City Council Planning Sessions

1. City Council Planning Agenda Documents: 2017-05-22 CITY COUNCIL PLANNING AGENDA.PDF 2. City Council Planning PUD Follow-Up PS 05 Documents: 2017-05-22 CITY COUNCIL PLANNING PUD FOLLOW-UP PS 05.PDF 3. City Council Planning Minutes Documents: 2017-05-22 CITY COUNCIL PLANNING MINUTES.PDF 4. City Council Planning Front Yard Setbaclks PS 04 Documents: 2017-05-22 CITY COUNCIL PLANNING FRONT YARD SETBACLKS PS 04.PDF 5. City Council Planning Draft 2017-05-08 Minutes PS 02 Documents: 2017-05-22 CITY COUNCIL PLANNING DRAFT 2017-05-08 MINUTES PS 02.PDF  WHEATON CITY COUNCIL PLANNING SESSION WHEATON CITY HALL – COUNCIL CHAMBERS 303 W. WESLEY STREET, WHEATON, ILLINOIS MONDAY, MAY 22, 2017 - 7:00 P.M. AGENDA I. Call to Order II. Approval of Minutes – May 8, 2017 III. Public Comment IV. Front Yard Setbacks V. PUD Amendments VI. City Council/Staff Comments VII. Adjournment During the Public Comment portion of the agenda, the presiding officer shall recognize any person requesting to be heard on any of the planning session agenda items only. Persons speaking during Public Comment shall not speak longer than three (3) minutes and shall be permitted to speak only once. Visitors must remain quiet and not engage in behavior that interferes with the Planning Session. The presiding officer may, or upon a majority vote of the council, request any visitor who violates any provision of this paragraph to leave the council chambers, and such visitor shall thereupon leave. Any person providing public comment shall address the presiding officer only and shall not proceed with remarks until recognized. When recognized, the person shall state his or her name and address. Cross floor discussions are prohibited. If a member of the City Council has questions of any person who has provided public comment, that person may address the specific question.  MEMORANDUM TO: Record FROM: Susan Bishel, Public Relations Coordinator SUBJECT: May 22, 2017 City Council Planning Session Minutes DATE: May 23, 2017 CC: Mayor and City Council, City Manager, City Clerk, Department Heads The Planning Session took place in the Council Chambers, Wheaton City Hall, 303 W. Wesley St., Wheaton, Illinois. Those attending the Planning Session included: Mayor Gresk, Councilman Barbier, Councilwoman Fitch, Councilman Prendiville, Councilman Rutledge, Councilman Scalzo and Councilman Suess. Also in attendance were City Manager Dzugan, Assistant City Manager Duguay, Director of Planning & Economic Development Kozik and Public Relations Coordinator Bishel. The session began at 7:00 p.m. and concluded at 8:15 p.m. The following items were discussed: I. Call to Order The Wheaton City Council Planning Session was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Mayor Gresk. II. Approval of May 8, 2017 Planning Session Minutes The Council approved the May 8, 2017 Planning Session Minutes. III. Public Comment There were no public comments. IV. Front Yard Setbacks Director of Planning & Economic Development Kozik reviewed the history of the City’s zoning ordinance related to front yard setbacks. The setback requirements were previously a set number based on the property’s zoning classification, ranging from 30 feet to 40 feet. The City later altered these requirements from a fixed distance to an average setback compared to the adjoining properties. Director of Planning & Economic Development Kozik stated this helped reduce the number of variances requested, but still presented a problem for people who wanted to remodel because zoning requirements had changed from the time their property was built. In 2002, the City Council adopted an ordinance allowing homeowners to apply for minor setback variations through an administrative variance. This allowed homeowners to have minor setback variances approved if they paid a small fee and provided signed support from the neighboring property owners. Director of Planning & Economic Development Kozik reviewed the creation of the Northside Overlay District, in which the city allowed some setback variances for historic features, such as covered front porches, to provide an incentive for homeowners to maintain the area’s historic feel. In response to a Council question, Director of Planning & Economic Development Kozik stated the City has not had any instances in which a variation request for a covered front porch was turned down, as this is a desirable feature on a home. He stated a porch is not counted in the home’s FAR calculation. Director of Planning & Economic Development Kozik recommended the 8-foot variation for a front porch/covered entryway should be available citywide, not just in the Northside Overlay District. Some Council members expressed support for this recommendation. In response to Council questions, Director of Planning & Economic Development Kozik stated there are some instances in which a property owner would be at a disadvantage for reconstruction if the current home’s setback would be non-compliant with the current zoning ordinance requirements. Some Council members expressed concern over the current practice of allowing neighbors’ objections to have the authority to stop a project, when objections could be of a personal nature rather than the merit of the project. Some Council members suggested the zoning ordinance also should allow for a slight range of acceptable setback distances, as slight variation can be more desirable as opposed to having all homes on a block the exact same setback. The Council expressed the desire to revisit this issue once staff presents proposed updates based on this discussion. V. PUD Amendments Director of Planning & Economic Development Kozik stated the PUD approval process associated with recent developments has shown the need to review and consider modifying the current planned unit development (PUD) regulations. Based on feedback from a prior discussion and feedback from builders and residents, Director of Planning & Economic