CITY COUNCIL 2-18-99THE CITY OF LAKE FOREST
COUNCIL AGENDA
February 18, 1999
APPOINTMENT OF ACTING MAYOR
Mayor Waud being absent from the City, a motion to appoint an acting Mayor is required.
CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL
Honorable Cornelius B. Waud, Mayor
Samuel J. Henry, Alderman First Ward Gail T. Hodges, Alderman Third Ward
John A. Andersen, Alderman First Ward Henry T. Chandler, Alderman Third Ward
Thomas J. Tropp, Alderman Second Ward Mary Ann Pekarek, Alderman Fourth Ward
Ashley M. Maentz, Alderman Second Ward G. Bishop Gallagher, Alderman Fourth Ward
REPORTS OF CITY OFFICERS
1. Comments by Mayor
A. Recognition of Advancement to Eagle Scout Rank
We are proud to announce that two young Lake Foresters recently earned an Eagle Badge which is the highest award in Scouting. Prerequisites include successfully organizing a project
to help the local community. Certificates of Recognition will be presented to Christian Palmer and Andrew Gustafson in appreciation of their contributions to our community. A copy
of the certificates are attached beginning on page 6.
B. Approval of a Resolution Congratulating St. Patrick’s Church on their 150th Anniversary of the Parish
A copy of the resolution is attached on page 8.
C. Report from the Historical Society
Harry Griffith from School District 67 will give a presentation on the Historical Society.
2. Comments by the City Manager
3. Comments by Council Members
A. Report by Alderman Pekarek on “Partners for Progress”
OPPORTUNITY FOR PUBLIC TO ADDRESS THE CITY COUNCIL
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Recommended Action: Approval of the minutes of the February 1, 1999 Council meeting attached beginning on page 15.
ORDINANCES
1. Consideration of a Report and Recommendation from the Zoning Board
of Appeals Regarding a Request for a Special Use Permit for Building
Expansion and Site Alterations and a Setback Variation at Cherokee
Elementary School at 475 E. Cherokee Road (First Reading and Final Approval)
PRESENTED BY SENIOR PLANNER CATHERINE CZERNIAK (615-4299)
On November 23, 1998 the Zoning Board of Appeals held an information session on the proposed expansion plans and site alterations for Cherokee School. The Board heard a number of concerns
from neighboring property owners regarding the proposed driveway extension along the west side of the site. As a follow-up to the information session, a number of meetings were held
involving the School District, the City, neighboring property owners, Cherokee school staff and parents of Cherokee School students.
On January 25, 1999, the Zoning Board of Appeals held a public hearing on the revised plan for Cherokee School. The revised plan reflects the efforts and input of many interested parties.
In the revised plan, the new driveway is located on the south side of the school at the intersection of Forest Hill Road and Greenwood Avenue. The driveway provides access to a "drop-off
loop" that can be used by cars or buses depending upon the operational plan put into effect by the District. To facilitate drop-offs and pick-ups in front of the school, the plan proposes
elongating the existing driveway and adding 11 parking spaces. The new parking spaces, like the existing parking spaces, would be located in the required setback area and therefore
require a variance. In response to concerns from the Building Review Board, the angle of the 2-story classroom wing was shifted slightly to pull it away from the neighboring residential
properties to the west, and the height of portions of the building was reduced.
Both in letters and in testimony presented at the public hearing, the Board heard general support for the revised plan. The Board recognized the significant efforts on the part of all
involved in reaching the compromise plan. The Board voted unanimously to recommend approval of a Special Use Permit to allow for expansion of the school building and site alterations
and in support of a variance to allow the addition of parking spaces in the required setback subject to conditions. In addition, the Building Review Board has granted final approval
of the proposed building additions.
Note: Due to the volume of letters received on this petition, the letters are not included in the City Council packet. The letters are available for review at the Community Development
Department or copies will be provided upon request.
The Board’s report is attached beginning on page 28.
The ordinances for the Special Use Permit and the variance, with findings and conditions attached, begin on page 21.
Recommended Action: 1) Waive first reading and grant final approval of an ordinance granting a Special Use Permit to allow expansion and site alterations at Cherokee Elementary School;
and 2) Waive first reading and grant final approval of an ordinance granting a variance to allow additional parking spaces to be constructed in the corner yard setback.
2. Consideration of a Report and Recommendation from the Zoning Board of
Appeals Regarding a Request for a Special Use Permit for Building Expansion
and Site Alterations and a Setback Variation at Sheridan Elementary School
at 1360 Sheridan Road (First Reading and Final Approval)
PRESENTED BY SENIOR PLANNER CATHERINE CZERNIAK (615-4299)
On November 23, 1998 the Zoning Board of Appeals held an information session on the proposed expansion plans and site alterations for Sheridan School. The Board heard concerns from
neighboring property owners regarding the proposed driveway off of Spruce Avenue and the overall impact on the neighborhood due to its location between Sheridan School and the high school.
