Street and under common ownership. The subject
EQUIPMENT USE AT property is a total of 4.63 acres in size and is located at the southeast corner of the Oakton
125 E. OAKTON ST Street and Winthrop Drive intersection with two existing curb -cuts off each street. While the
Ordinance existing uses are denoted as permitted uses in the M-2 district, the requested Leasing/Rental
Z-20-24 Agents, Large Equipment use requires a conditional use.
Feldco and Pepper Construction currently operate in the existing building with Pepper
Construction occupying a majority of the space. However, this existing arrangement will be
altered to accommodate the 365 Equipment and Supply business, which is proposed for the
far east portion of the building. The Site Plan shows the reallocation of building space to fit
a separate office and warehouse space for 365 Equipment and Supply.
The petitioner noted in the Project Narrative that all equipment available for lease or rent
will be stored inside the building and the warehouse area would include a separate space to
clean and maintain the equipment once returned. The 54,000-square-foot warehouse space
on the eastern side of building will be utilized by 365 Equipment and Supply to store and
maintain its leased/rental equipment.
The proposal does alter both street -facing building facades requiring it to meet the Building
Design Materials in the Zoning Ordinance. The Architectural Plans note proposed window,
garage door, and building sign additions but the existing compliant face brick exterior
building material will remain the same. However, industrial buildings are required to have
at least 20 percent transparency for office spaces. As such, staff has added a condition that
Page 8 of 16 9/3/2024
the elevations are adjusted to meet the transparency requirements in Section 12-3-11 or a
minor variation is requested.
Through staff review, it was noted that not all of the uses within the building were allocated
a sufficient number of parking spaces. The petitioner has since revised the Site Plan to
provide a total of 135 parking spaces, including five accessible spaces.
There are currently two full access curb cuts off both Oakton Street and Winthrop Drive
providing access to the subject property, which will both be maintained as part of this
proposal without any changes. While both curb cuts are wide at the street, the specific width
of these curb cuts is not identified on the ALTA-NSPS Land Title Survey or the Site Plan.
The Zoning Ordinance requires drive aisles to be a minimum of 22 feet in width for two-way
travel and a minimum of 12 feet in width for one-way travel. The petitioner has revised the
Site Plan to identify the width and direction of travel for all existing curb cuts to show that
compliance with the Zoning Ordinance are met.
The existing site contains some natural vegetation along its north and west boundaries and
minimal landscape improvements up near the front of the building. Given that the subject
property is located along the Oakton Street corridor, additional landscaping considerations
should be made to improve —at a minimum —the northern boundary of the subject property
abutting Oakton Street to meet this goal. The Comprehensive Plan also considers revisions
and administrative flexibility towards the landscape code to consider the context of existing
developments while continuing to promote landscaping improvements on properties with
existing open space constraints.
There are clear space constraints on the west side of the property both along the building
foundation and property line abutting Winthrop Drive due to the existing parking area layout.
However, there is more open space available along the north portion of the building both
along the building's foundation and the north property line abutting Oakton Street. The Site
Plan denotes the installation of a three -foot -wide foundation landscape area along a portion
of the north building elevation behind a new row of parking spaces. However, the specific
details of the landscape improvements were not shown in the original petitioner submittal.
As such, staff requested, and the petitioner has revised the Site Plan to illustrate the existing
landscape installed on the subject property and detailing these required improvements:
• The plant names and quantities proposed for the minimum three-footwide
foundation landscape bed in conformance with Section 12-10-10 of the Zoning
Ordinance; and
• The plant names and quantities proposed for the minimum five-footwide foundation
landscape bed in between the north parking area and the north property line in
conformance with Section 12-10-83 of the Zoning Ordinance, noting that where
space constraints exist all of the available space shall be improved with landscaping.
The current building contains two wall signs and one awning sign, all for the existing Feldco
warehouse use. While no changes to these signs are proposed, new wall and monument signs
are proposed for both the Pepper Construction and 365 Equipment and Supply uses.
While the Sign Plan provides details for the Pepper Construction and 365 Equipment and
Supply tenants, staff have added a condition that the petitioner provides at time of building
permit a revised sign plan showing the type, dimensions, and locations of all existing and
proposed signs on the subject property to conform compliance with Section 12-11 of the
Zoning Ordinance.
Page 9 of 16 9/3/2024
The PZB voted 6-0 to recommend that City Council approve the conditional use request with
the staff recommended conditions.
If the City Council decides to approve these requests, staff and the PZB recommend the
following conditions.
l . The Building Elevations shall be revised to meet the transparency requirements in
Section 12-3-11 of the Zoning Ordinance or a minor variation is requested.
2. Open storage for any of the tenants on the subject property shall be in conformance
with Section 12-7- 4.E.5.a at all times.
3. At time of building permit, the petitioner shall provide a revised sign plan showing
the type, dimensions, and locations of all existing and proposed signs on the subject
property to conform compliance with Section 12-11 of the Zoning Ordinance.
Moved by Brookman, seconded by Sayad, to Approve First Reading of Ordinance Z-20-24,
AN ORDINANCE APPROVING A CONDITIONAL USE FOR A LEASING/RENTAL
AGENT, LARGE EQUIPMENT USE AT 125 E. OAKTON STREET, DES PLAINES,
ILLINOIS (Case #24-037-CU).
Upon voice vote, the vote was:
AYES: 8 - Lysakowski, Moylan, Oskerka, Sayad,
Brookman, Walsten, Smith, Charewicz
NAYS: 0 - None
ABSENT: 0 - None
Motion declared carried.
Advanced to second reading by Brookman, seconded by Oskerka, to Adopt the Ordinance
Z-20-24, AN ORDINANCE APPROVING A CONDITIONAL USE FOR A
LEASING/RENTAL AGENT, LARGE EQUIPMENT USE AT 125 E. OAKTON STREET,
DES PLAINES, ILLINOIS. (Case #24-037-CU).
Upon roll call, the vote was:
AYES: 8 - Lysakowski, Moylan Oskerka, Sayad,
Brookman, Walsten, Smith, Charewicz
NAYS: 0 - None
ABSENT: 0 - None
Motion declared carried.
CONSIDER AMENDING Director of Community and Economic Development Rogers reviewed a memorandum dated
THE TEXT OF ZONING August 22, 2024.
ORDINANCE RE FOOD
PROCESSING Pepi Company of Illinois, LLC, operating at Alonti Catering Kitchen, are seeking to open a
ESTABLISHMENTS IN "catering kitchen" in a combined tenant space in The Oaks Shopping Center at 1545-1547
THE C-4 ZONING DIST Lee Street. This property is zoned C-4, Regional Shopping District. The proposed type of
Ordinance use has historically been classified as a "food processing establishment", which is not a
Z-21-24 permitted or conditional use within the C-4 Zoning District.
As the petitioner discusses in their narrative and response to standards, the intent with the
text amendments is to provide a path to allow for this business in this specific location.
However, any text amendment is widely applicable to the city as a whole and must be
evaluated for any of its impacts.
Staff provided an alternative text amendment to the petitioner's proposed with a narrower
scope in greater harmony with the existing zoning ordinance. The Planning and Zoning
Board (PZB) agreed with the text amendment drafted by staff and recommended approval to
the City Council for this version.
Page 10 of 16 9/3/2024
Staff considered the existing food processing establishment definition to adequately
encompass the proposed use. Below is the existing food processing establishment definition,
with sections underlined presenting similarities to the catering kitchen definition:
"Establishments producing or processing foods and certain related products. Includes: a)
bakery products, sugar and confectionery products (except facilities that produce goods only
for on site sales with no wider distribution); b) dairy products processing; c) fat and oil
products (not including rendering plants); d) fruit and vegetable canning, preserving, and
related processing; e) grain mill products and byproducts; f) meat, poultry, and seafood
canning, curing, and byproduct processing (not including facilities that also slaughter
animals); and g) miscellaneous food preparation from raw products, including catering
services that are independent from food stores or restaurants" (Section 12-13-3).
Therefore, staff does not propose an amendment to add a new definition for catering kitchen.
Rather, staff would continue to classify this use under a "food processing establishment."
The purpose of this amendment by Alonti Foods is to permit this business at 1545-1547 Lee
Street, within the C-4 Zoning District. Presently, this use is not permitted in this zoning
district. The C-4 Regional Shopping District purpose is stated to be, "to accommodate
shopping centers in a location to serve the general public. The district is designed to permit,
as of right, uses commonly associated and concentrated within a commercial shopping
center."
C-4 zoned properties are located in four sections of the city: 721 Golf Rd., 101 W. Oakton
St., and the properties on the northeast and the northwest corners of the intersection of
Oakton Street and Lee Street. Shopping districts are generally intended to concentrate public -
facing commercial activities, primarily retail activities into one area. Generally, the range of
uses permitted by right or with a conditional use within this zoning district have some type
of public facing component.
