Minutes - 08/16/2010 - Plan CommissionMINUTES OF THE AUGUST 16, 2010 REGULAR
MEETING OF THE PLAN COMMISSION OF THE
VILLAGE OF OAK BROOK APPROVED AS WRITTEN
ON OCTOBER 18, 2010
CALL TO ORDER: CALL To ORDER
The Regular Meeting of the Plan Commission was called to order by Chairwoman
Tropinski in the Samuel E. Dean Board Room of the Butler Government Center at
7:32 p.m.
2. ROLL CALL: Rocs CALL
Gail Polanek called the roll with the following persons
PRESENT: Chairwoman, Marcia Tropinski, Members Thomas Doyle, Raymond
Dunn, Raju Iyer, Gopal Lalmalani, Robert Lindgren and Mintu
Sharma
IN ATTENDANCE: Robert Kallien Jr., Director of Community Development
3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING OF THE PLAN COMMISSION OF JUNE 21.2010
Motion by Member Iyer, seconded by Member Lalmalani to approve the minutes of
the June 21, 2010 Regular Plan Commission meeting as written. VOICE VOTE:
Motion Carried
Chairwoman Tropinski announced that by agreement of the Commissioners New
Business would be heard before Unfinished Business.
5. NEW BUSINESS NEW BUSINESS
A. OLIVET NAZARENE UNIVERSITY — INLAND OAK BROOK LOJAZARENE I sv _
INTERNATIONAL OFFICE CENTER LLC — 2809 BUTTERFIELD ROAD — INLAND Oe INT•L
OFFICE CENTER,
SPECIAL USE — NON RESIDENTIAL, POST BACCALAUREATE LLC - 28
SCHOOL EUTTERFIELD -
SPECIAL USE
SCa00L
Robert Michael Shehorn, 18 S. Stough Street, Hinsdale, Illinois, on behalf of Olivet
Nazarene University, School of Graduate and Continuing Studies provided an
overview and background of the school and its special use request. It was founded
in 1907 as an institution of higher learning. It has been located in Bourbonnais,
Illinois, since 1939. It is fully accredited with approximately 4,500 students. Of
those, 2,000 are undergraduates and 2,500 are graduate continuing education
students, which are evening students. Olivet offers 100 undergraduate and 12
graduate programs. Most of the graduate programs are concentrated in business,
VILLAGE OF OAK BROOK
Regular Plan Commission Minutes Page 1 of 8 August 16, 2010
VAIL-
nursing and education. The School for Graduate and Continuing Studies has had its
regional center in Rolling Meadows since 2004. They recently renewed the lease at
that location for another 10 years.
The proposed regional site in Oak Brook will be located at 2809 Butterfield Road
and would fall under the direction of their School for Graduate and Continuing
Studies. Their success to date and projected growth necessitate another suburban
location. Their demographic studies indicated that the optimal placement for a site
should be along the I -88 corridor and they looked at sites in Oak Brook, Downers
Grove, Lombard and Naperville, among others. Their strong preference was for the
2809 Butterfield location in Oak Brook with a target opening date of December 15,
2010. The site is approximately 9,800 usable square feet, which will have three
classrooms and some space for limited daytime administrative functions on the
second floor.
The School for Graduate and Continuing Studies is entirely nonresidential and
focuses on adult learners with the median age being around 35. It focuses primarily
on graduate and to a much lesser extent, undergrad programs in business, education,
and nursing. The mix is currently eighty percent (80 %) graduate and twenty percent
(20 %) undergraduate, with the latter focusing primarily on business and nursing
degree programs.
While most of their studies for graduate and continuing studies post baccalaureate
programs do not require Olivet prerequisite courses as a condition for entry, they
have requested as an integral part of their application, an exemption from the twenty
percent (20 %) perquisite limitation requirement. The basis for the request is that
they would like to retain the flexibility to require such, should a future program
warrant.
A parking analysis prepared by Inland demonstrates an abundance of parking
available for their anticipated daytime use. Classes will be held on Monday through
Thursday between 6-10 p.m. and ample parking will be available during that time
since the vast majority of tenants are gone before 6:00 p.m.
