01/03/2012January 3, 2012
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 January 3, 2012 at 7:30 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 Erin Purdy, 2011 IHSA Diving Championjed
those in attendance in reciting the Pledge of
Allegiance.
Doug Foerch, Deerfield High School diving coach, stated that Ms. Purdy had set numerous
records and won many events throughout her high school career. At the State meet, Ms. Purdy
blew away the competition. She is a great representative, team leader and a very hard worker.
Ms. Purdy thanked everyone for the honor. She will be diving at the University of North
Carolina. Mayor Rosenthal presented a road sign honoring Ms. Purdy as the 2011 IHSA Illinois
State Diving Champion, which will be at the entrances to the Village.
IN MEMORIAM Mayor Rosenthal asked those in attendance to
observe a moment of silence in memoriam of the
passing away of retired Deputy Police Chief John Sebban. Mayor Rosenthal asked those in
attendance to observe a moment of silence in memoriam of the passing away of former
Deerfield Public Library Director, Jack Hicks.
Trustee Seiden noted that Mr. Hicks did so much for the library and he mentored several people
in the area that later became librarians. Mayor Rosenthal mentioned he was very innovative and
will truly be missed.
PRESENTATION OF GFOA Mayor Rosenthal stated the Village has received the
DISTINGUISHED BUDGET AWARD Government Finance Officers Association award
for many years. She presented the award to Finance
Director, Bob Fialkowski.
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Board of Trustees Meeting
January 3, 2012
Page 2 of 10
Mr. Fialkowski noted the award is an indication of the Village's financial transparency. He
expressed the work of the Village Board is greatly appreciated and sets the guidelines for the
budget. Mr. Fialkowski noted the award is a good reflection on the Village.
PRESENTATION BY DISTRICT 113 District 113 Assistant Superintendent, Sue Hebson,
invited those living in the district to participate in a
survey. There were six study groups, including a market research team that created a survey that
will be available to residents to find out their priorities, perceptions and needs. The District 113
Board of Education and a leadership sub - committee will make recommendations and present the
future plans. The survey is available on the web and paper copies will also be available at
Deerfield and Highland Park libraries, village halls and senior centers. The survey will be
available through January 22, 2012.
MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING Trustee Benton made a motion to approve the
minutes from the December 19, 2011 Board of
Trustees meeting. Trustee Struthers seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
BILLS & PAYROLL Trustee Oppenheim made a motion to approve the
Bills and Payroll dated January 3, 2012. Trustee
Farkas seconded the motion. The motion passed by the following vote:
AYES: Benton, Farkas, Jester, Oppenheim, Seiden, Struthers (6)
NAYS: None (0)
PUBLIC COMMENT
There was no Public Comment on non - agenda items.
REPORTS
REPORT AND RECOMMENDATION Mr. Street stated the Plan Commission held a
OF THE PLAN COMMISSION RE: pre -filing conference on August 25, 2011 and a
REQUEST FOR A TEXT AMENDMENT public hearing on November 13, 2011 that was
AND A SPECIAL USE TO ALLOW A continued on December 8, 2011 to consider a
CHILD ENRICHMENT CENTER AT request for a Text Amendment and a Special use to
445 PINE STREET FOR STARLAND allow a child enrichment center at 445 Pine Street
for Starland. The Plan Commission voted 7 -0 in
favor of sending a favorable recommendation to the Trustees. Rob Nadler from the Plan
Commission was present and available to answer questions.
Adam More from Starland stated that staying in Deerfield is a huge priority for them. Starland
would like to move to this facility. The hours would be 8:30 a.m. — 8:30 p.m., but most students
would be out of the building by 5:00 p.m.
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January 3, 2012
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Trustee Struthers noted there appear to be only two handicapped parking spaces in the rear of the
building. She would like to see at least one entrance and one restroom made handicapped
accessible. She would also like to see the performance area made handicapped accessible.
Trustee Benton stated the interval between classes at the current location was lengthened to
minimize congestion. He asked Mr. More if that would be possible in the proposed location.
Mr. More explained he plans to continue that practice.
Trustee Jester noted the recommended Special Use would not be transferrable and would only be
for Starland. Mr. Coblentz confirmed that is how the Ordinance would be written. He noted that
normal changes in corporate structure would be accommodated by the Ordinance.
Mr. More stated the classrooms would take 10,000 square feet in the 25,000 square foot building.
They are asking for up to 60 students per hour, with the exception of special performances.
Trustee Struthers asked about the use of a 2003 traffic study plus 10 percent. Luay Aboona,
traffic consultant with KLOA, explained they used the traffic study because of the construction
on Lake Cook Road. Trustee Oppenheim noted the traffic study in 2003 was done for an entity
with a higher capacity. Mr. Aboona explained that the study showed the impact of that use.
