10/25/2022COW Meeting – October 25, 2022
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COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE – Meeting Minutes
October 25, 2022
The Village Board met as a Committee of the Whole in the Council Chambers of the Village
Hall at 3:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 25, 2022. In attendance were:
PRESENT:
Village Board Staff
Dan Shapiro, Mayor Kent Street, Village Manager
Bob Benton, Trustee Andrew Lichterman, Assistant Village
Larry Berg, Trustee Manager/Director Community Development
Elaine Jacoby, Trustee John Sliozis, Chief of Police
Mary Oppenheim, Trustee Eric Burk, Finance Director
Bill Seiden, Trustee David Fitzgerald-Sullivan, Comm. Coord.
Brian Budny, Deputy Chief of Police
Desiree Van Thorre, Admin. Serv. Coord.
Robert Phillips, Director of PW and Eng.
Tyler Dickinson, Asst. Dir. of PW and Eng.
Matt Weiss, Director of IT
Clint Case, Bld. & Code Enf. Supervisor
Ryan Oates, PW Management Analyst
Daniel Van Dusen, Deputy Village Clerk
Public Comment
There were no public comments on non-agenda items.
Business
1. Discussion of Departmental Budget Requests and Summaries
Chief of Police John Sliozis began the discussion by reviewing minor adjustments to the Police
Department Budget request from the previous Committee of the Whole meeting. Chief Sliozis
noted this includes the addition of one dispatcher. Additionally, there were minor adjustments
made to the training and educational benefit in the amount of $4,000 for an employee
reimbursement for education purposes. Police Department staff has researched the ability to
purchase large equipment items through seizure accounts. Chief Sliozis reported the proposed
expenses for license plate reader cameras ($36,900), breathalyzers ($8,500), drones ($25,000),
and gas masks ($25,000) will be reimbursed by offsetting income from seizure funds. Trustee
Berg asked if the items mentioned will be fully reimbursed. Chief Sliozis confirmed they will
be. Mayor Shapiro noted that, in discussions with the Northwest Municipal Conference
leadership, there are efforts underway to create carve outs for body-worn camera regulations.
Chief Sliozis replied that the efforts are intended to create common sense regulations for when
the cameras must be turned on, with the goal being to lessen the amount of footage to be stored.
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Director of Public Works and Engineering Robert Phillips outlined the adjustments to the Public
Works Department budget request. Mr. Phillips specified that water meter maintenance, which
falls under operating equipment, has increased from $52,000 to $102,000. Trustee Oppenheim
asked if the higher amount represents an increase in the price of the meters or an increase in the
number of meters the Village will purchase. Mr. Phillips responded that it is a supply chain
issue, the meters have been ordered, but they won’t arrive until next year. Mayor Shapiro noted,
looking at next year, the Board can examine the stormwater and refuse funds if they wish to seek
new revenue sources. Currently, the Village subsidizes refuse collection to the amount of 60%.
Mr. Phillips responded that he is ready to discuss stormwater utility fees whenever the Board
requests.
Finance Director Eric Burk reported there are currently seven employees in the Finance
Department and there are no proposed changes to personnel. Mr. Burk noted there are two
CPAs, one human resources professional, and one analyst who all need continuing education to
maintain their professional designations. Mr. Burk reported that under contractual services, there
are economic incentives of $3,200,000 for Walgreens National and $110,000 for Jewel-Osco.
He further noted that the 2022 projection indicates a budget amendment will be coming before
the end of the year. Mr. Burk reported the new cleaning services contract is being spread among
different departments. He noted there is an increase in landscaping for the Deerfield Cemetery.
Trustee Oppenheim asked why the cemetery landscaping line item is in the Finance Department
budget. Mr. Burk responded that it was a decision made in the past, when the cost was smaller.
Village Manager Kent Street noted that it was kept in one place rather than spread among
departments so it would be visible to the Board as a line item. Trustee Benton asked if the
Village was benefitting from the new Walgreens store on Waukegan Road. Mr. Burk responded
that his prior report on Walgreens was referring to the corporate campus, not the retail location,
but that the Village does indeed benefit by receiving sales tax from the new Walgreens store.
