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Minutes - 02/13/2017 - Plan CommissionVILLACi I Of OAK B R92K� CALL TO ORDER: MINUTES OF THE FEBRUARY 13, 2017 SPECIAL MEETING OF THE PLAN COMMISSION OF THE VILLAGE OF OAK BROOK APPROVED AS WRITTEN ON MAY 15, 2017 The 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 7:07 p.m. 2. ROLL CALL: Gail Polanek called the roll with the following persons PRESENT: Chairwoman Marcia Tropinski, Members Thomas Doyle, Raj Lai, Simon Sheers and Kenneth Wilczak ABSENT: Members Raju Iyer and Naveen Jain IN ATTENDANCE: Trustee Edward Tiesenga, Director Development Services, Robert Kallien, Planner Rebecca Von Drasek, and Planning Technician Gail Polanek APPROVAL OF MINUTES: MEETING OF THE PLAN COMMISSION OF DECEMBER 19.2016 Motion by Member Lal, seconded by Member Doyle to waive the reading of the minutes and to approve the minutes of the December 19, 2016 Regular Plan Commission meeting as written. VOICE VOTE: Motion Carried. 4. NEW BUSINESS CALL TO ORDER ROLL CALL MINUTES DECEMBER 19, 2016 NEW BUSINESS A. VILLAGE OF OAK BROOK — 1200 OAK BROOK ROAD — SPECIAL USE VOB - 1200 OAK BROOK RD - SU - - ZONING ORDINANCE SECTION 13 -6A -2 — NEW VILLAGE NEW VILLAGE COMMUNICATION TOWER COMMUNICATION TOWER Jim Fox, IT Director, Village of Oak Brook provided the history of the existing telecommunication tower and overview of the request to construct a new 120 -foot tower. He noted that the original tower was an 80 -foot lattice tower that may have been constructed around the time the main Village Hall or Public Works building was constructed in the late 1970's. It supported the services for the antennas used by the public safety divisions. In 2006, Sprint/Nextel approached the Village with the possibility of adding a cell phone tower. Sprint constructed the tower that also supports all of the Village public safety equipment. They also constructed a 10 x 20 foot shelter at the base of the tower. The Village did not want two (2) towers on the VILLAGE OF OAK BROOK Special Plan Commission Minutes Page 1 of 6 February 13, 2017 ground of the Village property. In 2011, the Village approved AT &T to construct a 15 -foot extension to add a cell site to the tower. Approximately two years ago, Mike Howley, Insite Inc. an acquisition company, representing Verizon Communication, approached the Village about adding another 15 -foot extension on the tower. The existing tower was designed for a single carrier and not for an extension to hold three (3) cellular carriers. It was determined that the cost to modify the existing tower to handle the proposed extension was comparable to the construction of a new tower. It was also found that the existing tower leans to the northeast about 6 -8 inches and that over time the structure had actually been overloaded. The original carrier Sprint had put antennas on the tower that has actually started twisting the tower, although there is no structural danger of the tower collapsing. The concern is to add another 15 -foot section to the 95 -foot tower. The higher it goes the lean would be more pronounced and more visible. In addition, the co -ax cables would need to be located on the outside of the tower, which would not be visually desired. The proposal from Verizon is that they would construct a new tower, turn over ownership of the tower to the Village upon completion, and then would pay a monthly lease to the Village. All of the radio equipment would be migrated to the new tower and the Village would be in a much better position. The property is zoned for a 120 -foot tower. Many residents are interested in having good cell signals within their homes. Pictures of different views were shown of the existing tower and conceptual pictures of how the proposed tower would look. The tower is located on the Village property at 1200 Oak Brook Road, north of Oak Brook Road and east of Jorie Blvd. They are also proposing to build a new equipment building to store their equipment. Three trees would be removed and eight additional trees would be added. Mike Howley, Insite Inc., represented Verizon Wireless. He reviewed a propagation exhibit that represented the current and proposed coverage of Verizon wireless service in the area. Currently from a radio frequency perspective, there is inadequate coverage and people inside of their residences /offices with Verizon service would have problems with voice and data capabilities unless they are near a window. Current estimates are that about fifty percent of people have discontinued using landlines and a big part of the new site was designed to bring much improved building coverage to the residents in Hunter Trails, Forest Gate, Mayslake