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CITY COUNCIL 2015/03/16 MinutesThe City of Lake Forest CITY COUNCIL Proceedings of the Monday, March 16, 2015 City Council Meeting - City Council Chambers CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL: Mayor Schoenheider called the meeting to order at 6:30 pm, and Deputy City Clerk Margaret Boyer called the roll of Council members. Present: Honorable Mayor Schoenheider, Alderman Beidler, Alderman Waldeck, Alderman Moore, Alderman Reisenberg, and Alderman Adelman. Absent: Alderman Pandaleon, Alderman Tack and Alderman Moreno. 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; Elizabeth Holleb, Finance Director; Michael Thomas, Director of Public Works, James Held, Police Chief; and Anne Whipple. There were approximately 45 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 Appreciation for Marla Schachtel Mayor Schoenheider read the Resolution. Alderman Beidler made a motion to approve the Resolution, seconded by Alderman Moore. Motion carried unanimously by voice vote. Ms. Schachtel thanked the City Council for the opportunity to be part of The City of Lake Forest. Mayor Schoenheider announced that Alderman Moore will soon be moving out of the second ward. Anyone interested in the position should contact the Mayor. COMMENTS BY CITY MANAGER A. Community Spotlight Lake Forest Graduate School of Management -Jeffery Anderson, President & Chief Executive Officer Mr. Anderson provided a brief history about the Lake Forest Graduate School of Management. He stated that the Lake Forest Graduate School of Management is the leading graduate business Proceedings of the March 16, 2015 Regular City Council Meeting school educating working adults in the Chicagoland area. Lake Forest offers an MBA degree programs, Graduate Level Certificates, and Corporate Training and Development. B. Beyond the Book, A Community Conversation -Michael Simeck, Superintendent of School District 67 & 115 Mr. Simeck gave a brief overview of the book “Mindset, the new psychology of success.” He added that although the author doesn’t come out and talk to schools, she did agree to come out and speak ot the Lake Forest community through SPEAK UP/LEAD. Mr. Simeck invited everyone to read the book and join him at Lake Forest High School West Campus on Monday, April 20 from 10:00 am – Noon and Tuesday, April 21 form 7:00 pm to 9 pm for a Community Conversation. C. Approval of a Resolution with Integrys Energy Service/Constellation Energy Resources for a two year power supply agreement Assistant City Manager, Carina Walters stated that staff is recommending the approval of a two year power supply agreement with Integrys Energy Service/Constellation Energy Resources. Ms. Walters stated that in December 2011, the Cities of Highland Park, Lake Forest and Park Ridge, and the Villages of Deerfield, Glencoe, Lake Bluff, Northbrook and Skokie formed the North Shore Electricity Aggregation Consortium. The Consortium was created to act as a collective body of municipalities to create and manage municipal electric aggregation services on behalf of their residents and eligible businesses. Each Consortium community executed a three-year contract with the same selected alternative electricity supplier, MC Squared Energy Services, to supply power to an estimated 90,000 Consortium customers. The current contract with MC Squared is set to expire following the May 2015 meter read. In order to continue with an electricity aggregation program, the Consortium members must approve a new Power Supply Agreement with an alternative electricity supplier. Ms. Walters reported that over the last three years, the Consortium has saved participating customers more than $36 million due to lower rates than the ComEd default tariff service rate for its residents and small businesses, while also acquiring a cleaner portfolio of power supply. The residents of Lake Forest are anticipated to see a savings of approximately $4.8 million. The Consortium conducted an extensive due diligence process to determine if a new supply agreement should be considered with an alternative electricity supplier. To facilitate a competitive bidding process, the Consortium issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) on November 3, 2014, soliciting bids from all qualified providers to supply power and services for the Consortium’s portfolio of customers. Two bids were received by the November 24, 2014 due date and were evaluated by the Consortium’s members, legal counsel, and energy consultant. Integrys Energy Services, Inc., and Constellation Energy Resources, LLC have merged operations, submitted a joint proposal and were identified as the lowest responsible bidder. The incumbent electric supplier, MC Squared Energy Services, also submitted a response but it was less competitive than the other proposal received. Proceedings of the March 16, 2015 Regular City Council Meeting The Consortium negotiated with suppliers, was able to gain