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CITY COUNCIL 2015/11/16 MinutesThe City of Lake Forest CITY COUNCIL Proceedings of the November 16, 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 Pandaleon, Alderman Newman, Alderman Tack, Alderman Reisenberg, Alderman Adelman and Alderman Moreno. Absent: None 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; Michael Thomas, Director of Public Works; James Held, Chief of Police; Karl Walldorf, Deputy Chief of Police; Craig Lepkowski, Police Commander; Sally Swarthout, Director of Parks & Recreation; Mike Strong, Assistant to the City Manager; Jim Lockefeer, Management Intern and Anne Whipple. 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. Mayor for a Day - Lauren Garriques, Lake Forest High School Mayor Schoenheider introduced Mayor for a Day, Lauren Garriques. Miss Garriques gave a report on the annual tree lighting ceremony that was scheduled for Friday, November 7 in Market Square. B. 2015-2016 Board and Commission Appointments/Reappointments AUDIT COMMITTEE (To Fulfill Unexpired Term of Lucinda Baier) NAME OF MEMBER APPOINT/REAPPOINT WARD William McFadden Appoint 3 Don O’Callaghan Appoint as Chairman 1 COUNCIL ACTION: Approve the Mayors Appointments Proceedings of the November 16, 2015 Regular City Council Meeting Alderman Pandaleon made a motion to approve the Mayor’s appointments, seconded by Alderman Beidler. Motion carried unanimously by voice vote. COMMENTS BY CITY MANAGER No Report. COMMENTS BY COUNCIL MEMBERS FINANCE COMMITTEE A. Elawa Farm Budget Presentation Finance Committee Chairman George Pandaleon introduced Holly Brown, Chairman of the Elawa Farm Foundation and Executive Director of Elawa Farm, Joanne Miller. Ms. Brown reported that the budget presented was approved by the Elawa Farm Foundation and is being submitted to the City Council with a recommendation of approval. Highlights included a modest increase in income with a planned increase use of the garden, rentals and a variety of other programs. Ms. Miller gave an overview of upcoming events that included the completion of a greenhouse. Mayor Schoenheider asked if there was anyone from the public who would like to comment on the matter. Seeing none, he asked for a motion. COUNCIL ACTION: It is recommended that the City Council consider approval the Elawa Farm Annual Budget and Plan. Alderman Reisenberg made a motion to approve the Elawa Farm Annual Budget and Plan, seconded by Alderman Newman. The following voted “Yea”: Aldermen Waldeck, Beidler, Newman, Pandaleon, Tack, Reisenberg, Adelman and Moreno. The following voted “Nay”: None. 8 Yeas, 0 Nays, motion carried. B. Gorton Community Center Budget Presentation Finance Committee Chairman George Pandaleon introduced Peter Cherry, from the Gorton Board of Directors. Mr. Cherry reported that the budget presented was approved by the Gorton Community Center finance committee and is being submitted to the City Council with a recommendation for approval. Highlights included a review of events and programs and anticipated increases by capitalizing on the new facilities and forming a performing arts committee along with continued support from the community. Proceedings of the November 16, 2015 Regular City Council Meeting The City Council had discussed ht e trememdous progress Gorton has made over the past five years. Mayor Schoenheider thanked all those involved for their time for an institution that is so vital in the community. Mayor Schoenheider asked if there was anyone from the public who would like to comment on the matter. Seeing none, he asked for a motion. COUNCIL ACTION: It is recommended that the City Council consider approval of the Gorton Community Center Annual Budget and Plan. Alderman Reisenberg made a motion to approve the Gorton Community Center Annual Budget and Plan, seconded by Alderman Waldeck. The following voted “Yea”: Aldermen Waldeck, Beidler, Newman, Pandaleon, Tack, Reisenberg, Adelman and Moreno. The following voted “Nay”: None. 8 Yeas, 0 Nays, motion carried. C. Determination of an Estimate of the Amount of Revenue to be generated from Property Taxes for the 2015 Calendar Year in Accordance with the Truth in Taxation Statute, Establishment of a Public Hearing Date for the 2015 Tax Levy (if Required) and Consideration of an Ordinance Establishing the 2015 Tax Levy (First Reading) Elizabeth Holleb Finance Director reported that this subject was discussed at length at the Finance Committee workshop on November 9. The implications from the State not balancing its budget continue to impact the City. Currently there are three revenue sources frozen/suspended to include: MFT (Motor Fuel Tax), Local Use Tax and E911 Revenue. These are equal to just under a million dollars in annual revenue to The City of Lake Forest and the City remains hopeful that the suspended distributions will be paid retroactively when the State approves a budget.. Staff is requesting City Council approval of the first reading of an Ordinance establishing the 2015 tax levy, which shall also serve as an estimate of the amount of revenue to be generated from property taxes in calendar year 2015. Ms. Holleb reported that under the Truth in Taxation Act, the City Council is required to determine the estimated amount of money to be raised by taxation twenty (20) days prior to the adoption of the annual tax levy. The amount determined is an estimate, and may be increased or decreased under the statute, provided