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CITY COUNCIL 2016/12/05 MinutesThe City of Lake Forest CITY COUNCIL Proceedings of the Monday December 5, 2016 City Council Meeting - City Council Chambers – 6:30pm CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL: Honorable Mayor Schoenheider called the meeting to order at 6:30 pm immediately following the Finance Committee meeting, and City Clerk Margaret Boyer called the roll of Council members. Present: Honorable Mayor Schoenheider, Alderman Waldeck, Alderman Beidler, Alderman Newman, Alderman Tack, Alderman Reisenberg, Alderman Adelman and Alderman Moreno. Absent: Alderman Pandaleon Also present were: Robert Kiely Jr., City Manager; Catherine Czerniak, Director of Community Development, Elizabeth Holleb, Finance Director; Victor Filippini, City Attorney; Susan Banks, Communications Manager; Michael Thomas, Director of Public Works; Karl Walldorf, Chief of Police; Pete Siebert, Acting Fire Chief; Mike Strong, Assistant to the City Manager. There were approximately 35 persons present. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL 6:30 pm PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE REPORTS OF CITY OFFICERS 1. COMMENTS BY MAYOR Mayor Schoenheider reported that there will be a public forum meeting on the Amtrak Hiawatha discussion, hosted by him and the City Manager on Monday, December 19 at Gorton Community Center. Residents are invited to hear the process of the legislature, and express concerns and opinions. Mayor Schoenheider wished all in attendance and those at home Happy Holidays and reminded all to shop local. Mayor Schoenheider then introduced Acting Fire Chief Pete Siebert who gave an overview about new Firefighter/Paramedic William Clifford. The Mayor then swore him in. A. Swear in Firefighter/Paramedic William Clifford 2. COMMENTS BY CITY MANAGER City Manager Robert Kiely echoed the Mayors Holiday wishes. 3. COMMENTS BY COUNCIL MEMBERS Proceedings of the Monday, December 5, 2016 Regular City Council Meeting FINANCE COMMITTEE A. Consideration of an Ordinance Establishing the 2016 Tax Levy (Second Reading and Final Approval) Elizabeth Holleb, Finance Director, reported that the Council saw a full presentation on this topic two weeks ago and asked if there were any questions or if the Council would like a review of any of the slides. Seeing no questions, the Mayor asked if there was anyone from the public who would like to comment on the topic. Paul Hamann, 511 Beverly, offered his opinion to the Council. Seeing no further requests from the public, Mayor Schoenheider asked for a motion. COUNCIL ACTION: Grant final approval of an Ordinance Establishing the 2016 Tax Levy. Alderman Moreno made a motion to grant final approval of an Ordinance Establishing the 2016 Tax Levy, seconded by Alderman Beidler. The following voted “Yea”: Aldermen Waldeck, Beidler, Newman, Tack, Reisenberg, Adelman and Moreno. The following voted “Nay”: None. 7 Yeas, 0 Nays, motion carried. B. Approval of Ordinances Abating 2016 Tax Levies for Various G.O. Alternate Revenue Bond Issues (Second Reading and Final Approval) Elizabeth Holleb, Finance Director, reported that the Council has seen a full presentation on this topic twice. This represents five Ordinances that reduce the debt service on alternative Revenue bonds. The City Council had discussion on abatement, reducing the obligation to zero. Mayor Schoenheider asked if there was anyone from the public who would like to comment on the topic. Seeing none, he asked for a motion. COUNCIL ACTION: Grant final approval of the Ordinances abating tax levies for various general obligation bond issues. Alderman Moreno made a motion to Approve of Ordinances Abating 2016 Tax Levies for Various G.O. Alternate Revenue Bond Issues, seconded by Alderman Reisenberg. The following voted “Yea”: Aldermen Waldeck, Beidler, Newman, Tack, Reisenberg, Adelman and Moreno. The following voted “Nay”: None. 7 Yeas, 0 Nays, motion carried. C. Consideration of an Ordinance approving a Fee Schedule and Ordinances adopting new fees related to Special Events and a Public Safety Pension Fee (Second Reading and Final Approval) Elizabeth Holleb, Finance Director, reported that the Council considered this item at its November 14 and November 21 meetings. Ms. Holleb stated this Ordinance is an adjustment to existing fees and includes the addition of new fees related to public safety pension obligations, new fees related to late fees for special event permit applications and new fees related to escrow deposit for special event permit applications and FY 18 Water rates. The City Council had discussion on the Public Safety Pension Fee, its effective date of May 1 and the mandated increase in funding requirement. Mayor Schoenheider asked if there was anyone from the public who would like to comment on the topic. Seeing none, he asked for a motion. Proceedings of the Monday, December 5, 2016 Regular City Council Meeting COUNCIL ACTION: Grant final approval of the proposed ordinances. Alderman Newman made a motion to Grant final approval of the proposed ordinances, seconded by Alderman Moreno. The following voted “Yea”: Aldermen Waldeck, Beidler, Newman, Tack, Reisenberg, Adelman and Moreno. The following voted “Nay”: None. 7 Yeas, 0 Nays, motion