CITY COUNCIL 2014/11/17 MinutesThe City of Lake Forest
CITY COUNCIL
Proceedings of the November 17, 2014
City Council Meeting. City Council Chambers
CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL: Honorable Mayor Schoenheider called the meeting to order at
6:30 pm, and Deputy City Clerk Margaret Boyer called the roll of Council members.
Present: Mayor Schoenheider, Alderman Waldeck, Alderman Beidler, Alderman Moore, Alderman
Pandaleon, Alderman Tack, Alderman Reisenberg, Alderman Adelman and Alderman Moreno.
Absent: None
Also present were: Bob Kiely, City Manager, Victor Filippini, City Attorney; Carina Walters,
Assistant City Manager; Susan Banks, Communications Manager; Catherine Czerniak, Director of
Community Development; Chuck Myers, Superintendent of Parks & Forestry; Elizabeth Holleb,
Director of Finance; Diane Hall, Assistant Finance Director; Bob Ells, Superintendent Engineering;
and Michael Thomas, Director of Public Works; and Desha Kalmar, Human Resources Director.
There were approximately 30 present in the audience.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by all in attendance.
REPORTS OF CITY OFFICERS
COMMENTS BY MAYOR
A. The Mayor invited the entire community to attend the tree lighting in Market Square on
November 28.
COMMENTS BY CITY MANAGER
City Manager, Robert Kiely, announced Manager of Senior Resources will retire at the end of
March, 2015; and that Marla Schachtel has done tremendous work at Dickinson Hall and will be
missed.
COMMENTS BY COUNCIL MEMBERS
Alderman Waldeck, Alderman Beidler, City Engineer Bob Ells, and representatives form Lake
Forest High School met with Ward 1 residents to talk about the detention pond. Alderman
Waldeck said the meeting resulted in a great plan and timeline for moving forward, and is looking
forward to seeing the solution down the road.
Alderman Beidler added that on Nov 19 there is an HPC meeting and on the agenda is the
Woodbine Bridge replacement. She stated this is the 1st step in preparing design work. The HPC
Proceedings of the November 17, 2014
Regular City Council Meeting
will get initial public input, and as design moves forward, the City Council will be involved in the
progress, and grant final approval.
Alderman Pandaleon commended the Fire Department for its professionalism handling an incident
at St Mary’s.
Alderman Moreno recommended the Lake Forest Fire Department’s Citizens Academy to all so
that they can learn what the department does. She recently completed the Academy.
Finance Committee
1. Gorton Community Center Rehabilitation Project and FY 15 Budget Presentations
Finance Committee Chairman George Pandaleon introduced Blair Nagel, Chairman of Gorton
Community Center. Mr. Nagel reported on the history of Gorton and gave an update on the
renovations that are underway, which include a 21 st Century Arts & Educational Center, a state of
the art Theater and renovated Gathering Spaces. He also stated that the campaign progress to
date had raised 5.9 million dollars, with a 2 million Lead gift from Nancy Hughes. However, the
goal is 6.5 million, and Gorton is currently launching the Public Campaign.
George Pandaleon then introduced Mark Ventling, who presented the Gorton’s annual budget to
the City Council. Mr. Ventling stated that the revenue next year will be impacted by the
construction; there will be other programs put in place to offset that. He added that they have a
plan to hire a manager for the theater. He also pointed out that the endowment will be about 2.4
million by the end of the year, which will sustain the Center for years to come.
Alderman Pandaleon commented the Center was broke and was threatened with abandonment in
2010 and in 2014, Gorton’s finances are solid and cash flow positive. He thanked all involved for
the turnaround that has happened at Gorton in a year’s time.
Mayor Schoenheider asked if there was anyone from the public who wanted to comment. Seeing
none, he asked for a motion.
COUNCIL ACTION: It is recommended that the City Council consider approval, approval with
modifications, or rejection of the Gorton Community Center Annual Budget and Plan. If
rejected, the Center would be authorized to operate and occupy the property in accordance
with the Annual Budget and Plan last approved by the City Council subject to rate adjustments
not exceeding the change in the Consumer Price Index.