Staff proposes to add this use as a conditional use, with a footnote requiring incorporation
of a public facing component to their business and regulations on number of vehicles.
The intent with the first half of the proposed footnote is to ensure that this type of use will
be compatible with the goals of this zoning district. The intent of the second half provides
control over the number of commercial vehicles stored overnight on the property. The
limitation is stated to be 1 per 1,000 square feet, but allows some flexibility within the
conditional use process to permit additional vehicles on a case -by -case basis. This is intended
to prevent an overburdening of parking in shopping centers with fleet vehicles as well as
provide limitations on the intensity of operations.
For the proposed Alonti Catering Kitchen Use, the business would be required to
demonstrate at time of the conditional use process that they intend to have on -site
consumption, public facing retail, or a carryout service available and specify the location and
type and number of vehicles to be stored on the property. The proposed commercial space is
approximately 2,400 square feet, allowing 2 commercial vehicles to be located on the
property overnight, unless a different quantity is permitted with the conditional use. If the
text amendment is adopted, the applicant and property owner will need to apply for a
conditional use to consider a potential food processing establishment on the premises,
requiring a public hearing before the Planning and Zoning Board, and consideration of a
recommendation regarding an Ordinance by the City Council.
The PZB voted 6-0 to recommend that City Council approve the Text Amendment request,
with the language drafted by staff.
Page 11 of 16 9/3/2024
Moved by Charewicz, seconded by Brookman, to Approve First Reading of Ordinance
Z-21-24, AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE TEXT OF THE DES PLAINES ZONING
ORDINANCE REGARDING FOOD PROCESSING ESTABLISHMENTS IN THE C-4
ZONING DISTRICT.
Upon voice vote, the vote was:
AYES: 8 - Lysakowski, Moylan, Oskerka, Sayad,
Brookman, Walsten, Smith, Charewicz
NAYS: 0 - None
ABSENT: 0 - None
Motion declared carried.
CONSIDER
Director of Community and Economic Development Rogers reviewed a memorandum dated
SCHEDULING A
August 23, 2024.
FUTURE PUBLIC
HEARING AND JOINT
The issue is to consider scheduling a future public hearing and joint review board meeting
REVIEW BOARD
related to the extension of TIF #6.
MEETING RELATED
TO THE EXTENSION
Tax increment finance (TIF) funding is an incentive method used to better the economic
OF TIF #6
condition of a specified area. TIF funding freezes the assessed valuation of a given area for
Resolution
a period of time. The development that subsequently occurs in the area results in an increase
R-152-24
in the valuation of the district. The incremental property tax increase is deposited into a
segregated fund of the City, which in turn utilizes those funds to provide incentives for the
initial and additional development.
TIF District #6 was created in 2001, to the north and east at the intersection of Mannheim
and Higgins Roads. Construction of a commercial strip center concluded in early 2007, with
Starbucks and Potbelly as occupants. In 2014, the district was amended and restructured to
include only properties north of Pratt Avenue, and the remaining properties to the south
became part of the new TIF #7. The original term of TIF #6 was set to expire at the end of
2025.
Over the past few years, a sizable portion of TIF District #6 has been in the midst of
redevelopment. Extending the term of TIF #6 would help defray prior expenditures that were
needed to assemble and redevelop the area, and better ensure that the TIF #6 Plan is
implemented, allowing for further long-term growth for the benefit of the City and its
residents.
Illinois TIF law allows a TIF district to exist for 23 years, while extensions for an additional
12 years are possible when passed by the State and then amended by the municipality. On
August 9, 2024, Illinois Public Act 103-1016 amended the TIF Act by adding a new Section
11-74.4-3.5(c)(274), which authorized the extension of the term of TIF #6 from December
31, 2025 to December 31, 2037.
The Illinois TIF Act permits the City to extend the term of TIF #6 after the City has convened
a joint review board (JRB) meeting and conducted a public hearing regarding the matter.
Upon approval of the City Council, the JRB would convene on Friday, September 20, 2024,
and a public hearing would be conducted on Monday, October 21, 2024.
Moved by Walsten, seconded by Sayad, to Approve Resolution R-152-24, A RESOLUTION
CONVENING THE JOINT REVIEW BOARD AND SETTING THE TIME AND PLACE
FOR A PUBLIC HEARING FOR THE APPROVAL OF A SECOND AMENDMENT TO
THE AMENDED TAX INCREMENT REDEVELOPMENT PLAN AND PROJECT FOR
THE HIGGINS ROAD/MANNHEIM ROAD REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT AREA NO.
