05/17/2010May 17, 2010
The regular meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Village of Deerfield was called to
order by Village Manager Kent Street in the Council Chambers of the Village Hall on Monday
May 17, 2010 at 7:30 p.m. The Clerk called the roll and announced that the following were:
Present: Robert Benton
Alan Farkas
Thomas Jester
Mary Oppenheim
William Seiden
Barbara Struthers
Absent: Harriet Rosenthal, Mayor
and that a quorum was present and in attendance. Also present were Village Attorney Peter
Coblentz and Kent Street, Village Manager.
MAYOR PRO TEM In absence of Mayor Rosenthal, Trustee Seiden
made a motion to nominate Trustee Benton as
Mayor Pro Tem. Trustee Oppenheim seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Members of Caruso Middle School's Destination
Imagination, Paul Zavagno from Three Men and A
Truck, and Julie Morrison from West Deerfield Township led those in attendance in reciting the
Pledge of Allegiance.
PRESENTATION Destination Imagination at Caruso Middle School
includes twelve teams under the guidance of Shelia
Shiffrin. For this problem solving team competition, eleven teams made it to the State finals,
and eight teams will represent Deerfield at the national level. After showing a PowerPoint
presentation, three students spoke about Destination Imagination, explaining that it is a program
to express oneself through creativity, engineering and acting. It is a lot of fun and it allows the
students to meet people while learning teamwork, creativity and problem solving skills.
Mayor Pro Tem Benton noted that one student put 740 pounds onto a 59 gram structure made of
newspaper and glue. He and the audience congratulated the students on their accomplishments.
PROCLAMATION Mayor Pro Tem Benton proclaimed the week of
May 31" as Hunger Awareness Week in Deerfield.
He encouraged everyone to support the West Deerfield Township Food Pantry and other services
providing needed food to those less fortunate. Trustee Oppenheim made a motion to accept the
Proclamation. Trustee Struthers seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
Paul Zavagno from Three Men and A Truck stated this is the second year the Village proclaimed
Hunger Awareness Week in Deerfield. Over the past nine years, this has become a community
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May 17, 2010
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effort. Mr. Zavagno thanked the Villae for their support and invited residents to attend the
event, which will take place on June 6t from 9 — 5 at Deerfield High School. Many companies
have donated raffle prizes. He thanked the businesses, synagogues and churches that have been
financial contributors to the event. Mr. Zavagno also thanked West Deerfield Township
Supervisor, Julie Morrison, and the Deerfield Police and Fire Departments for their support.
MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING Trustee Oppenheim made a motion to approve the
minutes from the May 3, 2010 Board of Trustees
meeting. Trustee Struthers seconded the motion. The motion passed by the following vote:
AYES: Benton, Jester, Oppenheim, Seiden, Struthers (5)
NAYS: None (0)
ABSTAIN: Farkas (1)
BILLS AND PAYROLL Trustee Oppenheim made a motion to approve the
Bills and Payroll dated May 17, 2010. Trustee
Seiden seconded the motion. The motion passed by the following vote:
AYES: Benton, Farkas, Jester, Oppenheim, Seiden, Struthers (6)
NAYS: None (0)
TREASURER'S REPORT Bob Fialkowski presented highlights from the
Treasurer's Report thru April 30, 2010, representing
the entire fiscal year. 'He stated that sales tax was on the negative side, down about 9 %. Most
major revenues came in under budget. Hotel tax receipts were more than the same month last
year. The report numbers are subject to final adjustments, and funds need to be transferred from
the Infrastructure Fund to finish out the capital for last year. The three major funds are down
approximately $1.6 million. Expenditures were below budget. The Village is in okay shape and
has ample reserves.
Mayor Pro Tem Benton hopes many people will shop Deerfield with the addition of the new
businesses in town.
PUBLIC COMMENT Oscar Adler, 59 Eastwood, invited everyone to
attend the 7th annual Job Seeker's Workshop on
June 12th. The resume preparation portion will take place from 9:00 — 9:45. Job interviewing
skills will take place from 10 — noon. There will be a networking session after the presentation.