They have reviewed and will be compliant with the Sign Regulations and provided a
conceptual plan to show how the sign would look and were aware that a sign permit
must be obtained.
He also recognized the Village planning staff for all of their assistance in this
process.
Member Lindgren questioned whether the space was occupied or vacant.
Mr. Shehorn responded that some was vacant and the balance was used by Inland.
Member Doyle questioned the number of students they were anticipating.
VILLAGE OF OAK BROOK
Regular Plan Commission Minutes Page e22 of 8 August 16, 2010
Mr. Shehorn responded that it might take a couple of years to get to the full capacity
of 127, which would include students and professors.
Member Iyer commented that he was excited about Olivet Nazarene University
choosing to locate a campus in Oak Brook
Motion by Member Doyle, seconded by Member Iyer to recommend approval of the
special use to allow Olivet Nazarene University to operate a non residential post
baccalaureate school at 2809 Butterfield Road, subject to the following conditions:
1. Olivet Nazarene University shall occupy approximately 9,800 square feet of
space in the building located at 2809 Butterfield Road in substantial
conformance with the plans as submitted.
2. Comply with all other applicable rules and ordinances of the Village of Oak
Brook.
3. Exempt the 20 percent provision in the definition of school from the special
use.
ROLL CALL VOTE:
Ayes: 7 — Members Doyle, Dunn, Iyer, Lalmalani, Lindgren, Sharma and
Chairwoman Tropinski
Nays: 0 — Motion Carried.
4. UNFINISHED BUSINESS UNFINISHED
BUSINESS
A. VILLAGE OF OAK BROOK TEXT AMENDMENT — SIGN �s T VILLAGE
REGULATIONS — VILLAGE OWNED WAY FINDING SIGNAGE OWNBD WAY SIG
NDINO DISCUSSION (LIMITED TO VILLAGE OF OAK BROOK PUBLIC RIGHT DISCUSSION (L7GDa
OF WAYS) OF WA S) nlcar
Director of Community Development Kallien said that the Plan Commission had
agreed at the last meeting to separate the banner issue from the way fording signage
review since they are completely different issues.
Staff is now recommending that the Plan Commission focus again on the goal of a
way finding signage program. In his memorandum, there were key issues that
should be reconciled and addressed as part of any recommendation. .
Chairwoman Tropinski reviewed the memorandum with the commissioners.
Issue #1: Where should Village wUzfinding signs be located?
Comments — As part of the Commercial Revitalization Plan, the consultant
team from Houseal Lavigne identified a number of locations which would be
appropriate for Village way - finding signage: 22 °d Street and Windsor Drive;
VILLAGE OF OAK BROOK
Regular Plan Commission Minutes Page 3 of 8 August 16, 2010
22nd Street and Enterprise Drive; 22nd Street and Jorie Boulevard; Jorie
Boulevard and Kensington Road; and Spring Road and Commerce Drive.
Member Lindgren questioned how the locations were chosen.
Director of Community Development Kallien responded that these locations lack
identity. Some are located along cul -de -sacs and from the consultant's perspective
lack identification.
Member Doyle questioned which of the locations showed the most interest from
commercial building owners and tenants as the result of staff's recent survey. He
noted that a recommendation should follow the buildings that need help.
Director of Community Development Kallien said that most of the responses came
from locations on Kensington and Jorie Blvd. He added that unless the McDonald's
site (on Jorie) had been visited, someone would not know that there is a large hotel
and restaurants open to the public, because of the lack of signage. A similar
problem exists for Ace Hardware located on Kensington, because it that cannot be
seen even when you are on Kensington because it is tucked back on a cul -de -sac.
The Crossing development, which is tucked in and located at the very west end of
Kensington, is under new ownership and the buildings are being marketed as Class
A buildings, which are about 60 percent leased. Each time the buildings are shown
to prospective clients, the major concern is the lack of identity. If signage were
visible from Route 83 or I -88, once someone turns onto Jorie Blvd., the buildings
are difficult to locate. He suggested that the program could start along a few of
these streets and if it is successful, the program could be expanded to other areas.
