The Zoning Board of Appeals met last Thursday evening to discuss, and possibly recommend, one of four horse boarding text amendment proposals that they had heard testimony and public comment on during previous meetings. By the end of the meeting, the board narrowly approved a text amendment, but it was not one of the four that had been previously been heard by the board and had never before been made available to residents for comment.
Thursday’s meeting began with Chairman Freeman moving public comment to the beginning of the meeting. Many who took advantage of this time were members and officers of the Riding Club. We’re told the president of the Riding Club was allowed about ten uninterrupted minutes to read a prepared speech, after which Chairman Freeman suggested subsequent comments be limited to three minutes per the rules for most Village meetings.
To many in the audience, this comment session seemed to be a continuation of public hearing from last Tuesday’s ZBA session. Since Tuesday night also happened to be the regular monthly meeting of the Riding Club, and many RCBH members chose to attend that meeting rather than go the ZBA, perhaps this explains Freeman’s decision to allow comments preceding the business before the board.
The first agenda item originally to be discussed was the LeCompte text amendment proposal. However, Freeman allowed board member Kurt Anderson to introduce a new amendment, purportedly of his own crafting, for consideration by the board. He then handed out copies to board members.
Anderson, whose term expired last April, stated his proposal was based on the LeCompte proposal with his suggested additions and deletions. He then proceeded to read most of the document he had drafted and discussion ensued by the members of the board.
The key components of his amendment proposal included:
- No special use permit is required for boarding businesses
- Horse boarding businesses of any scale would be considered agricultural use
- Up to three horses per acre would be allowed
- Operations can begin at 6:00 AM and end at various times in the evening
- No limit on the number of customers/employees on site
When discussions began heading toward a vote on this never-before-released proposal, the attorney assigned to the Zoning Board urged the need for another public hearing for residents to weigh in on Anderson’s new proposal. It seemed obvious the attorney felt there were enough substantive changes to the original LeCompte proposal to qualify Anderson’s draft as a new amendment altogether, and that it should be made available to residents before holding another public hearing. Doing so, however, would require proper notice which would create a delay of about three weeks to properly and legally plan for.
Freeman chose not to follow the advice of counsel, and a motion to approve was made by Karen Rosene, another board member whose term has expired, to recommend Anderson’s new amendment. Four equestrian members of the board voted aye, and three non-equestrians voted nay. The meeting then adjourned without consideration or discussion of the four originally submitted text amendment proposals.
We find it highly disturbing that any member of the board could even vote on an important and controversial amendment having had little or no time to read it or question it. More troubling are the facts that residents were not given any opportunity to even read the changes and that the basis for Anderson’s amendment was the LeCompte proposal, which most residents who commented publicly and in writing objected to.
Many residents had asked for this process to be slowed due to the significance of this matter, but Freeman chose to disregard their pleas Thursday night.
We are at a loss to explain the unorthodox and quite possibly illegal actions by Freeman.
Were there external pressures on her and some other board members? Did the fact that the LeCompte Kalaway Landowner’s Polo event was due to start roughly thirty-six hours after the vote have any bearing? And by calling for a vote on an item not published in the agenda, why did she allow what could be a violation of the Open Meetings Act to take place?
We cannot provide answers to these questions, but residents should demand they be answered before any further actions occur.
– The Observer
Clearly there was an agenda to push through the so called LeCompte amendment.
How can two, I say TWO, members of the zoning committee with expired terms motion and approve anything? The entire proceedings were illegal. It’s been said before – close the trails.
It is beyond my comprehension that expired board members continue to serve on committees like the ZBA? How is this allowed? They continue to fast track LeCompte’s proposals, regardless of the content because they need his dollars for the next election.
Yes, the proceedings were illegal, and none of the relevant portions of two resident amendment proposals were entertained or discussed. This is not right.. K. Rosene offered up no remarks but to approve the revised LeCompte amendment?
When will we have a text amendment that is reflective of all our residents? The trails should be closed unless and until something is approved that is acceptable to all residents. The amendment should safeguard, respect and honor residents who must live next to those engaged in any kind of boarding; whether large or small scale.
Chairman Freeman referred to horse boarding as an “emotional” issue? If that’s true then the members of the ZBA are guilty of this themselves. I guess you would say, It’s emotional is you live next to those who have small and large boarding. You must endure all the unfortunate consequences of horse boarding, the health, noise and traffic which will result. Their amendment does not protect the average resident. It provides the equestrian community unlimited freedoms. And speaking of freedoms, Ms. Freeman allowed Jason Elder to exceed the 3 minutes minimum to 3 and 4x the regulation length. Why? Members with expired terms should be replaced. What a bias system!
If Anderson’s amendment passes, two things will occur. First, already depressed home values will decline further. Who would want to gamble on buying a million dollar house in Barrington Hills only to have a boarding business spring up next door within months after purchase and have no say in the matter?