Trustee Oppenheim asked if the sales tax rebate issue with Walgreens has been corrected. Mr.
Burk confirmed that Walgreens is paying the Village back each month and that all parties are
paying what they are due. He stated the discrepancy will be reconciled within the next 5-6 years
per the agreement.
Mr. Burk reported the usage and costs of the Employee Assistance Program have increased. Mr.
Burk noted the budget reflects expenditures of $1,200 for a TIF audit as well as $5,000 for an
audit of the federal funds from ARPA. Mr. Burk reported that the Village pays for half the net
operating costs of the Patty Turner Center, and that the Park District has reached out to plan for
capital items for 2023. Consequently, the budget reflects an additional $25,000 for those items.
Mr. Burk reported the Park District has also suggested that 2024 would be a good time for
parking lot improvements. Mayor Shapiro asked how long the Village has been sharing costs
with the Park District for the Patty Turner Center. Mr. Burk answered that the Village has been
sharing costs for that facility since it was built, in accordance with the intergovernmental
agreement. Mr. Street specified that it was built as part of a TIF district and the
intergovernmental agreement between the Village and Park District led to the construction of the
building. Mr. Street further noted that the agreement was extended by 50 years in 2008. Mr.
Burk reported that the budget for commodities has not been changed.
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Assistant Village Manager/Director of Community Development Andrew Lichterman presented
the Administration department budget. The department is comprised of five people in Village
Manager’s office, plus three IT employees (one position is currently vacant) and the building
custodian. Mr. Lichterman noted that while there are nine total employees, from a salary
perspective it is 8.25 employees because some salaries are split with other departments. Mr.
Lichterman stated personnel services show an increase of 5.21%, and that no new staff will be
added aside from filling the open position in IT. Mr. Lichterman reported salary increases
reflects cost of living adjustments and merit increases, in addition to some employees still
progressing through their probationary periods. Mr. Lichterman pointed out that the salary
increases also reflect a 25% salary reallocation for Assistant to the Village Manager Justin
Keenan who transitioned from Public Works to Administration. Mr. Lichterman reported there
is a slight reduction in part-time salaries as meeting minutes and cable broadcasting have been
reallocated to full-time salaried employees. Mr. Lichterman reported there is no administrative
intern budgeted for in 2023.
Mr. Lichterman reported contractual services budget is up 6.39% due to the increased costs of
the janitorial services contract. Mr. Lichterman stated there are minor increases in vehicle
maintenance and dues/memberships which includes memberships to organizations for Board
members and the Village at-large. Mr. Lichterman reported there are anticipated increases for
professional services related to the proposed TIF districts and potential related financial services.
He pointed out the TIF will likely require a budget amendment in December 2022. Mr.
Lichterman noted the delay in moving forward with the Lake Cook Road TIF means it likely
won’t be considered until January. He reported that staff will be sure to budget appropriate
funds for that TIF in the event the Board moves forward.
Mr. Lichterman noted the decrease in IT network consulting and engineering services, as those
costs have come down related to credit card implementation and different configurations that
have already been completed in previous years. Mr. Lichterman thanked Director of IT Matt
Weiss for accomplishing those projects. Mr. Lichterman reported the Family Days expenditure
is paid out of administration, and there is an increase in the budget for July 3rd and 4th activities
from $70,000 to $90,000. Mr. Lichterman reported the cost for the Winter Celebration will be
$12,000 for a different, modified version of last year’s winter market, due to the high cost of
renting event tents making them cost prohibitive. Mr. Lichterman outlined the proposed budgets
for events like $15,000 for the farmers market, $26,000 for Harvest Fest and $15,000 for five
food truck events that will include composting services. Mr. Lichterman noted attorney fees for
corporation counsel and labor attorney services are budgeted at $220,000, an amount that has
stayed flat for many years. He noted that due to the passage of the third-party cost recovery
ordinance, allowing the Village to bill petitioners, staff expects to recoup $40,000. Mr.
Lichterman reported that the cost of commodities is up 36%, about $2,000, representing
petroleum products and minor office supplies. Mr. Lichterman noted the capital outlay is down
27% related to one-time credit card cashiering equipment. Mr. Lichterman reported there will be
no change to capital improvements line items which consist of the streetscape and landscape
improvements outside of Village Hall. He also noted a minor change in the transfer of funds, in
the amount of $2,000, to VERF representing the administration department’s contribution.
