Loading...
Minutes - 08/02/2005 - Library CommissionMINUTES OF THE AUGUST 2, 2005 SPECIAL MEETING OF THE LIBRARY COMMISSION OF THE VILLAGE OF OAK BROOK APPROVED AS WRITTEN ON SEPTEMBER 20, 2005. 1. CALL TO ORDER: The special meeting of the Library Commission was called to order by Chairperson Melissa Salazar in the Library Meeting Room at 7:10 p.m. 2. ROLL CALL: Commissioner Salazar called the roll with the following persons PRESENT: Commission Chairperson Melissa Salazar, Commissioners Madeline Bell, Randa Bishlawi, William Duff, Veena Mendiratta, Janice Skowron and Lucia Sutton ABSENT: None IN ATTENDANCE: Stelios Aktipis, Trustee Liaison, Meg Klinkow, Library Director and Michelle M. Coduto, Office Coordinator. 3. PUBLIC HEARING FOR COMMENT ON LIBRARY LANDSCAPING: Chairperson Salazar opened the floor to the residents in attendance. Mary Ann Nunez: Nunez introduced herself as a member of the Friends of the Library and their current vice - president. She thanked Melissa and the Library Commission for hosting this meeting and allowing the residents to voice their opinions. Nunez stated that after paying for the current landscape plan, she hopes that at least some part of it can be saved and implemented. She asked that the Commission take the current drought into consideration when making landscaping decisions. Nunez said that the garden and seating area must serve all of the community, including the handicapped. Flagstones are not truly handicapped accessible and she asked that the Commission consider the concrete adjacent to the Library side entrance where the curb is already ramped. Nunez finished by stating that she is very pleased that the implementation of the Library landscaping has been put in the capable hands of the Library Commission. Nancy Hayden: Hayden introduced herself as the president of the Friends of the Library. She asked the Commission for an explanation of the plan: have they reviewed the plan, are they able to explain the materials that are in the plan? Hayden stated that the Commission should look at the overall plan for the Village, including shade trees, a sprinkler system and good soil, which all have to be addressed before the detailed plantings are discussed. Hayden suggested that the Commission didn't understand the plan and stated that the community has never been addressed by the Commission concerning the plan. VILLAGE OF OAK BROOK Minutes Page 1 of 6 August 2, 2005 CALL TO ORDER ROLL CALL PUBLIC HEARING Commissioner Duff replied that the current landscape plan was posted in the Library for three months before it was brought before the Village Board of Trustees and asked Hayden why she did not ask these questions before it was brought to the Village Board. Hayden responded that she was told the landscape plan was a work in progress. Director Klinkow stated that Hayden was on the committee chosen to work with the landscape architect since September 2004. Hayden asked if and when the Commission discussed the landscape plan. She also commented that she asked Klinkow for changes to the plan and those changes were not made. Klinkow responded that she was surprised that Hayden still had questions concerning the landscape plan. Chairperson Salazar clarified that the Village Board decided to halt the implemented plan, assigning the Commission with it's current task of recommending a landscape plan. She met with Klinkow, Hayden and Trustee Aktipis to discuss the plan and Hayden canceled the second meeting. Salazar informed Hayden that the soil quality is addressed in the current plan and it will also be discussed at the August 3 d Library Commission meeting. Audley Weidman: Weidman introduced herself as a Library user and resident, though she admitted that, lately, she had not used the Library very often. She is appalled by the unfinished landscaping and inquired about getting other designers and offered a reference to the Commission. Weidman stated that the current garden does not reflect Oak Brook in the best manner that the Library deserves. Susan Beard: Beard introduced herself as a garden designer and stated that she is qualified to judge the trees and shrubs in the plan. She said that a Japanese Maple should never be on the west side of a building because it can't take the wind and the tree's health would decline after the first year. Beard stated that there should be shade trees; they would help with the look in the front. Mulch should be put down in front until the landscaping is done to help with the splashing of mud on the windows. She also stated that the landscape architect should come in and talk about the plan to the residents. Mary Lebbin: Lebbin requested shade trees and informed the Commission that amending the soil with organic matter will help the trees to take a strong hold. Anne Vekich: Vekich introduced herself as a member of the Friends of the Library, but that she was talking as a resident. Vekich stated that she liked the current landscaping plan with the ornamental trees because large shade trees would take over the building and the garden would only be able to grow shade plants. She likes the water