04/15/1996April 15, 1996
The regular meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Village of Deerfield was
called to order by Mayor Forrest in the Council Chamber of the Village Hall on
Monday, April 15, 1996, at 8:00 P.M. The Clerk called the roll and announced
that the following were:
Present: Bernard Forrest, Mayor
Marvin W: Ehlers
John H. Heuberger
Harriet E. Rosenthal
Vernon E. Swanson
Absent: Edwin B. Seidman
Michael Swartz
and that a quorum was present and in attendance. Also present were Village
Manager Robert Franz and Attorney James Stucko.
Trustee Ehlers made a motion, seconded by Trustee Rosenthal, to approve the
minutes of the previous meeting. The motion passed unanimously.
BILLS AND PAYROLL Trustee Rosenthal made a motion, seconded by
Trustee Heuberger, to approve the Bills and
Payroll. The motion passed by the following vote:
AYES: Ehlers, Heuberger, Rosenthal, Swanson (4)
NAYS: None (0)
TREASURER'S REPORT Finance Director George Valentine presented
highlights from the March Treasurer's Report.
Sales Tax receipts are up 151/10 for the month and are 9% over the previous twelve
month period. Expenditures are within budget; however, in the Street Department,
snow and ice removal is significantly over projection. As of March 31, 1996,
102.2% of cash was invested at an average interest rate of 5.52 %, which compares
with an average rate of 5.08% for the 90 -day Treasury Bill.
PROCLAMATION- CHILDREN'S BURN Mayor Forrest read a proclamation designating
AWARENESS WEEK April 21 through April 27, 1996 as Children's
Burn Awareness Week in Deerfield, and he urged
all residents to give individual attention to the causes and prevention of burns
to children. Trustee Swanson made a motion to accept the proclamation. Trustee
Heuberger seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. Bob Speckmann
accepted the proclamation on behalf of the Kiwanis Club.
Mayor Forrest noted that this is also
International Building Safety Week.
REPORT ON DEPARTMENTAL OBJECTIVES, George Valentine presented highlights from the
FINANCE DEPARTMENT Report on Departmental Objectives for the
Finance Department. These included:
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(1) The Village received the Government Finance Officers Certificate of
Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for the year ending April 30,
1995 and the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for the fiscal year May 1,
1995 -April 30, 1996.
(2) The annual budget is being presented to the Board tonight.
(3) The Tax Levy Ordinance was passed December 18, 1995.
(4) The Finance Department has been successful in its objective of investing
97.5% of available funds at a rate equal to the 90 -day Treasury Note.
(5) Upcoming projects include issuance of vehicle stickers and the annual audit.
The department will also be adjusting to the retirement of two employees and
training of a new one.
PUBLIC HEARING ON 1996 -97 ANNUAL Trustee Ehlers made a motion, seconded by
BUDGET Trustee Rosenthal, to open the Public Hearing
on the 1996 -1997 Annual Budget. The motion
passed unanimously.
Mayor Forrest read the Budget Message which is
attached and made part of these Minutes, and Mr. Valentine made some general
comments about the budget.
There being no public comment, Trustee
Rosenthal made a motion to close the Public Hearing. Trustee Heuberger seconded
the motion. The motion passed unanimously. The budget is available for viewing
at the Deerfield Public Library and at Village Hall.
ORDINANCE 0 -96 -17 APPROVING An ordinance approving the Village of Deerfield
ANNUAL BUDGET Annual Budget for the 1996 -1997 fiscal year.
First Reading.
Trustee Rosenthal made a motion for a waiver of
the rules to permit the ordinance to be passed on First Reading. Trustee
Heuberger seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. .
Trustee Rosenthal made a motion to adopt the
ordinance. Trustee Heuberger seconded the motion. The motion passed by the
following vote:
AYES: Ehlers, Heuberger, Rosenthal, Swanson (4)
NAYS: None (0)
ORDINANCE 0 -96 -18 APPROVING An ordinance amending the wage and salary plan
WAGE AND SALARY PLAN and establishing the compensation of officers
and employees for fiscal year 1996 -1997. First
Reading.