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Trustee Seiden asked about the comparisons included in the budget. Mr. Burk responded that
there are two percentage columns included in the budget, one showing budget to budget
comparisons, and the other showing the estimated expenses compared to the proposed budget.
Mr. Lichterman presented an overview of the Green Budget Memo. He noted the memo is not
an exhaustive list of all the green initiatives, instead it only reflects the new items for 2023. Mr.
Lichterman reported that Capital Improvement Plan includes a new line item for Village Green
Initiatives totaling $250,000. These funds were added to support “green” items such as, electric
vehicle charging stations, energy efficient lighting and various building system improvements.
Mayor Shapiro asked if there are cost estimates for the savings the green initiatives will provide.
Mr. Lichterman replied that staff has done studies and are currently undergoing more to
determine dollar values in savings. He also noted that some of the initiatives may not have dollar
value savings, rather they may be measured by carbon footprint reduction. Mr. Lichterman
reported that staff will present the savings in both ways. Mr. Street noted that the savings may
benefit the residents who pay for electricity, and when the green initiatives are brought before the
Board part of the conversation will focus on the value provided.
Mr. Lichterman reported, in regards to operational budgets, Public Works will convert more
open space and turf into native landscape and pollinator gardens bringing the total area to five
acres by the end of 2023. Mr. Lichterman reported that the VERF budget reflects continuing
efforts to add electric and hybrid vehicles to the Village fleet in order to meet the goal of
changing 30% (16 vehicles) of the fleet to carbon neutral by 2030. Mayor Shapiro asked about
the addition of native landscapes. Mr. Lichterman clarified that Public Works will be adding
close to 1.3 acres to the existing 3.7 acres. Trustee Oppenheim noted that the additions will be
small pieces of land, parkways and places where water is being trapped. Trustee Oppenheim
stated the advantage to modifying the landscaping in these areas comes from those parcels not
having to be mowed, saving energy, trapping water and increasing habitats for pollinators. She
also noted that Go Green Deerfield is excited to give tours and promote those types of landscapes
for private properties. Mr. Lichterman pointed out the prominent pollinator garden on Deerfield
Road near Elysian Way. Mr. Phillips noted they are expensive to initially implement but costs
decrease after three years once the garden is established. Trustee Oppenheim noted the financial,
ecological and educational payoffs to native gardens. Mr. Street noted the signage along the
native landscape along Woodvale and the creek in the north east quadrant have greatly improved
the appearance of those parcels. Trustee Oppenheim noted that area was an unkempt eyesore
before and it is a positive improvement that has been transformed into a native garden.
Mr. Lichterman reported on the $40,000 budgeted for the electric riding mower and handheld
equipment, highlighting the change in operations. Mr. Lichterman stated that in order to increase
and sustain the robust urban tree canopy $60,000 has been budgeted for a public tree inventory.
Trustee Oppenheim noted that residents have been asking for a tree inventory and this will be the
first time the Village has conducted one. Mr. Lichterman reported that additional funds have
been allocated for composting at Village events following the successful program at this year’s
Harvest Fest. Mr. Lichterman reported that there are several no-cost or low-cost educational
programs that staff continues to pursue in partnership with the Go Green Deerfield, the
Sustainability Commission, Park District, and Library such as: tree walks, question and answer
sessions with an arborist and water education, as well as community solar. Mr. Lichterman
noted that are no staffing changes and no additional staffing resources have been budgeted to
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expand sustainability programs. Mr. Lichterman reported staff is continuing to look for free
options and applied for a free sustainability intern through the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus,
however the program has ended due to a lack of federal funding.
