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CITY COUNCIL 2015/04/06 MinutesThe City of Lake Forest CITY COUNCIL Proceedings of the Monday, April 6, 2015 City Council Meeting - City Council Chambers Motion to appoint Alderman Beidler as Acting Mayor Alderman Waldeck made a motion to appoint Alderman Beidler as Acting Mayor, seconded by Alderman Reisenberg. Motion carried unanimously by voice vote. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL: Acting Mayor Beidler called the meeting to order at 6:30 pm, and Deputy City Clerk Margaret Boyer called the roll of Council members. Present: Madame Chair Beidler, Alderman Waldeck, Alderman Pandaleon, Alderman Moore, Alderman Reisenberg, Alderman Moreno and Alderman Adelman. Absent: Mayor Schoenheider and Alderman Tack. Also present were: Bob Kiely, City Manager, Victor Filippini, City Attorney; Susan Banks, Communications Manager; Catherine Czerniak, Director of Community Development; Elizabeth Holleb, Finance Director; Michael Thomas, Director of Public Works; Dan Martin, Superintendent of Public Works; Bob Ells, Superintendent of Engineering; James Held, Police Chief; and Anne Whipple. There were approximately 60 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. Deer Path Art League & Gallery Emerging Artists Awards -Jillian Chapman, Gallery Director Madame Chair Beidler reported she had the opportunity to be present as a member of the audience last year when these awards were given. She then introduced Gallery Director, Jillian Chapman, who reported that this is the 61st Anniversary of the League and gave an overview of what is happening at the Art League and invited the public to the gallery. The following is a list of recipients who received Mayoral Awards: Carolyn Stach, Bennett Duggan, Katie Hollander, Camille Harling, Sara Reynolds, Mark Winick, Patrick Corrigan, Ani Plambeck, Ainsley Wiesner, Charlie Sundberg, William Basedow, Vince Montalbano, Finley Condon, Robert Hammond, Renee Huang, Sophie Emery, Emily Conklin, Nate Woldenberg, Ericka Alfaro, Margaux Miller, Grace Taylor, Jessica Xiang, Emily Molins. COMMENTS BY CITY MANAGER Proceedings of the April 6, 2015 Regular City Council Meeting A. Community Spotlight Lake Forest Open Lands -John Sentell, President City Manager Robert Kiely introduced John Sentell, President of Open Lands. Mr. Sentell reported that Lake Forest Open Lands Association is an independently funded conservation and educational organization devoted to the acquisition and stewardship of our natural landscapes, and to ensuring all generations have a meaningful, lasting connection to nature and our land. This non-profit organization is supported completely by voluntary contributions, including membership dues and donations. Lake Forest Open Lands has acquired, reserved, restored and maintained over 800 acres of local native landscapes including prairies, savannas, woodlands and wetlands for the benefit and enjoyment of the local communities. The 12 miles of walking trails are open to the public year-round. Mr. Sentell reported that the program “The Play Out" at Mellody Farm Nature Preserve on Sunday April 26 from 1-4 pm encourages families to get outside and enjoy a variety of activities promoting creativity and exploration in nature and that an integral part of the event is "The Play Out Pledge" a signed commitment by kids to spend two hours outside during Earth Day weekend. Mr. Sentell reported that Open Lands are currently seeking volunteers and anyone interested should contact Open Lands. For more information he encouraged residents to visit the website http://lfola.org/. COMMENTS BY COUNCIL MEMBERS PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE 1. Consideration of an Ordinance Amending Section 51.045 of the City Code, Water Wells, as Recommended by the Public Works Committee. (First reading) Michael Thomas, Director of Public Works, reported that the purpose for the amendment is three-fold; high demand (offer an alternative water source option for larger parcels), environmental (reduction of treated water demand for larger parcels) and historic preservation (offer an option for larger historic parcels with significant landscapes). Mr. Thomas stated that historically, the City has not approved wells on residential properties and has only approved wells in limited cases on non-residential properties, as at golf courses and office developments, or to irrigate common areas within subdivisions. The proposed amendment would establish specific standards for water wells. Mr. Thomas stated the amendment would allow owners of large properties, or properties with unique and extensive garden features, to apply for a well permit. Additionally if the City Council approved the suggested