Village of Vernon Committee of the Whole met October 3.
Here is the minutes provided by the Committee:
President Byrne called the meeting to order at 7:17 p.m.
In Attendance: President Byrne and Trustees Koch, Marquardt, Schultz, Takaoka, and Oppenheim. Trustee Hebda was absent. A quorum was established.
Also present were: Village Manager Kalmar, Assistant Village Manager Carey, Building Commissioner Atkinson, Chief Kreis, Public Works Director Brown, Finance Director Larson, Assistant to the Finance Director Bourdeau, Attorney Brankin, and Recording Secretary DeAnda.
1. Approval Of Committee Of The Whole Meeting Minutes Of September 19, 207
Motion by Trustee Marquardt, second by Trustee Schultz, to approve Committee of the Whole Minutes for the September 19, 2017.
Roll call vote:
Ayes: 5 - Marquardt, Oppenheim, Takaoka, Koch, Schultz,
Nays: 0 - None
Absent And Not Voting: 1 - Hebda
Motion carried,
2. Taxman Corporation-Request For TIF Assistance (AVM Carey)
Sy Taxman representing The Taxman Corporation appeared before the COW to request financial assistance for the construction of a residential development on the last remaining parcel of land located at the Port Clinton Place PUD. The amount of assistance being requested is either $1.05 million for the recently approved 80 unit multi-family building or $697,000 for an 18 unit townhome development (which would require additional P&Z Commission and Board approval).
Mr. Taxman expressed concern that the recently approved 80-unit multi-family high rise would no longer be economically viable due to higher financial and construction costs and lower demand. He stated the need for TIF assistance was due to site issues. He suggested submitting concept plans drawn by the Lexington townhome architect for Village staff review and coming back to the Board with a revised minimum TIF assistance amount on as pay as you go basis. After discussion and a poll of the Board members, the COW expressed a favorable response.
3. Discussion Regarding Short-Term Rentals (BC Atkinson)
BC Atkinson stated, recently, the Village became aware of a residence that was being advertised and used for short-term rental. The property, 1879 Royal Birkdale, is currently advertised on www.airbnb.com. The property owners, Mr. and Mrs, Ahmed were advised that Zoning Code regulations do not allow lodging and similar short-term rental uses in a residential district, Mr. and Mrs. Ahmed appeared before the COW for additional discussion and to address the Board regarding this use.
Background Short term rentals typically allow someone to rent a house, room, or even sometimes just a couch for a short period of time (Typically no more than a few days). Short-term rentals have gained popularity for travelers in recent years, with websites like WWW, airbnb.com and WWW, couchSurfing.com offering short term rentas around the World.
The Village Board discussed this topic at its Committee of the Whole meeting on July 19, 2016. At that time, the Board determined that short-term rentals are not appropriate in residential districts and the prohibition of these types of uses should remain in place.
After a discussion, the COW upheld its support for the current ordinance prohibiting short-term rentals within the Village. Staff was directed to identify and send cease-and-desist letter to any residents known to be engaged in such activity.
4, Request From Target For Approval Of Facade Renovations And Landscape Revisions At 313 Townline Road (BC Atkinson)
BC Atkinson introduced representatives of Target before the COW to request approval of facade renovations and landscape revisions to the building and site at 313 Townline Road. The existing EIFS would be painted with earth tone colors as shown on the attached renderings. Additionally, simulated wood siding would be installed on portions of the front (north) elevation as follows:
•On the eastern and western corners, wrapping around the side of the building.
•On the east and west entrance canopies.
•Behind the “Super Target' sign located on the center portion of the façade.
The existing wall signage would also be updated. The signs on the front of the building would essentially remain the same except that the “Super Target”, “Grocery” and “Order - Pick up' signs would be changed from red to white lettering. The “Pharmacy” sign would remain red. The proposed individual letter signs on the east and west elevations are new and would be in full compliance with the Sign Code.
The applicant also requested approval of landscape revisions on the east side of the building to improve visibility of the store from Fairway Drive. Existing overgrown evergreens and various other plantings would be removed and replaced with low level landscape material, A copy of the proposed landscape plan, including an index showing the species, quantity and size of all plantings was attached to the packet,
Please note as a condition of approval, Target has agreed to restore and upgrade the landscaping and repair the parking/walking surfaces in accordance with Village requirements.
Trustee Schultz asked if there would be interior renovations. Target representative said there would be interior renovations,
Motion by Trustee Koch, second by Trustee Schultz, to direct staff to prepare an ordinance approving the changes subject to the following:
1. Compliance with the color renderings and elevation drawings prepared by Kimley-Horn, Inc, dated September 8, 2017.
2. The landscape revisions shall be in accordance with the landscape plan prepared by Kimley Horn, Inc, dated September 8, 2017, and shall be subject to review and approval by the Village Landscape Technician,
3. Existing landscaping shall be restored and/or upgraded in compliance with Village requirements, subject to inspection by the Village landscape Technician.
4. Sidewalks, curbs, pavement and striping shall be repaired in accordance with Village requirements, subject inspection by the Village Engineering Technician.
Roll call vote:
Ayes: 6 - Koch, Marquardt, Oppenheim, Schultz, Takaoka
Nays: 0 – None
Absent And Not Voting: 1 - Hebda Motion carried.
4. Adjournment
Motion by Trustee Schultz, second by Trustee Koch, to adjourn the Committee of the Whole. Roll call vote:
Ayes; 5 - Koch, Marquardt, Oppenheim, Schultz, Takaoka
Nays: 0 - None
Absent And Not Voting: I - Hebda
Motion carried.
Meeting adjourned 8:40 p.m.
http://www.vernonhills.org/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_10032017-431