MINUTES
TOWN OF NORMAL ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS
REGULAR MEETING THURSDAY MAY 18, 2006@ 5:00 P.M.
COUNCIL CHAMBERS, NORMAL CITY HALL
100 E. PHOENIX AVENUE
NORMAL, ILLINOIS
Members Present:
Gary Blakney, Jim Hess, Randy Schaab, Todd Anderson, Kathleen Lorenz, Tony Penn
Members Absent:
Jim Hess, Keith Palmgren
Others Present:
Corporation Council Steve Mahrt, Office Associate Debbi Feid, Mercy Davison, Town Planner
Call to Order:
Chairman Schaab called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m. and noted a quorum was present.
Minutes:
The minutes of the April 20, 2006 meeting were approved as submitted.
Public Hearings:
- Case No. 06-05-01-V: Fence Height Variation, 704
Normal Avenue
Ms. Laura Dimascio, 704 Normal Avenue, Normal, IL was sworn in by Chairman Schaab. Ms. Dimascio said she would like to put a 8 foot fence (1/2 the distance) of her back yard. Ms. Dimascio said 6 foot isn’t enough for privacy the way the lot is graded. Ms. Dimascio wants to block the view in her backyard of a messy neighbor.
Mr. Blakney asked if Ms. Dimascio had considered shrubs or trees. Ms. Dimascio said she had planted a lot of different things, but it still doesn’t cover up the look of the neighbor’s back yard.
Mr. Penn asked about the slope of the yard. Ms. Dimascio said the whole yard slopes down, and that the patio is set up higher. Mr. Blakney asked if a 6 foot fence closer to the patio would help. Ms. Dimascio said she had thought of that also, but it would cut yard in half, and she would like to view all of her backyard.
Town Planner, Mercy Davison, spoke saying Ms. Dimascio’s property is in the Historical District and that she has met with this commission and they approve of the 8 foot fence.
Mr. Blakney commented that if this variation is granted it will be with the property forever. Mr. Blakney said if the neighbor ever moves, the fence might not be needed. Mr. Anderson commented that he felt Ms. Dimascio has tried to shield the view with shrubs and trees, but it is not as effective with a fence.
Chairman Schaab asked if there was any way to have the neighbor’s home cleaned-up. Corporation Counsel, Steve Mahrt spoke saying if there were code violations they could be addressed.
Ms. Ann Broughton, 626 Normal Avenue, Normal, IL, was sworn in by Chairman Schaab. Ms. Broughton is a neighbor of Ms. Dimascio and she just wanted to comment the amount of junk and mess that Ms. Dimascio has to look at in her back yard.
Mr. Curt Broughton, 626 Normal Ave, Normal, IL, was sworn in by Chairman Schaab. Mr. Broughton had some concerns about Ms. Dimascio neighbor having a concrete parking slab in their back yard. Mr. Mahrt commented that by code they are allowed 4 parking spaces besides the driveway. Ms. Davison said she would follow up with this concern with the Inspection Department and get back to Mr. Broughton.
There was no one else to speak regarding this variation.
Mr. Anderson moved to approve this variation request. Mr. Penn seconded.
Ayes: Mr. Penn, Mr. Anderson, Ms. Lorenz, Mr. Schaab
Nays: Mr. Blakney
Motion declared carried
Case No. 06-05-02-V: Read Yard Setback Variation, 102 Gladys Drive
Mr. Richard Salome, 102 Gladys, Normal, IL, was sworn in by Chairman Schaab. Mr. Salome spoke saying he and his wife have lived at this property for 36 years and plan to stay there. Mr. Salome would like to construct a sunroom where an existing deck is located. Mr. Salome has spoke with his neighbors and they have told him they have no objections.
Mr. Salome distributed some new photos of his home.
Mr. Penn asked if the sunroom would be the exact same size as the existing deck. Mr. Salome said it would be 2 feet, 5 inches shorter.
Mr. Blakney commented that Mr. Salome was previously granted a variation for a room addition several years ago. Mr. Salome said that he has both mother-in-laws living with them at this residence.
There was no one else to speak regarding this variation request.
Mr. Penn moved to approve this variation request. Ms. Lorenz seconded.
Ayes: None
Nays: Mr. Penn, Mr. Anderson, Mr. Schaab, Mr. Blakney, Ms. Lorenz
Motion denied
Other Business:
Mr. Hess has officially resigned from the Zoning Board of Appeals
Elections for chairpersons will be next month.
Adjournment:
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at
5:35 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Debbi S. Feid
Zoning Board of Appeals Secretary