Will County Gazette

Village of Channahon Planning & Zoning Commission met Dec. 13.

Here are the minutes provided by the commission:

1. Call to Order

Meeting called to order at 6:00 p.m.

2. Pledge of Allegiance

3. Roll Call

Commissioners Blackburn, Madding, Larson, Warren and Chairman Ciarlette present. Commissioners Gray and Pershey absent.

4. Approval of Minutes – October 11, 2021

Motion to approve the minutes of October 11, 2021 meeting of the Planning and Zoning Commission made by Commissioner Blackburn. Seconded by Commissioner Larson. All Ayes, Motion Carried.

5. Review and Comment – Concept Plan Review; Channahon Fire Station #2 filed by FGM Architects on behalf of Channahon Fire Protection District

Mike Petrick stated the representatives of the fire district as well as their architect were present to present their Concept Plan for Fire Station #2. Mike said this is more than a Concept Plan Review this is almost a final product at this point in time. Once we do receive their official application it will be for a site plan as well as a change of zoning.

Brian Meade with FGM Architects took the podium and presented the Concept Plan in detail to the Commission.

Petrick asked if the air conditioning units would be visible from the street. Meade said the units would not be visible.

Larson asked if the building would be visible from I-55.

Meade said if going northbound on I-55 the building probably would not be visible. Also going southbound on I-55 the trees will block the view though there is a possibility the north end cap of the building may be seen.

Warren asked if the building would last for 40 years.

Chief Petrakis said this is a satellite building because there are only living quarters for up to 5 firefighters. If they expand in the future, it would be a station south of the Des Plaines River. The old building was built approximately in 1968-1969 and was more for a volunteer fire department and not for full time coverage. The area around the old building has been built up and it takes longer to get out and respond to calls. They started discussing a new building in 2014 and began looking for a place to build. The Rushing family spoke about giving the land and finally did decide to donate the property to the fire department.

Ciarlette asked if there are plans to honor the Rushing family. Petrakis said they have not decided how they plan to honor the Rushing family yet.

Blackburn asked if there are plans for the old building. Petrakis said John Grimmenga the Channahon Emergency Management Director is interested in moving in to the building. He currently has space in the Village Hall. Petrakis also said there are other people who have said they were interested in the building to use for storage.

Petrakis feels the new fire station is unique but provides a building that looks like a fire station.

Larson questioned if the building would have village water and sewer. Petrakis said they would have village services for both water and sewer. The old building is on a private septic system.

Ciarlette asked about outdoor lighting. Meade said there would be lighting above every door but mainly safety lighting outside.

Petrakis is very excited about building the new building. The building would be going out for bid in January 2022. They hope to start construction in mid-April and expect construction to take 7- 10 months to complete. Petrakis would like to take occupancy by December 2022 or January 2023.

Petrick questioned with the slant of the roof would solar panels ever be an option. Jason Estes with FGM Architects said they may need to add to the roof design to accommodate the weight of the solar panels.

Blackburn asked about the easement issues on this property. Petrick said utilities were installed on the property but not in the easement. The village is working with ComEd on fixing the easement issues on the property.

Petrick said because this is a Concept Plan Review a vote is not required.

6. Other Business

Rob Warren is stepping down as Commissioner with the Planning and Zoning Commission. This will be Rob’s last meeting.

The Commission thanked Rob for his service.

7. Public Comment

None.

ADJOURNMENT

Motion to adjourn made by Commissioner Madding. Seconded by Commissioner Larson. All Ayes, Motion Carried. 6:58 p.m.

https://www.channahon.org/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_12132021-384