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Minutes - 07/15/2013 - Plan Commission MINUTES OF THE JULY 15, 2013 REGULAR MEETING OF THE PLAN COMMISSION OF THE VILLAGE OF OAK BROOK APPROVED AS WRITTEN ON OCTOBER 21, 2013 1. 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 7:02 p.m. 2. ROLL CALL: ROLL CALL Gail Polanek called the roll with the following persons PRESENT: Chairwoman Marcia Tropinski, Members Thomas Doyle, Raju Iyer, Naveen Jain, William Weiss and Simon Sheers ABSENT: Member Raj Lal IN ATTENDANCE: Gerald Wolin, Trustee and Director of Cormnunity Development Robert Kallien Jr. Chairwoman Tropinski welcomed the newly appointed Commissioner, William Weiss to the Plan Commission and congratulated Simon Sheers on his reappointment to the Plan Commission. 3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: MINUTES REGULAR MEETING OF THE PLAN COMMISSION OF JUNE 17 2013 Motion by Member Iyer, seconded by Member Doyle to approve the minutes of the June 17, 2013 Regular Plan Commission meeting as written. VOICE VOTE: Motion Carried. 4. UNFINISHED BUSINESS UNFINISHED BUSINESS There was no unfinished business to discuss. S. NEW BUSINESS NEW BUSINESS A. CHIPOTLE MEXICAN GRILL—2103 CLEARWATER DRIVE—SPECIAL CHIPOTLE—2103 CLEARWATER — USE—OUTDOOR DINING AREA ADJACENT TO A RESTAURANT SPECIAL USE - OUTDOOR DINING Rafael Carreira, Principal, The John Buck Company stated that they are the owner of the Clearwater retail center located at York Road and 22°d Street. Chipotle Mexican Grill is seeking a special use permit to allow for outdoor seating as VILLAGE OF OAK BROOK Regular Plan Commission Minutes Page I of 9 July 15, 2013 required by the Village of Oak Brook. The case file represents documents that have been reviewed with the village over some time and he believed all of the details were covered. Member Sheers noted that he thought it was a good idea to add the handicapped ramps on the site. Member Jain questioned the access through the restaurant. Director of Community Development Kallien responded that at the same time the submittal was before the Plan Commission there was also a review of the project for the building permit. Bill Hudson, who does the plan review had questions regarding how people would safely navigate from the parking lot to the corner, which is where the Chipotle outdoor dining is to be located. A couple of alternatives were reviewed on access. Planning Technician, Gail Polanek noted that by the time the matter would be reviewed by the Zoning Board of Appeals either the original or an alternate plan would be in place due to a determination between Chipotle and the landlord regarding the grade for the accessibility, which was the reason for difference in the two plans. It was not an issue for approval of the special use, but would be an issue as part of the access requirements for the building permit. Mr. Carreira noted that the issue had come out over the last week and they were very willing to accommodate the requirements and work with Chipotle and the landlord to meet the requirements necessary to provide the correct access in order to meet the accessibility requirements of the State. They would comply and work to get it resolved. Chairwoman Tropinski said that it seemed related to the type of seating the restaurant would want to have shown in the two different plans. She noted that bollards were included, but questioned whether bollards should be added to the area to the west side of the patio area just in case someone did not pull in right or lost control of the vehicle, which might leave people sitting in the outdoor dining area more vulnerable. Mr. Carreira responded that they would be willing to add a couple of bollards to the west side. They have not poured the area until all issues were resolved with the special use permit and design aspects. Member Weiss asked that in terms of ingress / egress to the patio area whether it was only secured from the interior of the restaurant Mr. Carreira responded that it was a separate area in front of the restaurant so there is a common walkway leading into and out of the front door to go into the seating area; table service would not be provided to the area. VILLAGE OF OAK BROOK Regular Plan Commission Minutes Page 2 of 9 July 15, 2013 t Member Weiss questioned whether alcohol would be sold at the facility. Member Carreira responded that he represented the landlord and could not answer from the tenant's perspective. Planning Technician, Gail Polanek responded that alcohol could not be served outside per the Village's Liquor License and she did not know if Chipotle served alcohol or not. The seating area was to be used so that people would purchase food and then bring it outside to eat. Member Iyer questioned whether a separate permit would be required to serve alcohol. Director of Community Development Kallien responded that they would need to obtain a liquor license through the Village Board. Traditionally, most if not all approved special uses have an area secured from outside access to the dining area. The operator would need to display proper signage to police it. Jon Buerg, Wilkus Architects said that he spoke with the licensing staff and it was their intent to keep the patio dry and that the signage and policing of the patio area was something they were accustomed to. Chipotle desired to pursue a license for bottled beer and margarita's. If they could obtain that license it would be for service only inside the store,not on the patio and was not a condition of their operations, but they would like to pursue it as an option for their customers. Member Iyer questioned if there was an awning over the dining area. Mr. Buerg responded no, and added that the patio furniture would all be movable and seasonal and would be removed over the winter. Member Weiss questioned if they pursued serving alcohol inside the restaurant would that change the methodology in terms of hiring staff. Mr. Buerg responded it would not. It would be more of an infrastructure change in gearing some of the equipment for alcohol service, but would be staffed the same. They have a corporate policy that someone cannot go into the store and just order an alcoholic beverage; it must be ordered with a food item and is limited per customer. Motion by Member Sheers, seconded by Member Jain that the applicant has satisfied the requirements for a special use and to recommend approval of the request subject to meeting the following conditions: 1. The development of the outdoor dining area shall be in substantial conformance with the revised plans as submitted and approved. 2. The restaurant will be responsible for maintaining and cleaning the outdoor VILLAGE OF OAK BROOK Regular Plan Commission Minutes Page°3�of 9 July 15, 2013 area and shall comply with all applicable requirements of the DuPage County Health Department. 3. The outdoor dining area will be operated in accordance with the following rules of operation: a. A maximum of four (4) tables with a total of 14 seats may be provided in the outdoor dining area. b. Bollards are to be added on the west side of the patio area. c. Alcohol is not to be served in the outside patio area. 4. Comply with all other applicable rules and ordinances of the Village of Oak Brook. 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: 6—Members Doyle, Iyer, Jain, Sheers, Weiss and Chairwoman Tropinski Absent: 1 —Member Lal Nays: 0. Motion Carried. 5. B. VILLAGE OF OAK BROOK — TEXT AMENDMENT — SIGN vos - TEXT REGULATIONS AMENDMENT - SIGN REGULATIONS Director of Community Development Kallien provided an overview of the request and anticipated there would be several months of discussions with the Plan Commission, staff and other interested parties to make the good sign regulations better. The original sign regulations were written in 1966 had become very outdated and presented many challenges for businesses and office users in Oak Brook. One of the key recommendations the Commercial Revitalization Plan, which had been initiated in 2007 and adopted, was to update the sign regulations. This was done successfully with the help of Houseal Lavigne Associates located in Naperville. The Village went from having very poor sign regulations to very modern regulations. A number of new businesses moved to Oak Brook as a result of the new regulations. A key factor was their ability to have signage along I-88. Existing businesses were also able to remove and install new signage. With all the new changes to the codes, there were some unintended consequences. Some things that did not seem important became important. Over the last several years, there have been a number of variations needed. In order to get away from box signs or raceways, wall signs were required to have individual letters affixed to the building wall. A number of buildings such as Ace Hardware had some unique architectural character to it, and the office building at 1111 22nd Street, a very modern looking building, needed a variation due to the building structure and glass. After going through the variation process a number of times the Village Board asked VILLAGE OF OAK BROOK Regular Plan Commission Minutes Page 4 of 9 July 15, 2013 -- if a path could be created going forward that would allow some of the existing buildings to skip the variation process. The way the Code is written government signs are allowed without the requirement of a permit. Within that category, in addition to the Village, are the Park District, the Forest Preserve District and the School District. We do not want to stifle what they do, but it has become apparent that some parameters should be considered so that things do not get out of control. Examples of what currently exist are the very nice banners near the Peabody Mansion identifying coming events, but one could question, if that would be the best way that it could be presented. On Village property,there are banners for events such as Polo. Banners are usually up for a few days or a week and perhaps parameters could be set with the expectations that would make them look first class. If parameters are required for others to maintain high quality signs, then the Village should do the same. Over the years, the Park District has put out service banners on Jorie announcing concerts in the park and other activities,which is a good public service,but the banner looks out of place and there is probably a better way to display them. There are a number of ball fields on the Park District property and it is not uncommon to see banners in the outfield, but in this case, the banners announce a business name, but there is a disconnect and almost seems to appear to be off premises advertising. If that is determined to be an acceptable type of sign, there needs to be a connection between the business name and the purpose for the banner such as being a sponsor for the little league. Other signage issues, such as when a monument sign faces I-88, rules should be created. If they are not wanted, then that should be included in the regulations. Director of Community Development Kallien suggested that the Commissioners take note of signs that they see. If