area and those within an approximate one -half mile area in each direction. Some service may be impacted by the topography. Verizon has been working with the Village for approximately two years to find a location in the area to bring improved service to its wireless subscribers. The new tower may also help to improve the service for AT &T and Sprint depending upon the placement of their equipment on the new tower. Given the higher and more structurally robust tower, Village communications may improve. VILLAGE OF OAK BROOK Special Plan Commission Minutes P,a�ge - 22 of 6 1� -t February 13, 2017 IT Director Fox summarized that the Village's position is that it will be an asset to the Village and it will not only help improve cellular communication for the residents, the public safety officer's vehicles use Verizon equipment. It also allows communication with the water towers for telemetry purposes with the water system. The point -to -point communication with the public safety radios with police, fire and public works uses a system that relays radio communication between the sites. Prior to the proposal of this tower, with the foliage in the area, there is not the line of site coverage with the water towers. The new tower would provide the opportunity to have very small microwave dishes at the very top that would significantly improve internal communications. Member Lal noted the changes that have occurred with cellular service between 2011 and now and questioned what the Village should be aware of going forward within the next 5 years. Mr. Howley responded that technology changes very quickly in the wireless world and he has devoted his career in this field. Twenty or so years ago with satellite phones, it was anticipated that there would no longer be a need for communication towers, but that never happened. He frequently talks with radio engineers that are well educated in this area, which also affects their business, and that there will continue to be changes in wireless technology macro sites. However, these types of towers will remain for the long, foreseeable future to be a backbone of the wireless infrastructure. There are small cell antennas that carriers are affixing to light poles, etc., but those are a compliment to macro sites. Owning a tower will continue to be a very valuable asset. Member Doyle discussed landscaping at the periphery of the Village property that may help with the line of site from the two subdivisions that could be impacted. IT Director Fox responded that from Jorie Blvd or Oak Brook Road, the base of the tower could not be seen. When the original tower was constructed in 2006, 6 -foot evergreens were planted that are now about 15 feet high. The plan is to mirror what was done in 2006. Member Doyle noted that his concern was not the base, but the further from the tower screening is planted, the more effective it would be for those properties in Forest Gate and Hunter Trails. It would be wise to plant trees now for the future. He was in support of the construction of the tower. Development Services Director Kallien discussed the site line issues with added vegetation in regards to the fire trucks accessing Jorie Blvd. He also noted that the residents demand the Village provide high quality cellular service. The Village has far fewer towers than most other communities. There are changes being made to the Telecommunication Act that at some point may take away a municipalities control over towers because they could be treated like a utility. Forest Gate Homeowner's VILLAGE OF OAK BROOK Special Plan Commission Minutes Page�3 of 6 February 13, 2017 � ,y4v Association has already reviewed and has no objection to the tower. Hunter Trails already has a significant vegetative barrier along Oak Brook Road. Member Wilczak looked at it from a property value standpoint and noted that there should be no negative impact on values due to the height of the tower. It would also be in place prior to a potential buyer of the McDonalds property to the north, so there would not be a negative impact on that property. IT Director Fox pointed out that after the new tower is constructed it could take a few months to relocate all the equipment from the old tower and then Verizon would remove it. Trustee Tiesenga thanked staff and Mr. Howley for the presentation and for addressing how the other carriers' equipment would be handled. There was no public comment in support of or in opposition to the request. Chairwoman Tropinski noted that the applicant had addressed the need for the special use. Motion by Member Wilczak, seconded by Member Doyle to recommend approval of the special use as requested to construct a 120 foot telecommunication tower to be located approximately 25 feet north of the existing tower, which is to be removed upon completion, subject to the following conditions: 1. The development is to be constructed in substantial compliance with plans as submitted. 