Second, if it does pass we definitely need to get the States Attorney involved in the practices of the ZBA and some trustees and former president going back to 2005. They can’t throw 99% of residents under the bus for a few (or one) horse boarding businesses and not be investigated by an independent outside legal authority.
As for the expired terms of two members, McLaughlin has tried to correct this with new appointments only to be turned back by the five Abboud loyalists on the BOT with their majority votes. The only way to correct this will come next April when we vote for three new trustees to bring balance to the board.
Blah, Blah, Blah
Mention of State’s Attorney being involved is all talk. The same 1/2 dozen people complain every meeting about illegal and corrupt activity. You people can’t encourage others to care enough to be involved. Nothing is filed so nothing must be illegal. Their silence is proof of disinterest so we can pass the LeCompte/Anderson text amendment. No one is going to file a complaint. When Joe Messer and Michael Harrington vote for an attorney of their choosing for the Board and ZBA, we will pass the legislation we need to promote expansion of commercial horse boarding. .
Let those in the horse community who have been riding office and running the real President Abboud’s committees do what’s right for the Village. Oakwood Farms needs to remain a commercial boarding operation and this text amendment is meant to ensure that.
We need commercial expansion to improve our tax base and keep our unique trail system active.
Alice is obviously suffering from SWS. Screwy Women Syndrome. And how do you know nothing has been filed? Crystal ball crazy woman?
Alice, you reply about ‘not getting enough people to be involved’ to paraphrase. How then would you explain Abboud’s election loss? Even with all those ‘dead’ residents voting. Didn’t think we knew did you?
When Joe Messer and Michael Harrington do what? Alice, go back to Wonderland where you belong!
Lots of saber rattling from the anit-horse community. Talk about State’s Attorney is cheap when you know Joe Messer and Kurt Anderson are lawyers with careers of upholding the law. Even have seen comments here about ARDC complaints, there is no basis or one of you would have already filed. There is lots of chatter on this board about illegal activity and nothing has been proven.
It’ s just bitter people who have no respect for the equestrian tradition of our Village. Barrington Hills was built as an equestrian community, read our Comprehensive Plan. Jason Elder gave you all a web site to show how open the land was with horses before all the homes were built, proof of our equestrian heritage. The election already took place and you lost. Thanks to Save 5 Acres and Bob Abboud’s appointments foresight, we have the majority on the Board and ZBA and can now restore Oakwood Farms. We also ensure that horse boarding will flourish in Barrington Hills without worrying about some cranky neighbor hiding behind his so called Home Occupation rights.
As I stated at the meeting – a half truth is still a lie. Take note Alice. Now I gave you my name – you give me yours.
Alice:
I don’t know a single resident who is “anti-horse.” Horses aren’t the problem. Inconsiderate residents and boarders who ride them on our trails are!
Horses don’t start tractors, honk their horns or yell out to hired help before dawn. They don’t have any influence on how or where their manure is piled.
When they’re ridden they can’t help that the prying eyes of riders are scrutinizing private properties along the trails and they don’t take pictures with their cell phones of homes!
Yes, horse populations on properties needs to be regulated, but my concerns center around people I DON’T KNOW looking over at me and my family when we’re working or playing outdoors when we bought our place here years ago for PRIVACY!
Being an equestrian community, does not give your group the right to cover the landscape with horse boarding facilities! This is not a dictatorship of those in power. As far as illegalities goes, just wait.. It’s only a matter of time.
If you were so concerned about the open spaces, your empassionated leader Jason,( as part of the Save 5 Acres) you should of done a better job of preserving the Duda property. Instead your leader, made sure that it was out of our jurisdiction after spending milliions to do so.
Judging from the poor attendance at the Polo match this past weekend, I think you should worry more about the public relations problems facing your organization come next April.
As a relatively newer (2yr) resident to Barrington Hills, it’s disappointing to see what’s happening with our village government shenanigans. I bought here because I believed in the balance of the equestrian community and the home occupation boarding. This history is being ripped apart by an over zealous ZBA and some short sighted “horse community” viewpoints. As someone who is watching the construction of a large cheaply built aluminum stable on a recently purchased home with absent homeowners near mine, I can only hope that it doesn’t become a commercial boarding facility. All appearances seem to indicate it will if allowed. It is not the first of course, but it could be one of many. There are plenty of reasonably priced properties right now in our village that would be ripe to turn into such an enterprise. What recourse do the majority of residents who do not believe in this amendment have at this point?
