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February 16, 2010
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 Tuesday February 16,
2010 at 7:30 p.m. The Clerk called the roll and announced that the following were:
Present: Harriet Rosenthal, Mayor
Thomas Jester
Mary Oppenheim
William Seiden
Barbara Struthers
Absent: Robert Benton
Alan Farkas
and that a quorum was present and in attendance. Also present were Village Attorney Peter
Coblentz and Kent Street, Village Manager.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Pledge of Allegiance.
DOCUMENT APPROVAL
Chris Foltz, Chairman of the Community Relations
Commission led those in attendance in reciting the
Trustee Oppenheim made a motion to approve the
minutes from the February 1, 2010 Board of Trustees
meeting. Trustee Seiden seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously, with Trustee
Struthers abstaining.
BILLS AND PAYROLL
Trustee Struthers made a motion to approve the
Bills and Payroll dated February 16, 2010. Trustee
Seiden seconded the motion. The motion passed motion passed by the following vote:
AYES: Jester, Oppenheim, Seiden, Struthers (4)
NAYS: None (0)
TREASURER'S REPORT Bob Fialkowski presented highlights from the
Treasurer's Report through January 31, 2010
representing 75 percent of the fiscal year. Mr. Fialkowski explained there was a glimmer of hope
with the sales tax because there was growth in the October 2009 sales tax when compared to the
same month last year. He stated this was the first time in more than one year where there was a
positive number in sales tax revenues. Mr. Fialkowski noted February would- have a number of
payouts including the Police Pension and TIF payments. As winter calms down, the Village will
not be spending a lot on salt or overtime expenses. Mr. Fialkowski stated there was nothing else
unusual in this month's report.
REPORT ON DEPARTMENTAL Chief Sliozis presented highlights from his annual
OBJECTIVES — POLICE DEPARTMENT report including traffic enforcement. He explained
that vehicular accidents in the most common locations
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February 16, 2010
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have been reduced by 17 percent since 2008. Injury accidents were reduced by 15 percent and
overall crashes decreased by 14 percent. Chief Sliozis noted there was a downward trend in
accidents over the past few years. He noted that rear end collisions represented nearly half of the
collisions and were primarily due to driver distraction. He reported that criminal statistics remain
fairly consistent. Index (serious) crimes were down from 243 to 194 due to a reduction in the
number of thefts. He noted this was cyclical and last year's number was up.
Chief Sliozis noted other accomplishments, such as the simulated shooting training at Shepard
Middle School. The police and fire departments worked together and gained a lot of training and
education.
Chief Sliozis stated the department is working on developing a format for a citizen's satisfaction
survey. They currently perform the survey every three years but are looking to step that up by
doing random monthly surveys. They are also in the midst of revising parking fines and working
with Village Attorney Peter Coblentz in adjusting the Ordinance. Chief Sliozis noted that parking
fines have not been evaluated since 1979.
Chief Sliozis stated the department recently received recognition from the Special Olympics of
Illinois as one of the top 31 fundraising departments in the State. The department raised over
$10,000 this past year. The department also received the Michael Shanahan award in 2009. The
department also made an arrest in March, with the Special Crimes Unit, for a 2007 homicide.
Trustee Struthers referred to the hang up and non - emergency 911 calls and noticed some of the calls
were from consistent addresses. Chief Sliozis explained he was working with those businesses to
change the number for getting an outside line from nine to eight. He noted that some communities
handle false 911 calls similar to alarms, where there are charges for multiple calls. Trustee
Oppenheim noted that this type of call is a significant drain on Village resources. Trustee Struthers
noted some domestic abuse calls come from the same address as hang -up 911 calls. Chief Sliozis
explained the department has the benefit of an active and excellent social services department and
the division is available to those families and family members involved in a crime. The division
reaches out to all victims of domestic violence. Mayor Rosenthal expressed concern about the effect
the economy can have on domestic situations.
Mayor Rosenthal explained the department has a three minute average response time to
emergencies, which is key to keeping Deerfield a safe community. Mayor Rosenthal noted that
residents have expressed concern about the well -being of homeless people in Deerfield. Chief
Sliozis explained the Village has offered to help those people, but help is not always accepted.
Mayor Rosenthal stated there was a television expose on some of the parties going on in Deerfield
and other suburbs where kids are abusing prescription drugs. Chief Sliozis explained it is
happening in Deerfield, but no more or less than surrounding communities. The school took a
proactive approach by educating parents on the problem. Highland Park has also started a program
about the disposal of medications.
