Loading...
06/01/2009June 1, 2009 The regular meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Village of Deerfield was called to order by Mayor Harriet Rosenthal in the Council Chambers of the Village Hall on Monday, June 1, 2009 at 7:30 p.m. The Clerk called the roll and announced that the following were: Present: Harriet Rosenthal, Mayor Robert Benton Alan Farkas Thomas Jester Mary Oppenheim 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. LOSS OF DAVID WOLFF Mayor Rosenthal requested a moment of silence to honor of David Wolff, who died last week. Mr. Wolff served as Library Trustee for 18 years, including as president for two years. He also served as secretary and treasurer. Mr. Wolff was a member of Rotary and played in the Big Band Sound of Deerfield. Mayor Rosenthal added that Mr. Wolff was a presence in the Village and will be missed. Trustee Seiden commented that he had been a friend of Mr. Wolff since second grade. Mr. Wolff always had a smile on his face and was always doing something for someone. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Doug Bruss, Paul Zavagno and Carl Berg from Three Men and a Truck led those in attendance in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance. They are very excited about the 8th annual Three Men and a Truck Event, which has provided donations of food for the West Deerfield Township Food Pantry and has raised awareness that hunger exists within the Village. The event will take place on Sunday, June 7th from 9:00 — 5:00. They will collect donations of non - perishable foods, cleaning supplies and toiletries. All residents are invited to support the event. Mr. Bruss acknowledged his team, including Julie Morrison, Superintendent of West Deerfield Township, Elizabeth Uri, Amy Carlson and Russ Cochuck. Mr. Bruss commented that the hunger issue will not go away, so they need support from the •community. PRESENTATION OF 25 YEAR Mayor Rosenthal noted that Glenn Smith is a life SERVICE AWARD long resident of the area and has worked in Deerfield's Street Department for 25 years. Mr. Smith exemplifies reliability and dedication. In addition to working for the Village, he has donated his time, leadership and resources to the Lake County Sheriff's Office Reserve Deputy Unit as a sergeant. Mayor Rosenthal presented Mr. Smith with a small token of appreciation for his 25 years of service. Board of Trustees Meeting June 1, 2009 Page 2 of 9 MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS Trustee Seiden made a motion to approve the minutes from the May 18, 2009 Board of Trustees meeting. Trustee Benton seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. BILLS AND PAYROLL Trustee Oppenheim made a motion to approve the Bills and Payroll dated June 1, 2009. Trustee Struthers seconded the motion. The motion passed by the following vote: AYES: Benton, Farkas, Jester, Oppenheim, Seiden, Struthers (6) NAYS: None (0) PUBLIC COMMENT Oscar Adler, 59 Eastwood, reported that Mayor Rosenthal is his guest on this month's Adler's Alley. REPORTS REPORT AND RECOMMENDATION The Plan Commission held a Public Hearing on OF PLAN COMMISSION RE: REQUEST April 30, 2009 which was continued on May 7, FOR SPECIAL USE APPROVAL OF 2009 to consider the request for a Special Use THE PROPOSED GREEN OF approval of the proposed Green of Deerfield DEERFIELD PARKING LOT parking lot improvements on Village -owned IMPROVEMENTS ON VILLAGE parking lots along Deerfield Road (former Bank OWNED PARKING LOTS ALONG One and Lindemann properties) and the western DEERFIELD ROAD AND THE portion of the Morelli /Fiorini commercial property. WESTERN PORTION OF THE The Plan Commission voted 4 -0 in favor of MORELLI /FIORINI COMMERCIAL the Special Use. PROPERTY REPORT AND RECOMMENDATION The Village Center Development Commission held OF VCDC RE: REQUEST FOR SPECIAL a Workshop Meeting on May 6, 2009 to consider USE APPROVAL OF THE PROPOSED the request for a Special Use approval of the GREEN OF DEERFIELD PARKING proposed Green of Deerfield parking lot LOT IMPROVEMENTS ON VILLAGE improvements on Village -owned parking lots along OWNED PARKING LOTS ALONG Deerfield Road (former Bank One and Lindemann DEERFIELD ROAD AND THE properties) and the western portion of the WESTERN PORTION OF THE Morelli /Fiorini commercial property. The VCDC MORELLI /FIORINI COMMERCIAL voted 8 -1 against approving the Special Use. PROPERTY Mayor Rosenthal noted that the Appearance Review Commission reviewed the materials at their May 11, 2009 meeting and provided comments and recommendations for the project. Matt Wylie, Chairman of the Northwest Quadrant Advisory Committee, explained that the site includes the former Bank One and Lindemann parcels, which currently serve as