VILLAGE OF NORTH AURORA
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING
JULY 10, 2006
CALL TO ORDER
(In the absence of Village President John Hansen, Trustee Max Herwig served as Acting Village President). Trustee Herwig called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
ROLL CALL
In attendance: Trustees Dale Berman, Linda Mitchell, Max Herwig, Mark Gaffino, Mike Herlihy.
Staff in attendance: Sue McLaughlin, Bill Hannah, DeWayne Williams, Mike Glock, Jim Bibby, Atty. Kevin Drendel, Tom Fetzer, Mark Bozik.
AUDIENCE COMMENTS
Michael McKnight, 7 Lovedale Lane, North Aurora, IL РMr. McKnight addressed the Board regarding the nonstop barking of dogs at Mr. Scott’s Dog Resort located at 319 S. Lincolnway. McKnight said that the dogs are outside barking from 6:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. and due to this situation the neighbors are unable to enjoy their backyards or have any peace and quiet.
(Trustee Herlihy arrived)
McKnight said he and his neighbors received a letter from the Village to come to a meeting regarding the dog kennel business (letter dated Dec. 21st and mailed Dec. 27th). The meeting was cancelled and McKnight said the neighbors were never notified of the new meeting. McKnight said the business is for an indoor kennel, however, dogs are outside all day long. McKnight said the business is supposed to be 100 feet away from a residence. The kennel is within 50 feet of 7 residences.
Herwig said he thought there were specific kennel hours for the dogs to be outside during the day for exercise only. Trustee Herlihy said that provision was written into the special use. McKnight said that under the special use it states the dogs will be outdoors 2 – 3 times a day and the last time will be around 8:00 p.m. Trustee Mitchell asked if this business is exempt from the noise ordinance. Sue McLaughlin said that it is stated in the code that kennels are exempt. McLaughlin said that the Ordinance that was passed does not include a condition of a 2 to 3 hour time frame for the dogs to be outside. McLaughlin added that it was discussed at the Board meeting but was not stated specifically as a condition. The only condition was that there would not be any outside overnight housing. In the Minutes Mr. Novicki agreed that he would only have the dogs outside for 2 to 3 hours a day. Trustee Berman said that in no way did the Village Board intend for this to be a detriment to the community. Berman said the Village needs to do everything it can so that this business does not annoy the neighbors. Herwig said it is not acceptable if the dogs are outside all day. Berman said that if the dogs are outside there needs to be a sound barrier. Trustee Gaffino said he does not believe anyone or any business should be exempt and therefore should be held accountable. Herwig said it is up to the Board to see what can be done by working with the business owner and tightening up the ordinance. Herlihy said the special use did not allow for an outdoor kennel. The special use allowed for a dog hotel, which was interior, with a dog run, which was documented in the Minutes what the purpose of the dog run would be. McKnight said the January 31st Plan Commission Meeting Minutes stated that the business would be for an indoor dog kennel, dog daycare facility and possible future training facility.
Trustee Herwig said the Board will work with the attorney from an Ordinance standpoint and speak with Mr. Scott regarding the situation.
Marie Moulton, 980 Martinson Court, North Aurora – Moulton handed out a pamphlet regarding the utility poles at White Oak and Orchard Road. Moulton read a letter from concerned citizens of Orchard Estates and Orchard Crossing. The residents asked the Board to stop the installation of the over-sized utility poles. Trustee Herwig said that this item would be discussed (item 6 of the meeting’s agenda).
Jerry Jellis, 1399 Hartsburg Lane, North Aurora – Mr. Jellis addressed the Board regarding the Nicor Gas easement behind his home. Jellis said that the weeds have been unattended and the ragweeds grew to 8 feet high last year. Jellis asked what could be done. DeWayne Williams said the land is in the Village and he has left messages for Nicor. Trustee Herwig mentioned the possibility of the Village mowing the area and billing it back to Nicor. Atty. Drendel was not sure if the land was in the Village and would check on that and get back to the Village.
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