element because it is soothing and is pleased with the inner patio as it brings people VILLAGE OF OAK BROOK Minutes Page 2 of 6 August 2, 2005 into the garden, especially the handicapped residents. Vekich stated that she likes that all seasons would be shown in the garden, but would like more summer blooms. She does not like paver bricks because they create uneven surfaces that are hard to walk on for disabled persons. People using wheelchairs, walkers and /or canes need a smooth surface. Vekich finished by reiterating that she likes the plan and adding her recommendation for day lilies in the garden. Bill Lindeman: Announced that he was at the last meeting and that he sent a letter to the Commission. Lindeman requested that mulch be put out to protect the windows from mud and commented that the windows had not been washed in a long time. He also said that the sprinklers are hitting the back windows on the east side. Lindeman stated that the parking lot lights come on at 4:30 and that is a waste of energy. He questioned the authority of the Commission in handling the landscape planning and stated that it requires an ordinance to have the Commission make the final decision. He said that there is already an enclosed patio that could be used by handicapped people and everyone should have a place of privacy to read. He would like there to be more shade. Lindeman stated that the Library Commission should defer to the Village Board who can use the Village Staff to come up with a landscape plan. Commissioner Skowron responded that she had the same concerns about the Commission's ability to handle this project. She spoke with Village Manager Rick Boehm and he said that it is the responsibility of the Library Commission to assist the Director in meeting the Library's goals, one of which is the landscaping of the Library grounds. Salazar responded that the patio off the Meeting Room is to be used for social events in conjunction with the Meeting Room. Since the Meeting Room is closed when not in use, there would be no supervision of that patio area. Having the garden area in front of the building enables both the Circulation and Administration departments a clear view of it. Lindeman replied that closed circuit cameras can be placed at a minimal expense. Salazar responded that the Library does not have the budget for a system or the staff needed to monitor it. She also stated that in regards to the letters Lindeman sent to The Doings, she was a little disheartened to see what he had written. She stated that she has been extremely involved, is knowledgeable about the project and that the things he wrote were not true. Lindeman stated that he didn't write that she was not knowledgeable, only that he didn't feel that there was full involvement of the whole Commission. Richard Allison: Allison stated that he educated himself on the situation through discussions with the Library staff. He asked why there were fences outside the Meeting Room and Children's Garden and stated that they should be taken out. Allison also suggested a path around the entire building. VILLAGE OF OAK BROOK Minutes Page 3 of 6 August 2, 2005 Anne Vekich: Vekich asked for the opportunity to respond to Bill Lindeman. She stated that Lindeman does not understand the use of the Meeting Room and explained that it is used for individual groups holding meetings. She feels that using the garden outside the Meeting Room would be disruptive to the meetings inside the building. Vekich also stated that it is what's inside the Library that is most important. Outside is just cosmetic. If you look at the Westmont or Naperville Libraries there is no landscaping. She knows that Oak Brook wants to be special, but there has to be a limit. Barbara Benezra: Benezra introduced herself as a member of the Friends of the Library and Library Foundation boards and a former Library Commissioner. Benezra stated that she was involved in the creation of the current Library landscaping plan and that her suggestions were implemented. She is in favor of a landscaping plan for all the Library grounds to be implemented in stages. Benezra stated that the soil has to be amended, a sprinkler system is needed and that the garden must be ADA accessible. Benezra believes that it is the Commission's duty to find a compromise that will satisfy the community. The garden should be "simple, elegant and inviting." There should be a patio to accommodate those who wish to sit outside. Benezra likes the fountain, but requests that it is zero depth to prevent accidental drowning. After a patio, seating, a fountain and trees, how will you fit all the other items from the plan? Benezra suggested that the parking area be landscaped as well. She likes the idea of a paved path around the building and thinks that there should be flower beds around the path. Benezra suggested that the Commission consider a memorial arboretum in which people could make a donation for a tree and receive the right to place a plaque by the tree. Benezra stated that the HVAC screening and an outdoor statue should be included in the landscape plan. She suggested