Loading...
11/03/2008November 3, 2008 The regular meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Village of Deerfield was called to order by Mayor Steven Harris in the Council Chambers of the Village Hall on Monday, November 3, 2008 at 7:30 p.m. The Clerk called the roll and announced that the following were: Present: Steven Harris, Mayor Robert Benton Michelle Feldman Thomas Jester Harriet Rosenthal William Seiden Barbara Struthers and that a quorum was present and in attendance. Also present were Village Attorney Peter Coblentz and Kent Street, Village Manager. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Scouts from Boy Scout Troup 150 led those in attendance in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance. PROCLAMATION, BOY SCOUTS Mayor Harris congratulated Boy Scout Troop 150 on their 501h Anniversary. Scout Master Chris Fardoux and troop members reported that Troop 150 meets at Zion Lutheran Church on Thursdays. The troop prepares for monthly outings and learns new skills such as fire and cooking safety. Most of all, they have a lot of fun. Trustee Rosenthal made a motion to accept the proclamation. Trustee Jester seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. Trustee Jester mentioned that he worked with troop 150 more than 30 years ago. It was a wonderful experience, and he is proud to have a son who was an Eagle Scout. PRESENTATION TO HIGH SCHOOL Mayor Harris made a presentation of $2,500 to Deerfield High School in support of Substance Abuse Prevention Programs. This money came from fines collected from businesses which failed liquor compliance checks conducted by the Police Department. Mayor Harris also noted that Deerfield High School has been named one of the top 10 high schools in Illinois. Superintendent George Fornero, Board President Hurwitz, Board members Herbstman and Shlensky, and Student Assistance Coordinator Cathy Cratty expressed their appreciation to the Village for its support and cooperation. LOCK UP YOUR MEDS DAY State Representative Karen May and resident Anne Meyer spoke about House Resolution 1577. Rep. May mentioned that Anne Meyer was instrumental in the development of the initiative. Rep. Board of Trustees Meeting November 3, 2008 Page 2 of 7 May read the resolution from the House of Representatives of the ninety fifth general assembly of the State of Illinois designating October 27th as Lock Your Meds Day in Illinois. PROCLAMATION, AFFORDABLE Mayor Harris proclaimed November 2008 as HOUSING MONTH National Fair Housing Month in Deerfield. Trustee Rosenthal made a motion to accept the proclamation. Trustee Benton seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. PROMOTION OF MEL SOLTWISCH Chief Sliozis acknowledged the promotion of Sergeant Mel Soltwisch to Commander. Chief Sliozis noted that Commander Soltwisch started with the department in 1985. In 1988, he was assigned to the Lake County Metropolitan Enforcement Group. Upon his return, he was promoted to sergeant in 2001. One of his responsibilities was managing the Deerfield Citizens Police Academy. Commander Soltwisch has been instrumental in the Citizens Police Academy. Mayor Harris administered the oath of office to Mel Soltwisch for the office of Commander. Commander Soltwisch thanked his family and members of the department for their support. RECOGNITION — TRUSTEE FELDMAN Mayor Harris recognized Trustee Feldman's last meeting as an active member of the Board. She will be a member of the Lake County Board starting in December. Mayor Harris thanked Trustee Feldman for her help and assistance and wished her well in her new position with the Lake County Board. Mayor Harris presented Trustee Feldman with a small token of the Village's appreciation. Trustee Feldman thanked the Board for the privilege of working with them. She acknowledged her husband Seth and Representative Karen May, whom she worked with for five years. Trustee Feldman mentioned that she sees this as a way for Deerfield to have a voice in the county. She will serve on the forest preserve board as well and encouraged residents to email or call her with any questions or comments. Mayor Harris declared a ten minute recess. MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING Trustee Rosenthal made a motion to approve the minutes from the October 20, 2008 Board of Trustees meeting. Trustee Struthers seconded the motion. Trustee Struthers requested a correction to page 4, noting that she had asked why the laser technique was needed. Staff had responded that the laser technology was better as it provided consistent and objective pavement condition information. The motion passed by the following vote: AYES: Feldman, Jester, Rosenthal, Seiden, Struthers (5) NAYS: None (0) ABSTENTIONS: Benton (1) Board of Trustees Meeting November 3, 2008 Page 3 of 7 BILLS AND PAYROLL Trustee Seiden made a motion to approve the Bills and Payroll dated November 3, 2008. Trustee Benton seconded the motion. The motion passed by the following vote: AYES: Benton, Feldman, Jester, Rosenthal, Seiden, Struthers (6) NAYS: None (0) PUBLIC COMMENT Judy Nelson asked the Board to consider a bridge on Hackberry because of the waste treatment plant. She has been to the neighbors and has obtained signatures from nearly 100% of the residents on Poplar, Locust and Elm. She asked trustees to consider it. At the request of Mayor Harris, Mrs. Nelson will compile a package, including signatures, and drop it off to Mr. Street. Mayor Harris said the Board would take a look at the package when they receive it. Oscar Adler, 59 Eastman, mentioned that this month's program on Adler's Alley includes a Legislative Update by State Senator Susan Garrett. The program will appear at 6:30 on