additional safeguards and concessions, and all communities, with the exception of the City of Park Ridge, are recommending that members approve a two year Power Supply Agreement with Integrys Energy Services/Constellation Energy Resources. Ms. Walters added that if approved, the Consortium members and their energy consultant will diligently monitor the electric commodity pricing over the next few weeks and only lock in a fixed price if market conditions are favorable. If pricing is not favorable, no price lock will be executed and all customers will be returned to ComEd. Because of contract provisions of the existing power supply agreement with MC Squared, if a Power Supply Agreement with Integrys is not approved, all customers currently in the Consortium’s aggregation program with MC Squared would be retained by MC Squared (not return to ComEd) unless residents took affirmative steps to choose to go to another provider. This would impact the Consortium’s ability to aggregate electricity in the future, and would require customers to take additional steps to move to a different provider. For these additional reasons, the Consortium is recommending entering into a Power Supply Agreement with Integrys to retain maximum flexibility and minimize confusion for customers in Consortium communities. The Power Supply Agreement with Integrys/Constellation is very similar to the existing agreement with MC Squared with the exception of a gas program. The contract with Integry/Constellation will offer a gas endorsement program whereby an Integrys affiliate can offer a discounted gas program to Consortium members. Integrys’s affiliate is also a licensed supplier of natural gas to residential and small commercial accounts in the State of Illinois. Although the State of Illinois has not deregulated the gas supplier, the Consortium believes residents will see a savings from a gas program. The City Council talked about the differences between green and brown energy and potential of different costs associated with each choice. The City Council through consensus decided that the City should choose brown energy pricing, leaving the option to the residents to choose to purchase “green energy “individually. Mayor Schoenheider asked if there was anyone from the public who wanted to comment on the matter. Seeing none, he asked for a motion. COUNCIL ACTION: Staff recommends the approval of a Resolution for a two year power supply agreement with Integrys Energy Service/Constellation Energy Resources and to authorize the City Manager to execute a price lock for all eligible residents and small business customers that do not opt-out of the program. Alderman Moore made a motion for to the approval of a Resolution for a two year power supply agreement with Integrys Energy Service/Constellation Energy Resources and to authorize the City Manager to execute a price lock for all eligible residents and small business customers that do not opt-out of the program, seconded by Alderman Waldeck. The following voted “Yea”: Aldermen Beidler, Waldeck, Moore, Reisenberg and Adelman. The following voted “Nay”: None. 5 Yeas, 0 Nays, motion carried. Proceedings of the March 16, 2015 Regular City Council Meeting D. Discussion regarding Greenhouse Scholars adding a 5k and 10k run in connection with the Venus de Miles 25-mile and 62-mile bicycle ride Carina Walters, Assistant City Manager, reported that staff is recommending the approval of the 5k run, pursuant to the Special Event Policy. Ms. Walters added that the City Council is charged with approving events that directly impact residents, traffic flow / road closures and potential size of the event. Commander Craig Lepkowski stated that the initial bike ride in 2011 required the shutting down of Rt. 41 at Old Elm and created a traffic hazard/inconvenience that upset many commuters on Rt. 41 for approximately 25 minutes. He reported that over the years, staff has worked with Greenhouse Scholars to develop a better route through the City that allowed the bike ride to join the Skokie Valley Bike Path at the west end of Laurel Avenue and proceed into the Highland Park stretch of the ride without creating any traffic issues on Rt. 41. As a result of the collaborative effort, the Venus de Miles bicycle ride has received minimal complaints relating to traffic or safety problems. Angie Vermillion of Greenhouse Scholars reported that Venus de Miles has been hosting an all- women’s bicycle ride originating and ending on the campus of Lake Forest College since 2011. The City of Lake Forest has approved each of these annual special events since then. Venus de Miles is a non-profit Greenhouse Scholars program that provides scholarships and mentoring for approximately 200 college students who come from troubled social and economic backgrounds. Ms. Walters reported that on February 4, 2014 staff received email correspondence asking to add a 5k and 10k run to the 25-mile and 62-mile bicycle ride. The 5 and 10 K routes are the