Brian Condon, 465 Mallard Lane, shares a property line with the church. He presented a shared
message that opposes the proposed text amendment. His group represents 150 Deerfield
residents who signed a petition the week before the holidays. He moved to neighborhood five
years ago and left a mixed use environment. Having a commercial establishment in this
residential neighborhood is not in the best interest of the public. His message is not anti -
Starland; rather, it is against having a commercial establishment in a residential neighborhood.
Mr. Condon strongly believes this discussion is about approving a text amendment, which by
definition, must be in the public interest. He is also concerned about the traffic, safety and
precedent being set.
Mayor Rosenthal reported that she was on the Board when Cadwell School was closed. It was
leased to a private, for profit day care center. The Board limited the number of kids that could
attend the school to alleviate neighborhood traffic congestion concerns and the operation was
very successful. Mayor Rosenthal noted the building has not always been a not - for -profit use.
Joanne Kunz, 430 Pine Street, moved to Deerfield 20 years ago to get away from a mixed -use
neighborhood. She found what she wanted in Deerfield and wants it to stay that way. If the text
amendment moves forward it would open a Pandora's Box. Her main concern is traffic and
unlike a school she believes traffic will be generated all day long.
Ms. Kunz also questioned the old traffic study. The traffic study discussed peak hours and was
based on a number of 20 — 30 students. In reality, based on the 2011 class schedule, there are
more children at peak times.
She is also concerned about safety in the neighborhood. The ice rink is directly across the street
from where parents would be dropping off their children. On many occasions, she has witnessed
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January 3, 2012
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a hockey puck in the street, being chased after by kids. Ms. Kunz noted there are two parks
nearby and she is concerned about the safety of the kids in the neighborhood.
Ms. Kunz spoke with Deputy Chief Keene who noted he would compile traffic data for Pine
Street. Ms. Kunz noted this information was not immediately available and asked that this
information be reviewed, while taking into consideration the expected increase in traffic from
Starland, prior to the Board taking action
Steve Schaffer, 422 Pine Street, attended both Plan Commission meetings. He feels that
including a commercial business in a residential area would be a mistake for the entire Village.
Mr. Schaffer believes the safety concerns are enough to not allow the text amendment. Mr.
Schaffer believes Starland has alternative locations in Deerfield that could be utilized.
Mr. Schaffer does not believe the health and overall safety of the children and Starland staff was
properly brought up previously. Anyone who drives to the site will see overgrown plantings,
potholes, poorly lit access, and hazardous playgrounds. He would like to see all these items
taken care of and properly inspected to ensure they are safe. Mr. Schaffer stated the building
smells musty, has stains on the ceilings and leaky pipes. He is unsure if there is mold, but would
hope the building is brought up to current building code standards. He wants to ensure it is a
safe environment for the kids.
Matt Getter, 301 Pine Street, explained the Zoning Code was designed to protect everyone that
lives in Deerfield and there is a distinguishing factor between residential and commercial
properties. Mr. Getter moved to Deerfield because it was quiet and safe. There were no
businesses in the area. Mr. Getter never expected a business to end up in middle of his
neighborhood.
Mr. Getter thinks the long -term implications of the proposal will have negative effects on the
neighborhood and the Village. The current Zoning Code does not allow this type of business in a
residential area. It could open doors to allow other commercial businesses in residential areas.
Mr. Getter believes this proposal is entirely in the private interest of the applicant. Mr. Getter
spoke with Mr. More who stated he was moving to save money, which is in the private interest
of the owner and not the public interest of the community. He asked if the Trustees were willing
to sacrifice the neighborhood to save Starland money. He asked if the Trustees were willing to
compromise the zoning scheme to allow Starland to come into a neighborhood. Mr. Getter does
not believe this text amendment is in the best interest of the neighborhood.
He noted this business is more akin to a Sylvan Learning Center or Language Stars, which are
typically associated with malls or strip centers. Putting this business in the neighborhood would
change the characteristics of the neighborhood. The traffic would become worse and the
neighborhood would become less safe.
There has been discussion about how many square feet are in the building. Mr. More stated he
would be using 10,000 out of the 25,000 square feet that is available in the building. Mr. Getter
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January 3, 2012
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asked what Mr. More would do with the rest of the space in the building. There will be empty
space that could be made available to other businesses. Mr. Getter asked the Trustees to think
long -term about what this could do to neighborhood and to Deerfield.