public parking. Board of Trustees Meeting June 1, 2009 Page 3 of 9 He reported that when the Comprehensive Plan was updated, the Comprehensive Plan Advisory Committee concluded that the northwest quadrant should be used primarily for institutional uses, and that it should provide a public gathering space, be pedestrian friendly and provide green space and parking. In addition, the northwest quadrant should not have additional retail, and Park Avenue should be restriped. Mr. Wylie explained that in February, 2009, the Board directed the Northwest Quadrant Advisory Committee to come up with a project that was consistent with the Comprehensive Plan. The proposed project is lush, green, forward looking, and will become front yard of Deerfield. It will transform one of the most unattractive parcels in the community into an asset that can be enjoyed by all. It will provide significant public gathering space and landscaping and will attract people into downtown Deerfield. The proposed Green of Deerfield will create a space for performances, events and programming. It will also provide necessary public parking in downtown, and it will provide educational opportunities on sustainable practices. Tim Doron, Director of Transportation with Gewalt Hamilton, explained he was commissioned to do a parking study for the campus, which consists of ten parking areas. He looked at the proposed park, along with the loading, parking and traffic impact. Mr. Doron explained that there are a lot of users of the parking, including commuters, church members, preschools, the park district and Village Hall. The entire campus has 387 parking spaces, of which 245 are used at any given time. The church has two primary doors, and their preschool has another entrance. Their busiest time is Sunday mornings, when they require 200 parking spaces. Fortunately, the lots are not being used by other uses at that time. The park district has an agreement with the church to use their lot during the day, as well as the Village owned properties. The commercial area to the east of the site currently has disorganized parking. Currently, there is an entrance to this parking off Waukegan Road. Mr. Doron reported that the revised plan has 75 parking spaces, while there are 194 spaces currently. He explained that the peak demand is 104 'spaces, which leaves a deficit of 29 spaces. 47 additional spaces would be gained by restriping Park Avenue. Mr. Doron believes this would be a great public enhancement. Mr. Doron recommends relocating the 35 permitted spaces from the Marathon lot to Park Avenue. This would create 25 additional spaces for the park district and ten additional spaces for the church. The commercial spaces would be shared by businesses in both centers. Mr. Doron recommends that organized activities not be scheduled in the Village Green until after 1:00 p.m. on Sundays. If all these things take place, it will be a great public improvement. Commuters will be closer to train station, and traffic circulation will work well. Mr. Doron discussed the proposed truck route. Trucks would enter on Robert York Avenue and would exit to the west on Deerfield Road. He suggests closing the existing private alley on Waukegan Road and adding additional sidewalks. 1 Board of Trustees Meeting June 1, 2009 Page 4 of 9 Trustee Farkas believes the study was very comprehensive. He questioned whether there has been any consideration of working with AT &T to utilize their parking lot as well. Mr. Street explained that AT &T did not want forgo their parking lot because they use it for emergencies and equipment repairs. Trustee Farkas questioned what would be done about parking if an event, such as Family Days, were held in the park. Mr. Doron explained it is difficult to anticipate what type of overload operation would take place. He believes events could be scheduled in advance, and Park Avenue could be used for overflow parking. Trustee Struthers commented that the Fine Arts Festival would take a lot more room than the park could accommodate. Trustee Oppenheim noted that on Saturday at 2:30, only 58 cars were using the Lindemann lot and at 3:30, 45 cars were using it. Trustee Struthers commented that the parking lot was jammed on Sunday. Don Matthews, Senior Engineer with Gewalt Hamilton, discussed site improvements, grading and storm water management. He noted that the campus is owned by a number of entities. The proposed park is two acres and drains from east to west. Water is intercepted to storm sewers and draws west to the Chicago River. They propose changing the pattern for sustainability. Mr. Matthews explained that the proposed drainage will flow from east to west, going to a permeable paver system made from precast