Kane County County Development Committee met June 20.
Here are the minutes provided by the committee:
1. Call To Order
Chairman Ford called the meeting to order at 10:32 AM.
PRESENT Board Member Ron Ford
Board Member Rick Williams
Board Member Dale Berman
Board Member Mo Iqbal
Board Member Michael Kenyon
Board Member Michael Linder
Ex-Officio (Transportation Chairman) Mark Davoust
Ex-Officio (Forest Preserve President) Chris Kious
Ex-Officio County Board Chair Corinne M. Pierog
REMOTE Board Member Gary Daugherty
AWAY Ex-Officio County Board Vice Chair Vern Tepe
Also present: Co. Bd. members Allan*, Bates*, Juby*, Molina*, Roth, Strathmann* & Young*; Environ. & Water Res. Dir. Wollnik; Sp. ASA Shepro*; Dev. Dir. VanKerkhoff & staff Berkhout, Mall; ITD staff Peters; and members of the press and public.
2. Roll Call
After Roll Call, Chairman Ford announced the passing of Aurora Alderwoman Scheketa Hart-Burns. He asked for a Moment of Silence.
3. Approval of Minutes: May 16, 2023
RESULT: APPROVED BY UNANIMOUS CONSENT
MOVER: Michael Kenyon
4. Monthly Financials
A. Monthly Finance Reports
Chairman Ford stated the monthly financial reports were on file. No additional report was made.
5. Public Comment
Jean Meyer, Elgin, stated that her husband and herself own properties on the east and south ends of the proposed marijuana-infused product factory. She shared exhibits depicting the surrounding neighborhoods and residentially zoned lots of this proposed business. She spoke about Kane County's 250' setback for residential areas from adult businesses, and the precedence the Board would be setting, if this petition is approved.
Mike Meyer, Elgin, spoke on the six factors required to grant a Special Use variance. Currently, there is approximately three-dozen residential properties surrounding this proposed cannabis business. Meyer shared an exhibit depicting all of the surrounding residential areas. He voiced his displeasure with the proposed cannabis infusion factory location.
Silvia Schrage, Elgin, shared her disapproving views on this proposed cannabis business within a residential area. She requested the Committee to find another location for the proposed business. She asked the Committee to help support the people of Kane County and their complaints towards this business.
Michael McMahon, Plato Township, asked the Committee what kind of proper developments should be found in Kane County. He spoke on the development of residential areas surrounding this proposed cannabis-infusion business. He acknowledged a petition signed by over 50 residents opposing this type of business in this residential area. McMahon addressed the misinformation given by the owners of the cannabis business.
Dave Malo, Huntley, stated he is the property owner of the land off Highland Avenue where the proposed cannabis business would be located. He provided the past, present, and future of the building/land in question. He expressed his support for High Haven, LLC. Malo addressed concerns of the potential decline in property taxes.
Kelly Burke, Elburn, spoke on her employment role with High Haven, LLC. She addressed the rigorous background checks each employee must pass before being employed by High Haven. Recently, DuPage County changed their property-based variance reducing it to 100 feet for cannabis dispensaries. High Haven and it's employees are interested in educating the community on how this business could benefit the community.
High Haven, LLC, CEO, Mahja Sulemanjee-Bortocek, addressed questions from the previous speakers. Recently, she received a Special Use Permit from the City of Elgin to open a cannabis-based retail store off of Randall Road. She acknowledged the manufacturing work that is done with cannabis-infused items. She spoke on the type of space needed in order to run a successful business.
6. Building & Zoning Division
A. Building & Zoning Report
Dev. Dir. VanKerkhoff stated that his staff has been very busy this Spring due to weather and building permits. Currently, there is one vacant building inspector position and they are in the process of collecting applications and conducting interviews. B. Zoning Petitions
1. Petition # 4606
Dev. Dir. VanKerkhoff re-introduced Petition 4606. The petitioner, High Haven, LLC, is requesting Special Use in the I-Industry District for a cannabis infusion business. Additionally, they have requested a variance from the 250' minimum setback requirement from any surrounding residential properties to 0'.
VanKerkhoff detailed the application process and recommendations from the Zoning Board. He presented Kane County's Special Use ordinance, location layout, and zoning maps of the proposed business. He shared High Haven's
proposed business floor plan, if granted this location. VanKerkhoff provided a brief history on the minimum setbacks put in place by the State of Illinois. He shared multiple photos depicting the location of the business and the 250' setback. He listed staff's recommended comments. Recently, the Zoning Board of Appeals approved the 250' setback variation and the Special Use in an "I" district. He listed the six factors for granting a Special Use Permit per the Kane County Zoning Ordinance.
High Haven, LLC, CEO Mahja Sulemanjee-Bortocek, provided a detailed presentation regarding the Special Use permit and the benefits of this type of business. She provided a brief history on High Haven, LLC. She explained the definition of a regulated wholesale cannabis infusion and manufacturing facility. She acknowledged the numerous benefits for residents that this business would provide. Sulemanjee-Bortocek explained the daily operations of this proposed business. She shared multiple photos of the location depicting the land surrounding the building. She listed the standards that must be met when developing this type of business. She provided the financial benefits to the County, if this business was approved. Sulemanjee-Bortocek addressed questions and comments from the Committee. Discussion ensued.
County Board
RESULT: MOVED FORWARD BY ROLL CALL VOTE
TO: County Board
MOVER: Dale Berman
SECONDER: Mo Iqbal
AYE: Ron Ford, Dale Berman, Mo Iqbal, Michael Kenyon, Michael Linder, Mark Davoust, and Chris Kious
NAY: Rick Williams, and Gary Daugherty
2. Petition # 4609
Dev. Dir. VanKerkhoff re-introduced Petition 4609 requesting Special Use in the F-Farming district for a solar facility. He provided numerous photos depicting the surrounding land use and the location of the proposed solar facility. He shared Kane County's staff recommended stipulations and comments. Staff has recommended approval with the listed stipulations to be met. VanKerkhoff addressed questions and comments from the Committee. Discussion ensued.
County Board
RESULT: MOVED FORWARD BY ROLL CALL VOTE
TO: County Board
MOVER: Rick Williams
SECONDER: Dale Berman
AYE: Ron Ford, Rick Williams, Dale Berman, Gary Daugherty, Mo Iqbal, Michael Kenyon, Michael Linder, Mark Davoust, and Chris Kious
7. Property Code Enforcement Division
A. Monthly Report (attached)
Dev. Dir. VanKerkhoff thanked the Board on their approval for developing the Property Code Enforcement Division. He spoke on the successes of this division and the positive feedback constituents have had.
Property Code Enforcement Officer Mall provided the division's monthly report. He highlighted the increase in new cases. Currently, the division is seeking administration staff to help with daily operations.
8. Planning & Special Projects
A. Monthly Report
Dev. Dir. VanKerkhoff stated the monthly report was on file. He highlighted the current designation of the Fabulous Fox! Water Trail as a National Water Trail. He shared his gratitude to staff Karen Miller and her diligence on getting this accomplished.
9. Subdivision
None.
10. Environmental Resources
None.
11. Water Resources
None.
12. Office of Community Reinvestment
None.
13. New Business
None.
14. Reports Placed On File
RESULT: APPROVED BY UNANIMOUS CONSENT
MOVER: Chris Kious
15. Executive Session (if needed)
None.
16. Adjournment
RESULT: APPROVED BY UNANIMOUS CONSENT
MOVER: Michael Kenyon
This meeting was adjourned at 11:58 AM.
https://www.countyofkane.org/MeetingMinutes/6650/23-06-20.pdf
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