Loading...
Minutes - 02/07/2006 - Zoning Board of AppealsMINUTES OF THE FEBRUARY 7, 2006, REGULAR MEETING OF THE ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS OF THE VILLAGE OF OAK BROOK APPROVED AS WRITTEN ON MARCH 7, 2006. 1. CALL TO ORDER: CALL TO ORDER The Regular Meeting of the Zoning Board of Appeals was called to order by Chairman Chaxnp Davis in the Samuel E. Dean Board Room of the Butler Government Center at 7:31 p.m. 2. ROLL CALL: ROLL CALL Gail Polanek called the roll with the following persons PRESENT: Chairman Champ Davis, Members, Baker Nimry, Jeffrey Bulin, Glenn Krietsch, Manu Shah and Steven Young PRESENT BY TELCONFERENCE: Member Richard Ascher ABSENT: Member Manu Shah IN ATTENDANCE: Robert Kallien, Jr., Director of Community Development 3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: MINUTES REGULAR ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS MEETING OF JANUARY 3 2006 Motion by Member Young, seconded by Member Nimry, to approve the minutes of the January 3, 2006 Regular Zoning Board of Appeals meeting as written. VOICE VOTE: Motion carried. 4. UNFINISHED BUSINESS: UNFINISHED BUSINESS There was no unfinished business to discuss. 5. NEW BUSINESS NEW BUSINESS A. FOREST PRESERVE DISTRICT OF DUPAGE COUNTY — 1717 OAK FOREST PRESERVE DISTRICT DuPAGE BROOK ROAD MAYSLAKE PEABODY ESTATE — SPECIAL USE — CTY -- 1717 OAK TO AMEND SPECIAL USE S -841 (S1015) FROM 3.34 ACRES to 6.53 BROOK RD — sU — FROM 3 34 to 6 53 ACRES TO ALLOW THE INCLUSION OF THE LEARNING ACRES — ALLOW INSTITUTE FUTURE FORMAL GARDENS AND ALLOW A LEARNING INST, GARDENS AND PRODUCTION KITCHEN KITCHEN Chairman Davis swore in all parties representing the petitioner, which included Chrissie Howorth, Supervisor, Mayslake Peabody Estate, Tom Clay, Director VILLAGE OF OAK BROOK Zoning Board of Appeals Minutes Page 1 of 15 February 7, 2006 of Education, and Ross Hill, Project Engineer, all with the Forest Preserve District. He also swore in members of the audience that would provide testimony. Chairman Davis said that Member Nimry reeused himself from participating in the public hearing due to his interest in the subject matter as the Trinity Lakes Homeowner Association President. Member Nimry confirmed that he would not participate as a Zoning Board of Appeals member in this matter. Chrissie Howorth, Supervisor, Mayslake Peabody Estate, Forest Preserve District of DuPage County, provided an overview of the request. In 2003, the District petitioned to amend the Special Use permit to allow for safer public access to Mayslake Peabody Estate and to incorporate the former Retreat Wing, the historic entry arch, the historic prairie garden, the future formal garden, the paved parking lot, a special event area, and surrounding grounds. The request would have extended the special use area from the current 3.34 acres up to 46 acres. The Plan Commission and Zoning Board of Appeals approved the request, but in September of 2003, the District withdrew its petition to amend the Special Use Permit in order to complete improvements faded in part by a grant from the Illinois Department of Development and Economic Opportunity before the grant deadline expired. Since that time, they have had the opportunity to develop a comprehensive plan for Mayslake, which was approved by their Board of Commissioners on November 1, 2005, The programming aspects of the plan remain largely the same as they were before in their previous request, but they have substantially reduced the area of their special use amendment request, as the parking and infrastructure changes to their entryway and driveway have been completed in compliance with Village Code requirements. Their master plan was supported by a recent survey of DuPage County residents, which established that many adults were seeking to participate in educational programs within the district that felt there were limited opportunities. They anticipate many of these needs will be met at Mayslake as the plan expands their educational and cultural programming. They are working in partnership with local and regional groups and organizations. In addition, they are continuing with their limited special events. They plan to expand their services to include a gift shop and tea room. Their mission is to promote leadership and the ethical stewardship of our natural and cultural heritage and to encourage lifelong educational and cultural enrichment within the context of an historic environment. VILLAGE OF OAK BROOK Zoning Board of Appeals Minutes Page 2 of 15 February 7, 2006 As part of their approval process, they presented the plans to the public on site during three meetings held during October of 2005. They received only positive feedback from these meetings. To facilitate the execution of this Master Plan, the District is seeking to expand their current Special Use Permit area to be expanded from 3.34 acres to 6.53 acres. The expansion would allow the inclusion of the entire Learning Institute (formerly known as the Retreat Wing), the future formal garden, and the surrounding grounds. They also wish to amend the Special Use to allow for a production kitchen within the Learning Institute so that meals can be prepared on site by approved caterers for the various programs and events. In 2003, the Village Board of Trustees was keen to ensure that their vision for the site was in keeping with their status on the National Register of Historic Buildings. Throughout their planning and restoration, to