As a follow-up to the information session, a number of meetings were held involving the School District, the City and neighboring property owners.
On January 25, 1999, the Zoning Board of Appeals held a public hearing on the Sheridan School plan. Although the driveway from Spruce Avenue remained as part of the plan with strong
support from District and City staff, some modifications were made to minimize the impact on the neighboring residents. Most significantly, the alignment of the driveway was changed
to allow entrance only for traffic traveling westbound on Spruce Avenue. The proposed change, will eliminate bus traffic completely from all but the easternmost segment of Spruce Avenue,
between the driveway entrance and Sheridan Road. In addition, conditions recommended by the Zoning Board require that careful consideration be given to future landscaping and lighting
plans for the school site. Similar to the plan for Cherokee School, some additional parking spaces are proposed for location within the required setback area along Sheridan Road.
After discussion, the Zoning Board of Appeals voted unanimously to recommend approval of a Special Use Permit to allow for expansion of the school building and site alterations and in
support of a variance to allow the addition of parking spaces in the required setback subject to conditions. The proposed building additions have received final approval from the Building
Review Board.
The Board’s report is attached beginning on page 48.
The ordinances for the Special Use Permit and the variance, with findings and conditions attached, begin on page 41.
Recommended Action: 1) Waive first reading and grant final approval of an ordinance granting a Special Use Permit to allow expansion and site alterations at Sheridan Elementary School;
and 2) Waive first reading and grant final approval of an ordinance granting a variance to allow additional parking spaces to be constructed in the corner yard setback.
3. Consideration of a Report and Recommendation from the Zoning Board of
Appeals Regarding a Request for a Variation from Front and Interior Side
Yard Setbacks for Property Located at 530 Golf Lane (Baldwin Variation)
(First Reading and Final Approval)
PRESENTED BY SENIOR PLANNER CATHERINE CZERNIAK (615-4299)
On September 28, 1998 the Zoning Board of Appeals held a public hearing to consider a request for a variance from the required front and interior side yard setbacks to allow the addition
of a second floor and reconstruction of the roof over the existing garage at 530 Golf Lane. The proposed additions will encroach no further into the setback area than the existing
one-story residence. The proposed addition increases the height of the residence from the current one story ranch to a 2-story residence. The proposed addition, together with the existing
residence, does not exceed the permitted bulk.
The Zoning Board of Appeals discussed this petition and its precedent setting nature for the other residences on Golf Lane. This petition represents the first of what is expected to
be numerous significant additions to residences on Golf Lane. In recognition of the changes that are likely to occur on this street, the Zoning Board of Appeals directed that prior
to City Council consideration of the variance request, the proposed addition receive approval from the Building Review Board. The Building Review Board considered this petition at meetings
in November and January and voted unanimously to approve the revised plans as presented at the January meeting.
The Zoning Board voted 5-0, with one member abstaining, to recommend approval of the requested variations to the City Council.
The Zoning Board of Appeal's report is attached beginning on page 62.
The ordinance with findings is attached beginning on page 59.
Recommended Action: Waive first reading and grant final approval of an ordinance allowing a front and interior side yard setback for a new single family residence at 530 Golf Lane.
NEW BUSINESS
1. Approval of Revised Lease Policy
PRESENTED BY ALDERMAN BISHOP GALLAGHER
At the February 1, 1999 Finance Committee meeting, discussion was held on renewal of the lease with Northern Trust Bank for a banking facility in the Union Pacific Depot. The staff
was authorized to negotiate a lease with Northern Trust Bank effective May 1, 1999. The committee also continued discussion on policies relating to terms of leases for City owned property.
Attached as page81 is a copy of the lease policy which incorporates suggestions made at the February 1 Finance Committee meeting. (Staff contact: Rosemary Haack at 615-4274).
Recommended Action: Approval of the proposed lease policy.
ADDITIONAL ITEMS FOR COUNCIL DISCUSSION
EXECUTIVE SESSION
ADJOURNMENT
Office of the City Manager
February 12, 1999
The City of Lake Forest is subject to the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Individuals with disabilities who plan to attend this meeting and who require
certain accommodations in order to allow them to observe and/or participate in this meeting, or who have questions regarding the accessibility of the meeting or the facilities, are required
to contact City Manager Robert R. Kiely, Jr., at (847) 234-2600 promptly to allow the City to make reasonable accommodations for those persons.
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