HomeMy Public PortalAbout05-03-22 Plan Commission Minutes
Plan Commission
Record of Minutes
Date: May 3, 2022 Location: Village Hall
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, Nicholson, Renzi, Seggebruch, Valerga, Womack and Chairman
Kiefer were present. Commissioners Goins and Heinen were absent.
OTHERS PRESENT: Jonathan Proulx, Planning Director
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
The Minutes of the Plan Commission held on April 5, 2022, were accepted as amended.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
No Public Comments.
DEVELOPMENT REPORT
Mr. Proulx provided an update on the following: Kremer Veterinary Services. Mr. Proulx stated the
reappointment of Chairman Kiefer as the Plan Commission Chairman and the reappointment of
Commissioners Heinen and Minnis were approved by the Village Board.
OLD BUSINESS
No Old Business.
NEW BUSINESS
1965-033122.SU 13544 S RT 30, UNIT 102 SMOKERS KINGDOM 2
Commissioner Minnis made a motion to open a Public Hearing regarding a proposed special use for the
tobacco retail store known as Smokers Kingdom 2, located at 13544 S. Route 30 Unit #102. Seconded by
Commissioner Renzi. Voice Vote. All in favor. 0 opposed. Motion carried 6-0.
Mr. Proulx stated the applicant is seeking to operate a tobacco retail store at 13544 S. Route 30, Unit 102.
According to the Village’s Zoning Ordinance, the location is in the B-3 zoning district which requires
tobacco, vapor and cigarette sales to be approved through a special use permit.
Mr. Proulx reviewed the staff report dated May 3, 2022. Mr. Proulx concluded staff believes that the
proposed business is in compliance with the Village Zoning Ordinance and Comprehensive Plan. Based
on the foregoing analysis, prior to direction from the Plan Commission, staff recommends approval.
Chairman Kiefer asked staff to explain why a business like this would require a special use. Mr. Proulx
explained the reason some business types would require a special use permit in certain zoning districts.
Chairman Kiefer swore in Kal Nassar, representing the applicant. Mr. Nassar asked staff if they are
concerned about parking since retail store customers will be in & out plus a parking space with each staff
member. Mr. Proulx explained staff does not foresee a parking issue.
Chairman Kiefer asked for public comment and there was no response.
Commissioner Minnis asked the applicant to explain what the product kratom is. Mr. Nassar explained
kratom helps with anxiety and is also a pain reliever, it is like CBD. Commissioner Minnis stated his
concern is the nearby school and that children tend to hang out at the McDonald’s.
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May 3, 2022
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Commissioner Renzi stated that he does not like these types of establishments since he has lost family
members because of tobacco use but he is appointed to review cases for compliance with Village code
and will do so. Commissioner Renzi asked if a parking count can be added to the staff report and asked
staff if they see no issue with the hours of operation and that children tend to hang out at the McDonald’s.
Mr. Proulx stated there is no concern.
Commissioner Seggebruch asked the applicant what percentage of his sales will be from traditional
tobacco products. Mr. Nassar stated it is about 50% of his sales. Commissioner Seggebruch asked if he
would have a smoking lounge. Mr. Nassar stated no. Commissioner Seggebruch asked if he has any
problems with underage buyers at his current location. Mr. Nassar stated he has a POS system that
requires customers to scan their ID.
Commissioner Valerga has no comments.
Commissioner Womack asked if the code allows for tobacco sales this close to a school. Mr. Proulx
explained the Zoning Code does not specify a distance but for a tobacco license does and a business can’t
be within 100 feet from a school, which is measured building to building. Commissioner Womack asked
what type of signage is planned. Mr. Nassar stated it will be channeled letters on the façade.
Commissioner Womack asked how many years he has been in business in Homer Glen. Mr. Nassar
stated 20 years.
Commissioner Nicholson has no comments
Commissioner Minnis a motion to close the Public Hearing regarding a proposed special use for the
tobacco retail store known as Smokers Kingdom 2, located at 13544 S. Route 30 Unit #102. Seconded by
Commissioner Seggebruch. Voice Vote. All in favor. 0 opposed. Motion carried 6-0.
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 for the tobacco retail store
known as Smokers Kingdom 2, located at 13544 S. Route 30 Unit #102.
Second by Commissioner Minnis. Vote by roll call: Renzi, yes; Valerga, yes; Minnis, yes; Womack,
yes; Kiefer, yes; and Seggebruch, yes. Motion carried 6-0.
1967-041122.SU 15925 S. RT 59, UNIT 113 SMOKERZ WORLD
Commissioner Renzi made a motion to open a Public Hearing regarding a proposed special use to permit
retail sales of tobacco and vape products for the business commonly known as Smokerz World, located at
15925 S. Route 59 Unit #113. Seconded by Commissioner Seggebruch. Voice Vote. All in favor. 0
opposed. Motion carried 6-0.
Mr. Proulx stated applicant is seeking approval of a special use permit for a tobacco retail business in the
multi-tenant retail center on the east side of Route 59 south of Renwick Road. Pursuant to Section 9-14 of
the Zoning Code, retail sales of tobacco-related products as a principal use requires special use approval
in the B-3 zoning district.
Mr. Proulx reviewed the staff report dated April 29, 2022. Mr. Proulx concluded staff submits that the
proposed special use for retail sales of tobacco and vape products is a reasonable use at the subject
location. It will be compatible with other tenants in the same commercial building and will not cause an
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May 3, 2022
Page 3 of 5
undue parking burden in the plaza. Based on the foregoing analysis, prior to public comments and
direction from the Plan Commission, staff recommends approval of the requested special use permit.
Chairman Kiefer asked for public comment and there was no response.