date, they have been in close contact with the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency and following the Secretary of Interior standards for the rehabilitation and guidelines for the rehabilitation of historic buildings as they restore those areas listed on the National Register. They are also in receipt of a letter from the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency confirming that they have reviewed the conceptual master plan for parking and layout of the former Retreat Wing, and they have no objection to their proceeding as planned. Their proposed site improvements in the Learning Institute would include the following: • Design and construction of staff offices and office space to support their future foundation and program presenters. • An environmentally controlled artifact and biofact storage areas in the Learning Institute. • Design and construction of a gift shop, tea room and multi - purpose auditorium. • Design and construction of a production kitchen for caterers to provide freshly prepared meals on site. Approved caterers would use the area during programs and special events to support the small tea room operation. • In the historic portion of the building, they plan to construct the formal gardens based on the original landscape plans developed for the Estate in 1919. The garden will provide a venue for historic cultural programs in addition to providing a beautiful setting for events and tours. • They plan to continue to improve the quality of the historic Prairie Garden, woodlands, wetlands, and lake areas to provide a variety of public and professional environmental programs. VILLAGE OF OAK BROOK Zoning Board of Appeals Minutes Page 3 of 15 February 7, 2006 ■ The District will design any new improvements in keeping with the historic areas of the property and with approval from the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency. Further, all improvements will be in accordance with all the Village of Oak Brook building and engineering code requirements. She addressed a concern brought to their attention by the Plan Commission in regards to the work that they undertook in clearing non - native brush on their western property line. She confirmed that the Forest Preserve District has agreed to plant additional conifers along this boundary to give additional buffering between Mayslake Peabody Estate and Trinity Lakes and this work will take place in the fall of 2006. She respectfully requested that the Zoning Board of Appeals recommend approval of an amendment to their current Special Use Permit to increase the size of the special use property from 3.34 acres to 6.53 acres. Chairman Davis asked why the special use needed to be expanded since they own the property and can do what is allowed in a CR District without expanding the special use. Ms. Howorth responded that the current special use area only covers the historic portion of the building. They have the entire Retreat Wing that falls outside that area, apart from the bathroom area. Their programming and needs for the district require them to rehabilitate and use that space. The programs will be coordinated between the two buildings. They are expanding it so that they are in compliance with requests from the Village. Director of Community Development Kallien advised the Zoning Board of Appeals for clarification purposes of the new members that the Retreat Wing is located on the far end of the building. When the Village approved the original special use, the Forest Preserve District said the building would be removed at some point. Plans have changed over the years, and in 2002, the special use was expanded to include a breezeway. Consistent with that action, now that the Retreat Wing is going to be integrated into their overall plan, it would be appropriate to expand the special use to include the entire building. Member Krietsch commented that in essence the Village had asked them to come back for a special use pen-nit for that space. Director of Community Development Kallien responded that under the principles previously applied, whatever buildings that were going to be used for their extraordinary activities under the special use were included as part of the special use. Now that the Retreat Wing building is going to be utilized for the activities originally approved in their special use, it would be appropriate to expand that area. VILLAGE OF OAK BROOK Zoning Board of Appeals Minutes Page 4 of 15 February 7, 2006 M'.0 Chairman Davis noted that the Forest Preserve District sought special use approval in 1996, because prior to that time there was not a provision in the CR District for historical structures or uses. Now they are seeking to add the Retreat Wing because it will be used for the same purposes. Ms. Howorth agreed and said that it is for an expansion of those uses. One of the challenges since they are dealing with a historic building they are working in compliance with the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency and there are areas of the building that are not accessible under the Americans with Disabilities Act. They want to ensure that they can meet some of these needs and by utilizing areas of the Retreat Wing, they can continue their program without changing the mansion. Chairman Davis noted that the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency has seen and approved the proposed plan and there is a letter in the case file confirming that. The standards are on page C of the case file. 1. Is the type described_ in subsection Al of this Section, is deemed necessary for the public convenience at that location. Response: The Forest Preserve District of DuPage County is a public agency as required by Section 13- 14 -9A1. 