09/26/2000MINUTES
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
September 26, 2000
The Village Board met as a Committee of the Whole at 8:00 P. M. , Tuesday, September 26th
in the Board Room of the Village Hall. In attendance were:
Bernard Forrest, Mayor Robert Franz, Manager
John Heuberger, Trustee Barbara Little, Director of Public Works/ Engineering
Derek Ragona., Trustee Clint Case, Code Enforcement Supervisor
Harriet Rosenthal, Trustee Pat Anderson, Chief of Police
William Seiden, Trustee Kurt Hezner, Architect
Future of the Annex Building
The Board had met last May with the West Deerfield Township Board to discuss the findings
of the Architectural & Engineering Committee regarding their study of options to expand or
replace the annex building. The Township wants to move forward in order to address
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) issues. They are out looking for financial assistance
from both the State and Lake County.
Robert Franz reported on discussions with the Village Attorney wherein he advised that, based
on their review of the ADA regulations, that we have "no affirmative obligation other than to
address readily removable barriers" in order to comply with the Act. Legal requirements
aside, however, the issue becomes how proactive the Village should be in bringing the
building into full compliance.
Kurt Hezner reviewed with the Board his September 18th letter responding to various
questions raised on the plan (Alternative 3) recommended by the Architectural & Engineering
Committee. The primary objection is one of cost and whether the addition to the Village Hall
can be justified given the limited number of employees it will house. Other alternatives were
discussed but no consensus reached.
It was agreed that we will continue to work with the Township on a long term solution to our
mutual space problems. The Board believes that the northwest quadrant should remain the
institutional center of the downtown, and that we should work to meet the future needs of the
local governments within this quadrant.
Siege at DeerfieldCentre
Trustee Ragona suggested that signage is needed at the entrances to Deerfield Centre to guide
motorists to parking lots for stores in that development. After brief discussion, it was agreed
to wait until the center is fully occupied before deciding anything further on signage.
Committee of the Whole Meeting
September 26, 2000
Page 2
Communication Facilitieson Water Tower
In earlier reports to the Board, staff had recommended against the use of the water tower for
communication equipment. The Manager wanted to confirm this position with the Board
since we continue to get inquiries concerning it. The Board directed that the Cable &
Telecommunications Commission once again review the matter and determine if a
communications expert should be retained to study whether use of the water tower or the
antenna at the Village Hall would create interference with police communications.
Tot Lot on Price Lane
A resident at 711 Price Lane had written a letter asking that property owned by the Village on
Price Lane be converted to a tot lot. Staff contacted the Park District to discuss the matter.
They do not feel that this particular area lends itself to a tot lot since it has limited exposure.
They prefer to allocate their resources to the larger parks where more residents can benefit
from them. Therefore, the District is not interested in pursuing the matter. The resident will
be so advised.
North Avenue Signal Project
The Village will open bids for the signal and intersection improvements at North Avenue and
Waukegan Road on October 5th. Staff is concerned with the effect of winter weather on the
project and it carrying over into the next construction season. After some discussion, it was
agreed that the project should begin next Spring to avoid the mess and safety issues involved
in starting it this Fall.
The meeting adjourned at 10:05 P.M.
Minutes prepared by: