06/07/2010June 7, 2010
The regular meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Village of Deerfield was called to
order by Mayor Rosenthal in the Council Chambers of the Village Hall on Monday June 7, 2010
at 7:35 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 Joan Reed from the Deerfield Farmer's Market and
Allie McGuire, Deerfield High School junior, led
those in attendance in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance.
Ms. Reed announced that Ms. McGuire is the winner of the Farmer's Market poster contest. She
thanked the Deerfield High School for supporting the contest, stating it has become part of the
Art Department's curriculum. Ms. Reed believes Ms. McGuire's poster strongly represents what
the Farmer's Market is about.
PRESENTATION Ms. Reed presented a framed Farmer's Market
poster to Mayor Rosenthal. She informed residents
that Ms. McGuire would be at the Farmer's Market on June 19 to sign posters, which will be sold
to support the Deerfield Emergency Fund.
Ms. McGuire stated that she had tried to create a poster that represented both summer and food.
She added she wants to go into graphic design.
Ms. Reed noted the first Farmer's Market will be on June 19 and will continue for 18 weeks,
until October 18`h. She mentioned they have several new vendors this year.
PRESENTATION Mayor Rosenthal reported that the Bernard Forrest
Public Service award allows the Mayor to recognize
a resident for service to the community that is exceptional. This year, she is honored to present
the award to Mr. Jack Frigo. Mayor Rosenthal stated that Mr. Frigo has been a Deerfield
resident since 1986 and has frequently volunteered his time and skills to the Village over the past
25 years. She named a number of his achievements within the Village, calling Mr. Frigo "a one -
man task force ". Mr. Frigo has consistently advised and assisted the Village concerning
commercial development and that he always has the best interests of the Village at heart.
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June 7, 2010
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Former mayor Bernard Forrest, former village manager Bob Franz and Kent Street joined Mayor
Rosenthal in presenting the award to Mr. Frigo.
The Board and audience joined in expressing appreciation for Mr. Frigo's contributions to the
Village.
MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING Trustee Seiden made a motion to approve the
minutes from the May 17, 2010 Board of Trustees
meeting. Trustee Farkas seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
BILLS AND PAYROLL
Trustee Oppenheim made a motion to approve the
Bills and Payroll dated June 7, 2010. Trustee
Struthers seconded the motion. The motion passed by the following vote:
AYES: Benton, Farkas, Jester, Oppenheim, Seiden, Struthers (6)
NAYS: None (0)
PUBLIC COMMENT Oscar Adler, 59 Eastman, announced this month's
Adler's Alley, on which Trustee Struthers and
George Balis of Clark Environmental Services will discuss mosquito abatement. The program
will be featured on Comcast channel 10 on Tuesdays at 8:00 and Thursdays at 6:30 on channel
19.
Mr. Adler invited interested parties to attend a Job Seekers' Workshop on Saturday, June 12th at
Village Hall. The workshop, which is endorsed by the Village, features a session on resume
preparation at 9:00 and a job interviewing skills workshop from 10 — noon. The program is
presented free of charge, but reservations are requested.
Gil Antokal, 1137 Country Lane, thanked those residents who donated blood yesterday. He
encouraged everyone to make blood donation part of their regular scheduled activities. Mr.
Antokal noted the next Deerfield community blood drive will take place on September 12tH
Mr. Antokal noted that the Village's Memorial Day activities were very nice. He thanked the
veterans who have served our country and community and who graciously permitted the
Community Relations Commission to present the Outstanding Student Award to Alison
Montgomery and Rena Forrester as part of the Memorial Day observance.
REPORTS
REPORT AND RECOMMENDATION Mr. Street stated the Board of Zoning Appeals held
OF THE BOARD OF ZONING a Public Hearing on May 4, 2010 to consider the
APPEALS RE AN AVERAGE SETBACK request of Lori and Richard Gunther, 638 Caroline
VARIATION FOR 638 CAROLINE CT. Court, who requested a variation for a 38.15 foot
front yard instead of a 40 foot front yard. The
Board of Zoning Appeals voted 6 -0 in favor of the variation.
Board of Trustees Meeting
June 7, 2010
Page 3 of 10
Trustee Jester made a motion to accept the report and recommendation of the BZA and to direct
preparation of an ordinance. Trustee Struthers seconded the motion. The motion passed by the
following vote:
AYES: Benton, Farkas, Jester, Oppenhei
NAYS: None (0)
REPORT AND RECOMMENDATION
OF THE PLAN COMMISSION RE
REQUEST FOR PRELIMINARY AND
FINAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN
APPROVAL OF A CHILDCARE
CENTER FOR TAKEDA EMPLOYEES
m, Seiden, Struthers (6)
Mr. Street reported that the Plan Commission held
a Prefiling Conference on March 11, 2010 and a
Public Hearing on May 6, 2010 to consider a
request for preliminary and final development plan
approval for a childcare center for Takeda
employees. The Plan Commission voted 6 -0 in
favor of the request.
Trustee Jester made a motion to accept the report and recommendation of the Plan Commission
and to direct preparation of an ordinance. Trustee Farkas seconded the motion. The motion
passed by the following vote:
AYES: Benton, Farkas, Jester, Oppenheim, Seiden, Struthers (6)
NAYS: None (0)
REPORT AND RECOMMENDATION
OF THE PLAN COMMISSION RE
REQUEST FOR AN AMENDMENT TO
A SPECIAL USE TO PERMIT
REMOVATIONS TO WOODLAND
PARK, THE REZONING OF
PROPERTIES AT 1313 WILMOT ROAD
AND THE REAR PORTION OF 1331
WILMOT ROAD FROM R -1 SINGLE
FAMILY RESIDENCE DISTRICT TO P -1
PUBLIC LANDS DISTRICT AND A
VACATION OF A PORTION OF
CRABTREE LANE IN WOODLAND
PARK (DEERFIELD PARK DISTRICT)
Mr. Street stated the Plan Commission held a
Prefiling Conference on February 25, 2010 and a
Public Hearing on May 6, 2010 to consider the
proposal. The Plan Commission voted 5 -0 in favor
of sending a positive recommendation to the Board.
Neighbors of the site have conveyed issues and
concerns about traffic safety along Crabtree Lane to
the Mayor and Board of Trustees.
Linda Gryziecki, Director of the Deerfield Park
District, explained the Park District conducted a
community attitude and interest survey in the past.
The results showed residents wanted a fitness
facility. That need has been fulfilled with the Sachs
Center. Therefore, the Park District would like to
tear down Woodland Park School and create green space. They are requesting the two recently
purchased parcels, including the front and rear lot portions of 1331 Wilmot on the north and
1313 Wilmot on the south, be rezoned. They are also asking for a vacation of much of Crabtree
Lane, and utility easements.
Ms. Gryziecki explained the Plan Commission requested that the School Street entrance be
realigned and the landscape plan revised. They also requested that the Park District use
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Board of Trustees Meeting
June 7, 2010
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evergreens as a buffer, so the Park District added 62 evergreen trees. Ms. Gryziecki noted the
Park District is prepared to meet with concerned residents about the lighting and landscaping.
Ms. Gryziecki noted there have been a number of public meetings since 2004. In May, the Park
District held an on site meeting and received input from neighbors, who brought up the
possibility of relocating the baseball diamonds on the south. The Park District wants to keep the
diamonds where they are because of grading issues, the additional cost of approximately
$100,000, and because soccer play (in the outfields) would be closer to homes.
Ms. Gryziecki stated the Park District did not perform a vehicle count since the season had not
yet started in February, but she recently counted vehicles on School Street and Crabtree Lane,
and the number of vehicles did not exceed the number of spaces in the proposed parking lot.
Ms. Gryziecki reported that since the Plan Commission meetings, they have been asked to
eliminate the cul de sac on Crabtree. She believes that would create a problem for the park
because vehicles would do three -point turns or pull into driveways instead of utilizing the turn
around. Ms. Gryziecki explained the cul de sac creates accessibility for the disabled. The Park
District would work with the Village to implement a sidewalk leading into the park, if desired.
