08/28/2023
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COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE – Meeting Minutes
August 28, 2023
The Village Board met as a Committee of the Whole in the Council Chambers of the Village
Hall at 3 p.m. on Monday, August 28, 2023. 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 Brian Budny, Deputy Chief of Police
Mary Oppenheim, Trustee John Sliozis, Police Chief
Bill Seiden, Trustee Justin Keenan, Asst. to the Village Manager
Eric Burk, Finance Director
David Fitzgerald-Sullivan, Comm. Coord.
Desiree Van Thorre, Admin Services Coord.
Robert Phillips, Dir. of PW and Eng.
Tyler Dickinson, Asst. Dir. of PW and Eng.
Ryan Oates, PW Analyst
Daniel Van Dusen, Deputy Clerk
Public Comment
There were no public comments on non-agenda items.
Business
1. Discussion of Residential Regulations
Andrew Lichterman, Assistant Village Manager/Director Community Development, noted this
issue is related to a specific complaint. He outlined the history of Village lighting regulations.
Ms. Crane stated that her neighbors’ light is obtrusive and shines into her house and yard. It has
motion sensors and goes on and off at all hours.
Lisa Kamen, a 31-year resident, is living in her fourth house in Deerfield. She stated that she has
motion detection lights in her back yard for safety. She stated that the light shines for 90 seconds
and that she has adjusted the sensitivity. She believes one security light is not too much to have
and that the light goes on at night when she walks her dog. She stated she relies on it for safety.
She noted that she has adjusted the light’s angle and changed the settings and also replaced the
fence along the property line to be higher. She noted that the Crane’s home is situated higher
than hers and that she advised them to get curtains.
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Mayor Shapiro noted that he knows the Kamen family. He stated that the Village Board does not
like getting involved in neighborly disputes and encouraged both parties to work out a solution
between themselves.
Trustee Seiden wanted to ensure that the light does not spill over the lot line. Mr. Lichterman
noted that there is no light trespass, but there is a glare. Trustee Oppenheim noted that the Plan
Commission often asks about light trespass issues. Mr. Lichterman noted the Village regulates
light trespass on commercial properties, but not at residential properties.
Trustee Jacoby stated she agreed with staff’s recommendation regarding light shielding. Mayor
Shapiro stated there are a large number of details in lighting regulations and noted it is difficult
to enforce. Trustee Benton stated there should be a point of contact at the Village to help mediate
light issues. Trustee Berg noted that a lighting standard would be difficult to define and that it
could complicate matters further. Trustee Oppenheim stated that the glare imposes on the
neighbor and would also bother her. There was discussion about light shields to reduce the glare.
Mayor Shapiro asked staff to work with the residents to help them find an amicable solution
together.
Ms. Kamen stated she thinks she can work with her neighbors and continue dialogue to find a
solution.
2. Discussion of 2024 Capital Improvement Program
Director of Public Works and Engineering Bob Phillips introduced the 2024 Capital
Improvement Program. Mayor Shapiro noted that there is no new debt issue proposed. Assistant
Director of Public Works and Engineering Tyler Dickinson reviewed the spreadsheet provided to
the Mayor and Board.
Trustee Oppenheim inquired if the Meadowbrook and Ramsay HOA would be ready to pave
following the planned water main installation. Mr. Dickinson reported that the HOA is ready.
Mayor Shapiro inquired about the Hazel Avenue project funding. Mr. Phillips said it may qualify
for federal grant funding in the future.
Mayor Shapiro asked if there was interest in changing the funding level for the Business Façade
Reimbursement Program. Trustee Oppenheim suggested keeping it the same for the next year
and, if it runs out, look at increasing it at that time.
Trustee Seiden noted that he does not like to borrow money to complete capital projects and that
the debt is coming due. Mayor Shapiro noted this year’s program does not include new bonds
and that funding comes from outside sources and the infrastructure replacement fund.
Mayor Shapiro asked if there is an increase anticipated in the tax levy. Finance Director Eric
Burk noted it is projected to be 4%.
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Mayor Shapiro noted that Public Works does a good job of long-term planning and alerting the
Mayor and Board to future expenses.
3. Discussion of Village Vehicle Sticker Program
Mr. Burk reviewed the memo regarding the Village vehicle sticker costs and revenues. Mayor
Shapiro noted the revenue from the stickers is down. Trustee Berg asked what staff attributes the
loss to. Mr. Burk stated it is unclear. Staff paused late notices do to Covid-19 and are working
hard to find scofflaws. Trustee Oppenheim noted that enforcement of the program is also costly.
Trustee Seiden stated that it is not worth making changes now. Trustee Oppenheim noted that it
is a nominal fee. Mayor Shapiro stated there seems to be agreement to continue with the status
quo.
4. Discussion of Board of Trustees Phone Numbers
Mr. Lichterman reported that the Mayor and Trustees can get a Village issued phone number and
have their voicemails forwarded to their Village e-mail address. Those interested should let him
know.
5. Discussion of Funding Request by Faith in Action
Mr. Street outlined the recent funding request from Faith In Action. Trustee Benton inquired
what funding other communities are providing. Trustee Seiden stated, according to the data
provided, it looks like other communities are paying part of Deerfield’s share. Trustee
Oppenheim noted that she has volunteered for Faith In Action in the past and that they do a lot of
good in the community. She would like to see a presentation from them on the request. Trustee
Benton noted that there is some overlap of programs provided by the Village and West Deerfield
Township. Mayor Shapiro stated there are multiple private and non-profit groups that have good
causes that could ask for assistance in the future and expressed concern over setting precedent.
Adjournment:
There being no further business or discussion, Trustee Jacoby moved to adjourn the meeting.
Trustee Oppenheim seconded the motion. The motion passed by unanimous voice vote.
The meeting was adjourned at 4:50 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
David Fitzgerald-Sullivan
Communications Coordinator