2. Is so designed, located and proposed to be operated that the public health, safety and welfare will be protected. Response: The expanded special use area will allow the District to design and construct site improvements to allow public access to the facility and will be designed, located and operated in a manner that protects the health, safety and welfare of the public. 3. Would not cause substantial injury to the value of other property in the neighborhoods in which it is located. Response: The improvements to the Special Use area will not cause substantial injury to the value of other properties in the neighborhood in which it is located. Chairman Davis said that the report from Plan Commission was for unanimous approval, subject to one condition that the special use was to be developed in substantial conformance with the plans submitted. He noted that Ms. Howorth's testimony included that they would provide additional landscape along the western boundary of their property. He asked her to review that again, because if there was a recommendation for approval, it may be included as an additional condition of the special use approval. VILLAGE OF OAK BROOK Zoning Board of Appeals Minutes Page 5 of 15 February 7, 2006 Ms, Howorth said that the Plan Commission was concerned that after some non- native brush removal there was a rather sparse property line between Mayslake and the Trinity Lakes Subdivision. As spring develops, it will not be as sparse as it currently is, but is a concern with Trinity Lakes. Their intention is to work with the Trinity Lakes Subdivision throughout the development. The District has agreed to add additional buffering of conifers along the western property line (west of the driveway areas) and the planting will be done during the fall of 2006. Ross Hill, Project Engineer in the Forest Preserve District Office for Planning, said that when they completed the driveway project in 2003, a Village approved landscape plan was implemented and primarily consisted of trees and shrubs around the parking lots and islands. They realize that there is now a whole row of lights along the driveway. They have not had many complaints from the neighbors, but they do feel it would be advantageous and neighborly to install buffer plantings along there. There is a zone of vegetation to the west, but it is a non - native box elder type material and they do not want there. Ideally, they would like to remove it, but if they do so, it would reduce the buffer that is there. They would like to implement a plan where they start taking out some of the buckthorn slowly, in clumps, and replace it with pine trees. They still need to develop a landscape architect rendering of what they want to do. In general, they are thinking of installing 3 pine trees per light fixture to try to screen the neighbors as much as possible. They want it reviewed in detail before they finalize the landscape plan. Although, it is not a requirement, they would be happy to work with Village staff on the proposed landscape plan. Audrey Muschler, 55 Yorkshire Woods, a 46 -year Village resident, has supported the historic preservation of Peabody Estate and Mayslake Hall since 1990. She served as co- chairman of the coalition that initiated the referendum. This was a coalition of historic preservationist and open space people. She co- authored the nomination for the F.S. Peabody Estate and Mayslake Hall at the National Register of Historic Places, which was accomplished in February of 1994. She noted that Oak Brook supported the referendum and preservation of the site. Mayslake Hall is a very important part of Oak Brook's heritage. Members of the Landmark's Preservation Council of Illinois have said that there is not another historic site in Illinois that encompasses the significant architectural historic building and extensive grounds that exist on this site. Since 1990, the vision of F.S. Peabody Estate has been the historic restoration of Mayslake Hall and the preservation of the wetlands, lakes, oak groves, prairie, and the establishment of cultural, educational, and environmental programs. The Forest Preserve District has been an excellent steward of this VILLAGE OF OAK BROOK Zoning Board of Appeals Minutes Page 6 of 15 February 7, 2006 M-ow property. They are working with the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency and the historic restoration process. Many cultural and educational programs are being offered and the historic gardens are being restored. The Forest Preserve staff and commissioners have adopted a Master Plan for the creation of a Learning Center in the Retreat Wing. It will be a significant benefit to the residents and the Village of Oak Brook, which has been their vision since 1990. Mayslake is for everyone and for all ages. The approval of the Special Use will enable the expansion of quality programs in the Retreat Wing, fulfill the adaptive use of the marvelous resource, the Retreat Wing, and allow Mayslake to reach its full potential. Merl Douglas, 5 Baybrook Lane, in 1966 said that he, his wife and their four children moved from Philadelphia into their Ginger Creek home, when Sears named him the Executive Director of the company's $4 billion Profit Sharing Fund. Their family has been grateful beneficiaries for 4 decades of the many benefits accruing from living in a community like Oak Brook. In all of the years since then, the members of his family have in various ways and in diverse manners, tried to find ways to preserve the special beauty and other benefits of Oak Brook. That includes great neighbors, wonderful schools, and public officials who are honest and responsive. He and his family were among the first and most active members of Christ Church of Oak Brook. Today, its steeple dominates the corner of 31't and York, partly because Paul Butler strongly believed that a Village like Oak Brook needed a nondenominational institution that could serve as the Village church. He donated part of the land where the church presently stands, so that Christ Church could take over that assignment, which it has performed for 40 years. His late wife, Muriel became well known in the western suburbs as a passionate and expert gardener and quilter. She shared with a myriad of others, her plants, her fabrics, and her expertise. Four years ago, he became a volunteer tour guide at Mayslake. Since that time, he has lead battalions from Oak Brook and other towns through the 39 room Oak Brook treasure. The rooms are filled with beauty, memories, and surprises. Besides the tours, Mayslake presents indoor and outdoor theatrical professional performers of the First Folio Shakespeare Company. There are a wide range of offerings, such as classes, lectures, musical programs, high teas, conferences, special events, and other gatherings; and of course, the forest preserves lakes and spacious grounds. As commendable what Mayslake is doing now, pales in comparison, when you take into consideration what it is going to become possible, if the Village acts to grant the request for the special VILLAGE OF OAK BROOK Zoning Board of Appeals Minutes Page 7 of 15 February 7, 2006 el�� use permit. Under this Master Plan, which he has examined with great excitement, the proliferation, and variety of services Mayslake offers, will be accelerated and broadened. This Oak Brook treasure can thus become a vastly expanded educational and cultural center, bringing bold new dimensions of interest, edification, and pleasure that everyone, of all ages and interests can enjoy, and it won't cost a penny of Village funds. He hopes that the requested presented inspires the board's enthusiastic support and eventually its thanks, which he extended to the board. Mr. Davis Rice, co- founder and producer of the First Folio Shakespeare Festival said that the First Folio Shakespeare Festival has been performing at the Peabody Estate for almost 10 years. First, they produced outdoor Shakespeare and now they are doing indoor theater in the mansion portion of the building. They are extremely excited about the Master Plan and the potential it has for expanding the cultural activities in Oak Brook. One of the wonderful things about Oak Brook has been its grounds, sports facilities and other things. However, the cultural aspects have been less than they might be, and this Master Plan would allow for an even fuller use of the property to benefit both professional and student activities. They have already begun hosting school tours for performances in the mansion, which are tied into the tours of the grounds, building and environmental areas. The opportunity that it will allow them, as well as other cultural groups, to have a medium size performing space would be outstanding, and an asset to the cultural activities in Oak Brook. Member Ascher asked how many square feet they plan to improve in the addition, and the number of employees that will be staffed in the area; and requested more information about the tea room. Mr. Ross Hill responded that the Retreat Wing is kind of an E- shaped building and each floor and the outside of the E is about 15,000 square feet per floor. There are 4 floors, which results in about 60,000 square feet, plus the large chapel in the middle and the conference room below and totals about 90,000 square feet. The second floor is going to be primarily reserved for staff use. Ms. Howorth added that their plan is to relocate their office of education to the second floor and to have classroom space that would be available for use by other educational facilities owned and operated by the Forest Preserve District. They are one of five educational facilities. The general running of Mayslake Hall and its programming would take place on the first floor. The plans for the tea room would be a tearoom and gift shop that they would be able to offer light refreshments for people engaged in the tours and programs and have a place where they could sit midway through the programming. Their intention is to VILLAGE OF OAK BROOK Zoning Board of Appeals Minutes Page 8 of 15 February 7, 2006 work with an approved caterer for the area. The tea room would be on the ground level of the west side of the building. Member Ascher asked how many employees there would be, and the purpose of those employees that would be housed in the Retreat Wing. In addition, with 90,000 square feet, what would the office space be used for; and staffing of the people that are personnel, which are needed for what is going on in Mayslake. Ms. Howorth responded that they are dealing with two separate sets of staffing, although they are all part of the Office of Education. Mayslake Hall currently has a staff of 