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CITY COUNCIL 2016/04/04 MinutesThe City of Lake Forest CITY COUNCIL Proceedings of the Monday, April 4, 2016 City Council Meeting - City Council Chambers Special Start time of 6:00 pm CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL: Honorable Mayor Schoenheider called the meeting to order at 6:00pm, 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; Karl Walldorf, Deputy Chief of Police; Sally Swarthout, Director of Parks & Recreation; Mike Strong, Assistant to the City Manager and Anne Whipple . There were approximately 80 + present in the audience. Mayor Schoenheider announced that while the agenda states that the City Council is to adjourn into executive session, the audience was filled with Emerging Artists and their families, and introduced Jillian Chapman of the Deerpath Art League. Ms. Chapman gave a brief overview of the Art League and read the following names of the Emerging artists selected and Mayor Schoenheider presented the awards: Lake Forest Academy: 2D- Oliver Juan, junior, 3D- Alex Gamache, junior; Lake Forest Country Day: 2D- Emerson Buettner, 2nd grade , 3D- Cutler Terlato, 6th grade; Lake Forest High School: 2D- Emilee Cho, senior, 3D- Alyssa Thunder, sophomore; Everett Elementary: 2D- Alissa Eglite, 2nd grade; Cherokee Elementary: 2D- Amelia Pasquesi, 3rd grade; Sheridan Elementary: 2D- Grace Clawson, 3rd grade ; Lake Bluff Middle School: 2D- Jolina J (grade not given), 3D- Ben Rosa (grade not given); School of St. Mary Primary Grade Center: 2D- Elizabeth Specketer, 2nd grade; Woodlands Academy: 2D- Ellie Randolph (grade not given); Lake Bluff Elementary School: 2D- Audrey Waite, 4th grade, 3D- Stephanie Shen, 2nd grade; Deer Path Middle School 5/6: 2D- Nick Winebrenner, 6th grade; Deer Path Middle School 7/8: Isabel Wiesner, 8th grade ; Deer Path Middle School APT: 2D- Ani Plamback, 7th grade, 3D- Ainsley Wiesner, 8th grade. Mayor Schoenheider read the Arbor Day Proclamation. Mayor Schoenheider stated the item under New Business, Athletic Field Usage Policy, will be heard at the April 18, 2016 City Council meeting. Mayor Schoenheider then asked for a motion to Adjourn into executive session. Proceedings of the Monday, March 7, 2016 Regular City Council Meeting EXECUTIVE SESSION pursuant to 5ILCS 120/2 (c), (6), The City Council will be discussing the consideration for the sale or lease of property owned by the Public Body. Alderman Reisenberg made a motion to adjourn into executive session pursuant to 5ILCS 120/2 (c), (6), The City Council will be discussing the consideration for the sale or lease of property owned by the Public Body, seconded by Alderman Moreno. The following voted “Yea”: Aldermen Waldeck, Beidler, Pandaleon, Newman, Tack, Reisenberg, Adelman and Moreno. The following voted “Nay”: None. 8 Yeas, 0 Nays, motion carried Adjournment into executive session at 6:18pm RECONVENE INTO REGULAR SESSION at 7:10pm REPORTS OF CITY OFFICERS COMMENTS BY MAYOR Emerging Artists Awards, Deer Path Art League -Jillian Chapman, Creative Director Arbor Day Proclamation Both items were seen at the beginning of the meeting. COMMENTS BY CITY MANAGER Community Spotlight - Lake Forest Open Lands - John Sentell, President City Manager Robert Kiely Jr. introduced the President of Open Lands, John Sentell, who gave an overview of the organizations’ programs and events. COMMENTS BY COUNCIL MEMBERS OPPORTUNITY FOR CITIZENS TO ADDRESS THE CITY COUNCIL ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS ITEMS FOR OMNIBUS VOTE CONSIDERATION 1. Approval of the March 7, 2016 City Council Meeting Minutes 2. Approval of Check Register for Period February 27-March 25, 2016 3. Request for Approval to Pay North Shore Water Reclamation District for Regency’s Lane’s Annexation and Connection Fees Proceedings of the Monday, March 7, 2016 Regular City Council Meeting 4. Award of Bid for the Replacement of Marked Police Cars Included in the FY2017 Capital Equipment Budget 5. Award of Bid for the Replacement of a ¾-Ton Regular Cab Pick-Up Truck for the Parks Section Included in the FY2017 Capital Equipment Budget 6. Award of Bid for the Replacement of a 1-Ton Chassis for the Forestry Section Included in the FY2017 Capital Equipment Budget 7. Award of Bid for the Replacement of a Tower Truck for the Streets Section Included in the FY2017 Capital Equipment Budget 8. Award of Bid for the Replacement of a ¾-Ton Regular Cab Pick-Up Truck for the Parks Section Included in the FY2017 Capital Equipment Budget 9. 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. 2017 Capital Equipment Budget 10. Award of Bid for a Greens Mower for the Golf Course Maintenance Section Included in the FY2017 Capital Equipment Budget 11. Award of Bid for a Rough Cut Mower for Deerpath Golf Course Included in the FY2017 Capital Equipment Budget 12. Consideration of a Request for Reimbursement for Environmental Investigation at the Laurel and Western Avenues Site. (Approval of a Motion) 13. Consideration of a Contract with AT&T for the Removal and Relocation of Equipment in Preparation for the Redevelopment of the City’s Former Municipal Services Site. (Approval of a Motion) 14. Award of the Lake Forest portion of the 2016 Joint Sewer Lining Project contract. 