Village of Niles Building and Zoning Committee Met Oct. 15.
Here is the minutes provided by the committee:
I. Call To Order/Roll Call
The Niles Building and Zoning Committee meeting was called to order at 8:25 AM.
Present: 9 – Chairperson McCreery, Kanelos, Ostman, Wlodarski, Skeffington-Vos, Wlodarski, Grcic, Schneider and Elizarraga.
Absent: 2 – Mangold, Mayor Andrew Przybylo
II. Approval of Building & Zoning Committee minutes from the meeting on July 23, 2020 and September 17, 2020.
Kanelos motioned to postpone approval of meeting minutes for the next Building and Zoning Committee meeting. Ostman seconded.
AYES: 6 – Chairperson McCreery, Kanelos, Ostman, Wlodarski, Skeffington- Vos, Grcic
NAYS: 0
ABSTAIN: 0
Motion passed.
III. Old Business
A. General discussion on unimproved alleys/fences
a. Chairperson McCreery inquired as to the concerns related to unimproved alleys. b. Wlodarski stated for the last twenty years fences in unimproved alleys were allowed. c. Kanelos stated that the problem rests in the fact that the ordinance states fences are not allowed in unimproved alleys.
d. After much discussion, Ostman stated the Village would explore the issue over the winter.
B. Proposed changes to fence ordinance
a. Wlodarski explained there are a few options related to corner side yard fences.
i. Allow fences in entire corner-side yard.
ii. Allow 50% of corner-side yard.
iii. Only allowing decorative in nature and no more than four (4) feet tall.
b. Chairperson McCreery inquired as to the photos provided as examples in meeting items and asked if her house could serve as example, would a fence be allowed around the property.
c. Wlodarski stated no.
d. Chairperson McCreery inquired as to the technical language in the ordinance, and asked if it outlines types of materials for the fences.
e. Wlodarski stated that definitions are included in the proposed language.
f. Kanelos inquired if the fence could go past the front of the house in the side yard, but in the front yard it cannot go past the front of the house.
g. Chairperson stated it would have to be an open structure up to 70%.
h. Wlodarski proposed the fence be up to four (4) ft. high.
i. Ostman stated this height was common in multiple municipalities.
j. Wlodarski stated language exists to allow existing fences to keep height at five (5) ft.
k. Kanelos stated that a lower height would make owner have fences become dilapidated.
l. Chairperson McCreery recused herself because this impacts her home.
m. Kanelos asked if there is any objection to keep the language to allow height at five (5) ft.
n. Wlodarski asked if there would be an issue keeping fences solid or not while being open.
o. Chairperson McCreery asked if there are any residents with fences above five (5) ft.
p. Wlodarski stated he could not think of one.
q. Chairperson McCreery stated this is being discussed to continue the beautification of the Village and increase family use.
r. Wlodarski asked if everyone was in agreement to leave the ordinance as is.
s. All agreed.
t. Wlodarski asked if everyone was in agreement to not allow chain link fences.
u. Kanelos said he was in agreement but was not in agreement with 70%, he would prefer 45-50%.
v. After much discussion, Ostman stated staff would draft the ordinance one last time and bring it back to the committee.
C. Further discussion on new members and staff voting (next steps)
a. Chairperson McCreery stated that she had reached out to her neighbors, neither of them have the time.
b. Ostman stated we received no other interest, he stated he had no reached out to the Comp. Plan applicants.
c. Chairperson McCreery stated that she would reach out to them.
IV. New Business
A. Department updates
a. Grow Your Home
i. Advertisement is in the water bill and social media.
ii. Katie would like to get a Before and After photo of applicants.
iii. She would gather print collateral.
iv. Promoting the program with realtors and architects.
v. Explore opportunities in Zillow and Redfin
vi. Chairman McCreery stated she liked all of these ideas. She would like to see this advertised in every Village newsletter moving forward.
b. New fire inspector
i. New fire inspector has been on board for about three (3) weeks.
ii. Skeffington stated that one of her friend’s husband is a firefighter in Northfield and has nothing but good things to say about him.
c. Rose Pest Control
i. Wlodarski stated they have been working with them closely.
ii. Ostman stated there a rodent problem but is much less than previous years.
iii. Chairperson McCreery stated she wants staff to keep close communication with Rose.
d. Nordica town-home parking
i. Chairman McCreery inquired as to the Town Home meeting.
ii. Ostman stated the meeting went great, he explained the facts and reached out to other departments like Public Works and Police and will be creating a report.
iii. Chairman McCreery stated any steps taken must address the unauthorized vehicle issue.
iv. Ostman stated he would prepare a report and recommendation.
V. Open Discussion and Public Comments
a. No public comments.
b. Chairperson McCreery inquired if Ostman would work with Grcic on the Foreclosed properties ordinance.
c. Ostman stated yes, he would work on existing property language.
VI. Adjournment
Kanelos motioned to adjourn. Skeffington-Vos seconded.
AYES: 6 – Chairperson McCreery, Kanelos, Ostman, Wlodarski, Skeffington- Vos, Grcic
NAYS: 0
ABSTAIN: 0
Motion passed.
Motion passed. Meeting adjourned at 9:45 a.m.
https://www.vniles.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_10152020-2003
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