The DeKalb County Regional Planning Commission met on
January 23, 2003 at 7:00 p.m. in the DeKalb County Administration Building,
Conference Room East, in Sycamore, IL. In attendance were Commission Members
Robert Pritchard, Frank Altmaier, Becky Morphey, Don Pardridge, Ruben Allen,
Paul Rasmussen, Lee Luker, Jerry Thompson, Les Bellah, Rich Gentile, Bill
Nicklas, Mark Todd, Dennis Ragan, and Cheryl "Cookie" Aldis representing the
Town of Cortland, staff members Paul Miller and Marcellus Anderson, and
planning consultant Walt Magdziarz. Audience included County Engineer Bill
Lorence and County Board member Julia Fauci.
1. Roll Call -- Mr. Pritchard noted all members were
present or represented by their alternates.
2. Approval of Agenda -- Mr. Nicklas moved to approve the
agenda, seconded by Mr. Rasmussen. The agenda passed unanimously.
3. Approval of Minutes -- Mr. Allen noted a discrepancy
in the minutes of the December 5, 2002 RPC meeting on page11. Mr. Nicklas moved
to approve the amended minutes, seconded by Mr.Pardridge. The motion to approve
the amended minutes passed unanimously.
4a. Status of Unified Comprehensive Plan/Model UDO Project
Mr. Miller reported that the project continues and
communities are moving along the schedule of meetings. Malta just completed an
Image Preference Survey last night. Sycamore has received very good press
coverage for their meetings. Waterman and Sandwich have already had consensus
plans (the step before finalizing their comprehensive plans) presented. Existing
land use maps have been completed for all communities as of December. He then
asked if any of the participants had comments or wished to share experiences.
Mr. Nicklas noted that the Image Preference Survey and
charette were very interesting. The results seemed to support opinions that were
very much in the mainstream. However, he noted that the attendees at the
charette leaned heavily to one specific agenda and therefore dominated this
smaller meeting. Mr. Pritchard asked if any other communities had experiences
with specific groups attempting to push a specific agenda. Mr. Miller
interjected that the tools that Landvision uses to structure these meetings can
be effected by not having a truly representative cross-section of the
communities. If highly motivated individuals do turn up in organized groups, it
can effect the outcomes. Communities are well served to balance this input
carefully and not base decisions solely on these tools.
Mr. Magdziardz noted that when the charettes occur and the
staff notes there seems to be a concentration of a particular interest group,
they will try to break them up. However, he reinforced Mr. Miller’s comment that
when the room is almost completely composed of the interest group, it can skew
the results. Mr. Pritchard asked what is done with the results then, if they
have obviously been skewed. Mr. Magdziarz responded that you can still use the
data, but it must be weighed against the knowledge that there were agendas at
play. He noted that sometimes there are good ideas embedded in the responses.
One of the surprises that came out of the Sycamore group was a table advocating
looking at in-fill development opportunities very aggressively. Bill Lorence,
County Engineer and member of the Sycamore Plan Commission, noted that there was
even some discussion of higher density development in specific areas. Mr.
Pritchard noted that Hinckley had similar responses with respect to smaller lots
and more focus on placement of developments. Mr. Nicklas felt the responses
urban landscapes were more reflective of the mainstream, but again, the City
will use all of this as only a part of their future considerations. Mr.Altmaier
noted that this issue is quite concerning because if it could happen in DeKalb
or Sycamore, it would be far easier to sway the outcome in the smaller towns.
Mr. Nickals noted that some of the individuals he has seen at the meetings do
tend to go from town to town in an organized way.
4b. Review of municipal planning/development activities
Mr. Magdziarz noted that Chapter 4 would be reviewed this
evening. Mr. Pritchard noted for the benefit of some of the new attendees how
this process is being handled. Chapter 4 sets forth the review processes and
requirements in the Unified Development Ordinance, specifically rezoning,
special use permits, subdivision applications, zoning variations and amendments.