3 full time and 1 part time employee, which includes herself as Supervisor, an Events Coordinator, a Maintenance Coordinator and a part time staff assistant. Their intention is to add, over a course of years, in compliance with their budget and district plans, another 3 members of staff. Those would be involved in education and interpretive programming; they would be historic and educational interpreters. Their plan is that they would also work with the Office of Education and the members of staff that would coordinate programming through that area. Tom Clay, Director of Education for the Forest Preserve District, said that there are 3 people currently in his office staff, including himself. Two managers work with him in the central office. Down the road, as the plan evolves at this site with Village approval, is to have the central education operations at Mayslake. They have 6 education centers in the district, but they do not have the space and space to do educational programming. Those education outreach managers would be located there. Their vision is for the day when they have local schools and buses come to the site where they have classes going on not only for students, but also for professional development programs for teachers. Places like Fullersburg Woods are jewels for them, but they do not have classroom space to have those kinds of programs, and that is what they would gain at this site. In response to Member Ascher's question, at this point, there would be 2 additional people joining the 3 full time people and the part time person that are currently at the site. Hopefully, the day will come, when they will have more of a staff presence there, with a centralized staff to be used as the education hub for the County. Chairman Davis questioned where the other education offices are located. Mr. Clay responded that they have Fullersburg Woods, Mayslake Estate, Willowbrook Wildlife Center in Glen Ellyn, Danada Equestrian Center in Wheaton, Kleim Creek Farm in Winfield and James Pate Philip State Park in the northwest corner of the County, which is actually a State Park, but they have a cooperative agreement with the Department of Natural Resources where VILLAGE OF OAK BROOK. Zoning Board of Appeals Minutes Page 9 of 15 February 7, 2006 they staff the Visitor's Center there, as well as program opportunities. Chairman Davis asked if the staff referred to, were all employees of the Forest Preserve District. Mr. Clay responded that they were. Ms. Howorth said that as part of the educational program throughout the district, they are invoked with professional development for departments that are not actually part of the educational office. They have the Office of Planning, the Office of Grounds and Resources and Office of Forestry. Their intention is that they would also do programming on site, but they would return to their own locations. When she refers to professional development, they would not be employing staff to do that, it would be currelit district staff employed in other areas of the district. They have a Teacher's Institute Day on March 3£d and there will be 83 teachers from the region as well as district personnel from the other offices of education that come in for that day and then go back to their sites. Member Ascher said that his concern is that when the original special use was approved they were going to come back and tell the Village what they were going to do with the building, including tear it down. Now it seems that we are at the beginnings of a huge project that could lead to things that we have not planned for when the special use was approved. Member Young said that he concurs with Member Ascher and if we have gone from point A to B and now to C, does that mean that by granting this special use, we will be giving them the power to go to point D, E, and F. Chairman Davis said that the testimony has been that they were at one time considering going to D, E and F, and they are now no longer considering that. The Special Use was going to be expanded to 40+ acres and now the plan has changed so that the request is only to expand to 6.53 acres. Ms. Howorth responded that she completely confirms that they have spent 2005 working intensively to develop a plan that would meet their needs, the community's needs and the district's future needs. Everything that they have any intention of doing is contained within that plan and it is a way of utilizing only the building that is there. Their intention is to use that building to the best of their ability and in a way that will be responsible to the public they are serving. Chairman Davis referred back to the standards, and said that the Peabody Mansion already exists, and is going to continue to exist. It is within the VILLAGE OF OAK BROOK Zoning Board of Appeals Minutes Page 10 of 15 February 7, 2006 1��� Special Use that had previously been granted and it will be used by the public. The standards that have to be satisfied to expand the special use say that the special use must be so designed, located and operated so that the public health, safety and welfare will be protected. Many of the things that are planned for in the Retreat Wing do affect the safety, health and welfare of the public and allow the existing special use to be conducted so that there is more public benefit. Ms. Howorth agreed. Chairman Davis said that the question before the Zoning Board of Appeals is not necessarily, how many acres are being added to the special