06/20/2023June 20, 2023
The regular meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Village of Deerfield was called to order on
June 20, 2023, at 7:30 p.m. at Deerfield Village Hall. The clerk called the roll and announced
that the following were
Present: Robert Benton
Larry Berg
Elaine Jacoby
Rebekah Metts-Childers
Mary Oppenheim
William Seiden
Absent: Dan Shapiro, Mayor
and that a quorum was present and in attendance. Also present were Village Manager Kent
Street and Ben Schuster, Village Attorney.
In the absence of Mayor Shapiro, Trustee Seiden moved to nominate Trustee Berg as Mayor Pro
Tem. Trustee Benton seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously on a voice vote.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Alex Shvartsman, USA Judo Youth National
Champion Intermediate Male Over 42kg led those
in attendance in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance. Mayor Pro Tem Berg congratulated Mr.
Shvartsman on his achievement and presented him with a sign recognizing his achievement that
will also be placed at the entrances to the Village. Mr. Shvartsman thanked the Village and the
community and is looking forward to becoming a State and Olympic champion in the future.
PROCLAMATION
Mayor Pro Tem Berg read the Juneteenth
Proclamation for the Village of Deerfield.
Trustee Oppenheim moved to accept the Juneteenth Proclamation. Trustee Benton seconded the
motion. The motion passed unanimously on a voice vote.
DOCUMENT APPROVAL
Trustee Oppenheim moved to approve the minutes
from the June 5, 2023, Board of Trustees meeting.
Trustee Jacoby seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously on a voice vote.
BILLS AND PAYROLL Trustee Seiden moved to approve the bills and
payroll dated June 20, 2023. Trustee Oppenheim
seconded the motion. The motion passed by the following vote:
AYES: Benton, Berg, Jacoby, Metts-Childers, Oppenheim, Seiden (6)
NAYS: None (0)
Board of Trustees meeting
June 20, 2023
Page 2 of 9
PUBLIC COMMENT
CONSIDERATION AND ACTION ON
THE REPORT AND
RECOMMENDATION OF THE PLAN
There were no Public Comments on non -agenda
items.
REPORTS
The Plan Commission held a Public Hearing on
May 25, 2023, to consider the request of the
Deerfield Park District for Phase 2 renovations to
COMMISSION RE: REQUEST OF THE Jewett Park. The Plan Commission reviewed the
DEERFIELD PARK DISTRICT FOR AN plans and found them to be consistent with and in
AMENDMENT TO A SPECIAL USE TO compliance with the Village's Northwest Quadrant
PERMIT PHASE 2 RENOVATIONS TO Master Plan. The Phase 2 renovations include the
JEWETT PARK addition of a concert pavilion, a new playground, a
natural area with picnic shelter, a council ring,
native plant and pollinator areas, interpretive signage, a sculptural water fountain area and
improved ADA accessibility throughout the area of the park. Two additional elements that have
been added to the Phase 2 renovations include a challenge course and a family game area. The
challenge course will target ages 13 and up, and the family game area includes: bocce, ping-
pong, baggo and gaga. The Park District would like to begin Phase 2 renovations in the fall of
2023 with a projected completion date of June 2024. The Plan Commission voted 6-0 in favor of
the request.
Mr. Street added the Appearance Review Commission conducted a final review of the elements
proposed for Phase 2 of the Jewett Park Renovation and voted 6-0 in favor of the renovation.
Jan Caron, President of the Park District Board, reported they held focus groups, met with
community members and determined a major goal of the project is to create multi -generational
uses within the park. Ms. Caron stated the Park District is proud to have received a $600,000
grant for the renovations. Jay Zahn, Director of Parks, presented highlights of the Phase 2
Renovation, which is will take place on the north side of the property.
Trustee Seiden asked about the location of the challenge course. Mr. Zahn stated it is near the
playground and that the challenge course will not provide as much noise as the previously -
proposed pickleball courts. Trustee Metts-Childers believes the plan is fantastic. She expressed
concern about the proximity of the challenge course to the playground area, noting teenagers
frequently use inappropriate language. Mr. Zahn reported they will consider screening the area.