The section contains an exhaustive listing of all the information a town may
wish to require with each of the applications. One subtle provision in the first
paragraph provides the basis for allowing the subdivision requirements to apply
to land within a mile and a half of municipal boundaries.
The next sections relate to fees and reimbursements for
municipality costs in reviewing applications. He noted that it was becoming
common for municipalities to have the applicant reimburse the municipality for
their costs. This goes beyond a simple application fee and can entail
reimbursement for expert assistance (attorney costs etc). However, in order to
recover those costs, the provision for doing so must be included in an
ordinance. This can be handled by a monthly statement to the applicant, but
there should be care taken that all costs are understood and reimbursed prior to
a Village Board issuing a decision. Many developers may be reticent to provide
the reimbursement in the event of a negative decision. Mr. Magdziarz recommended
that municipalities consider instead a deposit approach wherein an applicant
would place a deposit up front. He noted that this could be anywhere from $500
to $2500 dollars depending on the complexity of the application, and could be
higher depending on the potential for outside services to be needed. If this
approach is taken, he further recommended that someone from the municipality be
given specific responsibility for tracking the costs so additional deposit could
be requested as needed. And again, he noted that all reimbursements should be
handled prior to a final decision be rendered.
Mr. Nicklas asked to clarify that as we go through the
document seeking consensus, each municipality would be free to apply provisions
as they so chose, but would not be compelled to do so. Mr. Madgziarz replied
that was the case. Mr. Nicklas went on to say that was important when
considering issues such as this fee structure question. He noted that many
communities simply do not have the staff available to handle the tracking of
such deposit accounts and therefore may not want to elect a provision that would
force such work on their existing staffs.
Mr. Miller noted that Commission members actually wear two
caps as they review the documents, one which would look at provisions and
options as they specifically relate to their individual communities and one as a
Regional Plan Commission member with the goal of looking at a document that
would work "in general" as a model. He noted that with respect to this issue,
perhaps a better approach is an escrow plan wherein all the administration
required would be to charge costs against the escrow fund. Mr. Nicklas responded
that there would still be a staff impact. Mr. Pritchard asked how Sycamore
handles the administration of the fees currently when a developer approaches
them. Mr. Nicklas noted that there is a deposit for individuals coming for
public hearings and then as the preliminary plans are approved, a fee of 2% of
the projected cost of the infrastructure improvements is assessed. This will
likely be raised in the near future. Then building fees are assessed further
down the road. His concern is that if they took on a deposit approach, the
auditors and accountants would insist on a rigorously monitored system and that,
again, would require staff time and attention that may not be available.
Mr. Gentile noted that he uses the deposit approach and that
as a developer approaches the town, he meets with them and tells them that a
deposit must be established with the City Clerk. Once that is in place with the
City Clerk, the expenses are sent to the Clerk for reimbursement. The Clerk also
monitors when the account is near empty. Ms. Morphey asked if he had any
problems with that. He responded that he had not heard any problems from the
budget officer administering the reimbursements.
Mr. Rasmussen made the comment that DeKalb has a flat fee
structure that was adopted by ordinance with no escalator provision allowed.
This has caused them difficulties, especially when an escaltor was finally
provided for. His recommendation is that the fee structure be adopted by
resolution, separate from ordinance and with an escalator built in. A further
recommendation is that the fee structure should contain a provision to be waived
with discretion depending on the nature of the project and its desirability. A
final recommendation would be to not just look at the fee as an expenditure, but
rather as an investment without worrying excessively too much about recouping
every cost.
Mr. Madziarz then continued on with the zoning certificate.
He noted that this terminology is just used as a useful reference for the zoning
reviewer, someone signing off for the zoning approval on the application. This
continues on to outline the minimum information required for review of a
building permit. Mr. Miller noted that this was intended to be a logical
framework for operation of the regulations and not intended to impose more on a
community than it is comfortable adopting. As presented, this may be more than
many communities currently use.
