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Zoning Commission Minutes 2013 12-18-13APPROVED 1/22/14 ZONING COMMISSION MEETING Wednesday, December 18, 2013 7:00 p.m. Yorkville City Hall Conference Room 800 Game Farm Road, Yorkville, IL 60560 Meeting Called to Order The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Mr. Crouch and he welcomed everyone. Roll Call Roll call was taken; a quorum was established. Committee Members in Attendance Michael Crouch Greg Millen Gary Neyer Jeff Baker Phil Haugen (arr. 7:02pm) City Officials in Attendance Krysti Barksdale-Noble - Community Development Director Citizen’s Comments There were no citizens in attendance. Previous Minutes Mr. Crouch asked for a motion to approve the October 23, 2013 minutes. Mr. Neyer made a motion to approve. It was seconded by Mr. Baker. Mr. Crouch asked if there was any discussion on the motions; hearing none, he asked for approval by saying, “Yes.” It was approved unanimously and the motion was carried. Mr. Crouch then turned the meeting over to Ms. Noble to cover Old Business. Before beginning Old Business, she announced to the group that Jason Engbarth is no longer with the City anymore. However, a new planner has been hired and he will begin in January, 2014. Old Business: Chapter 20: Signs - Ms. Noble said she went through Jason’s updates on this chapter and found some of the sections had not been updated. She will have everything updated by future meetings. For example, the Real Estate sign has been updated from four square feet (4 sq. ft.) to six square feet (6 sq. ft.) per discussions at the last meeting. However, the permitted heights in the Business and Manufacturing districts to twelve feet (12 ft.) had not been changed; she will have those corrections by next month. The re-formatted chapter has added graphics. Her question regarding the sign ordinance is there any other area graphics are needed, such as electronic board signs? She will also provide a little more information on the lighting criteria. Mr. Crouch asked Ms. Noble if she had checked out his question on the city sign and she said she had. The sign in Town Square Park was running at different speeds and they have all been adjusted to five (5) seconds. Chapter 16: Wind Energy Systems – Ms. Noble said this will now roll into Chapter 19, Alternative Energy System. In this chapter they are looking at wind power and solar power. This would include Wind Farms and Solar Farms permitted in residential areas (model for solar ordinance will be provided). There were a couple of reports for Wind Power to provide both sides of the argument (i.e. threat to birds and bats). Ms. Noble asked the Commission if they were okay with Wind Power with a tower in larger areas. Mr. Baker said they would have to meet the set-backs. Ms. Noble said there were also some issues with the light flicker with some residents. Mr. Crouch brought up the scientific problem with epileptic tendencies and flickering lights. He thought there should not be a flicker problem with tall wind turbines because they turn at such a rate he wouldn’t think there would be a lot of flicker. He asked Ms. Noble if the City had anyone approach them about it. Ms. Noble said there has not been a single application since she has been here (2008/2009). Mr. Neyer asked if it was structure mounted, would there be a separate height restriction not related to the structure? Ms. Noble said there would be; she thought maybe it was 100 ft. Mr. Baker pointed that for residential it would not meet minimum set back. Mr. Neyer thought the code should be crafted so alternative energy systems aren’t restricted out of existence. There would not be any horizontal axis in residential smaller than estate. Mr. Neyer suggested going with 40% of lot width. Ms. Noble suggested getting someone to give a presentation on Wind Energy. Ms. Noble said it currently states, “The maximum height of a roof top wind energy system is eight (8) feet above the highest roof line of the structure.” Mr. Crouch thought that was fine and suggested they be a uniform color. Mr. Baker suggested no more than two colors. Mr. Baker didn’t see any problem in residential or industrial as long as they comply with set-backs. Ms. Noble then asked the question, “Should roof-mounted be permitted and ground-mounted be a Special Use?” Mr. Neyer asked what costs were involved for the applicant with a Special Use process? Ms. Noble said the application was $500.00 plus a $1,000.00 deposit for Legal, plus and Engineering deposit. Ms. Noble suggested having a presentation at the January 22, 2014 meeting to have questions answered. Mr. Neyer asked when it comes to solar systems, do ordinances deal with potential conflicts (i.e. tree grows and blocks)? It was suggested to put in the ordinance that if you mount on roof it is at own risk. He suggested if it is powering a single building, the Commission needs to create an ordinance that it can happen without a Special Use. Ms. Noble will schedule someone to make a presentation at the January 22 meeting. Ms. Noble said the Commission could have everything ready for an open house in April, 2014 for public feedback (website closes in February, 2014) and forward final recommendations to City Council for May, 2014 for a public hearing. Mr. Crouch asked for a motion to adjourn. A motion was made by Mr. .Baker; it was seconded by Mr. Millen; all voted in favor; and the meeting adjourned at 7:57 p.m. Minutes respectfully submitted by: Bonnie Olsem Administrative Secretary