A meeting of the Village of Riverlea Planning Commission was held January 8, 2024 at the Old Worthington Library. Members present were Bryce Jacob (Planning Commissioner), Christopher Bedell, Rich Skowronski, and Jennifer Zipfel. Also present was Molly Fuchs. The Planning Commissioner called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
- The minutes of the regular Planning Commission meeting of October 9, 2023 were not read since each member had received a copy. Bedell inquired as to whether there had been any follow up with the Siemens regarding the lot coverage percentage in their application as mentioned in the minutes. The Planning Commissioner stated that he would contact them to get this information and follow up with the rest of the Committee. Skowronski moved and Bedell seconded the motion that the minutes be approved as submitted by the Clerk. The following vote was recorded on the motion: Yea: 4, Bedell, Jacob, Skowronski, and Zipfel; Nay: None; Abstain: None. The motion carried 4-0.
- An application for a Certificate of Appropriateness by Molly Fuchs and Shiloh Stein at 5775 Carrington Ct to install an in-ground fiberglass pool at the rear of the house with a surrounding concrete patio. The application also calls for the replacement of the existing chain-link fence around the property with a six-foot privacy fence. The Planning Commissioner said that member Paul Collini had mentioned that the plans call for this fence to be a solid structure and wondered if there could be any gaps in the fence to make it more visually appealing. Fuchs stated that they would be open to this. Zipfel stated that another option would be to add landscaping around the fence to enhance the appeal. The Planning Commissioner asked if the new fence would be on the same footprint as the existing chain-link fence and Fuchs confirmed that this would be the case, except that on the west side of the property, they may extend the fence by a few feet to reach the house, as it is currently extends to about four feet from the corner.
The Planning Commissioner asked if the fence could be moved in to meet the Village code requiring a 35-foot setback for fences along corner lots. Because the fence is replacing a current fence, it is exempt from this requirement. Fuchs stated that they would see if they could move it in, but this may prove to be an issue with the planned gate in the fence and the fact that the house itself is shown as 33 feet from the road.
The concrete around the pool will be gray and there will be a fountain at the east side of the pool. The plans also call for a fire pit, this will use an existing gas line in the yard. Though the plans show turf being installed, Fuchs stated that they will be putting seed down. There are no issues with lot coverage in this addition. Skowronski moved to approve the Certificate of Appropriateness as submitted and Zipfel seconded this motion. The following vote was recorded on the motion: Yea: 4, Bedell, Jacob, Skowronski, and Zipfel; Nay: 0; Abstain: None. The motion carried 4-0. A street bond will be required with this project.
Skowronski moved and Zipfel seconded a motion to adjourn. The motion was approved unanimously (4-0). The meeting was adjourned at 7:13 p.m.
Bryce Jacob, Planning Commissioner
Josh Mehling, Clerk