Mr. Madgziarz drew the Commission’s attention to the fact
that throughout the document there are references to time limits for when
decisions should be made. He noted this is an important provision and each
community should frame whatever they adopt to reflect achievable dates that the
community can live with. Mr. Nicklas asked about the issue of a two class site
plan review in that section. Mr. Madgziarz responded that the two class system
was adopted to try to simply the approaches rather than trying to mirror them
within one approach. His intention was for one class of review that would be for
smaller items, such as decks, porches and small home additions and one would be
intended for subdivision, planned development or special use reviews. Mr.
Nicklas noted that this explanation seemed clearer than the document seemed to
be. Mr. Madziarz noted that perhaps additional descriptions could be
incorporated into the document to make it clearer. Mr. Thompson noted that he
felt it was critical that the provisions for single lot permits be as clear and
easily understandable for the home owner as possible.
Mr. Pardridge asked for clarification about whether the
Unified Development Ordinance was ever intended to address small issues such as
porches, but rather was specifically addressing major developments and expansion
of communities. Mr. Madziarz responded that the document really has to address
all of the issues. Mr. Thompson noted that his community was eager to have the
full spectrum of issues dealt with. Mr. Madgziarz noted that this was a
difficult issue to deal with as many communities prefer to simply allow the
discretion to give the local applicant more latitude than the out of town
applicant. He noted that he would try to make this section clearer and more
easily digestible. Mr. Miller noted that it might be helpful to think of the two
items as Class 2 being more administrative and concerned with issues requiring a
building permit as opposed to the Class 1 that would be more of a zoning action
(special use, subdivision, change to commercial or industrial site). Class 1
designation would include projects that will ultimately come before the village
boards or commissions. But, he noted, it’s important to note that Class 2 has
zoning code issues even if the subject matter is not as complex as the Class 1.
For example, setbacks and height restrictions should be considered prior to
issuing a permit. Mr. Madgziarz noted that he would work on making the language
and distinctions clearer. Mr. Luker noted that the general provisions strongly
imply this related solely to subdivisions. Mr. Pardridge noted that if this
stands as written, it will be extremely difficult to resolve with existing
community ordinances. Mr. Nicklas noted that it is clear that this Unified
Development Ordinance would be used to subsume existing ordinances and that it
will therefore need to deal with very specific details as well as broader
concepts.
Mr. Miller again noted that this returns to the issue of the
Commission members wearing two hats; one as a representative of their specific
community and considering the provisions as they relate to their specific
communities and the second as the creators of a broader model document. Mr.
Pardridge reiterated his concern that a great deal of communication needs to be
occurring not just in the Commission but in the communities to make this work.
Mr. Luker noted that likely the Commission members may become the sole experts.
Mr. Rasmussen spoke to the issue of varying levels of permits
and noted that DeKalb had reduced their permit structure from twelve to two.
They essentially created a minor homeowner permit and a major developer permit
with the requirements and necessities of each configured to match the
complexities of the project. The greatest problem they have had with the minor
permits, specifically related to fences, is that homeowners so rarely have an
accurate plat of survey. He asked the group if anyone had any suggestions to
resolve this problem. He noted that DeKalb had tried to get the local real
estate people to require a new plat of survey at the time of any sale that is
given to the homeowner. However, this does not address the older properties. Mr.
Luker asked if that wasn’t already a requirement and Mr. Madgziarz responded
that while banks may require it, all that is usually needed is a legal
description.
Mr. Madgziarz returned to the conversation regarding how best
to designate the two types of permit types. He noted that later in the document,
the subdivision section used the language "major and minor" and that seemed
clearer to everyone. He will try to use that concept in revising the overall
language.
Mr. Pritchard asked if the group was ready to go on. Mr.