6.
Page 12 of 16 9/3/2024
Upon voice vote, the vote was:
AYES: 8 - Lysakowski, Moylan, Oskerka, Sayad,
Walsten, Smith, Charewicz
NAYS: 0 - None
ABSENT: 0 - Sayad
Motion declared carried.
CONSIDER TEXT AMD Director of Community and Economic Development Rogers reviewed a memorandum dated
TO THE ZONING ORD August 8, 2024.
RE MECH SCR
Ordinance Consideration of Zoning Ordinance amendments to: (i) add or revise requirements for
Z-19-24 rooftop -installed mechanical equipment screening and ground -installed mechanical
equipment in Section 12-10-11 of the Zoning Ordinance; and (ii) specify a minor variation
process for mechanical screening within Section 12-3-6 of the Zoning Ordinance.
The purpose of the amendments is to clarify mechanical screening requirements, specifying
screening necessary for ground -installed and rooftop -installed mechanical equipment.
Mechanical equipment commonly includes generators or HVAC equipment. Existing
screening requirements for mechanical equipment are within Chapter 10 — Landscaping and
Screening.
Mechanical screening can serve many purposes, with two main objectives: (a) create a
consistent, aesthetically pleasing appearance with the existing or proposed architecture of a
building and (b) provide noise attenuation for mechanical equipment. Presently, only
ground -installed mechanical equipment requires screening. The proposed amendments
expand requirements to roof -top units and clarify requirements for ground -installed
equipment.
The proposed amendments specify that screening requirements must be followed when new
equipment is installed for commercial, manufacturing, institutional, or residential buildings
with four or more dwelling units. However, to limit financial burden on existing property
owners with older equipment, the replacement of roof -top mechanical equipment with units
in the same place and same or shorter height does not require new screening if none was
previously provided. Replacement of ground -installed equipment must have screening
installed, regardless of whether existing screening exists, to maintain safety and security of
equipment and provide assurances about noise attenuation. Structures associated with
venting (i.e. chimneys or other vents) are exempt from screening requirements.
The amendments state that mechanical equipment is encouraged to be located within the
principal structure. However, locating a unit outside of a structure may be necessary due to
space or safety constraints in the building. In these circumstances, the zoning ordinance
either currently requires or would require (with the proposed amendments) additional
screening to limit the visibility of the units. While mechanical equipment can be installed
outside, the proposed amendments expand the existing enclosure material options to achieve
effective screening of said equipment, regardless of its location.
The amendments to this section include specifying requirements for ground -installed versus
roof -top installed mechanical equipment. The amendments propose that an enclosure can be
made from masonry, concrete, or solid wood of a compatible color with the principal
structure. The required height (six feet), landscaping (three feet of landscaping around the
enclosure), and applicability (commercial, industrial, institutional or residential
developments with four or more dwelling units) remain unchanged from the existing
requirements.
Page 13 of 16 9/3/2024
Currently no zoning regulations exist for screening rooftop -installed mechanical equipment.
This section was added, with inspiration from the zoning codes of other municipalities, to
specify the required height and materials for screening of roof -top equipment. Requirements
are similar to the ground -installed mechanical equipment, requiring complete screening of
the equipment with materials compatible with the building.
The amendments specify that any mechanical equipment must be in compliance with the
City noise ordinance and acoustical paneling may be required to mitigate any noise
disturbance. Although compliance with the noise ordinance is necessary regardless of the
approval of the proposed amendments, the amendments propose additional safeguards to
affirm that disturbances from sound are properly mitigated.
The existing requirements require a masonry enclosure "unless otherwise permitted by a
zoning administrator." To clarify the process for the zoning administrator's approval of
alternative materials, an amendment to Section 12-3-6 provides authorization for the Zoning
Administrator to review a minor variation to allow a property or development to vary from
the required height, landscaping, and materials specified in Section 12-10-11.B. However, a
major variation would be necessary to authorize a building permit where no screening is
proposed for either ground- or rooftop -installed mechanical equipment, as a lack of any
screening could have more significant implications for the aesthetics and noise impacts of a
building to the surrounding neighborhood.
The PZB voted 6-0 to recommend that City Council approve the Text Amendment request.
Moved by Moylan, seconded by Sayad, to Approve First Reading of Ordinance Z-19-24,
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE TEXT OF THE DES PLAINES ZONING
ORDINANCE REGARDING MECHANICAL SCREENING.
