DeKalb Times

Village of Hinckley Planning Commission met Sept. 21.

Here is the minutes provided by the commission:

CALL TO ORDER: The meeting was called to order by Chairman Kula at 7:00 PM.

Present: Chairman Russ Kula, Gerald Bahl, John McFarland, Rodney Davis, Steven Krietzer, and Danielle Marion. Quorum Established.

Absent: None.

Also Present: Village Clerk Elizabeth Losiniecki, Attorney Lundgren, Trustee Mike Constant, and members of the public.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: The pledge to the flag was recited.

Village Clerk Losiniecki re-administered the oath of office to Steven Krietzer (to include the Zoning Board of Appeals).

Mr. Krietzer provided a brief introduction, stating that he is an Army veteran, has an undergraduate degree in economics and graduate certificate in Public Administration from NIU, is a Harvesting Our Future member, and a resident of Hinckley for five years.

PUBLIC COMMENT:

Resident Nathan Lamaster, 281 Slater Ave., addressed the members regarding the permitting of chickens. Mr. Lamaster stated that he was the first resident to apply for a permit for a chicken coop. He stated that he currently has 7 hens that lay approximately one egg per day. He decided to address the Planning Commission after listening to the audio recording from the meeting on May 18, 2020 wherein members discussed the possibility of limiting the number of chickens per residence. He stated that he is concerned about a possible 90-day compliance window and the “no slaughter rule.”

AGENDA ITEM: Previous Meeting Minutes – 03/02/20 Presentation and Vote

Chairman Kula moved to approve the meeting minutes from 03/02/20 and John McFarland seconded the motion. Roll call vote: McFarland-Aye, Davis-Aye, Bahl-Aye, Krietzer-Abstain, Marion-Aye, Kula- Aye. Motion carried.

AGENDA ITEM: Previous Meeting Minutes – 05/18/20 Presentation and Vote

Rodney Davis asked for clarification/correction regarding the section of the minutes that refers to the Midwest Facilities discussion regarding their inquiry to purchase a portion of W. Woodlawn Avenue. Specifically, Mr. Davis wanted to know why Nathan Lambes (Midwest Facilities & Construction) did not tell the truth when questioned about whether any Village employee or elected/appointed official had a financial interest in the company, when in fact, Village President Nancy Nelson is the Director of Finance and her son is an owner. Mr. Davis stated that he would not have been in support of the request if the question had been answered honestly. Losiniecki stated that, from a legal perspective, since Village President Nelson does not hold any ownership at Midwest Facilities, Mr. Lambes’ answer was misleading at best, but not false.

Village Clerk Losiniecki stated that the current discussion would serve to correct the record and proceeded to explain the following:

During the 05.18.20 Planning Commission meeting Trustee Constant asked Mr. Nathan Lambes if any Village employee or elected/appointed official had a financial interest in Midwest Facilities & Construction. Mr. Lambes answered, “no.” Clerk Losiniecki asked for clarification and restated the question and answer and all present agreed to the summation. After the meeting, Losiniecki and Kula discussed the statement made by Mr. Lambes, and their concern that no clarification had been given to the Planning Commission members regarding the connection between the Village President and Midwest Facilities. Kula directed Losiniecki to send out a clarification email to all Planning Commission members that stated: “After a discussion with Chairman Kula regarding the meeting last night, we wanted to provide the following clarification:

During the discussion about Woodlawn Ave, Mr. Nathan Lambes (Midwest Facilities and Construction) was asked (twice) if any village employee or elected/appointed official was affiliated with or a partial owner of Midwest Facilities and Construction. Both times his answer was, “no.”

We would like to inform the members of the Planning Commission that Midwest Facilities and Construction is partially owned by Village President Nancy Nelson’s son, Ron Nelson. Additionally, Village President Nancy Nelson is the Finance Director for Midwest Facilities and Construction and Village Trustee Daniel Roop, former Utility Billing person for the Village of Hinckley, is also employed by Midwest Facilities and Construction.

Some of us on the call last night, including the village attorney, know that Nancy Nelson works for Midwest Facilities and Construction. We regret that this clarification was not made last night and will make the necessary arrangements to have the minutes accurately reflect the situation. Please contact me if you have any questions.”

