Wilmette public meetings in 2022

Village Board

The Village Board adopted the 2022 Tax Levy and approved several state grants and contracts for road programs and public works. The Board also authorized a $502,252 contract for police camera systems and approved various zoning variations. The December 27, 2022, meeting was cancelled.

• Adopted Ordinance #2022-O-83 regarding the 2022 Tax Levy (7-0)
• Approved $1,200,000 in Motor Fuel Tax (MFT) Funds for 2023 Road Program (7-0)
• Approved $597,400 in REBUILD Illinois (RBI) Funds for 2023 Road Program (7-0)
• Approved $502,252 contract with Axon Enterprise, Inc. for camera systems (7-0)
• Approved $197,810 contract with Rush Truck Centers for two dump truck chassis (7-0)
• Approved $196,966 contract with Currie Motors Fleet for four truck chassis (7-0)
• Approved $118,061 contract with Ramirez Group LLC for Public Works flooring (7-0)
• Tabled Zoning Board Case #2022-Z-57 regarding 1326 Wilmette Avenue (7-0)

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals recommended granting a special use permit for a carry-out restaurant and approved a lot coverage variation for a residential shed. Both recommendations will be heard by the Village Board on January 10, 2023.

• Recommended granting special use for Fajita Pete’s carry-out/delivery restaurant at 3207 Lake Avenue Suite 6A (7-0)
• Recommended granting 13.61 sq ft lot coverage and 43.83 sq ft floor area variations for a shed at 718 Forest Avenue (7-0)
• Approved November 2, 2022 meeting minutes (all ayes)

Historic Preservation Commission

The Historic Preservation Commission recommended the adoption of a redesigned Village seal and the designation of 832 Elmwood Avenue as a local landmark. The Commission also discussed draft goals for the Village's Comprehensive Plan.

• Recommended adoption of the redesigned Village seal (5-0)
• Recommended designation of 832 Elmwood Avenue as a local landmark (5-0)
• Approved meeting minutes from July 21, 2022, with one correction

Appearance Review Commission

The commission approved a sign case for Enclave and continued a case for Buck Russell’s to January 2023. Members conducted a preliminary review of proposed landscaping and site improvements for Plaza del Lago. The commission also received a presentation on the draft goals of the Village's Comprehensive Plan rewrite.

• Approved Case 2022-AR-38, 1100 Central Avenue Unit G, Enclave (7-0)
• Continued Case 2022-AR-29, 1137 Greenleaf Avenue, Buck Russell’s to January 9, 2023 (7-0)
• Approved November 7, 2022 meeting minutes (5-0-2)

Environmental and Energy Commission

The Environmental and Energy Commission will consider recommendations regarding artificial turf analysis and Dark Skies and Pollinator Ordinances. They will also review staff feedback on the Pollinator Action Document and hear a report on the Go Green Illinois meeting.

• Recommendation regarding artificial turf analysis
• Recommendation regarding Dark Skies and Pollinator Ordinances
• Staff review of Pollinator Action Document
• Report on Go Green Illinois meeting

The Commission voted to send zoning code recommendations regarding native habitats to the Land Use Committee. Members also reviewed a pollinator action document and discussed an analysis of artificial turf.

• Approved October 17, 2022 minutes with changes (unanimous)
• Approved transmitting native habitat ordinance recommendations to the Land Use Committee (unanimous)

Village Board

The Village Board adopted the Fiscal Year 2023 Annual Budget, which includes a 0.56% property tax levy reduction. The Board also approved a four-year contract for Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) cameras. Several zoning variations and municipal service contracts were approved via the consent agenda.