Mr. Peter Dyke, President, Thompson, Dyke & Associates, has reviewed the site plan and
proposes tearing down the school and adding amenities to the park. The parking lot access
would be aligned across Wilmot Road, per the Plan Commission recommendation. Because of
this alignment, they will lose a few trees. They will, however, restore the oak area with native
plantings which will add color throughout three seasons.
Trustee Struthers noted the decomposed granite at Caruso gets muddy. She asked if these paths
would be appropriate for all weather. Mr. Dyke explained they require maintenance but would
be appropriate.
Trustee Farkas questioned why the entire parking lot would not be made permeable. Mr. Dyke
explained that doing so would substantially add to the project cost.
Trustee Struthers asked about the parking space dimensions. Mr. Dyke responded the spaces
would be 9 feet by 18 feet with a 24 foot aisle. Trustee Struthers noted she would not want
another difficult parking lot located in the Village.
Trustee Oppenheim asked about the land banked parking spaces on the north side, making note
of the existing trees. Mr. Dyke responded they removed two trees from the landscaping plan
after the Plan Commission meeting.
Trustee Oppenheim noted the neighbor to the south of the park, at 1313 Wilmot, expressed
concern about the parking lot screening along their property. She also noted there is a fence
along the east border, at the rear of the residence property. Trustee Oppenheim suggested the
possibility of running a fence along the parking lot in lieu of the landscaped screen. Mr. Dyke
explained the fence to the north is there because of a swimming pool. He noted they switched
Board of Trustees Meeting
June 7, 2010
Page 5 of 10
the screening to evergreen bushes in response to the Plan Commission recommendation. Ms.
Gryziecki explained the Park District, historically, prefers landscaping to fencing. Mr. Dyke
explained the issue is with lights in the facility. There will be small building lights and one
parking lot light. The neighbor is referring to vehicular lights. The Park District will close down
park operation at dusk, so they do not believe there will be a problem.
Trustee Farkas asked about the walking path on the north end of Crabtree Lane. Ms. Gryziecki
explained it would remain wide enough for park maintenance and emergency vehicles. The
Park District is not proposing to change that access.
Trustee Struthers explained the neighbors have expressed concern about the Crabtree turn around
and asked if it is necessary. Ms. Gryziecki noted the turn around provides disabled and general
access to the park from the south, and they prefer having multiple access points. Ms. Gryziecki
noted a dead end would create more problems. Mayor Rosenthal noted the Village has dealt
with Crabtree since 2003. It is a narrow street. She believes the problem is not the parking, but
rather, the volume of traffic. Mayor Rosenthal stated it is very convenient to pull in quickly,
drop kids off and come out again. Mayor Rosenthal spoke with Chief Sliozis, who stated if the
turn is eliminated, sidewalks leading to Greenwood would be needed. She believes this is a land
use issue, and the Village needs to look at safety. Ms. Gryziecki stated the Park District has been
sensitive and has tried to work with the neighbors. They want to address safety concerns, but
they also want access to the park. Trustee Benton noted that people were parking on Crabtree
and School Street in the past. The growth of the parking lot will ease that issue. Chief Sliozis
reported that current issues include road width and the turn around. Parking is not the issue;
rather, it stems from the number of cars coming in and out. He believes it is a fine balance with
the turnaround. If the turn around were eliminated, it would create another set of circumstances.
Chief Sliozis explained a lot of monitoring would be necessary, and the behavior would be okay
as long as police were present. He believes homeowners' concerns would increase if the turn
around were eliminated.
Lori Swift, 1223 Crabtree Lane, thanked the Village for their responsiveness to the neighbors'
concerns. She also appreciates the Park District's efforts in addressing concerns. Ms. Swift
realizes there are benefits to living near the park and wants to have it accessible to all of
Deerfield. She summarized the neighbors' concerns, which are the high volume of traffic, the
narrow street, and vehicles making three -point turns that endanger others. She noted the recent
posting of no parking signs on both sides of Crabtree Lane near the homes. This will help the
issue as well.
Albert Lindstrom, 1305 Wilmot (which borders 1313 Wilmot) is concerned about how much
rainfall the permeable parking area will handle. After a 3 — 4 inch rain, his property will flood.