Development Kozik reviewed new proposed language. Some of the proposed changes include no longer permitting PUDs in all zoning districts, as this has become a way around zoning regulations. Also proposed was language suggesting PUDs only be used for special circumstances, such as when trying to preserve natural elements, provide different housing options or provide for mixed land use within a single development. May 22, 2017 Planning Session 2 In regard to a Council question about the possibility of increasing density in the R-3 or R-5 districts, the applicant would be required to address the public benefit that would be met by increasing the density. Some Council members expressed concern about the current minimum lot size and encouraged City staff to look at increasing it. Director of Planning & Economic Development Kozik also outlined proposed changes to the M1 and C5 zoning districts. He stated the City has a lot of additional restrictions that have been added over time, so some of the current requirements create unnecessary processes. Council members expressed concern about increasing density in residential areas. Director of Planning & Economic Development Kozik stated staff can add language protecting existing areas. City staff also suggested the Council adopt language in regard to voting requirements that is the same as in the City Code. Also, Director of Planning & Economic Development Kozik suggested the Council consider removing the option for developers to present a PUD conceptual application to the City Council, as it does not allow for public comment and is different from how other City business is conducted at meetings. Finally, Director of Planning & Economic Development Kozik suggested the Council revise some of the procedural language regarding which matters must go to the Council before being recommended to the Zoning Board. City staff will present the proposed changes for the Council’s formal consideration. VI. City Council/Staff Comments Councilman Rutledge thanked the Wheaton Police Department for participating in the Cop of the Rooftop fundraiser for Special Olympics. He also wished Mayor Gresk a happy birthday. Councilman Prendiville thanked City staff for their work on proposed amendments to the Zoning Ordinance that would make it easier for people to do business with the City. VII. Adjournment The meeting was adjourned at 8:15 p.m. May 22, 2017 Planning Session 3  MEMORANDUM TO: Record FROM: Susan Bishel, Public Relations Coordinator SUBJECT: May 8, 2017 City Council Planning Session Minutes DATE: May 9, 2017 CC: Mayor and City Council, City Manager, City Clerk, Department Heads The Planning Session took place in the Council Chambers, Wheaton City Hall, 303 W. Wesley St., Wheaton, Illinois. Those attending the Planning Session included: Councilman Barbier, Councilwoman Fitch, Councilman Prendiville, Councilman Rutledge, Councilman Scalzo and Mayor Pro Tem Suess. Mayor Gresk was absent. Also in attendance were City Manager Dzugan, Assistant City Manager Duguay, Director of Engineering Redman, Fire Chief Schultz, Police Chief Volpe, Special Projects Assistant Kowalke and Public Relations Coordinator Bishel. The session began at 7:00 p.m. and concluded at 8:27 p.m. The following items were discussed: I. Call to Order The Wheaton City Council Planning Session was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Mayor Pro Tem Suess. II. Approval of Minutes – April 24, 2017 The Council approved the April 24, 2017 Planning Session Minutes. III. Public Comment Kara Kortum, 1307 E. Taft, presented the City Council with a petition with 683 signatures supporting lowering the speed limit on residential streets in Wheaton. She stated she is glad to see that the City is considering a change to lower speed limits. Cecilia Vangetson, 606 W. Franklin St., expressed concern over multiple car accidents she has witnessed near Gary Avenue and Ellis, and stated she was hit by a car while in a crosswalk. She encouraged the City Council to lower speed limits on residential streets for the safety of families and pedestrians. Michael Link, 1116 N. Wheaton Ave., encouraged the City Council to lower residential street speed limits to 25 mph. He expressed concern with the speed of drivers in the area of Harrison from West Street to Main Street. Anne Waters, 490 W. Seminary, stated the City did two speed studies along Gary Avenue between Wesley and Harrison. She shared the results of the speed studies, in which numerous drivers were exceeding the speed limit of 30 mph. She expressed concern that lowering the speed limit to 25 mph would not make much of a difference in this area, and she requested the City put in a stop sign in the school zone on Gary to slow down traffic. Paul Fahee, 121 Brighton Drive, stated he supports lowering the speed limit on residential streets, but he does not believe it will have any effect unless it is enforced by the Police Department. Michael Billing, 303 N. Gary, stated he has witnessed multiple accidents near his house. He stated he thinks just lowering the speed limit in this location would not be effective. He encouraged the Council to look at options in addition to lowering the speed limits to address traffic safety concerns. Jill Palmore, 520 N. West St., expressed support for lowering speed limits in residential areas. She stated there have been numerous accidents in her neighborhood in which cars have left the roadway, and she is concerned about the speed vehicles are traveling through neighborhoods. Adrienne Carlovitz, 1928 Stoddard, expressed concern about the area near Stoddard and Daly, especially since there are no sidewalks in this area. She stated there is a lot of cut-through traffic and drivers often exceed the speed limit. Amy Tax, 304 N. Gary Ave., stated a car hit her house on April 29. She expressed concern that cars are exceeding the posted speed limits. She also encouraged the City Council to consider putting stop signs along Gary Avenue and Ellis Avenue in this area to slow down traffic. IV. Residential Street Speed Limits City Manager Dzugan stated as a continuation of a previous City Council discussion about residential street speed limits, Director of Engineering Redman prepared a memo with a proposal for a consultant to perform a speed study. Director of Engineering Redman stated the proposal would provide the City with data citywide at 75 locations with traffic counts and speed data. It would also involve analyzing conditions that could affect speed and safety in the 75 locations to determine the most appropriate speed for the conditions. He stated the consultant would do field work, data collection including accident data, and document physical characteristics. The consultant would provide the City with a report of their findings. 