VILLAGE OF NORTH AURORA
DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MEETING
MINUTES
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2012
CALL TO ORDER
Trustee Guethle called the meeting to order at 8:30 a.m.
ROLL CALL
Committee Members in attendance:, Trustee Mark Guethle; Trustee Mark Gaffino
Staff in attendance: Pete Iosue, Community Development, David Summer, Interim Administrator; Cindy Torraco, Exec. Assistant
Absent: Trustee Laura Curtis
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Motion made by Trustee Gaffino and seconded by Trustee Guethle to approve the November 21, 2012 Development Committee Minutes. All in Favor – Motion Approved
NEW BUSINESS
ELECTRONIC SIGN REGULATIONS
Pete Iosue noted that as a result of the recent variance request for an electronic sign for the Dental office on Sullivan, staff requested he look into the Village’s sign ordinance with regard to the electronic sign regulations. Iosue noted that the biggest concern is in using the variance process to review each individual sign request. Although the electronic sign was approved, and was a nice addition to their sign, it did not technically meet any requirements for a hardship and this could be setting a precedent. Staff recommends easing the regulations and making them a little less strict, regarding electronic signs.
Trustee Guethle noted that most businesses today are looking for signs that are more prevalent and would draw attention to their business.
Iosue noted that the sign ordinance was last amended around 2008 or 2009 with regard to electronic signs, however, the technology has changed so much since then. There is still the issue of electronic signs being distracting. Iosue noted he had downloaded ordinances from surrounding communities and that they are all fairly strict with regard to electronic signs Trustee Guethle noted he doesn’t think North Aurora needs to be as strict and we should look at regulations in the sign ordinance.
Iosue outlined his memo and noted that currently signs are allowed to have only 30% coverage for electronic signs and are restrictive for color. Trustees Guethle and Gaffino both noted that they find that they look at signs whether they are electronic or not, such as reading the Community Events sign. Trustee Guethle added that he feels most of the Village Board would be for this as it would be a benefit to future businesses in North Aurora.
Trustee Gaffino added that he is not sure what the right size would be to allow, but he feels that it could be a little bigger than 30%. He commented on the A&W sign and how a 6 ft. monument sign is not easy to see. The current A&W sign is tall but has been grandfathered in. Any replacement sign would have to meet the requirements of the sign ordinance. Further, Gaffino noted the owner was told to not even bother trying for a variance. Iosue noted that Route 31 is a special sign district and is more restrictive.
Iosue noted the two things to be considered are proximity to residential areas and that periodic images are not constantly changing.
Trustee Guethle recommended staff to come up with some changers and Trustee Gaffino agreed, saying the regulations could be a bit looser.
David Summer commented that he recalled the sign for CVS being a big deal and Iosue noted that both Walgreens and CVS prefer to have a scrolling electronic sign. Summer also commented an electronic sign along I-88 and Orchard might be helpful to attract people to the town center.
Iosue also noted electronic signs can also be used for community events and public service messages. Summer noted he will have staff move forward with making changes to the ordinance.
OLD BUSINESS
None
OTHER INFORMATION
None
TRUSTEE COMMENTS
None
ADJOURN
Trustee Gaffino made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Trustee Guethle
All in Favor – Motion Approved
Meeting was adjourned at 8:50 a.m.
Respectfully submitted
Cindy Torraco
Executive Assistant