He asked to see new construction drawings with elevations in order to see how his property
would be affected. He has 11 arbor vitae trees that are not shown on the landscaping plan. They
are planted on the property line and he wants them saved. Ms. Gryziecki explained the reason
that the arbor vitae trees do not show up on the plan is because they are on private property. Ms.
Gryziecki noted the Park District does not have construction drawings yet, but they would
review them with Mr. Lindstrom when they are available. Mr. Dyke explained the excess storm
Board of Trustees Meeting
June 7, 2010
Page 6 of 10
water would go to the storm drains, not onto other properties. Trustee Oppenheim added that the
permeable pavers may help some of the problem as well.
Trustee Benton made a motion to accept the report and recommendation of the Plan Commission
regarding Woodland Park. Trustee Oppenheim seconded the motion. The motion passed by the
following vote:
AYES: Benton, Farkas, Jester, Oppenheim, Seiden, Struthers (6)
NAYS: None (0)
REPORT AND RECOMMENDATION
Mr. Street stated the Plan Commission held a
OF THE PLAN COMMISSION RE
prefiling conference on February 25, 2010 and a
REQUEST FOR A SPECIAL USE TO
Public Hearing on May 13, 2010 to consider the
PERMIT THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A
request for a Special Use to permit the
REAL ESTATE OFFICE FOR KOENIG
establishment of a real estate office for Koenig &
& STREY AT 656 DEERFIELD ROAD
Strey at 656 Deerfield Road. The Plan
Commission voted 5 -0 in favor of recommending
REPORT AND RECOMMENDATION
approval.
OF THE VILLAGE CENTER
DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION RE
The Village Center Development Commission held
REQUEST FOR A SPECIAL USE TO
a workshop meeting to consider the request for a
PERMIT THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A
Special Use to permit the establishment of a real
REAL ESTATE OFFICE FOR KOENIG
estate office for Koenig & Strey at 656 Deerfield
& STREY AT 656 DEERFIELD ROAD
Road. The VCDC voted 7 -0 in favor of
recommending approval, with the following
conditions: no mortgage company or title company,
no regional meetings of real estate agents,
no closings to occur on the premises, and no parking for Koenig & Strey agents allowed in the
front parking lot. The VCDC also recommends
that the Village Board consider an annual fee to
compensate the Village for lost sales tax.
Mayor Rosenthal asked Mr. Coblentz for guidance regarding a fee in lieu of sales tax. Mr.
Coblentz responded that requiring compensation/revenue as a zoning consideration is not within
the purview of the usual land -use process. He noted that Special Use criteria, according to the C-
1 District, allow for real estate offices. The Board can consider the effect on the retail
component and whether it would have a detrimental effect, but to require that a fee in lieu of
sales tax and revenues be included would not be appropriate.
Michael Day, Chief Financial Officer, Koenig & Strey and Brian Rieger, Koenig & Strey
commercial real estate broker, were present. Trustee Oppenheim asked how parking restrictions
would be enforced. Mr. Day explained that agents and employees will be required to park in the
rear of the building. Clients would be able to park in the rear or the front of the building. Mr.
Day stated they do not anticipate a large number of clients at one time.
Trustee Benton questioned how many agents would be allowed at one time. Mr. Day explained
the facility would largely be used for appointments. They are planning to have six work stations
Board of Trustees Meeting
June 7, 2010
Page 7 of 10
available, but they would be unassigned. This facility would be used as a stop -in office and
would nave one agent on site from 9:00 — 5:00 weekdays and from 9:00 — 3:00 on weekends.
