South Cook News

City of Palos Heights License, Permits & Franchises Committee met June 11.

Here is the minutes provided by the committee:

Call to Order

Chairman Lewandowski called the meeting to order at 7:00pm on June 11, 2019. In attendance were Chairman Lewandowksi, Alderman McGrogan, Alderman Kramarski and Alderman Basso. Also in attendance were Building Commissioner Chris Kransberger, City Administrator Dan Nisavic, Recording Secretary Charlotte Moore and residents.

Approval of Minutes

Chairman Lewandowski entertained a motion to approve the minutes of the May 14, 2019 meeting, seconded by Alderman Basso. All in favor and motion carried.

Permit/ Code Enforcement Report

Chairman Lewandowski referred to the permit/code enforcement report in the agenda packet. For the permit period from 1/1 to 6/6 we have collected $85,848.75. Year to date there have been 281 permits issued. For the period from 1/1 to 6/6 there have been 141 code enforcement cases and 265 code enforcement inspections.

Driveway Expansion – 12900 Shawnee Road (Bremner)

Mr. Bremner approached the podium and explained that he now has a third driver in the family and is constantly moving cars around. He would like to expand the right side of the driveway to park his daughter’s car.

Alderman Basso is concerned that the 30% ratio is far exceeded on this lot. Alderman Basso doesn’t agree with excessive paving of the lot and feels the current driveway has enough space. Alderman Kramarski feels his current driveway is very narrow. Alderman McGrogan recommends approval.

Alderman McGrogan moved to approve the driveway expansion, seconded by Alderman Kramarski. 3-1 affirmative votes & motion carried.

Driveway Expansion – 12102 S Oak Park Ave (Geraghty)

Mr. Geraghty approached the podium and explained he would like to widen the driveway by 3 feet on the right side. He would like to be able to fit his cars side by side on the driveway.

Chairman Lewandowski moved to approve the driveway expansion, seconded by Alderman Basso. All in favor & motion carried. AGENDA

Driveway Expansion – 12551 Melvina (Braglia)

Mr. Braglia approached the podium and mentioned that side of his house that butts up to the neighbor’s fence is mud because grass never grow there. He would like to add concrete from the driveway to the fence 5 1⁄2ft x 50ft.

Alderman Kramarski is concerned with where the water will flow when it rains. Alderman Basso explained that adding concrete to the fence would be another variance, because there is 5-foot set back and this request would have concrete right to the property line. Alderman McGrogan suggested adding rock, which would provide drainage. Mr. Braglia felt that stone would end up in the driveway.

Chairman Lewandowski asked Commissioner Kransberger how he feels about the run-off. Commissioner Kransberger commented that the run-off could be addressed by putting a curb in. Discussion ensued.

Alderman Kramarski feels that allowing concrete to the property line would set a precedent. No aldermen made a motion, so the request was denied.

Mr. Braglia asked about pavers. Commissioner Kransberger stated that pavers also fall into the 5- foot setback rule. Alderman McGrogan also made a suggestion for adding astro-turf.

Driveway Expansion – 12950 Golfview Lane (Granat)

Mr. Granat approached the podium and requested to extend his driveway. He is currently working on drainage between his house and his neighbor. He has gravel there now and would like to add asphalt. Alderman Kramarski asked about the fences. Commissioner confirmed there are two fences. The

neighbor is going to remove his fence. Commissioner Kransberger confirmed the fence is being taken care of. Chairman Lewandowski wants to make sure Mr. Granat always follows the procedures and talks to Commissioner Kransberger before he does any construction work.

Alderman Basso feels his driveway is large enough for a dozen cars and doesn’t see a necessity for the expansion. Mr. Granat said the main reason for the driveway was to accommodate his work equipment. He has added arborvitaes to hide the trucks. Discussion ensued.

No aldermen made a motion, so the request was denied.

Special Evewnt – St. Spyridon Annual Greek Festival

Alderman McGrogan made a motion to approve the permit, seconded by Alderman Kramarski. All in favor & motion carried. AGENDA.

New Business

Alderman Basso would like to consider an amendment or a correction to the driveway ordinance. Alderman Basso is concerned with the percentage ratios. Chairman Lewandowski would like this added to the agenda for the next meeting. Commissioner Kransberger will research driveway ordinances in regards to horseshoe driveways in other municipalities. Discussion ensued.

Adjourn

Chairman Lewandowski entertained a motion to adjourn. So moved by Alderman Kramarski and seconded by Alderman McGrogan. All in favor and motion carried.

Meeting adjourned at 7:52 pm.

https://palosheights.org/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_06112019-209