City of Rockford Code & Regulation Committee Met July 26.
Here is the minutes provided by the committee:
I. CALL TO ORDER
| Attendee Name | Organization | Title | Status | Arrived |
| Tim Durkee | City of Rockford | Alderman | Present | |
| Bill Rose | City of Rockford | Alderman | Present | |
| Tuffy Quinonez | City of Rockford | Alderman | Present | |
| Gabrielle Torina | City of Rockford | Alderman | Present | |
| Mark Bonne | City of Rockford | Alderman | Present |
Chairman Rose called the meeting to order at 6:44 p.m.
II. COMMITTEE REPORTS
1. Committee recommends sustaining the Zoning Board of Appeals' approval for a Zoning Map Amendment from C-1, Limited Office Zoning District to R-1, Single-family Residential Zoning District at 6684 Newburg Road (Julia and Roberto Flores/Applicants). Subject to conditions. The Legal Director shall prepare the appropriate ordinance.
A MOTION was made by Ald. Bonne to SUSTAIN ZBA. The motion was SECONDED by Ald. Torina. Approval is subject to the following conditions:
1. Must meet all applicable building and fire codes
2.Submittal of a Building Permit to establish the single-family residence for staff review and approval
| RESULT: SUSTAINED |
Zoning Board of Appeals recommends approval for a Variation to increase the maximum allowed square footage of a freestanding sign for a nonresidential use in a Residential District from 48 square feet to 57.5 square feet along North Alpine Road in an R-1, Single-family Residential Zoning District at 4405 Highcrest Road (Anthony Perna for Provena St. Anne Center/Applicant)
Chairman Rose announced that this item will be held out.
| RESULT: HELD OUT Next: 8/9/2021 5:30 PM |
A MOTION was made by Ald. Bonne to SUSTAIN ZBA. The motion was SECONDED by Ald. Torina. Ald. Bonne asked if staff knew what the hospital's plan is for the long-term use of the subject property. Scott Capovilla, Zoning and Land Use Planner responded that staff is not aware of any plans for the property. He noted that the building is currently used as office space.
Ald. Durkee asked that he it be noted that he abstained from voting on this item. Approval is subject to the following conditions:
1. Submittal of mural elevation and placement of mural on building for staff’s review and approval prior to installation
2. A sign permit shall be required including an illustration of the proposed artwork shall be submitted with the permit application
3. The mural panels may not consist of a vinyl banner material within a frame 4. The mural must be maintained to meet code
| RESULT: SUSTAINED |
A MOTION was made by Ald. Quinonez to SUSTAIN ZBA. The was motion was SECONDED by Ald. Durkee.
Approval is subject to the following conditions:
1. Submittal of mural elevation and placement of mural on building for staff’s review and approval prior to installation
2. A sign permit shall be required including an illustration of the proposed art work shall be submitted with the permit application
3. The mural panels may not consist of a vinyl banner material within a frame
4. The mural must be maintained to meet code
| RESULT: SUSTAINED |
Zoning Board of Appeals recommends approval for a Text Amendment for Section 80-009-D. All properties in Commercial and Residential Districts with gravel driveways and/or gravel parking lots legally established shall conform to the regulations contained in Section 50-013-A of this Ordinance by November 1, 2023. Nothing in this provision allows illegally established nonconforming parking lots and driveways to remain (City of Rockford/Applicant)
A MOTION was made by Ald. Quinonez to SUSTAIN ZBA. The was motion was SECONDED by Ald. Bonne.
Ald. Durkee expressed his frustration with the amendment of the deadline date for this project.
Ald. Quinonez voiced his support for the extension.
Ald. Wilkins asked if financial assistant will be given to individuals for installation of driveways. Karl Franzen, Director of Community Development explained that previously when Council asked for an extension, staff was asked to identify money sources and a program that will assist lower-income households with the cost of paving. Mr. Franzen stated that the cost to pave a driveway would be somewhere between $10,000-$12,000. He further explained that this cost is not considered an eligible expense for many of the grant funds that the City of Rockford receives. However, staff has engaged private contractors, which means that there is a system that may reduce costs. This also means that in order to finalize the program, staff needs to determine the scope and inventory of driveways that will need to be paved, and the number of individuals that may need financial assistance. Mr. Franzen explained that within the next two (2) years, staff will hire an intern to update the City's inventory, which will allow locations to be identified, and renters or owner occupied properties. After this is done, notifications will be mailed out, along with surveys to establish how many people will need financial assistance.