Mr. Lichterman noted that in order to reduce greenhouse gases from electricity consumption, the
current recommendation in the Climate Action Report is to purchase renewable energy credits by
increasing the electricity utility tax in a proportionate manner. This is estimated to require
$500,000-$600,000 in expenditures for renewable energy credits, which would call for an
equivalent increase in the electricity utility tax. As presented, those funds are not included in the
2023 budget. Mayor Shapiro inquired if developers are asked about their sustainability efforts as
part of their application. Mr. Lichterman responded that staff always asks them, as does the Plan
Commission. Mayor Shapiro asked if there is a grading system to their sustainable plans
evaluation. Mr. Street responded that they are not graded, but some codes like the energy code
require developers to comply. Trustee Oppenheim noted that staff has been tasked with
reviewing codes to see if they should be upgraded/updated. Mayor Shapiro suggested taking a
look at other green initiatives that we can suggest to developers. Trustee Oppenheim noted that
the assisted living facility on Lake Cook Road added solar panels to the roof after a Trustee
suggested it when they were before the Board. Mayor Shapiro suggested looking for incentives
like subsidies to encourage developers implementing green initiatives. Trustee Oppenheim noted
that there are a number of ways to subsidize and provide bonuses for environmental
improvements. Trustee Berg asked if the changes would be made by policy or on a case-by-case
basis. Mr. Street responded that historically its been done on a case-by-case basis. He noted the
High School came in for expansion and that 20 trees were added to that proposal for screening
for the neighbors. Mr. Street specified that encouraging sustainable efforts is easy, while
quantifying it is difficult. Mayor Shapiro pointed out that there are two pieces to the issue:
encouraging developers to incorporate green initiatives into their plans and incentivizing
residents to upgrade their properties/homes with energy efficient practices. Trustee Oppenheim
noted that it has been rebates and tax breaks offered by Federal and State government programs
that are driving the progress. She noted that it is incredibly costly and difficult for municipalities
to offer rebates and tax breaks. Trustee Benton noted that recycling programs used to provide a
rebate back to the Village so the sustainable incentive and financial incentive were aligned.
These types of cooperative and mutually beneficial programs are the ones that are attractive to
residents, as opposed to programs that only motive behavior through penalties.
Trustee Oppenheim asked what percentage of residents utilize their compost bin. Mr.
Lichterman answered that approximately 30% of residents use the compost bin. Trustee
Oppenheim pointed out that it has been difficult to get commercial and corporate entities to
recycle, and that they need to be treated differently and educated. Mr. Lichterman noted that the
appearance review code that developers receive guides them on plant selection, which will be
incorporated into the reconstruction of the Barnes & Noble space. He suggested possibly
amending governing documents. Mr. Lichterman outlined options to incentivize residents to add
green infrastructure improvements, suggesting for example that permit fees could be waived for
a solar panel installation, if the Board desires. Trustee Oppenheim said the easiest way to
incentivize is to waive fees. Mayor Shapiro suggested setting aside $25,000 to waive fees for
sustainability initiatives such as solar panel installation rebates. Mr. Lichterman said staff will
work to craft a program. Trustee Oppenheim noted that program could make a statement by
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demonstrating our desire to help residents. Mr. Street reported that staff will craft a program
with $25,000 for fee waivers and bring back a specific policy to the Board next year.
Mr. Lichterman provided an overview of the Community Development Department budget
noting the Department is comprised of a building division and planning division and no new
employees are included in the budget. Mr. Lichterman noted personnel services are up 5% due
to cost of living adjustments, merit increases, and position adjustments as well as a reduction in
overtime salaries. Mr. Lichterman reported staff is training on how to properly inspect solar
panel installations. Mr. Lichterman stated contractual services are up 21.8% due to the new
janitorial services contract and the transition to online permitting services and the corresponding
software. Mr. Lichterman reported there have been seven solar panel applications submitted
online in the last 30 days. Mr. Lichterman noted the decrease in advisory board expenses results
from the one-time purchase of Plan Commission iPads that were replaced last year. Mr.
Lichterman reported staff has budgeted $30,000 for the affordable housing contract in case it is
pursued next year. He noted the funds would be used for an outside consultant to help manage
an affordable housing development. Mr. Lichterman reported that the REVA and Deerfield
Square developments are on hold, but if they move forward, the necessary funding will be
available.
Mr. Lichterman outlined the salaries for the Community Development Department. He noted the
department accounts for 8.5 employee salaries: three employees in each of the building and
planning departments, two front desk employees and a part-time recording secretary. Mr.
Lichterman noted that half of the salary for his position is budgeted in Community Development.