carried. PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE A. Consideration of Two Recommendations from the Public Works Committee Related to the Process for Considering the Establishment of Special Service Area No. 41 for the Winwood Drive Area Sanitary Improvement Project. Public Works Committee Chairman Waldeck reported that the Public Works Committee is recommending that City Council take two actions, consistent with State Law, to set the framework for consideration of the establishment of Special Service Area No. 41 for the Winwood Drive Area Sanitary Improvement Project. Chairman Waldeck reported that on November 21, 2016, the City Council approved an Ordinance proposing the establishment of an SSA to finance the installation of a sanitary sewer in the Winwood Drive neighborhood. Ms. Waldeck stated that the purpose of that Ordinance was to outline the geographic area, preliminary budget, services, maximum tax levy for the project and set a date for the Public Hearing. Chairman Waldeck reported that the actions requested relate to the Ordinance and are necessary next steps in the process of consideration of a Special Service Area for this project. In summary, the Public Works Committee recommends the following actions: 1. Open a public hearing, pursuant to the Special Service Area Tax Law to consider the establishment of Special Service Area No. 41. Under State Law, Notice of a Public Hearing must be mailed to persons whose names are on the general taxes for the preceding year not less than ten (10) days before the time set for the hearing. Additionally, the Notice of Public Hearing must be published in a newspaper not less than fifteen (15) days before the hearing. Property owners in the proposed district were notified of the December 5, 2016, Public Hearing by Certified USPS mail with a letter dated November 22, 2016. The Notice of Public Hearing was published in The Lake Forester on November 17, 2016. If no objections are filed, the proposed SSA levy and boundaries would be considered for adoption on February 6, 2017. This time period allows for the required 60 day “objection period” to pass. Under state law, property owners within the proposed district have 60 days following the close of the Public Hearing during which to formally object to the creation of the proposed SSA. No less than 51% of the property owners of record and 51% of electors in the proposed area must formally object to the SSA in order for it not to be adopted. 2. Review, and if determined appropriate by City Council, approval of an Inducement Resolution which declares the City’s intent to seek external financing to fund the project. The Inducement Resolution states the City’s intention to consider reimbursing eligible project expenses of the project from future bond proceeds to be repaid through a special tax roll that would be assessed on properties within the SSA Area. Due to the estimated cost of the project, City staff has determined that it may be in the best interest of the parties involved in this project to externally finance the project through bond proceeds or other external financing means. Proceedings of the Monday, December 5, 2016 Regular City Council Meeting The current estimate for the residents’ share of the project, for the installation of a new public sanitary sewer system, is $1,378,327. Staff has been provided additional information on these costs, a breakdown of which is provided below. Cost Item Preliminary Estimate Final Estimate Administrative, Legal and Easement Acquisition Fees $12,000 $12,000 Design engineering (Phase I-II) $37,500 $37,500 Construction Engineering (Phase III) $81,000 $81,000 Construction $1,117,570 $1,117,570 Construction Contingency $110,257 $110,257 Permit, Connection and Annexation Fees $135,408 - Bond Issuance Expenses $20,000 $20,000 Total Project Cost Estimate $1,513,735 $1,378,327 Total Cost Per Lot (if Pre-Paid) $54,062 $49,226 Total Cost Per Lot (with Financing) $72,945 $66,420 Annual Cost Per Lot $3,647 $3,321 Chairman Waldeck stated it should be noted that once construction bids are received by the City, and presented to the Public Works Committee on March 20, 2017, staff will recalculate these estimates. Private contractor costs associated with the installation and connection of a lateral service line to each residence; interior plumbing work; permit, connection and inspection fees (including City and North Shore Water Reclamation District connection fees); and decommissioning of septic tanks shall be the responsibility of each property owner in the SSA area and have not been included in the SSA tax. COUNCIL ACTION: If determined to be appropriate by the City Council: 1. Consideration to Open a Public Hearing for a proposed Special Service Area (SSA No. 41) for the Installation of a sanitary sewer system in the Winwood Drive neighborhood. Mayor Schoenheider asked for a motion to open a Public Hearing. Alderman Newman made a motion to open the Public Hearing, seconded by Alderman Moreno. The following voted “Yea”: Aldermen Waldeck, Beidler, Newman, Tack, Reisenberg, Adelman and Moreno. The following voted “Nay”: None. 7 Yeas, 0 Nays, motion carried. The Public Hearing opened at 6:52 pm. ***OPEN THE PUBLIC HEARING*** Mayor Schoenheider asked if there was anyone from the public who would like to comment