Illinois Valley Times

Coal City Planning and Zoning Board met June 3

Here are the minutes provided by the board:

At 7:00 p.m., June 3, 2024, in the boardroom of the Village Hall, chairwoman Maria Lewis called to order the meeting of the Planning & Zoning Board. Roll call-Members; Amanda Burns, Walt Mahaffay, John Hawkinson, Richard Crotteau, Jill Breneman, Cody Krug and Maria Lewis. Also in attendance were, Trustee Pam Noffsinger and Matt Fritz, village administrator. 

The minutes of the May 6, 2024 meeting were reviewed. Crotteau moved to accept the minutes with corrections, second by Mahaffay. Roll call-Ayes; Mahaffay, Hawkinson, Crotteau, Breneman and Krug. Nays; none. Abstain; Burns and Lewis. Motion carried. 

There was no public comment at this meeting. 

ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS – PUBLIC HEARING - Debra & Ricardo Ortiz - Variance for Carport within Rear Yard at 895 Pheasant Lane. 

Deputy Clerk, Linda Sula swore in those who would be speaking at the public hearing. 

Fritz explained the petitioners would like to construct a permanent carport in the rear yard. The carport will be closer to the north boundary than what is allowed. There should be an 8' setback, the petitioners are asking for a 5' setback, which would require a 3' variance. Mrs. Ortiz expressed the reason for the carport location, which was the ease of pulling the RV straight in from the drive onto a concrete pad, rather than trying to maneuver it around the house and flower bed. Lewis asked if a contractor would be utilized to install the carport, which Ortiz indicated both the concrete pad and carport will be installed by a contractor. Hawkinson stated the accessory structure is 150' over the allowable 300 sq. ft., which will need to be included as a variance. Hawkinson also discussed the height and length of the carport as well as a tree, which may need to be removed in order to park the RV under the carport. Ortiz supplied the height and length for the board and indicated the tree would not need to be removed. Crotteau asked if the carport would be enclosed, which Ortiz responded that it would only cover the top of the RV and not the sides. Mahaffay questioned the drawing, which stated it would be attached. Lewis explained it was referencing the carport being attached to the concrete pad not another structure. 

Mahaffay moved to approve the variance request at 895 Pheasant Lane for 3' variance on the north side of the property and a 150 sq. ft. variance for the accessory structure, second by Breneman. Roll call-Ayes; Burns, Mahaffay, Hawkinson, Crotteau, Breneman, Krug and Lewis. Nays; none. Motion carried. 

Lewis stated the board is sending a positive recommendation to the Village Board and a final decision will be made at the meeting on June 12, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. 

PRESENTATION by Kenneth & Rebecca Krier-Variance for minimum square footage per dwelling requirement within RM-1 for Lots 46, 47 and 48 in Springhill Subdivision. Fritz explained when the lots were subdivided for duplexes awhile ago the village's square footage requirements were different so the petitioners are here for a variance. The Kriers plan on putting duplexes on each of the lots. Lewis inquired if the plans were discussed with Dave Club Construction regarding covenants and he approved. Lewis also spoke about the anti-monotony, which Clubb has different requirements than the village. Krier indicated he spoke with Clubb and explained that he was fine with whatever the village preferred. The plan is to keep the interior floor plan the same, however, the outside will have different brick, siding and possible peak differences so they don't all look exactly the same. 

Hawkinson stated he was pleased the duplexes will be different than those down the street. 

Fritz explained a variance for the anti-monotony should be added even though the board is in agreement with it. Fritz also indicated prior to the build the petitioner should inform the board of their intent for the wall separation between the units. Krier explained they will be going with the product which allows for not only a three hour fire barrier but also a sound barrier, which will go all the way up to the peak through the roof. No more questions were asked at this time, and Lewis stated the public hearing is scheduled for June 17, 2024 at 7:00pm. 

Lewis informed the board the village undertook a Management and Planning Programs Involving Non-Metropolitan Groups (MAPPING) process with Western Illinois University. Lewis indicated it was very informative and the residents who attended had great ideas. The program is a plan for the community and the direction in which they would like to see the community go. 

Fritz explained the group came up with 6 main goals and they are geared towards what can be achieved for the future. The two goals discussed which would coincide with this board are the Commercial/Industrial and Housing focus. Some items discussed were: Affordable versus Achievable housing; Properties which the village is perceived to own but doesn't; Monies for projects which could be obtained other ways versus through residents as taxpayers. Fritz indicated twice in the past for Strategic Planning the village utilized Northern Illinois University and it was good, however, it was decided to go a different route to get a different perspective from residents input. 

The board discussed some items within the community related to housing which were: 

Senior Housing, Starter Homes, Difficulties of first time buyers vs. Investors, No housing inventory, Supply & Demand, Housing Stabilization Grants, Community Land Trusts 

Fritz also indicated that a possible Richards Crossing re-development plan could be coming the boards way. 

Hawkinson had an overall comment regarding MAPPING which was the board needs to look at other communities and see what they are doing and see what attracts people to us. 

Noffsinger mentioned an idea brought up from MAPPIING to put up a billboard by 1-55 to grab the attention of passersby. 

Burns moved to adjourn the meeting, second by Crotteau. All were in favor and meeting ended at 7:52 p.m. 

https://coalcity-il.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/PZ-Board-Minutes-06-03-2024-Web.pdf