VILLGE OF LONG GROVE
MEETING MINUTES OF THE ARCHITECTURAL COMMISSION

REGULAR MEETING – June 15, 2009

7:00 P.M.

 

Call to Order:  Chairman Michaelson-Cohn called the regular meeting of the Architectural Commission (AC) to order at 7:05 p.m. with the following members present.

 

Members Present: Lynn Michaelson-Cohn, Chairman, Terry Connolly, Valerie Plunkett, Marietta Calas,

 

   Also Present:  Village Planner James Hogue and members of the public.     

 

   Absent: Rod Beadle (1 vacancy exists on the Commission).

 

1.  Approval of the April 20, 2009 Draft Meeting Minutes.

 

Commissioner Connolly moved to accept minutes as presented, seconded by Commissioner Plunkett.

 On a voice vote; all aye.

 

2.   Consideration of a request for replacement office signage for the Waud Farm Phase 1 Planned Unit Development commonly known MAT (Midwest Air Technologies) Holdings at 6700 Wildlife Way submitted by Mr. Steve Wang. 

 

 

Mr. Kevin Mark, project manager from MAT Holdings, introduced the representatives present from MAT Holdings and explained the request for signage.  He also noted the standards for signage as identified in the Village Code.

 

Ms. Katherine Mark, landscape architect for the project, then explained the proposed landscape plan.  She noted that the species selected were done so taking the conservancy, climate and existing structure into consideration. The goal was to have the landscape plan blend in with and compliment the site.

 

Commissioner Connolly questioned whether road salt would have a negative impact the yews proposed in the plan. Ms. Mark responded this should not be an issue in this instance.

 

General discussion then occurred regarding the various plant species to be included in the landscape plan.

 

Mr. Kevin Mark then noted the poor condition of the existing wooden sign and noted that the proposed granite sign would be a substantial upgrade to the existing sign. He explained the materials to be used in the sign (principally granite) as well as the process for constructing the proposed sign. He noted the existing illumination would be used and per the landscape plan the illumination source would be screened per the requirements of the Village Code.

 

A company logo, made of “sintraa PVC compound, will be mounted with adhesive to the vertical granite face of the sign. Section “B” of the sign will be a horizontal piece of granite 10” thick to support the vertical piece. Section “B” will have the property address consisting of white PVC letters mounted on the side with adhesive.  This technique is being used to minimize the potential for cracking of the granite which could occur if the address (or logo) were actually carved into the granite.

 

Commissioner Connolly urged the petitioner to check the UV rating on the lettering to minimize and fading or other discoloration of the lettering.

 

Mr. Mark then explained the materials and construction of the base of the sign which will be made of unpolished granite which will add a “rough” look to sign and be substantial enough to support the entire sign. A very substantial foundation of reinforced concrete four (4) feet deep and on a footing will also be constructed below grade to support the estimated weight (8 tons) of the proposed sign.

 

A motion was made by Commissioner Connolly, seconded by Commissioner Calas to accept the sign and landscape plan as submitted. On a voice vote; all aye. 

 

OTHER BUSINESS:

 

Boards & Commissions Application Forms

 

Planner Hogue explained the “Volunteer Profile Sheet” included in the packet was to serve as the application form for all individuals (including incumbents) interested in serving on the various Boards and Commissions within the Village including the AC. He noted there was not a specific deadline for the return of the forms but AC members who are interested in continuing on should submit them as soon as is convenient.

 

Commissioner Connolly was concerned with the sensitive nature of the some of the information on the form and potential for identity theft as these would become public documents.

 

Planner Hogue noted that this concern was raised by members of the PCZBA as well. Revisions to the form had been discussed but not yet received. He encouraged members to complete the forms to the greatest extent possible and if they were uncomfortable with any of the information requested to simply omit it.

 

Rain Garden Sign

 

Planner Hogue present a proposal for a “rain garden” sign to be used for informational purposes in the newly installed rain garden in downtown Long Grove.  Village Trustee Schmitt had e-mailed this to him just prior to the meeting this evening and asked if the AC could review it.

 

Mr. Hogue indicated as this item was not on the agenda no formal action could be taken this request

due to conflicts with the Illinois Open Meetings Act. Furthermore, he noted he had not had a chance to review the request in detail. It is possible that this sign may be considered “exempt” and AC review would not be required. If it was determined that AC review and approval was necessary this item would be placed on the next AC agenda. He stated no advertising material would be part of the sign copy and it was strictly informational explaining how and why rain gardens are useful.

 

None of the AC members present indicated any concerns with the sign as presented by Planner Hogue.          

 

Adjournment:  Commissioner Calas made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Commissioner Connolly.  On a voice vote; all aye.  Meeting was adjourned at 8:10 p.m.

 

 

Respectfully Submitted,

 

James M. Hogue

 

James M. Hogue,

 Village Planner