Thursdays on channel 19 and Tuesday evenings at 8:00 on channel 10. Mayor Harris shared highlights from a meeting with Finance Director Fialkowski and Village Manager Street. The purpose of the meeting was to review expected revenues and expenses and revisit the budget, if necessary. He was concerned, judging from everyday business experience, that many of the forecasted budgets were significantly off target. Mayor Harris reported that the budgeted building permits are slightly over budget. The state tax that is remitted back to Deerfield is on budget. Sales Tax is slightly down (4% year to date) but hotel tax is on budget. Expenses for the year are under budget. Police department expenses (overtime) are up slightly, largely due to on-the-job injuries and overtime to cover shift requirements. Mayor Harris noted that the village has a conservative fiscal policy. The village runs very thinly in departments, while producing phenomenal service to residents within village. Although the Village is not exempt from the financial challenges being experienced worldwide, Deerfield has weathered the storm very well. The village is at or in excess of the budget on a net basis. Unless something catastrophic happens over next 6 —12 months, he does not see any significant downturn in services provided to residents. Mayor Harris wanted the community to know that the Village is vigilant and will revisit the issues as necessary. Although Deerfield cannot affect world events, as a community we are doing what we can to remain fiscally sound. Trustee Feldman asked about the funding of pensions. Mayor Harris explained that when the Village has funding deficiencies, they are actuarially determined over many years. The Village is not faced with the need to infuse a lot of capital in any individual year. Mayor Harris asked staff to provide a monthly report on the inventory of homes that have been built in Deerfield and are awaiting occupancy. The report should include a timeline of when the Board of Trustees Meeting November 3, 2008 Page 4 of 7 dwelling would be substantially complete, the address of the home and a picture (if possible). This report would serve as an inventory of homes not occupied but near to being ready for occupancy. Code Enforcement Supervisor Clint Case agreed to provide the report starting in December. Mayor Harris explained that homes are not reassessed if a developer tears down an older home and builds a new home, until a certificate of occupancy is issued. Mr. Case mentioned that the assessor monitors homes for one year, then does a field inspection unless a certificate of occupancy was issued. Mayor Harris asked for a discussion with the assessor to see if the assessed valuation of the completed homes could be re- evaluated if the developer is just sitting on the asset. Mr. Case mentioned he had a discussion earlier to put procedures in place to put homes on the tax roll for full value if the developer is stalling or if the field inspector believes the house is completed. Mayor Harris asked if the Village could alert the assessor's office of substantially completed homes. Mr. Case mentioned they could advise the assessor of homes coming close to completion. Trustee Feldman explained that the Village recently established a time period for demolition to be completed. She suggested having a time frame that a house needed to be completed or fines would accrue. Mr. Case mentioned that they do have an ordinance in place, where penalties accrue on a daily basis. REPORTS REPORT AND RECOMMENDATION Director of Public Works and En gineering,.Barbara RE: DEERFIELD ROAD SAFETY Little, introduced this project to provide a 5' SIDEWALK DESIGN sidewalk placed 4' from Deerfield Road. Mrs. Little added that the proposed design provides for a uniform alignment. Staff worked with the Village arborist to identify trees that are desirable and should be retained. Ms. Little noted that the right -of -way width varies. along the project, causing variable property acquisition needs. Starting from Rosemary Terrace to Kipling, there is a 66 -foot wide right -of- way from the north right -of -way line to the south side of Deerfield Road. It is 33 feet from the center line south. The next step is from Kipling to Briarwood Country Club, with at least a 50- foot right -of -way on south side of street. Along Briarwood's front gate, it goes back to 33 feet from centerline to the property line. At Briar Hill Road, it goes back to a 50 -foot right -of -way on the south side. Instead of curving in and out, the proposal is trying to maintain a straight alignment for better safety. Ms. Little explained that the next steps would be to prepare the plats and legal documents for the right -of -way acquisition phase, as well as negotiate for those parcels. While that is ongoing, staff would finalize the design process and grading. Trustee Struthers mentioned this was the first time she heard about this project, and many homeowners are very upset. The intent of the project is to make the sidewalk safer. She had Board of Trustees Meeting November 3, 2008 Page 5 of 7 asked Chief Sliozis to look at bicycle and car accidents in the area, and there have not been any bicycle or car accidents or pedestrian accidents over the past three years. Trustee Feldman mentioned there was an accident earlier this year. Trustee Rosenthal added that there have also been some near misses. Trustee Struthers was unsure if the area could be made a lot safer. She believes it would look nicer but was concerned about taking large chunks of property from homeowners' front yards. She thought the sidewalks would be built in the village right -of -way. She questioned what would happen if the owner did not want to