Mayor Shapiro asked if we are going to renew the business façade rebate program. Mr.
Lichterman affirmed that the program will be renewed, as it took time for applications to be
submitted. Mr. Lichterman confirmed that $200,000 is included in the Capital Improvement
Plan to fund the Façade Rebate Program. Mr. Street pointed out that those funds will be eligible
reimbursement expenses for the proposed downtown TIF district.
Director of Information Technology Matt Weiss reported that the department supports the needs
of the other departments and IT expenses are included in the operating budgets of all
departments. Mr. Weiss reported that the items included in the budget are required to maintain
current service levels. Mr. Weiss noted the largest proposed expenditure is the network
switching equipment ($125,000). He pointed out that this is a large, expensive, critical piece of
equipment. Mr. Weiss reported that the IT department plans to keep that equipment under
support and maintenance so it can be repaired very quickly if it fails. Mayor Shapiro asked how
long the lifespan is for the network switching equipment. Mr. Weiss reported that the lifespan is
7-8 years, and that staff will use it as long as it is supported. Trustee Oppenheim asked how long
we have had the current network switching equipment. Mr. Weiss reported that it was purchased
a few years after Village Hall was remodeled (2007). Mr. Weiss noted the costs include a
change to how the IT department architects the Village network to make it more resilient.
Trustee Oppenheim asked if Mr. Weiss anticipates any delay in obtaining the equipment. Mr.
Weiss responded that the concern is actually obtaining the new equipment, with an estimated
timeline of 12-16 months. He reported it has been a challenge to get equipment for the past two
years with varying timelines from suppliers. Trustee Seiden asked if there is more than one
company that makes this specific equipment. Mr. Weiss reported that there are multiple
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companies that produce the needed type of equipment. Trustee Seiden asked if other companies
have longer terms that they will guarantee service updates; he noted the problem of having to
buy new equipment when older versions are no longer supported. Mr. Weiss reported that the
Village has tended to standardize equipment by buying the bulk of the equipment from one
manufacturer, thereby making it easier to maintain a large number of devices across Village
facilities. Mr. Weiss reported that they do analyze lifespans and not just cost, and there is a
considerable work put into replacing items.
Mr. Weiss reported that the audio equipment in the Board Room is original to Village Hall’s
construction and can no longer be fixed if it breaks. Mr. Weiss stated that in order to minimize
disruption to public meetings the audio equipment must be updated and that it has had a long
lifespan. Mr. Weiss reported the security software needs to be changed, at an estimated cost of
$30,000. Additionally, Mr. Weiss reported the need to replace one of the air conditioners in the
server room at Village Hall. He further specified that one air conditioner is the primary, while
the other serves as an emergency backup. Mr. Weiss stated the backup air conditioner is not
reliable, and will cost $15,000 to replace. Mr. Weiss reported that Village Hall needs an upgrade
to the existing keycard system. He noted all other village facilities have an enhanced version
while Village Hall’s is outdated and requires increased security. Mr. Weiss stated the cost is
$10,000 to upgrade the keycard system. Mayor Shapiro asked if there are cameras on the
exterior of Village Hall. Mr. Wiess reported that there are no cameras on the front of Village
Hall, but there are some outside of the Police Department, inside the lobby and other locations
inside the building. Mayor Shapiro asked staff to look into the costs associated with adding
cameras to the front of the building. Mr. Weiss reported the costs would be minimal and that
there is existing capacity to add more cameras, it would mainly be labor costs. The Board agreed
with Mayor Shapiro that it is a good idea to add more cameras. Mr. Weiss responded that he will
coordinate with Deputy Chief Chris Fry to obtain a quote for the camera additions. Mayor
Shapiro thanked Mr. Weiss for his report and continued efforts.
2. Discussion of the Capital Improvement Plan
Assistant Director of Public Works and Engineering Tyler Dickinson reviewed the proposed
2023 Capital Improvement Plan noting that $7.9 million is budgeted for capital improvements in
2023. Mr. Dickinson noted this proposal is consistent with the 2-year Capital Improvement Plan
and bond issuance that was previously awarded by the Village Board. Mr. Dickinson pointed out
one change since the report was drafted in September. Mr. Dickinson reported the Park District
will be replacing lights at Floral Park, above the reservoir which is the Village’s responsibility,
and is estimated to cost $50,000-60,000. Mr. Dickinson reported the Waukegan Water Main
Project bid will be opened on Friday, October 28. Mr. Dickinson noted depending on the cost of
that project, Public Works will look to do some additional roadway patching.