Sam Kohl, 50 Burning Tree, lives about 1 mile away. He is a big fan of Starland but is opposed
to the Text Amendment. He is concerned about changing the character of the R -1 community in
Deerfield. Mr. Kohl stated that Deerfield is a wonderful community because of the core
residential areas. He cannot think of another business in the middle of an R -1 residential area.
He believes this would be a very special change that would alter the core of Deerfield. He asked
the Board to really think hard before agreeing to such a dramatic change to the character of
Deerfield.
Beth Levy - Murkes, 555 Mallard Lane, spoke in support of Starland. Her daughter has gone to
Starland for three years and they have been very happy. She loves that Starland is in Deerfield
and would not be happy to see it leave. Ms. Levy - Murkes lives one block from the proposed
site. She believes Mr. More has created an amazing place and would be attentive to any issues
that may arise.
Abby Cole, 1312 Central, has patronized Starland since it opened. She does not believe Starland
is going to increase traffic severely. The current Starland parking lot holds only 15 — 20
vehicles. She noted it does not matter whether Starland has a for - profit or not - for - profit
structure, it is a school. Her daughter has learned a lot from Starland. Starland will refurbish the
building and is much better will be much better than keeping a vacant building in the
neighborhood.
Aaron Cohen, 241 Forrestway Drive, is a 6 I grader in support of Starland, because of what it
teaches children. He believes it would be more convenient and accessible, if it moved to the new
location. He noted that he has been able to excel in school because of the engineering and
computer classes he has taken at Starland.
Sharon Cohen, 241 Forrestway Drive, attended both Plan Commission meetings. She noted the
arguments against Starland have continually changed. She noted, if another school or synagogue
moved into that location a Special Use would not be required and there would be even higher
traffic issue throughout the entire day and seven days a week. She believes Starland is an asset to
the community.
Mr. Coblentz clarified that a Special Use does not set a legal precedent for any other Special Use
request. He noted that Special Uses are legislative decisions based on the particular situation and
must stand on their own merit. A Special Use cannot be granted based on the previous approval
of another Special Use. The new user would need to establish their own case.
Trustee Struthers advised that the Deerfield Township assessor indicated that the property values
would not be affected by Starland moving into the proposed location. The property would also
be on the tax roll, which would be positive.
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January 3, 2012
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Trustee Benton explained the Village has a religious citizen that presently occupies the property.
If Starland takes the building, the religious organization would benefit and remain on the
property as well.
Trustee Oppenheim noted the Zoning Ordinance does not distinguish between not - for - profit and
for profit businesses. She noted that other allowed uses include schools, recreational facilities,
day care centers and camps. The supposition that the neighborhood would be the only one in
Deerfield that connects to a for - profit business is untrue. There are a number of similar
situations in town and they work well. Trustee Oppenheim noted this is a land use issue and the
way the building would be used is appropriate for the building. The building is currently under
utilized. She believes it will be a win -win situation for all involved.
Trustee Jester observed that there have been successions of Special Uses for the property. The
specific use currently being looked at is constrained. The building was designed for 300
children. Starland is asking for 60 students at a time, throughout the day. He noted Pine Street is
a collector street and this will not change. He believes the proposed use will spread the traffic
throughout the day. The location has always been an education facility and Starland is consistent
with that theme.
Trustee Oppenheim made a motion to accept the report and recommendation of the Plan
Commission and preparation of the Ordinance. Trustee Benton seconded the motion. The
motion passed by the following vote:
AYES: Benton, Farkas, Jester, Oppenheim, Seiden, Struthers (6)
NAYS: None (0)
There was no Consent Agenda.
CONSENT AGENDA
OLD BUSINESS
ORDINANCE 0 -12 -01 ABATING A
Finance Director, Mr. Fialkowski explained that
PORTION OF THE 2011 TAX LEVY
during the tax levy hearing, the Board indicated
REQUIREMENTS FOR THE SERIES
they were desirous of pursuing an additional
2010 GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS
abatement. As a result, he amended one Ordinance
and added two more. This Ordinance is to abate the
non - Wastewater Reclamation Facility portion of the tax levy in an amount of $499,530.
Trustee Farkas made a motion to adopt the Ordinance. Trustee Oppenheim seconded the motion.