15. Approval of Forest Park Grounds Maintenance Services Contract for FY ‘17 16. Approval of Contract for Annual Grounds Maintenance Services in Parks FY ‘17 Budget 17. Approval of West Park Playground Project 18. Approval to Execute Cemetery Ravine Restoration Grant 19. Approval of FY ‘17 Contract for Emerald Ash Borer Tree and Stump Removals 20. Approval of Annual Tree Planting and Tree Purchasing for FY ‘17 COUNCIL ACTION: Approve the twenty (20) Omnibus items Proceedings of the Monday, March 7, 2016 Regular City Council Meeting Mayor Schoenheider asked members of the Council if they would like to remove any item or take it separately. The City Council had brief discussion on item #3, #7 and #11. The Mayor asked for a motion to approve the twenty Omnibus items as presented with a correction of a scrivener’s error in the minutes. Alderman Reisenberg made a motion to approve the ten Omnibus items as presented, seconded by Alderman Moreno. The following voted “Yea”: Aldermen Waldeck, Beidler, Pandaleon, Newman, 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 ORDINANCES AFFECTING CODE AMENDMENTS NEW BUSINESS Consideration of Various Actions Relating to the Sale and Redevelopment of the Former Municipal Services Site, a 10-Acre Parcel Owned by the City of Lake Forest Located on the Northwest Corner of Laurel and Western Avenues. A. An Amendment to the Purchase/Sale Agreement (Motion) B. A Resolution Approving the Redevelopment Agreement (Motion) C. The Final Plat of Subdivision and the Final Development Planned Development Ordinance (Waive First Reading and if Desired, Grant Final Approval) Mayor Schoenheider made the following opening comments: “Tonight, the City Council has an opportunity to look forward, an opportunity to take an important next step in the redevelopment of the City’s former Municipal Services site on Laurel and Western Avenues. Much hard work has been completed and a strong foundation is in place to guide the Council in this important decision. • In 2007 and 2008, public visioning sessions were held to talk about how the site should be redeveloped. • Development parameters were established as an outcome of the public discussion. • The Property and Public Lands Committee of the City Council; led by Alderman Reisenberg, using the Development Parameters, solicited proposals from developers. • Focus Development was selected as the developer. The concepts presented by this firm most closely aligned with the vision for the site, conveyed an understanding of the traditions and values of the community, and proposed a quality development. Proceedings of the Monday, March 7, 2016 Regular City Council Meeting • A Tax Increment Financing District was put in place to support environmental cleanup of the site, improvements to adjacent streetscapes and other appropriate aspects of the overall project. • The site has been cleared of buildings and soil remediation has been completed. • The City’s Plan Commission and Building Review Board, over the course of about 12 months, reviewed materials presented by Focus Development, listened to and read public testimony, deliberated and requested enhancements to the plan. I know that many of you attended the Board and Commission meetings and I also know that the questions, concerns and suggestions you and other residents offered were heard and were instrumental in shaping the final plan that is before the Council tonight. I have tremendous confidence in the City’s public review processes and in the members of our Boards and Commissions. The Council relies on the Board and Commission processes to vet the details of development projects, details like the density, mass and scale of the buildings, architectural elements, exterior materials, landscape concepts and grading of the site. That work has been completed. Tonight, the Council will consider recommendations in support of the Focus Development plan from both the Plan Commission and Building Review Board and the conditions of approval that accompany those recommendations. The Council will also consider the final terms of the sale of the property to Focus Development. The sale of the property and terms of that sale are the Council’s purview and as such, have not been the subject of a public meeting to date. Shortly, I will ask City staff to review the terms of the sale as discussed, negotiated and very carefully considered by the full City Council over the course of several months. I noted at the start of my comments that tonight we have an opportunity to look forward. Specifically, tonight, we have: • An opportunity to redevelop a site that has long been an eye sore, replacing an industrial use with new homes for our community, quality architecture and shared open space. • An opportunity to put a 10-acre site on the tax rolls generating revenues first for the TIF District, and over the long term, to support City services and our schools long into the future. • An opportunity to add diverse housing at various price points to our community. • An opportunity to reinvigorate north Western Avenue, enhance the streetscape and attract new businesses to the area. • And notably, an opportunity to support the vitality of our Central Business District with more residents who will shop at our stores, eat at our restaurants and patronize our service businesses. Finally, I have had the occasion to meet with Tim Anderson, President and CEO of Focus Development. I am confident that Tim understands the importance of this project to the City of Lake Forest. I am confident that if the Council decides to move this project forward tonight, Focus Development will construct a project of extraordinary quality, a project that will welcome existing residents and newcomers to our community, and a project we will all be proud to say that we had a hand in making happen. Proceedings of the Monday, March 7, 2016 Regular City Council Meeting Prior to the City Council’s deliberation and action this evening, and for the benefit of everyone in attendance tonight and those watching at home, I want to take some time to review key aspects of this project. The process has been lengthy, the public hearings have been completed and much work has been accomplished. • First, I will ask Catherine Czerniak, Director of Community Development, to give us a brief overview of the demolition and environmental clean-up activity that has occurred on the site and provide an overview of the redevelopment plan highlighting elements of the plan that were revised and refined as a result of the Board and Commission public hearing processes. • Next, I will ask Elizabeth Holleb, the City’s Finance Director, to review the Negotiated Terms for the sale and redevelopment of the property and status of the TIF District. • I will then invite questions from the members of the City Council before providing an opportunity for public comment. • The Council will then deliberate on the matter and my expectation is that the Council will take action on the matters relating to this petition this evening.” Mayor Schoenheider then introduced Director of Community Development, Catherine Czerniak, who gave an overview of each the following: Environmental Cleanup of Site, Development Plan, BRB and PC Recommendations, Timeline, Development Agreement Terms and Action Items. Environmental Cleanup completed; Buildings Demolished, Foundations Removed, 21,612 Tons of Soil Removed, Pavement Removed, Utilities Removed and Concrete/Asphalt Crushed. Plan Commission Review; Density, Mix of Units, Site Plan, Traffic, Drainage, Building Height/Site Grading, Road Configuration/Connections, Parking, Open Space, Landscaping and Tree Preservation. A Site Plan, Landscape Concept Plan and a Landscape Plan Detail showing the Northeast Corner was shown. Building Review Board; Building Elements/Massing, Roof Forms, Screening of Mechanicals, Architectural Detailing, Exterior Materials, Building Height, Streetscapes, Open Space, Landscaping and Tree Preservation. Renderings of the Apartment buildings from Laurel and Western and Western Ave, the Condominium Building, and the streetscape of Single Family homes was shown. Ms. Czerniak then reported on the Improvements to the Plan through the Public Hearing Process; eliminated 4-Story Building, Reconfigured 2 Buildings to 3, Reduced Number of Apartments, Re- Located Garage Ramps, Added East/West Street, Improved Relationship –Buildings/Open Space, Added Medians, Reconfigured Pedestrian Walkways and the Enhanced Landscaping. Proceedings of the Monday, March 7, 2016 Regular City Council Meeting Ms. Czerniak gave an overview of the anticipated timeline; Closing -- June/July 2016, Earth Work -- July – October 2016, Buildings -- Fall 2016, Phase I -- Target completion March 2018, Phase II – Target completion July 2019. Director of Finance, Elizabeth Holleb, reported on the Development Agreement Terms. The Purchase and Redevelopment Agreements were negotiated over the course of many months. Members of the Property and Public Lands subcommittee of the City Council, the City Attorney, the City’s TIF Consultant, an independent financial consultant, the City Manager and other City staff were involved in the ongoing negotiations with Focus Development. The Mayor and City Council was kept apprised of the negotiations and provided direction along the way. Ms. Holleb stated that Throughout the process, the City Council has been clear on two points: first, this development must be of high quality; the infrastructure, the buildings and the landscape, all components, must be first rate and stand the test of time and second, the Tax Increment Financing District must be successful and must generate sufficient revenues to fully support the environmental cleanup on the site, the TIF eligible improvements and the Library and schools as required by State law. Key points of the Agreements include: A purchase price of $12,000,000 and some provision for cost off sets to the developer for TIF eligible components of the project. The inclusion of 12 affordable and moderately priced rental apartments and a payment to the City’s Housing Trust Fund. Pre-closing use of a portion of the site by Focus Development for a sales center and market sign. Time frames for closing and development of the site and various obligations of the developer through the buildout process. Importantly, as of today, the former Municipal Services site generates