that any increase does not exceed 105% of the prior year’s tax extension without the required notice and public hearing. This year, the first reading of the tax levy ordinance is presented simultaneously as the estimate. The tax levy ordinance will again be considered by the City Council on December 7, 2015. The 2015 property tax levy estimate is as follows: Levy 2014 Extended 2015 Levy Estimate % Increase (Decr.) Aggregate Levy $ 26,652,390 $ 27,974,079 4.96% Debt Service Levy 2,021,303 1,539,159 -23.85% TOTAL LEVY $ 28,673,693 $ 29,513,238 2.93% The increase in the aggregate levy is comprised of the .80% increase in compliance with the tax cap applicable to 2015 levies under the Property Tax Extension Limitation Law (PTELL) for operating levies such as the Parks and Recreation, Library and Special Recreation. Anticipating the Proceedings of the November 16, 2015 Regular City Council Meeting loss of state-shared revenue and/or a property tax freeze imposed by the Illinois General Assembly, additional amounts are levied for the General Operating Fund amounting to a 2.50% increase over the prior year plus a small amount for new construction. Also included is an increase in the Police Pension Fund levy based on an independent actuarial valuation intended to amortize the fund’s unfunded actuarial liability. Two new line items have been introduced and impact the overall increase: 1) a capital improvements line item which for this year will be used to abate debt service and 2) an amount of $125,000 for Recreation and Parks/Specific Purpose. An increase due to new construction as estimated by the Lake County Assessor’s Office is included as well. The City Council had a lengthy discussion about Home Rule and the commitment of the City Council to not raise property taxes over the tax cap, It was noted that the proposed levy complies with this commitment by staying within the exception in the Ordinance. Additionally, it is projected that the City of Lake Forest maintains at the lowest property tax rate on the North Shore. The City Council discussed the timeline of when the revenues and expenses will in the General Fund will no longer balance, which is anticipated to be in 2017. Lastly the Council had a discussion on the City’s AAA bond rating and the importance of the rating and the cost savings equal to millions of dollars. The total levy as estimated above would result in a projected $91 increase in the tax bill of an average home ($800,000 market value). No public hearing will be required under the Truth in Taxation Act. The annual tax levy must be filed with the County Clerk by the last Tuesday in December. The City has a significant reliance on property tax revenues, which represents more than 50% of the General Fund revenue. A summary of the proposed levies is as follows: Proposed FUND 2015 LEVY 2014 Extension $ CHANGE % CHANGE City General 13,656,851$ 13,271,576$ 385,275$ 2.90% Pension Funds 4,763,040 4,659,821 103,219 2.22% Fire Pension PA 93-0689 56,891 60,898 (4,007)-6.58% Recreation 1,365,180 1,354,346 10,834 0.80% Parks 3,038,628 3,014,511 24,117 0.80% Recreation & Parks/Specific Purpose 125,000 125,000 Special Recreation 415,040 411,746 3,294 0.80% Capital Improvements 635,000 635,000 Library 3,526,480 3,490,634 35,846 1.03% Library sites 391,969 388,858 3,111 0.80% Bond Funds 1,539,159 2,021,303 (482,144)-23.85% TOTAL TAX LEVY - CITY 29,513,238$ 28,673,693$ 839,545$ 2.93% School District 67- ESTIMATED 31,653,860$ 31,100,845 553,015$ 1.78% GRAND TOTAL 61,167,098 59,774,538 1,392,560$ 2.33% Proceedings of the November 16, 2015 Regular City Council Meeting The proposed tax levy for 2015 reflects a 2.93% increase over the 2014 tax levy extensions for the City and Library operating funds, City pension, City capital improvement and debt service funds. The average increase to existing residents ($800,000 home) is projected to be $91 or 2.69%. Mayor Schoenheider asked if there was anyone from the public who would like to comment on the matter. Seeing none, he asked for a motion. COUNCIL ACTION: 1) Determination of an Estimate of the Amount of Revenue to be generated from Property Taxes for the 2015 Calendar Year in Accordance with the Truth in Taxation Statute. 2) Establish December 7, 2015 as the public hearing date for the tax levy (if applicable). 3) Grant first reading of an Ordinance Establishing the 2015 Tax Levy (page 32). Alderman Pandaleon made a motion to accept the Determination of an Estimate of the Amount of Revenue to be generated from Property Taxes for the 2015 Calendar Year in Accordance with the Truth in Taxation Statute and Grant first reading of an Ordinance Establishing the 2015 Tax Levy, seconded by Alderman Newman. The following voted “Yea”: Aldermen Waldeck, Beidler, Newman, Pandaleon, Tack, Reisenberg, Adelman and Moreno. The following voted “Nay”: None. 8 Yeas, 0 Nays, motion carried. Mayor Schoenheider reported that a Public Hearing will not be required. He thanked Finance Director Elizabeth Holleb for all her work in keeping The City of Lake Forest’s obligations with the State and her recommendation to be proactive with the State of Illinois instead of reactive. D. Approval of Ordinances Abating 2015 Tax Levies for Various G.O. Alternate Revenue Bond Issues (First Reading) Finance Director Elizabeth Holleb reported 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. Ms. Holleb reported 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. Included