• Adopted Fiscal Year 2023 Annual Budget (Ordinance #2022-O-70)
• Approved $162,200 four-year contract with Flock Group, Inc. for ALPR cameras
• Approved $1,033,375 ten-year agreement with Village of Glenview for police CAD and records systems
• Authorized $1,050,000 transfer from Water Fund to General Fund (Resolution #2022-R-107)
• Approved 2023 Pay and Classification Plans (Resolution #2022-R-118)
• Approved $131,385 contract with Gewalt-Hamilton Associates, Inc. for Wilmette Avenue Resurfacing
• Approved $43,021.09 contract with ComEd for transformer replacement at Storm Water Pumping Station
• Approved Temporary Use Permit #2022-TU-32 for Chalet Nursery events

Transportation Commission

The commission will consider two resident petitions: removing overnight parking restrictions on the 500 block of Ridge Road and creating resident permit parking on the 1000 block of Isabella Street. It will also review Year 1 projects from the Master Bike and Active Transportation Plan, including work on Poplar Drive, Park Avenue, Washington Avenue, and Sheridan Road.

• Petition to remove overnight parking restriction (2 a.m. to 5 a.m.) on the 500 block of Ridge Road
• Petition to change parking on the 1000 block of Isabella Street to resident permit parking (2-hour limit 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Mon-Fri, except by permit)
• Discussion of Year 1 projects from the Master Bike and Active Transportation Plan on Poplar Drive, Park Avenue, Washington Avenue, and Sheridan Road

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals recommended granting two variation requests to the Village Board. One request allows a front porch for safety at 816 Forest Avenue, and another allows lot consolidation at 1028 & 1030 Greenleaf Avenue. One case was continued to December.

• Recommended granting 319.61 sq ft floor area variation for front porch at 816 Forest Avenue (6-0)
• Recommended granting side yard, porch, and garage setback variations for lot consolidation at 1028 & 1030 Greenleaf Avenue (5-1)
• Continued case 2021-Z-28 (718 Forest Avenue) to December 7, 2022 (6-0)
• Approved October 12, 2022 meeting minutes (voice vote, all ayes)
• Approved October 19, 2022 meeting minutes (voice vote, all ayes)

Board of Fire and Police Commissioners

The Board of Fire and Police Commissioners approved the promotion of FF/P Edward Kofoed to Fire Lieutenant/Paramedic. The promotion is effective November 19, 2022. The board also approved the minutes from the September 27, 2022 meeting.

• Approved promotion of FF/P Edward Kofoed to Fire Lieutenant/Paramedic effective Nov 19, 2022 (2-0)
• Approved September 27, 2022 meeting minutes (2-0)

Village Board

The Village Board approved a series of zoning variations for residential and commercial properties, including a front porch and parking area. The Board also authorized a contract for winter road salt and approved the appointment of Alice Chow to the Human Relations Commission.

• Approved Temporary Use Permit #2022-TU-31 for temporary lights at Loyola Academy
• Approved special use for co-working space at 1100 Central Avenue (Ordinance #2022-O-71)
• Approved attic addition height variation at 2345 Thornwood Avenue (Ordinance #2022-O-72)
• Approved beach house retention variation at 1126 Michigan Avenue (Ordinance #2022-O-74)
• Approved special use for dental office at 70 Skokie Boulevard (Ordinance #2022-O-75)
• Approved front yard impervious surface and parking variations at 2621 Lake Avenue (Ordinance #2022-O-76)
• Tabled Zoning Board report for 1326 Wilmette Avenue until December 13, 2022
• Approved sign variation at 3232 Lake Avenue (Ordinance #2022-O-73)

Appearance Review Commission

The Appearance Review Commission approved a certificate for Torino to expand its business and remodel its façade. A request for a sign quantity variation for Buck Russell’s was continued to a future meeting for plan revisions.

• Approved October 03, 2022 minutes (4-0)
• Approved Appearance Review Certificate for Torino at 1160-1162 Wilmette Ave with conditions regarding lighting, brick samples, and alley façade infill (4-0)
• Continued consideration of sign quantity variation for Buck Russell’s at 1137 Greenleaf Avenue to December 5, 2022 (4-0)

Human Relations Commission

The Commission approved changes to the Black History Month Contest to allow high school students to submit art, multimedia, or poetry in addition to essays. Members also established work team structures for recognition periods and discussed marketing efforts to introduce the Commission to new residents.