The Job Seeker's Workshop will take place in the Village Hall board room. Please call Village
Hall to make reservations for this program, which is free of charge.
Jack Carney, 920 Rosemary Terrace, and Mario Guagliardo, 544 Cumner Court, explained there
are six Deerfield High School students working on a fundraiser to benefit the Cancer Wellness
Center, which will be a two -on -two basketball tournament at Mitchell Park. There will be 32
teams, and the tournament will run from June 11 - June 23. The students are working to raise
$2,500 for the center through sponsorship donations and the sale of event t- shirts. Sponsor logos
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May 17, 2010
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will be featured on the back of each t -shirt. Mr. Carney requested a $250 donation from the
Village.
Trustee Struthers noted that June 19`" is the first day of the Farmer's Market and recommended
that Mr. Carney and Mr. Guagliardo contact Joan Reed as well.
Trustee Farkas made a motion to donate $250 to the Crossover 4 Cancer 2 -on -2 basketball
tournament, subject to review by Mayor Rosenthal and the Village Manager. Trustee Struthers
seconded the motion. The motion passed by the following vote:
AYES: Benton, Farkas, Jester, Oppenheim, Seiden, Struthers (6)
NAYS: None (0)
There were no Reports.
REPORTS
CONSENT AGENDA
ORDINANCE 0 -10 -15 AMENDING
ARTICLE 12 (SPECIAL PURPOSE
BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS) OF
CHAPTER 2 (ADMINISTRATION) OF
THE MUNICIPAL CODE OF THE
VILLAGE OF DEERFIELD AND TO
ESTABLISH THE SUSTAINABILITY
COMMISSION AND TO ELIMINATE
THE ENVIRONMENTAL
An Ordinance amending Article 12 of chapter 2 of
the Municipal Code of the Village of Deerfield and
to establish the Sustainability Commission and to
eliminate the Environmental Commission and the
Energy and Recycling Commission. Second
Reading.
Trustee Seiden made a motion to accept the
Consent Agenda and adopt the Ordinance. Trustee
COMMISSION AND THE ENERGY Oppenheim seconded the motion. The motion
AND RECYCLING COMMISSION - 2R passed by the following vote:
AYES: Benton, Farkas, Jester, Oppenheim, Seiden, Struthers (6)
NAYS: None (0)
Mayor Pro Tern Benton recommended the following new appointment to the newly restructured
Sustainability Commission: Liz Ury, whose term will expire in 2013. The following
reappointments will expire in November 2011: Amy Parker, Ed Seidman, Glenn Schwartz and
Sandra Anspach. The following reappointments will expire in November 2012: Liz Hawari,
Mike Loeffl, Matt Pollack and Robert Milani. The following appointments will expire in
November 2013: Matt Wylie (Chair), Brian Rice, and Don Anderson.
Trustee Oppenheim made a motion to accept the appointments to the Sustainability Commission.
Trustee Seiden seconded the motion. The motion passed by the following vote:
AYES: Benton, Farkas, Jester, Oppenheim, Seiden, Struthers (6)
NAYS: None (0)
Board of Trustees Meeting
May 17, 2010
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OLD BUSINESS
ORDINANCE 0 -10 -16 APPROVING AN An Ordinance approving an Amendment to a
AMENDMENT TO A SPECIAL USE TO Special Use to permit additions and other
PERMIT ADDITIONS AND OTHER renovations to Wilmot School located at 795
RENOVATIONS TO WILMOT SCHOOL Wilmot Road. Second Reading.
AT 795 WILMOT ROAD — 2R
Mr. Street noted that the Board had suggested that
neighbors continue a dialog with the School Board after the last Board of Trustees meeting. The
Village received correspondence from District 109 and from Mr. Miller. Copies of both
correspondences were distributed to the Trustees. Mayor Pro Tern Benton noted the Village
Board and School Board meetings are at the same time.
