Communications & Legislations Committee

Approved MINUTES OF A MEETING OF THE COMMUNICATIONS & LEGISLATION COMMITTEE BOARD OF TRUSTEES VILLAGE OF NORTHBROOK COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS February 28, 2012 Chairman Ciesla called the meeting to order in the Terrace Room of the Village Hall at 6:00 PM. Present were: Trustees Ciesla, Heller and Israel. Also present: Trustees Karagianis and Scolaro, T. Poupard, Director of Development and Planning Services, D. Ford, Village Clerk and Recorder J. Butch. Hear from the Audience Round Lake Beach resident Ed Furhmann, (201 Spruceland Court) noted his support of the movement to allow residents to raise chickens. Adele Sturgis, 1807 Maple Avenue, stated that the Committee should not lose sight of the right which residents have to not live next door to chickens. She feels the property lots in Northbrook are too small and she voiced her concerns with the health issues chickens may create. She stated that if the Board does choose to amend the current code, it needs to be closely regulated. George Stutz, 1047 Briarwood, first stated his resentment that a private film crew was present. He stated he is opposed to amending the current code and he stated his concern of the potential viruses which could be transmitted. Mr. Stutz thought this was a good idea 40-50 years ago, but not today. Christine Bute, 945 Longaker, noted she has been a Northbrook resident for six years and is in favor of amending the code. She hopes that the Board would consider reducing the number of acres required for residents to own chickens. She recited a number of articles rebutting the comments made regarding health factors related to chickens. She stated that if the ordinance is properly written, many issues can be avoided. She felt that Northbrook is a progressive thinking town, trying to create a green image with its farmers market, composting, rain barrels and rain gardens. She stated she felt the addition of backyard chickens would not have an adverse effect on the community. Eric Routman, 2777 Applewood, stated that he is in favor of the amendment. He stated that fresh laid eggs are healthier than store bought eggs, and even those which are organic. He referenced the comparison to dogs, noting the health effects of those that don’t clean up after their pets. He also noted what types of precautionary measures homeowners can take to address backyard flooding, predators, and health issues noted by others in the audience A.J. Spitz, 2425 Colony Court, stated he presently has three chickens that are housed in a two-story coop. He stated it has been a very positive and educational experience for him and his friends. Jeff Spitz, 2425 Colony Court, stated he is an educator who would love to see young people embrace learning about chickens. He stated this is not just a political topic, but also about educating people on how to raise the foods we eat. He stated that this is right in line with what the State of Illinois’ agricultural values. Jennifer Spitz, 2425 Colony Court, became involved in raising chickens when she felt disconnected from where the foods in which we eat came from. She stated she feels this connection is important educationally. Mrs. Spitz acknowledged her family currently has three chickens with a coop on their property. Discussion regarding Regulation of Chickens on Residential Property Tom Poupard, Director of Development and Planning Services gave a short PowerPoint presentation and showed a You Tube video of backyard chickens. He also provided handout materials to the Committee members and audience. The presentation focused on the typical complaints and concerns regarding raising chickens in a residential area and what regulatory steps have been taken by other communities. Chairman Ciesla asked Village Animal Warden Gina Manski to report on her findings of concerns from other communities who allow chickens. Animal Warden Ms. Manski stated she contacted three neighboring towns; Evanston, Batavia and Northfield. She reported that none of the issues/concerns discussed at tonight’s meeting were problems in these communities, noting that may be because of the town’s regulations. After seeing the approach taken in Evanston, Ms. Manski stated she would recommend that residents be required to notify their surrounding neighbors, obtain a permit to own chickens, restrict chickens to the backyard only and require fencing around the coop. Ms. Manski stated that currently, she has been contacted by 15 residents who have inquired about having chickens. Trustee Heller stated that all of the comments heard tonight were appropriate, and obviously there are two sides with conflicting interests. However, after reviewing the materials presented, Trustee Heller does not think this would cause significant problems within the community as long as it were controlled ordinance. He stated he felt this amendment would be a step in the right direction for the community Trustee Israel stated he understands the concern of the residents, however; he feels the amendment could benefit the community with proper regulations in place. Trustee Karagianis stated he had two concerns. The first being a change in community character and the second being the attraction of predatory animals. He stated that he was elected to represent the interest of the residents and those he has spoken to were not in favor of the code amendment. He stated that we cannot always do what we want and gave the example of cutting down trees; there are regulations in place that need to be followed. Trustee Heller then questioned if the issue should be opposed due to the fact that a majority were not in favor. Trustee Karagianis stated that depends on the issue. He noted that there are always unintended consequences. He mentioned how one community voted to allow pigs and they were soon faced with the issue of allowing goats. He felt the proposed code change was not in character of Northbrook. Trustee Scolaro stated he felt it all came down to home values. He has concerns with a prospective home buyer coming into Northbrook, and seeing homes where neighbors are raising chickens. This could potentially steer a home buyer away from Northbrook. He also noted his concern of predators, but requested additional information be presented before he could draw a conclusion. Ms. Manski stated that the communities she spoke to did not mention predatory animals as a problem. Chairman Ciesla concurred with Trustees Israel and Heller. She stated she has a difficult time telling residents what they can or cannot do on their property especially if it does not affect safety. Chairman Ciesla questioned the cost to the Village to regulate and administer allowing chickens on smaller lots. Trustee Heller moved to approve to allow two to three chickens on any single family lot. He stated that residents would have to complete a permit process along with having their coops approved by the Village. The Committee stated that in an effort to save staff time, they propose the following. They would like staff to provide the full Board with a copy of the Evanston Ordinance on chickens for review. The Board will decide at an upcoming Board meeting if there is a majority in favor of the amendment. If majority is in favor, then staff will be instructed to draft an amendment to the Municipal Code. Adjourn Trustee Heller motioned, seconded by Trustee Israel, to adjourn the meeting at 7:20 p.m. On voice vote, the motion was approved. Respectfully submitted, /s/ Judy Butch Recorder