• Approved minutes from July 19, 2022 meeting
• Approved minutes from October 10, 2022 meeting
• Expanded Black History Month Contest eligibility to all high school residents
• Expanded Black History Month Contest entries to include art, multimedia, and poetry for high schoolers
• Established consensus on work team structure for recognition periods

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals recommended granting three separate variation requests regarding a fence, a sport court, and solar panels. All three recommendations were passed with unanimous votes from the members present. The cases will be heard by the Village Board on November 21, 2022.

• Recommended granting 1.0’ fence height and chain link material variation at 410 Vista Drive (6-0)
• Recommended granting 27.08’ sport court setback and 547.33 sq ft impervious surface variation at 945 Michigan Avenue (6-0)
• Recommended granting 3.71’ front yard solar panel setback variation at 3148 Temple Lane (6-0)

Plan Commission

The Commission recommended approval for two amendments to a Planned Unit Development at 1210 Central Avenue. The board also held an informational concept review for a proposed 14-unit townhouse development on Wilmette Avenue, though no vote was taken.

• Recommended approval of PUD amendment for roof bocce ball court at 1210 Central Avenue (6-0)
• Recommended approval of PUD amendment for reduced unit sizes to increase deck area at 1210 Central Avenue (6-0)
• Approved minutes from August 2, 2022 meeting (6-0)

Village Board

The Board approved outdoor restaurant seating licenses for Pescadero Seafood & Oyster Bar and Napolita Pizzeria & Wine Bar. Trustees also held a workshop to review draft goals and objectives for the Village's Comprehensive Plan, including discussions on housing density, transportation, and business district redevelopment.

• Approved outdoor restaurant seating licenses for Pescadero Seafood & Oyster Bar and Napolita Pizzeria & Wine Bar (6-0)
• Approved minutes from October 11, 2022 meeting (6-0)
• Approved Ordinance #2022-O-69 for shed setback variations at 3145 Illinois Road (6-0)
• Approved Resolution #2022-R-110 to write off unclaimed flex plan balances from FY 2020 and prior (6-0)
• Approved reappointment of Richard Daspit, Jr. to the Historic Preservation Commission (6-0)
• Approved $4,800 contract amendment with Morphisec, Inc. for security software (6-0)
• Approved one-year contract with Carus, LLC for Ortho Polyphosphate at $14.605 per gallon (6-0)
• Approved three-month contract with Rowell Chemical Corporation for liquid Sodium Hypochlorite at $2.20 per gallon (6-0)

Environmental and Energy Commission

The Environmental and Energy Commission will discuss and finalize a recommendation regarding pollinator action items for the Village Board. They will also continue discussions on artificial turf analysis and community solar communications. The meeting includes updates on an emissions benchmarking consultant and budget requests.

• Recommendation regarding pollinator action items
• Continued discussion on artificial turf analysis
• Continued discussion on community solar communications
• Update regarding emissions benchmarking consultant
• Budget requests

Environmental and Energy Commission

The Environmental and Energy Commission submitted a list of 13 options for the Village Board to consider to support pollinators. These proposals include educational initiatives, financial incentives for residents, and potential changes to village ordinances and procurement language.

• Proposed $99 registration fee for National Wildlife Federation Certified Habitat Community status
• Proposal to require at least 75% true native species in village RFP language for native plantings
• Proposed cost-sharing programs for native parkway trees and gardens
• Proposed updates to village code sections 30-6.4, 30-15.4, 30-15.5, 30-15.9, and 30-15.10 regarding native plants
• Proposal for a formal Village Board endorsement to eliminate neonicotinoid pesticides

Environmental and Energy Commission

The Commission discussed potential changes to the Village Ordinance regarding controlled burning for environmental management. Members also discussed oak sapling distribution programs and updates to lighting standards to support dark sky initiatives.

• Discussion of a proposed ordinance for controlled burning in specific areas
• Proposal for an Oak Sapling distribution program for the Village Sesquicentennial
• Review of lighting standards and potential changes to the Dark Sky Ordinance
• Update on the Monarch Mayor’s Pledge action steps

Public Safety Committee

The Public Safety Committee will meet to discuss the implementation of an Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) system. The meeting also includes the approval of minutes from the June 9, 2022 meeting.