Eileen Brett, Wilmot School principal, did not have anything new to add. She received the
emails, and the school will continue to work with the neighbors. Ms. Brett stated the project will
include adding classrooms to bring in some special education students that are currently being
educated outside the district. They would also add a new, multi - purpose room.
Trustee Struthers questioned why children would be added to Wilmot School if it was already
overcrowded. Trustee Oppenheim asked if District 109 has special education classes in each
building. Ms. Brett explained each school in the district has special education classes, but they
would like the students to be at their own school.
Michael Miller, 1655 Marcie Court, noted the email from Dr. Goier was made in response to
direction from the Village Board to work with the neighbors. He received Dr. Goier's response
on Thursday. Mr. Miller noted her email lacked the information he requested, including
diagrammatic site plans of the parking lot, curb cut and playground, as well as a more detailed
explanation of why aligning the driveway with Marcie Court is safer. It is his understanding that
the school's design team only developed one site plan. In his experience, that is not the norm.
He also noted that, although they made a positive recommendation, members of the Plan
Commission still appeared to have concerns. Mr. Miller and his neighbors were officially
notified in a letter on February 17, 2010. Mr. Miller stated that his neighbors and he made good
faith efforts to work with the School Board but have not made a lot of progress. Mr. Miller
acknowledged there may not be a better solution, but he has not been provided with the detailed
drawings he requested to confirm this is the best plan. He believes there is a better solution and
asked the Board to hold off on approving the Ordinance until additional information is received
from the School Board.
Trustee Struthers asked if any of the residents met with the School Board. Mr. Miller replied
there was a meeting on April 26`" and some emails after the May 3rd Board of Trustees meeting.
Larry Berg, Plan Commission member, believes the Plan Commission meeting minutes speak for
themselves. He noted there was some lively dialogue, but at the end of the meeting, they had a
unanimous vote that the proposal from the School Board was compatible with the existing area.
The traffic flow, though not an ideal situation, would be greatly improved from what currently
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May 17, 2010
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exists. Mr. Berg expressed concern about the set up and take down of the cones, but the
recommendation passed unanimously, with the caveat that the Police Department would evaluate
the need for someone to assist with traffic flow.
Trustee Farkas stated a primary concern is the alignment of the parking lot access with Marcie
Court. Mr. Berg stated the Plan Commission heard testimony that an aligned intersection would
be safer than an offset intersection. Trustee Farkas explained that one of the implications of
moving the parking lot is determining the availability of the other land. If the concept of moving
the parking lot entrance is explored, the implications of doing that affect where the play lots are
located, as well as access to the parking lot from the school. Greg Monberg, Principal with
Fanning Howley Associates, explained he has a diagram showing the layout Mr. Miller
proposed. It was addressed at a public meeting three weeks ago, and a nine bullet point response
was made. The police department and traffic engineer believe the alignment provided better
traffic patterns and was safer. They also expressed concern about putting all 600 students on one
playground. They believe it would be best to separate higher grades from the lower grades.
Trustee Oppenheim stated that the current layout has an entry off Wilmot Road to the north of
the primary playground. The older kids' playground would be near the new, multi - purpose
room. Students would not have to cross through the parking lot to get to the playground.
Trustee Jester asked if it is safe to assume the School District is not going to take Park District
property. Mr. Monberg stated that was their direction. Looking ahead, Trustee Jester stated that
he hopes both the Park District and the School Board will work actively to fix traffic issues.
Trustee Oppenheim noted that, historically, the Park District and School District have cooperated
well. In this case, the question is whether or not the report given by the Plan Commission that
approved the School District's plan in is a good plan with regard to safety and use of space.
Trustee Oppenheim hears the objections but does not believe they are compelling enough to
modify the proposal.
Mayor Pro Tern Benton stated that the Plan Commission is a collaborative process where each
person brings up objections, and they collaborate to come up with a sound decision. The Plan
Commission's final vote considers what has already been modified and is believed to be proper.
