HomeMy Public PortalAbout12-01-2020 Plan Commission Minutes
Plan Commission
Record of Minutes
Date: December 1, 2020 Location: Village Hall (Zoom Meeting)
CALL TO ORDER, PLEDGE, & ROLL CALL
Chairman Kiefer called the Plan Commission meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. and led the pledge to the flag.
ROLL CALL: Commissioners Minnis, Renzi, Ruane, Seggebruch, Womack and Chairman Kiefer were
present. Commissioner Heinen was absent.
OTHERS PRESENT: Jonathan Proulx, Director of Planning; and Jake Melrose, Economic Development
Manager
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
The Minutes of the Plan Commission meeting held on November 17, 2020 were approved as amended.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
No Public Comments received via email.
DEVELOPMENT REPORT
No Report.
OLD BUSINESS
1898-100820.SU 23253 W. RENWICK RD. JOHN QUINN
Mr. Melrose stated the applicant, John Quinn, is seeking special use approval in order to provide a doggy
day care facility with overnight boarding at 23253 Renwick Road. The property was previously a child day
care center and the applicant is proposing to convert it to a pet care facility. In accordance with Section 9-
13 of the Zoning Ordinance, pet boarding requires approval of a special use permit in the B-3 zoning district.
Mr. Melrose reviewed the staff report dated December 1, 2020. Mr. Melrose concluded staff understands
the concerns of adjacent residents as it relates to noise and staff has worked with the applicant to help
mitigate those concerns. Again, staff seeks additional input from the Plan Commission as it relates to these
measures. Prior to any direction from the Plan Commission and additional input, staff recommends
approval of the requested special use permit.
Chairman Kiefer remined Mr. Quinn he remains under oath. Mr. Quinn explained the changes that were
made to the site plan and materials that will be used.
Chairman Kiefer stated that there were several Public Comments received via email. Chairman Kiefer
asked what happens in the facility between closing and opening, and if there is staff onsite during those
hours. Mr. Quinn stated that the boarded dogs are put into their cabins at 7:00 p.m. then the staff will finish
cleaning. Mr. Quinn indicated that there are cameras he can access afterhours and no staff is onsite after
hours. Chairman Kiefer asked how many dogs will in the in the outdoor areas at a time. Mr. Quinn stated
the dogs will use the outdoor area to go to the bathroom it is very unusual to have 25 dogs in the outdoor
area at one time since those areas are smaller than the indoor play areas. Chairman Kiefer asked if the dog
training offered will be conducted outside. Mr. Quinn stated at this time he will not be offering dog training
because he would need dedicated space in the building. Chairman Kiefer asked if the applicant has explored
alternative sites for his business. Mr. Quinn stated he has continued to look for an alternative space, but a
space of this size is limited. Mr. Melrose indicated that there is a shortage of buildings this size in the
Plainfield area.
Plan Commission Minutes
November 1, 2020
Page 2 of 5
Commissioner Minnis stated he shares the concerns of the commissioners and residents from the last
meeting. Commissioner Minnis asked the applicant if indoor space will be used the most. Mr. Quinn
confirmed. Commissioner Minnis asked if the enhanced windows and sound tiles are new since the last
meeting. Mr. Quinn confirmed and clarified some of the sound absorption materials. Commissioner Minnis
asked what the split between the day care and boarding is. Mr. Quinn explained the different services that
are offered and the numbers of dogs that could be there during peak times. Mr. Quinn provided the New
Lenox facility numbers since the location has been open for 4 months. Mr. Quinn indicated that the interior
cabins will be utilized first.
Chairman Kiefer stated that Commissioner Heinen provided the following comments via email in his
absence which he is still concerned about noise and proximity to the residential, and he is in favor of an
indoor only facility.
Commissioner Renzi thanked the applicant for sound analysis and for the changes he made to the site plan.
Commissioner Renzi asked if most dogs that there would be 67. Mr. Quinn stated there are a couple of
cabins that are family cabins, so the total number of dogs they can accommodate is 71. Commissioner
Renzi asked about options for interior wall and ceiling sound proofing. Mr. Quinn explained the changes
he made to the walls and ceiling for sound mitigation. Commissioner Renzi indicated that there needs to
be some major sound mitigation done to this site. Mr. Quinn stated his intent is all the indoor space will
have acoustic ceiling tiles. Commissioner Renzi asked if the ceiling above the dog cabins and indoor play
areas will have acoustic ceiling tiles. Mr. Quinn confirmed and stated if he is not able to comply with the
sound ordinance then the baffles will be installed. Commissioner Renzi asked if the security cameras
footage will be saved. Mr. Quinn stated it is only live. Commissioner Renzi indicated that if the security
footage is stored the applicant could reviewed to see if there was an issue. Commissioner Renzi asked what
the protocol is for monitoring the parking lot and grassy area in the front for waste pickup. Mr. Quinn
stated his intent is to clean those areas and added there are bags available for the owner to pickup after their
pet. Commissioner Renzi asked if the landscaping to the eastside of the property is considered dense and
if it meets the landscaping minimum. Mr. Melrose indicated that he feels it is dense. Commissioner Renzi
asked if the landscaping will remain dense for all seasons. Mr. Quinn stated there are evergreen type plants
that is dense and that there are two rows of the dense landscaping.