same; therefore, the runners will be looping the course. On February 20 staff had a conference call with Greenhouse Scholars indicating the 5k could be logistically handled; however, asked them to reconsider the 10k, as the City has not traditionally hosted 10k runs. Staff was concerned of setting a precedent with a 10k, the impact on residents, road closures and staffing concerns. Staff also suggested that the organization start with a 5k, assess the success, and then build to a 10k in future years. On a side note Ms. Walters reported that The Venus de Miles revenue to the City is approximately $700, and that the additional challenge in supporting the 5 and 10 K runs this year is that the Lake Bluff Twilight Criterium cycling event falls on the same day the Venus de Miles event is being held. As Lake Bluff is assisting the City with the BMW event in September 2015, Lake Forest is assisting Lake Bluff with their event. Approximately 8 officers are dedicated to Lake Bluff. Ms. Walters added that on February 25 staff realized the registration for the 5k and 10K was already opened to the public with registrants on the Venus de Miles website. When staff inquired about it, Venus de Miles indicated it advertises the events prior to approvals as they typically do not hear back from the municipality with final approval until less than three months prior to the event. Proceedings of the March 16, 2015 Regular City Council Meeting Ms. Walters clarified that special events are divided into three categories; A. Events that are City wide, such as Tree Lighting; B. Events that are on public property that may not impact the entire community but require City resources and C. Events held on public or Private Property that do not require and City resources. The City Council asked to see a breakdown of all events including the impact, value and return along with the community involvement in terms of percentage, including participants and beneficiaries. Mayor Schoenheider asked if there was anyone from the public who wanted to comment on the matter. Seeing none, he asked for a motion. COUNCIL ACTION: Staff recommends the approval of the 5k run. Alderman Moore made a motion to approve the 5K run, seconded by Alderman Waldeck. Motion carried unanimously by voice vote. COMMENTS BY COUNCIL MEMBERS OPPORTUNITY FOR CITIZENS TO ADDRESS THE CITY COUNCIL ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS Paul Hamman, 511 West Beverly offered comments to the City Council relating to Old Barat and the TIF district. ITEMS FOR OMNIBUS VOTE CONSIDERATION 1. Approval of the February 17, 2015 City Council meeting Minutes 2. Consideration of a Resolution Opposing Any Reduction in the Local Government Portion of the Local Government Distributive Fund 3. Award of the Lake Forest Share of the Joint 2015 Patching and Resurfacing Program contract. 4. Award of Bid for the 2015 Lake Forest City Hall Chiller Replacement Project. 5. Award of Bid for the 2015 Lake Forest Recreation Center Roof Replacement Project. 6. Award of Bid for the 2015 Lake Forest Recreation Center Front Entrance Replacement Project. 7. Request Approval to Waive the Formal Bidding Process to Purchase Salt for Winter 2015/2016 and Confirmation of a Modified Salting Policy 8. Consideration of Ordinances Approving Recommendations from the Building Review Board. (First Reading and if Desired by the City Council, Final Approval) Proceedings of the March 16, 2015 Regular City Council Meeting 9. Consideration of a Recommendation from the City’s Owner’s Representative, Jacob & Hefner, to Enter into a Contract for Asbestos Removal in Buildings on the Former Municipal Services Site. (Approval of a Motion) 10. Consideration of an Ordinance Approving a Recommendation from the Historic Preservation Commission. (First Reading and if Desired by the City Council, Final Approval) COUNCIL ACTION: Approve the ten (10) Omnibus items as presented. The City Council did not remove any item; however a brief discussion about item #9 was had by the City Council. Mayor Schoenheider asked members of the Council if they would like to remove any item or take separately. Seeing no request, he asked for a motion to approve the ten Omnibus items. Alderman Beidler made a motion to approve the Omnibus items as presented, seconded by Alderman Reisenberg. The following voted “Yea”: Aldermen Beidler, Waldeck, Moore, Reisenberg, Adelman and Mayor Schoenheider. 