Lake County Gazette

City of North Chicago Economic Development/Planning/Zoning Committee met Nov. 4

Here are the minutes provided by the committee:

Alderman Smith called the meeting to order.

ROLL CALL:

Present: Jackson (RP), Coleman, Evans, Allen, Smith, January

Absent: Murphy

I. DISCUSSION OF SBA CELL TOWER LEASE SECOND AGREEMENT:

Economic & Community Development Director Taylor Wegrzyn explained the second agreement for the SBA Tower Lease. There was a piece of equipment on the tower that SBA desired to decommission. If the equipment fell, it had to be recalibrated resulting in a higher cost. The staff recommendation was to approve the second agreement and to preserve the current tower.

Alderman January asked for clarification of the monthly cost to lease the tower. The surrounding communities received higher amounts for leasing. Mr. Wegrzyn explained there were (2) separate towers.

Alderman Coleman left at 7:59 p.m.

She, Alderman January questioned proposal to update the tower. Mr. Wegrzyn stated there were alterations to be reviewed. She questioned if this was the only tower with Emergency equipment. Mr. Wegrzyn acknowledged it was.

Alderman Jackson asked if the City had any rights for what items would be placed on the tower. Mr. Wegrzyn clarified a permit would be required. The City would receive 50%.

II. DISCUSSON OF SOLAR ZONING ORDINANCE TEXT AMENDMENT:

Mr. Wegrzyn explained the Zoning Ordinance Text Amendment didn’t accommodate solar zoning.

The requester for solar zoning would require a Special Use Permit. He preferred to expand all solar aspects. The Planning/Zoning Commission agreed to the solar farms. It wasn’t restricted to a specific zoning district. There would be a zoning guide.

Alderman Evans questioned the location of solar systems. Alderman Smith asked how the City would benefit. Mr. Wegrzyn clarified more advantage with more opportunities for the green policy.

The solar text amendment also added protection and provided an appropriate balance.

Alderman January clarified the company was seeking location at 0 Casmir Pulaski Drive for a solar farm. She questioned the type of area and who would benefit the use of it. Mr. Wegrzyn explained would allow providers of various types and could possibly accommodate community solar groups with state programs.

III. DISCUSSION – RESOLUTION TO JOIN THE NORTHERN ILLINOIS LAND BANK AND NAME TAYLOR WEGRZYN AS COMMUNITY REPRESENTATIVE:

Economic & Community Development Director Taylor Wegrzyn explained the purpose of joining The Northern Illinois Land Bank and the procedures. He suggested dissolving current land bank. They would elect (2) community representatives for all Lake County.

Alderman Smith questioned the opinion of the Economic & Community Development Director as the community representative. Mr. Wegrzyn explained.

Alderman Jackson asked to move forward with Item III.

Alderman Evans moved, seconded by Alderman Jackson that Economic Development/Planning/Zoning Committee Meeting stand adjourned.

ROLL CALL:

Ayes: Jackson (RP), Evans, Allen, Smith, January

Nays: None

Absent: Coleman, Murphy

The meeting adjourned at 8:20 p.m.

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