The best way to cause the majority of the Board of Trustees to not vote in the affirmative for such an Amendment is to show up at the next few Board Meetings and voice your disapproval……and bring as many of your neighbors who feel the same way as you do. You know the horsey set who want a free ride on your property will show up!
http://www.nbcchicago.com/investigations/Entire-Park-District-Board-Placed-Under-Citizens-Arrest-264660331.html?fullSite=y&_osource=SocialFlowFB_CHBrand
Not only did at least 3 members of the ZBA (Chambers, Wolfgram and Stieper) not receive a copy of the Lecompte/Anderson Text Amendment in advance of Thursday’s ZBA meeting; none of the ceiling lights where the ZBA Board was situated were turned on during the entire 3 1/2 hour meeting making it very difficult for me to read this 11th hour “bait and switch” document introduced by ZBA member Anderson.
While all other ceiling lights in the cafateria were working, I was informed by Mr. Kosin that the 3 ceiling lights over the area where the ZBA Board was seated could not be turned on. In retrospect, I am grateful none of the legs on the chair I was sitting on were partly sawed off.
David Stieper, ZBA member
Hang in there David and thanks for looking out for the best interests of the residents of Barrington Hills
David, many residents are behind you! Do not allow this twisted and self-motivated approval process of the ZBA. deter you from doing the right thing for the village of BH and all of its residents In their attempt to push this doctored amendment forward, their selfish ambition and desire to push things to excess will backfire ultimately.
The new amendment authored by Kurt Anderson should be thrown out simply on the merits that Mr. Anderson’s term has long past expired. He should not be a seated member of this board with any weight as to vote or offer opinion on any amendment. I agree with a previous commenter that the State’s Attorney’s office needs to get their hands of the activities of our ZBA and village board.
The bad news is that the negative publicity from these proceedings are casting such dark shadows on our village.
Brett
I look at this a different way, it’s a blessing in disguise.
I will now add a large (but cheap metal) barn to my 9 acres and let boarders pay my mortgage and taxes.
Thanks Polo Joe for the ability to earn a few extra bucks. Turn the lemons into lemonade.
Speaking of lemons, I’m really into that agriculture thing. Maybe I could sell accouterments to my new customers from Carpentersville and with polo Joes help get a liquor license to increase my bottom line.
Who is running for liquor commissioner? Please contact me for a five grand donation (cash only, we see what checks have done to people’s reputations) and maybe a little something extra for the wife.
If the country club can peddle liquor, so can I.
Mr. Stieper;
Believe me when I say that many, many villagers consider you a national treasure! Please, please keep up fighting the good fight!
This ZBA of Barrington Hills is very corrupt. I witnessed this 1st hand going up against them last week. The facts don’t matter it’s all who you know in this town.
Jackie, it sounds like you may be new to the practices of the ZBA and BOT. Corruption has existed for quite some time as the prior President and several Board Members have dished out favors and retaliation depending on if you are a friend or simply in disagreement with their agenda. They remain in majority and manipulate facts and information to have their way, ignoring the law along the way. Support President McLaughlin’s actions to restore balance. First, his plan to appoint an attorney not biased is absolutely necessary. Encourage your friends and neighbors to be involved. This is not a political issue or even a horse issue, it’s about corruption and bullying to favor special interests.
If Anderson’s amendment passes by BOT vote what’s next? Will VBH create TIF districts for boarding operations since everyone who boards horses claims to “make no money” at it?
I’m not the brightest bulb here, but if I’m claiming to not make money in a business venture like horse boarding AND my business supports horseback riding on my property which is defined by IL law as an “inherently dangerous activity” then I’d say I’m either a moron or a liar.
CHAOS! CHAOS! Give us more CHAOS!
Seems that Barrington Hills has had a thirst for CHAOS ever since Jim Kempe retired. A lil menace took his place and he and his cadre have been giving us CHAOS ever since he was first elected. He lost in a landslide to our new village president who unfortunately inherited a large number appointees, many of them appointed by the lil menace after he lost the election. He is still pulling many of the strings and giving us more of what he loves…CHAOS!
Kempe ran our village for years and he never dealt with horsey problems, cell tower problems, lighting problems, astronomical legal bills (did I mention that he was an engineer and got his legal degree?) nor having the State Attorney’s office breathing down his neck. Things were quiet, some might say boring unless someone wanted to put up a church! That is another story.
In Kempe’s time we had a ZBA, Plan Commission and BOT with a wide diversity of residents and law-ABIDING citizens. They protected our village from outside and inside trouble with ABIDING by the rules and ENFORCING them in a neighborly way. Too bad he passed on he gavel to….
The lil “homegrown” menace that thrives on CHAOS. “Save Five Acres” was the Trojan-Horse that started us down a rocky and dangerous path. The Chairperson of the crooked and illegal ZBA, is also homegrown. She has deeply sighed in the past how she wishes Barrington Hills was like in was 40 years ago. By allowing a butchered amendment pass illegally, ALL residential zoning is jeopardized for the majority of residents. The ZBA Chair and her majority were carefully chosen to give us more….yes, CHAOS!