changes they would be reviewed as to form and specific language by the City Attorney. Mr. Thomas reported that depending upon the number of wells installed, water revenues would decrease. Staff conducted an analysis to identify the number of properties that potentially could meet the requirements for a well. It is expected that the number of property owners who may choose to take advantage of the opportunity to install a private well will be limited, but that number could be sufficient to alleviate demand on the water plant at critical times. Proceedings of the April 6, 2015 Regular City Council Meeting Mr. Thomas added that the estimated number of residential properties that may meet the requirements for private wells is 56 with an estimated annual revenue loss of $42,360 (estimated loss does not take into account the fixed rate, meter size, or the tiered water rate). However, only 18 of the 56 properties have an existing irrigation system that could potentially be tied into a well. The remaining properties would have to bear the expense of installing an irrigation system and a well. Madame Chair Beidler asked if there was anyone from the public who wanted to comment on the matter. Seeing none, she asked for a motion. COUNCIL ACTION: Grant first reading of an Ordinance amending Section 51.045, Water Wells to permit private wells under certain conditions. Alderman Waldeck made a motion to grant first reading of an Ordinance amending Section 51.045, Water Wells, to permit private wells under certain conditions, seconded by Alderman Reisenberg. Motion carried unanimously by voice vote. Alderman Moore commented on an email he received from a resident regarding the contents of freight train rail cars passing through Lake Forest. OPPORTUNITY FOR CITIZENS TO ADDRESS THE CITY COUNCIL ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS Dave Fontana of 701 Woodland, Lake Bluff, and Mr. Fiore offered their opinion to the City Council on the topic of vehicle towing. City Manager, Robert Kiely, added that staff is currently working with the City Attorney to create a bid process for towing within the City of Lake Forest. ITEMS FOR OMNIBUS VOTE CONSIDERATION 1. Approval of the March 16, 2015 City Council meeting Minutes 2. Check Register for period February 21-March 27, 2015 3. Resolution of Sympathy for former Police Sergeant Jim Rogers 4. Consideration of an Ordinance Amending Various Sections of the City Code Related to Plumbing as Recommended by the Construction Codes Commission. (Final Approval) 5. Ratification of Prior City Council Actions from February 17, 2015 and March 16, 2015 6. Award of the Lake Forest portion of the 2015 Joint Concrete Pavement Patching Contract. 7. Award of Bid for the Replacement of a ½-Ton Extended Cab Pick-Up Truck for the Forestry Section Included in the FY2016 Capital Equipment Budget Proceedings of the April 6, 2015 Regular City Council Meeting 8. Award of Bid for the Replacement of a ¾-Ton Extended Cab Pick-Up Truck for the Parks Section Included in the FY2016 Capital Equipment Budget 9. Award of Bid for the Replacement of a Parking Scooter for the Police Department Included in the FY2016 Capital Equipment Budget 10. Award of Bid for the Replacement of Four Refuse Scooters for the Sanitation Section Included in the FY2016 Capital Equipment Budget 11. Award of Bid for the Replacement of a ¾-Ton Regular Cab Pick-Up Truck for the Water & Sewer Utilities Section Included in the F.Y. 2016 Capital Equipment Budget 12. Approval to Waive the Competitive Bidding Process to Purchase a New Basin Ramp 13. Award Contract for Recreation Department Tennis Program 14. Approval of Contract for Annual Grounds Maintenance Services in Parks FY ‘16 Budget 15. Approval of FY ‘16 Contract for Emerald Ash Borer Tree and Stump Removals 16. Award of Bid for the Municipal Services Lightning Protection Project Included in the F.Y. 2015 CIP Budget 17. Award of Bid for the Municipal Services Epoxy Floor System Included in the F.Y. 2015 CIP Budget 18. Award of Bid for the Operation of the City’s Compost Facility COUNCIL ACTION: Approve the eighteen (18) Omnibus items as presented. The City Council did not remove any item; however a brief discussion and questions to the staff occurred about items 6, 9, 14, 16, and 17. Members of the Council also had a discussion relating to the use of single vendor only products. Madame Chair Beidler asked members of the Council if they would like to remove any item or take separately. Seeing no request, she asked for a motion to approve the eighteen Omnibus items with approval of a scrivener’s error in the minutes. Alderman Adelman made a motion to approve the Omnibus items as presented, seconded by Alderman Moore. The following voted “Yea”: Aldermen Beidler, Waldeck, Moore, Pandaleon, Reisenberg, Adelman and Moreno. The following voted “Nay”: None. 7 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. Proceedings of the April 6, 2015 Regular City Council Meeting ORDINANCES None NEW BUSINESS 1. Consideration of an Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) with the Lake County Forest Preserve District and Lake Forest Academy for a project to provide a Pedestrian Bridge and Trail Connection from the Middlefork Savanna to Townline Park. Superintendent of Engineering, Robert Ells, reported that staff is recommending the approval of an intergovernmental agreement between the City of Lake Forest, Lake County Forest Preserve District and Lake Forest Academy. He said that the agreement is needed to identify the conditions required to successfully complete the project including securing the necessary easements, establish future ownership and maintenance responsibilities, describe the federal funding process and identify the cost sharing responsibilities. Mr. Ells stated that the project is a partnership between the Lake County Forest Preserve District, Lake Forest Academy and the City of Lake Forest to provide pedestrian/bicycle access from the Middlefork Savanna trail system to Townline Park at Route 60 and includes a bridge across the Metra railroad tracks and a city maintained trail along Academy Drive to Route 60. He added that the work, supported by the City’s Strategic Plan and Bicycle Master Plan, is a part of a larger effort to connect the Middlefork Trail and Greenway to the Des Plaines River Trail. Mr. Ells stated that with the District as the lead agency, this project had been submitted for consideration for federal grant funding. If approved later this year, the grant would pay for 80% of the construction and construction engineering costs. The district seeks to receive a donation from the City for a portion of the design and construction costs associated with this project in the amount of $100,000.00. However, without grant approval, the project would not move forward and the City would only be responsible for the design portion of the project. Mr. Ells reported that the final IGA will stipulate that if the City portion of the construction work exceeds $150,000, the LCFPD will seek additional reimbursement from the City. The City will only need to reimburse 20% of the actual construction costs over this amount, as the grant will cover the other 80% in addition to the $100,000 donation. The City Council had a lengthy discussion about the safety for pedestrians and bicyclists on Rt. 60, signage and a possible feasibility study in the future. Madame Chair Beidler asked if there was anyone from the public who wanted to comment on the matter. Seeing none, she asked for a motion. COUNCIL ACTION: Staff recommends the City Council approve the Proposed Intergovernmental Agreement in substantially the form attached hereto and to authorize the City Manager to execute the agreement upon review and approval by the City Attorney. In addition, staff requests City Council approve a portion or all of the amount to be paid in FY16 as an advance Proceedings of the April 6, 2015 Regular City Council Meeting against the FY17 CIP allocation, with a FY16 supplemental appropriation being submitted at a later date if necessary. Alderman Reisenberg made a motion to approve the proposed Intergovernmental Agreement in substantially the form attached hereto and to authorize the City Manager to execute the agreement upon review and approval by the City Attorney. In addition, staff requests City Council approve a portion or all of the amount to be paid in FY16 as an advance against the FY17 CIP allocation, with a FY16 supplemental appropriation being submitted at a later date if necessary, seconded by Alderman Moore. The following voted “Yea”: Aldermen Beidler, Waldeck, Moore, Pandaleon, Reisenberg, Adelman and Moreno. The following voted “Nay”: None. 7 Yeas, 0 Nays, motion carried. ADDITIONAL ITEMS FOR COUNCIL DISCUSSION EXECUTIVE SESSION pursuant to 5ILCS 120/2 (c), (5), The City Council will be discussing the consideration of Land Acquisition. Alderman Pandaleon made a motion to adjourn into Executive Session at 8:10 pm, seconded by Alderman Reisenberg. The following voted “Yea”: Aldermen Beidler, Waldeck, Moore, Pandaleon, Reisenberg, Adelman and Moreno. The following voted “Nay”: None. 7 Yeas, 0 Nays, motion carried. Adjournment into executive session RECONVENE INTO REGULAR SESSION ADJOURNMENT There being no further business. Alderman Reisenberg made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Alderman Moreno. Motion carried unanimously by voice vote at 8:50 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.