during the Public Hearing on this topic. The following people submitted their information: Zachery Eleveld, 1337 Winwood Drive, offered his opinion to the Council. Andrew Twyman, 1611 Winwood Drive, offered his opinion to the Council. Dorothy , Winwood Drive offered her opinion to the City Council. Myra & John Riley, 1225 Winwood Drive, offered their opinion to the City Council. Proceedings of the Monday, December 5, 2016 Regular City Council Meeting The City Council had discussion on how the previous SSAs have been received in the past, property value impacts, and that these and a few other lots are left to hook up to sanitary sewer. The City Council also had discussion on the objection period. Chairman Waldeck reported that the Public Works Committee goal is to have all lots in the City of Lake Forest connected to sanitary sewer for the sake for public health. ***CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING*** The Public Hearing closed at 7:12 pm. Mayor Schoenheider asked for a motion to close the Public Hearing. Alderman Reisenberg made a motion to close the Public Hearing, seconded by Alderman Newman. The following voted “Yea”: Aldermen Waldeck, Beidler, Newman, Tack, Reisenberg, Adelman and Moreno. The following voted “Nay”: None. 7 Yeas, 0 Nays, motion carried. 2. Consideration of an Inducement Resolution which declares the City’s intent to seek external financing to fund the project. (Approve by Motion) Mayor Schoenheider asked if there was anyone from the public who would like to comment on the topic. Seeing none, he asked for a motion. Alderman Tack made a motion to approve the consideration of an Inducement Resolution which declares the City’s intent to seek external financing to fund the project, seconded by Alderman Newman. The following voted “Yea”: Aldermen Waldeck, Beidler, Newman, Tack, Reisenberg, Adelman and Moreno. The following voted “Nay”: None. 7 Yeas, 0 Nays, motion carried. OPPORTUNITY FOR CITIZENS TO ADDRESS THE CITY COUNCIL ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS David Mattoon, 1547 N Sheridan Road, offered a power point to the Council on behalf of Metra recognizing the Lake Forest Art Club. As Mayor Schoenheider previously reported -- there will be a public forum meeting on the Amtrak Hiawatha discussion, hosted by him and the City Manager on Monday, December 19 at the Gorton Community Center. Residents are invited to hear the process of the legislature, and express concerns and opinions. Mayor Schoenheider asked if there was anyone from the public who would like to comment on this topic. The following people submitted their information: JoAnn Desmond, 1681 Yale Ct, offered her opinion to the City Council. Carolyn Zafiriades, 1671 Harvard Ct, passed on speaking. Gene Minsky, 1690 Yale Ct, offered his opinion to the City Council. David Tanoka, 1142 Pine Oaks Circle, offered his opinion to the City Council. Richard Jaworski, 1670 Cornell Ct, passed on speaking. Wyn Cain, 1720 Marquette Ct, offered her opinion to the City Council. Carol Dall, 1660 Cornell Ct, offered her opinion to the City Council. Nancy Cooley, 1751 Stanford Ct, passed on speaking. Rick Dall, 1660 Cornell, offered his opinion to the City Council. Terry Desmond, 1681 Yale Ct, offered his opinion to the City Council. Proceedings of the Monday, December 5, 2016 Regular City Council Meeting Mayor Schoenheider thanked all that came and shared their concerns with the Council and invited all to the meeting at Gorton Center on Monday, December 19. Mayor Schoenheider also stated that The City of Lake Forest will continue to work with legislators on all levels. If necessary, the Mayor will have authorization to act on behalf of the City Council on this issue. ITEMS FOR OMNIBUS VOTE CONSIDERATION 1. Approval of the November 21, 2016 City Council Meeting Minutes 2. Approval of Check Register for Period October 29-November 25, 2016 3. Award of Contract for Information Technology Support for a One-Year Period 4. Approval of an Ordinance amending Ordinance No. 2015-58 Establishing the Lake Forest Special Service Area No. 40 – Regency Lane Area Sewer Improvement Project (First Reading and if desired by the City Council, Final Approval) 5. Consideration of an Ordinance Approving a Recommendation from the Building Review Board. (First Reading and if Desired by the City Council, Final Approval) COUNCIL ACTION: Approval of the five (5) Omnibus items as presented Mayor Schoenheider asked members of the Council if they would like to remove any item or take it separately. The City Council had a question on item #3 – can there be an expectation of additional cost reductions over time, and City Staff explained the contract represents a reduction in cost per hour. Mayor Schoenheider asked for a motion to approve the remaining five Omnibus items as presented. Alderman Beidler made a motion to approve the five omnibus items as presented, seconded by Alderman Moreno. The following voted “Yea”: Aldermen Waldeck, Beidler, Newman, Tack, 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. ORDINANCES ORDINANCES AFFECTING CODE AMENDMENTS NEW BUSINESS 1. Approval of an Agreement to Provide an Update to the Forest Park Bluff Stability Evaluation Robert Ells, Superintendent of Engineering, reported that staff is requesting City Council