Trustee Seiden asked if the challenge course could be moved. Mr. Zahn stated there will be
concrete footings so it will not be easy to move. Trustee Jacoby suggested flipping the game
plaza area and challenge course. Elias Martin reported they looked at flipping the area, but were
unable to move it without harming trees. Trustee Metts-Childers asked if the council ring area
could fit the challenge course. Mr. Martin noted they wanted to keep the council ring closer to
the seating area. Mr. Zahn stated the challenge course will be too tall for younger kids, but
understands the Trustee's concern about foul language and will look into how to address that
concern.
Board of Trustees meeting
June 20, 2023
Page 3 of 9
Trustee Oppenheim is pleased to see the northwest area being developed. She believes the plan
looks nice and the nature area preserves the woodland sense while providing open space and
tranquility. She likes the multi -generational appeal. Trustee Metts-Childers likes all of the
activity in Phase 1, but is concerned about having the challenge course adjacent to the children's
play area.
Joab Silverglade expressed concern about the density because of the proximity to his home. He
believes the challenge course and gaga pit will be loud, and are close to his backyard. He
believes noise is cumulative and the more that is added on, the louder it becomes. Mr.
Silverglade asked about additional buffering and would like to work with the park district.
Trustee Jacoby asked if the challenge course had lights. Mr. Zahn noted the only lights are on
the baseball fields. Trustee Oppenheim asked if there are plantings planned on the north end.
Mr. Zahn reported they have plantings planned for the north end and have added additional
plantings for screening. Trustee Oppenheim believes the plantings will provide adequate
screening. Trustee Seiden asked how the proximity of the challenge course to the playground
area would be addressed. Mr. Zahn will look into it but is not sure how it can be achieved.
Trustee Seiden asked for a First Reading and Second Reading of the Ordinance. Trustee
Oppenheim asked what that would accomplish. Trustee Seiden noted it would give the Park
District the opportunity to address the concern. Mr. Zahn stated putting the challenge course on
the north end does not fit into the plan. He believes there would be too many problems. Ms.
Caron reported Park District staff put a lot of time and thought into the plan. She noted the goal
of adding multi -generational features and keeping the existing trees were the main drivers of the
plan and she does not believe an additional two weeks would be sufficient to redesign the plan.
Ms. Carondoes not believe there is a good way to move the challenge course.
Trustee Oppenheim moved to accept the report and recommendation of the Plan Commission
regarding the request for an Amendment to a Special Use to permit Phase 2 renovations to Jewett
Park and prepare the Ordinance. Trustee Benton seconded the motion. The motion passed by
the following vote:
AYES: Benton, Berg, Jacoby, Metts-Childers, Oppenheim, Seiden (6)
NAYS: None (0)
CONSIDERATION AND ACTION ON
The Plan Commission held a Public Hearing on
THE REPORT AND
May 25, 2023, to consider the request for an
RECOMMENDATION OF THE PLAN
Amendment to a Special Use to allow changes to
COMMISSION RE: REQUEST FOR AN
an approved Master Plan for renovations to the
AMENDMENT TO A SPECIAL USE TO
Tennaqua Club. Aside from the physical changes to
ALLOW CHANGES TO AN APPROVED
the property, the petitioner is requesting an
MASTER PLAN FOR RENOVATIONS
Amendment to the Special Use to allow the phases
TO THE TENNAQUA CLUB AT ONE
of development to be extended to 2030. The Plan
TENNAQUA LANE
Plan Commission voted 4-0 (2 recusals) in favor of
request.
Board of Trustees meeting
June 20, 2023
Page 4 of 9
Nick Alex, President Emeritus of Tennaqua Club, reported they are proposing changes to
improve their club. In 2018, he appeared before the Board for an amendment to make
improvements to their club with the goal of increasing their membership. Mr. Alex noted the
vision and continued execution of their master plan has increased their membership
exponentially. He stated they are 40 percent complete with the amendment that was approved
five years ago and need to make additional improvements to the pool, pool deck, parking,
clubhouse in addition to more pickleball courts. Mr. Alex stated they are trying their best to
make the improvements away from the neighbors.