Upon voice vote, the vote was:
AYES: 8 - Lysakowski, Moylan, Oskerka, Sayad,
Brookman, Walsten, Smith, Charewicz
NAYS: 0 - None
ABSENT: 0 - None
Motion declared carried.
DISCUSSION City staff has been informed of interest from residents and some businesses in revising the
REGARDING CITY City's current regulations regarding food trucks. Changing the rules would require a text
CODE REGULATIONS amendment to the Business Regulations Ordinance to revise the regulations regarding "Food
FOR FOOD TRUCKS Service Vehicles" in Sections 4-5-1 and 4- 5-5.
The current definition of food service vehicles limits the sales of licensed food trucks to only
the sale of pre -prepared packaged food items. Items that could fall under this category are
ice cream, sandwiches, potato or snack chips, bottled or canned non-alcoholic beverages,
etc. The 2013 change prohibited what the public may think of as a "traditional food truck",
where food is both prepared and sold from the vehicle. Per the definition in 4-5-5, food
service vehicles may not be used to cook or prepare food items to customers.
With the current regulations, to become a licensed food truck in the City, the operator must
apply for a Food Service Vehicle license through the Community and Economic
Development department. Staff verifies with the application materials that only pre -prepared
packaged food items, like ice cream, will be sold out of the vehicle. The food service vehicle
license expires after one calendar year, and the operator must reapply for the license every
year. For operators that want to sell food prepared in the vehicles, licenses are only available
if associated with a special event license and can only operate in a particular location for a
specific event. Typically, staff receives the special event license and the food service vehicle
license applications together for the event.
Page 14 of 16 9/3/2024
The two processes have the potential to create confusion for both the operators and the
public. There is an opportunity for the City to streamline the regulations for food service
vehicles by updating the definition and general regulations.
Staff requested a survey of the Northwest Municipal Conference (NWMC) to research what
other communities in the North and Northwest Chicago suburbs had in their code about food
trucks. The survey received thirteen (13) responses.
Of the respondents, eight (8) allowed for the preparation of food on the trucks. The remainder
of the respondents either did not respond to the question or allowed for some preparation on
the truck based on its capabilities. Staff used this information to make changes to the
definition of food service vehicles.
Staff took into consideration concerns about conflict and competition between brick -and -
mortar restaurants and proposed food trucks in the City. When creating a list of potential
food truck sites, staff took other food -based businesses into account.
When Staff was evaluating potential sites for food truck parking, consideration was given to
the surrounding restaurants in the area. Staff located spots that are a.) at least 300 feet away
from any existing restaurant storefronts, b.) can handle any added pedestrian traffic; and c.)
would not obstruct heavily trafficked routes. The below locations were selected:
1. Southside of Prairie Street between Graceland Avenue & Lee Street (2)
2. 1800 block of E. Oakton Street (2)
3. 70-80 N Broadway St (2)
The potential proposed amendment to the food service vehicle definition and general
regulations, included below. Additions are bold, double -underline. Deletions are struck
through. Amended sections are provided with some surrounding, unamended text for
context.
4-5-1: Definition:
"Food service vehicle" is defined as any vehicle, whether motorized or not, from which-pfv-
prepared paefood or non-alcoholic drink is prepared, cooked and sold directly to
customers for immediate consumption.
4-5-5: General Regulations: "Every holder of a food service vehicle license shall comply
strictly with all the provisions of this code relating to health, sanitation and food service
vehicles and all other applicable provisions of this code. Food service vehicles may only sell
food and non-alcoholic drinks in the designated Citv food service vehicle parking
locations, or at an approved and licensed special event. items that have been
Discussion ensured among the aldermen, and each gave their opinion on the specifics of food
truck regulations.
Mayor Goczkowski asked if there is board consensus to establish a pilot program; none of
the aldermen expressed rejection of a pilot program.
Resident Deb Lester commented regarding her concern the food trucks will take away from
the brick -and -mortar businesses, the hours of operation of the food trucks, the cost to the
City; and she questioned who will clean up food truck areas and the safety regulations.
No further action was taken.
Page 15 of 16 9/3/2024
PUBLIC SAFETY — Alderman Oskerka, Chair
CONSIDER AMENDING Fire Chief Matzl reviewed a memorandum dated August 13, 2024.
