VILLAGE OF NORTH AURORA
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING MINUTES
JULY 20, 2015
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Berman called the meeting to order.
ROLL CALL
In attendance: Mayor Dale Berman,, Trustee Laura Curtis, Trustee Mike Lowery, Trustee Chris Faber, Trustee Mark Carroll, Trustee Mark Gaffino, Trustee Mark Guethle, Village Clerk Lori Murray.
Staff in attendance: Village Administrator Steve Bosco, Finance Director Bill Hannah, Community & Economic Development Director Mike Toth, Police Chief Dave Summer, Public Works Superintendent Mike Glock, Water Superintendent Paul Young, Fire Marshall Eric Bunkofske, Village Attorney Kevin Drendel.
AUDIENCE COMMENTS – None
TRUSTEE COMMENTS – None
DISCUSSION
1. Discussion of Boundary Line Agreements with Sugar Grove
Staff was recently approached by the Village of Sugar Grove to discuss the boundary line agreement. The current agreement is set until 2020. Both communities would like to secure the boundary agreement. The agreement is the same, verbatim, as what is currently in place. The boundary line runs from the Lake Run creek as a dividing line between Sugar Grove and North Aurora to the west. Both communities are looking to secure the boundary line agreement.
2. Discussion of Special Use for North Aurora Self Storage Facility at 310 S.
Lincolnway
A special use to allow a PUD and a special use to allow for a self-service storage facility has been presented for the location at 310 S. Lincolnway (former bowling alley site).
This was presented at the Committee of the Whole meeting on May 18th. It was brought back by the petitioner and they went before the Plan Commission. The Plan Commission agreed to move forward with the plan subject to 11 conditions. The petitioner also provided an updated site plan.
Community & Economic Development Director Mike Toth noted:
Condition #10 – additional access for a fire lane. It was determined that the additional fire lane was not needed and therefore that condition would be removed.
Condition #11 – feasibility to bury the power lines. Staff met with ComEd who gave indications that it was physically possible to bury the power lines, but did not provide a cost estimate at this time. The cost estimate is supposed to come in this week.
Staff recommended approval of the special use based up on the standards of approval and there was a recommendation by the plan commission.
Atty. John Philipchuck, representing the petitioner, said that when the petitioner was before the Board on May 18th, the Board asked what should be the ultimate use of the property. Clients, Jack and Phil Murphy reached out to another well-known commercial group, Caton Commercial. Steve Caton addressed the Board with observations on commercial real estate in North Aurora, particularly this site within the village. Caton said that in his professional opinion this is a great opportunity for North Aurora. For 8 years this property has been on the marketplace. When looking at the Route 31 Corridor, it is not and will not be a vibrant retail market, which does not mean that it can’t be a vibrant corridor. It starts with cleaning up the surrounding properties.
Atty Philipchuck said that the Murphys are intending to invest $4 million for the property and they are not asking for any incentives. It is a family owned and operated business and will create 4 times more open space/green area than is currently there at this time.
AUDIENCE COMMENTS
Mark Sorrentino – Randall Self Storage, North Aurora – urged the Board to not approve the special use based on the lack of need in the market area. Sorrentino said that there are currently 11 self-storage facilities in a 5-mile radius. Trustee Faber asked Sorrentino what his occupancy rate is. Sorrentino said the physical occupancy of his storage facility is about 85%.
Trustee Gaffino said originally he was not in favor of the plan but now thinks it is a good move for the Village, but would like to see more landscaping to hide the two northern buildings. Trustees Guethle and Lowery also voiced their support for the project.
Mike Toth said this item would be brought before the Board at the next Village Board meeting.
EXECUTIVE SESSION FOR PENDING LITIGATION
Motion made by Trustee Guethle and seconded by Trustee Carroll to adjourn to executive session for the purpose of pending litigation. All in favor. Motion approved.
(return from executive session)
ADJOURNMENT
Motion to adjourn made by Trustee Guethle and seconded by Trustee Lowery. All in favor. Motion approved.
Respectfully Submitted,
Lori J. Murray
Village Clerk