Mayor Rosenthal discussed last week's bomb threat at Deerfield High School. She said it was nice
to see the students understand what they needed to do. She felt the police presence was very
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February 16, 2010
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important and thanked the force for their professionalism and for making the students feel
comfortable. Trustee Oppenheim believes it is important to let students know about the punishment
for this type of offense.
PUBLIC COMMENT There was no Public Comment.
REPORTS
REPORT AND RECOMMENDATION Village Manager Kent Street explained that when
REGARDING COMMUNITY Chris Foltz was appointed to the Community
RELATIONS COMMISSION MISSION Relations Commission as Chairman last year, the
STATEMENT
revision.
Commission conducted a review of their mission
and objectives and have put together a suggested
Mr. Foltz explained the Commission is comprised of a great team of people with different
backgrounds and views. The Commission has the same goal for itself as the Board has; they want
to serve as a conduit to the Community. The Municipal Code, however, needs to be revised. The
Commission believes they need to focus on a broader scope, rather than focusing on just one faction
of Deerfield. One of their first initiatives will be to work with the Township on a marketing
brochure for senior citizens.
Trustee Oppenheim noted that the existing Ordinance has eight points. She agrees with the new,
concise format that gives the Commission more flexibility but believes there are two points in the
existing Ordinance that are not explained in the new proposal. The first is educational and
informational programs. Ch. Foltz explained the Commission will serve as a conduit to support the
organizations that run programs, and that education will remain an important responsibility for the
Commission. The second point was awarding village assistance to seniors. Mr. Street explained
the Commission backed away from evaluating particular senior citizen requests for assistance.
There is a criterion, but the Commission did not believe it should be a public discussion. Trustee
Oppenheim wanted to inform residents that the services are still available.
Trustee Jester made a motion to accept the report and recommendation of the Community Relations
Commission and direct preparation of the Ordinance. Trustee Oppenheim seconded the motion.
The motion passed by the following vote:
AYES: Jester, Oppenheim, Seiden, Struthers (4)
NAYS: None (0)
REPORT OF VILLAGE ATTORNEY Mr. Coblentz explained that all Village and public
RE ELECTRONIC PARTICIPATION IN bodies have the ability to allow some absent Board
VILLAGE BOARD MEETINGS members to participate in open, public meetings by
audio or video conferencing. He will draft an
Ordinance showing the rules. Remote participation is only permissible if there is a quorum at the
physical meeting and if their absence meets certain criteria. If a Board member is absent due to
employment purposes, family or other emergency, illness, etc., they can participate in the meeting if
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February 16, 2010
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the Village Manager is advised in advance. The Mayor cannot participate remotely, but if the
Trustees want that permitted, it can be changed. If the Mayor is not present, there would still be a
Chairman Pro -Tem appointed to run the meeting, but the Mayor would not have voting rights.
Mr. Street encouraged the Trustees to think about the implications. It would affect how the Board
does business. Trustee Oppenheim believes the entire Board should be present when setting up a
structure or process because the Board needs to investigate potential issues. Trustee Struthers
explained that even with video conferencing, you do not get the entire feeling of what is happening
in the room. She suggested scheduling a Committee of the Whole meeting on this topic. Mayor
Rosenthal explained that if an important issue comes up and the entire Board is not present, they
usually table the issue to accommodate the absent trustees.
Trustee Seiden made a motion to table further discussion on this matter until all Trustees are
present. Trustee Oppenheim seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
CONSENT AGENDA
There was no Consent Agenda.
OLD BUSINESS
There was no Old Business.
NEW BUSINESS °
AUTHORIZATION TO INCLUDE Village Engineer Bob Phillips reported the Cook
LANDSCAPING OF MEDIANS AND County Highway Department is in the final stages
PARKWAYS IN THE LAKE COOK of the Lake Cook Road design project. They are
ROAD RECONSTRUCTION PROJECT looking for the project to go out to bid in March with
the bid opening in April. Construction should start in
June or July, which means the construction schedule will be slightly changed. The construction
limits are between Wilmot and Ellendale, and all lanes will remain open through the winter. The
major construction will begin in spring 2011.
The Village has the opportunity to install and construct landscaping medians and decorative
landscaping parkways. Staff has had conversations with the County and the idea was well received
by them. The Public Works department worked with a landscape contractor on the medians and
submitted preliminary plans. The Cook County Highway Department looked favorably on the plans
and would cover,half the cost of the construction. Mr. Phillips noted the County does not have the
staff to maintain parkways or median, so it would become part of the Village maintenance at an
estimated cost of approximately $16,000 per year. The estimated cost for the construction and
plantings is $360,000, but staff expects the price to be less. The Village would be responsible for
half the actual cost.