is the 2015 Debt Service Levy and Abatements table. Proceedings of the November 16, 2015 Regular City Council Meeting 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 Pandaleon made a motion to grant first reading approval of the Ordinances abating tax levies for various general obligation bond issues, seconded by Alderman Newman. The following voted “Yea”: Aldermen Waldeck, Beidler, Newman, Pandaleon, Tack, Reisenberg, Adelman and Moreno. The following voted “Nay”: None. 8 Yeas, 0 Nays, motion carried. E. Consideration of an Ordinance approving a Fee Schedule and Ordinances adopting new fees related to Development Activity and Lake Forest Fitness Center Membership (First Reading) Finance Director Elizabeth Holleb reported that part of the budget process, all departments are asked to review their user fees. A comprehensive fee schedule was provided as Exhibit A to the Ordinance approving a fee schedule, which identifies the proposed fee increases highlighted in yellow and the proposed new fees highlighted in orange. Fees highlighted in green are not reflective of changes in existing fees; rather, they are clarifications due to a review of City Code and current practices. Water rates effective May 1, 2016, may be considered at the City Council meeting in January 2016. Ms. Holleb stated that Departments have provided supplemental memos justifying their proposed fee adjustments and any new fees require a separate Ordinance to be submitted by the department proposing the new fee and accompany the Ordinance approving the fee schedule. The following Ordinances are submitted for City Council consideration at this time: Ordinance approving a fee schedule, Ordinance adopting new fees related to development activity, and an Ordinance adopting new fees related to Lake Forest Fitness Center membership. The increased revenue for the new and increased fees is estimated to be $45,250 in the General Fund, $15,432 in the Parks and Recreation Fund, and $5,275 in the Deerpath Golf Course Fund. 2015 Debt Service Levy and Abatements Levy per County TIF Golf Water .5 NHRST Int Rebate Net Levy 2008 821,575.00 821,575.00 2009 277,620.00 277,620.00 2010A 0.00 0.00 2010B 172,500.00 (60,353.43)112,146.57 2010C 445,311.26 (67,415.10)377,896.16 2011A 135,187.50 0.00 (135,187.50)0.00 0.00 2011B 2,692,800.00 (98,567.50)(2,063,642.50)(530,590.00)0.00 2013 335,762.50 335,762.50 2015 249,158.85 0.00 249,158.85 5,129,915.11 0.00 (98,567.50)(2,198,830.00)(530,590.00)(127,768.53)2,174,159.08 Proceedings of the November 16, 2015 Regular City Council Meeting The City Council had discussion about the current salt that is on hand as a great example of the fiscal stewardship in The City of Lake Forest. 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 to the proposed ordinances. Alderman Pandaleon made a motion to grant first reading of proposed fee Ordinances, seconded by Alderman Reisenberg. The following voted “Yea”: Aldermen Waldeck, Beidler, Newman, Pandaleon, Tack, Reisenberg, Adelman and Moreno. The following voted “Nay”: None. 8 Yeas, 0 Nays, motion carried. OPPORTUNITY FOR CITIZENS TO ADDRESS THE CITY COUNCIL ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS None. ITEMS FOR OMNIBUS VOTE CONSIDERATION 1. Approval of the November 2, 2015 City Council Meeting Minutes 2. Resolution of Appreciation for Audit Committee Chairman, Lucinda Baier 3. Consideration of an Ordinance Approving a Recommendation from the Building Review Board. (First Reading and if Desired by the City Council, Final Approval) 4. Consideration of an Ordinance Approving a Recommendation from the Zoning Board of Appeals. (First Reading, and if Desired by the City Council, Final Approval) COUNCIL ACTION: Approve the four (4) 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 four Omnibus items. Alderman Reisenberg made a motion to approve the Omnibus, including waiver of first reading, seconded by Alderman Moreno. The following voted “Yea”: Aldermen Waldeck, Beidler, Newman, 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 Proceedings of the November 16, 2015 Regular City Council Meeting ORDINANCES AFFECTING CODE AMENDMENTS None NEW BUSINESS 1. The City of Lake Forest’s current permitted hours of operation for the use of gasoline powered lawn maintenance equipment including, but not limited to, leaf blowers (135.108 in the City Code) Jim Lockefeer, Management Intern reviewed the current ordinance and results of a survey sent to local landscapers on the City’s permitted hours of operation for the use of gasoline powered lawn maintenance equipment including, leaf blowers. Mr. Lockefeer added that in 2002 a draft of the City’s Contractor Licensing Ordinance was brought before City Council. In this draft a ban on leaf blowers was incorporated. After a discussion by City Council, there was a consensus that the Council could not support the draft ordinance as presented with the leaf blower ban in place. COUNCIL ACTION No Council action is needed, purpose is for staff direction and discussion only. After discussion the City Council ask that Staff educate the public on hours of operation as there are few infractions and the landscape companies know the rules. ADDITIONAL ITEMS FOR COUNCIL DISCUSSION ADJOURNMENT There being no further business. Alderman Reisenberg made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Alderman Moreno. Motion carried unanimously by voice vote at 8:05 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.