Kankakee Times

Village of Bourbonnais Community & Economic Development Committee met June 6.

Here are the minutes provided by the committee:

1. Meeting Opening

Meeting called to order at 4:00 PM by Trustee Jeff Keast

Action, Procedural: A. Roll Call - Trustee Jeff Keast

Members present: Mayor Paul Schore, Trustee Bruce Greenlee, Trustee Rick Fischer, Trustee Jeff Keast, and Trustee Jack Littrell. Also in attendance, Treasurer Ron Riebe, Attorney Patrick Dunn, Administrator Michael Van Mill, Asst. Administrator Laurie Cyr, Finance Director Tara Latz, Chief Jim Phelps, Public Works Superintendent Terry Memenga, Public Works Asst. Superintendent Frank Triveline, Community & Development Technician Tyler Goodrich, Admin. Assistant Margie Beach. Absent: Trustee Randy King (arrived 4:24 PM) and Trustee Angie Serafini

2. Review & Approve Minutes

Action, Minutes: A. Community & Economic Development Committee Meeting Minutes from May 29, 2024

Motion by Trustee Rick Fischer, second by Trustee Jack Littrell to approve the Community & Economic Development Committee minutes from May 29, 2024, as presented.

Final Resolution: Motion Carried

Aye: Trustee Bruce Greenlee, Trustee Rick Fischer, Trustee Jeff Keast, and Trustee Jack Littrell

3. Planning Commission

Discussion: A. Case PSU24-0003: Special Use at 1780 Career Center Rd in an R-1 One-Family Residence District for the allowance of Solar Electric Power Generation (NAIC Code 221114). Applicant: St. Paul's Lutheran Church

> Ms. Cyr stated this is regarding a special use request for Case #PSU24-003 in an R-1 One-Family Resident Zoning District to allow for a Solar Energy Power Generation. The applicant is St. Paul's Lutheran Church & School.

> Trustee Keast stated this is the third time it has been discussed. We wanted everyone to have an opportunity to discuss their concerns, along with Board members to get a better understanding of the project,

6. Public Comments - Moved ahead

Discussion: A. Public Comments

> Resident Nakita Tribet stated at the last meeting the Committee Members said they didn't have enough information to indicate whether or not there would be a negative impact on their property values. She pointed out over 40 residents signed the petition opposing this solar field that was presented to the Committee, which means those residents would not have bought a home in this neighborhood if a solar field was installed. That is a negative indication that values of the properties will decrease. Ms. Tribet also provided the Committee with information from a neighbor that completed a research study about solar projects which indicated there was negative decline in property values where this has occurred elsewhere in a residential area.

> St. Paul's Representative Tom Stirnaman spoke on behalf of the solar project at their location. They do plan to extend the height of the fence and make it 8 foot around the solar field and landscape with taller trees and shrubs to make it look aesthetically pleasing as possible. They did look into solar panels on the roof versus the ground, and it was significant financial difference of around $500,000 depending on what electric rates do over the course of 25 years.

> Ms. Cyr explained the decommissioning plans were submitted initially with the permitting process. Discussion was had about what could occur after the warranty is up in 25 years and the replacement and recycling of solar panels, they could last 30-35 years.

> Trustee Keast explained that it is a net metering program with Com Ed for electric. Mr. Stirnaman explained further that St. Paul's can sell any of the energy they are not using at that point to Com Ed at the same rate they are buying it for, and then when they need energy from Com Ed, they buy at that same rate. If they overproduce in the summer St. Paul's gets net metering credits that goes on their account, when winter comes and they aren't producing as much, they will use up those credits until they are gone and then will have a small utility bill and pay the difference.

> Trustee Greenlee stated he spoke to ONU about the roof solar panel system they use and are only seeing a return of about 3% production levels. Mr. Stirnaman explained the manufacturer Solargistix has a 93% production level guarantee or they will pay St. Paul's the difference in the loss of production. St. Paul's have spoken to Kankakee Community College about their use of solar panels and was told it's going great and are looking to add more panels. Local Public School districts are also looking to put in solar panels as well on their properties.

> Trustee Fischer asked how tall will the trees be on the outside of the fence? Mr. Stirnaman explained they are purchasing 6 foot tall arborvitaes bushes and trees that will surround the outside of the fence, which could grow to be 20-25 feet tall at full maturity.

Community & Economic Committee agreed 3-1 to concur with the Planning Commission's decision, and legislation will be created for the next Regular Board Meeting on Monday, June 17, 2024.

4. New Business - None

5. Old Business

Discussion: A. Garage, Rummage and Occasional Sales Regulations Update in Chapter 18 > Ms. Cyr gave an update on amending the current Garage, Rummage & Similar Occasional Sales regulations in Chapter 18. Went over the definitions of a sale, permit requirements, days, hours and frequency of sales, and advertising sign displays. Ms. Cyr went over the Sales Permit Application which gives the rules and regulations (on Board Docs).

Trustee King arrived at 4:24 PM

> The Committee members discussed penalties if they don't get their sales registered or don't follow policy, it was decided to have an escalator fine of at least $25 and no more than $500/day.

Community & Economic Development Committee agrees to move forward with updating Chapter 18, Article IX, and legislation will be created for the next Regular Board meeting on Monday, June 17, 2024.

Discussion: B. PSI Development Agreement Amendment

> Tabled - no update at this time.

Discussion: C. Other

> Mayor Schore gave an update on the Campus, which is getting close to completion.

6. Public Comments - Moved up in the meeting.

7. Executive Session - Not applicable

8. Adjournment and Time

Action, Procedural: A. Adjournment Time

Motion by Trustee Jack Littrell, second by Trustee Bruce Greenlee to adjourn the Community & Economic Development meeting at 4:37 PM.

Final Resolution: Motion Carried

Aye: Trustee Bruce Greenlee, Trustee Rick Fischer, Trustee Randy King, Trustee Jeff Keast, and Trustee Jack Littrell

https://go.boarddocs.com/il/vobil/Board.nsf/files/D6DHXW4AAF29/$file/2024-06-06%20C%26ED%20Mtg%20Minutes%20for%20Approval.pdf