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Minutes - 01/20/2014 - Plan Commission MINUTES OF THE JANUARY 20, 2014 REGULAR MEETING OF THE PLAN COMMISSION OF THE VILLAGE OF OAK BROOK APPROVED AS WRITTEN ON MARCH 17,2014 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 7:03 p.m. 2. ROLL CALL: ROLL CALL Gail Polanek called the roll with the following persons PRESENT: Chairwoman Marcia Tropinski, Members, Raju Iyer (left 7:45 p.m.) Naveen Jain, Raj Lal (arrived 7:08 p.m.), Simon Sheers and William Weiss ABSENT: Member Thomas Doyle IN ATTENDANCE: Gerald Wolin, Trustee and Director of Community Development Robert Kallien Jr. 3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: MINUTES REGULAR MEETING OF THE PLAN COMMISSION OF DECEMBER 16, 2013 Motion by Member Sheers, seconded by Member Weiss to approve the minutes of the December 16, 2013 Regular Plan Commission meeting as written. VOICE VOTE: Motion Carried. 4. UNFINISHED BUSINESS UNFINISHED BUSINESS A. VILLAGE OF OAK BROOK — TEXT AMENDMENT — SIGN vos - TEXT AMENDMENT - REGULATIONS SIGN REGULATIONS Director of Community Development Kallien reviewed the history and status of the case. He noted that when the sign code was revised four years ago it focused primarily on how signage related to the business districts, commercial, office buildings and office parks, etc. and as a result, the sign code has worked relatively well, in terms of bringing new business into the community and businesses have embraced the regulations. When the process was completed there were a few gaps in the code. Some regulations need to be in place for the Institutional District, which has one property, the Bronswood Cemetery; the Conservation/Recreation District and the Historic Graue Mill/Gateway Area. VILLAGE OF OAK BROOK Regular Plan Commission Minutes Page 1 of 7 January 20, 2014 The Conservation/Recreation District (CR) regulates land owned by the Forest Preserve District, the Oak Brook Park District, and Village owned property including the Sports Core property. All are governmental properties. The existing code states that governmental signs are exempt from the regulations, which is good for all the governmental properties, but some of the temporary signage may not be the best that it could be. He reviewed examples of banners displayed above a large monument sign for the Forest Preserve district, along with several other freestanding banners, connected to a base or semi-attached to a flagpole or streetlights or hung up so it looks like volleyball net. Governmental entities still have the right to signage, but some basic regulations should be created so that we do not end up with random situations. The regulations look at height; an acceptable way to mount the temporary signs; to create an expectation as to what is an appropriate size; and, to create some rules as to how long they can be displayed, which normally corresponds to events. Governmental entities do not pay for permits, but the requirement for a permit provides a paper trail and allows another set of eyes to look at a sign and assure that it is in the right location and consistent with the code. Director of Community Development Kallien reviewed the recommended language for temporary signs below and as shown on page 14 of the case file. Structural Types of Signs Note: Proposed language is underlined below 16a. Temporary Sign: A sign or advertising display constructed of cloth, canvas, fabric, paper, plywood or other light material and intended to be displayed for a short period, not to exceed thirty (30) days, within a calendar year. Temporary signage intended for a temporary tenant and intended to be displayed for an additional thirty (3 0) days is permitted in the B1, B2 and B3 districts, but only if approved by the property owner. All temporary signage requires the approval of a sign permit from the village. Temporary signs shall be subject to the following conditions: • One temporary sign is ermitted for each street frontage. • Be a maximum size of 100 square feet on a sign face,with a maximum total sign area of 200 square feet for a two-sided sign. • Be a maximum height of 8 feet above rg ade. • Be setback a minimum of 10 feet from a property line. • Be either affixed within a metal or wooden frame or attached to wooden or metal stakes that are firmly affixed to the ground. Attaching a temporary sign to a tree utility pole or light pole is prohibited. • Do not obstruct any sight triangles. 16b Temporary Sponsorship Sign: A sign display constructed of cloth, canvas, VILLAGE OF OAK BROOK Regular Plan Commission Minutes Page 2 of 7 January 20,2014 fabric paper, plywood or other light material and intended to be displayed for a specific event or activity ora period of time to coincide with a specific event or activity on property owned by a governmental unit. The temporary sponsorship sign must contain language and/or an official governmental logo that directly links the advertised event to the specific governmental use event and/or activity. Temporary sponsorship signs located around athletic fields are permitted for; the duration of the sports season and must be removed at the end of the season. Temporary sponsorship signs shall be subject to the following conditions: • A maximum of two temporary sponsorship signs are permitted along each street frontage. Additional temporary sponsorship signs may permitted if oriented facing inward away from any perimeter streets. • Be a maximum size of 100 square feet on a sign face with a maximum total sign area of 200 square feet for a two-sided sign. • Be a maximum height of 8 feet above rg ade. • Be setback a minimum of 10 feet from a property line. • Be either affixed within a metal or wooden frame