Ald. Wilkins asked about the consequences for not meeting the deadline date. Mr. Franzen stated that it would be considered a zoning violation but in the meantime, staff intends to work with the community to get everyone educated about this project. Ald. Wilkins asked if it was recommended by staff to keep the proposed amended date considering that we are still in a pandemic. Mr. Franzen responded that staff does support this extension date.
Ald. Hoffman wanted to know if the project can get started earlier. Therefore, making the project staggered so that there will not be a number of individuals needing help at the same time. Mr. Franzen responded that starting early is a definite possibility. He noted that staff will be working with neighborhood associations as well to get the word out.
Ald. Quinonez asked what will the consequences be for individuals who get driveways install after the deadline. Mr. Franzen stated that a citation will be issued.
Ald. Rose wanted to know how long has the gravel requirement been a part of the ordinance. Mr. Capovilla answered that the City of Rockford has been requiring paved driveways and parking lots since 1973. Ald. Rose asked if it were possible to implement a program similar to the Tree Program that the City of Rockford previously had, which added the costs to water bills. Mr. Franzen explained that given the size of the loan, it would not be wise to add the cost to water bills.
Ald. Prunty stated that some of her constituents have already had the work done, and have shared some of their concerns with her about their dealings with the contractors. She asked if staff could provide a list of contractors for individuals to work with regarding this project. Mr. Franzen responded that residents need to make sure that whatever contractor they chose, that contractor has a permit for the work from the City of Rockford. This will verify that the driveway plan has been reviewed by someone in Public Works.
| RESULT: SUSTAINED |
A MOTION was made by Ald. Quinonez to SUSTAIN ZBA. The motion was SECONDED by Ald Durkee.
Ald. Wilkins asked about the height. Mr. Capovilla explained that this property is on a corner lot and has two (2) front yards, and there is a portion that is on 20th Street.
Ald. Frost asked the reason for allowing a 6ft. fence in the front yard. Mr. Capovilla explained that the owner wishes to have the fence line up with the garage instead of the house. He noted that the garage sticks out a little further than the house along 20th Street, and also she has a special needs child.
| RESULT: SUSTAINED |
A MOTION was made by Ald. Quinonez to SUSTAIN ZBA. The motion was SECONDED by Ald Durkee. Approval is subject to the following condition:
1. Must meet all applicable building and fire codes
| RESULT: SUSTAINED |
A MOTION was made by Ald. Quinonez to SUSTAIN ZBA. The motion was SECONDED by Ald Durkee. Approval is subject to the following conditions:
1. A sign permit shall be required including an illustration of the proposed art work shall be submitted with the permit application
2. The mural panels may not consist of a vinyl banner material within a frame 3. The mural must be maintained to meet code
| RESULT: SUSTAINED |
A MOTION was made by Ald. Bonne to SUSTAIN ZBA. The motion was SECONDED by Ald. Durkee.
Approval is subject to the following conditions:
1. Must meet all applicable building and fire codes
2. Submittal of a Building Permit to establish the 64-unit residential loft apartments, related amenities and any proposed parking lot improvements
| RESULT: SUSTAINED |
Chairman Rose announced that this item will be held out.
| RESULT: HELD OUT Next: 8/2/2021 5:30 PM |
Zoning Board of Appeals recommends denial for a:
a. Zoning Map Amendment from C-1, Limited Office Zoning District to C-2, Limited Commercial Zoning District; and
b. Special Use Permit for tire repair and sales in a C-2, Limited Commercial Zoning District at 2315 South Main Street (Avilene Hernandez Lopez/Applicant)
Chairman Rose announced that this item will be held out.
| RESULT: HELD OUT Next: 8/9/2021 5:30 PM |
A MOTION was made by Ald. Bonne for an AMENDMENT to add condition 10 to the conditions of approval as follows:
10. The proposed use and facility is prohibited from having any video gaming machines
The remaining conditions can be renumbered accordingly. The motion was SECONDED by Ald. Quinonez.