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 Recommendations from the Plan Commission and Building Review Board in Support of the Location of NorthShore University HealthSystem Medical Offices in an Existing Building at 915 S. Waukegan Road (the Lovell’s Restaurant building). (If desired by the Council, waive first reading and grant final approval of both ordinances.) Ms. Czerniak reported that on January 7, 2015, the Building Review Board held a public hearing to consider a request from NorthShore University HealthSystem, the contract purchaser of 915 S. Waukegan Road, for approval of an addition and minor modifications to the building, enhanced landscaping and upgraded parking lot lighting. On January 14, 2015, the Plan Commission held a public hearing to consider a request from NorthShore University HealthSystem for a Special Use Permit to authorize medical offices in the Lovell’s Restaurant building. Ms. Czerniak gave an overview of the Lovell’s building, that it was originally approved by the City in 1997 and constructed by the Lovell Family, shortly thereafter. Lovell’s Restaurant has been located in the building since its construction. The Lovell family intends to close the restaurant and has marketed the property for almost two years. Focused efforts were made by the Lovell family and their representatives to attract a new restaurant or a mix of restaurant and retail uses to the site. The feedback received was that the building’s size and design are better suited to an office use. Proceedings of the March 16, 2015 Regular City Council Meeting Ms. Czerniak reported that the property is now under contract to be sold to NorthShore University HealthSystem. The first and second floors of the building will be converted to medical offices; the lower level will be employee space. To create an efficient floor plan, a 2-story addition is proposed to the south side of the building. In initial discussions with NorthShore University HealthSystem, the demolition of the existing building was proposed. Constructing a new building on site was seen as the best way to achieve an efficient and modern medical office building. However, after discussions and recognition that although not designated as an historic structure, the Lovell’s building has become a landmark in the Waukegan Road business district, adaptive reuse of the building and a small addition is proposed. On January 7, 2014, the Building Review Board considered the proposed addition and minor modifications to the building, an enhanced landscape plan and upgraded parking lot lighting. No public testimony was presented to the Board. The Board voted unanimously to recommend approval of the petition to the City Council. Under the Special Use Permit, the B-1 Zoning District is intended to accommodate small retail and service businesses to meet the recurring needs of residents in nearby neighborhoods. The neighborhood business district along Waukegan Road was developed and enhanced through a Tax Increment Financing District which was established in this area in the early 1990’s. Today this area includes a variety of businesses; retail, restaurants, offices, banks and medical offices. A Church, school and train station also area located in the area. Presently, NorthShore University HealthSystem medical offices are located in the immediate area, on Waukegan Road, near Conway Road and on Waukegan Road in Lake Bluff. The existing offices will be consolidated at the proposed 915 S. Waukegan Road location. Ms. Czerniak also reported that unlike the City’s Central Business District; there is no limitation on non-retail uses in the Waukegan Road business district. Medical offices in the Lovell’s building are consistent with the other non-retail uses on the block of Waukegan Road between Gloucester Crossing and Everett Road, a traffic study was completed to evaluate on site conditions and impacts on nearby roads and intersections. The City Engineer did not identify any areas of concern, adequate parking exists on the site and Code requirements are met. If needed, public, permit parking lots are located within walking distance from this building, and lastly the proposed medical offices will be near existing businesses. Employees of the medical offices and patients will provide an increased customer base for nearby businesses. Ms. Czerniak added while the proposed medical offices will not generate sales tax revenues to replace those lost through the closing of Lovell’s Restaurant. It is also possible that under the new ownership, the property and building will be exempt from property taxes. NorthShore is proposing annual payments to the City to support services the City will provide that will continue to benefit the property in particular, ongoing maintenance of the adjacent Gloucester Crossing public right-of-way including landscaping and lighting. In addition, a one-time payment is proposed as a transition to a non-sales tax producing use. The Plan Commission heard testimony from some residents expressing disappointment about the loss of the restaurant and questions about whether additional medical offices are needed in the community. At the conclusion of the Plan Commission public hearing, the Commission voted 5 –1 to recommend approval of the requested Special Use Permit to the City Council subject to various conditions of approval. Proceedings of the March 16, 2015 Regular City Council Meeting Alderman Waldeck, Alderman Beidler and Alderman Adelman commended the Lovell Family and Catherine Czerniak for all the efforts that had been taken to