Loading...
09/08/2009September 8, 2009 The regular meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Village of Deerfield was called to order by Mayor Harriet Rosenthal in the Council Chambers of the Village Hall on Monday, September 8, 2009 at 7:31 p.m. The Clerk called the roll and announced that the following were: Present: Harriet Rosenthal, Mayor Robert Benton Alan Farkas Thomas Jester Mary Oppenheim William Seiden Barbara Struthers and that a quorum was present and in attendance. Also present were Village Attorney Peter Coblentz and Kent Street, Village Manager. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Laurie Tait and Karen Larson (daughters of John Willman) led those in attendance in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance. PROCLAMATION Mayor Rosenthal welcomed John and Phyllis Willman along with their family and friends to the meeting. She mentioned that many residents have been honored in Deerfield and Mr. Willman is right up there with the best. The Willman family came to Deerfield in 1848 and John Willman grew up in a home that was built in the 1890s. He left Deerfield to go into the US Navy then came back to Deerfield. He was appointed to the Cemetery Commission in Deerfield and has become the foremost historical representative in the Village. Mr. Willman convinced the Board to make improvements to the historic Deerfield cemetery including upgrading to the wrought iron fence and was instrumental in many other projects in the Village. John Sanner from the Cable and Telecommunications Commission and Larry Dondanville presented a video tribute highlighting Mr. Willman's accomplishments in the Village. Julie Morrison, Township Supervisor, thanked Mr. Willman on behalf of West Deerfield Township and presented a certificate of appreciation and historic documents related to his family's properties. Mayor Rosenthal noted Mr. Willman was a lifelong resident of Deerfield for more than 86 years. She read a Proclamation recognizing and honoring Mr. Willman for his many outstanding contributions and lifetime of dedicated, volunteer service. Trustee Seiden made a motion to accept the Proclamation. Trustee Jester seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. Mayor Rosenthal presented a sign that will be erected in the triangle at Journal Court and Hazel Avenue that reads, "Willman Place dedicated to John Willman, Deerfield Historian, 2009 ". Board of Trustees Meeting September 8, 2009 Page 2 of 5 Mr. Willman thanked the Board and everyone present. He stated it was a lot of fun working with the cemetery and finding pictures of the past mayors. On behalf of her father and their family. Mr. Willman's daughter, Laurie Tait, thanked everyone for dedicating the historical area in Deerfield to her father. The Willman Family, residents, the Mayor and Board of Trustees took a short break to honor Mr. Willman. CONGRATULATIONS Trustee Seiden and the Board congratulated Rich Kramer, Computer Systems Coordinator on receiving his Master's degree. MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING Trustee Farkas made a motion to approve the minutes from the August 17, 2009 Board of Trustees meeting. Trustee Struthers seconded the motion, noting a minor correction was reported to the Recording Secretary. The motion passed unanimously, with Trustee Jester abstaining. BILLS AND PAYROLL Trustee Farkas made a motion to accept the Bills and Payroll dated September 8, 2009. Trustee Struthers seconded the motion. Trustee Oppenheim noted there was a line item for TruGreen ChemLawn and questioned where this fertilization occurs and if organic products were utilized. Director of Public Works and Engineering Barb Little responded that there were some parkways in Deerfield that are prone to weedy growth. They utilize various contractors and limit the use of toxic chemicals. The motion passed by the following vote: AYES: Benton, Farkas, Jester, Oppenheim, Seiden, Struthers (6) NAYS: None (0) PUBLIC COMMENT Aaron Eisenberg, 1010 Warrington, mentioned he, his wife Leora and their three children recently relocated to Deerfield. They are currently renting close to Deer Spring Park. Mr. Eisenberg mentioned they closed on the property at 1010 Warrington on August 17, 2009 and has been working with a local builder to design a house. At closing, they did a title search and survey and both were clean. An engineer informed them that there was a sanitary sewer through the middle of their property and not along the edge as indicated on the Village's atlas maps. They cannot build their preferred house on the property unless the line gets moved. The builder has advised them that they could not break ground unless the issue was resolved within six to eight weeks, because of the construction season. Mr. Eisenberg wanted to advise the Board and hopes there can be some resolution within the next few weeks. Trustee Farkas asked if the petitioner purchased title insurance. Mr. Eisenberg mentioned he had purchased title insurance and did have a real estate attorney. Trustee Farkas questioned whether the petitioner obtained a cost estimate on moving the sewer. Mr. Eisenberg indicated he had not. Mayor Rosenthal mentioned the Board was happy the Eisenberg's chose to live in Deerfield and hopes a solution could be worked out. Board of Trustees Meeting September 8, 2009 Page 3 of 5 Mayor Rosenthal asked the Village Attorney for his view of the matter. Mr. Coblentz noted he was made aware of the situation last week. He had a conference call with the builder, Mr. Eisenberg's attorney, the Village Engineer, Public Works and Mr. Eisenberg. He questioned who would be responsible for the cost if the sewer were moved. Mr. Coblentz explained the Village's position is that the sewer has been there for more than 50 years, but it is not in the location the Village expected. Mr. Coblentz assured the Board that this is a priority with him and the Village staff. They need to determine the Village's responsibility in the situation and are working as expeditiously as possible to come up with a