Alderman Pandaleon made a motion approving the Gorton Community Center Annual Budget and
Plan, seconded by Alderman Beidler. The following voted “Yea”: Aldermen Waldeck, Beidler,
Moore, Pandaleon, Tack, Reisenberg, Adelman and Moreno. The following voted “Nay”: None. 8
Yeas, 0 Nays, motion carried.
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2. Elawa Farm Budget Presentation
Finance Committee Chairman George Pandaleon introduced the Executive Director, Joanne Miller,
and Chairman of the Elawa Farm Commission, Holly Brown. Ms. Miller reported that Elawa Farm is
supported by numerous volunteers and there are a number of programs to attend that range from
cooking to flower arranging. She added that Elawa sponsors a Holiday Market that will take place
December 5, 6 and 7. Chairman Brown recommended approval of the 1015 Elawa Farm budget
and invited the community to visit and attend the Holiday Market.
Mayor Schoenheider asked if there was anyone from the public who wanted to comment. Seeing
none, he asked for a motion.
COUNCIL ACTION: It is recommended that the City Council consider approval, approval with
modifications, or rejection of the Elawa Farm Annual Budget and Plan. If rejected, the Elawa
Farm Foundation would be authorized to operate and occupy the property in accordance with
the Annual Budget and Plan last approved by the City Council
Alderman Pandaleon made a motion approving the Elawa Farm Annual Budget and Plan, seconded
by Alderman Reisenberg. The following voted “Yea”: Aldermen Waldeck, Beidler, Moore,
Pandaleon, Tack, Reisenberg, Adelman and Moreno. The following voted “Nay”: None. 8 Yeas, 0
Nays, motion carried.
3. Consideration of an Ordinance Establishing the 2014 Tax Levy (First Reading)
Finance Director Elizabeth Holleb explained the schedules reviewing the proposed tax levy for
2014; 1) the tax levy limitations under the tax cap; 2) the tax levy distributed by fund without new
growth and allowances distributed; 3) the tax levy by fund with new growth and allowances
distributed; and 4) an explanation of the tax increase to an average homeowner to be an average
increase to existing residents ($800,000 home) is projected to be $49 or 1.48%.
The proposed tax levy for 2014 reflects a 1.88% increase over the 2013 tax levy extensions for the
City and Library operating funds and City pension and debt service funds. This increase is
comprised of the 1.50% property tax cap increase on those levy lines subject to the tax cap; debt
service bond levies as previously approved by City Council bond Ordinances.
COUNCIL ACTION: Grant first reading of an Ordinance Establishing the 2014 Tax Levy
Alderman Moreno made a motion to grant first reading of an Ordinance Establishing the 2014 Tax
Levy , seconded by Alderman Reisenberg. The following voted “Yea”: Aldermen Waldeck, Beidler,
Moore, Pandaleon, Tack, Reisenberg, Adelman and Moreno. The following voted “Nay”: None. 8
Yeas, 0 Nays, motion carried.
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4. Approval of Ordinances Abating 2014 Tax Levies for Various G.O. Alternate Revenue Bond
Issues (First Reading)
Finance Director Elizabeth Holleb stated that there are four Ordinances for actual bond issues
outstanding. The abatement of these general obligation Alternate Revenue bonds is possible due
to these bond funds having adequate revenue sources. She said in order to reduce the bond tax
levies, an abatement ordinance for 2010-B Bond, 2010-C Bond, 2011-A refunding and 2011-B
refunding Bond will be required.
Mayor Schoenheider asked if there was anyone from the public who wanted to comment on this,
and seeing none, asked for a motion.
COUNCIL ACTION: Grant first reading approval of the Ordinances abating tax levies for various
general obligation bond issues.
Alderman Moore made a motion to grant first reading approval of the Ordinances abating tax
levies for various general obligation bond issues, seconded by Alderman Reisenberg. The following
voted “Yea”: Aldermen Waldeck, Beidler, Moore, Pandaleon, Tack, Reisenberg, Adelman and
Moreno. The following voted “Nay”: None. 8 Yeas, 0 Nays, motion carried.