Trustee Oppenheim added that the Plan Commission report ensures that the School District will
continually monitor the traffic situation and work with the Police Department to make
modifications as required. She understands the issues of congestion and traffic but believes the
School District has been extremely responsive when there are issues. The School District
monitors how people enter and exit the property and will deal with any issues that come up.
Trustee Seiden noted the School District had a community meeting three weeks ago, and the
Village Board meeting was two weeks ago. There were questions raised about various issues.
When residents have questions, the Village Board wants to satisfy their questions. He thought
the School Board was going to meet with the residents before this meeting so the residents could
voice their objections, but that has not been done. Trustee Struthers believes there should be
another face -to -face meeting between residents and the School Board.
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May 17, 2010
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Trustee Oppenheim believes the School District has been accommodating and forthcoming.
Trustees Seiden and Struthers both stated that the Village Board asked the School Board to meet
with the residents.
Joe Noble, 755 Marcie Court, finds it interesting that the School Board wants to work with the
Park District going forward, but not in regard to Wilmot School. As a Deerfield resident, the
Park District and School District have public land. It is not important who presides over the
land. He is frustrated that the parking lot is being expanded to comply with the Village
Ordinance. He believes the parking situation has been fine for a number of years at Wilmot.
They are adding parking spaces for 130 vehicles, but they only have 88 staff members. He stated
that Wilmot proposes adding three new rooms for the continuity of teaching while the District is
increasing class size. He does not understand this. Mr. Noble asked the Board to request
improved landscaping to offset the financial loss of their property value and to pay for a police
officer to control traffic in and out of the school and on Marcie Court.
Mr. Miller stated that when he sent the alternate site plan to Dr. Goier and the Village Board, it
was not intended to be the ultimate solution; rather, it was intended to show there are other
possible solutions. The proposed plan shows the only site plan created by the design team. He
believes they should look at other solutions that can be developed. Mr. Miller believes the crux
of the issue is the alignment of the driveway and Marcie Court. The traffic engineers say it is a
safer situation to have the two streets aligned. He agrees with that in most cases. This is a
parking lot on one side and a cul de sac with 11 houses on the other side. It is not the typical
situation. He thinks there are other solutions that would keep the driveway offset but still
address the other issues. Mr. Miller suggested looking at a ten foot strip of Park District property
to put the parking on the south side of the school. He believes that would be a superior solution
that would also benefit the Park District.
Trustee Struthers made a motion to postpone the vote until the School District and neighbors
meet face -to -face. Trustee Seiden seconded the motion.
Trustee Farkas is frustrated because there was a lot of discussion at the meeting two weeks ago
that has been mirrored at this meeting. The Board understands and respects the residents'
concerns; however, a lot of it is related to the fact that these residents live across from a school. ,
Trustee Farkas does not believe there should be a lot of concern that property values would drop,
as there are plusses and minuses about living close to a school.
Trustee Farkas indicated that he is frustrated that the School District did not respond as expected,
and he would agree to postpone the vote. He believes, however, that the residents of Marcie
Court need to be more proactive. He believes the residents' concerns have been considered and,
unfortunately, not everyone is going to be happy. He wants to make sure the process is being
respected and everyone is heard.
Trustee Oppenheim responded that both the Village Board and School Board listened to the
residents. Just because people do not agree with all points does not mean they are not listening.
She believes other alternatives have been considered. She believes it is important to separate the
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May 17, 2010
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students from the vehicles. Trustee Oppenheim does not believe postponing the vote for more
debate would be fruitful.
Trustee Seiden stated it may not be fruitful; rather, he finds it disturbing that there has not been a
face -to -face meeting in the last two weeks to give the residents a better peace of mind.
Trustee Jester noted the emails did not request face -to -face meetings and did not suggest any
dates or times to meet. Trustee Seiden noted the residents asked for information but did not
receive it until last Thursday. Trustee Jester believes part of the difficulty is that the residents do
not like the answers they are getting. The design team was not directed to consider Park District
property. Trustee Jester does not believe any meeting would change that.