Trustee Struthers made a motion to amend the Plan Commission recommendation to include the
stipulations made by the VCDC, with the exception of the fee. Trustee Jester seconded the
motion. The motion passed by the following vote:
AYES: Benton, Farkas, Jester, Oppenheim, Seiden, Struthers (6)
NAYS: None (0)
Trustee Benton made a motion to accept the report and recommendation of the Village Center
Development Commission without the fee. Trustee Oppenheim seconded the motion. The
motion passed by the following vote:
AYES: Benton, Farkas, Jester, Oppenheim, Seiden, Struthers (6)
NAYS: None (0)
Trustee Jester made a motion to accept the amended report and recommendation of the Plan
Commission. Trustee Oppenheim seconded the motion. The motion passed by the following
vote:
AYES: Benton, Farkas, Jester, Oppenheim, Seiden, Struthers (6)
NAYS: None (0)
REPORT AND RECOMMENDATION Mr. Street explained that at the conclusion of the
OF THE PUBLIC WORKS AND last Board of Trustees meeting, Trustee Struthers
ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT RE requested that staff work with the VCDC to come
REQUEST FOR APPROVAL OF up with an improvement plan for the Village owned
MAINTENANCE OF THE VILLAGE parking lot on Deerfield Road. Staff developed a
OWNED PARKING LOTS ALONG proposed concept plan that balances interests and
DEERFIELD ROAD provides maintenance at a modest cost to the
Village. The proposal tries to accomplish improved
aesthetics, efficiency, restriped parking spaces that meet code, additional landscaping, improved
truck loading and unloading, accessibility, improved safety for the church and day care,
additional disabled and bicycle parking areas, and retains lighting systems without adding curb
cuts. Mr. Street hopes this would be a short-term plan, for only one to three years.
Trustee Benton believes this is a wonderful start. He suggested closing off the curb cut on
Waukegan Road with planters or bollards to create a temporary block. This would ensure that
truck traffic enters on Robert York Road instead of Waukegan Road. Mr. Street explained that
would require discussions with the property owner and may be a longer -term goal, as part of a
comprehensive improvement plan. Trustee Benton suggested removing the wrought iron fence
between Kevin's Place and the tailor because it does not permit an emergency exit from the
restaurant. Mr. Street explained that the fence was installed by the property owner.
Board of Trustees Meeting
June 7, 2010
Page 8 of 10
Ray Craig from the First Presbyterian Church stated that he endorses the plan. He was
concerned about the one -way traffic in front of the nursery school, but that has been
accomplished. He would not want trucks going past the nursery school. Trustee Struthers
suggested moving some of the handicapped spaces to the north, because that is more accessible
to the church. Mr. Craig would like to see one handicapped space on the southeast end of the
property moved to the north. He noted there is one space on church property that is not marked
but could also be used as a handicapped space.
Larry Dondanville, 717 Westgate Road, stated that he is a retired traffic engineer. He is
disappointed the area is not really being fixed up. He expressed concern about getting the trucks
off Waukegan Road and believes all the aisles should be one -way. He recommends adding
angled parking to control the aisle flow. Mr. Dondanville explained the current plan has trucks
entering in the narrowest bay. He believes the parking should be moved by five feet, which
could be achieved by removing the five parallel parking spaces, to create a flow that gives trucks
better access. He believes the pedestrian access should be by the guard rail to the east. He
believes the only way to attract trucks is to provide a parking lot that would adequately work for
them. He believes the plan should be revisited to come up with an alternative that would act as a
traffic circulation test for future development.
Trustee Jester noted that a substantial change in the number of parking spaces would create an
issue. Mr. Street noted that a substantial change in the number of parking spaces would require a
Special Use hearing process. Mr. Dondanville explained he is willing to work with staff.
Trustee Seiden thanked Mr. Dondanville for his comments and appreciates the work he did but
does not believe it is his responsibility. Trustee Seiden does not believe this is the time to be
cheap or rush the matter. He believes the Village should create a workable solution. His
primary concern is the safety of children, getting trucks off Waukegan Road, and getting rid of
the alley. He suggested making a trade with property owners. Once that is done, it will not be a
huge project but would be something the Village could live with for awhile if necessary. He
would like to see this go back before VCDC to come up with something to prohibit truck traffic
on Waukegan Road and have useable ingress and egress in the parking lot.
Alan Garfield, Chairman of the VCDC, explained they did not have a lot of time to look at the
plan. The VCDC is thrilled that staff is looking at the problem. What is done now will last three
to five years, based on the economy. Aside from safety issues, the VCDC believes there are also
aesthetic issues. He believes the Village needs to also improve the aesthetics of the lot. Ch.
Garfield implores the Board not to rush to judgment, because what is done here will affect the
Village for the future. He does not believe the Village should make commitments with land
owners for easements yet, because that will effect future development. The Village needs to
make the property safe, create parking and make it aesthetically pleasing.