Madgziarz indicated that the next to be considered would be the Site Plan
section. He noted that each community will want to look at the dates and time
frames suggested as well as the information required. Mr. Luker asked if the
noted requirements would ask a site plan applicant to provide a description of
all the building that will be included. Mr. Miller replied that was not
specifically called for in the site plan. Mr. Nicklas noted that for major
subdivisions, most developers will want to provide an overview of the types of
structures they are considering. Mr. Rasmussen added that this is especially
true for larger one-builder subdivisions to avoid monotony of the building
types.
Mr. Miller noted that this might be a good time for the
communities to consider the issue of allowing discretion in the applications to
allow officials to waive provisions or categories of provisions. This allows for
flexibility when dealing with older parts of the communities versus the newer
developments. Mr. Nicklas cautioned that he favored narrowing that discretion to
prevent the process from becoming too politicized. Keeping the rules uniform
keeps the process professional. Mr. Luker added that often the individuals
handling this are contracted by communities and the administrators may not be
the best to determine when to apply the discretion and when not to. Mr.
Madgziarz pointed out the description of a Class 1 site review identifies that
architectural elevations are a requirement of a planned development.
Mr. Thompson asked if the notes that are included in the
documents currently would be in the final document. Mr. Altmaier agreed with
that statement adding that they are very instructive notes. He commented that
his town would want that. Mr. Nicklas recommended that perhaps two documents be
produced, one without the additional notes and one without. Mr. Madgziarz
responded that two documents would be no problem he would look the document over
with an eye to expanding the notes where it might be helpful in light of
tonight’s discussion. Mr. Rasmussen asked if there were anything in the document
about consequences for missing set response deadlines. Mr. Madgziarz responded
that there was not anything specific at this point, but that something can be
added in. Mr. Thompson noted this is especially essential for small towns with
part-time staffs where deadlines can be missed quite easily.
Mr. Madziarz then moved to the special use section. He noted
that the language here derives from the model used throughout Illinois. It
defines special uses as the public or private use of a land or building where
the unique operational characteristics or the nature of the use may have an
adverse impact on the neighborhood or the community in general. This section
provides for the ability to review that special use on a case by case basis. He
noted a recent Illinois court decision will likely require communities to take
greater care in using the special use provisions. Basically, it held that the
special use permit is an administrative, not a legislative process. This focuses
a great deal more attention on the path to a final decision rather than focusing
on the decision itself. Mr. Miller added that as an administrative process,
these will be handled through an administrative law review. Critical points will
be whether the community followed the correct procedures, considered the
criteria they were supposed to consider, held a fair public hearing where there
was sufficient time for sworn testimony and evidence and finally, does the
decision follow logically from the process. This will now greatly limit
discretionary decision making on the part of the elected officials. Mr.
Rasmussen noted that there have been vivid examples of why care needs to be
taken to consider ancillary consequences not specifically spelled out in the
law. One in particular he recalled was a church on RT. 59 that had 13,000
parishioners and an intention to be on holding tank-based septic. Not only would
that have the potential to poison the surrounding land, but the traffic
considerations were additionally troubling. Mr. Madgziarz recalled an example of
a Chicago Heights church that wanted to occupy a building in the downtown area.
However the town didn’t want a tax exempt use in a building that could have been
a tax producing location. The church satisfied all the criteria for special use,
but the city council opted to refuse. When it went to the courts, they
essentially said, "not so fast". His point is that communities need to be
careful and deliberate in using this technique of special use because these new
rulings will likely reign in the scope of the use in the future.
Mr. Madgziarz then directed the Commission members to the
example used in the document being reviewed related to Adult Business Uses. Mr.
Nicklas and Mr. Miller both noted that if the regulations in a community do not
allow for adult uses somewhere in the document, you cannot arbitrarily prohibit
them. It is also impermissible to have the code restrict the uses completely.
