10/08/2001MINUTES
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
October S, 2001
The Village Board met as a Committee of the Whole at 8:00 P.M. on Monday, October S, 2001 in
the Council Chamber of the Village Hall. In attendance were:
Steven Harris, Mayor Robert Franz, Manager
Jerry Layne, Trustee Robert Fialkowski, Director of Finance
Derek Ragona, Trustee Barbara Little, Director of Public Works/Engineering
Harriet Rosenthal, Trustee John Sliozis, Chief of Police
William Seiden, Trustee Peter Coblentz, Village Attorney
Vernon Swanson, Trustee Diane Mikula, Assistant to the Manger
Matthew Wylie, Trustee
Pledge of AllegiaMe
Mayor Harris gave a brief summary on the background of this issue before proposing to add the
Pledge of Allegiance to the agenda of Village Board meetings and to invite guests (American
Legion, Scout Troops, etc.) to lead it at each meeting. Several people expressed their opinion on
the matter, some urging that the pledge be an integral part of the meeting and others defending an
individual's right to refrain from participating if that is his or her choice.
After approximately forty-five minutes of discussion, the Mayor informally polled the Board. It
was agreed to recite the pledge at Village Board meetings. However, since this was only a
workship meeting, the Board will have to formally approve such action at their next meeting on
Ocotber 15th. Mayor Harris invited the American Legion to that meeting to lead us in the pledge.
Northern A=Ss- Coromandel
The Board discussed a letter received from the President of the Coromandel Umbrella Association
requesting that the northern access to Coromandel be closed permanently. Attorney Peter Coblentz
adivsed the Board that, if both parties to the Standstill Agreement wish to consider permanently
closing the road, there are provisions in the agreement to do so. It is his opinion, however, that
before the road can be closed permanently, there must be a petition to amend the Coromandel PUD.
This will involve a public hearing before the Plan Commission which will then file a report and
recommendation to the Village Board.
Trustee Rosenthal questioned why permanent closure is being raised now since the settlement
agreement provides for a three year period to evaluate how future road and intersection
improvements in the downtown might impact the decision. Mayor Harris responded that he is
urging its consideration because the Coromandel Association wants it and because he wants to
conclude what he believes is senseless litigation.
Committee of the Whole
October 8, 2001
Page 2
There was discussion on whether to advise the Plan Commission that the Board was predisposed to
close the road permanently, and that they should confine their review to the best plan for
accomplishing it. This led to further discussion on the need to better communicate with the various
boards and commission. Some of the Board members believe strategic guidance should be given so
that everyone is on the same page. Other Board members argue that it is more prudent for boards
and commissions to operate without direction from the Board. There was consensus that this
philosophical discussion should be an agenda item at a future workshop meeting.
Mayor Harris asked for an informal vote on whether there was support for Coromandel to submit a
land use petition to close the northern access. All but Trustee Rosenthal approved of such action.
On whether to inform the Plan Commission that the Board was predisposed to close the road
permanently, the majority of the Board opposed doing it.
Mayor Harris stated that, because of the time, no further agenda items would be discussed this
evening. Another Committee of the Whole meeting will be scheduled at the Board meeting on
October 15th.
The meeting adjourned at 9:50 P.M.
Minutes prepared by: