Electric Commissioners Present (3): Richard Jamerson, Chairman Robert Boiko Bernard Petchenik. Dennis Lauer Chief Torres, NBK Fire Department

Transcription

1 MINUTES OF A JOINT MEETING ARCHITECTURAL CONTROL COMMISSION AND ELECTRICAL COMMISSION VILLAGE OF NORTHBROOK COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS April 1, 01 ACC Commissioners Present (): Alan Schwall, Chairman David Menn Christopher Urbanczyk F. Dirk Heidbrink Robert Katz (arrived :0 p.m.) Members Absent (): Cliff Town Lori Jordison Electric Commissioners Present (): Richard Jamerson, Chairman Robert Boiko Bernard Petchenik Members Absent (): Dennis Lauer Chief Torres, NBK Fire Department Village Staff Present: Thomas Poupard, DPS Director Jackie Clawson, DPS Building Official Nick Desario, DPS Assistant Director Bill Reupert, Plumbing Inspector Colleen Brunner, Recorder Additional Present: Greg Pardue, Deery-Pardue & Associates David Rintz, Mc Shane Construction Dale Stroud, Uponor, Inc. Ralph Green, Finger Companies Alison Gorham, Mc Shane Construction Harry Ohde, Intech Bryan Kniffe, Tree & Timber Inc. Robert Brolin, Pappageorge Haymes Partners Robert Wasserman, The Jacobs Companies Barry Nekritz, Attorney Cal Bernstein, Samueli & Bernstein 1

2 Call to Order Chairman Schwall called the meeting to order in the Terrace Room of Village Hall, 1 Cedar Lane at : p.m. Roll Call Roll was called. There was a quorum for both commissions. Review of Minutes On a motion made and seconded, the minutes from the March, 01 ACC meeting were approved as presented. On a motion made and seconded, the minutes from the June 0, 01 Electrical meeting were approved as presented. Request to Use Alternative Building Materials- Finger Companies/ 00 Skokie Blvd. Apartments Mr. Poupard introduced the topic and noted that we have convened a joint meeting of the Architectural Control Commission and Electrical Commission to review a request by the Finger Companies to use plumbing and electrical materials that are not currently allowed in Northbrook due to our local amendments. The plumbing and electrical materials would both be allowed but for the adoption of local amendments to our building codes. The ACC has purview over the request to use the plumbing materials and the electrical commission has purview over the electrical components. We thought it would be most efficient to have the developer make a single presentation to both groups rather than have separate meetings. We have conferred with the Village Attorney and determined that both commissions are asked to make a recommendation concerning the requests. The ultimate decision would be made by the Board of Trustees. As the two commissions look at the requests, we suggest the issue of whether a general code amendment is warranted to allow the use of the materials perhaps for buildings other than single family dwellings, or if an exception should be made in this particular case because the develop r is proposing a narrow use of the products and providing special safeguards that would address the concerns associated with using the material in an unrestricted fashion. Plumbing Material Mr. Poupard noted that Finger Companies, the developers of the proposed apartment building on Skokie Boulevard, is requesting permission to use crosslinked polyethylene (PEX) for water distribution piping in the individual units only. These materials are authorized in the State of Illinois Plumbing Code, but are currently prohibited in Northbrook as part of our local amendment to the Illinois Plumbing Code. Poupard stated the commissions could make a motion to amend our current code or allow its use under a certain scope. Greg Pardue from Uponor, Inc. is the manufacturer of the proposed material. He stated that this material is now used in 0% of the residential plumbing jobs in the United States, but is fairly new to Illinois. He showed the material and explained it has a shape memory which allows it to be formed easily and reduce soldering and leakage.

3 Dale Stroud, also of Uponor stated the product has a yr. warranty, R value is almost 1 which allows for thinner insulation, is UL approved, supported every 0, non- toxic if it comes in contact with flames and snaps into place for tight seal. Uponor is different than other PEX products as this has shape memory and a solid history of years in business. Electrical Commission Member Boiko asked to address the group and presented a series of safety concerns in relation to tap water quality in regards to contaminants and odor from the material found in the water systems. He also cited numerous federal lawsuits that have been filed. He handed the materials to the Chairman of the ACC and asked that they be made part of the record of the meeting. Dale Stroud responded that there have been some industry suits filed prior to the conversion from yellow brass to lead free brass, but he is not aware of any lawsuits filed against his company that have been successful. He feels the product is safe. The product has been used in similar projects in Wheeling, Elmhurst and Lincolnwood. Inspector Reupert explained that PEX was used in the construction of the 0 Skokie building by Morningside. Morningside also asked permission to use the material but it was not accepted by the ACC. Later, the 01 Illinois Plumbing Code was implements and that nullified all local amendments that were in place. The 01 State Code allowed its use. Morningside was able to use the product, as it was allowed by the State Plumbing Code. Since that time, the Village amended our local code and requires copper material to be used for domestic water. Electrical Commission Member Jamerson stated that Fingers request is written to use any PEX product and it is not specific enough. Mr. Poupard explained that if the commission is open to the use of the products presented that the recommendation could be limited to a specific material. When asked about timing, Mr. Poupard noted the earliest this could go to Board would be the second meeting in May. We understand they are hoping to start construction in July. Member Schwall would like to have it run by the Village attorney and additional information before making a decision. Member Katz stated he would like to do more research on the product. Member Urbanczyk feels the product is nice but then is torn by the studies presented by member Boiko. In general, it was agreed to study the information presented and to reconvene and make a formal recommendation to the Board of Trustees. Electrical Finger Companies is requesting to use a flex metal conduit or armor lite cable for the individual unit. This would be 0 amps. service for plugs, switches and fixtures with a 1 or smaller wire. Northbrook s electrical code requires hard conduit. Chairman Jamerson recognized the fact that there members of the public present and asked if they had comments.

4 Mr. Harry Ohde stated that he has concerns with the incidents of electrical fires of hard conduit versus flexible. He stated Waukegan recently went through a similar discussion when they were considering code amendments. He distributed materials he had presented to the City of Waukegan. Statistics show fewer fires with hard conduit. Additional discussion occurred over the merits of MC Armor conduit between Finger Companies and Mr. Odhe. Chairman Jamerson took issue on how repairs could be made to the flexible pipe in the future as it cannot be pulled through. Walls and ceilings would have to be opened up for repairs. Chairman Jamerson said he felt uncomfortable making a recommendation on this with two members absent, particularly with one being Chief Torres. He also said the Village s Electrical Inspector, Corey Friedman, could not attend tonight s meeting. In general, the members had concerns with the aluminum cables and will continue the discussion at a later meeting. Public Comments Regarding Items Not on the Agenda There were none. Adjournment of the Joint Meeting at : p.m. and continuation of the ACC meeting. Following a motion and voice vote, Chairman Jamerson adjourned the meeting of the Electrical Commission. Chairman Schwall thanked the Electrical Commission for attending and continued with the Architectural Control Commission meeting. Review of Final Plans & Elevations Gateway Townhomes by Jacobs Companies (PC Docket 1-1) Mr. Poupard presented an overview of the project stating that the Board, Plan Commission and the ACC approved a concept plan where the general building designs were established, number of units has been reduced, setbacks adjusted and final engineering being done. The concern for the ACC is to look at the final plan and landscape design. Changes that have been made include no A/C units in front of the units; the three bldg. fronts look different, addition of on street parking and two through lanes with a center island on Shermer Rd. Robert Brolin of Pappageorge Haymes Partners, architects for the development, stated there are a total of 1 buildings but the units have been reduced from down to and they have moved buildings, and back ft. off of Shermer. Some buildings will be a combination of brick and cast stone and some will have a gabled roof. The D units that are stories have eliminated the front decks but are enclosed as part of the building. The gravel path has been changed to asphalt. The awnings on the doorways will be wood clad in metal. There are decks on all rear units. The stairs have been lowered on building. All A/C units will be screened and the lighting complies with the CBD requirements. Bryan Kniffe, of Tree & Timber Inc., the landscape designer told members that all the arborvitae are being replaced with pines and firs that can handle snow and salt better. The sides of the units will have a variety of low landscaping for visual interest. The retaining wall will be unilock brick of colors with a

5 brick cap. The central area will have seating. Various low walls will be scattered throughout the site to accommodate grade changes. Member Urbanczyk likes the project overall; however, he has issues with the monotony of the buildings along Shermer Rd. He stated would like to see changes from building to building in the height, materials used and windows. Member Katz stated that when this was reviewed at the concept plan stage he had asked that the buildings along Shermer be broken up so there is not a wall of homes along Shermer Road, but that change was not made. A motion was made and seconded to approve the revisions on Gateways Townhomes landscaping materials and colors as submitted. A voice vote of -1-1 occurred, with Member Urbanczyk voting no and Member Katz abstaining. The motion carried. New Single Family Home Elevations Member Katz made a motion to approve the elevations for Brookside Lane, Cedar Lane and 0 Sorrel Drive. It was seconded and all were in favor. In a motion, that was seconded, it was recommended that staff make the decision but to look closely at the elevation, attic space and FAR at 1 Orchard Lane. There were ayes and 1 abstain. New Business -None Old Business After the Gateway vote, discussion continued with the ACC s frustration that projects are often a done deal by the time they weigh in with their opinions. Member Katz in concerned about the elevations along Shermer Rd. It creates a foot wall along a pedestrian street and he would like to see some additional space between the buildings. The mass of it needs to be broken up. This is a very important project for the downtown area. The landscaping is nice and the colors are pleasing. He is unhappy with the ACC s power. The Board and Plan Commission makes a decision and then it comes back to the ACC to only weigh in on minor changes such as landscaping and colors. This is why he abstained. Member Heidbrink stated he also would like to see visual differences between the buildings. Poupard reminded members that the Board did approve the Plan and the number of units. Member Schwall stated the needs the members to speak up and say what they are thinking so the others can sway one another or to send a message to the Board how they feel about a project. Member Katz suggested that Plan Commission and Board come to the ACC meetings to listen to their views. Adjourn

6 There being no further business, a motion was made and seconded to adjourn the meeting. On a voice vote, the motion unanimously carried and the meeting adjourned at : p.m.

7 Respectfully submitted, Colleen Brunner Recording Secretary