Chairman Kiefer swore in Jay Patel, representing the applicant. Mr. Patel stated they have been in the
tobacco and liquor business for the past 23 years with various locations. Mr. Patel also indicated that it is
an industry standard to have the customer scan their ID. Chairman Kiefer asked the applicant what
products will be sold. Mr. Patel stated vape, CBD, loose tobacco, kratom, cigars and cigarettes.
Commissioner Womack asked where their other locations are. Mr. Patel stated they have liquor stores in
Chicago and liquor/tobacco stores in Schaumburg and Hoffman Estates. Commissioner Womack asked
about signage. Mr. Patel stated they would like a channel letter sign. Commissioner Womack asked if
there will be a lounge. Mr. Patel stated no.
Commissioner Valerga had no comments.
Commissioner Seggebruch asked if this will be their fourth location. Mr. Patel stated he has locations in
Romeoville, Naperville, Bensonville and this will the fourth store of this type. Commissioner Seggebruch
asked the applicant if what percentage of his sales will be traditional tobacco products. Mr. Patel stated
no more than 35%, he also added he plans on having a cigar room.
Commissioner Renzi stated he does not like these types of establishments since he has lost family
members because of tobacco use but he is appointed to review cases for compliance with Village code
and will do so. Commissioner Renzi asked staff to explain their interpretation of the second finding. Mr.
Proulx explained why he feels retail sales is interchangeable with the other type of business.
Commissioner Renzi asked staff if they feel this type of business will help or hinder the vacancy in this
area. Mr. Proulx stated he thinks it is a positive to have a successful business to occupy this space.
Commissioner Womack stated he appreciates that the applicants have existing businesses of this type.
Commissioner Nicholson had no comments.
Commissioner Valerga made a motion to close the Public Hearing regarding a proposed special use to
permit retail sales of tobacco and vape products for the business commonly known as Smokerz World,
located at 15925 S. Route 59 Unit #113. Seconded by Commissioner Seggebruch. Voice Vote. All in
favor. 0 opposed. Motion carried 6-0.
Commissioner Seggebruch 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 to permit retail sales of
tobacco and vape products for the business commonly known as Smokerz World, located at 15925 S.
Route 59 Unit #113.
Second by Commissioner Minnis. Vote by roll call: Renzi, yes; Valerga, yes; Womack, yes; Minnis,
yes; Seggebruch, yes; and Kiefer, yes. Motion carried 6-0.
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May 3, 2022
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1970-042122.FP LOT 4 OF PLAINFIELD
BUSINESS PARK
VILLAGE OF PLAINFIELD
Mr. Proulx stated in March of 2021, Plainfield Emergency Management Agency (PEMA) submitted a site
plan to build its office in Plainfield Business Center which has been approved. PEMA is proposing to
resubdivide Lot 4 into two separate lots to move this project forward. Specifically, Lot 4 will be
subdivided to create Lot 6 and Lot 7. PEMA will operate in Lot 7 while Lot 6 will remain vacant. Outlout
3 to the east and south of the lot would be dedicated to a stormwater management easement.
Mr. Proulx reviewed the staff report dated May 3, 2022. Mr. Proulx concluded staff has determined that
the requested actions will result in a minor modification to the planned unit development. Resubdividing
to create a smaller lot provides feasible office space for Plainfield Emergency Management Agency to be
built. Staff recommends approval.
Chairman Kiefer asked for public comment and there was no response.
Commissioner Minnis asked if Lot 6 is still vacant. Mr. Proulx confirmed. Commissioner Minnis stated
he drove through this area on his way to the meeting and feels that what has been done in this subdivision
looks nice.
Commissioner Renzi suggested staff add Mr. Proulx narrative to the staff report since it was very helpful.
Commissioner Seggebruch asked if the lot has changed since the review of the site plan. Mr. Proulx
indicated there may have been some minor changes to the dimensions of the lot. Commissioner
Seggebruch asked if Lot 6 is owned by the Village. Mr. Proulx stated Lot 6 is owned by the Village and
explained the agreement with Northern Builders. Commissioner Seggebruch asked if Lot 7 will be owned
by the Village. Mr. Proulx confirmed.
Commissioner Valerga had no comments.
Commissioner Womack clarified that the subdivision is so that there is a development opportunity for the
new Lot 6. Mr. Proulx confirmed.
Commissioner Nicholson had no comments.
Commissioner Minnis made a motion to recommend approval of the Resubdivision of Lot 4 in the
Plainfield Business Park Subdivision, subject to the following two (2) stipulations:
1. Compliance of the requirements of the Village Engineer; and
2. Compliance of the requirements of the Plainfield Fire Protection District.
Second by Commissioner Womack. Vote by roll call: Seggebruch, yes; Valerga, yes; Renzi, yes;
Womack, yes; Minnis, yes; and Kiefer, yes. Motion carried 6-0.
DISCUSSION
Commissioner Renzi suggested that Village to pursue cross access into the daycare from the old bank
building in the Rose subdivision. Commissioner Seggebruch asked if the access road in the Rose
subdivision is privately owner and what the Village can do to have them maintain the private streets. Mr.
Proulx stated there are couple of business subdivisions that have private roads and indicated the Village is
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May 3, 2022
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actively contacting the businesses in the subdivisions to find a resolution to the maintenance of the road
or the Village could pursue a Special Service Area to take over the maintenance of the roads.
Commissioner Seggebruch asked if the Village could issue a code violation. Mr. Proulx explained the
challenge because the private roads can be owned by a company no longer in business.
Chairman Kiefer read the reminders.
ADJOURN
Plan Commission meeting adjourned at 8:01 p.m.
Respectfully submitted by
Tracey Erickson
Tracey Erickson
Recording Secretary