Trustee Seiden moved to accept the report and recommendation of the Plan Commission
regarding the request for an Amendment to a Special Use allow changes to the approved Master
Plan for renovations to the Tennaqua Club and extend the phases of development to 2030 and
prepare the Ordinance. Trustee Oppenheim seconded the motion. The motion passed by the
following vote:
AYES: Benton, Berg, Jacoby, Metts-Childers, Oppenheim, Seiden (6)
NAYS: None (0)
CONSIDERATION AND ACTION ON
THE REPORT AND
RECOMMENDATION OF THE PLAN
COMMISSION ON THE REQUEST FOR
AMENDMENTS TO THE DEERFIELD
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN; TEXT
AMENDMENTS TO THE ZONING
ORDINANCE TO CREATE A NEW
The Plan Commission held a Public Hearing on
April 20, 2023, to consider creating a new C-4
Entertainment and Retail Zoning District that would
be congruent to the boundaries of the proposed TIF
District on Lake Cook Road. The Plan Commission
voted 5-0 in favor of amending the Comprehensive
Plan and adding a Text Amendment to the Zoning
Ordinance to create the C-4 District to facilitate the
ENTERTAINMENT AND RETAIL redevelopment of the subject property with
ZONING DISTRICT SOUTH OF LAKE residential and medical office uses as secondary
COOK ROAD; AND REZONING OF limited uses. If the Village supports the creation of
PROPERTIES LOCATED AT 0, 1411, the new C-4 Entertainment and Retail Zoning
1415, 1417, 1419, 1425, 1435 AND 1445 District, it is recommended the ARC's jurisdiction
LAKE COOK ROAD be expanded to include the C-4 District.
Assistant Village Manager Andrew Lichterman reported this recommendation regarding the
redevelopment of the area will increase the property values and marketability of the property.
He noted there are no specific proposals as this time. Mr. Lichterman gave a PowerPoint
presentation showing the area with the current I-1 Office Zoning. Mr. Lichterman reported the
language for the proposed amendment to the comprehensive plan would add retail, restaurant and
entertainment uses and would replace the undesirable uses to protect the residential uses to the
north. He noted future retail, restaurant and entertainment uses will be carefully and critically
reviewed and evaluated so they do not adversely impact the surrounding residential areas to the
north of Lake Cook Road and the Village as a whole.
Board of Trustees meeting
June 20, 2023
Page 5 of 9
Mr. Lichterman outlined the proposed Special Uses for the C-4 Entertainment and Limited Retail
Business District. He stated large, special event venues with high parking demand are not being
contemplated for this subject area. Mr. Lichterman reported all of the uses in this Zoning
District would be Special Uses and approved as a PUD. He noted the minimum lot size would
be five acres so it is unlikely standalone stores are developed. Trustee Oppenheim noted other
uses could be proposed. Mr. Schuster stated businesses not on the list would require a Text
Amendment and that businesses on the list would need to meet Special Use criteria and
additional consideration.
Staff recommends the Appearance Review Commission's purview be expanded to include the
new C-4 District. Trustee Oppenheim believes the proposed amendment is thorough, detailed,
and complete and that she is very impressed by the Plan Commission and staff s work. Mayor
Pro Tern Berg reiterated Trustee Oppenheim's commendation.
Trustee Oppenheim moved to accept the report and recommendation of the Plan Commission on
the request for Amendments to the Deerfield Comprehensive Plan and a Text Amendment to the
Zoning Ordinance to create a new Entertainment and Retail Zoning District south of Lake Cook
Road; and rezoning of specific properties and direct the Village Attorney to prepare the
Ordinances. Trustee Benton seconded the motion. The motion passed by the following vote:
AYES: Benton, Berg, Jacoby, Metts-Childers, Oppenheim, Seiden (6)
NAYS: None (0)
CONSENT AGENDA
ORDINANCE 0-23-14 GRANTING
RELIEF FROM ARTICLE 2.03-D, (3) &
(5) OF THE DEERFIELD ZONING
ORDINANCE FOR THE PROPERTY
LOCATED AT 855 FAIR OAKS AVE.
TO PERMIT THE CONSTRUCTION OF
A DETACHED TWO CAR GARAGE SIX
FEET FROM THE PRINCIPAL
STRUCTURE IN LIEU OF THE
MINIMUM TEN FEET AND SIDE AND
REAR PROPERTY LINES OF TWO FEET
IN LIEU OF FIVE FEET SPECIFIED IN
THE DEERFIELD ZONING ORDINANCE
An Ordinance granting relief from Article 2.03 -D
(3) & (5) of the Deerfield Zoning Ordinance for
the property located at 855 Fair Oaks Avenue to
permit the construction of a detached two -car
garage six (6) feet from the principal structure in
lieu of the minimum ten (10) feet and side and rear
property lines of two (2) feet in lieu of five (5) feet
specified in the Deerfield Zoning Ordinance.
