HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023-01-12 Planning Commission Meeting Minutes CITY OF OAK PARK HEIGHTS
PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES
Thursday,January 12, 2023
Call to Order/Pledge of Allegiance:
Vice Chair Van Denburgh called the meeting to order at 6:02 p.m. Present: Commissioners
Freeman, Husby, and VanDyke; City Administrator Johnson, City Planner Richards, and
City Councilmember Liaison Representative Liljegren.
II. Approval of Agenda:
Commissioner VanDyke, seconded by Commissioner Husby moved to approve the Agenda
as amended, adding Appoint New Commissioner as Item B. to New Business. Carried 4-0.
III. Approval of December 8, 2022 Meeting Minutes:
Commissioner Freeman, seconded by Commissioner VanDyke, moved to approve the
Minutes as presented. Carried 4-0.
IV. Department/Commission Liaison/Other Reports: City Councilmember Liaison
Representative Liljegren reported that at its last meeting, the City Council approved the Fat
Tire Bike Rally for February 19, 2023; approved City Council appointments for 2023, which
will remain the same as they were in 2022; and noted upcoming meetings n January 24t 1 and
February 14th
City Administrator Johnson noted that the City did close on the sale of the property located
at 5416 Stagecoach Trail N.
V. Visitors/Public Comment: Jim Kremer of 5475 Oakgreen Place N. noted his
understanding of Commissioner White's departure from the Commission and expressed his
interest in appointment consideration to the Planning Commission.
VI. Public Hearings: None.
VII. New Business:
A. Urban Heat Islands—Parking Requirements/Landscaping:
City Planner Richards discussed parking standards and elements, noting design
change over time. He reviewed and discussed highlights of his January 4, 2023
Planning Memorandum , noting that the how they relate to environmental issues as
well as to specifically urban heat islands.
Planning Commission Minutes
January 12,2023
Page 2 of 3
Discussion was had as to many items, including pervious surface, increased parking
island size, parking lot tree shading, tree issues to parking areas such as sign
blockage and damage to vehicles from large trees, handicap and required parking
spaces,parking lot landscaping minimums standards being placed within the City
Zoning Ordinance, multi-purpose use of green space areas, snow storage , how
requirements could come into play with redevelopment activities,potential for
reduction of upfront development costs,potential for existing usable commercial
space being realized and a way to fix some of the existing parking lots,
incentivizing change versus opportunity to require change, ordinance text as it relates
to parking requirements, terms and definitions. Clarification of what the 15-20-10
policy for grant program eligibility was asked for.
Commissioner Freeman, seconded by Commissioner VanDyke, moved that Staff
refine the concept and bring it back to the Planning Commission for continued
review.
Carried 4-0.
B. Appoint New Commissioner:
Discussion was had as to term of current members, and vacancies that will require
filling. Commissioner Freeman's second full term will end May 31, 2023. Freeman
indicated that he did not want to seek a special one-year extension at that time;
however, if needed he could remain on the Commission until a new member is
placed.
Commissioner VanDenburgh, seconded by Commissioner VanDyke moved to direct
Staff search for two Planning Commissioners. One to fill the immediate vacancy
and one to fill the vacancy at the end of Commissioner Freeman's term.
Carried 3-1, Freeman opposed.
Commissioner Freeman clarified that he opposed only because he felt it would be
better to have someone on board as quickly as possible and that they had a qualified
party express interest in appointment.
VIII. Old Business: None.
Planning Commission Minutes
January 12,2023
Page 3 of 3
IX. Informational:
A. Upcoming Meetings: Noted.
C. Council Representative:
• Tuesday, January 24, 2023 —Commissioner VanDyke
• Tuesday, February 28, 2023 —Commissioner VanDenburgh
X. Adjourn: Commissioner Husby, seconded by Commissioner VanDyke, moved
to adjourn at 7:03 p.m. Carried 4-0.
Respectfully submitted,
Jule ultman
ng& Code Enforcement
Approved by the Planning Commission: 02-09-2023(4-0)