05/18/2015May 18, 2015
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 May 18, 2015, at 7:30
p.m. The Clerk called the roll and announced that the following were:
Present: Harriet Rosenthal, Mayor
Alan Farkas
Thomas Jester
William Seiden
Dan Shapiro
Barbara Struthers
Absent was: Robert Nadler
and that a quorum was present and in attendance. Also present were Village Attorney John
Murphey and Kent Street, Village Manager.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Students from the Chicagoland Jewish High School
led those in attendance in reciting the Pledge of
Allegiance. Chicagoland Jewish High School won first place in the International Model United
Nations competition. Mayor Rosenthal asked the team captains to talk about what they did. Co -
captain Joe Cohen stated the model UN competition is a simulation of real topics. They worked
with students from other schools and countries to come up with solutions to current issues. This
program helps with public speaking, government and history.
The students work on leadership and solving global issues. They met 3,000 delegates in New
York, and work in UN committees. The students are given topics to solve in this four-day event.
Mayor Rosenthal presented a street sign to the staff and students, honoring their
accomplishment.
MEMORIAL DAY ACTIVITIES John Reid from the American Legion discussed the
planned programs for Memorial Day. Mr. Reid
stated there will be a Freedom Run next Monday starting at 8:00 a.m. At the conclusion, there
will be a memorial service at Jewett Park followed by a parade to the cemetery. He encouraged
all residents to honor those that made the ultimate sacrifice.
MANPOWER APPOINTMENTS Mayor Rosenthal asked the Board to
approve the following Manpower appointments:
Kathleen Warren to the Fine Arts Commission
Bob Benton to the Plan Commission
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May 18, 2015
Page 2 of 8
Trustee Farkas moved to accept the Manpower Commission appointments. Trustee Shapiro
seconded the motion. The motion passed by the following vote:
AYES: Farkas, Jester, Shapiro, Seiden, Struthers (5)
NAYS: None (0)
MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING Trustee Struthers moved to approve the minutes
from the May 4, 2015, Board of Trustees meeting.
Trustee Jester seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously on a voice vote.
BILLS AND PAYROLL Trustee Shapiro moved to approve the Bills and
Payroll dated May 18, 2015. Trustee Farkas
seconded the motion. The motion passed by the following vote:
AYES: Farkas, Jester, Shapiro, Seiden, Struthers (5)
NAYS: None (0)
PUBLIC COMMENT
Andrew Marwick, 442 Kelburn, commented about the proposed Zion Woods apartment
complex. The Village has spent more than $2.5 million on flooding in North Trail. The area for
Zion Woods was originally wetlands. Mr. Marwick does not believe the area is appropriate for
development. The location is not convenient to village amenities so most residents would have
to drive. The area has been zoned R-1 and they propose shifting the zoning to R-5, which he
believes would be a complete change to the area. He suggested a more compatible site would be
the former On the Border site. Mr. Street suggested Mr. Marwick make a presentation to the
Plan Commission. He also noted there is a link about information on the Village website home
page.
REPORTS
REPORT AND RECOMMENDATION Mr. Street reported the Plan Commission held a
OF THE PLAN COMMISSION RE: Public Hearing on April 23, 2015, to consider the
REQUEST FOR AN AMENDMENT request to amend the sign plan for Walgreens. They
TO A SIGN PLAN FOR WALGREENS want to replace the double sided sign with two
COMPANY (CORPORATE CAMPUS single face signs. They also want to fly corporate
ON WILMOT) flags on both sides of the United States flag. The
Plan Commission voted 4-0 in favor of sending a
favorable recommendation.
Trustee Struthers questioned whether the lighting was on one control, noting the American flag
must be illuminated. Eric Friedman from Walgreens explained they would illuminate the
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May 18, 2015
Page 3 of 8
American flag. Trustee Farkas asked about noise issues. Mr. Friedman explained the typical
flag pole has a pulley outside of the pole. They are proposing an internal system that will not
flap against the outside of the pole in the wind because of the proximity to residential properties.
Trustee Seiden moved to accept the report and recommendation of the Plan Commission.
Trustee Jester seconded the motion. The motion passed by the following vote:
AYES: Farkas, Jester, Shapiro, Seiden, Struthers (5)
NAYS: None (0)
REPORT AND RECOMMENDATION
Mr. Street reported the Plan Commission held a
OF THE PLAN COMMISSION RE:
workshop meeting on April 23, 2015, to consider
REQUEST FOR APPROVAL OF A
the request for a finding of substantial conformance
FINAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN FOR
for the Taylor Junction townhouse development
THE TAYLOR JUNCTION
located at 824-836 Chestnut Street for Jacobs
TOWNHOUSE DEVELOPMENT
Homes. The Plan Commission voted 4-0 in favor of
LOCATED AT 824-836 CHESTNUT
the recommendation.
STREET (JACOBS HOMES)
Cal Bernstein, attorney for Jacobs Homes, discussed
the impact fees. They are requesting to pay the fees pro rata, as building permits are issued. Mr.
Street stated this assists the Village because they know how many bedrooms each unit would
have with which to base the impact fees.
Trustee Struthers inquired about drainage in the front and whether it would be a rain garden and
maintained by the HOA. Joe Maschek, architect, stated their intention is to create the design to
look like a rain garden. However, a rain garden does not have an outflow as required for the
storm water at this location. Native plantings will be maintained. Mr. Street requested the
plantings to be pictorially represented. Mr. Maschek said they will provide a planting plan.
Trustee Farkas asked about the air conditioning units. Mr. Maschek detailed the movement of
the air conditioning units. They looked at the building layouts and moved them between 12 and
24 feet. The air conditioners were also separated to reduce noise.
Trustee Seiden reported he spoke to a homeowner on the northern end that objected to the
development because of the zoning. He noted two homeowners may be interested in selling the
two homes on the north, stating it may make for a better project. Mr. Bernstein noted the
homeowners did not contact Jacobs Homes about the possibility of selling.
Alex Epstein, 935 Walnut Street, reminded the Trustees of his opposition to the development and
the united opposition of the neighbors to the change in zoning and relaxation of the setbacks. He
requested screening of the air conditioning units due to noise. One of the units will be moved
closer to his property line. Mr. Epstein believes the proposed plantings would not screen the
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May 18, 2015
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buildings from his view. He asked that the Village mandate some screening including mature
evergreen trees. Mr. Epstein does not see any timetable on when the project would be built. He
questioned what percentage of the units will need to be sold to move forward with the project.
Mr. Epstein is worried that units will not be sold and the project will not be completed.
Mr. Marshek stated they propose a 4 foot cedar fencing in front of the air conditioners. It
matches the privacy fence on their development. Mr. Marshek explained they want to preserve
as many existing trees along the property line. They are proposing Viburnum bushes, which will
grow up to 10 feet. Mr. Marshek will look into other plantings.
Mr. Marshek stated the air conditioner is about 60 feet from the property line. They will look at
the possibility of shifting the air conditioner back, if required.
Mr. Bernstein submitted a time table with the submittals. If the neighbors want some of the
landscaping to be installed earlier, they will work with the landscape architect to ensure they are
installed as early as possible without endangering the plantings.
Mr. Jacobs stated they have received several deposits for units already. All the foundations will
be poured at the same time. Then, they will start the four -unit building and anticipate this being
a 12 -month project.
Mr. Epstein asked about the water flow from the development as he wants to ensure there will be
no backflow into his yard. Mayor Rosenthal noted the Director of Public Works and
Engineering will review all site engineering plans and verify they meet water management code
requirements.
Trustee Jester moved to accept the recommendation of the Plan Commission. Trustee Shapiro
seconded the motion. The motion passed by the following vote:
AYES: Farkas, Jester, Shapiro, Struthers (4)
NAYS: Seiden (1)
REPORT AND RECOMMENDATION Assistant Director of Public Works and
OF STAFF RE: WATER METER Engineering Bob Phillips stated this project
REPLACEMENT PROJECT commenced today. Out of more than 1,000 notices,
the contractor has 311 confirmed appointments
during the next week and a half. 29 meters were replaced today. There are 1,100 meters
remaining to be replaced. Earlier this year, the contract to replace the meters was issued to
Professional Meters Incorporated. The Village asked residents to make reasonable
accommodations to enter their homes. Staff recommends that water service could be terminated
if residents do not comply. In addition, staff proposes adding a $25 surcharge to those that do
not comply, for a manual reading fee.
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May 18, 2015
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Trustee Farkas asked about health concerns. Mr. Phillips stated that research shows the radio
frequencies are safe. Trustee Struthers noted there is a lot of misinformation on the Internet.
She has not seen anything showing adverse health effects.
Mayor Rosenthal that residents receive a telephone call before their water is disconnected. Mr.
Phillips would prefer the Village perform this call.
Trustee Jester moved to accept the report and recommendation. Trustee Shapiro seconded the
motion. The motion passed by the following vote:
AYES: Farkas, Jester, Shapiro, Seiden, Struthers (5)
NAYS: None (0)
CONSENT AGENDA
There were no items on the Consent Agenda.
There was no Old Business.
OLD BUSINESS
NEW BUSINESS
AUTHORIZATION TO AWARD THE Mr. Phillips reported the underground storage
DEERFIELD ROAD PUMP STATION tank for the generator at the pump station needs to
UST REPLACEMENT DESIGN be replaced. Staff recommends removing the tank
CONTRACT and converting the generator to natural gas. The
Village budgeted $20,000 for the replacement.
Staff interviewed companies and found Huff and Huff to be qualified. They recommend
awarding the contract for the Deerfield Road Pump Station UST replacement design to Huff and
Huff in an amount not to exceed $28,680.
