CITY COUNCIL 2016/10/17 MinutesThe City of Lake Forest
CITY COUNCIL
Proceedings of the Monday October 17, 2016
City Council Meeting - City Council Chambers – 6:30pm
CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL: Honorable Mayor Schoenheider called the meeting to order at 7:23pm
immediately following the Finance Committee meeting, and City Clerk Margaret Boyer called the roll of
Council members.
Present: Honorable Mayor Schoenheider, Alderman Beidler, Alderman Pandaleon, Alderman Newman,
Alderman Tack and Alderman Reisenberg.
Absent: Alderman Waldeck, Adelman and Moreno.
Also present were: Robert Kiely, City Manager; Robert Pickrell, City Attorney; Catherine Czerniak, Director of
Community Development; Elizabeth Holleb, Finance Director; Susan Banks, Communications Manager;
Michael Thomas, Director of Public Works; Pete Siebert, Acting Fire Chief; Mike Strong, Assistant to the City
Manager, Anne Whipple and number of members of the Lake Forest Fire Department.
CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL 6:30 pm
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
REPORTS OF CITY OFFICERS
1. COMMENTS BY MAYOR
Mayor Schoenheider thanked the kindergarten class at Cherokee School for hosting his annual discussion on
Lake Forest.
A. ComEd Smart Meter Update
Mayor Schoenheider reported that while ComEd offers a temporary opt out for the installation of smart
meters, the Illinois Commerce Commission recently approved an extension on the opt out option, extending
it to June 30,2022. The extension will allow ComEd to address concerns and allow for research and analysis
of the meters.
2. COMMENTS BY CITY MANAGER
City Manager Robert Kiely Jr. asked the City Clerk to review Early Voting. She reported that early voting will
begin at City Hall on Monday, October 24 and will end on Saturday, November 5, 2016.
A. DesPlaines River Challenge
-Ann Maine, President of Lake County Forest Preserve and Lake County Board
Member
Proceedings of the Monday, October 17, 2016
Regular City Council Meeting
City Manager Robert Kiely, Jr. introduced Lake County Forest Preserve President, Ann Maine. She gave an
overview of the Des Plaines River Trail and invited the public to take the challenge and travel the entire
31.4-mile trail from Russell Road near the Wisconsin border south to Lake-Cook Road. Ms. Maine stated that
participants can use a challenge log to record travel dates and lengths and reported that interactive and/or
downloadable trail maps can help users chart a course and find access points, parking lots and other
features.
B. Comments regarding the issuance of Demolition Permits and other Development
Related Perceptions.
At the City Councils request, City Manager Robert Kiely Jr., gave an overview of residential demolition
permits over the past 30 years. Mr. Kiely noted that there is a perception that the City of Lake Forest doesn’t
approve demolition permits often enough.
Using the table below, Mr. Kiely reviewed the numbers, noting that the last denial for demolition was in
2007 because the property did not meet City standards.
Years Average Number of
Demolitions Approved
Per Year
Demolitions Denied (Total for
Period)
Pre 1987 6 NA
1987 – 2000 7.5 5
2000 – 2016 13 1
2016 – 2017
(projection based on current trend)
19 0
City Manager Kiely reported from 1987 to present, there were 304 demolitions, which represent only 4% of
the total current housing stock within the City. Mr. Kiely emphasized that the Boards & Commission’s work
in approving a demolition permit is done with what is best for the community in mind. Mr. Kiely also
reported that 57-60% of the demolition permits applied for and approved are speculative, where the permit
is never actually pulled.
The City Council had discussion on processes and City Manager Kiely asked the Council to note what they
are hearing from the community to staff’s attention and they will be addressed.
3. COMMENTS BY COUNCIL MEMBERS
FINANCE COMMITTEE
A. Acknowledge Receipt of the FY2016 Treasurer’s Report
Finance Committee Chairman George Pandaleon reported that the City Council heard a presentation about
this topic early this evening at the Finance Committee meeting. Chairman Pandaleon recapped that the
Treasurer’s report, with details of expenditures, will be published in a local newspaper.
Mayor Schoenheider asked if there was anyone from the public who would like to comment on the FY2016
Treasurer’s Report. Seeing none, he asked for a motion to approve it.
COUNCIL ACTION: Acknowledge receipt of the FY2016 Treasurer’s Report
Proceedings of the Monday, October 17, 2016
Regular City Council Meeting
Alderman Newman made a motion to acknowledge receipt of the FY2016 Treasurer’s Report, seconded by
Alderman Reisenberg. The following voted “Yea”: Aldermen Beidler, Pandaleon, Newman, Tack and
Reisenberg. The following voted “Nay”: None. 5 Yeas, 0 Nays, motion carried.
B. Consideration of an Ordinance Providing for the Redemption and Payment Prior to Maturity
of $6,105,000 General Obligation Bonds, Series 2008 (First Reading)
Finance Director Elizabeth Holleb reported that the City Council heard a presentation about this topic earlier
this evening at the Finance Committee meeting. Ms. Holleb recapped that the land sale proceeds in the
amount of $5,615,219, plus fund balance reserves in the 2008 GO Bonds Debt Service Fund and the General
Fund of approximately $500,000 would be used to redeem all outstanding 2008 GO Bonds maturing
December 15, 2017 and later (total of $6,105,000) and to pay the costs of redemption.