Mr. Thompson asked for discussion on a reference on page
4.10.4.3.3b related to "substantial adverse effect". Who is the responsible for
determining if the effect is substantially adverse? Mr. Madziarz responded that
the special use application would first go to a Plan Commission or Village
Board. The Plan Commission or Board will have the responsibility to determine
the adverse effect based on the testimony gathered during the public hearing.
Evidence and testimony will be the criteria used to make the determination and
evidence will trump testimony. The presumption is that evidence should be
factual and testimony is often subjective. If each are even, then the decision
maker must make a discretionary decision. Mr. Madziarz then closed with section
4.14 and discussed the issue of the speculative application or rezoning. This
establishes a time limit for the use granted.
Mr. Madziarz moved to the section on planned developments. He
noted this is fairly typical language that would likely be found in all the
local zoning ordinances. It allows for flexibility and creativity in the design
of developments both with land plans and architecture. Unfortunately the track
record for many communities poorly administrate the planned development and
developers use it to increase density. Mr. Miller noted that the way to offset
this was for communities to see the flexibility of the use as a quid pro quo,
recognizing to developers that if there are standards being relaxed, what was
the developer doing in return that justified that relaxation. Mr. Magdziarz
noted that the detail is getting greater in the document, especially with
respect to the process and approval of the applications. He noted that the
planned development process mirrors the subdivision process closely and often
causes confusion at first glance. In this document, each application is unique.
The basic difference lies in the fact that subdivision is not tied to zoning,
but the planned development is. Planned development plans in some ways render
the underlying zoning immaterial or inconsequential. He further recommended that
communities not generally treat the planned development as a zoning district to
avoid confusion. Mr. Miller noted that DeKalb County does treat the planned
development as a zoning district and avoids confusion because of the advantage
that often comes from using the planned development as a zoning and subdivision
action in one package as well as allowing some creativity in the process. He
noted that some communities do all their subdivisions as planned developments.
Mr. Rasmussen noted that one advantage he found in his experiences was to
require that the attorneys and developers use standard outlines for their
applications so reviews could be streamlined. Mr. Madziarz noted that when he
works with communities on PDR’s, that he recommends the process follow the
elements in the applicable ordinances.
Mr. Nicklas moved to the abrogation procedures. He noted that
Sycamore had been trying to move to a more efficient model of concept, review
and approval. He wants to return to using the concept plan as a means of getting
as good a look at the proposal as possible with as little up front costs as
possible. Mr. Madziarz noted that the reason the concept plan is recommended is
to open the dialogue with the developer at a time when they can still make
changes without unreasonable additional expense. The critical importance is to
have the developer know if where they are headed is a direction the community
can support. Mr. Miller noted that any of the application procedure steps could
be dropped off if it made the process more comfortable for the community. Mr.
Thompson noted there was another point here that needed some definition of the
city failing to meet their deadlines as stated in the document. Mr. Rasmussen
also asked if there was anything in the document that indicated for how long a
preliminary plan was good. Mr. Madgziarz replied that he thought the document
put the life of a preliminary plan at a year, but that if not, he would make
sure that was put in.
In the section on subdivision plats and procedures, Mr.
Madgziarz called the Commission’s attention to the notes on having an option of
major and minor subdivisions. He indicated that he felt some smaller
subdivisions just may not justify the administrative costs of a full-blown
review process. Mr. Pardridge asked for clarification of the documents’
reference to allowing more than three lots on a five acre parcel. He felt that
was highly uncommon. Mr. Miller clarified that the County does have allowance
for that in the R-1 zoning district, though there could be access issues. Mr.
Luker noted that sometimes they have more difficulties with minor subdivisions
than with major ones. Mr. Miller noted that sometimes the definition of what a
subdivision is can assist in cleaning up some of the issues. Mr. Nicklas asked
if this could be the place in the document where a Plat Officer (as provided for
in State law) could be provided for. Discussion followed that the Plat Act
allowed for much of the same things. Mr. Luker asked if there were anything in
the document that dealt with annexation issues related to subdivisions. He went
on to note that they often have issues related to the expansion of water and
sewer facilities in the smaller subdivisions. Mr. Miller pointed out that if
there were extension of services involved, this would (by the document’s
requirements) be considered a minor subdivision.