Problems or issues can be addressed if they occur.
Chairwoman Tropinski summarized that the response to the first issue is that there is
definitely a need for way finding signage for businesses within the community.
Issue #2: What should the primary purpose be for Village owned way-findina
signs?
Comments — As part of the research on this issue, Staff sent out questionnaires
to the building owners and major tenants that occupy space in the areas
mentioned to determine their interest/opinions on way finding signage. A
number of responses were received that indicate there is a need for some type
of way finding signage to help visitors find a particular location. Some
businesses lack visibility from the adjacent streets (i.e., Hyatt Lodge,
Residence Inn and Ace Hardware).
Director of Community Development Kallien said that Oak Brook is a rather small
community. There is a lot of different signage, including traffic controls and other
signs that are guides, etc. It is not uncommon to find directional signage located in
Oak Brook, but the idea is coming up with a regimented system to minimize the
VILLAGE OF OAK BROOK
Regular Plan Commission Minutes Page 4 of 8 August 16, 2010
Vt-/
number of signs to create the greatest amount of impact to get people where they
want to go in a particular area. Even though GPS technology exists, many people do
not have it, or will not ever have it. The way that some buildings are oriented, it is
difficult to find an address. The intention is to come up with a way to address the
issues in a way that will not degrade the community.
Member Lindgren said that he understood the concerns of the businesses and
questioned how it would be controlled and managed to meet the needs of large
buildings with many tenants to those with a single identity.
Director of Community Development Kallien responded that there are pros and cons
in this type of signage. One of the negatives is what would happen if it became too
popular. Criteria would need to be established. The Village owns the area where
the signs would be placed, as well as the sign structure. A standard design and
color, along with approval and an application process will need to be established.
Chairwoman Tropinski noted that the Plan Commission should define the primary
purpose of the way finding signs and once the purpose is defined, everything else
would fall into place. Since the Village would own the sign, it should be known that
it is a Village sign by an identifying stamp and not advertisement for a business.
The purpose may be to accommodate visitors by helping to create good traffic flow,
which includes safety. Ace Hardware and the McDonald campus are perfect
examples, because they are hard to find because you cannot locate a sign while
traveling along a main thoroughfare. Some type of way finding is needed since there
are no visibility markers that allow someone to see inside these areas. Other kinds
of way finding signs could be a courtesy for visitors and should be uniform in
design, possibly, including signs along Route 83 that could say Oakbrook Center
and list the exit.
The commissioners discussed, how large and how many names should be listed on
the signs.
Director of Community Development Kallien said signs should enable people to get
where they need to go without creating a distraction and they need to be concise.
Member Lindgren commented that it could be very limited in order to solve very
specific problems or to integrate that it into a broader community oriented identity
signage program, which would be a larger undertaking. DuPage County and the
Park District have their own identity concerns.
Director of Community Development Kallien said that one of the goals is
cooperation with other governmental partners with the County, Forest Preserve and
Park districts. Should the Village develop a good design it may encourage them to
participate with similar designs. The purpose of the signs is not to promote sales; it
is a service to direct customers and visitors where it is lacking.
VILLAGE OF OAK BROOK
Regular Plan Commission Minutes Page 55oof` -8 August 16, 2010
A"
Member Doyle noted that people usually have an address of where they are going
and it seems that the building addresses should be highlighted. In most cases, there
usually is not a single major tenant. In some signage, it might be just the numbers
located down the street, which might be sufficient to direct people to where they are
going.
Member Dunn said that the address might be the key item to have on the signs and
for a single tenant like Ace, have their name next to it. You cannot cater to every
tenant in the building, but rather the address so people can find the building.
Member Lindgren noted that address signage is found more in industrial park type
settings, which was his concern in relying too much with addresses so that it does
not project a downscale industrial park image.
Member Iyer said that in Naperville there are examples such as for Edward Hospital,
which is a campus type setting and the signs, show the address with the arrows.
Director of Community Development Kallien added that colleges also use that type
of signage to get people to the building names or addresses.