Trustee Rosenthal made a motion for a waiver of
the rules to permit the ordinance to be passed on First Reading. Trustee
Heuberger seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
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Trustee Heuberger made a motion to adopt the ordinance. Trustee
Swanson seconded the motion. The motion passed by the following vote:
AYES: Ehlers, Heuberger, Rosenthal, Swanson (4)
NAYS: None (0)
REPORTS
REPORT AND RECOMMENDATION OF THE At their meeting of March 14, 1996, the Plan
PLAN COMMISSION RE REQUEST FOR Commission combined three public hearings for
AMENDMENT TO A SPECIAL USE AND A telecommunications installations into one joint
UNIQUE USE /SPECIAL USE TO PERMIT hearing, as the subject matter of the petitions
INSTALLATION OF TELECOMMUNICATION was essentially identical. PCS PrimeCo
FACILITIES AT: (1) THE 520 LAKE presented requests for two locations - 520 Lake
COOK RD OFFICE BLDG - PCS PRIMECO Cook Road (Matas), and the Marriott Suites
AND MATAS CORP; (2) THE MARRIOTT Hotel at Parkway North. AT &T Wireless Service
SUITES HOTEL - PCS PRIMECO AND requested one location - 540 Lake Cook Road
2 PARKWAY NORTH; AND (3) 540 LAKE (Matas). The petitioners are requesting
COOK RD - AT &T WIRELESS AND MATAS permission to install unmanned personal
CORPORATION communications services (PCS) antennas on the
rooftops of the facilities. The Plan
Commission voted in favor of all three requests.
Mayor Forrest reported that the Village is
concerned about the high number of requests being received for telecommunications
installations and fears that the Board does not have adequate knowledge to make
informed decisions. He recommended that these three requests be turned over to
the Cable and Telecommunications Commission for review. He further suggested
that the Village declare a moratorium on any new applications until the CTC has
made a report.
James Rogers was in attendance to represent PCS
PrimeCo and Richard Riley was in attendance to represent AT &T Wireless Services.
Mr. Rogers stated that he believes the licenses issued to PCS Primeco and to AT &T
Wireless are the only two licenses to be issued in this geographic area. He
further explained that the two sites being requested by PCS PrimeCo are the only
two that they will ever require to service Deerfield. Mr. Riley discussed the
rapid growth of the PCS industry and emphasized the importance of getting started
quickly with the installation of the antennas. Their goal is to have a system in
operation by the end of this year. Trustee Ehlers, who is Board liaison to the
Cable and Telecommunications Commission, invited both petitioners to attend the
CTC meeting on Wednesday, April 17. Both petitioners indicated that they will
attend.
Trustee Heuberger made a motion, seconded by
Trustee Rosenthal, to declare a moratorium on any new telecommunications
applications and to refer the current three applications to the Cable and
Telecommunications Commission for review. The motion passed unanimously.
Trustee Heuberger further moved to table discussion of the three petitions,
pending results of the CTC deliberation. Trustee Rosenthal seconded the motion.
That motion also passed unanimously.
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CONSENT AGENDA
ORDINANCE AMENDING SPECIAL USE An ordinance permitting the construction of
TO PERMIT CONSTRUCTION OF an additional parking lot /parent drop -off and
ADDITIONAL PARKING AREAS AT SOUTH pick -up area at South Park School, south of the
PARK SCHOOL, SCHOOL DISTRICT 109 Birchwood Avenue parking lot. First Reading.
ORDINANCE AMENDING THE MUNICIPAL An ordinance amending Sections 22 -46 and 22-
CODE RE TRAFFIC RESTRICTIONS IN 166 of Article 21 of Chapter 22 of the
SOUTH PARK SCHOOL AREA Municipal Code regarding traffic restrictions
in the South Park School area. First Reading.
ORDINANCE 0 -96 -19 AMENDING An ordinance amending the signage plan of the
SIGNAGE PLAN, DEERFIELD COMMONS Deerfield Commons Shopping Center. Second
Reading.
.. Trustee Rosenthal made a.motion to adopt the
Consent Agenda and to pass the ordinance. Trustee Heuberger seconded the motion.
The motion passed by the following vote:
AYES: Ehlers, Heuberger, Rosenthal, Swanson (4)
NAYS: None (0)
OLD BUSINESS
DISCUSSION RE PROPOSAL FOR BERM Optima is requesting permission to increase
ALONG WAUKEGAN ROAD. OPTIMA the height and length of the Coromandel berm
along Waukegan Road. The final development
plan calls for a maximum berm height of six feet. Optima wishes to increase this
to a maximum height of eight feet. Optima has submitted revised grading and
landscaping plans for Village review.
