MINUTES OF THE PLAN COMMISSION
MEETING HELD OCTOBER 18, 2007

The Plan Commission of the Village of Palos Park, Cook County, IL met for its regular meeting on Thursday, October 18, 2007.  Chairman Ralph Jones called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m.   Answering to roll call were: John Basso, Julie Kay, and Paul Petan.  Michael Sundermeier and Michael Wall were absent.  John Houseal, Village Planner, and Craig Eyer, Director of Building and Zoning, were also present. 

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

John Basso moved, seconded by Paul Petan, to approve the minutes of the September 25, 2007 public hearing.  Upon voice vote, the motion carried 4 yes, with 2 absent.

Julie Kay moved, seconded by John Basso, to approve the minutes of the September 25, 2007 regular meeting.  Upon voice vote, the motion carried 4 yes with 2 absent. 

OLD BUSINESS 

1. Consider steps for updating 1999 Comprehensive Plan

Chairman Ralph Jones stated that boundary maps of Orland Park and Lemont were available and requested that Mr. Houseal provide updated maps of Palos Park for review purposes.  Mr. Houseal summarized what steps will be followed in updating the Comprehensive Plan.  He added that the American Planning Association has awarded Palos Park with a silver award for implementation of its Strategic Plan, one of only 2 communities to receive such an award. 

Mr. Houseal said it is typical to update Comprehensive Plans every 10 years.  He met with staff a couple of weeks ago to review general steps in the review process and what new items should be included i.e. transportation, telecommunications.  The updated plan will be more detailed and less theoretical because this is an established community with a few annexation possibilities but no large areas yet to be developed; the Strategic Plan is specific in delineating the direction residents want to go and will become part of an implementation chapter and we would expect to update that section about once per year.  The Commercial Areas Master Plan (CAMP) will also be incorporated into the Comp Plan.  We will have meetings to get input and feedback from residents, businesses and the Village Council.  He said he would have a packet of information for the next Plan Commission meeting indicating which sections of the current Comp Plan are completed or no longer apply and work with one or two sections each month until complete. 

The State of Illinois does not require a Comp Plan, but it is important to have one in order to receive grants, etc.  The state now requires a component about telecommunications and infrastructure and a housing component.  After workshops are held and the Plan Commission has reviewed each section of the current Comp Plan, then a draft document will be developed showing any changes deemed necessary.  The Plan Commission will then review the draft document, present it to the Village Council, who will direct that a public hearing be held for public comment on the draft document.  This will take several months to accomplish, depending on comments and changes desired. 

Mr. Jones asked if the CAMP will be discussed or just made part of the Comp Plan?  Mr. Houseal said the CAMP can be discussed and possibly revised during the review process. 

Mr. Jones asked if the group will be considering what is desirable in areas designated for annexation or within the planning jurisdiction of the Village?  Mr. Houseal said there is a 1-1/2 mile planning jurisdiction surrounding the Village that can be addressed in the Comp Plan, if it is unincorporated;  may result in boundary agreements between municipalities.   

John Basso asked if the area north and west of Shadow Ridge is incorporated?  Craig Eyer said no, some is Forest Preserve.  Mr. Houseal noted that Holy Family Villa is now annexed to the Village; homes on Ford road are eligible to voluntarily annex.   

Mr. Jones asked to have large undeveloped land areas noted on maps for discussion.  Mr. Houseal said this is noted on maps that will be included, as well as other categories that are needed to be mapped; designating vacant land that is privately owned as open space not feasible, but can specify what kind of development would be desired when it does develop. 

Paul Petan asked what special use in R-1-A district means for the Fitzjoy Farm property? How can that be changed?  Mr. Eyer said the zoning allows specifically for a riding stable in this district.  Mr. Houseal added that a public hearing would be necessary if other zoning desired by owner or change use to anything except riding stable. 

There was some discussion about requirements for annexation of property.   

In order to prepare for the next meeting, members requested another copy of the 1999 Comprehensive Plan that they can mark up, as well as Strategic Plan and zoning map.  Dates for workshops with residents and Council members will also be set up. 

NEW BUSINESS   None 

PUBLIC COMMENT  

Maria Rogers, 12021 93rd Ave., asked how residents will be informed about workshops and public hearing?  Mr. Houseal said there will probably be articles in the newsletter, cable, internet and possibly a direct mailing to inform residents; not sure what method right now. 

ANNOUNCEMENTS

1.        Submittals for the Nov. 15, 2007 Plan Commission meeting must be received by Oct. 25, 2007. 

ADJOURNMENT

There being no further discussion, John Basso moved, seconded by Julie Kay, to adjourn the meeting at 8:15 p.m.  Upon voice vote, the motion carried 4 yes with 2 absent.  

Minutes respectfully submitted by: 

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Kathryn Stanek
Secretary to the Plan Commission