keep this building as a landmark. Mayor Schoenheider thanked the Captain Lovell and his family for their many years of being in the community. Mayor Schoenheider asked if there was anyone from the public who wanted to comment on the matter. Seeing none, he asked for a motion. COUNCIL ACTIONS: If determined to be appropriate by the City Council, waive first reading and grant final approval of an Ordinance approving a Special Use Permit to authorize NorthShore University HealthSystem medical offices in the building at 915 S. Waukegan Road subject to conditions of approval. AND If determined to be appropriate by the City Council waive first reading and grant final approval of an Ordinance approving an addition and minor modifications to the building at 915 S. Waukegan Road as well as an enhanced landscaping and upgraded parking lot lighting. Alderman Moore made a motion to waive first reading and grant final approval of an Ordinance approving an addition and minor modifications to the building at 915 S. Waukegan Road as well as an enhanced landscaping and upgraded parking lot lighting and waive first reading and grant final approval of an Ordinance approving an addition and minor modifications to the building at 915 S. Waukegan Road as well as an enhanced landscaping and upgraded parking lot lighting, seconded by Alderman Reisenberg. The following voted “Yea”: Aldermen Beidler, Waldeck, Moore, Reisenberg, Adelman and Mayor Schoenheider. The following voted “Nay”: None. 6 Yeas, 0 Nays, motion carried. 2. Consideration of an Ordinance Amending Various Sections of the City Code Related to Plumbing as Recommended by the Construction Codes Commission. (First reading) Catherine Czerniak, Director of Community Development stated that this is the first in a series of amendments to Chapter 150, Buildings, of the City of Lake Forest Code. The City’s Construction Codes Commission has been conducting public meetings over the last several months to consider amendments to the Buildings Chapter of the City Code. Ms. Czerniak reported that in the past, the City has adopted updated State and International Codes every 6 to 10 years but maintained a significant number of local amendments, essentially stricter provisions, in the City’s Code. In recent years the State and International Codes have become more widely accepted and the Construction Codes Commission is moving in the direction of significantly reducing the number of local amendments. She reported that this agenda item is the first of several that will be presented to the Council in the coming months in support of updating and simplifying the City’s Code provisions relating to buildings. Proceedings of the March 16, 2015 Regular City Council Meeting The first Code sections presented for Council consideration relate to plumbing. In 2014, the State of Illinois adopted an updated Plumbing Code, replacing the 2005 State Plumbing Code. After thorough review, the Construction Codes Commission determined that the updated State Code adequately covers many of the provisions in the local amendments and recommends adoption of the 2014 State of Illinois Plumbing Code and elimination of duplicative language from the City’s Code. The only substantive change to the current Codes recommended by the Construction Codes Commission is to eliminate the City’s requirement for cast iron waste pipes. This requirement has been the subject of much discussion and debate over the last 20 years and the Commission concluded that acceptable alternative materials and processes are available to replace cast iron if desired by a homeowner or builder. The use of cast iron is recognized as a quality issue and the Commission is recommending that with lighter weight materials for waste piping, a requirement for sound buffering be incorporated into the Code. The Commission also recognized that allowing the use of alternate materials will play into later discussions about fire and life safety provisions in the Code since the some of the alternate materials burn hot and can produce fumes in the event of a fire. Mayor Schoenheider asked if there was anyone from the public who wanted to comment on the matter. Seeing none, he asked for a motion. Recommendation: Grant first reading of an Ordinance amending various sections of Chapter 150, Buildings, as it relates to plumbing. Alderman Adelman made a motion to grant first reading of an Ordinance amending various sections of Chapter 150, Buildings, as it relates to plumbing, seconded by Alderman Moore. Motion carried unanimously by voice vote. NEW BUSINESS ADDITIONAL ITEMS FOR COUNCIL DISCUSSION None. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business. Alderman Beidler made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Alderman Reisenberg. Motion carried unanimously by voice vote at 8:40 p.m. Respectfully Submitted, Margaret Boyer Deputy City Clerk Proceedings of the March 16, 2015 Regular City Council Meeting 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.