After debate over roles for EDC and planning commission, Salem Lakes board approves request for proposals to update zoning and land-division codes

The Village of Salem Lakes Village Board voted to release a request for proposals to evaluate and recommend updates to the village zoning code (Chapter 490) and land division code (Chapter 335), using $65,000 allocated in the 2025 budget.

Staff said the RFP will be posted for at least six weeks and that proposals will be reviewed for qualifications and references; staff recommended the board authorize the release so the village can solicit qualified consultants to perform what staff described as a 12–24 month project. The packet cited account 102252208001 as the budget line for the work.

Trustees engaged in extended discussion about process and committee involvement. Several trustees said the newly created Economic Development Committee (EDC) and the Planning Commission should both be explicitly involved in reviewing proposals and guiding the consultant; Trustee Polley asked why the EDC was not mentioned in the draft RFP and urged that the planning commission also be included. Staff responded that consultants typically work with committees and that the draft RFP could be modified to invite participation from both bodies. One trustee said it was acceptable to seek proposals now because doing so consumes only staff time and does not commit funds.

Staff outlined problems the consultant could address, listing examples including reducing reliance on conditional use permits, revising planned unit development overlay language, creating a village center overlay for downtown Salem/Trevor/Camp Lake/Silver Lake, resolving conflicting setback and accessory-structure rules, and consolidating rules that are duplicated across shoreland, stormwater and property-maintenance code sections. Staff estimated consultant work would take most of a year or more if both committees were involved.

Trustee Cooley voted against the motion; President Buecher recorded a no vote as well during roll call on the motion, while other trustees voted in favor and the motion carried. The board emphasized that releasing the RFP is not an expenditure authorization; the RFP is intended to bring proposals back for later decision on hiring a consultant.

Ending: Board members asked staff to allow time for the EDC and planning commission to refine a target list of priorities while proposals are solicited, and staff said the solicitation timeline would still permit committees to vet consultants before any firm is hired.