Mayor Pro Tem Benton believes it makes sense to keep the intersection aligned. Deerfield has
worked to correct misaligned intersections. He is not convinced the proposed plan will not work
and does not believe postponing the vote would be productive. He thinks the School Board will
be open to listening to suggestions if there is merit to the suggestions.
Trustee Jester believes there are a number of relevant items, including an improved safety
situation on the school site with fewer children in traffic. Also, the level of service on Deerfield
Road will be addressed and improved, Lake County will adjust the traffic signal timings to
improve the traffic flow, and there is a commitment to deal with the parking on Marcie Court.
Although more traffic will flow to and from Wilmot School, the overall situation is an
improvement on safety. Mayor Pro Tem Benton added that the proposed plan would also
address the vehicles in line waiting to pick up students. They will no longer have to wait for the
vehicle in front of them to move.
Mayor Pro Tem Benton stated the motion on the table is to postpone the vote on passing the
Ordinance. The motion did not pass by the following vote:
AYES: Farkas, Seiden, Struthers
NAYS: Benton, Jester, Oppenheim
Trustee Oppenheim made a motion to adopt the Ordinance. Trustee Jester seconded the motion.
The motion passed by the following vote:
AYES: Benton, Farkas, Jester, Oppenheim, Seiden, Struthers (6)
NAYS: None (0)
NEW BUSINESS
AWARD OF THE CARLISLE AVENUE Village Engineer Bob Phillips reported that the
AND CARRIAGE WAY scope of the project includes reconstructing Carlisle
INFRASTRUCTURE REHABILITATION Avenue from the Briarwood Nature Area to
PROJECT Deerfield Road and Carriage Way from the
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Briarwood Nature Area to Bent Creek Ridge. The work includes roadway removal and
replacement, water main replacement, drainage improvements, and intermittent sidewalk
removal and replacement. The Village received and opened bids on May 3`d. The lowest
qualified bid was from Bolder Contractors, Inc. The Director of Public Works and Engineering
recommends the Mayor and Board of Trustees award the Carlisle Avenue and Carriage Way
Infrastructure Rehabilitation Project to Bolder Contractors, Inc. for a base bid amount not to
exceed $3,762,918.98.
Trustee Jester made a motion to award the Carlisle Avenue and Carriage Way Infrastructure
Rehabilitation Project to Bolder Contractors, Inc. for a base bid amount not to exceed
$3,762,918.98. Trustee Struthers seconded the motion.
Trustee Farkas asked about the crossover connection to Deer Run. Mr. Street reported there is
currently a one lane emergency connection for safety vehicles. Mr. Phillips explained that staff's
original intent was to check prices and interest. Mayor Pro Tern Benton asked that the Village
not consider this because he believes the money could be used elsewhere, and past discussion of
similar concerns were contentious. Trustee Farkas believes this is the time to consider it. He
suggested awarding the bid on the main project but asking for a staff study about providing the
cross over. Trustee Oppenheim suggested paving the entire roadway but closing it off for
emergency vehicles only. Mr. Street explained that some residents from Carlisle and Carriage
Way believe it is a good idea, but Deer Run would most likely object to it. Trustee Struthers
added that it could be a cut through for traffic. Mr. Street added that if the Village were starting
the planning from scratch, it would be considered, but he does not recommend it at this time.
Trustee Oppenheim asked if the Village has worked out a plan for how to move people during
construction. Mr. Phillips explained the best thing is to educate residents throughout the process.
There are only two ways in and out of the neighborhood, and the people behind the project will
deal with the construction process.