Commissioner Ruane appreciated the applicant’s presentation and materials. Commissioner Ruane is still
concerned regarding the noise that could be generated from this site and suggested that applicant move to
the Prairie Creek subdivision where PetSuites was supposed to go. Mr. Quinn understands the noise
concern and quoted the Guinness World Record of the highest decibels of a dog bark was 124 decibels by
76 dogs. Mr. Quinn stated that he will be rotating the outdoor yard usage. Chairman Kiefer added that the
applicant is not requesting a variance from the noise ordinance. Commissioner Ruane stated that this
supports his feels about this not being the right location because he should be able to run his business
without making changes, such as rotating outdoor yard usage.
Commissioner Seggebruch appreciates all the information the applicant provided and the changes he has
made since the last meeting. Commissioner Seggebruch concerned that there is no overnight staff because
there could be an emergency. Commissioner Seggebruch feels all the improvements he plans on making
will improve the acoustics of the building but feels his suggest of adding on to the building to have a fully
enclosed outdoor play yard is best. Commissioner Seggebruch is still concerned with the location and the
noise.
Plan Commission Minutes
November 1, 2020
Page 3 of 5
Commissioner Womack also appreciates the effort the applicant has made to provide additional
information. Commissioner Womack is also concerned that there is not overnight staff. Commissioner
Womack explained why he is still concerned with the noise of barking dogs.
Mr. Quinn added that the respects the concerns received from the residents in the area. Mr. Quinn explained
that dogs bark when their needs are not met or from anxiety and at Camp Bow Wow goal is to keep the
dogs active so they are tired at night and not barking.
Commissioner Womack made a motion to adopt the findings of fact of staff as the findings of fact of the
Plan Commission and, furthermore, recommend approval of the special use permit for pet boarding at 23253
W Renwick for the proposed Camp Bow Wow facility.
Second by Commissioner Renzi. Vote by roll call: Minnis, no; Ruane, no; Seggebruch, yes; Renzi, yes;
Womack, no; Kiefer, yes. Motion does not carry 2-4.
NEW BUSINESS
1904-111620.SPR NEC RT 59 & JOSEPH AVE
(PRAIRIE CREEK DEVELOPMENT)
ALDI INC.
Mr. Melrose stated the petitioner, Aldi Inc, is proposing to construct a new grocery store on 2.91 acres of
the Prairie Creek development located at the northeast corner of Joseph Avenue and IL Route 59 and is
seeking site plan approval. The proposed site is zoned B3 Highway Business District and a grocer is
considered a permitted use in the subject zoning district.
Mr. Melrose reviewed the staff report dated December 1, 2020. Mr. Melrose concluded the site plan
proposal to develop a new Aldi located in the Prairie Creek continues to move Plainfield’s strategic planning
goals forward to create new development opportunities particularly in the PC development. Prior to any
public comment or Plan Commission feedback, staff recommends approval of the proposed site plan.
Chairman Kiefer swore in Kyle Wood, Kailen Akers, and Paul Cornejo. Mr. Wood indicated that Aldi is
excited about this location and will close their existing Plainfield location once this site is open.
Mr. Melrose stated no Public Comments were received via email.
Commissioner Womack asked what is driving Aldi to move and build a new store. Mr. Wood stated this
would give them a larger footprint so they can offer more products and the location. Commissioner
Womack asked if there will be three monument signs on the property. Mr. Wood stated one will be a multi-
tenant sign and two signs for Aldi. Commissioner Womack asked staff if the multi-tenant sign will be
cohesive with all the signs. Mr. Melrose indicated that he will need to work with the property owners.
Commissioner Womack asked if there will be sidewalk or bike path connectivity. Mr. Melrose stated he is
working with the developers to find way to integrate sidewalks into this development. Mr. Wood indicated
a traffic light at the intersection of Joseph & Rt. 59 is a stipulation for Aldi. Commissioner Womack asked
if the plan takes into consideration the traffic signal. Mr. Wood confirmed and stated the sellers engineering
is working on this. Commissioner Womack asked the applicant to add a bike rack to the site. Commissioner
Womack agrees with staff’s comments regarding the rear elevation and has suggested giving the rear
elevation more character. Mr. Wood stated they have on previous buildings they have added an additional
signage or a Nichiha panel. Commissioner Womack stated the metal structure used for the sign gives an
unfinished appearance on the rear elevation and suggested wrapping it around, so there is a finished face
on the north elevation.
Plan Commission Minutes
November 1, 2020
Page 4 of 5
Commissioner Seggebruch agrees with the comments made by Commissioner Womack regarding the rear
elevation and made some suggestions on how to dress up the elevations. Commissioner Seggebruch asked
if the lots are already subdivided. Mr. Wood stated they are not subdivided yet. Commissioner Seggebruch
asked what the setback is from the new lot line to the north wall. Mr. Wood stated it is building setback of
15 feet. Commissioner Seggebruch asked how large are the trucks that deliver to Aldi. Mr. Wood stated
the drive aisle can accommodate a B76 truck which is 67 feet, he also further explained that the lack of a
full access drive was a challenge.
Commissioner Ruane asked if there are other models of store layout that Aldi has that would have the truck
dock facing east. Mr. Wood stated Aldi has different layouts for their prototype but using a different layout
would change their parking counts and the challenges with access to the site. Mr. Wood indicated they
tried different layouts of the property and the current one does not require Aldi to purchase more acreage.
Commissioner Ruane felt that they would have more parking if the truck dock was to the east.
Commissioner Ruane wants the site to be pedestrian friendly and should have a sidewalk. Commissioner
Ruane asked where the garbage enclosure is on the site. Mr. Wood stated it is in the truck dock.
Commissioner Ruane suggested better representation of the rear elevation since it shows bollards which
would not be used in a non-strip mall development. Commissioner Ruane asked if the condensers will be
ground or rooftop units. Mr. Wood stated they are rooftop and that the units will not be visible.
Commissioner Ruane agrees with the comments that have been made regarding the rear elevation.
Commissioner Renzi agrees with comments made regarding the site being pedestrian friendly and the rear
elevation suggestions. Commissioner Renzi asked if the elevations are renderings or what will be built.
Mr. Wood indicated this is what Aldi is proposing to build. Commissioner Renzi suggested they move the
building up to help with the curve lineation of the drive aisle. Commissioner Renzi asked staff to clarify
the numbers in the table of the staff report. Mr. Melrose stated he did not convert it into square footage.
Commissioner Renzi suggest additional lights in the rear of the building.
Commissioner Minnis agrees with making the site pedestrian friendly and adding bike racks.
Commissioner Minnis asked how many trucks daily and if the delivers happen during nonpeak hours
because there could be a bottle neck if the deliveries are happening during peak hours. Mr. Cornejo stated
one to two trucks a day. Commissioner Minnis agrees with the comments made regarding the rear elevation.
Commissioner Minnis asked if there is a way to wrap the signage around. Mr. Wood stated they will present
some options for the rear elevation to staff. Commissioner Minnis asked staff to make sure the signage is
not overly redundant. Commissioner Minnis asked if there have been any guardrails proposed for the
entrance off of Route 59. Mr. Wood stated no but there will be a deceleration turn lane for traffic traveling
north and left turn lane for southbound traffic. Commissioner Minnis suggested bollards to protect the
customers. Mr. Wood stated that Shorewood and Bourbonnais stores have just opened, and they have
photos of the store they could share with the commission. Chairman Kiefer suggested to include the photos
in the Village Board packet.
Chairman Kiefer added that Commissioner Heinen sent an email in his absence and is concerned about
flooding in the area.
Commissioner Minnis made a motion to recommend approval of the proposed site plan review for the Aldi
Prairie Creek Site Plan, 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;
Plan Commission Minutes
November 1, 2020
Page 5 of 5
Second by Commissioner Ruane. Vote by roll call: Renzi, yes; Seggebruch, yes; Womack, yes; Ruane,
yes; Minnis, yes; Kiefer, yes. Motion carried 6-0.
DISCUSSION
Chairman Kiefer hopes that staff works with the applicant for Camp Bow Wow to hide a different
location.
Chairman Kiefer read the reminders.
ADJOURN
Plan Commission meeting adjourned at 8:58 p.m.
Respectfully submitted by
Tracey Erickson
Tracey Erickson
Recording Secretary