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CITY COUNCIL 2015/09/08 MinutesThe City of Lake Forest CITY COUNCIL Proceedings of the Monday, September 8, 2015 City Council Meeting - City Council Chambers CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL: Honorable Mayor Schoenheider called the meeting to order at 6:30pm, and Deputy City Clerk Margaret Boyer called the roll of Council members. Present: Honorable Mayor Schoenheider, Alderman Waldeck, Alderman Beidler, Alderman Newman, Alderman Tack, Alderman Reisenberg and Alderman Adelman. Absent: Alderman Pandaleon and Alderman Moreno Also present were: Robert Kiely, City Manager; Susan Banks, Communications Manager; Elizabeth Holleb, Finance Director; Victor Filippini, City Attorney; Catherine Czerniak, Director of Community Development; Sally Swarthout, Director of Parks & Recreation, Michael Thomas, Director of Public Works; Mike Strong, Assistant to the City Manager; and Jim Lockefeer, Management Intern. There were approximately 25 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. Resolution of Sympathy for former Employee Melvin F. McLaughlin Mayor Schoenheider read the Resolution of Sympathy and offered the condolences of the City Council. Alderman Beidler made a motion approve the Resolution, seconded by Alderman Adelman. Motion carried unanimously by voice vote. B. Proclamation of Woodlands Academy of The Sacred Heart Day September 18, 2015 -Meg Steele, Head of School Mayor Schoenheider read the Proclamation. Alderman Reisenberg made a motion approve the Proclamation, seconded by Alderman Beidler. Motion carried unanimously by voice vote. Ms. Steele invited all residents to the dedication of the newly expanded campus on September 18 and gave an overview presentation about Woodlands Academy. COMMENTS BY CITY MANAGER Proceedings of the September 8, 2015 Regular City Council Meeting None. COMMENTS BY COUNCIL MEMBERS PROPERTY AND PUBLIC LAND COMMITTEE 1. Consideration of approval of a Master Land Transfer Agreement by and between The City of Lake Forest and Lake Forest Open Lands Association relating to an exchange of certain property within the City of Lake Forest. City Manager Robert Kiely reported that in early 2015 the Lake Forest open Lands Association approached The City of Lake Forest regarding a possible exchange of properties. In May 2015 the City signed an MOU proposal for the McCormick Ravine to Lake Forest Open Lands Association for Lake Forest Open Lands Park and a parcel at Elawa Farm. The timing on this issue was critical due to a Great Lakes Fishery and Ecosystem Restoration Program grant deadline. Various documents need to be completed with City Lake Forest, Army Corps of Engineers, and Lake Forest Open Lands that would allow eligibility for Grant dollars in late 2015 early 2016. Robert Kiely introduced John Sentell, President of Lake Forest Open Lands Association. Mr. Sentell reported that the City and LFOLA have enjoyed a successful ongoing public/private partnership that has enhanced the quality of life in the community by preserving open space, creating conservation-based developments, enacting positive open space zoning policies, and partnering on numerous open space and environmental initiatives. In addition, the City and LFOLA currently share in a formal Land Management Agreement, otherwise known as the Master Lease Agreement. Mr. Sentell stated that the City possesses the skills and resources to own, manage, and improve specialized public open spaces within City boundaries to maximize their beauty, function, and usefulness for the enjoyment and economic benefit of our residents. LFOLA possesses the special expertise, financial resources, and organizational mission to manage and restore some of the most rare and valued natural areas and public nature preserves within the City. Such parcels currently include the very highest quality natural areas such as Middlefork Savanna, Shaw Prairie, and Haffner Meadow, all areas recognized and dedicated by the Illinois Nature Preserves Commission as deserving the highest level of protection and recognition in the State of Illinois. Victor Filippini, City Attorney reported that the City and LFOLA are currently engaged in discussions with the United States Army Corp of Engineers pertaining to participation in the Great Lakes Fishery and Ecosystem Restoration Program (GLFER). As part of this Agreement, LFOLA intends to commit the substantial financial (cash and in-kind) resources necessary to meet the cost and management requirements, and for both parties to jointly agree to engage in an intensive restoration of McCormick Ravine as part of the Army Corps of Engineers' federally- funded GLFER program . The Council had discussion around preserving, enhancing and maintaining the property. The use of the property was discussed, including McCormick Day Camp, signage and accessibility. Additional discussion was had with regard to other expenditures by the City, and whether or not the Land swap is the right thing to do. The City Council also had a lengthy discussion around the ability of Proceedings of the September 8, 2015 Regular City Council Meeting LFOLA to sell or trade the land. City Attorney, Victor Filippini stated that covenants would be recorded against each parcel that would protect the land. The Council discussed the idea of a City liaison to LFOLA. The future liability and the funding stream that would be necessary to maintain the ravine was discussed. Long term use of the building on site was discussed along with who is financially responsible moving forward. Mayor Schoenheider asked if there was anyone who wanted to comment on the topic. Seeing none, he asked for a motion. COUNCIL ACTION: Pursuant to the City’s Home Rule Authority, approve the proposed Master Land Transfer Agreement relating to an exchange of properties involving McCormick Ravine, Open Lands Park and a portion of property at Elawa Farm, and direct the Mayor, City manager and the City Attorney to proceed with execution of the