resolution. Trustee Farkas asked if anyone has put an estimate on the cost. Ms. Little mentioned she has not put any numbers to it. Trustee Jester noted the sewage line was 17 feet down and questioned whether the petitioner could build their basement eight or nine feet down. The concern of access for future repairs was raised. Oscar Adler, 59 Eastwood, mentioned that State Representative Karen May was his guest on Adler's Alley this month. She will provide updates on legislative issues and discuss what it is like working with the new governor. The program will air on Wednesdays at 2:30 and Thursdays at 6:30 on channel 19. It will also air on Tuesdays at 6:30 on channel 10. Mr. Adler mentioned there would be a job seeker's workshop on September 26, 2009 at the Deerfield Library from 10:00 until 12:30. He mentioned the title is, "Learn to Shine when your Career is on the line ". The workshop is based on his book, "Sell Yourself in Any Interview ". There were no Reports. There was no Consent Agenda. There was no Old Business. REPORTS CONSENT AGENDA OLD BUSINESS NEW BUSINESS AWARD OF CONTRACT FOR WASTEWATER Ms. Little reported that at the July 22, RECLAMATION FACILITY 2009 Committee of the Whole meeting, CONSTRUCTABILITY REVIEW constructability analysis for the Wastewater Reclamation Facility was discussed. The Wastewater Reclamation Facility will benefit from having a review. Ms. Little mentioned she sent out RFP's to six firms and received one response. The other firms were contacted and they advised they were unable to respond due to the high volume of federal stimulus projects being pursued. Ms. Little noted the Village was currently working with Keno and Sons on the Eastside Lift Station project and the president of Keno and Sons was instrumental in providing positive Board of Trustees Meeting September 8, 2009 Page 4 of 5 input into the construction even before receiving the bid. She recommends the Board award the constructability review contract to Keno and Sons in an amount not to exceed $10,800. Trustee Oppenheim noted this project was much more complex than the Eastside Lift Station project and wanted to be certain that Village Staff and Strand Consultants were confident the Village would receive good input on a project of this size. Ms. Little restated that the Village was comfortable using Keno and Sons and Vern Witthuhn from Strand Associates confirmed they have worked with Keno and Sons on a number of complex projects and recommends they be awarded the project as well. Trustee Jester mentioned there was nothing in the packet indicating the scope of work. He questioned what the output would be. Mr. Witthuhn reported the Village would receive a written report indicating suggestions which would be more detailed than the RFP. Trustee Jester made a motion to award the constructability review contract to Keno and Sons in an amount not to exceed $10,800. Trustee Oppenheim seconded the motion. The motion passed by the following vote: AYES: Benton, Farkas, Jester, Oppenheim, Seiden, Struthers (6) NAYS: None (0) AUTHORIZATION FOR MAYOR TO SIGN Finance Director Robert Fialkowski reported COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENT the contract negotiation with the FOP went WITH THE ILLINOIS FRATERNAL ORDER into binding arbitration on four items. Three OF POLICE LABOR COUNCIL FOR 2007 -08 of the items were language matters with AND 2008 -09 economic ramifications, including: career development, health insurance and discipline. The other item was wages for the two -year period. The arbitrator sided with the Village on the first three items and the Union for the wage requests of 4% and 4% respectively. Trustee Farkas made a motion to authorize the Mayor to sign a collective bargaining agreement with the Illinois Fraternal Order of Police Labor Council for 2007 -08 and 2008 -09. Trustee Oppenheim seconded the motion. The motion passed by the following vote: . AYES: Benton, Farkas, Jester, Oppenheim, Seiden, Struthers (6) NAYS: None (0) DISCUSSION THANK YOU Mayor Rosenthal thanked Chief Sliozis, the Deerfield Police Department and NIPAS for handling the delicate situation that occurred this week. They all showed outstanding professionalism and concern for the community. VIDEO POKER Trustee Farkas noted there has been a Board of Trustees Meeting September 8, 2009 Page 5 of 5 lot of talk about video poker. He understands the Village is in process of drafting an Ordinance, but would like to have it ready for the next Board of Trustees meeting. Trustee Farkas mentioned they are expecting regulations to come down soon and believes that if the State acts quicker than the Village, video poker could be grandfathered for some properties, if they meet the State criteria and file with the State before the Village has an Ordinance in place. As previously discussed, Village Attorney Coblentz will prepare an ordinance for consideration. HOUSEHOLD ELECTRONICS COLLECTION Mayor Rosenthal reported that there would be a SWALCO household electronics collection on Saturday, September 12, 2009 from 9 to noon. COMMUNITY SERVICES DAY Mayor Rosenthal also reported that Community Services Day will be held at Brickyard Park Saturday September 12, 2009 from noon 4 and Trustee Struthers added that the Rotary Club will have a dunk tank. FALL FESTIVAL Mayor Rosenthal added the Deerfield Historical Society Fall Festival would take place on September 13, 2009 from 12 — 4 at Kipling' School. Pictures from Deerfield would be on display and residents can tour old homes in Deerfield. MUD FEST Mud Fest will take place on September 13, 2009 from 12 — 4 at Jewett Park. FARMER'S MARKET The Farmer's Market will take place on Saturday, September 12, 2009 from 7:00 am until noon. Mayor Rosenthal encouraged everyone to enjoy the Deerfield events over the weekend. EXECUTIVE SESSION Trustee Struthers made a motion to go into Executive Session to discuss possible litigation. Trustee Farkas seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to discuss, the meeting was adjourned at 9:02 p.m. APPROVED: Mayo ATTEST: Village Clerk