McHenry Times

City of Woodstock Plan Commission met Feb. 17.

Here are the minutes provided by the commission:

A regular meeting of the Woodstock Plan Commission was called to order by Chairman Cody Sheriff at 7:00PM in the Council Chambers at Woodstock City Hall.

A roll call was taken.

PLAN COMMISSION MEMBERS PRESENT: Arturo Flores, Robert Horrell, Doreen Paluch, Richard Ryan, and Chairman Cody Sheriff.

PLAN COMMISSION MEMBERS ABSENT: Rick Bellairs, Steve Gavers, and Jackie Speciale

STAFF PRESENT: Building and Zoning Director Joe Napolitano, City Attorney TJ Clifton, and City Clerk Cindy Smiley.

APPROVAL OF AGENDA

Motion by Paluch, second by Horrell, to approve the Agenda as presented.

A roll call vote was taken. Ayes: Flores, Horrell, Paluch, Ryan, and Chairman Sheriff. Nays: none. Abstentions: none. Absentees: Bellairs, Gavers, and Speciale. Motion carried.

ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES

Motion by Horrell, second by Paluch, to accept the minutes of the January 20, 2022 Plan Commission meeting with the following correction:

Page 5, First Paragraph should read: “In response to a question from Commissioner Horrell,”

A roll call vote was taken. Ayes: Flores, Horrell, Paluch, Ryan, and Chairman Sheriff. Nays: none. Abstentions: none. Absentees: Bellairs, Gavers, and Speciale. Motion carried.

1. PUBLIC COMMENTS

There were no comments forthcoming from the Public.

2. NEW BUSINESS

a) Public Hearing – Setback Variation for Freestanding Sign,1270 Lake Avenue. Petitioner: GA Johnson & Son for Aldi.

Chairman Sheriff stated this is a Public Hearing to consider a setback variation for a freestanding sign at 1270 Lake Avenue.

A roll call was taken to establish a quorum.

PLAN COMMISSION MEMBERS PRESENT: Arturo Flores, Robert Horrell, Doreen Paluch, Richard Ryan, and Chairman Cody Sheriff.

PLAN COMMISSION MEMBERS ABSENT: Rick Bellairs, Steve Gavers, and Jackie Speciale. Chairman Sheriff noted the presence of a quorum.

In response to a question from Chairman Sheriff, Mr. Napolitano confirmed the Public Hearing was properly noticed.

The Public Hearing was opened at 7:04PM.

Petitioner Richard Bartuce was sworn in by Chairman Sheriff.

Noting the required sign setback is 10 feet, Mr. Bartuce stated a misunderstanding by the contractor lead to the sign pier being installed into the setback. He stated a variation is being sought so the sign would not have to be moved.

Mr. Napolitano stated as a result of the misunderstanding the options are to move the sign or to grant a variation.

Chairman Sheriff opened the floor to Commission questions.

Commissioner Paluch stated her concern was a sight issue with the original sign placement but upon visiting the site, she did not see any problem. She stated she has no objection to the requested variation.

Noting the 40mph speed limit and standard curb, Commissioner Horrell asked if any safety issues are envisioned, suggesting low landscaping on the edge of the sign to prevent direct contact with the brickwork. Mr. Bartuce stated there is a sidewalk and green space between the roadway and the sign, opining landscaping would not really provide protection. Commissioner Horrell stated he has no objection to the requested variation.

Noting the sign is close to the roadway, Commissioner Ryan inquired as to the City’s liability if the variation is granted and someone is injured by hitting the sign. City Attorney Clifton responded he would never say there is no liability but does not see how the City would be liable. Mr. Napolitano noted the Code would allow a 2 ft. setback for a smaller sign.

There were no questions from Commissioner Flores.

Chairman Sheriff stated he has no issues with the request.

In response to a question from Chairman Sheriff, there were no questions from the Public.

In response to a question from Chairman Sheriff, there were no further comments or discussion from the Commission or the Public.

Motion by Paluch, second by Ryan, to recommend that a variation of sign setback from 10 feet to 8.7 feet be approved to allow the continued use of the free-standing sign for Aldi at 1270 Lake Avenue, noting the request meets Sections 13.11.3.A of the Unified Development Ordinance in accordance with the findings included in the Staff Report.

A roll call vote was taken. Ayes: Flores, Horrell, Paluch, Ryan, and Chairman Sheriff. Nays: none. Abstentions: none. Absentees: Bellairs, Gavers, and Speciale. Motion carried.

The Public Hearing was closed at 7:12PM.

b) Public Hearing: Amendment to Special Use Permit Granted by Ordinance 20-O-56 Allowing Cannabis Businesses at 1411 S. Eastwood Drive. Petitioner: SLI, LLC

Chairman Sheriff stated the purpose of this Public Hearing is consideration of a request for an amendment to a Special Use Permit (SUP) granted by Ordinance 20-O-56 allowing cannabis businesses at 14ll S. Eastwood Drive.

A roll call was taken to establish a quorum.

PLAN COMMISSION MEMBERS PRESENT: Arturo Flores, Robert Horrell, Doreen Paluch, Richard Ryan, and Chairman Cody Sheriff.

PLAN COMMISSION MEMBERS ABSENT: Rick Bellairs, Steve Gavers, and Jackie Speciale. Chairman Sheriff noted the presence of a quorum.

In response to a question from Chairman Sheriff, Mr. Napolitano confirmed the Public Hearing was properly noticed.

