VILLAGE OF BARRINGTON HILLS PLAN COMMISSION February 9, 2009 The regular meeting of the Village of Barrington Hills Plan Commission was called to order by Chairman Bosworth at 7:35 p.m. Commission Members Present: Kenneth Bosworth, Chairman George Gottlieb, arrived at 7:40 Peter Grande Patrick Hennelly Lou Anne Majewski Joseph Messer James O’Donnell David Stieper Absent: Julie Joyce PREVIOUS MINUTES: Commissioner Stieper made the motion, seconded by Commissioner Hennelly, to approve the January 12, 2009 minutes as presented. Motion carried. EXTERIOR LIGHTING: Chairman Bosworth stated that an Ad Hoc Lighting Committee has been formed and is meeting regularly to discuss issues regarding exterior lighting, such as safety and security, the environment and human health. The Village Engineer was in attendance to answer technical questions and provide examples of good and bad lighting practices throughout the Village. A current copy of the draft lighting ordinance was handed out to the Commission. Chairman Bosworth noted that the original draft was altered to focus primarily on the residential portion, while commercial properties such as churches, schools and recreational facilities will be reviewed at another time. The draft was presented and examined by sections. The following was found: * Section 1: Legislative Intent: The goal is to limit excessive lighting and minimize ‘sky glow’ by not using any more light than is needed and shining the light where it really needs to be. * Section 2: Definitions: The technical components of the definitions are being reviewed by the Village Engineer. * Section 3: Applicability: The topic of pre-existing lighting and amortization will be reviewed by the Village Attorney. More discussion is needed as to the time frame allowed for compliance. * Section 4: General Standards: The Illuminating Engineering Society of North America (IESNA) recommended practices are being reviewed by the Village Engineer. The Village Engineer measured Light Trespass throughout the Village and determined there to be little to none considering the parcel size. * Section 5: Residential Lighting Standards: The goal here is to allow for certain lighting as determined by amount of energy emitted and/or type of fixture. Residential lighting should be either properly shielded or use a certain amount of energy. The amount of energy (wattage vs. lumens) is being reviewed by the Village Engineer and the Ad Hoc Lighting Committee. * Section 6: Non-Residential Lighting Standards: Security lighting was discussed and will be added to the draft. Additionally, the Village Attorney will be contacted to review the concept of requiring all new, non-residential applicants to provide photometric testing when applying for a permit. Plan Commission review of the draft ended at this point. The following was discussed in conjunction with the Commission’s review of the draft: * Overall goal of the draft lighting ordinance is to preserve the dark, night sky. * Public hearing process. The ZBA will hold public hearings in recognition of the Draft, and then share their recommendations with the Village Board. * Supporting energy efficient lighting and prohibiting non-efficient lighting. * IESNA recommended practices. According to IESNA, when considering Light Trespass, the Village falls under Zone E1 = areas with intrinsically dark landscapes. * Special use permit for temporary lighting. * The inclusion of language derived from the Comprehensive Plan to better reflect Village character. Mr. Dennis Gallitano, 4 Fernwood Drive, addressed the Commission with his concerns regarding the Draft, stating that the dark skies were one reason that he moved to the Village. Further, he and his wife are avid landscapers by hobby who just invested in a large amount of landscape lighting. He stated that the Draft would hinder those looking to “improve” their property, aesthetically. He further shared that his home was broken into, both with lighting and an alarm system. The Commission agreed that this was a separate issue. After a brief discussion, Mr. Gallitano agreed that had he known of the draft lighting ordinance before his investment, he would have complied with the code. Chairman Bosworth noted the findings regarding the strict nature of the Draft, stating that if the Draft was vague in language then residents would likely not find it useful. He further reminded the Commission of the Draft’s goal which is to preserve the dark sky. TRUSTEE’S REPORT: Trustee Knoop updated the Commission on Village matters concerning: Commercial Boarding: The Village Board is going forward with an ordinance to restrict commercial boarding, pending review from both the Equestrian Committee and the Legal Review Committee regarding the definition of “agriculture”. Bicycle Ordinance: The Village Board passed the Ordinance restricting bicyclists to ride single file on Village roads. Citizens for Conservation’s recognition of the Village’s Dark Sky. ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business, a motion to Adjourn was made by Commissioner Majewski and seconded by Commissioner Stieper at 9:34 pm. Plan Commission Meeting January 12, 2009 – Page 2