EDC Minutes 2004 10-21-04 APPROVED BY THE
Page 1 of 4 COMMITTEE/BOARD
ON:
UNITED CITY OF YORKVILLE
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
YORKVILLE CITY HALL CONFERENCE ROOM
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2004
The meeting was called to order at 7 pan -
ATTENDANCE
COMMITTEE MEMBERS AND CITY STAFF: Alderman Richard Sticka; and
Alderwomen Rose Spears and Valerie Burd; Kelly Kramer from the City Attorney's
office; and Mayor Art Prochaska. OTHERS: Deputy Fire Chief Tim Fairfield; John
Philipchuck; Tim Winter; Pete Huinker; Trevor Ryan and Matt Cudney.
1. Minutes
Minutes from the September 20 meeting were approved.
2. Amendment to Building and Zoning Code Addressins Maximum He' t and
Building Materials
Looking at the proposed amendment Alderwoman Valerie Burd suggested the proposed
maxim height be listed in feet as well as stories. The proposed amendment states no
building taller than six stories could be constructed, but does specify the height in feet.
Deputy Fire Chief Tim Fairfield said while he had seen the one of the original draft
versions of the ordinance, he hadn't been given the ordinance the committee was
planning to review. He also didn't know if the newest draft ha&been forwarded to the
Fire District yet. Likewise, he said Fire Chief Mike Hitzemann was on vacation and he
would prefer to withhold any comment on the proposed amendment until the chief
returned and was able to give his opinion on the matter.
Committee Chairman Richard Sticka said he'd like to have the chief s comments and the
fire district's comments in written form. Once those written responses are received, the
issue can come back to the committee for discussion.
Burd and Alderwomen Rose Spears shared concerns about the fire district's ability to
adequately fight fires in buildings that high without a ladder truck. Even if the fire
protection district gives its consent to buildings taller than three stories, Spears said she
would be hesitant to give her approval without a ladder truck.
Mayor Art Prochaska said the type of suppression systems installed in buildings can
makes a difference. In a recent fire in Chicago, a number of people died because there
was no sprinkle system installed, he said. Fairfield added that while the suppression
system does put out the fire, it sometimes doesn't address the smoke issues, which can
cause problems if a ladder truck isn't available,
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3. Policv for Public Facility Land Donation
Sticka said he didn't have any policies for the committee to review. Mayor Prochaska
said it is an issue for the committee to discuss. At issue is whether the city should adopt a
policy requiring developers to donate land for certain public facilities. Prochaska said the
legal test for such a policy asks that the community shows a need for a facility and that it
can show what impact such as facility would have. If the city requires a developer to give
land, it has to be uniquely attributable, he said.
Spears asked if a senior center would fall under these guidelines. Attorney Kelly Kramer
said the city would have to show justification and impact on the community. She said the
city would have to be very careful justifying such a policy. Sticks agreed saying he
doesn't want the city to pass an ordinance that gets challenged and struck down. Yet, he
wondered if Montgomery is doing it, are any other cities? If so, he said should Yorkville
consider it? Kramer suggested the city not look into pursuing any type of policy for
public facility land donation.
4.Overlav Ordinance
Sticka said there is nothing for the committee to look at yet.
5. PC 2004 -07 Autumn Creek — annexation, zoning and preliminary elan
Matt Cudney said some modifications have been made to the preliminary plan as
suggested by the Plan Commission and city staff. For instance, the lots, which bump up
to lots in Grande Reserve have been increased to 12,000 square feet to match the Grande
Reserve lots. There also was some concern about the layout of the town homes and traffic j
patterns, The suggested changes have since been made. Also, Cudney said revised the
school and park site to make sure the road lined up with the Menard's property.
In the proposed development, there are 324 single - family lots with an average lot size of
13,600 square feet. There are 258 town home units and a 20 -acre commercial site
attached to the property. Cudney said the developers have incorporated storm water
retention from the commercial site into the residential site so that the commercial area
can be fully utilized.
Last week, the Plan Commission unanim ously recommended approval for annexation and
rezoning. There was one dissenter on approval of the preliminary plan, Cudney said. That
person (Brian Schillinger) wanted to see all of the lots at 12,000 square feet.
Also, Cudney said the city's staff wants the developer to install ad bike path that hadn't
been previously discussed.
Burd asked if the lots that are smaller than 12,000 square feet are against open space.
Cudney said they are not. Burd said she would prefer if the smaller lots were against open
space. In the past, that is the only way the city has approved of smaller lots.
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Cudney said they've tried to have lots of varying sizes throughout the development so
that it doesn't look monotonous. However, Spears said if the smaller lots don't abut green
space, she wouldn't be willing to approve the plan.
Sticka said Cudney's argument doesn't make sense because all of the smaller lots are in
one cluster in the development, while the larger lots are clustered in another space.
Cudney said most of the smaller lots are place near Route 34 and the commercial area
where the homes won't sell for higher prices. He said the location of these smaller lots is
typically where town homes have been located. Instead, the developer put the town
homes against the.open space.
Mayor Prochaska said it's interesting that the developer has placed the town homes
against the open space. It's something the city has never seen before.
Cudney asked if he should rework the plan to put the town homes in the traditional spot
near the commercial development. Sticka said, personally, the plan is okay with him as it
is. But, he said it could be a roadblock for the developer. Sticka also said he agrees with
extending the trail as the city staff suggested and reworking the lower area. .
Mayor Prochaska asked if it would be possible to switch out some of the larger lots in
other areas and move them to other areas. Cudney said they could look at the possibility.
The annexation and PUD is scheduled for a public hearing Nov. 9.
6. Developer reauest resardina lot in Grande Reserve Unit 9
John Philipchuck said he was there at the request of city staff seeking direction on an
error made in the concept plan. There is an open spot in neighborhood S, where there
should be a line to show a lot. He said the city approved 224 duplex units. Without the
line, then the plan is two units short. He said the open spot was a mistake.
Sticka said he doesn't see a problem It seems to be a matter of a missing line in a
drawing. Correcting the mistake doesn't change the facts, he said.
7. Prairie Gardens Economic Incentive Agreement
Kramer said the city received a request from the developer about the possibility of an
economic incentive agreement. Sticks said he wasn't aware the city held any discussions
with the developer on economic incentives. He said if they don't have any public
improvements, then they shouldn't come to the city seeking any incentives. When there's
something to be negotiated, then they can let the city know,
S. Additional business
Spears recommended the committee appoint a vice - chairman. The committee agreed to
put it on the agenda for the next meeting.
The meeting adjourned at 7:55 p.m.
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G
Minutes respectfully submitted by Dina Gipe
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