The Public Hearing was opened at 7:13PM.

Petitioner Michael Leuzzi was sworn in by Chairman Sheriff.

Mr. Leuzzi stated the request is for an amendment to the existing SUP to allow the temporary operation of cannabis infusing and transporting on the property. They would use the existing building and incorporate four temporary trailers on the site. A site plan was provided showing where the trailers would be located on the property. He stated they would be surrounded by a 10ft. chain link fence with evergreens in front obstructing the view.

Mr. Napolitano stated the SUP was approved in 2020 in anticipation of state licensing that year. He stated because of Covid-19 and pending litigation, grower licensing has been delayed. He stated licenses have been issued for transporter and infusion, however, resulting in the petitioner wishing to get their operation started using the existing site with trailers. He stated once the grower’s license is issued, the business would go back to the original plan.

Mr. Napolitano stated Staff’s concern was not the use, as it was determined this was appropriate through the original SUP, but rather with the trailers. He stated the area is very well screened now with existing vegetation blocking the view to north/south traffic. He stated the petitioner is proposing putting evergreens in to block the view from across the street. Mr. Napolitano stated it would not be desirable to have temporary trailers present indefinitely so Staff is recommending allowing this for one year, after which Council approval would be required for an extension.

Mr. Napolitano stated, while not applicable to this issue, the City did get comments about possible odors primarily during the growing process. He stated it is not believed this will be an issue with the transporter/infusion part of the operation noting Staff will look at this during building plan review for the growing process. He stated as this is a SUP, it can be rescinded by the City if issues are not addressed.

Mr. Napolitano stated Staff is supportive of allowing the business to get up and running and does not have concerns with this request.

Chairman Sheriff opened the floor for Commission questions.

In response to questions from Commissioner Paluch, Mr. Leuzzi described the infusion process. Gummies and other items will be brought to the site and infused with cannabis oil, and there is generally no odor associated with this process. He stated the 8 ft. trailers will be surrounded by a 10 ft. fence with evergreens planted in the front to block the view. He stated once the grower’s permit is approved, it is their plan to start construction and move into the building as soon as possible, at which time the trailers would no longer be needed. He stated they have preliminary plans developed for the building noting the trailers would remain on the property during construction.

In response to questions from Commissioner Horrell, Mr. Leuzzi stated the facility will have the same level of required security as was described for the original proposal. He stated, with the exception of the fencing, it is not their intent to make any other changes to the site other than bring in the trailers and alter the interior of the building.

In response to a question from Commissioner Horrell as to whether another amendment will be needed when the petitioner is ready to grow, City Attorney Clifton stated that would depend upon how the amendment is constructed. He stated if it is indicated that it would revert back to the original they would not have to come back for another amendment.

In response to a question from Commissioner Ryan, Mr. Leuzzi stated, while they are confident they will be issued a grower’s license, they are prepared to purchase one if that should not happen, noting it is permissible to transfer a license from one grower to another grower.

There were no questions forthcoming from Commissioner Flores or Chairman Sheriff. In response to a question from Chairman Sheriff, there were no questions forthcoming from the Public.

In response to a question from Chairman Sheriff, there was no further Commission or Public comments or discussion about the request.

A brief discussion ensued of construction of the motion.

Motion by Paluch, second by Horrell, to recommend that an Amendment to the Special Use Permit granted by Ordinance 20-O-56 be approved to allow cannabis infusion and transporting on the Subject Property for a temporary period and in substantial conformance with the plans submitted. The Special Use Permit Amendment shall be effective for two years or upon issuance of an occupancy permit for a new building, whichever comes first, at which time the provisions of the original Special Use Permit granted in Ordinance 20-O-56 shall be reinstated. It is noted that with the above conditions, the request meets the approval criteria listed in Sections 4.4.7 of the Unified Development Ordinance, in accordance with the findings included in the Staff Report.

A roll call vote was taken. Ayes; Flores, Horrell, Paluch, Ryan, and Chairman Sheriff. Nays: none. Abstentions: none. Absentees: Bellairs, Gavers, and Speciale. Motion carried.

The Public Hearing was closed at 7:49PM.

3. OLD BUSINESS

There was no Old Business.

4. DISCUSSION

Mr. Napolitano stated there will be a March meeting likely with two items: a zoning text amendment for temporary sign regulations and possible Airbnb regulations.

He gave an update on the Smart Growth forum stating he will provide information to the Commission when available. He noted they are putting together a report which will be another resource for the Comprehensive Plan.

Mr. Napolitano stated the City Council has approved issuing an RFP for the Comprehensive Plan Update which will go out to consultants and be placed on various web sites.

He noted Cedarhurst is scheduled to open soon and is wishing to install a temporary sales trailer. He stated the dental office at the corner of Rt. 47 and Country Club Rd. may open next week with Jersey Mike’s hoping to open in mid-March.

5. ADJOURN

Motion by Paluch, second by Ryan, to adjourn this regular meeting of the Plan Commission to the next regular meeting at 7:00PM on Thursday, March 17, 2022 in the Council Chambers at City Hall.

Ayes: Flores, Horrell, Paluch, Ryan, and Chairman Sheriff. Nays: none. Abstentions: none. Absentees: Bellairs, Gavers, and Speciale. Motion carried.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:06PM.

https://www.woodstockil.gov/sites/default/files/fileattachments/plan_commission/meeting/45728/02-17-22_plan_commission_minutes.pdf