The motion passed by the following vote:
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Board of Trustees Meeting
January 3, 2012
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AYES: Benton, Farkas, Oppenheim, Seiden, Struthers (5)
NAYS: Jester (1)
NEW BUSINESS
ORDINANCE 0 -12 -02 ABATING ALL
OF THE 2011 TAX LEVY
REQUIREMENTS FOR THE SERIES
2008 GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS
seconded the motion. The motion passed 1
Mr. Fialkowski noted this Ordinance is to
abate the non - Wastewater Reclamation Facility
portion of the tax lexy in an amount of $365,600
_Trustee Benton made a motion to waive the First
Reading of the Ordinance. Trustee Oppenheim
)y the following vote:
AYES: Benton, Farkas, Oppenheim, Seiden, Struthers (5)
NAYS: Jester (1)
Trustee Struthers made a motion to adopt the Ordinance. Trustee Oppenheim seconded the
motion. The motion passed by the following vote:
AYES: Benton, Farkas, Oppenheim, Seiden, Struthers (5)
NAYS: Jester (1)
ORDINANCE 0 -12 -03 ABATING ALL Mr. Fialkowski stated this Ordinance would abate
OF THE 2011 TAX LEVY the non Wastewater Reclamation Facility portion of
REQUIREMENTS FOR THE SERIES the tax levy in the amount of $130,947.
2011A GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS
Trustee Benton made a motion to waive the First
Reading of the Ordinance. Trustee Oppenheim seconded the motion. The motion passed by the
following vote:
AYES: Benton, Farkas, Oppenheim, Seiden, Struthers (5)
NAYS: Jester (1)
Trustee Farkas made a motion to adopt the Ordinance. Trustee Benton seconded the motion.
The motion passed by the following vote:
AYES: Benton, Farkas, Oppenheim, Seiden, Struthers (5)
NAYS: Jester (1)
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Board of Trustees Meeting
January 3, 2012,
Page 8 of 10
RESOLUTION R -12 -01 OF THE
VILLAGE OF DEERFIELD, ILLINOIS
DECLARING ITS OFFICIAL INTENT
TO REIMBURSE CERTAIN CAPITAL
EXPENDITURES FROM THE
PROCEEDS OF THE FUTURE DEBT
Mr. Fialkowski reported the Village is well on their
way of going through the bond proceeds from 2011.
The qualified energy conservation bonds are
restricted. As a result, the Village is spending
non - qualified energy conservation money and
needs to reserve the right to reimburse itself with
ISSUE (WRF) future bond proceeds.
Trustee Seiden made a motion to adopt the Resolution. Trustee Farkas seconded the motion.
The motion passed by the following vote:
AYES: Benton, Farkas, Jester, Oppenheim, Seiden, Struthers (6)
NAYS: None (0)
DISCUSSION
Mayor Rosenthal questioned the effectiveness of the yellow flashing lights at the Deerfield Road
pedestrian crosswalks. She believes it is time to look at signage and safety. Chief Sliozis
believes there is some confusion created by the law. He would not want to create a false sense of
security for pedestrians and believes it is an educational matter. Mayor Rosenthal noted
Deerfield residents can be educated but many vehicles exiting on the tollway are from out of
town. Chief Sliozis agreed there needs to be a combination of education and enforcement.
Trustee Benton stated there is a light on Wilmot near South Park School that turns red when
pushed. Chief Sliozis stated that light is grandfathered in and no longer permitted. Trustee
Farkas asked if it would be possible to have a traffic light that is green except when pushed.
Chief Slozis stated that is not allowed. Ms. Little explained that the traffic does not meet any
type of warrant to install a traffic signal. She noted the Village could install a pedestrian signal
but it would not meet warrants. Mr. Street added that because the sign is unwarranted the
Village would be liable for what happens. Trustee Struthers suggested looking into adding
additional street lights to better illuminate the intersection. Mayor Rosenthal believes the
intersection needs to be made safer. Trustee Seiden suggested consulting other Village to see
how they handle similar situations. Mr. Street suggested looking at it as part of the budget.
Trustee Farkas asked Chief Sliozis to address the cell phone ban and break -ins in that have
recently taken place in nearby communities. Chief Sliozis reported that the department has
issued more than one hundred warning tickets since the cell phone Ordinance took effect. He
explained it is harder to see the violators due to the early sunset. Chief Sliozis noted that
residents are aware of the Ordinance and enforcement is progressing well. Chief Sliozis noted
that residential burglaries are cyclical and the numbers in Deerfield are less than last year.
Throughout the north shore area; however, there has been an increase in the variety of burglaries.
Chief Sliozis noted that cyclical burglaries are usually crews. He urged residents to call the
police if they see something or someone that seems out of place.
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Board of Trustees Meeting
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NEXT MEETING Mr. Street reminded residents that the next Board of
Trustees meeting would take place on Tuesday,
January 17, 2012 due to the Martin Luther King holiday.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business or discussion,
Trustee Benton made a motion to adjourn the
meeting. Trustee Struthers seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. The meeting
was adjourned at 9:38 pm.
ATTEST:
Village Cler
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APPROVED:
Mayor