concrete block pavers with large joints. Water will percolate in the aggregate, which will have much less runoff. It will be cooled and cleansed as it goes through the stone, and there will be less water running through the pavement. The water could also percolate into the soil itself. The proposed rain garden is located on the west end of the property. Other improvements include an additional fire hydrant, no sanitary sewers, a simple design and efficient parking lots that trucks can easily navigate. Mr. Matthews explained that they propose closing the alley from Waukegan Road so parking lot circulation is safer. This would also add additional parking spaces. Diamond shaped planting areas are also proposed. Mr. Matthews explained they propose 90 degree parking on Park Avenue. They would add sidewalks on both sides of the property and suggest adding landscaping islands. Dan Weinbach from Daniel Weinbach and Partners, Landscape Architects, discussed the proposed permeable pavers for the parking lot. He explained they would create an efficient, durable and attractive surface that is more durable than asphalt and concrete. Mr. Weinbach explained the park would be a central location in downtown Deerfield. It would have a simple lawn in the center with double rows of trees on the north, east and south sides. A rain garden and pavilion are also proposed for the park. The theme of the park would be sustainability. Mr. Weinbach explained that the proposal has great lawn, which includes special grasses that are low maintenance and use little water. The north and south edges would be defined by a double Tow of trees. Under the trees would be a series of sitting areas. At the east end of park, three Board of Trustees Meeting June 1, 2009 Page 5 of 9 wind turbines are proposed, which would generate electricity. The turbines would be set in a panel of wildflowers. There would be pathways throughout site, as well as an entrance that aligns with the shopping center to the south. There would also be locations for public sculptures. Mr. Weinbach explained that there is to be a pavilion for performances and shade at the west end of the park. The park would slope from east to west. There would be a small boardwalk around the pavilion, along with a rain garden with native plantings. Mr. Weinbach noted that the Appearance Review Commission requested additional parking lot trees, so they added trees in diamond cutouts. They will employ current technology to ensure growth of the trees, including planting in the paving by putting top soil around the tree itself. Mr. Weinbach noted the Appearance Review Commission also questioned the winter character of the park. He commented that, although they are not proposing palm or evergreen trees, they have paid attention to the winter character. He noted the park could be used for holiday decorations and events, ice and snow sculptures, etc. ' Mindy Violantes from Mueller and Mueller Architects explained they worked on architectural and sustainable features for the park. The pavilion structure will be the main focal point in the park. They want the pavilion to be a dramatic structure that is both innovative and sustainable. They selected a tensile membrane structure composed of 30 mm composite fiberglass membranes, which are extremely durable. This material was picked because of its sustainability. Steel and cables would support the steel mast. The membrane could last up to 35 years. Ms. Violantes discussed the vertical access wind turbines, which will spin at 4.2 miles per hour. The turbines will feed directly into the Deerfield Grid and will go toward feeding the lights at night. There has been some concern about noise level created by turbine. From a distance, there will be no noise. Mr. Weinbach believes the sound around the turbines will be louder than the turbines themselves. Ms. Violantes noted that another aspect of the park is community education. They propose adding signage throughout the park, so the community will understand the sustainable aspects. The signage would be informative for both children and adults and would be made from a durable plexiglass material. The proposed signage would contain graphics and verbiage. They propose also including digital printout screens for the wind turbines. The proposed educational signage would feature the rain garden, the pavilion, the lawn and planting areas, the permeable paving, the lighting and the turbines, Ms. Violantes noted that turbine energy could power all the lights in the park, because they propose using LED lighting throughout. The only lighting that would not be LED would be the parking lot lighting. Trustee Farkas questioned the turbine maintenance. Ms. Violantes commented that