Galesburg Reporter

City of Galesburg Overall Code Review Commission met Sept. 10.

Here is the minutes provided by the commission:

MEMBERS PHYSICALLY PRESENT: Rob Benedict, Jay Feely, Dale Sugden, Ken Swanson, 4.

MEMBERS PRESENT VIA PHONE/VIDEO: Brian Benbow, Mike Groom, Kyle Kelly, 3.

MEMBERS ABSENT: None.

OTHERS PRESENT: Rory Speidel (Building Inspector), Stephen Gugliotta AICP.

Chairman declared quorum present.

Approve Minutes of the July 9, 2020 meeting

Member Benbow moved to approve the minutes, seconded by Member Swanson.

Minutes were approved by voice vote.

Update Past Overall Code Review Commission items.

∙ Variance request of Section 903.2.1.2 of the 2012 International Fire Code and 2012 International Building Code to allow the increase in building area and occupancy without the installation of fire sprinklers, located at 41 S Seminary St. was passed.

OC-20-0901 Public Hearing Variance request of Section 1016 of the 2012 International Fire Code and 2012 International Building Code to allow the increase in the exit egress distance required by table 1016.2, located at 1801 Monmouth Blvd.

John Peret, Corteva was present on behalf of the business via video.

Staff mentioned the project architect was to be attending the meeting, but Member Benedict informed the group the architect would not be joining the meeting.

The project involves separating the former Maytag building into separate tenant spaces, in doing so they will not be able to meet the exit access travel distance provisions of the 2012 International Building Code. This requirement states that from the most remote point in a space a person should be able to get to an exit door within 250 feet. The tenant space is roughly 900 feet long and 300 feet wide. The application submitted does show 3 additional doors being proposed, that would still not put the space in compliance, but would bring it closer to compliance.

Member Benedict brought and provided a letter to the Commission from Olson Packaging Service Inc. that was addressed to Phoenix Investors. The letter indicated Olson Packaging will have roughly 5 full-time individuals for Corteva in the building and that truck drivers will only be allowed to access the rest rooms and a small designated area near the restrooms.

Staff informed the Members that as a public body they do need to consider if there is a conflict of interest and if a Member has an interest in a project they should disclose that in the meeting and should not be voting. No Members disclosed.

Mr. Peret asked the Commission if they would consider approving the variance without the installation of the three additional doors as shown on the floor plan submitted with the application. Members discussed the locations of existing doors and the proposed doors and proper exiting for safety of occupants. A question also came up about the pallet storage height and the ceiling height. It was stated that a new sprinkler system is going to be installed in the tenant space.

Member Benedict made a motion to approve of the variance without the installation of the three additional doors.

Member Benbow made a motion to approve of the variance as submitted in the application which would include the three additional doors.

At this point there were two Motions and Members asked what the next step would be.

Staff again informed the Commission that as a public body they do need to consider if there is a conflict of interest and if a Member has an interest in a project they should disclose that in the meeting and should not be voting. Mr. Peret stated a different contractor was hired for the doors. Member Benedict stated he does not believe there is a conflict because his company is working on a different part of the project that does not include the doors.

Staff informed the Commission that with two Motions that we would bring the first motion up and see if there is a second to the motion. There was no second, so the motion made by Member Benedict died.

The second motion made by Member Benbow was then brought up and received a second from Member Sugden.

Roll Call #1

Aye: Benbow, Feely, Groom, Kelley, Sugden, Swanson, 6.

Nays: Benedict, 1.

Abstentions: None.

Chairperson declared the motion approved.

OC-20-0902 Public Hearing Variance request of section 1008.1.5 and section 1008.1.6 Landings at doors. Request to reduce landing size at rear door from required 44” length to 30”inches,located at 240 E. Simmons St.

Petitioner Justin McNaught was present via video.

The petitioner is requesting the reduction in the landing length from 44 inches to 30 inches in order to maintain adequate access to the janitor closet door. Their staff needs access to the janitor room in order to get the mop bucket to the mop sink in that room.

It was asked if construction drawings were submitted for the project and yes an initial set and an amended set were submitted. The original architect is no longer on the project, but the business owner does have a different architect now. Discussions between the business owner, the new architect of record and the City resulted in the compromise of bringing this item to the Commission to seek a variance.

Member Feely disclosed he may have a conflict of interest on this item and would abstain from voting.

Member Benbow made a motion to approve of the variance, seconded by Member Swanson.

Roll Call #1

Aye: Benbow, Benedict, Groom, Kelley, Sugden, Swanson, 6.

Nays: None.

Abstentions: Feely, 1.

Chairperson declared the motion approved.

There being no further business Member Swanson made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Member Benbow. The meeting adjourned at 6:05 p.m.

https://www.ci.galesburg.il.us/assets/1/20/200910__Minutes__(1)1.PDF