Member Dunn said that he visited the Burr Ridge Shopping Center and commented
that the signage shows where everything is located.
Director of Community Development Kallien said that Burr Ridge accommodated
that signage within their current sign code and they are treated as if they were
governmental signs. They are orange and white and nothing conflicts with the
signage, which catches the eye, and it has the name of the business and an arrow.
Member Sharma noted those signs are specific to that shopping center and we are
seeking village -wide signs, and we need to be careful.
Director of Community Development Kallien said that Oakbrook Center does not
have any interest in providing directions to specific stores. The focus is village -
owned way finding signage.
Member Doyle questioned whether there were any IDOT regulations that govern
signage along their rights of way, such as blue for hospitals, etc.
Chairwoman Tropinski said that the signs should have a brand to reflect the
character of Oak Brook. The way finding signs should be something that is easily
changeable, such as pole signage with metal lettering and a background theme that
would resonate with Oak Brook, as well as color that could be modified easily
without a great cost.
VILLAGE OF OAK BROOK
Regular Plan Commission Minutes Page 6 of 8 August 16, 2010
Director of Community Development Kallien noted that any sign located in the right
of way could have the potential to be a hazard if a vehicle would hit it. A single
post would bend over, but would not cause severe injury to the occupants.
Monument signs could create more of a hazard and the village would take on a
certain level of liability, so that should be minimized.
Chairwoman Tropinski said that the color should be left to the experts since they
know what attracts your eyes to the signage, which would all be subject to Village
Board approval.
Director of Community Development Kallien said that when they Village changed
the streets signs several schemes were selected and residents viewed them. With
commercial signs for example, if the Hyatt Lodge would be responsible to purchase
way finding signs, they may want to provide some input as the residents did.
Chairwoman Tropinski noted that Oak Brook wants to support its businesses and
visitors that are coming into the area, which is good public relations for Oak Brook,
however, care should be used to avoid the impression of having over - signage in
certain areas.
Member Lahnalani added that he also had that same concern and did not want to see
that occur down Jorie Blvd. He questioned what happened to the Beautification
Plan that had been approved.
Director of Community Development Kallien responded that based on the financial
condition of the Village, the Village Board opted not to implement those
recommendations, although the approved plan is still on the books.
Chairwoman Tropinski noted that IDOT has certain standards for right of way
signage that dictates color, size, height, placement, etc, which would be a good place
to start.
Director of Community Development Kallien said that the Public Works Director
would attend the next meeting to talk about IDOT and right of way signage.
William Lindeman, resident said that many good comments were made regarding
the way finding signage. He also commented on building signage saying that
logically, the street number should be the first means to locate a building. Many of
the buildings should be able to be located by address, such as Ace Hardware and
McDonald's. He questioned whether the County allowed way finding signs on its
property and suggested getting legal advice before the door is opened on way
finding signage.
Simon Sheers, York Woods resident, said that way finding signs are intended to
guide visitors to a specific address. It would encourage corporate buildings to
display their address clearly and agreed that they are not clearly displayed on Jorie
VILLAGE OF OAK BROOK
Regular Plan Commission Minutes Page 7 of 8 August 16, 2010
Blvd. With Village owned way finding signs it is difficult to decide whether to
display a company name or an address and he suggested that an idea would be to
consider the percentage occupied by one company of a building in making that
determination.
Director of Community Development Kallien said that at the next regular meeting,
he would provide updated information based on what was discussed at this meeting.
Motion by Member Doyle, seconded by Member Iyer to continue the way finding
review to the next regular meeting. VOICE VOTE: Motion carried.
6. OTHER BUSINESS
There was no other business to discuss.
ADJOURNMENT:
Motion by Member Iyer, seconded by Member Dunn to adjourn the meeting at 8:57
p.m. VOICE VOTE: Motion carried.
ATTEST:
Robert Kallien, Direct of Co unity Development
Secretary
VILLAGE OF OAK BROOK
Regular Plan Commission Minutes Page 8 of 8 August 16, 2010
OTHER
BUSINESS
ADJOURNMENT