maintenance would be minimal and would not be required annually. Mr. Weinbach commented there was a lot of discussion at committee level about the proposed signage. The original sign was made from steel and appeared very high tech. They also developed three, more traditional alternatives. He noted the Appearance Review Committee was Board of Trustees Meeting June 1, 2009 Page 6 of 9 in favor of a smaller version of Option One. Mr. Weinbach mentioned the park name was another area of contention, because some felt that Village Green did not reflect everything. Therefore, they propose naming the park "The Green of Deerfield ". Mayor Rosenthal acknowledged commission members and chairmen present at this meeting. She noted that the Trustees received a number of letters in their distribution, along with an alternative plan from Larry Dondanville. She thanked residents for their interest and participation and suggested the Board not vote tonight; rather, have a fact finding meeting. Mayor Rosenthal noted they would have a Committee of the Whole Meeting to further discuss the plan and pricing. Joy Fiorini, representing commercial properties at 810 — 816 Waukegan Road and its commercial parking lot, commended the Village for working so hard on this groundbreaking project. She feels an obligation toward her tenants and believes Deerfield has been very supportive. She would like to support the Village wherever possible and thanked the Village for the opportunity to work with them. Mitch Miller, 1155 Laurel, explained he is an 18 year resident and is against the project. He believes the proposed land use is completely different from what was proposed a year ago. He does not believe planning for a zero density project follows current land use studies. Mr. Miller noted this facility would be used part time, half a year, and not on Sundays until after 1:00 PM. Mr. Miller explained that the parking consultant was exclusively focused on the adequacy and location of the parking, along with the internal circulation of parking within the site. There has been no examination about creating a major curb cut on Deerfield Road. Mr. Miller questioned what would happen if a westbound vehicle needed to stop. He noted there was a total absence in the plan for biking. Park Avenue could have a dedicated bicycle lane. Mr. Miller believes the cost of the park will be approximately $5.5 million, and that is before considering the cost of maintenance and upkeep, which could be as high as $400,000 per year, and the loss of potential tax revenue. Mr. Miller does not believe this project should be considered before making necessary improvements, such as a new waste water treatment facility. He noted that he is just a resident and is not affiliated with any commission. He noted that he saw an 18x18 sign on the property, but did not see any published announcement in D- Tales. Mr. Miller believes other alternatives that are less expensive do exist. Trustee Oppenheim noted that Mr. Miller had been before the Plan Commission. He is one of the ten real estate developers who previously submitted a proposal for the project. Trustee Oppenheim questioned the proposed curb cut. Mr. Doron explained the existing curb cut would be closed and moved west. They are proposing restricting access to right in and right out. Trustee Struthers believes it would be better to restrict access to right in only and have traffic exit through Robert York Avenue. Mr. Doran explained they discussed extending the left turn lanes to allow full access to the park but decided that was not feasible and decided to minimize access to the driveway. He noted they did not want to push more traffic onto Jewett Park Drive. 1 1 1 Board of Trustees Meeting June 1, 2009 Page 7 of 9 Trustee Farkas expressed concern about the material palate, because it seems to introduce a different color scheme than what is located elsewhere in the downtown. Mr. Matthews explained they chose light colored brick for sustainability and heat effects. He believes it is a clean, modern palate of colors. Trustee Jester expressed concern about the lack of a master plan in the Northwest Quadrant. He believes the project purview was just this piece of property. He would like to see a master plan for the quadrant that carries design aspects throughout the quadrant. Trustee Jester noted the Comprehensive Plan suggests a public gathering space in the Northwest Quadrant, but that does not have to be at this specific location. He questioned where else this could be done. Trustee Jester noted that the institutional uses in the Northwest Quadrant seem to be complete. He is in favor of improving the parking lot but would not be in favor of doing the entire plan right now. Trustee