5. Consideration of an Ordinance approving a Fee Schedule, Ordinances adopting new fees
related to Liquor License Penalty and Credit Card Service Fees, and an Ordinance amending City
Code relating to the Direct Debit Program for Water Bills (First Reading)
Finance Director Elizabeth Holleb stated that as part of the budget process all departments are
asked to review their user fees. Departments are required to justify their proposed fees. And new
fees require a separate Ordinance to be submitted. The following have been submitted for
approval; an Ordinance approving a fee schedule, an Ordinance adopting a new liquor license
penalty fee, an Ordinance adopting new fees related to credit card service fees and an Ordinance
amending City Code regarding elimination of the direct debit discount. Ms. Holleb added that the
Revenue for the new and increased fees is estimated to be $750 in the General Fund, $42,541 in
the Parks and Recreation Fund, $3,934 in the Deerpath Golf Course Fund and $201,378 in the
Water Fund.
Mayor Schoenheider asked if there was anyone from the public who wanted to comment.
Paul Hamann of 511 Beverley offered his opinion to the City Council.
Mayor Schoenheider asked for a motion.
COUNCIL ACTION: Grant first reading to the proposed ordinances.
Alderman Moore made a motion to grant first reading to proposed fee Ordinances, seconded by
Alderman Reisenberg. The following voted “Yea”: Aldermen Waldeck, Beidler, Moore, Pandaleon,
Tack, Reisenberg, Adelman and Moreno. The following voted “Nay”: None. 8 Yeas, 0 Nays, motion
carried
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Regular City Council Meeting
6. Consideration of (i) a Resolution Regarding the Termination of an Intergovernmental
Agreement, and Approval of a “Wind-Up” Agreement with District 67 and (ii) Ordinances
Terminating Special Service Areas 15, 33, 34, 35 and 36 (First Reading)
City Attorney Victor Filippini reported that in July 1994, the City and School District 67 executed an
Intergovernmental Community Facilities Financing Agreement (“the IGA”) that set forth provisions
for ongoing communication, cooperation and consultation related to the housing of school-aged
children within the public school system. Pursuant to the IGA, which expired in July 2014, the City
has utilized Tax Increment Financing (TIF) money to support improvements at Everett School and
established Special Service Areas (SSAs) associated with specific developments to support
constructing new school facilities, school improvements or additions required to provide
educational services and facilities to the student population within the SSAs. In 1998 and 1999,
School District 67 issued $12.8 million in bonds to address long-term facility needs and anticipated
SSA tax assessments to fund a portion of the debt service.
Due to the fact that the five School District SSAs currently in place have generated nominal school
district enrollment, City and SD67 representatives have discussed for more than a year the
possibility of terminating the SSAs in advance of their scheduled termination. Agreement has
been reached that would allow the City Council to adopt ordinances terminating SSAs 15, 33, 34,
35, and 36, eliminating tax assessments beginning with the 2014 levy year.
In a related matter, the 1994 IGA included some non-SSA items that need to be concluded, and
representatives of the City and SD67 have been discussing steps to close out those items. In the
course of those discussions, City and SD67 representatives have discussed certain property in the
Middlefork subdivision development that was deeded to the City but set aside for a park and
future school site. The School District has agreed to relinquish its interest in the future school site
so that the property will remain a park/open space, subject to a payment from the City.
The City Council had a discussion on the cost of terminating the SSAs and asked the City Staff for
history relating to the implementation of the SSAs.
The City Council agreed to grant first reading of the Ordinances and asked that the proposed
Resolution for the “wind-up” agreement be tabled until the next City Council meeting.
Mayor Schoenheider asked if there was anyone from the public who wanted to comment. Seeing
none, he asked for a motion.
COUNCIL ACTION: Approval of the Proposed Resolution for the Wind-Up Agreement and grant
first reading Ordinances.