A MOTION was made by Ald. Quinonez to SUSTAIN ZBA with the amendment. The motion was SECONDED by Ald. Durkee.
Ald. Torina asked if staff knew how many other restaurants have been in this particular location. Mr. Capovilla responded that Five Forks Restaurant was the only restaurant that had ever occupied the space in question. They are no longer there. She asked if the applicant owned another restaurant that closed recently. Mr. Capovilla stated that the applicant previously owned Blue Line Restaurant. She wanted to know why that restaurant closed. Mr. Capovilla stated that it was sold approximately a year ago. Ald. Torina voiced her concern about supporting this request because at this time, restaurants are having a lot of trouble getting staffed.
Approval is subject to the following conditions:
1. Meet all applicable Building and Fire Codes
2. Submittal of a revised site plan to include the outdoor seating area with the number of tables, chairs, and fencing for Staff review and approval
3. Submittal of a revised interior floor plan that includes the number of tables, chairs and bar stools for staff review and approval
4. The sale of alcohol shall be limited to the approved revised site and interior plans
5. The hours of operation are limited to 11 a.m. - 2 a.m., Monday through Sunday
6. Window display signage is limited to 20% of window area
7. The restaurant shall not have a cover charge
8. The restaurant shall not operate as a nightclub
9. The windows shall not be covered with bars or other devices that block the windows
10. The proposed use and facility is prohibited from having any video gaming machines
11. Any pending general ordinance case(s) must be resolved prior to issuance of the license
12. All outstanding general ordinance fines must be paid prior to issuance of the license
13. All conditions must be met prior to establishment of use
Ald. Torina voted "No."
| RESULT: SUSTAINED |
A MOTION was made by Ald. Bonne for an AMENDMENT to add condition 10 to the conditions of approval as follows:
10. The proposed use and facility is prohibited from having any video gaming machines
The remaining conditions can be renumbered accordingly. The motion was SECONDED by Ald. Quinonez.
A MOTION was made by Ald. Bonne to SUSTAIN ZBA with the amendment. The motion was SECONDED by Ald. Durkee.
Approval is subject to the following conditions:
1. Meet all applicable Building and Fire Codes
2. Compliance with all City of Rockford Liquor Codes
3. The sale of beer and wine shall be in conjunction with a restaurant
4. The hours of operation will need to be in accordance with the Liquor Code and Exhibit G
5. The proposed use shall not have a cover charge, a dance floor or any DJs
6. The proposed use shall not operate as a nightclub
7. The proposed use and facility is prohibited from having video gaming machines
8. Any pending general ordinance case(s) must be resolved prior to issuance of the license
9. All outstanding general ordinance fines must be paid prior to issuance of the license
Ald. Torina voted "No."
| RESULT: SUSTAINED |
Ald. Quinonez asked if there was a stop sign currently at said location. Jeremy Carter, Traffic Engineer for the City of Rockford stated that there is not.
| RESULT: APPROVED BY COMMITTEE [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Tuffy Quinonez, Alderman SECONDER: Tim Durkee, Alderman AYES: Durkee, Rose, Quinonez, Torina, Bonne |
Ald. Wilkins asked if the request is approved, will there will be enough room on the street for two (2) lanes of traffic. Mr. Carter responded that there would be. He explained that currently parking is already allowed, this request will allow for residential parking.
Ald. McNeely asked if the request came from residents in the area. Mr. Carter explained that the request came from a developer who recently redeveloped a building on Park and Church Street. There are approximately thirty(30) units in the building and they would like to have parking for the intended residents. The building currently has a small parking lot. Ald. McNeely asked if there were any objections from homeowners in the area. Mr. Carter stated that there are not a lot of home owners in the area. Mr. Carter further explained that adding residential parking would not take away spaces from anyone in the neighborhood.
Ald. Wilkins asked if there is any residential parking beyond the radius of the block in question. Mr. Carter stated that items 15, 17 and 20 on the agenda are related to the same development at Church Street and Park Avenue.
| RESULT: APPROVED BY COMMITTEE [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Tuffy Quinonez, Alderman SECONDER: Tim Durkee, Alderman AYES: Durkee, Rose, Quinonez, Torina, Bonne |
Ald. Wilkins questioned this request. Mr. Carter explained that previously in this particular area was a "No Parking" zone. Approval of this request will add additional parking back on the street, and create parking on the street for anyone who does not have a permit for residential parking.
| RESULT: APPROVED BY COMMITTEE [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Tuffy Quinonez, Alderman SECONDER: Tim Durkee, Alderman AYES: Durkee, Rose, Quinonez, Torina, Bonne |
There were no questions, or concerns regarding this matter.
| RESULT: APPROVED BY COMMITTEE [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Tuffy Quinonez, Alderman SECONDER: Tim Durkee, Alderman AYES: Durkee, Rose, Quinonez, Torina, Bonne |
Ald. Bonne asked if the proper street name is David Drive. Mr. Carter stated that he will check, and make sure that the correct name is noted on the committee report and ordinance.
| RESULT: APPROVED BY COMMITTEE [UNANIMOUS]
SECONDER: Tim Durkee, Tuffy Quinonez AYES: Durkee, Rose, Quinonez, Torina, Bonne |
Ald. Quinonez asked how this request came about. Mr. Carter explained that the request came from Ald. Beach, and a representative from Swedish American Health Systems, and the owner of the property that Schnuck's is located on. Currently, the employees of Swedish American Health Systems park in the lot, and have to cross street to get to their building. The street needs to be properly stripped and signed for this reason.
| RESULT: APPROVED BY COMMITTEE [4 TO 0]
SECONDER: Tim Durkee, Tuffy Quinonez AYES: Bill Rose, Tuffy Quinonez, Gabrielle Torina, Mark Bonne ABSTAIN: Tim Durkee |
There were no questions, or concerns regarding this matter.
| RESULT: APPROVED BY COMMITTEE [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Mark Bonne, Alderman SECONDER: Tim Durkee, Alderman AYES: Durkee, Rose, Quinonez, Torina, Bonne |
1. Committee recommends approval of an Agreement to Annex to the City of Rockford in exchange for water connection for the property located at 4274 Antelope Drive, PIN No. 16-17-326-007.
Ald. Quinonez asked if the property was residential. Mr. Capovilla stated that it is a single-family home.
| RESULT: APPROVED BY COMMITTEE [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Tim Durkee, Alderman SECONDER: Mark Bonne, Alderman AYES: Durkee, Rose, Quinonez, Torina, Bonne |
This event is scheduled for Saturday, August 14th and Sunday, August 15th from 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on both days. The event location will be the Chicago Rockford Airport, 2 Airport Circle.
There were no questions, or concerns regarding this matter.
| RESULT: APPROVED BY COMMITTEE [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Mark Bonne, Alderman SECONDER: Gabrielle Torina, Alderman AYES: Durkee, Rose, Quinonez, Torina, Bonne |
This event is scheduled for Saturday, August 21st from 6:30 a.m. – Noon. The run begins at 7:30 a.m. The event location will be 202 Market Street at Water Street – City Market Pavilion.
There were no questions, or concerns regarding this matter.
| RESULT: APPROVED BY COMMITTEE [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Tuffy Quinonez, Alderman SECONDER: Gabrielle Torina, Alderman AYES: Durkee, Rose, Quinonez, Torina, Bonne |
This event is scheduled for Monday, September 6th from Noon – 7:00 p.m. The event location will be 202 Market Street at Water Street – City Market Pavilion. Ald. Wilkins wanted an explanation of the event. Martin Bloom, Projects Manager-Permits and Special Events explained that the organizers are having a fundraiser at the City Market Pavilion after the Labor Day Parade.
| RESULT: APPROVED BY COMMITTEE [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Mark Bonne, Alderman SECONDER: Tim Durkee, Alderman AYES: Durkee, Rose, Quinonez, Torina, Bonne |
This event is scheduled for Saturday, September 18th from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
The event location will be 711 North Main Street, Riverfront Museum Park.
There were no questions, or concerns regarding this matter.
With no further business before the Committee, the meeting was adjourned.
| RESULT: APPROVED BY COMMITTEE [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Tuffy Quinonez, Alderman SECONDER: Gabrielle Torina, Alderman AYES: Durkee, Rose, Quinonez, Torina, Bonne |
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