use, it is, will the additional uses be operated to protect the public health, safety and welfare. It appears to him that they are expanding the facility so that they can protect the health, safety and welfare of the public. Member Bulin said that when he was on the Plan Commission, he was disappointed to hear that at one point, there was an option of tearing down the Retreat Wing, because he thought there were opportunities to use it for the public benefit. He thinks that this is an extremely good proposal in order to use the facility to the benefit of the community. Chairman Davis said that this area is immediately adjacent to the Peabody Mansion and the special use really relates to historic places, so he is not sure what else could be done on this property that would tie back into the historic use other than what they are doing. In his mind, he does not have the concern that the Forest Preserve District will be back next year, or the following year asking for more because the structures that are there, are there, and there are no new structures to be built; only improvements within those structures and those are the only structures related to the historic uses. Ms. Howorth said that their plan is to rehabilitate the area as the funds become available. Their Development Plan and Master Plan have fundraising goals of $12 million, so she anticipates that it is going to take them a considerable amount of time to do the work that they are intending to do. It is a program that will last the length of time that they are going to be doing this. Member Bulin asked if the formal gardens were ever constructed. Ms. Howorth responded that they were not. They have renderings of the formal gardens. They have a volunteer team of gardeners and they have researched the period of the property and extended it around the former Retreat Wing so that they could incorporate it into the space of the historic part. Member Bulin asked when the two wings that are going to be removed, were VILLAGE OF OAK BROOK Zoning Board of Appeals Minutes Page 11 of 15 February 7, 2006 added to the Estate. She responded that it is their belief that the convent wing and garage were added in the early 1970's and the Retreat Wing was added in the 1950's; and consequently are not part of the historic structure and is not on the National Register. Member Bulin asked if the 1920's landscape plan of the formal garden included drawings for any other part of the site. She responded that it did not. Their interpretation was to use period correct perennials, to make the area more attractive, and to incorporate it into their plans. Member Bulin asked if the landscaping planned to buffer the homes in Trinity Lakes, would incorporate period plantings out toward 31St Street. Mr. Hill responded that the best buffer plantings would be pine trees but there are not any pine trees native to DuPage County. They typically install Eastern White Pine as the best alternative. The plantings along the formal gardens would be very different from that and would need some expertise to get that type of appearance. Ms. Howorth said there was not a plant list that went with the formal gardens. They extensively researched the 1922 plants and all the species that were originated in 1922 or prior to that. They then worked with landscape architects to come up with an approach to the plantings. Director of Community Development Kallien said that for the benefit of the new members, there is a substantial amount of new parking that has been added to the site and greatly enhances the ability of cars to utilize the facility. They provided a new access point, turn lane and an emergency access point to enter into the property; so there have been a lot of site improvements that relate to the public health, safety and welfare. They have enhanced the accessibility of the overall property and had every right to do that previously under the Code; that is why the special use is not amended for that particular area. Mr. Hill commented that the parking lot was completed in 2003 and was designed based on the full build out scenario, assuming that they would eventually be able to get use of the Retreat Wing. There are currently 267 parking stalls and that was primarily predicated on the large chapel inside the Retreat Wing would have a capacity of about 300 people for a large event and there have been some events on the First Folio stage that have come close to that. 300 visitors are about the maximum number they anticipate at the preserve. Ms. Howorth said that from a programming perspective, they are extremely VILLAGE OF OAK BROOK Zoning Board of Appeals Minutes Page 12 of 15 February 7, 2006 keen about offering quality over quantity because they are working with a historic building and are conscientious about not overlapping programs. They do not intend to have groups that exceed that amount. They also work with the fire department to ensure that they are aware of the areas they use; and that would have about seating for about 300 people for an inside event. Member Ascher asked about the special events they have in mind. Ms. Howorth responded that the special events are events held throughout the year; such as private weddings, memorials, baptisms, and events that take place in the 62 -seat chapel, so they are small events. They would extend it to use the auditorium area for slightly larger events, such as reunions, corporate seminars, or that type of event. They are also working to host