Struthers noted that the Village has a lot of gathering spaces such as Village Hall, Jewett Park (which also has a pavilion), Deerfield Square and Prime Source Center. She does not believe the Village has a need for another public gathering space. She would also like to see the parking spread out and not so crowded. Trustee Oppenheim noted that the Village Center Development Commission wanted to postpone their decision. VCDC Chairman Garfield explained the plan was not unacceptable, but they wanted to see other alternatives that would be more cost effective. Trustee Oppenheim asked if the Commission still felt a retail development could thrive. Ch. Garfield explained the commission has a long history with this parcel. He explained the commissioners were unsure if the Village would keep the park forever. Ch. Garfield noted the parcel is an eyesore, but he believes the amount of money being spent would make it permanent because the Village would not be able to justify tearing it down. Ch. Garfield noted that the commissioners believe adding to the tax rolls is important and traditionally steer away from non -tax generating uses. CONSENT AGENDA ORDINANCE GRANTING A An Ordinance granting a variation for certain VARIATION FOR CERTAIN PROPERTY property commonly known as 1403 Greenwood COMMONLY KNOWN AS 1403_ Avenue. First Reading. GREENWOOD AVENUE —1R RESOLUTION R -09 -05 RE: CLOSURE A Resolution allowing the closure of a portion of OF A PORTION OF WAUKEGAN ROAD Waukegan Road for the Fourth of July Parade. FOR THE 4TH OF JULY PARADE Trustee Struthers made a motion to accept the Consent Agenda and adopt the Resolution. Trustee Jester seconded the motion. The motion passed by the following vote: AYES: Benton, Farkas, Jester, Oppenheim, Seiden, Struthers (6) NAYS: None (0) Board of Trustees Meeting June 1, 2009 Page 8 of 9 There was no Old Business. OLD BUSINESS NEW BUSINESS RESOLUTION R -09 -06 FOR 2009 MFT Director of Public Works and Engineering Barbara FOR THE WILMOT ROAD SOUTH Little explained the Village will be rehabilitating INFRASTRUCTURE REHABILITATION Wilmot Road. She recommends the Village Motor Fuel taxes be applied to the project, with the remainder of the funds to be paid through Infrastructure Maintenance Fund. Trustee Jester noted the Village received federal funding and also intended to use the MFT funding. Ms. Little noted the Village used the MFT funding for the street rehabilitation program. Trustee Jester made a motion to authorize Mayor Rosenthal to execute the Resolution in an amount not to exceed $494,000. Trustee Oppenheim seconded the motion. The motion passed by the following vote: AYES: Benton, Farkas, Jester, Oppenheim, Seiden, Struthers (6) NAYS: None (0) 1 AUTHORIZATION TO AWARD Ms. Little explained that the Village is required to CONTRACT TO PROVIDE GROUND provide ground water monitoring by the EPA. They WATER SAMPLING SERVICES FOR have utilized the services of STS Consultants for the RESERVOIR 29A FOR THE YEAR 2009 past four years, and they have performed very well. STS Consultants offered to continue to provide services at the same dollar amount as last year. She recommends the Board award the contract to provide ground water sampling services for reservoir 29A for the year 2009 to STS Consultants at an amount not to exceed $13,658. Trustee Benton made a motion to award the contract to provide ground water sampling services for reservoir 29A for the year 2009 to STS Consultants in an amount not to exceed $13,658. Trustee Oppenheim seconded the motion. The motion passed by the following vote: AYES: Benton, Farkas, Jester, Oppenheim, Seiden, Struthers (6) NAYS: None (0) DISCUSSION REAPPOINTMENT OF NORT Mayor Rosenthal recommended appointing Nort WASSERMAN TO PLAN COMMISSION Wasserman to fill the vacancy in the Plan Commission. 1 1 1 1 Board of Trustees Meeting June 1, 2009 Page 9 of 9 Trustee Oppenheim made a motion to reappoint Nort Wasserman to the Plan Commission. Trustee Benton seconded the motion. The motion passed by the following vote: AYES: Benton, Farkas, Jester, Oppenheim, Seiden, Struthers (6) NAYS: None (0) FINE ARTS FESTIVAL Mayor Rosenthal thanked the Fine Arts Commission, Public Works and the Police Department for making the Fine Arts Festival such a success this past weekend. The artists were very happy, and it was a great art fair. She mentioned that the preview party was lovely as well. RELAY FOR LIFE Mayor Rosenthal thanked all those who participated in this year's Relay for Life. It was a beautiful evening, and it was nice to see the Police Department participating in the event. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to discuss, the meeting was adjourned at 9:35 p.m. ATTEST: Village tlerk APPROVED: M yor