Proposed revisions to zoning code show many changes

by Sue Serdinak

Sept. 1 village council meeting

Zoning

Planning and Zoning Director Brian Frantz announced that the planning commission is finalizing its review of the zoning code. The commission has been studying the code for about 16 months and has recommended several changes.

A joint meeting of the planning commission and village council is set for Oct. 14. The proposed changes to the zoning code will be reviewed at that meeting.

The Richfield Town Trust had applied for a zoning change for property it owns in the historic district. After reviewing the proposed zoning requirements for the property, the Town Trust asked for more time to review the requirements of the new code.

Law Director Ben Chojnacki advised council that moratoriums on multifamily housing and data centers were set to expire Sept. 3. He said council could not extend the moratoriums with a single vote. Three readings of legislation would be required.

Chojnacki said he could provide council with the legislation the next day. Council agreed to hold a special meeting two days later to read and vote on the legislation.

Snow removal for seniors

Councilmember Carol Campbell reported that she talked to other communities to learn how they help their senior residents with driveway snow removal in the winter. She developed a comprehensive plan under which she would raise $10,000 to be used for a snow plowing assistance program for one year.

According to Campbell’s proposed plan, seniors and others with disabilities and those whose household income is at or below 200% of the federal poverty level would be eligible for free or discounted driveway snow plowing. To qualify for the program, recipients would be required to fall into one of three categories:

• Age 65 or older.
• Individuals holding a state-issued disability parking placard, receiving Social Security disability income or providing a doctor’s note verifying a mobility impairment.
• Under age 62 but living at or below 150% of the federal poverty level.

The program would require that no able-bodied adults under age 60 reside in the household applying for assistance.

Campbell suggested qualified residents would receive seven vouchers for the winter season.

She said the snow plowing would be done by an independent contractor, and the village service department would not be involved.

Councilmember Bobbie Beshara asked that Campbell discuss the proposal with the human services commission.

Councilmember Sue Ann Philippbar said the proposal sounds like a good program, but she would like to see how much village staff time it will require. She pointed out that the proposed plan differs from a past program in which service department personnel plowed residents’ driveways. She said there were many complaints about damage to lawns.

Council took no action on the proposed plan.

DORA

Councilmember Sue Ann Philippbar reported that the mayor has nearly completed the application to create a DORA, or designated outdoor refreshment area, in the center of town.

Law Director Ben Chojnacki said the plan is subject to public review, and council can modify the plan within 45 days of receiving it from the mayor.

Once the plan has council’s approval, the application will be sent to the state for final approval.

Security

Mayor Michael Wheeler reported that he is working to improve security in Village Hall. Everyone must ask to be admitted to the building.

• Councilmember Jeff Stoppenhagen thanked people who sent him get-well wishes when he was absent from council meetings for an extended period.
• Councilmember Carol Campbell, who spearheaded the Hometown Heroes banner program, reported that 85 banners have been hung on poles by the service department. They will be taken down after Veterans Day, Nov. 11.
• A new drinking fountain that also includes a dog fountain has been installed at Village Hall, and new benches have been installed near the pickleball courts.
• The finance department is sending the county a list of delinquent balances for sewer services, grass cutting and alarm drops. Those balances will be assessed against the properties along with a 24% assessment fee.

Public comments

Denise Ready criticized council members for not making a public response to Councilmember Rick Hudak’s use of the village copier for election material. “Silence creates the appearance of approval. Without a clear public response, it reflects on all of council.”

Beshara responded that she appreciated Ready’s comments and agreed that council must make some decisions.

Hudak responded that this is a very difficult time for him and that council is taking the matter very seriously.