Mr. Dickinson reported that staff is trying to solicit federal funds for the Park Avenue/Hazel
Avenue project. He noted that whether or not federal funds are received, that may change how
the IRF funds are spent. Mr. Dickinson pointed out there is a fair amount of outside funding that
will be used on the Waukegan Road project next year. Mr. Dickinson reported that staff is
planning for a transmission main connection with Northbrook from Pfingsten Road to Floral
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Park in 2025. He pointed out that the follow up reconstruction of the 2-2.5 miles of roads the
water main will transverse through, in order to finish the emergency connection, is planned for
2026. Trustee Oppenheim inquired about the varying timeline projections included in the water
main project packet materials. Mr. Dickinson reported that Public Works is moving forward
assuming the water main project will be completed on time. Mr. Dickinson specified the pipe is
more specialized, per IDOT requirements, which contributes to the procurement difficulties.
Trustee Oppenheim asked if the procurement factor is incorporated in choosing the contractor.
Mr. Dickinson reported that as part of the bid process, the contractors must sign a form stating
that they will be able to get the pipe in order to complete the project in accordance with the
planned schedule. He noted the contractors are required to do their due diligence to make sure
they can procure the pipe before submitting a bid.
Mayor Shapiro asked about the federal and local funding for the 2024 Hazel Avenue project.
Mr. Dickinson reported that the Village is hoping to receive $4.2 million in federal funds,
however they are not eligible to be used on water main projects so those funds will be used for
roadway work. Mr. Dickinson reported the water main project will be funded by $3.3 million in
infrastructure replacement funds and $250,000 in Rebuild Illinois Grant funds. Mayor Shapiro
asked if the Village is obligated to take all of the federal funds or if it is possible to change the
scope of the project and take a smaller amount. Mr. Dickinson responded that the Village would
be able to trim the funding in a way to make it most advantageous for the Village. Trustee
Oppenheim asked Mr. Dickinson to clarify the two proposed funding columns for 2024. Mr.
Dickinson noted the two columns represent different scenarios for 2024 depending on whether or
not federal funds are awarded for the Hazel Avenue project. Trustee Oppenheim asked if the
plan is to complete the project in 2024 regardless of the funding sources. Mr. Dickinson
confirmed that as correct.
Trustee Oppenheim asked about the tree survey budgeted for 2026. Mr. Dickinson responded
that line in the proposed budget is an error and should be deleted since the tree inventory is being
completed in 2023. Trustee Oppenheim suggested doing another tree survey in 10 years after the
one currently proposed. Mr. Dickinson noted the Wastewater facility’s chemical phosphorus
removal program is slated to begin soon. Mr. Dickinson outlined infrastructure needs including
the Deerfield Road pedestrian crossing roof replacement and salt building improvements to be
looked at next year. Mr. Dickinson reported the Façade Rebate Program has $200,000 budgeted
for 2023. Mr. Street recommended adding funds to the business façade rebate program for 2024,
and that the project be expanded to a 3-year window.
Mr. Dickinson outlined proposed sewer projects including the yearly lining program and the
inflow and infiltration sump pump reduction program, which incentivizes homeowners to
remove sump pump systems from the sanitary sewer thereby reducing operations at wet weather
stations. Trustee Oppenheim asked about the undetermined funding noted in the budget
proposal. Mr. Dickinson responded that it was in reference to a possible stormwater utility fee
that has since been removed.
Mr. Dickinson reported on the water system redundancy project and the associated legal,
surveying and design costs, with the construction ultimately taking place in 2025 at a cost of
$5,000,000. Mr. Dickinson noted the Village is currently working on an IGA with Northbrook
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regarding project costs as the connection could be beneficial to both communities. Mr.
Dickinson stated the lead service line elimination replacement program has been moved up.
