VILLAGE OF BARRINGTON HILLS

PLAN COMMISSION MEETING

July 13, 2009

 

The regular meeting of the Village of Barrington Hills Plan Commission was called to order at 7:30 p.m. by Chairman Stieper.

 

Commission Members present: Kenneth Bosworth

                                                            Patrick Hennelly

                                                            Peter Grande

                                                            George Gottlieb

                                                            Julie Joyce

                                                            Lou Anne Majewski

                                                            James O’Donnell

                                                            David Stieper, Chairman

 

PREVIOUS MINUTES:  Commissioner Hennelly made the motion, seconded by Commissioner Grande, to approve the June 8th Minutes as presented.  Motion carried.

 

 

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:  Chairman Stieper advised that the Ad Hoc Committee had met several times since the last Plan Commission to revise and strengthen the current Exterior Lighting Ordinance draft.  The draft under consideration at this meeting would be the latest revision, copies of which were distributed to the Commission.  He advised that if a vote were taken, it would be based on the draft that had been previously emailed by Sarah Kenney to all the Commissioners subject to amendments contained in the most recent draft. 

 

(Reference final draft as maintaned by the Planning and Zoning Coordinator Sarah Kenney.)

 

After review of the latest draft, Chairman Stieper asked for specific comments from each of the Commissioners.

 

Commissioner Majewski approved of the proposed draft, appreciating its latitude, extended amortization, and emphasis on the Dark Sky.  Commissioner O’Donnell was concerned that the draft would be rejected, and also about adverse reaction from local churches.  Chairman Stieper noted that concerns from churches could be addressed with Special Use consideration. 

 

Commissioner Gobblieb thought the document was well stated and that it is the best document for today.  Commissioner Grande liked the draft, commenting how it was needed as a Village to continue to create the spirit of the Dark Sky.  Commissioner Joyce agreed with the spirit of the document, adding that it still allowed for tasteful landscaping though there may be a conflict with personal taste.  She said it addressed Dark Sky, conservation, and energy efficiency. 

 

Commissioner Hennelly saw no problem with the draft, and complemented the committee on doing a good job.  Commissioner Bosworth noted how the Comprehensive Plan and the beliefs held by those who ran in the recent election emphasize Barrington Hills’ rural and equestrian character and, more recently, the Dark Sky.  He saw no problem with being specific in the proposed draft, and accepted the fact that it may come back for modifications and/or amendments.  It is his belief that the draft reflects Barrington Hills’ character and at the same time would not overburden its residents.

 

Chairman Stieper said he didn’t like to have to propose such a draft, as it tells residents how they are allowed to light up their lot, but sees it as a necessity.  He said lighting must at some point have to be regulated, as some people’s taste may impinge on others.  He saw what has been done collectively to date as cutting edge and an example other Villages may look to in the future for leadership.

 

Trustee Knoop pointed out the fact that regulations already exist in the Village Code regulating outdoor recreational lighting, cutoff lighting, and maximum wattage.  He did not recommend distributing a list of specific types of approved and unapproved lighting fixtures.  He said that information should be available from the Village upon request.

 

Motion:  Commissioner Bosworth made the motion, seconded by Commissioner O’Donnell, to recommend the Exterior Lighting Ordinance draft as reviewed, including new amendments as proposed.  (Chairman Stieper noted that the draft being proposed was the one distributed via e-mail by Sarah Kenney, which would include subsequent changes contained in the most recent draft distributed at tonight’s meeting.) 

 

Roll Call:  Ayes:            Commissioners Majewski, Joyce, Grande, Hennelly, Bosworth, Gottlieb, O’Donnell, and Chairman Stieper

 

                 Nayes:         (None)

 

Motion carried unanimously.

 

Trustee urged as many Commissioners as possible attend the upcoming ZBA meeting.  It was agreed Chairman Stieper, Commissioner Bosworth and another Commissioner would meet in advance with ZBA Chairman Knight to review the proposal. 

 

TRUSTEE’S REPORT:  Trustee Knoop was absent at the last Board meeting.  He reported that they had discussed some health insurance issues that are now fully resolved.  The topics of  “big barns” and “animal shelters” was also discussed.

 

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 10:15 p.m. after being so moved and seconded.

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

 

 

Lou Anne Majewski

Recording Secretary