Alderman Reisenberg made a motion to table the Resolution and grant first reading of the
Ordinances, seconded by Alderman Moreno. The following voted “Yea”: Aldermen Waldeck,
Beidler, Pandaleon, Tack, Reisenberg, and Moreno. The following voted “Nay”: Alderman Moore,
Adelman. 6 Yeas, 2 Nays, motion carried.
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B. Property and Public Lands Committee
1. Consideration of a Recommendation from the Property and Public Lands Committee in
Support of a Resolution Authorizing a Purchase Agreement for Property Located on the
Northwest Corner of Western and Laurel Avenues, the Former Municipal Services Site.
(Approve the Resolution by Motion.)
This item was tabled.
OPPORTUNITY FOR CITIZENS TO ADDRESS THE CITY COUNCIL ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS
Mayor Schoenheider asked if there was anyone from the public who wanted to address the
Council on non-agenda items.
David Mattoon of 1547 N Sherman Rd shared his opinion on Railroad Safety.
ITEMS FOR OMNIBUS VOTE CONSIDERATION
1. Approval of the November 3, 2014 City Council meeting Minutes
2. Approval of Health Insurance Contract Renewals
COUNCIL ACTION: Approve the two (2) Omnibus items as presented.
Mayor Schoenheider asked the Council if they would like any item removed or be taken
separately. Seeing none, he asked for a motion to approve the two (2) Omnibus items as
presented.
Alderman Reisenberg made a motion approving the two (2) Omnibus items as presented,
seconded by Alderman Moore. The following voted “Yea”: Aldermen Waldeck, Beidler, Moore,
Pandaleon, Tack, Reisenberg, Adelman and Moreno. The following voted “Nay”: None. 8 Yeas, 0
Nays, motion carried.
Information such as Purpose and Action Requested, Background/Discussion, Budget/Fiscal Impact,
Recommended Action and a Staff Contact as it relates to the Omnibus items can be found on the agenda.
ORDINANCES
1. Consideration of a Recommendation from the Plan Commission in Support of
Amendments to Chapter 46, Sections 37 and 38, Single Family Residence
Districts, to Permit “Granny Flats”, or Secondary Living Units, on Properties
Zoned for Single Family Use, Under Certain Conditions. (Final Approval.)
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Regular City Council Meeting
Director of Community Development, Catherine Czerniak, gave a brief review of the
recommendation from the Plan Commission to amend the Code to permit “granny flats”, or
secondary living units, in the R-5 and R-4 residential zoning districts under certain conditions. At
the November 3, 2014 meeting the Council granted first reading and directed that modifications
be made consistent with the Council’s discussion prior to final consideration of the Ordinance.
Ms. Czerniak added that there had been a few slight amendments from the City Attorney.
Mayor Schoenheider asked if there was anyone from the public who wanted to comment. Seeing
none, he asked for a motion.
COUNCIL ACTION: If determined to be appropriate by the City Council, grant final approval of
the Ordinance approving a Code amendment to permit secondary living units in the R-4 and R-5
zoning districts under certain conditions and limitations.
Alderman Moore made a motion to grant final approval of the Ordinance approving a Code
amendment to permit secondary living units in the R-4 and R-5 zoning districts under certain
conditions and limitations, seconded by Alderman Pandaleon. The following voted “Yea”:
Aldermen Waldeck, Beidler, Moore, Pandaleon, Tack, Reisenberg, Adelman and Moreno. The
following voted “Nay”: None. 8 Yeas, 0 Nays, motion carried.
NEW BUSINESS
ADDITIONAL ITEMS FOR COUNCIL DISCUSSION
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business. Alderman Reisenberg made a motion to adjourn, seconded by
Alderman Pandaleon Motion carried unanimously by voice vote at 8:10 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Margaret Boyer
Deputy City Clerk
A video of the City Council meeting is available for viewing at the Lake Forest Library and on file in
the Clerk’s office at City Hall. You can also view it on the website by visiting
www.cityoflakeforest.com. Click on I Want To, then click on View, then choose Archived Meetings
Videos.