that the Commission review the entrance from 31 st Street and that the buckthorn be removed and the trees pruned so that the Library sign is visible. The Commission may consider outdoor security cameras in the long term plan. Commissioner Bell asked Benezra why she did not make these suggestions in the committee. Benezra replied that the committee was only looking at the front garden area. Bell asked how many times the committee met. Klinkow responded that there were a few meetings, though not all members could make the meetings. Trustee Aktipis commented that Benezra brought in worthy suggestions that could be used to improve the overall landscaping. Bell asked if Benezra and Hayden could be included in the Commission's landscaping discussions. Benezra responded that she made a list of all the items she discussed and that there should be a professional to make the plan. Salazar informed Bell that the Friends of the Library requested that the Village Board VILLAGE OF OAK BROOK Minutes Page 4 of 6 August 2, 2005 create a committee to decide the landscape matters and the Village Board denied the request, instructing the Commission to take over the project. Commissioner Mendiratta commented that all the Commission's meetings are open to the public and Salazar added that the Commission will incorporate the public's input. Janet Kazan: Kazan stated that the Library has no curb appeal and that oak trees should be planted. Georgia Shubalis: Shubalis stated that she would love to see an elegant garden and that it would be nice to open up the gated area. She also stated that there is too much concrete and that driving up to the Library all you see is a book shelf and a Coke machine. Shubalis said that residents should have input because they have to live here. Michael Forutan: Forutan stated that there is no nature around the building and all that is seen is concrete. He said to Chairperson Salazar that she believes that the plans are good and that it doesn't matter what others say. He feels that shrubs are needed and they don't take too much maintenance. He feels that the current plan won't last and that the plan must compensate for all the steel and glass of the building. Forutan suggested using staff from the Morton Arboretum to revise the plan. Commissioner Duff stated that the Commission cannot exceed the Library's lot lines when creating the plan. Salazar replied to Forutan that her views are not firmly set and that is why this meeting had been called, that is to hear what the residents have to say. She continued that, unfortunately, the Commission can't please everyone. She respects the suggestions made and the Commission will make a decision taking into account what was said at this meeting. Susan Beard recommended a few people from the Morton Arboretum that she has worked with in the past. Richard Allison asked how much budget has been allotted for landscaping. Salazar answered that the Commission does not have an official budget amount from the Village Board. Bill Lindeman stated that the Commission should be flexible with the budget and let the Village Board decide if too much money is being spent. Salazar announced that there are sheets available for comments to the Commission and those would be discussed at the follow -up meeting tomorrow. The meeting will be open to the public but the floor will not be open for public comment. VILLAGE OF OAK BROOK Minutes Page 5 of 6 August 2, 2005 Additional comments were received in written form. Author is given and comments are summarized below: Robert D. Goldstine: The Village should look at all the landscaping for the municipal buildings and create a cohesive plan for the Village property. Goldstine also suggests installing sprinkler systems and the screening and /or enclosure of air conditioning equipment. Nancy Hayden: Hire the design experts for Morton Arboretum, do overall plan, use surveillance system, use existing patios, plant shade trees, sprinkling system, cover HVAC equipment, soil amendment. Janet Kazan: Oak Brook = oak trees Bill Lindeman: Does not want a patio in the front garden, questions having an open spot that will encourage loitering. Prefers to open the fenced in patio outside the Meeting Room. Georgia Shubalis: Amend soil, sprinkler system, elegant appearance, professional plan, open the gates to the existing sitting areas, no seating in front, shade trees, overall plan to be implemented in stages. Susan Templetan: More shade trees, include water system in plan, low maintenance, soil analysis, use side patios and purchase surveillance system. Anonymous: Don't understand the problem, professionals drew up the plan and the Board should approve it so plantings can begin this fall. Anonymous: Get something done this year, enhance front of Library, some seating, some shade and a variety of color. Original plan had merit, just some tweaking may do it. 4. ADJOURNMENT: Commission Chairperson Salazar moved to adjourn the meeting at 8:40 p.m. Commissioner Bishlawi seconded the motion. ATTEST: s /Michelle M. Coduto Office Coordinator VILLAGE OF OAK BROOK Minutes Page 6 of 6 August 2, 2005 ADJRN