Mr. Madgziarz noted again that several points in the document
look very much like the planned development process. Mr. Miller noted that it is
critical that this particular section be looked at carefully. Mr. Madgziarz
added that it might be advisable to have village and city engineers look over
this section for any concerns or requirements they might see.
Mr. Rasmussen asked for clarification of whether they
municipality should adopt the covenants, restrictions and conditions or operate
on a basis of trust that they will be enforced. Ms. Aldis noted that even though
they have adopted the covenants, they could not legally enforce them. Mr. Miller
noted that the typical approach has been that if it’s an issue the community is
interested in enforcing, then it should be part of the actual ordinance. If it
is an issue the community does not have an interest in enforcing, then those
would fall in to the covenants, conditions and restrictions. Mr. Rasmussen noted
that his point in asking the question was to explore how to handle the issue of
services not being attended to in common areas (not mowing, etc). Mr. Rasmussen
then went on to ask if there is a way to prevent a developer from bringing in
small bits of the development layout without a full representation of how it all
fits together. Ms. Aldis noted that they address this through the preliminary
phase lines on the Plat.
Mr. Madgziarz noted that common areas in subdivisions are
frequently a problem. Some adopt an approach that when the planned development
is approved, the County and the developer establish a dormant special service
area. If the time comes that the developer or the homeowners do not take care of
their responsibilities for keeping the area cared for, then the County is
allowed to contract for the services needed and then to pass the charges to the
homeowners via their tax bills. However, for such a process to work it needs to
be set up at the beginning of the development when there is a single owner. It
can also be dealt with through the annexation process.
Mr. Thompson asked if this concept was in the document
currently or whether it can be added at in a future note. Mr. Luker noted that
the majority of the developers would likely be very eager to do this. Mr.
Magziarz added that it also relieves towns and villages of the burden of trying
to figure out how to handle this once the infrastructure has deteriorated and
homeowners are pressing for assistance.
Mr. Aldis asked about an item regarding requesting all
preliminary plans in a digital format. She inquired as to how many towns
actually do make the request that way and how many have the technology to accept
it. DeKalb and Sycamore indicated that they do. Mr. Luker indicated mostly this
exchange happens between the developer and the city engineers.
Mr. Madgziarz then moved to questions on variations and
appeals. He noted that the position of Hearing Officer can be an option with a
town or village electing to go with a Hearing Officer or a Zoning Board of
Appeals. Mr. Miller spoke to the advantages and disadvantages of each approach
and offered advice to anyone considering the Hearing Officer route. Mr.
Madgziarz closed by noting that whatever option is selected, it is important
that the duties and responsibilities are clearly defined.
Another point of discussion came up on the issue of the
breadth of notice in the event of a zoning action. The standard is to notify
only those with adjacent property to the effected parcel. This is then
supplemented with public notices in local publications as well as signage on the
effected property. However, the election to broaden notification (those 250 or
300 feet from the property, etc) is discretionary to each community. Mr. Miller
noted that the County finds that the use of the property signs seems to handle
the issue of notifying the nearby, but not immediately adjacent property owners.
Mr. Madgziarz agreed with that and also noted that some communities place the
burden of notification on the applicant. It was noted that many local title
companies can provide listings of adjacent property owners for a small fee. Mr.
Pritchard noted that the County G.I.S. can also be utilized for this purpose and
is a good and reliable tool for this purpose.
This concluded the discussion on the Unified Development
Ordinance for the evening. Mr. Madgziarz noted to the Commission that each of
the subsequent chapters will become more and more detailed. Chapter 5 will be
reviewed at the next meeting.
Review of municipal & county planning/development
activities –
Mr. Thompson reported two items of interest from Malta.
