VILLAGE OF NORTH AURORA
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING MINUTES
DECEMBER 18, 2017
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Berman called the meeting to order.
ROLL CALL
In attendance: Mayor Dale Berman, Trustee Mike Lowery, Trustee Laura Curtis, Trustee Mark Carroll, Trustee Tao Martinez, Trustee Mark Guethle, Village Clerk Lori Murray. Not in attendance: Trustee Mark Gaffino.
Staff in attendance: Village Administrator Steve Bosco, Finance Director Bill Hannah, Community & Economic Development Director Mike Toth, Public Works Director John Laskowski, Police Chief David Fisher and Village Attorney Kevin Drendel.
AUDIENCE COMMENTS – None
TRUSTEE COMMENTS
Trustee Curtis asked Chief Fisher if there have been complaints regarding wire/electrical cords for Christmas lights being cut throughout neighborhoods. Curtis said she had two electrical cords that were cut. Chief Fisher said he had not had any complaints but would inform his officers of this so that they can keep an eye on it during their patrols.
DISCUSSION
1. Opus Site Plan – The owners of the 452,153 s.f. building have requested to amend the
plan to accommodate a prospective tenant. An additional 900 parking spaces would be added to the current lot and the east side would be dedicated solely to parking. The trailer parking area would be moved to the western side of the building. The owner is asking for an amendment to the PUD as well as acquiring a small section of Village property. Trustee Curtis asked how this change would affect drainage on the property. Toth said the owners did not feel that there would be any negative effect. Toth added that the engineer would review this before it moves forward. Trustee Guethle asked how many jobs the business would bring to North Aurora. The petitioner stated that there are currently 200 full time employees from their Burr Ridge and Bolingbrook facilities. With the move to North Aurora in 2019, it is expected there will be 300 or more full time employees. Peak periods for the business start November 1st and runs through Christmas. During this time, the volume increases up to 8-10 times what they do in a normal day. The business runs 24/7. There are over 12 different types of production/departments.
Trustee Carroll asked if the two current locations will be consolidated into North Aurora. Answer was yes. This location will be the corporate headquarters.
The Village Board was in favor of the plan.
Trustee Guethle asked about the timeline. Answer was to be up and running by August 2019.
2. 24 S. Lincolnway Concept Plan
Mike Toth informed the Board that the Village has received a concept plan for a stand-alone coffee shop for the property at 24 S Lincolnway. The building would be 678 square feet with a drive-thru.
Scott Miller, who lives on Deerpath Road in Batavia, addressed the Board. Miller said his business would start as a drive-thru and then expand to include indoor seating and an outdoor patio.
Trustee Curtis asked why the hesitation to do the indoor seating right away. Mr. Miller said that the indoor seating has little to add to the bottom line and 95% of the business is with the drive-thru.
Trustee Lowery noted his concern with the exposed mechanicals by the menu board of the drive-thru. Lowery suggested it be more decoratively hidden. Toth said this could be a condition of approval.
Trustee Guethle inquired about the business hours. Miller said they would open at 6:30 a.m. and close at 8:00 p.m.
The Village Board was in favor of moving forward.
3. Code Amendment regarding Trailers
Staff proposed the following changes to the current ordinance:
a. Utility trailers would no longer be classified as recreational vehicles.
b. Regulation of utility trailers would not change from current regulation.
c. Residences would be allowed to park one recreational vehicle in front of the front elevation
of the residence between April 1st and October 31st.
d. The definitions of recreational vehicles and utility trailers would be amended to accommodate the amended regulations.
After further discussion, the Board was in favor of keeping the current ordinance as is, without making any changes at this time.
4. Summerwind Subdivision Two Stop Signs and Turn Lanes
Staff proposed the delineation of a combined left turn/thru lane and right turn lane at the main entrance/exit as well as installing two stop signs at the entrance of the subdivision Staff is in conversation with the Summerwind HOA for their input. Striping of parking spaces will be discussed with the HOA at a later date.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Motion made by Trustee Guethle and seconded by Trustee Curtis to adjourn to executive session for the purpose of reviewing executive session minutes and for property acquisition. All in favor. Motion approved.
(return from Exec Session)
ADJOURNMENT
Motion made by Trustee Lowery and seconded by Trustee Carroll to adjourn to regular session. All in favor. Motion approved.
Respectfully Submitted,
Lori J. Murray
Village Clerk
