HomeMy Public PortalAbout09-25-2023 COW Minutes /cO3
Minutes of the Committee of the Whole Workshop of the President
and the Board of Trustees
Held on September 25, 2023
In the Boardroom
Mayor Argoudelis called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Board present: Mayor Argoudelis,
Trustee Kalkanis, Trustee Kiefer, Trustee Ruane, and Trustee Bonuchi. Board absent: Trustee Larson
and Trustee Wojowski. Others present: Joshua Blakemore, Administrator; Michelle Gibas, Village
Clerk; Scott Threewitt, Public Works Director; Jon Proulx, Planning Director; Jake Melrose,
Economic Development Director; Lonnie Spires, Building Official; and Anthony Novak, Police
Commander. There were approximately 3 persons in the audience.
Trustee Kiefer moved to approve the Minutes of the Committee of the Whole Workshop and
Executive Session held on September 11, 2023. Second by Trustee Ruane. Voice Vote. All in favor,
0 opposed. Motion carried.
PRESIDENTIAL COMMENTS
Mayor Argoudelis encouraged everyone to attend the Homecoming Parade this weekend.
TRUSTEE COMMENTS
Trustee Ruane congratulated the Chamber for the Harvest 5K.
Trustee Bonuchi:
• Commented on the Harvest 5K.
• Inquired as to the status of the parking study. Administrator Blakemore gave an update.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Steve Weber, dispensary owner, encouraged the Board to support cannabis dispensaries.
WORKSHOP
1) ADULT USE CANNABIS FACILITIES
Jake Melrose stated that staff prepared a draft zoning text amendment for the Village Board's review
relating to recreational cannabis dispensaries/uses. The draft text amendment requires cannabis
dispensaries to obtain a special use permit and would only be allowed in the B3 zoning district. The
draft text amendment requires a 250-foot buffer from pre-existing primary/secondary/boarding
schools, daycares, or a residential lot of record that is used or to be used as a residence.
The draft text amendment provides that only two licenses would be allowed in the community: one
north of Lockport Street and one south of Lockport Street and they would need to be 1,500 feet from
one another. The draft text amendment also establishes a prohibition for on-site consumption of any
cannabis products. The other cannabis uses (cultivation centers, craft growers, infusers, processor)
have similar regulations associated them. These uses would also be required to obtain a special use
permit and would only be allowed in the I-1 and I-2 Industrial districts, and the draft amendment
currently proposes that only one (1) license/permit would be granted for each. These uses would also
be required to maintain a distance of 250 feet from pre-existing primary/secondary/boarding schools,
daycares, or a residential lot of record that is used or to be used as a residence. Other draft text
amendments to the code are also provided such as parking and definitions for the proposed uses.
Village of Plainfield
Committee of the Whole Meeting Minutes— September 25, 2023
Page 2
Trustee Kiefer stated that he likes the draft, and cannabis facilities are appropriate for special use.
Just because you have an ordinance doesn't mean you are approving the business. Trustee Kiefer
stated this is a user tax and he wants to see Plainfield residents spend their money Plainfield. Trustee
Bonuchi stated that she was in contact with Bolingbrook and Romeoville, and they identified that the
revenues were substantially less than anticipated. Trustee Ruane indicated support and inquired
about the process for issuing licenses. There was some general discussion regarding criteria for
issuing licenses. Trustee Kalkanis stated that she does not support this and that it is the wrong
direction for the community. Trustee Kalkanis stated that the Village has other needs that need to be
addressed before considering this. Mayor Argoudelis indicated support and pointed out that the
community passed an advisory referendum. Mayor Argoudelis stated that the Village will need to
work out a process for applications.
Mayor Argoudelis read the reminders.
Trustee Ruane moved to adjourn. Second by Trustee Kiefer. Voice Vote. All in favor, 0 opposed.
Motion carried.
The meeting adjourned at 8:20 p.m.
Michelle Gibas, Village Clerk