The motion passed by the following vote:
AYES: Benton, Farkas, Jester, Oppenheim, Seiden, Struthers (6)
NAYS: None (0)
RESOLUTION R -10 -08 DECLARING
THE VILLAGE OF DEERFIELD' S
OFFICIAL INTENT TO REIMBURSE
CERTAIN CAPITAL EXPENDITURES
FROM THE PROCEEDS OF FUTURE
DEBT ISSUES
Mr. Fialkowski explained the Capital Projects bond
issue will be between $5 million and $12.5 million
The Village is starting to spend the money. There
are technical requirements that state the Village
must pass a Resolution to reimburse certain Capital
expenditures from the proceeds of future debt.
Trustee Seiden made a motion to adopt the Resolution. Trustee Farkas seconded the motion.
The motion passed by the following vote:
Board of Trustees Meeting
May 17, 2010
Page 9 of 10
AYES: Benton, Farkas, Jester, Oppenheim, Seiden, Struthers (6)
NAYS: None (0)
DISCUSSION
MEMORIAL DAY Mayor Pro Tern Benton stated that Village Hall
would be closed on Monday, May 31" in
observance of Memorial Day.
FINE ARTS FESTIVAL Mayor Pro Tern Benton invited residents to attend
the Village's Fine Arts Festival on June 5 and 6.
VILLAGE -OWNED PARKING LOT Trustee Struthers spoke with VCDC Chairman
Alan Garfield, who requested parameters to develop
a new plan for the former Lindemann's property. Since the VCDC is charged with reviewing
Village Center proposals and is very familiar with the property, she would like to recommend
that staff work with the VCDC to develop a short-term, workable improvement plan for the
Board to consider. With the intention of completing improvements this spring or summer, she
would like the VCDC to come up with a plan that can be done both quickly and inexpensively.
Trustee Struthers met with Mayor Rosenthal and Mr. Street, and they agreed on some parameters
for the former Lindemann property.
1. First, this will be a parking lot, not a demo project or commercial area. Because the
Village may want to re -do the traffic pattern in the entire northwest quadrant at some
future date, expenses should be minimized.
2. The appearance of the parking lot should be more attractive from all aspects. The
appearance can be enhanced by plantings, berming, etc.
3. The barricades and fences will all be removed, including those between the Morelli
property and the Lindemann property and between the buildings.
a. Agreement among the church, Joy Fiorini and the Village needs to be obtained for
this.
4. Safety of children going to and from the Park District and Presbyterian Church nursery
school should be a primary consideration.
5. There should be specific pedestrian paths through the parking lot for safety.
6. Delivery trucks should be able to access the rear entrances of all businesses so that they
no longer park on Waukegan Road.
7. Truck access should be provided, including a traffic pattern that provides for child safety.
Due to the proximity to the stoplight and to the expense that would be involved, an
additional curb cut to enter Robert York Avenue and to exit the parking lot, or using
Robert York Avenue for both in and out directions could be considered.
8. One -way aisles should be considered in the parking lot.
9. Adequate handicapped parking must be allocated to accommodate the church and
businesses.
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May 17, 2010
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10. Rather than spending a lot of money doing a new traffic study, prior traffic studies should
be used for the initial design proposal.
11. Park District employees may continue to park in the westernmost spaces.
Mayor Pro Tern. Benton suggested that staff develop a proposal and come back to the Board after
it is reviewed by the VCDC. Trustee Struthers explained the VCDC is more familiar with the
parcel than any other Commission. Trustee Farkas suggested having a menu proposal from
which the Village Board can select. Trustee Oppenheim does not want to spend money for
things that they will undo at a later date. Mr. Street explained that staff would work with the
VCDC to provide a recommendation at the next Board meeting.
THANK YOU
Mr. Street thanked the Public Works Department
and the Police Department for their continued
support during the significant storms last week. There was some flooding even though systems
were working to capacity. Mr. Street noted there were minimal sanitary sewer back ups
reported.
NEXT MEETING
ADJOURNMENT
ATTEST:
Village Clerk
The next regular meeting of the Board of Trustees
will take place in three weeks, on June 7`n
There being no further business or discussion, the
meeting was adjourned at 9:20 p.m.
APPROVED:
Mayor