2. The proposed tower will meet all FCC and FAA governing construction requirements, technical standards, interference protection, power and height limitations and radio frequency standards. 3. The plans submitted to the village for building permit shall be signed and sealed by a structural engineer. 4. All other applicable provisions of Ordinance S -1300 and 5 -972 shall remain in full force and effect. 5. Add the provision "Notwithstanding the attached exhibits, the applicant shall meet all Village Ordinance requirements at the time of building permit application except as specifically varied or waived." ROLL CALL VOTE Ayes: 5 — Members Doyle, Lal, Sheers, Wilczak and Chairwoman Tropinski Nays: 0 — Absent: 2 — Members Iyer and Jain. Motion Carried. VILLAGE OF OAK BROOK Special Plan Commission Minutes Page 4 of 6 February 13, 2017 la 5. UNFINISHED BUSINESS UNFINISHED BUSINESS A. ZONING CONSULTANTS, TESKA ASSOCIATES — COMPREHENSIVE ZONING CONSULTANTS, REVIEW OF THE VILLAGE OF OAK BROOK ZONING ORDINANCE TESKA ASSOC - REVIEW ZONING ORDINANCE Robert Kallien, Development Services Director, provided a status update and overview of the Zoning Ordinance Update. He explained that the 1966 Zoning Ordinance has had periodic amendments, including the addition of a few districts, but the Code has remained relatively intact. hi 2015, the Village Board retained Teska & Associates to modernize the Ordinance. From the Stakeholders meetings (i.e. HOA Presidents, Trustees, Business Community Representatives, etc) key issues were identified. Director Kallien recalled that food trucks, house size in comparison to lot size, parking lot landscaping, recreation vehicles, digital signage, and out -of -date references were some of the issues raised. He also noted staff s concerns regarding parking requirements, temporary signage, telecommunication, redundancy in the committee structure, outdoor sales limitations, and the site plan review process. Teska has now completed a draft booklet, which needs to be reviewed in detail by staff. Director Kallien stated that his goal is to bring the draft ordinance to a combined meeting of the Plan Commission and the Zoning Board of Appeals. The Zoning Board would then begin the formal public hearing process to bring the draft to the attention to all of the stakeholders and the village residents. At the public hearings, the draft will be further revised, and then a final draft would be sent to the Village Board for review and adoption. Director Kallien noted that the process would take some time to go from the preliminary draft to the final form. He explained that staff would complete a detailed review to cross check the references and confirm that items of concern have been addressed. Director Kallien encouraged Plan Commissioners to attend future meetings as the Updated Zoning Ordinance moves through the public process. Chairwoman Tropinski recognized Diana Bell from 2 Dover Drive. Ms. Bell shared with the Plan Commissioners her concern regarding setbacks in the B -4, Business District and its impact on the surrounding residences. She felt that owners in York Woods purchased homes because of the open green spaces. Director Kallien responded that the setbacks from all the Business Districts should be consistent. He also noted that the Drake Hotel proposals presented to the Village Board (August 9, 2016) would require a Planned Development application. Director Kallien agreed to speak with the consultant from Teska as to why the setbacks are not consistent. He reiterated that the homeowner's associations would be contacted regarding the public hearings of the Zoning Ordinance update. Motion by Member Doyle, seconded by Member Sheers to continue the review of the zoning ordinance update to the next regular Plan Commission meeting. VOICE VOTE: All members were in favor. Motion carried. VILLAGE OF OAK BROOK Special Plan Commission Minutes Page 5 of 6 February 13, 2017 6. OTHER BUSINESS Director Kallien provided a review of past cases and anticipated future cases. PUBLIC COMMENTS No comments were made from the public. 8. ADJOURNMENT: Motion by Member Doyle, seconded by Member Wilczak to adjourn the meeting at 8:19 p.m. VOICE VOTE: Motion carried. ATTEST: /s/ Robert L. Kallien Jr. Robert Kallien Jr., Director, Development Services Secretary VILLAGE OF OAK BROOK Special Plan Commission Minutes Page 6 of 6 February 13, 2017 OTHER BUSINESS PUBLIC COMMENTS ADJOURNMENT