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Home My WebLink About03 08 16 Minutes Minutespar Tuesday, March 8, 2016 6:15 PM Robert Gilliam Municipal Complex, City Hall Second Floor South Conference Room 150 Dexter Ct., Elgin, IL 60120 A. Call to order (chairperson) B. Roll Call (staff liaison) Chairperson Knoerr absent – appointed Commissioner Masterson to chair for tonight’s meeting. C. Approval of previous meeting’s minutes February 2016 minutes were approved. D. Communications 1. Roberts Rules of Order Review (section reviewed by Chairperson Laura Knoerr) Tabled due to length of agenda & absence of chairperson. E. Discussion Items 1. Micro Pig Discussion Presentation from Elgin resident, Dominick Mollica Elgin resident, Dominick Mollica provided the commission with a description of micro pigs, including the 14 breeds of varying sizes that fall into the category. The Julianna breed is the focus of his presentation. He provided a comparison between other size/types of pigs, as well as reasons for having them as pets and potential disadvantages. He went on to discuss current zoning ordinances, Title 17 Zoning and Elgin Municipal Code Ordinance No. G9-‐10, suggesting the code is outdated, as pet pigs were not even around until 1985. The ordinance was created at a time when there were just farm pigs, which weigh up to 800 pounds. Commissioners then had the opportunity to asked questions. Commissioner Aagesen asked what other cities allow micro pigs. Dominick said no cities in Illinois specifically allow micro pigs, but some might have a conditional use added in. In South Elgin, having a micro pig does not violate any ordinance, and it’s a rather grey area in Carpentersville, but neither having ordinances specific to the animal. When asked about vet care, the closest vet to Elgin is in Wheeling, with the next closest being three hours away. Commissioner Masterson asked about breeding in city limits? Mr. Mollica suggested that restrictions could be placed in such an ordinance. Commissioner Frazier asked what he was looking for specifically and Mr. Mollica said a conditional use, or permit similar to backyard chickens. Commissioner Frazier suggested his strongest footing would be conditional use situation, but that falls into zoning. Regarding the city’s strategic areas and the Sustainability Master Plan goals, the commission would not be able to support the efforts. Commissioner Aagesen explained her situation with backyard chickens and that the HOAs have control over that, regardless if an ordinance is passed. Commissioner Masterson suggested this situation is different than chickens because those are in the backyard, and they produce eggs. They support sustainability with both local food supplies and education as valid arguments. Commissioner Aagesen suggested approaching the zoning commission would be best since the issues seem to involve the zoning ordinances. F. Old Business 1. Solar ordinance Continued discussion on potential modifications to the City of Elgin’s current solar ordinance. The commission continued discussion on amendments to the solar ordinance. There is much desire to promote the ordinance, and solar availability to residents and local businesses. Promotional materials can provide information on tax incentives (those currently available) as well as the steps taken to get a permit and install, and also promote the idea of leasing solar panels. Commissioner Hajek suggested changes to the ordinance would fall into historic building, older and new homes. Historic home may not be able to have solar panels due to their historic nature, and older homes may depend on the records that are available. If there are no plans or records available, a structural engineer would need to be hired to ensure stability of the roof. Newer homes should have the records and not require the former. Discussions with Sarosh Saher in planning also pointed out that the concern is not so much the weight of the solar panels, but the effects of wind and when the wind pulls up on the panel. Perhaps the ordinance just needs a slight modification saying, “if the city determines that you need a architect/engineer based on your home’s age and records, then you must.” Otherwise, the approval process is much simpler. This stipulation could be based on the date, but not spelled out in the ordinance. Commissioner Jacobs would like it more specified. Commissioner Masterson inquired if the ordinance needs include anything in regards to leasing. It was determined that is not the city’s responsibility, and there would be a buying agreement if house was sold with leased panels installed. Therefore, there it is not necessary to include anything about leasing on the city’s ordinance. 2. Partners for Places grant proposal Continued discussion on project idea, requirements, and timeline. The commission would like to install solar panels on the southern end of the Centre of Elgin building, close to the parking deck/skyway. This was considered the best option as it’s a community facility and we cutting energy costs would be very helpful. Backup options would be the Police Department, Eastside Recreation Center, or Public Works. The commission would like to find out electrical bills for each building, Commissioner Frazier agreed to find bills in finance. Regarding other building options, public works would have enough room to store extra panels for educational purposes, for example the Public Works Open House. If on Police Department, it would need to be on the southern end. A proposal would need to hold a huge educational component, how the solar serves as a educational point for visitors and residents at a community facility. It would also save money, be an example to the community, promote solar options, reduce the city’s carbon footprint, and enhance the quality of life. Some information is still needed to move forward like the feasibility of the roof. Commissioners need to research how much it would cost based on scale (3 panels vs. 6 vs. 9), if the roof is structurally sound and how it would be connected. Commissioner Hajek will speak with building. Commissioner Keare will look into connectivity. Commissioner Masterson will ask Wanxiang to recommend engineers. The commission passed a motion to move forward selecting the Centre as the ideal location to install solar panels if awarded the grant. Liaison will resend Partners for Places website documents to the commissioners. 3. Conservation Foundation rain barrel partnership program Discussion of logistics, pickup event, etc. Commission suggested we try to have the pickup event during Hawthorne Hill’s native plant sale. The commission wants to offer $10 off rain barrels, when purchaser provides an Elgin address, whether its delivery or pickup, for the first 100 residents (incorporated or unincorporated). Conservation Foundation can then invoice the City. Liaison will see if the Conservation Foundation can create a button on payment website for $10 off with Elgin address. She will also follow up with Wild Ones of Northern Kane County regarding rain barrel sales at the plant sale. 4. 20016 National Mayor's Challenge for Conservation Discussion of outreach efforts Liaison will send marketing materials to commission, pledge information and write a press release. G. Commissioner comments/announcements Commissioners will send a Multifilm tour date preference Commissioner Masterson and he will arrange with Multifilm. H. Adjourn The City of Elgin is subject to the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990. Individuals with disabilities who plan to attend this meeting and who require certain accommodations in order to allow them to observe and/or participate in this meeting, or who have questions regarding the accessibility of the meeting or the facilities, are requested to contact ADA coordinator, at (847) 931-‐6076, or TTY/TDD (847) 931-‐5616 promptly to allow the City of Elgin to make reasonable accommodations for those persons.