Trustee Seiden questioned whether the Village has a blank check from the County and questioned
the limitations. He expressed concern about how to lock in the County's commitment. Mr. Street
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February 16, 2010
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explained that both parties need to agree to the landscape plan and the bid price. There would need
to be an intergovernmental agreement before the plan is acted upon.
Trustee Struthers asked about the cost to maintain the existing medians. Mr. Street explained that is
part of the streetscape improvements. That piece cannot be pulled from the contract, but the total
cost is $90,000.
Trustee Oppenheim explained that in order to make the project sustainable, useful and attractive, the
plantings need to be selected carefully. She noted maintenance is crucial as it would be pointless to
invest in plantings if they were not properly maintained. She noted the proposed plant materials are
hearty and have plenty of colors and blooms.
Mr. Phillips explained that if the Village does not improve the medians and parkways, the County
would put in their own plantings and maintain them. Their plantings, however, may not be up to
Village standards and it is likely they would only plant grass.
Trustee Struthers made a motion to enter into an intergovernmental agreement to the lesser of 50
percent of the cost or $180,000, subject to final approval by the Public Works and Engineering
department. Trustee Oppenheim seconded the motion. The motion passed by the following vote:
AYES: Jester, Oppenheim, Seiden, Struthers (4)
NAYS: None (0)
ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR THE An Ordinance providing for the filing of a tentative
FILING OF A TENTATIVE ANNUAL annual budget of the Village of Deerfield and for
BUDGET OF THE VILLAGE OF public inspection and hearing thereon. First
DEERFIELD AND FOR PUBLIC Reading. Mr. Fialkowski reported he would like
INSPECTION AND HEARING to hold a Public Hearing at the first Board meeting
THEREON — 1R in April. He advised that the budget needs to be
passed by the end of April. This will stand as a First
Reading of the Ordinance.
RESOLUTION R -10 -03 RESERVING A Resolution reserving the Volume Cap regarding
VOLUME CAP RE PRIVATE ACTIVITY private activity bonds. Mr. Fialkowski explained
BONDS the Village has received a request to transfer its
Private Activity Bond Allocation to the Lake County
Partnership for Economic Development via the Village of Buffalo Grove. The partnership pools
bond allocations from several home rule communities and provides financing for projects in Lake
County. Mr. Fialkowski noted that if the funds are not allocated before May 1, 2010, they will go
back to the State.
Trustee Jester made a motion to reserve the Volume Cap regarding private activity bonds. Trustee
Struthers seconded the motion. The motion passed by the following vote:
AYES: Jester, Oppenheim, Seiden, Struthers (4)
NAYS: None (0)
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February 16, 2010
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RESOLUTION 4 -10 -4 AUTHORIZING
Chief Sliozis reported that the Deerfield Police
AN EMERGENCY ALARM SYSTEM
Department currently holds an agreement with ADT
AGREEMENT WITH ADT SECURITY
that grants them the exclusive right to provide and
SERVICES AND THE DEERFIELD-
maintain an alarm monitoring system in the Police
BANNOCKBURN FIRE PROTECTION
Communications Center. The revised agreement
DISTRICT
would allow ADT to transfer the location that
receives fire alarms from the Deerfield Police
Department to RED Center. He noted burglar alarm monitoring would remain unchanged.
Trustee Oppenheim made a motion to authorize an exclusive five year emergency alarm system
agreement with ADT Security Services and the Deerfield- Bannockburn Fire Protection District.
Trustee Struthers seconded the motion. The motion passed by the following vote:
AYES: Jester, Oppenheim, Seiden, Struthers (4)
NAYS: None (0)
DISCUSSION
CONGRATULATIONS Mayor Rosenthal congratulated the Deerfield Park
District for receiving the Outstanding Facility Award
in 2009 for the Sachs Recreation Center.
WELCOME TO JENNY MALTAS Mr. Street welcomed Jenny Maltas as the new
Assistant to the Village Manager. Ms. Maltas was
previously employed by the Village of Schaumburg and received her Master's degree from
Northern Illinois University.
POTENTIAL DATES Mr. Street asked the Trustees to reserve March 8,
2010 and March 22, 2010 for potential Committee of
the Whole meetings to review the budget.
RAINING SEASON The Fine Arts Commission and the Patty Turner
Senior Center will be co- sponsoring a program with
the National Holocaust Museum next Monday. Mayor Rosenthal noted the program was
appropriate for school -aged children over the age of ten.
ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to discuss,
the meeting was adjourned at 8:55 pm.
APPROVED:
Mayor
ATTEST:
Village Clerk