various legal documents to effectuate the transfer of parcels. Alderman Newman made a motion pursuant to the City’s Home Rule Authority, to approve the proposed Master Land Transfer Agreement relating to an exchange of properties involving McCormick Ravine, Open Lands Park and a portion of property at Elawa Farm, and direct the Mayor, City Manager and the City Attorney to proceed with execution of the various legal documents to effectuate the transfer of parcels, seconded by Beidler. The following voted “Yea”: Aldermen Waldeck, Beidler, Newman, Reisenberg, and Adelman. The following voted “Nay”: Alderman Tack. 5 Yeas, 1 Nays, motion carried. OPPORTUNITY FOR CITIZENS TO ADDRESS THE CITY COUNCIL ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS Mary Ilene Blondell, 460 Spruce and Sheridan offered her opinion to the city Council on the no right turn restriction at the intersection of Green Bay Road and Deerpath. ITEMS FOR OMNIBUS VOTE CONSIDERATION 1. Approval of the August 3, 2015 City Council meeting Minutes 2. Approval of the August 17, 2015 Special City Council meeting Minutes 3. Check Register for Period July 25 - August 28, 2015 4. Approval of Contract for Installation of Holiday Lights 5. Consideration of an Addendum to the Westmoreland Road License Agreement with the Lake Forest Club 6. Approval of a Replacement Stair Chair and Stretcher 7. Consideration of Ordinances Approving Recommendations from the Building Review Board. (First Reading and if Desired by the City Council, Final Approval) Proceedings of the September 8, 2015 Regular City Council Meeting 8. Consideration of Ordinances Approving Recommendations from the Zoning Board of Appeals. (First Reading, and if Desired by the City Council, Final Approval) COUNCIL ACTION: Approve the Eight (8) Omnibus items as presented. Mayor Schoenheider asked members of the Council if they would like to remove any item or take it separately. Seeing none, the Mayor asked for a motion to approve the eight Omnibus items. Alderman Beidler made a motion to approve the eight Omnibus items as presented, including waiver of first reading, seconded by Reisenberg. The following voted “Yea”: Aldermen Waldeck, Beidler, Newman, Tack, Reisenberg, and Adelman. The following voted “Nay”: None. 6 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 an Ordinance Approving a Recommendation from the Zoning Board of Appeals in Support of a Building Height Variance for a Significant Addition to the Johnson Science Center on Middle Campus, at Lake Forest College. (First Reading, and if Desired by the City Council, Final Approval) Director of Community Development, Catherine Czerniak, reported that the Zoning Board of Appeals held a public hearing on a request from Lake Forest College for approval of a height variance for an addition to the Johnson Science Center. And prior to the Zoning Board of Appeals’ consideration of the variance request, the City’s Historic Preservation Commission considered the project. In approving the project, the Commission commended the College for committing the resources necessary to undertake this significant project. Ms. Czerniak gave an overview of the Campus map that included the existing site plan, the proposed site plan and a Building height comparison. Ms. Czerniak added that at the North and Middle Campuses of Lake Forest College are in the City’s Local Historic District and that the buildings in these areas range in age and historic significance. The historic buildings on the campus are most visible from the public streetscape. The later buildings, including the Science Center, are located internal to the campus. In recent years, the Donnelley Library on Middle Campus was renovated, expanded and updated to meet the needs and demands of today’s students, incorporate new technology and address deficiencies of the existing building. The Johnson Science Center project is intended to upgrade the Campus in a similar way. Ms. Czerniak stated that Mr. David Siefert, Facility Director, was here this evening and available to answer questions of the City Council. Mayor Schoenheider asked if there was anyone from the public who wanted to comment on this topic. Seeing none, he asked for a motion. Proceedings of the September 8, 2015 Regular City Council Meeting COUNCIL ACTION: If determined to be appropriate by the City Council, waive first reading and grant final approval of an Ordinance approving the building height variance as recommended by the Zoning Board of Appeals. Alderman Waldeck made a motion to waive first reading, seconded by Alderman Beidler. Motion carried unanimously by voice vote. Alderman Beidler made a motion to grant final approval of an Ordinance approving the building height variance as recommended by the Zoning Board of Appeals, seconded by Waldeck. The following voted “Yea”: Aldermen Waldeck, Beidler, Newman, Tack, Reisenberg, and Adelman. The following voted “Nay”: None. 6 Yeas, 0 Nays, motion carried. ORDINANCES AFFECTING CODE AMENDMENTS 1. Consideration of an Ordinance Amending Section 50, 51, and 52 of the City Code, Solid Waste, Water, and Sewer Use Charges and Rates as Recommended by Staff. (First/Final Approval) The city Council decided to table this item and add it to a future City Council agenda. COUNCIL ACTION: Grant first reading of recommended changes to the City Code relating to Solid Waste, Water, and Sewer Use Charges and Rates. No action was taken. NEW BUSINESS ADDITIONAL ITEMS FOR COUNCIL DISCUSSION Mayor Schoenheider invited all to the BMW Championship at Conway Farms Golf Club in support of the Evans Scholars. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business. Alderman Pandaleon made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Alderman Reisenberg. Motion carried unanimously by voice vote at 7:40 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 Proceedings of the September 8, 2015 Regular City Council Meeting www.cityoflakeforest.com. Click on I Want To, then click on View, then choose Archived Meetings Videos.