Ms. Holleb reported that the estimated 2016 property tax levy would be reduced by $822,000 with the
option to include this amount instead for Capital Improvements and that this action would save $1.357
million in future interest costs.
The City Council had discussion on the bonds being used to support the 2008 construction of Municipal
Services Center. Mayor Schoenheider noted that this action is exactly what the intentions were when the
bonds were taken out.
Mayor Schoenheider asked if there was anyone from the public who would like to comment on this topic.
Seeing none, he asked for a motion.
COUNCIL ACTION: Consider granting first reading of an Ordinance authorizing redemption of 2008 GO
Bonds maturing December 15, 2017 through December 15, 2027 on December 15, 2016.
Alderman Pandaleon made a motion granting first reading of an Ordinance authorizing redemption of 2008
GO Bonds maturing December 15, 2017 through December 15, 2027 on December 15, 2016, seconded by
Alderman Reisenberg. The following voted “Yea”: Aldermen Beidler, Pandaleon, Newman, Tack and
Reisenberg. The following voted “Nay”: None. 5 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 October 3, 2016 City Council Meeting Minutes
2. Award of contract for professional services consultation on the purchase of a new Electronic
Data Management System
3. Approval of the purchase of computer workstations, laptops and iPads for all City
departments as budgeted in FY2017 Capital Plan
4. Award of Bid for a Generator Maintenance Contract Included in the F.Y. 2017 - 2019
Operating Budgets
Proceedings of the Monday, October 17, 2016
Regular City Council Meeting
5. Award of Bid for the McCormick Ravine Stormwater Improvement Project
6. Consideration of an Ordinance Amending Chapter 95 of the City Code, as Recommended by
City Staff. (Final Approval)
COUNCIL ACTION: Approval of the six (6) 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. Mayor Schoenheider asked for a motion to approve the six Omnibus items as
presented.
Alderman Beidler made a motion to approve the six Omnibus items as presented, seconded by Alderman
Pandaleon. The following voted “Yea”: Aldermen Beidler, Pandaleon, Newman, Tack and Reisenberg. The
following voted “Nay”: None. 5 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
ORDINANCES AFFECTING CODE AMENDMENTS
1. Consideration of an Ordinance Amending Chapter 116 of the City Code, as
Recommended by City Staff. (First Reading)
City Attorney Robert Pickrell reported that the proposed amendment attempts to update provisions where
they are outdated, comply with State law and align City practices with the terms of the City Code. The City
Council had discussion on how many pawn shops are in town and if there are any current ordinances
prohibiting types of pawn shops.
Mayor Schoenheider asked if there was anyone from the public who would like to comment on this topic.
Seeing none, he asked for a motion.
COUNCIL ACTION: Approval of an Ordinance Amending Title XI- Business Regulations- Chapter 116 of the
City Code, as Recommended by City Staff. (First Reading)
Alderman Pandaleon made a motion to grant approval of an Ordinance Amending Title XI- Business
Regulations- Chapter 116 of the City Code, as Recommended by City Staff. (First Reading), seconded by
Alderman Beidler. Motion carried unanimously by voice vote.
2. Consideration of an Ordinance Amending Chapter 156 of the City Code, as
Recommended by the Plan Commission. (First Reading)
Director of Community Development Catherine Czerniak reported that this recommendation from the Plan
Commission is in support of amendments to Chapter 156 of the City Code, Subdivisions. Ms. Czerniak stated
that the amendments presented at this time do not involve substantive changes.
Proceedings of the Monday, October 17, 2016
Regular City Council Meeting
Ms. Czerniak reported that the Subdivision Chapter was substantially reviewed and revised by the Plan
Commission in 2011, under the direction of past Plan Commission Chairman Reisenberg. The Commission’s
recent review found this Chapter to be generally up to date and reflective of current procedures, laws and
processes.
Ms. Czerniak noted that the proposed Code language now spells out that the City Council, when accepting
public improvements constructed by a developer as part of a subdivision, will do so by Resolution. In the
past, the Council has accepted improvements simply by motion. Acceptance of improvements by
Resolution will document more fully the Council’s actions and any conditions, findings or limitations that
may be applicable.
Additionally as a follow-up to the Plan Commission’s work, Alderman Adelman also reviewed the
Subdivision Chapter and offered language relating to phasing of street improvements. The language was
clarified to reflect current practices and the nearly built-out nature of the community.
Mayor Schoenheider asked if there was anyone from the public who would like to comment on this topic.
Seeing none,he asked for a motion.
COUNCIL ACTION: Grant first reading of an Ordinance Amending Chapter 156 of the City Code, as
Recommended by the Plan Commission and incorporating modifications as suggested Alderman Adelman.
Alderman Reisenberg made a motion to grant first reading of an Ordinance Amending Chapter 156 of the City
Code, as recommended by the Plan Commission and incorporating modifications as suggested Alderman
Adelman, seconded by Alderman Newman. Motion carried unanimously by voice vote
NEW BUSINESS
ADDITIONAL ITEMS FOR COUNCIL DISCUSSION
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business. Alderman Newman made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Alderman
Adelman. Motion carried unanimously by voice vote at 8:10 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Margaret Boyer
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.