signs are seen, that look particularly good or those that do not, report them to the Commission so that things can be considered or avoided. There are housekeeping issues that the Building Inspection Supervisor needs addressed since he regularly reviews sign permits and there is language that should be revised in order to provide clarification. Proper signage is needed for the CR District, which includes the Park District and Forest Preserve District. There is one cemetery in the Institutional district, which needs adequate signage because the current code is not clear. There was so much focus and time spent on correcting the deficiencies for the business community that the aspects of other regulated property must be addressed. Member Jain suggested that changes not be made too complicated so that it becomes overwhelming, even though we are trying to help at the same time. Include language where there is value added and do not make changes just for the sake of change. VILLAGE OF OAK BROOK Regular Plan Commission Minutes Page 5 of 9 July 15,2013 Director of Conununity Development said that the Village does not want to lessen its requirements but to maintain very high quality and there may be a better way to package it to make it more beneficial to others. Chairwoman Tropinski as a starting point asked the members if they were aware of any signage that was lacking in the Village. Member Iyer said that the banners are the thing that is the most noticeable; the other signs are viewable, but are not an eyesore. He questioned how banners would be handled because they stand out the most and should be looked at closely. He asked if there was a set timeframe for the display of banners because some seem to be up for a long period. Director of Community Development Kallien responded that some of the banners that have been put up for an extended period are located in governmental entities. The Code is written rather broadly that government signs are not subject to the rules of the sign regulations. The regulations are there to create rules and expectations and there should be timefiames. Language could be included regarding how long they can be up as well as the location so they could be better regulated. Member Sheers questioned the regulations for garage sale signs. Director of Community Development Kallien responded that garage sale signs are okay as long as they are located on the property of the event. It is a challenge; most people have garage sales on Saturday and signs can be placed in all sorts of places and by the end of the day, they are usually taken down. Member Iyer questioned the temporary signs that go up along the street for dating, etc., and who puts them up. Director of Community Development Kallien responded that those types of signs for dating, asphalt paving, buying a house, etc., which are placed along the street in order to draw attention from the public, are picked up by the inspectors when they are seen. These signs are not allowed. The department has tried to call the numbers on these signs. Usually the phone numbers go to an answering machine where no one answers. The Village prosecutor has advised that they could be put on notice if they put them up again and would receive a ticket. Other issues are that there are roads where the signs may be located that are not under our jurisdiction, west of Route 83 and north of 22nd Street is Oakbrook Terrace, but it appears that it is in Oak Brook, Member Jain questioned that in terms of signage had there been anything done projecting into the fitture. Such as where the character of Oak Brook has been determined, where it wants to be and what it wants signage to reflect about Oak Brook. VILLAGE OF OAK BROOK Regular Plan Commission Minutes Page 6 of 9 July 15, 2013 Director of Community Development Kallien responded that there is a Residential Enhancement Committee approved by the Board that consists of realtors, educators, business owners with a mission to look at what is holding Oak Brook back from becoming a younger community that is more welcoming to children. The reality is that we are not a growing community. The population used to be over 9,000, it is now down to 7800, and it might be less, even though new development is occurring. It is not the type of development, which has increased the number of children in town. The Plan Commission can make its point known to the Village Board to make good decisions as these other committees do their work. Signage serves a purpose to write a message. In today's world there are big corporation that have an identity and want people to know that they are there because they are proud to be in Oak Brook. Member Sheers said that there are no monuments noting that you are in Oak Brook. Trustee Wolin noted that the Village Board approved a sign for 22nd and York to let people know that they are in Oak Brook. Another sign was planned at the other end of town by the Promenade shopping center, with a large part of the expense for that sign being born by the owners, which will be a combined welcome to Oak Brook and advertisements for the shopping center. Director of Community Development Kallien noted that some interest had been shown to consider signage at the south end of town by York Road at Hinsdale near the Graue Mill to provide an entryway. Member Iyer noted that there are signs that identify Oak Brook and its population. Chairwoman Tropinski noted perhaps signs located along I-88 that could indicate Oakbrook Center was coming up or directional signs to Mayslake. Along the tollway, there is a sign for