Mr. Dickinson reported the water meter head replacement program will wrap up next year with
commercial properties, currently 96% of the water meter heads for residential properties have
been replaced. Mayor Shapiro asked about the budgeted amount for 2024 and the
reimbursements. Mr. Dickinson reported that due to the scope of the projects, Public Works is
looking for outside funding. Trustee Seiden asked about the lining program and valve
improvement costs extending past the 2028 forecasts. Mr. Dickinson reported that the valve
program will be finished before the lining program. Mr. Phillips noted that Public Works
follows a specific set of improvements when it comes to lead service lines and sanitary sewers.
He also noted the difficulties in forecasting for unexpected issues and that the proposal is the best
forecast that Public Works can provide. Mr. Phillips reported that Public Works tailors their
projects to the projected $2,000,000 in recurring revenue. Trustee Seiden asked staff to report
back on the annual amount of reoccurring infrastructure expenses. Mr. Phillips noted that staff
has that information prepared and will present it to the Board at a future meeting. Mr. Street
noted the goal is to combine projects, and cited the Village incorporating water main upgrades
with roadway improvements. Mayor Shapiro asked about contingency line items in the proposed
budget memo. Mr. Phillips noted that Public Works does not include contingency funds in their
projects. Mayor Shapiro asked if the Village should include contingency funds in the future.
Mr. Phillips responded that while that has been done that in the past, the contingency funds were
never used and it was ineffective to carry the funds through multiple budgets. Mr. Burk noted
that there are emergency reserves and that the Village no longer includes multiple contingency
funds in the budget. Trustee Oppenheim commended Public Works staff on their management
of funds for major projects in the face of unpredictable events. Mayor Shapiro thanked Mr.
Phillips and Mr. Dickinson for their work on the long-term planning of Capital Improvement
projects.
3. Discussion of Upcoming Development Activity
Mr. Lichterman outlined prospective development activity within the Village. He reported that
Staff is working with the brokers of the Baxter site and will be reviewing proposals in the
coming weeks. Trustee Oppenheim asked if there were multiple bidders interested in the site.
Mr. Lichterman confirmed that there are multiple bidders and they are interested in speaking
with the Village about annexation, since the site is in unincorporated Lake County. Mr.
Lichterman noted that staff is also working closely with the broker for the Walgreens site south
of Lake Cook Road. They have received multiple bids. Trustee Oppenheim asked if proposals
are for the whole site or smaller parcels. Mr. Lichterman stated some proposals are for the entire
property and some are partial. Trustee Oppenheim asked how the bidding affects future TIF
considerations. Mayor Shapiro responded that the eligible TIF assistance makes it more
desirable for developers to move forward due to the TIF incentives. Trustee Benton pointed out
that only Walgreens property would be included as part of the Lake Cook Road TIF, not the
Baxter property. Mr. Lichterman noted there will be more information forthcoming in the next
few weeks.
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Mr. Lichterman reported there will be further discussion with the Board regarding Shake Shack,
who recently presented at an ARC meeting and will appear before the Plan Commission
Thursday. Mr. Lichterman reported the Mayor and staff have been working directly with
ownership and they will need financial assistance from the Village due to extraordinary
circumstances relating to the condition of that parcel in order to proceed with the development.
Mr. Lichterman noted staff is drafting a memo and will brief the Board in more detail on the
details of the financial assistance. Mr. Street reported that the financial assistance will most
likely come from a sales tax sharing agreement. Mayor Shapiro noted there are some
complications with the proposed drive-thru. Trustee Jacoby asked what sales tax sharing
agreements are currently in place. Mr. Street answered that there are agreements with Jewel,
Portillo’s and Walgreens. Mr. Lichterman noted that the agreements have been beneficial to the
Village. Mr. Street stated that those types of agreements help when there are extraordinary
circumstances involved. Mayor Shapiro noted that there are interesting and exciting
developments on the horizon, and thanked staff for all their hard work.
Public Comment
There were no public comments on non-agenda items.
Adjournment:
There being no further business or discussion, Trustee Benton moved to adjourn the meeting.
Trustee Oppenheim seconded the motion. The motion passed by unanimous voice vote.
The meeting was adjourned at 4:56 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Daniel Van Dusen
Deputy Village Clerk