T. J. Lenick was in attendance to discuss
Optima's proposal. Mr. Lenick explained that the early onset of winter is the
reason why the final grading of the berm was not completed in the fall, and is
why the sidewalk has been messy. A low spot in the sidewalk also needs to be
raised. He explained that the request for a higher berm is in response to
residents' desire for additional screening from automobile noise and headlights.
A lengthy discussion followed regarding the
fate of the trees which are already on the berm, moving the berm to the west to
meet the IDOT required 10' right -of -way, raising of the low spot in the sidewalk,
the change in proposed plantings from grass to wildflowers, and the desire of
Board members to incorporate Coromandel into the community rather than screen it
from view.
Trustee Rosenthal made a motion to stay with
the original plan which calls for an undulating berm of not more than.6' in
height. Trustee Heuberger seconded the motion. Mr. Lenick asked if the berm
length may be extended in length if the height is kept consistent with the
original plan. After discussion, Board members indicated they need to see a
rendering of the newest berm and landscaping proposal before making a
determination about it. Mr. Franz pointed out that if a decision cannot be
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reached quickly, Optima may miss the seeding season. It was decided that Optima
will proceed where possible and will provide the needed grass /wildflower
information to staff for review.
NEW BUSINESS
AUTHORIZATION TO REJECT ALL BIDS Mr. Soyka reported that three bids were
FOR SALT STORAGE IMPROVEMENTS received for the Salt Storage Improvement.
AND TO REBID IN 1997 The Engineer's estimate for the project was
$160,000. The lowest bid was $230,000 from
Edward Lin Associates. Mr. Soyka recommends that all bids be rejected. The
project should be modified to simplify materials and construction and then rebid
in January 1997.
Trustee Heuberger made a motion to reject all
bids and to authorize rebidding in January 1997. Trustee Ehlers seconded the
motion. The motion passed by the following vote:
AYES: Ehlers, Heuberger, Rosenthal, Swanson (4)
NAYS: None (0)
ACCEPTANCE OF ASPEN WAY II
SUBDIVISION IMPROVEMENTS
respective departments and
specifications. It is the
Engineering that the subdi•
the 10% retainage during a
Aspen Way II improvements.
passed unanimously.
Miller Builders has completed the improvements
for the Aspen Way II Subdivision. All of the
improvements have been inspected by the
are in conformance with the approved plans and
recommendation of the Director of Public Works and
✓ision improvements be accepted. The Village will :keep
one year warranty period.
Trustee Rosenthal made a motion to accept the
Trustee Heuberger seconded the motion. The motion
AUTHORIZATION TO EXTEND CONTRACT Schroeder & Schroeder, who currently has the
WITH SCHROEDER & SCHROEDER FOR contract with the Village for sidewalk and curb
SIDEWALK AND CURB REPLACEMENT removal and replacement, has agreed to extend
the contract for an additional year with a 3.1'
decrease in unit prices. The price for sidewalk would be $2.58 /square foot and
curb would be $11.60 /lineal foot. Schroeder and Schroeder has worked well with
the Village since the contract was originally awarded in 1991, and Mr. Soyka
recommends that their offer be accepted.
Trustee Ehlers made a motion to extend the
Schroeder & Schroeder contract for an additional year at a cost for sidewalk of
$2.58 /square foot and a cost for curb of $11.60 /lineal foot. Trustee Heuberger
seconded the motion. The motion passed by the following vote:
AYES: Ehlers, Heuberger, Rosenthal, Swanson (4)
NAYS: None (0)
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DISCUSSION
DELAY IN LAKE COOK ROAD PROJECT Mayor Forrest reported that the Lake Cook Road
project has a revised completion date of
Spring, 1997, three to six months beyond the original anticipated completion date
of December. Mayor Forrest has written a letter requesting reasons for the delay
and urging that the project be completed as quickly as possible.
ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to discuss,
Trustee Rosenthal made a motion to adjourn the
meeting. Trustee Ehlers seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:30 P.M.
ATTEST:
Lo- Village Cler
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APPROVED:
Mayor
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BUDGET MESSAGE
I am pleased to present, on behalf of the Board and staff, Deerfield's Budget and Capital Improvement Program for fiscal year
1996 -97. This document is designed to provide a comprehensive financial framework for all Village activities during the next
twelve months. As in previous years, the operating budget is planned over a three year period, while the capital budget consists
of a five year planning schedule.