• Discussion on an Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) system

Environmental and Energy Commission

The Commission is reviewing several staff updates including water quality, electric vehicle charging stations, and community solar. The meeting also addresses the 2022 work plan regarding native habitats, artificial turf, and dark skies.

• Ordinance to reduce Commission membership from nine to seven members
• Update on six electric vehicle charging station locations including Village Hall and Gillson Beach Paddle House
• Review of artificial turf products for the Special Zoning Committee
• Discussion regarding benchmarking of Village emissions
• Status of community solar subscriptions via MC2

Public Safety Committee

The committee reviewed a proposal from the Fire Department regarding the purchase of a used aerial ladder truck to serve as a reserve apparatus. This discussion included an analysis of current equipment needs, mutual aid response models, and budget impacts compared to purchasing a new engine.

• Discussion of a $285,000 proposal to purchase a used aerial ladder truck
• Review of a previous $855,000 budget item for a third fire engine
• Counter-offer of $232,000 made to the dealer for the used apparatus
• Analysis of Fire Department response models and equipment functionality

Transportation Commission

The Transportation Commission approved a request to change parking restrictions on the 900 blocks of 11th and 12th Streets. This action requires a Village Board code modification to allow unrestricted parking for residents on the north side of the 1100 block of Lake Avenue.

• Approval of resident permit parking for 900 blocks of 11th and 12th Streets
• Discussion regarding removal of overnight parking restrictions on the 500 block of Ridge Road

Environmental and Energy Commission

The commission will review updates on baseline sustainability studies and the Monarch Mayors Pledge. Members are also scheduled to discuss the Village burning policy and the distribution of oak saplings.

• Discussion of Village Burning Policy
• Discussion of Oak Saplings Distribution
• Baseline Sustainability Studies Update
• Monarch Mayors Pledge Update
• Review of EEC Progress Report

Environmental and Energy Commission

The Commission is reviewing materials from the pollinator working group to generate feedback on potential initiatives. The body will discuss a list of 15 possible recommendations to support local pollinator populations and biodiversity.

• Proposed prohibition of Neonicotinoids in fertilizers, weed control, and plant materials
• Proposal for a 'No Mow ‘til Mother’s Day' initiative with Park District participation
• Proposal to create an interactive map for residents to mark sustainable items like pollinator gardens
• Proposal to examine existing ordinances to remove barriers to native plantings
• Proposal for a census of pollinator-friendly plantings via self-reporting or a hired intern

Transportation Commission

The Transportation Commission is reviewing petitions for parking restriction changes on the 900 blocks of 11th and 12th Streets. The meeting also includes an annual review of the Master Bike and Active Transportation Plan.

• Parking restriction changes to the 900 blocks of 11th Street and 12th Street
• Removal of overnight parking restrictions in the 500 block of Ridge Road
• Annual review of the Master Bike and Active Transportation Plan
• Approval of the proposed five-year implementation plan

Environmental and Energy Commission

The Commission reviewed updates regarding electrical aggregation programs, including opt-out and Community Solar options. Members also discussed research topics for the Native Habitats initiative, such as dark skies and pollinator certification.

• Review of electrical aggregation program bids
• Discussion of electric vehicle charging station installations
• Updates on the Village's Comprehensive Plan review
• Native Habitats initiative research topics: dark skies, pollinators, and monarch pledges

Environmental and Energy Commission

The Environmental and Energy Commission received a presentation from the firm paleBLUEdot regarding the development of a Sustainability Baseline for Wilmette. The proposal outlines data collection for greenhouse gas inventories, climate vulnerability, and renewable energy potential.

• Proposed GHG inventory for Village operations and village-wide emissions
• Proposed Climate Vulnerability Assessment to identify risks and map vulnerable populations
• Proposed assessment of greenspace, tree canopy, and heat island impacts by census tract
• Proposed solar PV potential modeling and market analysis for the Village
• Alignment with 2021 Sustainability Communities Strategic Plan recommendations