VILLAGE OF NORTH AURORA
DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MEETING
MINUTES
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 15, 2014
CALL TO ORDER
Trustee Guethle called the meeting to order.
ROLL CALL
Committee Members in attendance: Trustee Mark Guethle Trustee Mark Gaffino; Trustee Laura Curtis
Staff in attendance: Mike Toth, Community and Economic Development Director; Steve Bosco, Village Administrator; Cindy Torraco, Exec. Assistant
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Motion made by Trustee Gaffino and seconded by Trustee Curtis to approve the September 18, 2013 Development Committee Minutes. All in Favor – Motion Approved
NEW BUSINESS
1. Discussion on a Special Use to allow an Animal Hospital and Veterinary Clinic – 1045 Orchard Rd. (#14-01)
Toth noted that the applicant is looking for a special use to open a Veterinary Clinic and that this would not include any overnight boarding of animals. One issue discussed at the Plan Commission was any impact this may have on surrounding tenants. The special use would include any conditions to alleviate any impact, including addressing HVAC issues to contain any animal hair and dander. The issue of animal waste was also addressed and the owner noted they would provide pet waste bags on the property, and any medical waste would be disposed of properly and picked up by a company on a regular basis. Staff is in support of this application based on the conditions put in place.
Trustee Gaffino stated he was in favor of getting new tenants in these empty spaces. Trustee Guethle asked if there were any complaints with any other of the Village’s veterinary clinics, staff replied there have been no complaints.
Staff will bring this item before the Board at the next meeting on January 20, 2014.
2. Discussion on a Sign Variance for property located at 241 Genesis Drive – Dunkin Donuts (#14-02)
Toth noted this application was for a sign variance for a proposed Dunkin Donuts. Originally they requested three signs, with a wall sign on the eastern building elevation facing Orchard Road. Most of these businesses have corporate sign standards that they like to adhere to. In order for the business to be visible on Orchard, since the building sits back from the road, they requested the sign to be a certain size. Plan Commission discussed this issue and recommended that staff review the Sign Ordinance to make sure it is not too strict with regard to signage. Staff is looking at staggering signs where the further from the road, larger signs would be allowed.
Trustee Gaffino again noted that he is in favor of doing anything within reason to accommodate businesses. Trustees Guethle and Curtis were also in favor.
Staff will bring this item to the Board at the next meeting on January 20, 2014.
OLD BUSINESS
Toth brought up the recent confusion with parking of recreational vehicles, noting that the newly published North Aurora magazine, published by Neighbors Magazines, incorrectly reported the allowable times that recreational vehicles can be parked on a residential driveway. It was noted that a number of residents called for clarification. The information had been taken from the Village’s website and newsletter, prior to being clarified. Toth noted another issue residents were having was with the 6 ft. fence requirement to screen these vehicles. Residents are concerned that they now have to spend money and/or have to erect a fence for screening.
Trustee Gaffino mentioned possibly grandfathering in those residents who already have had a hard surface in place for storage. Toth noted it would be pretty hard to determine just what the original purpose of a slab may have been or what the original intended use was. He noted this puts us on a case to case basis and making judgment calls. As far as grandfathering in, this goes back to numerous issues. Further, he noted if the Village has something in place in the Code, the Village should enforce it. Bosco noted the Village is in a good position with regard to the Code, where we are neither too strict or to flexible, and we should clarify this issue in the code so it can be enforced going forward.
Staff was directed to do a text amendment to clarify this issue and bring it back to the Development Committee next month.
OTHER INFORMATION
None
AUDIENCE COMMENTS
None
TRUSTEE COMMENTS
None
ADJOURN
Trustee Gaffino made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Trustee Curtis
All in Favor – Motion Approved
Meeting was adjourned
Respectfully submitted,
Cindy Torraco
Executive Assistant