Trustee Constant stated that he asked the question on purpose and did not pursue clarification on purpose. Danielle Marion moved to approve the May 18, 2020 Planning Commission meeting minutes and Russell Kula seconded the motion. Roll call vote: McFarland-Aye, Davis-Aye, Bahl-Aye, Krietzer- Abstain, Marion-Aye, Kula-Aye. Motion carried.

Trustee Constant asked Attorney Lundgren for clarification on abstaining on a vote to approve minutes when not present at the meeting for which the minutes were written. Lundgren stated that it is okay to abstain but not necessary.

OLD BUSINESS

° Agenda item for discussion: Cannabis Legalization

Attorney Lundgren stated that much of the cannabis legislation is still on hold at the State level, but movement is starting. There was a discussion about which survey tool to use and Danielle Marion stated that Sugar Grove had used Survey Monkey. Lundgren was in support of the Village seeking input from residents via survey. Danielle Marion suggested sending the survey out with the next utility bill. Krietzer was also in favor of a paper survey to be included in the utility bill. Consensus agreement was reached to include a one-page survey in an upcoming utility bill. The Planning Commission will put together a draft survey to be presented to the Board of Trustees for approval.

° Agenda item for discussion and Recommendation: Discussion and Recommendation regarding the permitting of Chickens within the corporate limits

There was a discussion regarding adding requirements for the permitting of chickens within the Village. Marion suggested that the existing chickens (and coops) in town would be considered legal, non-conforming if more restrictive requirements were passed. Attorney Lundgren stated that, if a limit was imposed regarding the number of chickens allowed, residents in town with more chickens than allowed would not be able to replace them as they expire. Krietzer stated that parcel size should be considered as it relates to coop size. Kula stated that the number of chickens per lot needed to be regulated. Krietzer stated that the ordinance needed to include all poultry, not just chickens. Marion agreed that a cap on the number allowed was needed. Bahl warned about more predator animals coming into town for the chickens and eggs. Losiniecki stated that there have been complaints about a rooster in the vicinity of N. View Street. Kula suggested that coops need to be (at least) 15’ from the property lines. Marion suggested screening be required around coops. Krietzer stated that coops need to be insulated because heat lamps are a fire hazard.

The members reached consensus agreement to recommend that an ordinance be drafted which would regulate: # allowed, coop size, rodent proof food containers, predator proof pen, and screening. Trustee Constant suggested that, before having the attorneys draft an ordinance, the question of allowing chickens within the corporate limits should be addressed by the Board of Trustees. Constant will present the recommendations at the next Regular Board meeting.

° Agenda item for discussion: Tree City USA ongoing projects

Clerk Losiniecki gave an overview of the current Tree City USA projects, including the pollinator garden and tree nursery. She stated that she needs someone from the Planning Commission to take over the initiative and Steven Krietzer volunteered. Losiniecki stated that she would forward all pertinent information to Mr. Krietzer.

NEW BUSINESS

Discussion and Recommendations regarding the permitting of Goats within the corporate limits

Mr. Krietzer asked if goats would be permitted with the Village limits. Bahl stated that goats are social animals and need to be kept in multiples. Kula stated that they should not be kept within 200’ of other residences. Krietzer stated that the Village should consider FFA students that need to raise animals for class/club credits.

PLANNING COMMISSIONER COMMENTS, PROJECT UPDATES AND OTHER INFORMATION

Bahl asked about the status of annexing the business east of 84 Lumber (Brockman Trucking). He stated that water and sewer would need to be extended but the increase in sales tax revenue would off-set the cost. Losiniecki stated that Mr. Brockman has not returned to the Planning Commission/Zoning Board of Appeals to pursue annexation and that the Village cannot “skip annex” properties.

Chairman Kula stated that the next meeting will be October 5, 2020 at 7:00pm via Teleconference and/or at the Village Hall.

ADJOURMENT

Motion: Russ Kula moved to adjourn the meeting at 8:58 pm and John McFarland seconded the motion. Roll call vote: McFarland-Aye, Davis-Aye, Bahl-Aye, Krietzer-Aye, Marion-Aye, Kula-Aye. Motion carried.

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