The Villa &e's combined total budget is $16,482,665. This represents a 13% decrease from the current budget due primarily to a
reduction in capital improvements that were completed in 1995 for which funds had been accumulated over previous years. That
is the good news! The bad news is that, even with these reductions, it is nearly impossible to write a budget message that will
keep everyone awake.
There will be no increase in personnel, nor any major changes in basic operations or service levels. To remain competitive in the
municipal market, there will be 3.5% increase in the employee salary plan. Municipal government is very labor intensive as
evidenced by the fact that 52% of our total operating expenditures is for personnel. Our greatest asset, however, is the work force
that delivers services in a cost effective and efficient manner.
As part of our objectives for the next fiscal year, staff has been directed to investigate the possibility of a special census.- It is
believed that our population has increased since 1990 and, therefore, the Village could benefit from the State shared taxes that are
allocated on a per capita basis.
This 1996 -97 budget will continue the Senior Subsidy Housing Program and the combined effort with the Deerfield Park District
to provide basic services essential to our seniors. An amount of $15,000 will be contributed, on a one -time basis, to the Deerfield
Historical Society to assist them in restoration of the Casper Ott Cabin in the Historic Village. This contribution will come from
extra earnings in our sales tax funds. I hope that the public and larger businesses in town will also contribute to this worthwhile
effort.
I am very pleased to report that for the fifth consecutive year the Village will again reduce its share of the real estate tax bill.
Although we receive less than 8% of property taxes paid, it reflects our acute awareness of the public's concern over escalating
real estate taxes. Developing alternative revenue sources and decreasing our dependence on property tax dollars has been, and
continues to remain, a high priority of the Village Board. Moreover, we are pleased to have avoided many of the taxes imposed
by neighboring communities such as: a Utility Tax, Real Estate Transfer Tax or Home Rule Sales Tax.
And, for the sixth consecutive year, the Village has released surplus funds from the Lake Cook Tax Increment Financing District.
The amount distributed to local government agencies this past year was $6.7 million, bringing to $39 million the total reallocated
over the last six years. Although the Village Center TIF District has not fared as well, we are encouraged by the renewed interest
in redevelopment that has been expressed by developers in recent months. I feel confident that, within the next fiscal year, there
will be substantial progress made in establishing the public /private sector partnership so critical to the future of our Village Center.
There will be no increase in utility rates or in fees charged by the Village. In fact, the Village is in the first year of a five year
scavenger contract that reduces the monthly scavenger service by as much as 50 %. This decrease will be offset to some degree
by the increased cost of yard waste disposal for those choosing to avail themselves of this service.
Decisions must soon be made, however, on water system improvements consisting of an additional transmission line from Highland
Park, additional reservoir capacity at the north end of the Village and water main extensions to improve the water pressure on the
west side of the community. These projects have been on hold waiting for the results of a study by Highland Park of their water
distribution system. When finished, the improvements will complete the water system for a fully- developed Deerfield and only
replacement costs should be needed from that point forward.
After several years of large capital projects, this summer should be relatively quiet, with few construction projects scheduled. The
Street Resurfacing Program will be continued, and major sidewalk improvements will be completed, under a State grant, in the
area of the new Lake Cook Road train station. Although not a project controlled by the Village, the community must brace itself
for still another year of inconvenience caused by the Cook County Highway Department underpass project.
The Village has earned a very favorable AA+ bond rating, an accomplishment shared by less than 1% of all municipalities.
Deerfield's total outstanding net General Obligation Debt of $10,222,000, payable from property tames, is 1.7% of its assessed
valuation of $600,000,000. Considering that non -Home Rule communities are allowed a ratio of 8.6/0, the Village, as a Home
Rule community, can be very proud of its low debt service obligations.
Developing the annual budget is a meticulous and thorough project and one which the Village Board and I take very seriously.
As taxpayers ourselves, we share your concern to hold the line on tares, but without sacrificing the quality of services rendered.
In performing our jobs, we are grateful for the support of the many volunteers who serve on various boards and commissions and
whose input is extremely valuable to our decision - making. Through this concerted effort, we will maintain our tradition as a
community that is cost conscious in its spending but very responsive to and responsible for the service needs of its citizens.
BERNARD I?ORREST
Mayor
April 15, 1996