A meeting of the Village of Riverlea Planning Commission was held July 10, 2023 at the Old Worthington Library. Members present were Bryce Jacob (Planning Commissioner), Christopher Bedell, Rich Skowronski, and Jennifer Zipfel. Also present were Steve Wisler, Mark Siegal, Tod Haman, Lin Newburgh, and Rob Bruno of Ace Fence. The Planning Commissioner called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
- The minutes of the regular Planning Commission meeting of May 8, 2023 were not read since each member had received a copy. Skowronski moved and Zipfel seconded the motion that the minutes be approved as submitted by the Clerk with some minor edits. 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 Mark Siegal at 65 W Southington Ave to construct a fence on the property perpendicular to the side lot. The proposed 6 ft fence would be replacing a current 3 ½ ft fence. Siegal stated that due to the layout of the property, the fence would not be visible from the street. The fence will be untreated cedar and match the existing fence at the rear of the property and have a 4 ft wide lockable gate.
Siegal presented a letter from the neighbor agreeing to the replacement of the fence. Zipfel pointed out that the letter did not state that the height would be 6 ft in height and had concerns with this absence. Zipfel questioned why the fence needed to be 6 ft in height and if a variance was needed. The Planning Commissioner stated that per Village ordinances, the variance was not necessary if the letter from the neighbor was provided. Rob Bruno of Ace Fence stated that he recommended the fence be this height due to the layout of the property and patio in the backyard.
The Planning Commissioner moved to approve the Certificate of Appropriateness for the project as shown in the plans pending the receipt of a letter from the neighbor clearly stating the planned 6 ft fence height and Bedell seconded this motion. The following vote was recorded on the motion: Yea: 2, Bedell, Jacob; Nay: 2, Skowronski, Zipfel; Abstain: None. The motion failed to pass (2-2). The Planning Commissioner recommended that the Commission members make a site visit to better understand the layout of the yard and reason for the request. Zipfel later made this site visit and changed her vote to Yea. The motion passed (3-1).
Zipfel stated that she does not want any future replacement plans to use the potential approval of this 6 ft height as precedent.
- An application for a Certificate of Appropriateness by Stephen Wisler at 6248 Melbourne Pl to increase the size of the existing garage and add an addition attaching the house to the garage. The Planning Commissioner stated that not enough information had been submitted to permit a full review, so the request would be tabled and the Commission would be reviewing the plans that had been submitted and making suggestions based on these during the meeting. The Planning Commissioner informed Wisler that he would need to submit scalable plans, a site survey, and the proposed product names, colors, and styles as part of a full request.
There are concerns with the lot coverage shown on the plans and Wisler stated that he would be willing to remove the current asphalt driveway and replace it with a permeable surface to reduce this coverage. Wisler asked for advice on the current plans for the garage and Zipfel recommended a traditional gable with shed roof vs the current offset look
Skowronski moved to table the request for a Certificate of Appropriateness and Zipfel seconded this motion. The following vote was recorded on the motion: Yea: 4, Bedell, Jacob, Skowronski, and Zipfel; Nay: None; Abstain: None. The motion carried 4-0.
Skowronski moved and Bedell seconded a motion to adjourn. The motion was approved unanimously (4-0). The meeting was adjourned at 7:53 p.m.
Bryce Jacob, Planning Commissioner
Josh Mehling, Clerk