sell. Trustee Struthers also questioned the final cost of the project, and how much would come from federal funds versus tax dollars. Ms. Little mentioned that, in raw numbers, the total cost of the project was $400,000. Federal funding would be 80 %, with the rest matched with local funds. Trustee Seiden mentioned that while walking that stretch of land, the potential for major accidents could be seen. Mayor Harris questioned the timing of the project. Ms. Little explained that the construction drawings should be completed in early summer. The time required for right -of -way acquisition is unknown, but she hopes the improvements would be completed in 2009. Trustee Seiden commented that if it was as dangerous as it seemed, he would rather see it completed sooner and have people use the other side of the street. Trustee Struthers asked what acquisition was necessary, aside from the country club and the home adjacent to the country club. Ms. Little mentioned properties east of the Township between Rosemary Terrace and Kipling Road and some school district property. Mayor Harris asked that a site exhibit be prepared showing which properties would be impacted. It should include a table that lists the right -of -way needed from each parcel. David Weinberg, 650 Carlisle, mentioned he was here on behalf of many families in the area. To him, the facts are obvious. Deerfield Road is a busy 4 -lane road and there have been accidents. The utility poles have many notches by SUVs or trucks. It could easily be a person in place of the utility poles. This is an important safety improvement issue to many families who like walking to downtown Deerfield. Trustee Feldman noted that the sidewalk on the south is in poor shape and there is not enough room. She was uncomfortable riding her bicycle along the road. If the other side of Deerfield Road needed to be used, she believes landscaping would need to be cut down to improve sight lines. Mayor Harris commented that the Board seems to have strong interest in this project. Trustee Rosenthal noted that the trustees have discussed this project for many years. With the federal funds available, this project became a priority. Board of Trustees Meeting November 3, 2008 ` Page 6 of 7 Trustee Jester made a motion to accept the report and recommendation regarding the Deerfield Road Safety Sidewalk Design. Trustee Benton seconded the motion. Amy Resnick, 76 Millstone Road, mentioned she has two small children. They enjoy walking in the summer but cannot do it in the winter due to the snow. She thinks this is an important improvement. She believes it is currently an accident waiting to happen. Greg Heritage, 435 Deerfield Road, has lived here for 20 years. He believes safety is important but admires Trustee Struthers' concern. He mentioned that the original project went 12 feet into his front yard. While no one wants to compromise safety, he believes it should affect everyone the same. Larry Schmidt, 525 Deerfield Road, believes 4 feet is excessive and suggested the north side be improved as well. Ms. Little responded there was more open space on the south side of Deerfield Road, and there was also more right -of -way. The village has identified the south side of Deerfield Road as a designated bicycle path. The village does not have plans to install a parkway or widen the sidewalk on the north side of Deerfield Road in this area. Steven King, 29 Deerfield Road, explained he has been a resident of Deerfield for 35 years. There have been three serious accidents along Deerfield road that he is aware of. He asked what would happen to the utility poles. Ms. Little noted they looked into burying the overhead wires and received estimates of $1 million. Therefore, the utility poles would remain where they are. Trustee Benton noted that the north side was as important as south side, but the north side of the street does not have a through sidewalk connecting to Highland Park. Mayor Harris called the question, and the motion passed by the following vote: AYES: Benton, Feldman, Jester, Rosenthal, Seiden (5) NAYS: Struthers (1) AUTHORIZATION TO AWARD Mayor Harris noted that this item was pulled from CONTRACT FOR CONSULTING tonight's agenda. SERVICES FOR DEERFIELD ROAD SAFETY SIDEWALK PHASE I PROJECT DEVELOPMENT REPORT CONSENT AGENDA ORDINANCE 0 -08 -37 APPROVING An Ordinance approving a ground lease agreement GROUND LEASE AGREEMENT WITH with US Cellular for co- location on the monopole at US CELLULAR FOR CO- LOCATION Deerfield Village Hall. Second Reading. ON MONOPOLE AT VILLAGE HALL -2R Board of Trustees Meeting November 3, 2008 Page 7 of 7 ORDINANCE 0 -08 -38 APPROVING An Ordinance approving a ground lease agreement GROUND LEASE AGREEMENT WITH with T- Mobile for co- location on the monopole at T- MOBILE FOR CO- LOCATION ON Deerfield Village Hall. Second Reading. MONOPOLE AT VILLAGE HALL — 2R Trustee Seiden made a motion to accept the Consent Agenda and adopt the Ordinances. Trustee Rosenthal seconded the motion. The motion passed by the following vote: AYES: Benton, Feldman, Jester, Rosenthal, Seiden, Struthers (6) NAYS: None (0) There was no Old Business. There was no New Business. OLD BUSINESS NEW BUSINESS DISCUSSION ELECTION DAY Trustee Benton reminded residents that tomorrow is election day. He stated that voting is an important responsibility and urged everyone to take advantage of their rights. Trustee Struthers added that the poles will open at 6:00 a.m. and close at 7:00 p.m. LEAF PICK UP Mr. Street second we that there would be two additional weeks of leaf pick ADJOURNMENT ATTEST: Vi age C erk .oned 1hat the Village is in their leaf pick up. He reminded residents this tveek. .isiness to discuss, the t 9:00 P.M. 1 1 1