or, attached to wooden or metal stakes that are firmly affixed to the ground. Attaching�a temporary sponsorship sign to a tree utility pole or light pole is prohibited • Be located no closer than 250 feet from any entrance to an adjacent residential subdivision. • Be removed within 48 hours after the completion of the advertised event, activity or sponsorship season. • Do not obstruct any sight triangles 13-11-6: SIGNS PERMITTED IN ANY DISTRICT WITHOUT A PERMIT: A. Governmental Signs (except temporary signs and temporary sponsorship signs) as described in this chapter; The content and size of any such sign shall not exceed the requirements of the law, ordinance or regulation pursuant to which such sign is erected. Director of Community Development Kallien suggested that the language clearly state the relationship between the event and sponsorship. He noted that some Forest Gate residents raised objections to temporary signs being located near their front entrance. The proposed standard is for the signs to be located 250 feet from any residential subdivision entrance. Director of Community Development Kallien suggested in response to banners hanging on the ball field fences to control the number or size of the signs. Another category could be created regarding sponsorship around ball fields. If there is going to be advertising or sponsorship that it be more limited and controlled in size. He would call Laure Kosey to find out how big the signs were last year. VILLAGE OF OAK BROOK Regular Plan Commission Minutes Page 3 of 7 January 20,2014 Member Iyer noted that there was an issue regarding the pop machines at the Park District. It was his understanding that the residents did not want the vending machines there. Director of Community Development Kallien responded that those vending machines are now very generic looking and do not advertise products. During the winter months the machines are not on and do not draw attention when they are not in operation. Originally, the Forest Gate residents complained that it was advertising. Director of Community Development Kallien asked whether the question should be how many banners are reasonable, how big should they be, should there be an attempt to face them away from a residential area or not, or if there is an opportunity to do so, it should be encouraged. Banners could be on the first base line, but no one would be able to read the lettering. Member Weiss noted that the sponsors would not want that. Director of Community Development Kallien agreed and acknowledge they were paying for the sponsorship of the little league. Member Jain suggested that if a special sign is required to be made only for Oak Brook and they sponsor a little league in Hinsdale, Willowbrook, etc. and are allowed to use different signs there, eventually it would stop our sponsors from sponsoring. To some extent, create some consistency rather than creating a unique perspective. Member Lal responded that there should be standards and they should have a common sense approach. The other important thing is the "kiss" principle to `keep it simple'. Banners should have consistency, which should be simple, straightforward and have a standard. Revenue has to be considered so sponsorship is important. Sponsors will not put up a permit if the signs are obstructed and very onerous rules are imposed. Uniformity and flexibility, but most importantly consistency. He reviewed and supported the language proposed. Member Lal added that in regards to the issue with the vending machines, it is an amenity provided not only for the kids, but also for the people who are working out at the Park District and should be there from a health standpoint. As an example, if they were doing aerobic exercise, are elderly, or have hypertension they should be able to get something to drink or energy bar from a vending machine. There are many things involved. He sympathized with the residents of Forest Gate, but somewhere you have to look at what is best for the community. Self-interest should not trump the common interest and the shared interest. Oak Brook is all about what is best for the community, not a particular subdivision. The services and amenities are provided for the community who are here, whether they are living or doing VILLAGE OF OAK BROOK Regular Plan Commission Minutes Page 4 of 7 January 20, 2014 business or are sports oriented. Uniformity is important. Member Sheers questioned which way the signs faced on the ball field. Director of Community Development Kallien said that some face south towards Forest Gate, and were about 800 feet away, but were visible. Forest Gate Subdivision has an extensive wall with extensive landscaping of the south side of Forest Gate Road, The Park District has added a substantial amount of landscaping on the north side of the road. There are times of the year when the area is void of leaves and the banners can be seen. The challenge is to set reasonable parameters that have to be applied fairly to all other governmental entities that have the needs or rights to this type of sign. All govermnental entities must be treated the same. There are certain conditions that come into play in terms of a residential neighborhood and some additional parameters can be set, but it would not be wise not allow them at all. We have the right to protect the residents but we still have the responsibility to provide reasonable accommodations to the governmental entities to do what they need to do. Member Sheers questioned why it would be necessary to have them visible past the entrance to the park district. Director of Community Development Kallien noted from personal experience with his own sons that almost all of the ball fields in other communities