approval of an agreement with an engineering firm specializing in geotechnical analysis, to provide an update to the bluff restoration feasibility study for the bluff adjacent to Forest Park from Spring Lane to the North Beach Access Road. Mr. Ells stated that the original study looked at the area between Deerpath and Spring Lane with a Proceedings of the Monday, December 5, 2016 Regular City Council Meeting focus on the Ring Road, and was completed in 2009. If approved the report will be completed by early February, 2017. Mr. Ells showed a photograph of a shallow slide event that staff noticed in May 2016, on the bluff on the east side of the south beach access road. The slide had begun to move and separate from the curb and roadway. Mr. Ells reported that in July, 2016, City Council approved an agreement with AECOM to further analyze the area from the lower end of the south beach access road, north to Forest Park’s drive entrance (approximately at Spring Lane). AECOM completed all topographical and cross sectional surveys of the area and provided the City with their recommendation and cost estimates to repair specific points along the bluff. He said that this issue was reviewed at the November 14, 2016 capital budget meeting and at the Finance Committee meeting. The Council was informed that a workgroup consisting of two Aldermen and various residents with related knowledge and interests in bluff and ravine repairs was formed and will meet during the months of December, January, and February. The group will review engineering reports on the bluff’s condition and provide a recommendation on any possible future capital projects to the Finance Committee at the March 13, 2017 budget meeting. Mr. Ells stated that the request is to provide an update to an analysis that was completed in 2009 for the remaining portion of the Forest Park bluff that was not evaluated this past summer (Spring Lane to the North Beach Access Road). Mr. Ells noted that while this is unrelated to the shallow slope failure on the south beach access road, the intent is to provide a comprehensive look at the condition of the bluff in all of Forest Park prior to making decisions on the scope of repairs along the south beach access road proposed to be completed in 2017. The design to repair the south beach access road’s bluff will be placed on hold until the workgroup’s recommendations are received by the Finance Committee. If AECOM’s proposal is approved this evening, similar to the access road’s repair project in 2011, staff will recommend AECOM not be used for the design of any bluff repairs and that a different engineering firm be hired to provide such services. The City Council had discussion on soil analysis, parts of the Bluff not previously studied, the parameters of and RFQ and RPF, AECOMS ability to perform the analysis and design work and taking a moment to mindful to look at the entire project. Mayor Schoenheider asked if there was anyone from the public who would like to comment on the topic. Seeing none, he asked for a motion. COUNCIL ACTION: Acknowledge the exception noted in Section 9.0-K of the City’s Purchasing Directive and approve an agreement with AECOM to perform a Forest Park Bluff Restoration Feasibility Study for the area near Spring Lane to the North Beach Access Road in the amount of $33,400. Alderman Moreno made a motion to acknowledge the exception noted in Section 9.0-K of the City’s Purchasing Directive and approve an agreement with AECOM to perform a Forest Park Bluff Restoration Feasibility Study for the area near Spring Lane to the North Beach Access Road in the amount of $33,400, seconded by Alderman Beidler. The following voted “Yea”: Aldermen Waldeck, Beidler, Newman, Tack, Reisenberg, Adelman and Moreno. The following voted “Nay”: None. 7 Yeas, 0 Nays, motion carried. ADDITIONAL ITEMS FOR COUNCIL DISCUSSION 1. Announcement of City Council Resignation; Appointment of Successor Proceedings of the Monday, December 5, 2016 Regular City Council Meeting Alderman Michael Adelman stated that he will be stepping down effective upon adjournment of this City Council meeting, adding that it has been a pleasure to serve this community over the years on the Plan Commission to the Zoning Board of Appeals and to City Council. Mayor Schoenheider stated that the usual comments that are shared at the end of the term will be saved for the City Council meeting in May 2017. Mayor Schoenheider stated that on “behalf of the City Council and the residents of Lake Forest, thank you Alderman Adelman, your contributions have been extraordinary.“ Mayor Schoenheider asked for a motion to approve his appointment of Raymond Buschmann to complete the remaining term of Alderman Michael Adelman. Alderman Reisenberg made a motion to approve the Mayors appointment of Raymond Buschmann, seconded by Alderman Beidler. Motion carried unanimously by voice vote. Mayor Schoenheider wished everyone on behalf of the City Council, Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and to have a Safe and Blessed New Year. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business. Alderman Adelman made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Alderman Waldeck. Motion carried unanimously by voice vote at 8:15 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.