5/8/17 Planning Session 2 City Manager Dzugan stated if the Council would like to go forward with a study, the City would use the results to make a decision, and also implement education and enforcement efforts as well. In response to Council questions on if the Council can reduce residential speed limits to 25 mph without a study, Director of Engineering Redman stated although a study is not required, the City would still have work to do to determine which are residential streets and which are collector streets. He stated numerous studies have shown that signage alone doesn’t significantly affect speed limits, so enforcement would also be a key component. City Manager Dzugan stated the City would need to look at what resources the Wheaton Police Department has available for increased enforcement efforts. In response to a Council question, Director of Engineering Redman stated average traffic volume per day differentiates residential streets versus collector streets. In response to Council questions about enforcement, Police Chief Volpe stated the Police Department currently targets specific areas of concern. With a lower speed limit, the Police Department would need to do a lot of education before implementing additional enforcement. In response to a Council question, Police Chief Volpe stated there are many factors involved when it comes to vehicle accidents. He stated officers are aware of traffic concerns in the areas of Gary, Harrison and Ellis, and they do spend additional resources in this area. Some Council members expressed support for a consultant performing a traffic study. Others asked that City staff consider traffic calming measures such as speed bumps or round-abouts to reduce vehicle speeds. Other Council members expressed interest in adding more sidewalks near elementary schools. Council members also expressed interest in getting more feedback from residents about their traffic concerns. In response to questions about the proposed study, Director of Engineering Redman stated the focus of the proposed study would be speed, and it would give the City additional data on areas of concern. Based on Council feedback, Director of Engineering Redman stated City staff could have the consultant shift the focus of the study to analyze traffic issues, especially on collector streets and areas of concern. City Manager Dzugan stated this is a data-gathering step in the process, and the City is not yet at the point to make a decision on residential speed limits. He stated there will be more 5/8/17 Planning Session 3 opportunities for resident feedback. The Council directed City staff to redefine the scope of a traffic study. V. Marked Crosswalk Policy City Manager Dzugan stated City staff developed a draft policy on marked crosswalks for the Council’s consideration. This is so when the City receives resident requests to add a marked crosswalk, the City would have standards in place to guide the process and determine if a crosswalk is warranted. Special Projects Assistant Kowalke outlined the definition of a crosswalk and the different types. Defined crosswalks can be controlled or uncontrolled, based on whether there is a traffic stopping device at the location. He outlined conditions that can make a crossing more dangerous, such as placing a crosswalk in a location with higher traffic counts or posted speed limits of 40 mph or greater. In the proposed policy, staff suggests controlled locations should continue to be decided by the Engineering Department’s judgement, but uncontrolled locations should have an engineering study performed to determine whether a crossing is appropriate. The policy would also require there to be at least 20 people per hour crossing at the spot during peak traffic times, with children and elderly pedestrians carrying an additional weight of 30%. Special Projects Assistant Kowalke stated the policy would require a crossing to be at least 350 feet from another marked crossing. Special Projects Assistant Kowalke reviewed hypothetical situations for how the City would proceed with two different types of requests based on the policy. In response to Council questions, Director of Engineering Redman stated pedestrian counts should be taken when there is most traffic because the gaps between cars is the smallest at this time. In response to Council questions about why some crosswalks were eliminated, Director of Engineering stated these were areas along former school walking routes that have since changed. Some Council members expressed concern with the practice of letting crosswalks that have been eliminated fade over time. The Council directed the City staff to prepare a resolution adopting the policy with minor changes related to eliminating crosswalks. 5/8/17 Planning Session 4 VI. City Council/Staff Comments City Manager Dzugan stated the Wheaton Fire Department brought over two of the City’s new ambulances for the Council’s inspection. The size of the ambulances is smaller than previous models, which yields savings in operating expenses, but with the same high level of service. VII. Adjournment The meeting was adjourned at 8:27 p.m. 5/8/17 Planning Session 5