SEC 3-3-8 OF THE CITY
CODE REGARDING The City charges a fee when a patient is treated by Fire Department paramedics to help offset
FEES FOR the cost of providing the services. Fees have not changed since 2019, prior to the City's
AMBULANCE participation in the Ground Emergency Medical Transport (GEMT) program. Adjustment to
SERVICES the ambulance service fees to match the GEMT rate set annually by the GEMT program is
Ordinance proposed.
M-14-24
The current ambulance service fee for all residents and non-residents of Des Plaines is $1,500
for the evaluation, treatment, and transportation of a patient by the Fire Department to a
medical facility. In addition to the ambulance service fee, there is a charge of $15.00 per
mile during the transport of the patient. There is a $250 "no transport" fee for patients who
are medically evaluated and/or treated by the Fire Department but are not transported to a
medical facility. There is also a lift -assist fee that can occur when the Fire Department
responds and provides assistance with moving an individual who does not need ambulance
transportation services related to illness or injury. The number of lift -assist occurrences
determines the fee. These rates have historically been based on what fire departments in our
area have charged and have not been increased since 2019. Fees are billed to the patient's
private insurance, Medicare, Medicaid, or, when no medical insurance is available, the
patient themselves. The City does not "balance bill" Des Plaines residents.
For several years, our ambulance billing gompany has been working with the Centers for
Medicare and Medicaid Services and the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family
Services (HFS) to participate in the GEMT program. The GEMT program is a federally
funded program that allows Illinois fire agencies that perform emergency medical transport
for Medicaid patients to submit for additional reimbursements for unrecovered costs
associated with those transports. The standard reimbursement for ambulance transports for
those covered by Medicaid is significantly less than the actual costs experienced by the City.
Under the HFS Department's Transportation Fee Schedule, the standard reimbursement for
ambulance transport of persons covered by Medicaid is approximately $250 per transport.
Participation in the GEMT Program offers a revenue sharing opportunity with HFS, which
has helped to cover the funding gap between the reimbursement amount and the actual cost
to provide services. These additional reimbursements are then split between the City of Des
Plaines and the State of Illinois.
As part of the GEMT program, HFS annually sets a rate unique to our Fire Department that
is based upon our Fire Department budget and the portion of our budget that goes towards
providing emergency medical services. The 2024 GEMT rate for the Des Plaines Fire
Department is $2,647.47 for Advanced Life Support (ALS) care and $2,756.19 for Basic
Life Support (BLS) care.
Federal guidelines stipulate that Medicaid cannot be charged more than private insurance.
Therefore, it is suggested that our ambulance service fees be equal to the GEMT rate to
ensure the uniformity of billing rates. Many neighboring fire departments have already made
this change or are in the process of doing so as the GEMT program becomes more
widespread in our area.
While the GEMT program will bring additional funding to the City of Des Plaines, it will
not add any new costs to our residents. The City of Des Plaines will continue to accept
payment by the resident's insurance company and/or Medicare and will continue to not
require the resident to pay any additional costs out of pocket. The City will continue to not
"balance bill" our residents.
Page 16 of 16 9/3/2024
It is recommended by staff that the City changes the ambulance billing rate from the current
fee of $1,500 to the GEMT rate set annually by this GEMT program. The primary benefit of
this change would be that this rate will adjust annually as our costs to provide emergency
medical services inevitably rise each year. Additionally, the GEMT rate determined by HFS
will provide a fair and unbiased third -party analysis of what it costs the City of Des Plaines
per call. On an annual basis, when the City of Des Plaines reviews and approves its fee
schedule, the Des Plaines Fire Department will update the ambulance service to reflect the
most recently ascertained GEMT rate.
Alderman Brookman stated she would like a line graph that shows the progression from the
current fees to the proposed fees, and stated she needs a fuller understanding.
Moved by Brookman, seconded by Oskerka, to defer first reading of Ordinance M-14-24 to
the second meeting in September, AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 3-3-8 OF
THE DES PLAINES CITY CODE REGARDING FEES FOR AMBULANCE SERVICES.
Upon voice vote, the vote was:
AYES: 8 - Lysakowski, Moylan, Oskerka, Sayad,
Brookman, Walsten, Smith, Charewicz
NAYS: 0 - None
ABSENT: 0 - None
Motion declared carried.
ADJOURNMENT Moved by Brookman, seconded by Sayad, to adjourn the meeting. Upon voice vote, motion
declared carried. The meeting adjourned at 8:49 p.m.
essi M. Mastalski — CITY CLERK
APPROVED BY ME THIS 16th
DAY OF September , 2024
Andrew Goczkowski, MAYOR