have these types of things on the fields and is not uncommon. They are also on some football and soccer fields. It is a way for organizations to generate some funds. The banners are labor intensive to install and are not taken down right away. Member Lal noted that it goes to the heart of advertising and Member Jain agreed and noted that is why the sponsor pays for them. Member Sheers felt that if it were in view of just those groups it would be fine, but when it is viewed from outside it was too much. Member Iyer said that looking at the Park District property he could not picture where they could be displayed so that it would only be visible to the players. Director of Community Development Kallien said that we could look at language that would require that they be oriented in a fashion to face away from the exterior of the property, but that becomes a challenge because of the orientation of the ball fields. At some point,they would face out. Member Iyer said that if it defeats the purpose of the signs and sponsors might decide they no longer want to sponsor the teams. Chairwoman Tropinski suggested a sign that would be on behalf of the Districts to thank the sponsors and name them on a banner. VILLAGE OF OAK BROOK Regular Plan Commission Minutes Page 5 of 7 January 20, 2014 Member Lal said it is about the visual, when people are driving by they see that some activity is going on and that generates interest. Director of Community Development Kallien said that when the Sports Core had the Polo events, various advertisers were listed in the program, some designated as diamond, gold or bronze sponsors with some ads taking up a quarter, half or full page and using their logo. A sports field shows the relationship with the business and the activity that is going on. The same holds true for the Taste of Oak Brook where we are anxious to get sponsors to help subsidize those types of events. It is very similar with these sports field. Chairwoman Tropinski noted that all of the sports parks have them, it would be like going to a game and there would not be any hot dogs. Director of Community Development Kallien said that if these seem to be reasonable concepts he would send it off to the Park District and Forest Preserve District and ask for their comments relative to what they do on their property. The goal is to find some middle ground where we can create some expectation and reasonableness and still allow them to function. Member Sheers noted that when there is a banner between two poles there is a tendency for the two poles to verge towards each other, which does not look very good. A more permanent stand for the sign, so that it would remain taut, not sag and could even be decorative to blend in with the rest of the premises. Director of Community Development Kallien suggested that perhaps a formal frame could be created that would allow the content to change. The intent is not to take anything away from them. There have not been any rules in the past, and the goal is to create reasonable rules that would provide a reasonable expectation. Member Lal said that in regards to sports related events, he questioned whether permanent places could be created for temporary sponsorship banners, rather than scattered all over. Director of Community Development Kallien noted that the Park District has a new soccer field and on the scoreboard are a couple of places where the sponsoring entity is listed. A standard has to be created that can fit all the various events and situations that occur, including the Taste of Oak Brook, Polo games and events. If the Village creates the rules that the Park District and Forest Preserve District must follow,the Village is obligated to follow those same rules. Chairwoman Tropinski suggested that clarification be added to real estate signs that would define and clarify what `sold' means. Director of Community Development Kallien noted that the sold sign actually helps people to see that properties are turning over,but a limitation should be created. VILLAGE OF OAK BROOK Regular Plan Commission Minutes Page 6 of 7 January 20, 2014 Member Tropinski also questioned election signs. Director of Community Development Kallien responded that the Village Attorney has advised that they stay away from regulating election signs, as also advised by previous village attorney's, since it is a first amendment right. The regulations are simple that it must be on the person's property. It cannot be in the Village right of way or on any Village property. We can create standards that it cannot be placed on another person's property. The DuPage County is the controlling entity of the right of way along 31St Street and Meyers Road so it is up to them to regulate. The Village is limited as to what can be regulated. Director of Community Development Kallien said that the proposed temporary sign regulations would be sent out to the other governmental entities for comments and bring the matter back to the Plan Commission. Motion by Member Jain, seconded by Member Weiss to continue the review of the Sign Regulations to allow time for the input and response from the governmental entities regarding the temporary signage. ROLL CALL VOTE Ayes: 5 — Members Jain, Lal, Sheers, Weiss and Chairwoman Tropinski Absent: 2— Members Doyle and Iyer Nays: 0— Motion Carried. 5. NEW BUSINESS NEW BUSINESS There was no new business to discuss 6. OTHER BUSINESS OTHER BUSINESS Director of Community Development Kallien reviewed possible upcoming cases. There was no other business to discuss. 7. ADJOURNMENT: ADJOURNMENT Motion by Member Weiss, seconded by Member Jain to adjourn the meeting at 8:06 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 7 of 7 January 20, 2014 VAV