These two, with other life-long residents on our Board of Trustees, have some information that they ARE NOT sharing with all of the residents AND tax payers in our village. Is there a promise that they need to keep to Mr. LeCompte or is more insidious? Who is behind the Duda development maybe?????
All current proceedings, with the exception of a new and improved village attorney, should slow down a little bit because there seems to be a dash to the finish line…..and more CHAOS!
One of the most disturbing aspects of this current drama in my view is the fact that the terms of two members serving on the ZBA have expired. I was surprised to learn this fact. What is the reason that they are still seated at every meeting? There needs to be a process in place to start with the removal of individuals who shouldn’t be, but are able to vote, draft policy and support their own hand-drafted amendments. They take over public comment time, and Chairwoman Freeman does nothing but let it happen. Anderson and Elder take over the microphones and spin their own amendments. Residents need to demand it and say that’s it!! NO mas. The revised LeCompte amendment puts absolutely no controls on commercial boarding. They basically will have unlimited freedoms to do as they please.
And finally, I agree with a previous person who mentioned that housing prices and property values will plummet. There are limits to what can and should be permitted. This amendment if passed as is has the potential to have some very long-term and deleterious outcomes to your everyday life.
We should accelerate the appointment of two new board members as soon as possible. Please come out in large numbers to speak, Remember you have an investment in the outcome of any amendment that is passed. Don’t pass up your opportunity, It might be the only chance you get to affect your future.
And to comment at these meetings, I think you show show your property tax bill first. So many people commenting don’t have any skin in the game. To anyone renting or boarding but live elsewhere, keep your comments to yourself. You have no place in this discussion. Show you tax bill with your name on it. Then and only then can you add your comment to this very twisted and out of control situation.
Kirk,
McLaughlin tried to replace both. Rosene was illegally reappointed to the ZBA in violation of the Open Meetings Act – why she’s allowed to sit is a shame on our Village Attorney and President McLaughlin for letting it happen. Anderson sits on the ZBA because he wants to and is keeping a squatter’s rights view supported by his old law firm colleague, Joe Messer. . Because the Save 5 Acre BOT have majority, they refuse to vote for any nominations made by Marty to replace them. The only reason why Steiper and Wolfgram sit is because they were abandoned positions and the Village President can appoint if his nominations are refused. He can’t do that with Anderson because Messer’s gang votes in a majority block. Harrington is the worst culprit with not an ounce of interest in doing what’s right. .
Our President needs to be more aggressive and screw any political backlash. But, residents must come out and speak up for him. The gang of bullies are going to try to push Marty to replace the qualified and independent attorney Marty found with one of their own. They sure were upset with Burke Warren’s departure, wonder why? The ZBA attorney also seems meek. Why isn’t she more vocal when Judy Freemen and Kurt Anderson so obviously break the law with rushing their recommendation and not taking the new LeCompte/Anderson amendment to a public hearing? Maybe she was just a bad choice.
The only way to beat this crowd is to prosecute them for any crimes they seem to have committed. Anyone out there know how to get that done, they’d be a Village hero/heroine.
.
I agree with the comment about skin in the game. I’ve been to meetings re: horse boarding and bike lanes and heard plenty of non-property owners or residents of neighboring communities opinions getting equal play with those of us who have a vested interest in the outcome.
Hmmm, how will Fritz vote? He’s publicly stated that he opposes commercial horse boarding on any property less than 10 acres and supports a Special Use approach. However, he has new found social standing in the horse community which he likely does not want to give up knowing they may plant horse manure in his mailbox if he wavers. Yet, Fritz is from a family of long standing in the Village. He knows what’s going on is wrong. He can be a hero and be vocal (loud) about his disgust with the process knowing full well that the path the ZBA and BOT Abboud backers are on will destroy our Village code..
Can he step up in a manner of character and do what’s right? There’s no middle ground here. Either he becomes a leader to what’s right voting against a dangerous text amendment … or he succumbs to 4th grade peer pressure and takes the low road.
Not holding my breath, but holding out hope …
Let’s lose the ‘hero’ connotation for those who do what is correct. You are not a hero – you are doing what you should be doing. A hero would more adequately be defined as one who gives his life for his country – much like my husband. The one this village chose to ignore at the time of his death.
Dear Ms. Boyle;
It wasn’t this village that disrespected your husband, it was lil Bobby! Our hearts bleed for your loss.
Then you should be aware that the bot refused to pass a resolution honoring his life – the very village where Tom resided. Yet I received one from the City of Chicago and the State of Illinois. The sitting bot – the very same one that disrespects the residents – disrespected me first. Power corrupts – or shall I say perceived power corrupts. Never forget – especially when it’s time to vote.
Thank you for your kind words JT.