Trustee Benton moved to accept the Consent Agenda and adopt the Ordinance. Trustee Seiden
seconded the motion. The motion passed by the following vote:
AYES: Benton, Berg, Jacoby, Metts-Childers, Oppenheim, Seiden (6)
NAYS: None (0)
Board of Trustees meeting
June 20, 2023
Page 6 of 9
There was no Old Business.
OLD BUSINESS
NEW BUSINESS
RESOLUTION R-23-28 AWARDING THE Assistant Director of Public Works and
CONTRACT FOR ADA TRANISITION Engineering, Tyler Dickinson, reported all
PLAN municipalities are required to provide adequate
accommodations for those with accessibility
challenges. Mr. Dickinson noted the ADA transition plan is a guideline for managers to follow
when considering budgetary proposals for annual repairs and upgrades, and having a plan is now
a federal requirement.
Mr. Dickinson reported the Village budgeted $100,000 for the preparation of an ADA transition
plan during fiscal year 2023. He stated that if approved, the plan will include an inventory of
current programs and services, a facilities inventory (sidewalks, buildings, signalized
intersections, website review), budget outline, and transition plan development. Mr. Dickinson
reported the intention of the plan is to help realize an annual budgetary allowance that will bring
the Village into compliance within a 10-year period. Mr. Dickinson stated the Engineering
Department selected Kimley-Horn Associates to perform the ADA Transition Plan.
Trustee Seiden moved to approve the Resolution awarding the contract for an ADA Transition
Plan to Kimley-Horn in an amount not to exceed $51,400. Trustee Oppenheim seconded the
motion. The motion passed by the following vote:
AYES: Benton, Berg, Jacoby, Metts-Childers, Oppenheim, Seiden (6)
NAYS: None (0)
RESOLUTION R-23-29 AUTHORIZING Deputy Chief Fry stated the Department is
THE PURCHASE OF TWO NEW POLICE requesting authorization to purchase two (2)
ADMINISTRATIVE VEHICLES 2023 Ford Explorer XLT's from Curry Motors for a
price of $81,800 to replace two older model
administrative vehicles. He reported both vehicles have surpassed their expected lifespan.
Deputy Chief Fry noted the hybrid versions are not available at this time due to high demand.
He also noted the vehicles would have to be outfitted for police administrative use by Havey
Communications at a cost of $4,000 per vehicle.
Trustee Seiden moved to approve a Resolution authorizing the purchase of two 2023 Ford
Explorer XLT's from Curry Motors with Havey outfitting the vehicles for a combined price of
$89,800. Trustee Oppenheim seconded the motion. The motion passed by the following vote:
AYES: Benton, Berg, Jacoby, Metts-Childers, Oppenheim, Seiden (6)
NAYS: None (0)
Board of Trustees meeting
June 20, 2023
Page 7 of 9
RESOLUTION R-23-30 APPROVING AN
Deputy Chief Budny reported the Department is
INDEMNIFICATION AGREEMENT
requesting approval of an indemnification
WITH THE VILLAGE OF
agreement between the Village of Northbrook and
NORTHBROOK REGARDING THE
the Village of Deerfield for the continued
CONTINUED EMPLOYMENT OF A
employment of Telecommunicator Brian Riley. Mr.
PART-TIME EMPLOYEE
Riley has been an employee since 1995. Deputy
Chief Budny noted the Resolution also requests the
Village Manager have the ability authorize an annual extension of the agreement for the next
four (4) years.
Trustee Oppenheim moved to approve the Resolution authorizing an indemnification agreement
between the Villages of Northbrook and Deerfield regarding the continued employment of
Telecommunicator Brian Riley. Trustee Benton seconded the motion. The motion passed by the
following vote:
AYES: Benton, Berg, Jacoby, Metts-Childers, Oppenheim, Seiden (6)
NAYS: None (0)
RESOLUTION R-23-31 AUTHORIZING Director of Information Technology Matt Weiss
AN INTERNET SERVICES CONTRACT reported the Village has contracted with Comcast to
RENEWAL/MODIFICATION provide Internet services for the Village. Mr. Weiss
noted the Village needs to renew terms at this time,
and is also recommending increasing the scope of contracted services to include additional
Internet bandwidth, as well as to add DDoS (distributed denial -of -service) protection features.
