HomeMy Public PortalAbout07-24-2023 COW Minutes (2/P-'40-1-1— Si/c9 g/c2a33
Minutes of the Committee of the Whole Workshop of the President
and the Board of Trustees
Held on July 24,2023
In the Boardroom
Trustee Kiefer called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Board present: Trustee Ruane, Trustee Wojowski,
Trustee Bonuchi, Trustee Kalkanis, Trustee Kiefer,and Trustee Larson. Board absent: Mayor
Argoudelis. Others present: Joshua Blakemore,Administrator; Michelle Gibas, Village Clerk; Scott
Threewitt,Public Works Director; Jon Proulx, Planning Director; Jake Melrose, Economic Development
Director; Traci Pleckham,Management Services Director; Lonnie Spires, Building Official; and Kevin
McQuaid,Police Commander. There were approximately 10 persons in the audience.
Trustee Bonuchi moved to appoint Trustee Kiefer as this evening's Chair. Second by Trustee Larson.
Vote by roll call. Ruane,yes; Wojowski, yes; Bonuchi,yes; Kalkanis, yes; Kiefer, abstain; Larson,
yes. 5 yes, 0 no, 1 abstain. Motion carried.
Trustee Ruane moved to approve the Minutes of the Special Meeting, Committee of the Whole
Workshop and Executive Session held on July 10, 2023. Second by Trustee Larson. Voice Vote. All in
favor, 0 opposed. Motion carried.
PRESIDENTIAL COMMENTS
No Comments.
TRUSTEE COMMENTS
No Comments.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
No Comments.
WORKSHOP
1) SOLAR FARMS
Jake Melrose stated that Turning Point Energy has approached staff regarding the possibility of
developing solar farms in Plainfield. The current zoning code does not identify solar farm use and will
require a zoning code update to permit and regulate solar farms.
Gloria Foxman,Turning Point Energy, gave a presentation highlighting the concept of solar farms and
benefits.
Trustee Bonuchi indicated support for the concept and felt the zoning code update was worth pursuing.
Trustee Ruane indicated support for the concept and looking into a zoning code update. Trustee
Wojowski indicated support for the concept and zoning code update. Trustee Kalkanis indicated support
for the concept and zoning code update. Trustee Larson indicated support but expressed concern
regarding solar waste. Trustee Kiefer stated that he would like to move forward with the zoning code text
amendment.
2) RECREATIONAL CANNABIS
Jake Melrose stated that the April 4, 2023 referendum results were in favor of allowing recreational
cannabis to be sold in Plainfield with a vote of 1,558 yes and 1,527 no. Staff is requesting input from
the Village Board on pursuing a text amendment to the Zoning Code to allow for the sale of
recreational cannabis.
Village of Plainfield
Committee of the Whole Meeting Minutes—July 24, 2023
Page 2
Trustee Larson stated that she supports medical cannabis but not recreational. Trustee Larson also
expressed concern that Mayor Argoudelis was involved in distributing flyers regarding the
referendum. Trustee Bonuchi stated that she is on the fence about it and expressed concern regarding
the narrow passage of the referendum and enforcement. Trustee Bonuchi also expressed concern that
Mayor Argoudelis was not present for the discussion. Trustee Wojowski stated that he understands
medical cannabis and stated that he too thought Mayor Argoudelis should be present for the
discussion. Trustee Kiefer stated that from a monetary view, he would like to see Plainfield spending
money in Plainfield instead of surrounding municipalities that allow for the sale of cannabis. The
Police are already dealing with enforcement, we're just missing out on the revenue. This is a user tax.
Trustee Kiefer suggested placing restrictions for our benefit and allowing one or two dispensaries to
see how it goes. Trustee Ruane stated that he agrees with Trustee Kiefer. Trustee Ruane also stated
that Mayor Argoudelis should be present for this discussion. Trustee Kalkanis stated that she felt the
referendum had no weight because of the low voter turnout as well as the narrow margin. Trustee
Kalkanis stated that she is not in support and also felt that Mayor Argoudelis should be present for
the discussion.
Administrator Blakemore stated that staff will get more information and bring it back to the Board.
3) SHARON METHODIST CHURCH REZONING DISCUSSION (CASE NO. 1999-
030123.REZ.SU.SPR.FP)
Jake Melrose stated the applicant, Sal Zeciri, is proposing an adaptive re-use of the Sharon Methodist
Church property located at 23913 W Lockport Street,the southeast corner of W Lockport Street and
S Dillman Street. The property is 1.1 acres and currently has a church, a school, a single-family
residence, and a small garage. The proposed development would involve keeping all four buildings,
creating a separate parcel for the home, reusing the church as a breakfast restaurant, and reusing the
school as office space.
Representatives for the applicant gave a presentation highlighting the site plan, landscape plan,
elevations, improvements, concept restaurant, and concept office. The representative also noted
some issues including asbestos and leakage.
Trustee Bonuchi indicated support and stated that she would like to see the church façade stay the
same. Trustee Bonuchi also stated that she would like to hear feedback from Mayor Argoudelis.
Trustee Larson indicated support and stated that she does not agree with limiting delivery times or
liquor. Trustee Wojowski stated that he likes the concept. Trustee Kalkanis stated that she is not
opposed to a full restaurant and does not support limiting/restricting alcohol. Trustee Ruane stated
that there is an opportunity here to improve the site as a whole. He suggested separation of the
restaurant possibly by a road along with some other potential opportunities. Trustee Ruane stated
that the current proposal is not the best use of the property. Trustee Kiefer agreed that it is not
necessary to restrict alcohol or to have delivery restrictions.
Administrator Blakemore stated that staff will continue working with the applicant and bring the item
forward for formal consideration at a future meeting.
Trustee Kiefer read the reminders.
Village of Plainfield
Committee of the Whole Meeting Minutes—July 24, 2023
Page 3
Trustee Ruane moved to adjourn to Executive Session as permitted under the Open Meetings Act under
Section 2 (c)(5)to discuss property acquisition, not to reconvene. Second by Trustee Kalkanis. Vote by
roll call. Ruane,yes; Wojowski,yes; Bonuchi,yes; Kalkanis,yes; Kiefer,yes; Larson,yes. 6 yes, 0
no, 1 absent. Motion carried.
Ting adjourned at 8:44'p.m.
Michelle Gibas, Village Clerk