Trustee Farkas moved to award the Deerfield Road Pump station UST replacement design to
Huff and Huff in an amount not to exceed $28,680. Trustee Struthers seconded the motion. The
motion passed by the following vote:
AYES: Farkas, Jester, Shapiro, Seiden, Struthers (5)
NAYS: None (0)
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May 18, 2015
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AUTHORIZATION TO AWARD THE Mr. Phillips reported the Village has two storm
STORM STATION CONTROL PANEL stations. One is on Deerpath Drive and one is on
REPLACEMENT CONTRACT Cranshire Court. They are designed to supplement
the storm system and keep homes and streets from
flooding. The control panels have reached end of life and the cabinets need to be replaced. The
Village selected Strand Associates to complete the design work. The Village has $50,000
budgeted for this project.
Trustee Farkas moved to award the storm station control panel replacement contract to Strand
Associates in an amount not to exceed $37,300. Trustee Struthers seconded the motion. The
motion passed by the following vote:
AYES: Farkas, Jester, Shapiro, Seiden, Struthers (5)
NAYS: None (0)
RESOLUTION R-15-10 RE: CLOSURE Mr. Street noted this is an annual request.
OF A PORTION OF WAUKEGAN ROAD
FOR THE 4TH OF JULY PARADE Trustee Struthers moved to adopt the Resolution.
Trustee Seiden seconded the motion. The motion
passed by the following vote:
AYES: Farkas, Jester, Shapiro, Seiden, Struthers (5)
NAYS: None (0)
RESOLUTION R-15-11 AUTHORIZING Mr. Murphey provides counsel for bargaining with
A COLLECTIVE BARGAINING
the Unions. He and staff recommend approval of an
AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE
agreement with the Public Works unionized
VILLAGE OF DEERFIELD AND THE
employees. Mr. Murphey noted the terms
INTERNATIONAL UNION OF
are similar to the patrol officer's contract. The
OPERATING ENGINEERS, LOCAL 150
contract was ratified by the union membership.
Trustee Farkas believes the contract is fair.
Trustee Struthers moved to adopt the Resolution. Trustee Farkas seconded the motion. The
motion passed by the following vote:
AYES: Farkas, Jester, Shapiro, Seiden, Struthers (5)
NAYS: None (0)
RESOLUTION R-15-12 URGING
Mr. Street stated that the Northwest Municipal
PROTECTION OF LOCAL
Conference suggested the Village adopt a
GOVERNMENT REVENUES
Resolution to convey to the State legislature
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May 18, 2015
Page 7 of 8
and Gov. Rauner that the proposed cutbacks will
have a significant impact on Village operations.
Trustee Farkas moved to adopt the Resolution. Trustee Shapiro seconded the motion. The
motion passed by the following vote:
AYES: Farkas, Jester, Shapiro, Seiden, Struthers (5)
NAYS: None (0)
DISCUSSION
VILLAGE COMMUNICATIONS Trustee Farkas noted he would like to see
improved Village communications. Assistant to the
Village Manager Andrew Lichterman stated the Village is continually looking to improve
communications. They have new websites for large scale projects as well as an a -news blast
system. The Village reformatted the emergency notification system and have nearly 3,000 email
subscribers. The need for residents to customize/filter messaging is a next step. Staff has
researched different tools to enhance the email newsletter system. They are also considering a
website redesign. Different options will be presented to the Board for consideration during the
budget process.
Trustee Struthers asked if staff is doing something to educate new residents about registering
their e-mail addresses with the Village. Mr. Lichterman explained there is something in the
Village's new resident packets. Trustee Struthers suggested adding something to the water bills,
as they go out to everyone.
ILLINOIS HOLOCAUST MUSEUM
regarding Victory Day in Russia.
RAHADMATH SWAMI
School to bring Rahadmath Swami to speak.
done some incredible things in India.
Mayor Rosenthal was invited to represent the
Village at the Illinois Holocaust Museum's event
Mayor Rosenthal attended a joint program between
Deerfield High School and Highland Park High
He is a Deerfield High School graduate that has
COMED ANNUAL REPORT Mr. Street, Mr. Lichterman and Management
Analyst David Fitzgerald attended the ComEd
Annual Report meeting with Mayor Rosenthal. ComEd has invested money in the Village and
plans to continue to do so to provide more reliable service.
DEERFIELD ROAD MEETINGS The Deerfield Road meetings were held with the
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May 18, 2015
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businesses and residents. Mayor Rosenthal thinks it
went well and numerous questions were answered. Mr. Street noted the recording of the meeting
is posted on the Village website.
ADJOURNMENT There being no further business or discussion,
Trustee Farkas moved to adjourn the meeting.
Trustee Jester seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. The meeting was
adjourned at 8:57 PM.
APPR
Mayor
ATTEST:
Vi lage Clerk ,