professional development, which would be run by the district and other agencies. They currently work with the Village of Oak Brook hosting their Swat Team training. They work with the DuPage County Sheriff to host their Swat Team training so that they have a secure space. In terms of marketing, they would make people aware that they are willing to work with both public and private organizations that are interested in programs that benefit the public. Member Ascher asked when the Forest Preserve holds these types of events do they pay any taxes. Director of Community Development Kallien responded that they are a public agency and he is not aware that the Village has collect any sales tax, which could be checked out with the Finance Director. Chairman Davis asked if the gift shop would generate sales tax. Ms. Howorth responded that they would be paying sales tax in that instance. They work with their Office of Finance that would be involved in that process. The district is tax except. Director of Community Development Kallien questioned whether the Village garnered any revenue for the outdoor Shakespeare festival, and asked that Ms. Howorth check that out. She responded that she would. She noted that the First Folio pays very minimal rent per month to be operational. Their intention is that by bringing people to the site, they are increasing the public use rather than revenue generation, so they do not collect on any of the tickets. Member Ascher said that his concern is that the Village would be responsible for the health safety and welfare of the people attending the events, but there would be very little tax coming in. If a commercial organization would sponsor it, they would be charged the tax revenue and the Village would have its percentage of that tax revenue to support the necessary police and fire department services that would be required in the event of an emergency. VILLAGE OF OAK BROOK Zoning Board of Appeals Minutes Page 13 of 15 February 7, 2006 Member Young asked whether the Forest Preserve District had its own police department. Ms. Howorth responded that they have their own police department and provide their own security. The Village would respond only to 911 calls. Member Young asked that a copy of the foils from the Power Point demonstration given at their October meeting with the residents, be submitted to the Village for the file. Member Young asked if they planned to change the drainage on the property. Mr. Hill responded that was done when the parking lot was completed and approved by the Village Engineer. Baker Nimry, 703 St. Joseph Drive, said that they have been neighbors to the Forest Preserve District for many years. Over the last several years, they have made a 10 -fold improvement to the grounds, which are beautiful and should be visited. They have an excellent relationship with the Forest Preserve District; they are very cooperative and things are improving. He referred to a letter he received from the Forest Preserve District and said that the concern of the Trinity Lakes Subdivision is that if the special use is approved, the traffic would increase in the area. There are approximately a dozen homes on St. Francis Circle that several years ago backed onto a heavily wooded area. With the improvements made to the grounds, quite a few of the houses are now backing up to the parking lot. Their request is to improve the buffering area for several reasons; light abatement, noise abatement and a wooded area view from those back yards rather than that of a parking lot. It sounds like the Forest Preserve is willing to improve the buffer; however, he would like the Village to ensure that it is taken care of, in case he is not around. Chairman Davis said it could be added as a condition of the special use approval. Director of Community Development Kallien said that there should be an implementation schedule included. No one in the audience spoke in opposition to the request. Chairman Davis said that the special use standards have been addressed in testimony and in writing. The Zoning Board of Appeals is in receipt of the Plan Commission's unanimous recommendation of approval subject to development in accordance with the site improvement plans. VILLAGE OF OAK BROOK Zoning Board of Appeals Minutes Page 14 of 15 February 7, 2006 Motion by Member Krietsch, seconded by Member Bulin to recommend approval of the proposed special use to expand the area of the special use to accommodate several site improvements as requested from 3.34 acres to 6.53 acres as shown on page K of the case file, subject to the following conditions: 1. Development to be in accordance with the plans as submitted on pages M and N of the case file. 2. Subject the development and approval of a landscape plan to plant additional conifers along the west side of the parking lot. Work to be completed by the end of fall 2006. 3. All other provisions of Ordinances S -841 and S -1015 remain in full force and effect. ROLL CALL VOTE: Ayes: 4 — Members Bulin, Krietsch, Young and Chairman Davis Nays: 1 — Member Ascher Absent: 2 — Members Nimry and Shah. Motion Carried 6. OTHER BUSINESS: There was no other business to discuss. 7. ADJOLEMIENT: Motion by Member Bulin, seconded by Member Nimry to adjourn the meeting at 8:40 p.m. VOICE VOTE: Motion carried. ATTEST: Robert Kallien, Dir ctor of pity Development Secretary VILLAGE OF OAK BROOK Zoning Board of Appeals Minutes Page 15 of 15 February 7, 2006 OTHER BUSINESS ADJOURNMENT