Mayor Rosenthal explained the Village does not want to create a comprehensive parking plan for
the quadrant until they know what the Library is looking to do. The Village also does not want
to put this off for another four or five years. The Village wants something done and is looking at
creating a safe parking lot with some screening, not beautification.
Board of Trustees Meeting
June 7, 2010
Page 9 of 10
Trustee Struthers noted that Mr. Dondanville's plan appears to be safer than staff's proposal.
Trustee Farkas suggested having a meeting with staff, Mr. Dondanville and the VCDC. Trustee
Jester believes staff has addressed the aesthetics at a nominal cost. He believes Mr.
Dondanville's traffic pattern and restriping suggestions could make the proposal work. Trustee
Farkas agrees with the traffic pattern and restriping, but not the aesthetics. He suggested having
VCDC members meet with staff prior to their next meeting. Trustee Seiden does not understand
why the Village would not want the plan to be the best possible solution and believes the Village
should work with the property owner to get access through the gate. Trustee Oppenheim
believes changes need to take place because the parking lot is degraded and unsafe. She believes
the Village needs an immediate fix.
Trustee Jester made a motion to accept the report and recommendation of staff in an amount not
to exceed $20,000 in direct costs and $20,000 in Village labor, with the parking lot layout to be
determined at the next meeting. Trustee Oppenheim seconded the motion. Trustee Farkas added
that staff consider the striping and layout of the parking spaces and communicate with Mr.
Dondanville and the VCDC to obtain their input. The motion passed by the following vote:
AYES: Benton, Farkas, Jester, Oppenheim, Seiden, Struthers (6)
NAYS: None (0)
There was no Consent Agenda.
There was no Old Business.
CONSENT AGENDA
OLD BUSINESS
NEW BUSINESS
RESOLUTION R -10 -9 DECLARING A Trustee Jester made a motion to adopt the
SURPLUS OF TAX INCREMENT Resolution. Trustee Struthers seconded the motion.
FINANCING FUNDS The motion passed by the following vote:
AYES: Benton, Farkas, Jester, Oppenheim, Seiden, Struthers (6)
NAYS: None (0)
DISCUSSION
LAKE COUNTY TRANSPORTATION Trustee Benton had the opportunity to sit in on the
annual meeting of the Lake County Transportation
Management Association, where CHAP'S 2040 plan is being developed. Some of the projects
may include the extension of 53 to Waukegan, the Elgin- O'Hare, extension of the Red Line, and
a West Loop transit center.
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RED LIGHT CAMERAS Trustee Farkas read an article stating that Cook
County would install red light cameras in the
Village. Mr. Street explained a question would be whether they have jurisdiction within the
Village. Mr. Coblentz explained that Lake Cook Road is within their maintenance jurisdiction,
but they do not do traffic enforcement. They would need to discuss things with Cook County.
He noted this is a new situation, and he would work with Mr. Street and Chief Sliozis about what
can be done. Trustee Farkas questioned where violation notices would go. Mr. Coblentz
explained the current proposal would be using county government unless there is an
intergovernmental agreement. Trustee Benton noted the State has jurisdiction over Waukegan
Road.
MEMORIAL DAY Mayor Rosenthal thanked the American Legion for
their ceremony on Memorial Day. It was very
touching, and the Village is fortunate to have them in Deerfield and participating in so many
activities.
FINE ARTS FESTIVAL Mayor Rosenthal congratulated the Fine Arts
Commission for the fine job at the art fair. She
thanked the Commission and the Chamber of Commerce for co- sponsoring the preview party.
FOOD COLLECTION Mayor Rosenthal thanked Three Guys and A
Truck for collecting food for the Township Food
Pantry.
NEW ADMINISTRATIVE INTERN Mr. Street introduced Andrew Lichterman as the
new administrative intern for the Village. Mr.
Lichterman is pursuing his master's degree in public administration.
ADJOURNMENT
ATTEST:
Villag Cler
There being no further business or discussion, the
meeting was adjourned at 10:02 PM.
APPROVED:
Mayor