Mr. Weiss reported the monthly cost would be $3,002.73 plus applicable taxes and fees.
Trustee Oppenheim moved to approve the Internet Services Contract renewal/modification at the
monthly cost of $3,002.73 plus applicable taxes and fees. Trustee Benton seconded the motion.
The motion passed by the following vote:
AYES: Benton, Berg, Jacoby, Metts-Childers, Oppenheim, Seiden (6)
NAYS: None (0)
DISCUSSION
CITIZENS POLICE ACADEMY UPDATE Trustee Jacoby recently graduated from the
Deerfield Citizens Police Academy, which is an
eight -week training program. She described it as an incredible experience and she is so proud of
the men and women of the Deerfield Police. She encouraged everyone to apply to the program.
Trustee Seiden previously attended CPA and also found it to be a great experience.
BAXTER/BRIDGE STATEMENT Mr. Street read the following statement from Mayor
Shapiro about the Baxter/Bridge proposal:
Board of Trustees meeting
June 20, 2023
Page 8 of 9
"Earlier this month, Bridge Industrial withdrew its petitions to annex, rezone, and develop the
Baxter property. At this time, we are unaware of their future plans, although it has been reported
that they are in discussions with Lake County. It remains uncertain whether they will abandon
their desire to purchase the 102 acres altogether or approach Lake County with revised plans. If
the latter occurs, any zoning or land use process, including potential restrictions, would be
handled by Lake County rather than the Village.
Like any developer, Bridge approached us to express their interest in developing and annexing
the property, which has been owned by Baxter for nearly 50 years. As part of our standard
procedure, we listened to their proposals and gathered relevant information. It is important to
note that meeting with developers is a typical and necessary step in understanding a project.
However, engaging with developers should not be misconstrued as endorsing, supporting, or
approving a project, despite what some may assume. Communicating with developers about the
process and addressing pertinent issues is simply part of our responsibilities as a Village. There
is nothing nefarious about this practice, and suggesting otherwise only leads to unwarranted
suspicions and hampers future development opportunities in our community.
Our Village takes great pride in its outstanding schools, parks, services and dedicated police
force. We are a caring and compassionate community, ensuring the well-being of our children
and elderly residents. We embrace openness, extend a warm welcome to all, and foster a genuine
sense of community. However, during the Bridge development discussions, it was disheartening
to witness instances where innuendo, rumors, and smear campaigns overshadowed thoughtful
public debate and discussion. Passionate and principled arguments should never be sacrificed at
the expense of baseless accusations.
As the process unfolded over the past several months, it became apparent to me that Bridge
struggled to present a compelling case, and their plans raised more questions than answers.
Legitimate concerns emerged regarding traffic, pollution, noise, and alternative uses that had not
been adequately addressed. The hearing process and public participation provided valuable
opportunities for the Plan Commission and the public to ask tough questions, ultimately
highlighting several unresolved issues. Whether you supported, opposed, or remained neutral
towards the proposed development, I appreciate that Village residents and others voiced their
opinions. Engaging in honest debate, free from harsh judgment or incredulity, often leads to
better decision -making.
Looking ahead, I have directed our staff to undertake a thorough review of our processes,
notification policies, requirements, and performance standards for industrial spaces. Just as we
have had past projects and development opportunities in Deerfield, we can expect similar
ventures and exciting changes in the years to come. I eagerly anticipate exploring these
opportunities with future developers, our staff, the Village Board, and the Plan Commission.
Most importantly, I encourage their active participation in the public hearing process, which is a
vital part of our magnificent community."
TRUSTEE IN THE TOWN Trustee Seiden reported Mayor Shapiro and Trustee
Jacoby will be at the Farmers Market this Saturday
from 9:00 a.m. to noon for Trustee in the Town.
Board of Trustees meeting
June 20, 2023
Page 9 of 9
ADJOURNMENT There being no further business or discussion,
Trustee Benton moved to adjourn the meeting.
Trustee Oppenheim seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously on a voice vote. The
meeting was adjourned at 9:12 p.m.
The next regular Board of Trustees meeting is scheduled to take place on Wednesday, July 5,
2023, at 7:30 p.m.
APPROVED:
ayor
ATTEST:
,Village Clerk