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HomeMy Public PortalAbout12-15-2020 Plan Commission Minutes Plan Commission Record of Minutes Date: December 15, 2020 Location: Village Hall (Zoom Meeting) CALL TO ORDER, PLEDGE, & ROLL CALL Chairman Kiefer called the Plan Commission meeting to order at 7:56 p.m. immediately following the Zoning Board of Appeals meeting. ROLL CALL: Commissioners Heinen, Minnis, Renzi, Ruane, Seggebruch, Womack and Chairman Kiefer were present. OTHERS PRESENT: Jonathan Proulx, Director of Planning; and Jessica Gal, Associate Planner. APPROVAL OF MINUTES The Minutes of the Plan Commission meeting held on December 1, 2020 were approved as amended. PUBLIC COMMENTS No Public Comments received via email. DEVELOPMENT REPORT No Report. OLD BUSINESS No Old Business. NEW BUSINESS 1905-111820.SU 13717 S. ROUTE 30 UNIT 115A ANITA CYRACUS Ms. Gal stated the applicant is requesting approval of a special use to permit in order to establish an event and banquet facility within Unit 115A at 13717 S. Route 30. The applicant currently operates her event planning business, known as Omalicha Events, from her home in Plainfield. This new space would allow her to provide an event space option to her clients in addition to the event planning and decoration services she already provides. In conjunction with the event space, the applicant will establish a franchise location for Fully Promoted ©, a promotional product customization, embroidery and screen-printing service. Through consistent interpretation of the Zoning Code, an event or banquet facility requires approval of a special use permit in the I-1 zoning district. The product customization business is a permitted retail and office use. Ms. Gal reviewed the staff report dated December 15, 2020. Ms. Gal concluded staff finds that the establishment of the Omalicha Event Center is appropriate at the subject location. The applicant would like to provide a venue that is desirable for small events or for individuals looking for a more affordable alternative to event space available in the area. Furthermore, staff finds that the proposed use complements existing uses in the area with nearby restaurants providing possible catering options. In advance of any comments from the public hearing or input from the Plan Commission, staff recommends approval. Mr. Proulx stated there was no public comments received via email. Chairman Kiefer swore in Anita Cyracus, applicant. Ms. Cyracus added that she will be taking over the Fully Promoted business from the current owner. Ms. Cyracus stated most events will be in the evening on the weekends. Plan Commission Minutes December 15, 2020 Page 2 of 3 Commissioner Womack asked if the special use permit will have a cap of 50 people. Ms. Gal stated that the 25-50 people occupancy is part of the business plan and staff is not sure occupancy is allowed. Ms. Cyracus stated that per the software that was used to determine seating the space could allow up to 150 people. Chairman Kiefer stated that a maximum occupancy will be determined for the space by the Fire Deparment. Commissioner Womack is concerned that there might not be enough parking for a larger event. Ms. Gal explained the parking analysis and added there is a large parking lot at this location. Commissioner Womack suggested that staff determine specifically what the applicant’s intention are and work with the Building Department to determine the maximum occupancy. Commissioner Womack asked if there will be an outdoor component to the event space. Ms. Cyracus indicated it will be all indoor. Commissioner Seggebruch asked how many restrooms the space has. Ms. Cyracus stated there is currently one restroom, but they are working on adding one more. Commissioner Seggebruch explained how the Building Code changes once the occupancy is 50 over people because it will then classify the business as an assembly. Commissioner Seggebruch feels that there is a need for a space for smaller events. Ms. Cyracus added the 2,400 square feet is the actual open event space, so it does not include the restroom or other spaces. Commissioner Ruane is concerned because there will be three different business in one space and is worried the occupancy will be changed constantly and that there could be multiple signs for the space which would need to be incompliance with the sign code. Commissioner Renzi agrees with the parking concerns. Commissioner Renzi asked if the property was zoned B-3 would this still be considered a special use. Ms. Gal explained that this property has a Planned Unit Development which allows for B-3 uses. Commissioner Renzi asked the applicant how the space will be able to be convert between the two businesses. Ms. Cyracus explained how she will be able to convert the space from retail to event. Ms.Cyracus stated that the production is done in St. Charles. Ms. Cyracus explained that her business will allow events where people can bring in their own food and beverages. Commissioner Minnis agrees with the concerns regarding occupancy. Commissioner Minnis asked staff to have the true occupancy before it moves forward. Commissioner Heinen agrees with his fellow commissioners’ comments but does feel parking will not be an issue. Commissioner Renzi made a motion to adopt the findings of fact of staff as the findings of fact of the Plan Commission and, furthermore, move to recommend approval of the special use for the event and banquet facility known as Omalicha Event Center at 13717 S. Route 30 subject to the following two (2) stipulations: 1. Compliance with the requirements of the Village Engineer; 2. Compliance with the requirements of the Plainfield Fire Protection District. 3. Second by Commissioner Heinen. Vote by roll call: Minnis, yes; Ruane, yes; Seggebruch, yes; Womack, yes; Heinen, yes; Renzi, yes; Kiefer, yes. Motion carried 7-0. DISCUSSION Commissioner Ruane indicated that the digital sign for the new Dunkin Donuts on Route 59 is very bright and asked if staff can investigate. Plan Commission Minutes December 15, 2020 Page 3 of 3 Commission Minnis asked if event space can be split between small versus large. Mr. Proulx stated that in January there will be a zoning amendment that will address this and some other clean up items. Chairman Kiefer read the reminders. ADJOURN Plan Commission meeting adjourned at 8:39 p.m. Respectfully submitted by Tracey Erickson Tracey Erickson Recording Secretary