Channahon Village Board Committee met March 19.
Here is the minutes provided by the Committee
Channahon Village Board Committee of the Whole Meeting March 19, 2018
Village President Missey Moorman Schumacher called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. with Trustees Greco, Host, Perinar, McMillin, Scaggs and Slocum present.
Also present were Village Administrator Thomas Durkin, Director of Community Development and Information Systems Mike Petrick, Finance Director Heather Wagonblott, Director of Public Works Ed Dolezal, Chief of Police Shane Casey, Village Attorney Jim Murphy and Village Clerk Kristin Hall.
VP Moorman Schumacher informed everyone present that anyone who speaks at the meeting shall be deemed to have given his/her consent to the recording of their likeness and speech. This meeting is being recorded.
Administration Department Discussion – A Resolution Approving the Execution of a Settlement Agreement and Release (Ryan-Inspired) Village Attorney Jim Murphy asked if any members of the Village Board had any questions. He also stated that the board has the option of going into Executive Session for further discussion if they so choose. He stated this wraps up litigation and allows for the distribution of funds being held by the Village of Channahon.
Community Development & Information Systems Discussion – An Ordinance of the Village of Channahon, Will and Grundy Counties, State of Illinois Rezoning Certain Property from R-1 to R-2 (23204 S. Terrapin Court, PIN 04- 10-05-201-004-0000) Petrick stated the property is a 3.2 acre parcel in the Riley Farms subdivision. He stated the owners desire to construct a detached accessory garage, which since 2013, are prohibited to be constructed in the R-1 Single Family Zoning District. He stated if the rezoning is granted, the detached accessory structure would be built to conform to all applicable ordinances of the Village of Channahon with no variation being requested. He stated that the lot size is smaller than 5 acres leaving the R-2 Single Family Residential District the only applicable district for this property to be allowed to accommodate a detached accessory structure. He further stated a public hearing was held on March 12, 2018, and the Planning and Zoning Commission voted 4-0 to recommend the approval in change of zoning.
Discussion – Love’s Concept Plan Petrick stated Love’s Travel Stops and Country Stores is proposing to redevelop a 16.9 acre property formerly utilized as Werner trucking terminal. The site is located on the south side of Bluff Road, east of Interstate 55. He stated the site would contain automotive and semi-truck fueling, a tire repair facility and a drive-thru restaurant. He stated that the comprehensive plan did not examine this portion of land, but in February 2018, the Village of Channahon joined the City of Joliet in amending the municipal boundary line agreement so that this land could be annexed into the Village of Channahon, rather than the City of Joliet. He further stated that the overall concept plan should not be significantly different that what is presented and should the project progress, it will return to the Planning and Zoning Commission for public hearing.
Chad Bruner, Real Estate Project Manager for Love’s, provided a brief overview of the site plan. He gave background information regarding Love’s and the number of people they employee. He stated they chose Channahon because they feel it is an underserved market. He stated it is proposed that they will invest approximately $15 million for the improvement of this property. He anticipates 30-40 jobs being created.
Trustee Scaggs asked if a fence will divide the truck part of the business from the automotive part.
Mr. Bruner stated yes, the areas will be divided by a solid fence.
VP Moorman Schumacher asked what the sight lines from the neighborhood north of Bluff Road.
Mr. Bruner stated they did a survey where they put a balloon 125 feet in the air and it was not able to be seen from the neighborhood. He stated the store itself will not be seen until you get over the bridge because of the elevation of the property. He stated the canopy will have LED fixtures that will not project light.
Petrick stated that Werner Trucking has vacated the site within the last couple of months.
Durkin stated that everything else around this property is owned by Exxon Mobil and is utilized as their buffer space and wetland restoration area.
Trustee Scaggs asked if they anticipated taking business away from the other gas stations in the area.
Mr. Bruner stated they don’t view the stations to the north as competition, as far as diesel fuel. He stated that Thornton’s typically deals with more independent drivers, where Love’s typically deals with the fleet type. They believe the Pilot property is undersized and would be hard pressed because of this to serve more business.
VP Moorman Schumacher stated Mr. Bruner is looking for direction from the Board. She asked all board members if any were not in favor of moving this project forward. No negative comments were provided by any board member regarding the proposal and the direction to Mr. Bruner was to proceed through the approval process.
Finance Department Finance Director Wagonblott stated she has no formal items.
Police Department Chief Casey stated he had no formal items.
Public Works Department Discussion – Riverside Lot 15 (18 Wheeler Truck & Lube) – Improvement Completion Guarantee Release and Waive Maintenance Guarantee Requirements Dolezal stated the developer has requested the Village accept public improvements consisting of two concrete culverts under entrances located within the Village Right-of-Way, release of the Improvement Completion Guarantee and waiver of the requirement for a 2 year Maintenance Guarantee. He stated that per Village Ordinance, provision of a 2 year Maintenance Guarantee in an amount equal to 20% of the original guarantee required for accepted improvements. He stated that staff recommends approval of the request for the following reasons: the scope of the public improvements located in the Village Right-of-Way is minimal and the improvements have been in place and operating for over 2 years. Public Works staff inspected all improvements and find they are 100% complete and in good condition.
Communications
PUBLIC COMMENT Dave Ferro, resident of Channahon, expressed concerns regarding the truck traffic that will be generated by the Love’s site and the industrial proposed and being developed on the east side of I-55. He believes this will cause traffic on Bluff Road.
Executive Session
The Committee of the Whole was adjourned at 6:24 p.m.
Submitted by Kristin Hall Village Clerk
http://files.channahon.org/public/BOARD_MTG/Minutes/2018/2018.03.19%20Comm%20Minutes.pdf
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