First was that Malta held its Image Preference Survey last night. Thirty people
attended and the community hopes for an even larger turnout. The second item is
that Malta has asked Mr. Miller to assist them in working out issues they are
having between the community and a developer proposing a subdivision on the west
side of town.
Mr. Rasmussen passed out a draft code of ethics related to a
prior discussion on Planning Commission ethics. A few issues he felt were
noteworthy during his investigation into this issue included the fact that it is
apparently unusual for a volunteer board to have one. However, DeKalb will still
try to move forward and adopt this document to assist the Commission in
understanding their responsibilities and the quasi-judicial nature of their
work. This is supported by several group of experts the City has discussed this
with (NIU School of Public Administration, ). He also reported that the Growth
Summit will meet again next Tuesday. He has been keeping trend data for
presentation and reminded the Commission of data he has gleaned that show growth
in DeKalb at about 11%, the third lowest growth rate of any city within 15 miles
of DeKalb. Another note is that the City time frame from annexation to
development has averaged 20 years with five to 10 years on project development
alone, countering the prevalent belief in rapid and unchecked development
occurring. He closed with a comment on the overall total land occupied by
existing cities, towns and villages as well as accounting for future land use in
the Comprehensive Plan will only account for 9.9% of the County. The tax base
for the City of DeKalb is 60% residential, 40% commercial/industrial. Of that
commercial, 15% are apartment dwellers and do not seem to drain ancillary
services as much (schools, etc). However, the City recognizes that they are
anemic in the industrial base need to move to more of a 50/50 balance in order
to bring revenues in line.
Mr. Ragan reported that Senator Brad Burzynski and
Representative Ron Wait were recently instrumental in obtaining Illinois First
funding for a streetlight project that would have failed without their
intervention.
Ms. Aldis reported that Cortland is widening roads and
putting in curbs, gutters and turn lanes and that is causing some disruption.
Mr. Altmaier noted that the Coffee Grind convenience store
has finally opened in Kingston.
Mr. Pritchard reported that one issue in the County currently
is the proposed wind farm. The project passed the Planning and Regulations
Committee last night on a vote of six to three and will now proceed to the
County Board for a vote in February. He also reported that the Prairie Parkway
project has started a new phase with the consultant holding hearings on need and
location. These hearings are expected to take a full year. Mr. Miller noted that
by taking this back to square one on location, it could drift from it’s current
Kendall/Kane location and move it closer to DeKalb County.
Mr. Luker noted that the new Village Hall in Hinckley will be
closed next week while everyone moves in and then an open house will be held
when the weather gets a bit nicer.
Mr. Gentile reported that Genoa conducted their Image
Preference Survey and about 50 citizens turned out with 25 new faces. They are
also discussing getting a 25,000 to 30,000 square foot Brown’s grocery store and
are hoping for a pharmacy. This would be located in the Prairie Ridge Industrial
Park. Mr. Madgziarz noted that they also did an Image Preference Survey in Genoa
with four classes from the high school to do a comparison of the concerns of
younger and older residents.
Ms. Morphey noted that Somonauk has finally finished their
storm sewer project.
Mr Miller asked if Lee had been informed about the increase
of the setbacks on the wind farm project. Mr. Ragan said that they were and
thanked Mr. Miller for his efforts to keep them in the loop with DeKalb County
on the project’s progress.
Mr. Pritchard recognized Commission guest Bill Lorence,
County Engineer, for a few comments. Mr. Lorence reminded the Commission members
that when an annexation occurs there is a requirement to provide certified
notification of the annexation. He noted that this is especially important in
that the roads within the annexation boundaries become municipal and the County
must be made aware of those changes.
Adjournment -- The next meeting of the Regional Planning
Commission will be February 27, 2003. Mr. Rasmussen moved to adjourn, seconded
by Mr. Pardridge, and the motion carried unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
Robert Pritchard