Elmhurst College, but there is nothing there to direct people to Oak Brook to Oak Brook Center, Mayslake or other areas of common interest. This goes back to way finding, directional and point of interest signs, which had been discussed at the Plan Commission some time ago. Elmhurst has those kinds of signs, which is something that could be part of a recommendation to the Village Board. Director of Community Development Kallien noted that staff discussed the strategic planning for Oak Brook going forward in regards to way finding and directional signage. Signs can be found for the Park District, the Sports Core, the Library and there are a couple unique ones for McDonald's campus. The Village needs to inventory what signage exists and where it is located so that if something else is needed a correct recommendation can be made. The Village Board has talked about signage on the tollway. Village Engineer/Public Works Director, Mike Hullihan would attend a Plan Commission meeting to discuss directional signage and the sign rules for along the tollway. Some of this may fall outside the authority of the sign code, and the Plan Commission could convey a message as the issues move VILLAGE OF OAK BROOK Regular Plan Commission Minutes Page 7 of 9 July 15,2013 Z forward. Member Jain asked if there has been a community that has signage done very well and could be used as a model. Director of Community Development Kallien noted that since the Village adopted its new sign regulations, many communities have asked for our code. However, we have an opportunity to make it better. Chairwoman Tropinski noted that Elmhurst has good signage and Burr Ridge has some very nice signage. She suggested the members drive through those areas to see what they have. It is very easy to get around Burr Ridge due to the signage. Elmhurst has signs that are in character with the town. The Plan Commission may suggest to the Village Board what the character should be, which could be in keeping with the Oakbrook Center renovations. There is very simple, modern and clean looking signage, which what may be expected in the Village. Many of the buildings are clean and contemporary looking without a lot of ornamentation. There are clean vistas everywhere that are tasteful with beautiful landscaping and what type of signage could go along with that. Flashing or digital signs are not in keeping with what we would expect for the Village. These elements should be considered and comments should be provided to the Board. Member Doyle suggested that it might be helpful to create an inventory and identify all the major entry points by road into the Village. A monument sign at 22nd and York puts the sign inside, not at the edge of the Village, which is normally where monument signs are located so that people know they are in the Village. A uniform monument sign might be considered that would work in all of the locations that we would have access as part of a recommendation going forward. Director of Community Development Kallien said that in the Commercial Revitalization Plan report identified the major corridor entryways. Oak Brook in its grander scheme has an entryway on Route 83 coming from the South and North, York Road and 22nd Street at two ends, which is not just a commercial area; there are residential areas that probably warrant some discussion. As part of the Commercial Revitalization Committees efforts, the Hitchcock Design Group was retained. They offered a number of streetscape improvements and some potential templates for types of monument signs based on the priority of the roadway, so that the highest profile would have one type of sign, and a smaller sign similar in character to a secondary entryway. It has been difficult to achieve due to the substantial cost and partnering with the property owner. The Village tried to have a monument sign identifying the businesses at Jorie and Kensington and during the process, it was discovered that the location picked where it needed to be, it was discovered that the underlying infrastructure with utilities running through it would not allow it. It was a very lengthy effort to get the businesses to agree. Trustee Wolin said that signage was an important and emotional topic because VILLAGE OF OAK BROOK Regular Plan Commission Minutes Page 8 of 9 July 15, 2013 businesses want signs and big signs and there are residents that are opposed to many signs, because if there is too much signage it does make things look pretty ugly. He suggested that at the next meeting to perhaps prepare a list of all the areas of discussion and set priorities, then take them one at a time prepared with pictures of the different signs. Director of Community Development Kallien agreed and said that it should be decided what is most important, then come up with solutions and feed things back to the Zoning Board to have hearings on certain elements as the Plan Commission continues working on other things. Motion by Member Iyer, seconded by Member Doyle to continue the review of the Sign Regulations to the next Regular Plan Commission meeting as written. VOICE VOTE: Motion Carried. 6. OTHER BUSINESS OTHER BUSINESS Director of Community Development Kallien reviewed the upcoming cases. There was no other business to discuss. 7. ADJOURNMENT: ADJOURNMENT Motion by Member Iyer, seconded by Member Sheers to adjourn the meeting at 8:12 p.m. VOICE VOTE: Motion carried. ATTEST: /s/Robert L. Kallien Jr. Robert Kallien,Director of Community Development Secretary VILLAGE OF OAK BROOK Regular Plan Commission Minutes Page 9 of 9 July 15, 2013