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Committee of the Whole Minutes

VILLAGE OF NORTH AURORA

COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING MINUTES

March 1, 2021

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Village Board meeting was conducted live remotely

via telecommunications.

 

CALL TO ORDER

Mayor Gaffino called the meeting to order.

 

ROLL CALL

In attendance:  Mayor Mark Gaffino, Trustee Laura Curtis, Trustee Mike Lowery, Trustee Mark Guethle, Trustee Tao Martinez, Trustee Carolyn Salazar

 

Staff in attendance:  Village Administrator Steve Bosco, Finance Director Bill Hannah, Community & Economic Development Director Mike Toth, Village Attorney Kevin Drendel, Public Works Director John Laskowski, Police Chief Dave Fisher.

 

AUDIENCE COMMENTS – None

TRUSTEE COMMENTS – None

 

DISCUSSION

 

  1. Orchard Gateway and Hansen Boulevard Streetlight Replacement Project

 

Public Works Director Laskowski explained that the current lights are 35’ in height, currently high pressure sodium bulbs, concrete bases with steel poles.  Maintenance has not been kept up, the concrete bases are in good condition but the poles are rusty.  The staff feels that the best options for Orchard Gateway would be to be replaced with either steel, aluminum or concrete.

The staff suggests lowering the height of the poles by 5’, decreasing the price and increasing the optimal brightness on the ground.

At a point closer to the Auto mall on Orchard Gateway, the poles transition from steel to aluminum.  The staff suggests to replace the poles on Orchard Gateway with aluminum for consistency as well as the benefit of the aluminum being salt resistant.

Within the auto mall there have been requests to change the bulbs from high pressure sodium to LED, the auto mall bulbs have been replaced, Hansen Blvd. is now to be replaced.  The current poles on Hansen are 20’, concrete bases in questionable condition, and steel poles with rusting.  Director Laskowski made the suggestion of demoing the existing concrete bases and installing new concrete bases and poles.  This would be different than the steel or aluminum poles within the private property of the auto mall.

Staff would like to get alternate bids for aluminum poles and concrete bases as well as aluminum poles with helical bases due to space limitations.  Another alternative would be to leave the poles that the staff feels have an additional five to seven years life left and just change the bulbs.

Mayor Gaffino and Director Laskowski spoke about the reason the staff recommend replacing the Hansen Blvd. concrete bases.

Trustee Lowery asked if the concrete poles would fit in the space available on Hansen Blvd. Director Laskowski explained that the concrete poles would be an option for the space and he would like to get bids on that option as well.

Mayor Gaffino asked the longevity of the concrete poles.  Director Laskowski said that the lifespan of a concrete pole is between 20-30 years as opposed to 50 for aluminum.

Trustee Guethle said the aluminum is corrosive resistant.

Director Laskowski and Trustee Salazar discussed the cost savings verses the longevity of different pole options.

Trustee Lowery asked about the structural integrity of the “corkscrew” style of the base.  Director Laskowski explained that while he hasn’t worked with them the Village Engineer has and has had success with them.

Director Laskowski asked the Board what they would like to see estimates for in regard to which style of poles, and bases.

The Board agreed with Director Laskowski’s recommendations of options for seeking pricing.

  1. Petition 21-01: Opus 1-88 Corporate Park

 

Administrator Bosco explained that this petition has previously been discussed in January by the Plan Commission and in February with the Committee of the Whole.  The staff addressed the recommendations made during previous meetings and the petition was once again in front of the Board.

Community & Economic Development Director Mike Toth explained that he was asking for feedback from the Board on the petition as well as the changes made to the landscaping plan.

Director Toth introduces Josh Bauer from Opus Development.  Mr. Bauer explained that since both the Plan Commission Meeting and the COW meeting, Opus has been working on the directions given to them in order to comply with the requests.

Opus requested that two conditions be removed from the SUP Ordinance:

  • All on site trucking activities shall be effectively monitored and regulated to minimize any light, sound and odor emissions.
  • The petitioner shall limit the hours of operation on site to minimize the impact of the business operations on adjacent properties and cooperate with Village staff to address neighboring property concerns.

 

The developer explained that their concerns are that the properties will be difficult to lease with these conditions.  Their users must be able to access the buildings 24 hours a day.

Opus had taken into consideration the request made by the Village for amplifying the landscape plan.  Mr.  Bauer introduced a developed landscape plan which included the addition of 74 trees beyond what currently exist on the property.

Trustee Lowery asked about the possibility of adding to the buffer by adding shrubs along with the trees.  Mr. Bauer explained that there is currently shrubbery existing on the property.

Mayor Gaffino stated that he would like to see adding more evergreen trees instead of deciduous trees.  The evergreens would conceal more light and sound in the winter after trees have lost their leaves.

Trustee Salazar asked what type of conifers will be added to the landscape. Mr. Bauer explained that there would be a variety of species planted.

Director Toth explained that a tree survey will be done and a more informed discussion on tree choices can be had.  Mr. Bauer suggested working with staff to select appropriate trees based on the tree survey.

Discussion took place about implementing current code and the tree survey to developing an optimal plan for landscaping that will create an appropriate buffer between the development and the residential area on the north side of the development.

Trustee Curtis stated that her concern is with what recourse the Village would have if there are noise, odor and light problems if the conditions are removed.  Director Toth explained that there are environmental performing standards in the zoning ordinance that pertain to odor, dust, noise emissions.

Trustees Guethle and Martinez, agreed that adding the evergreen trees is a good idea to increase the protection of emissions from the site to the residential area.

Trustee Salazar said that she felt that the request to eliminate the condition to have limited hours is reasonable, however to combat any noise, light, odor add more trees.

 

EXECUTIVE SESSIONNone

 

ADJOURNMENT

 

Motion to adjourn made by Trustee Salazar and seconded by Trustee Guethle.  All in favor.  Motion approved.

 

Respectfully Submitted,

Jessica Watkins

Village Clerk

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