The Huntley Farmside

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SERVING THE PEOPLE OF HUNTLEY SINCE 1960
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HUNTLEY, ILLINOIS
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 3, 1992 - VOLUME 32, NUMBER 33
USPS 580-360
Huntley Planning Commission Considers Home Developments
Firefighter/paramedic Keith Mallengi shows the Huntley fire station wreath with all red lights at the start of the holiday decorating season. If a fire caused by holiday decorations, occurs in the district a white bulb will replace a red one. Hopefully, it will remain red for a tenth year in a row in Huntley.
HFPD Hopes To Keep Huntley Wreath Red
The Christmas season is here and for the 10th year the Huntley Fire Protection District asks Huntley to "Keep The Wreath Red!" This is part of a statewide campaign to alert residents concerning fires caused by holiday decorations.
A large wreath is displayed on the front window of Fire Station #1 on Coral Street. The wreath starts with its bright red lights constantly lit. If there is a fire in the district caused directly by holiday decorations, a red bulb on the wreath is replaced with a white one.
Huntley has kept the wreath red every year since HFPD began the program nine years ago. Huntley firefighters request all residents to please continue to be fire safety minded again this year.
The following are a few tips for a fire safe holiday season.
Make sure Christmas trees
are fresh and kept away from any type of heat. Check them often for water in the tree stand. Make sure all lights are UL tested and check all lights and cords to insure they are in good condition. Never use inside lights for outside use, since they are not made to withstand the weather. Keep children and pets away from electrical cords around the Christmas tree and other lighted decorations. Be very careful when you, or others, are smoking around Christmas decorations. Gift wrapping should never be discarded in the fireplace. All dwellings should have working smoke detectors. Smoke detectors and fire extinguishers make excellent gifts that say you care. The Huntley Fire Protection District wishes all of you a happy and "Safe" holiday season. Once again, Huntley, let's "Keep The Wreath Red!"
The regular monthly meeting of the Huntley Planning Commission was called to order at 7:30pm by Ch&irman Wilmer Rohlwing. Those members of the board present were Darrick Franzen, Ed Domagalski, Paul Mercer, Robert Schachtner and Ron Hahn. Also present was our new Village Administrator Rob Nelis, Mayor Dhamer and Building Inspector Ehrke.
Mr. Franzen sisked that two corrections be made to the minutes of the last meeting of October 12, 1992, that being in reference to Mr. Spradlin's request regarding parking for R & R Metalcraft and that it said the Building Inspector would review and decide, the word "decide" should be deleted. Also, page two in reference to 3-way stop on Frederick and Davey Drives and Mill and Dean Streets where it said Mayor said it could be , done. A recommendation to the Village Board is necessary first. Mr. Franzen then moved to accept the minutes as corrected. Mr. Domagalski seconded, motion carried.
The first order of business was presented by Mr. Jim Hankla who would like to put up additional 4-unit buildings on Timer Drive similar to one he has put up on Lot 13. Building Inspector Ehrke said he conforms with all set backs.
Mr. Franzen moved to accept Mr. Hankla's plans for 4-unit buildings on Lots 12, 13, 14 & 15, as submitted as long as same architecturally and meets zoning requirements and reviewed by Building Inspector. Mr. Hahn seconded. Upon roll call there were six (6) ayes and none (0) nays, motion carried.
The next order of business was presented by Mr. Peter O'Grady who owns 112 acres at 41W439 Kreutzer Road, across from Deans Foods. He presented a concept plan prepared by Smith Engineering of what he would like done with the land.
The property is one mile deep X 1325 feet east to west. Presently landlocked on 3 sides by Tures, Sinclair and Riedl farms. Only entrance and exit is off Kreutzer Road for now. The Village Comprehensive Plan shows 75 acres of this industrial and back 40 acres for residential. Mr. O'Grady is requesting strictly residential because (1) surplus of industrial property around town, (2) crucial he gets something to generate soirie capital off of right away, and (3) believes not conducive to have to go through industrial area first to get to residential. He left one piece of 35 acres vacant.
Mr. O'Grady figures 245 units with 7 units to acre. Homes would range from $115,000-1150,000. Strictly concept at this time, he's considering cluster homes in one area. He figures 18 acres to roads and 14 acres to wetlands which would leave him roughly 80 acres to develop which he figures 404 units. Size of lots can be altered. It complies with zoning codes as exists.
Mr. Mercer asked how Mr. O'Grady sees surrounding area being developed. He replied that he's hearing residential behind him, knows there's some industrial across from him. Roads are set up so could dead end into more residential property when developed.
There was discussion as to what determines wetlands. No wetlands will be improved, only enhanced. The concept, in general, looked good to the board members.
Mr. Frank Mercuri was present to review Grading Permit. There are two lots proposed that board needs stipulation about what will be built. Letter of Nov 3, 1992, from Baxter & Woodman to the Building Inspector was read, copy of which is attached hereto as Exhibit A.
There was discussion as to
what kind of HII is to be moved. Mr. Mercer is concerned that Army Corps of Engineers allows and does not know what it is. Inspector Ehrke said he was on site when Army Corps said it was OK to move. They will be moving by truck. Fill can be compacted and tested as putting in or do soil borings later. Inspector Ehrke said would have to be done either way. Inspector Ehrke asked Mr. Mercuri if he were to find any unsuitable soil, would he haul outside of Huntley and Mr. Mercuri said yes, he would.
Mr. Schachtner said he would like to see area turned into parks.
The wetlands will still remain, elevations have been shot. He is planning single- family homes and is zoned for it. Mr. Mercer said he can't see building next to wetlands. Mr. Mercuri said he'll do whatever engineer recommends for the six lots.
Mr. Franzen said he likes concept plan and dirt needs to be moved, but he doesn't like way some things have been handled in the past by Mr. Mercuri and hopes to see this project followed through..
Inspector Ehrke said Mr. Mercuri has to submit a new plan to conform, so will be easy to monitor. He's re¬ creating wetlands. Once fill is moved, he can present larger plan. This is all he can do for now.
The board members agreed to following concept and Baxter & Woodman recommendation, that it is OK for Mr. Mercuri to start. Some board memers were hesitant. Inspector Ehrke asked Mr. Mercuri if the Village can get copies of lift reports and Mr. Mercuri said yes. Mr. Mercuri said he would see his engineer tomorrow.
Next, Mr. Brad Bertel addressed the Commission with a question, stating that he had purchased the Berlin property on Grove and now that the Bakley deal fell through,
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