no property taxes. After the sale and redevelopment of the site, significant property taxes will be generated by this property to support public improvements, site clean-up and a high quality development during the life of the TIF and once the TIF District is closed out, the revenues generated by the site will benefit the City and all of the other taxing bodies on an ongoing basis into the future. Ms. Holleb reviewed the following slides; Projected Annual TIF Revenue and Expense- Annual TIF increment project by year, TIF expense by Type, i.e. School Districts, Library, 205 bonds, etc.; Projected Annual TIF Revenue and Expense, Distributions to School Districts and Library estimated at legislative maximum. Subject to actual impact per formula and to actual revenue collected and TIF note principal and interest paid to the City after all other expenses. Ms. Holleb stated that the Council actions this evening will be to amend the Property Purchase agreement, approve a Resolution including the Redevelopment Agreement and License agreement and approve the Final Ordinance. Proceedings of the Monday, March 7, 2016 Regular City Council Meeting Mayor Schoenheider thanked Elizabeth Holleb, Catherine Czerniak and Lee Brown, he stated that on behalf of the City Council he was grateful for all their work. Mayor Schoenheider then opened discussion with the Council that included; parking, the sale of parking spaces and home owners association, traffic studies, affordable housing, percentages of one, two and three bedroom units, the replacement of the lost apartment rentals in the Central Business district, risk of the project and diversity of the project, building parameters, planned use development, zoning, developer costs offsets and the expected phasing of the project, the tree and its preservation, quality of the development and by adding the diversity on housing stock families are able stay in Lake Forest. Mayor Schoenheider thanked the Council for their discussion and opened up the opportunity for public comment: the following persons offered their opinions to the City Council. Stephen Bruhn, 1261 Burr Oak, Lake Forest Dan Seabald, 560 Ivy Ct, Lake Forest Paul Hamman, 511 Beverly, Lake Forest Jan Gibson, 59 E Franklin, Lake Forest Diane Karzas, 140 E Franklin, Lake Forest Emily Watts, 1230 N Western Ave, Lake Forest Linda VanEeckhout, 1230 N Western Ave, Lake Forest Richard Wood, 1032 N Western, Lake Forest Rommy Lopat, 410 E Woodland, Lake Forest Mayor Schoenheider thanked all those who offered their opinions to the Council and told them that the City Council is always open to hearing from residents on this and any other topic. Mayor Schoenheider asked for any further questions or comments from the City Council, the City Council continued discussion on the landscaping approval process. Additional discussion was had around the passion that residents have for the community and the amount of time and effort that has been put into this complex project to date by the Staff, how proud the Council is of the project. COUNCIL ACTION: If determined to be appropriate by the City Council, By motion: 1. Approve a First Amendment to the Purchase/Sale Agreement. 2. Approve a Resolution approving the Redevelopment Agreement and authorizing the City Manager to sign a License Agreement providing for a temporary marketing and sales center on the property. 3. Approve the Final Plat of Subdivision and the Final Development Planned Development Ordinance (Waive First Reading and if Desired, Grant Final Approval) Mayor Schoenheider asked for a motion to approve a First Amendment to the Purchase/Sale Agreement. Alderman Pandaleon made a motion to approve a First Amendment to the Purchase/Sale Agreement, seconded by Alderman Moreno. The following voted “Yea”: Aldermen Waldeck, Beidler, Pandaleon, Newman, Reisenberg, Adelman and Moreno. The following voted “Nay”: Alderman Tack. 7 Yeas, 1 Nay, motion carried. Proceedings of the Monday, March 7, 2016 Regular City Council Meeting Mayor Schoenheider asked for a motion to approve a Resolution approving the Redevelopment Agreement and authorizing the City Manager to sign a License Agreement providing for a temporary marketing and sales center on the property. Alderman Reisenberg made a motion to approve a Resolution approving the Redevelopment Agreement and authorizing the City Manager to sign a License Agreement providing for a temporary marketing and sales center on the property, seconded by Alderman Beidler. The following voted “Yea”: Aldermen Waldeck, Beidler, Pandaleon, Newman, Reisenberg, Adelman and Moreno. The following voted “Nay”: Alderman Tack. 7 Yeas, 1 Nay, motion carried. Mayor Schoenheider asked for a motion approve the Final Plat of Subdivision and the Final Development Planned Development Ordinance (Waive First Reading and if Desired, Grant Final Approval) Alderman Moreno made a motion to approve the Final Plat of Subdivision and the Final Development Planned Development Ordinance (Waive First Reading and if Desired, Grant Final Approval), seconded by Alderman Waldeck. The following voted “Yea”: Aldermen Waldeck, Beidler, Pandaleon, Newman, Reisenberg, Adelman and Moreno. The following voted “Nay”: Alderman Tack. 7 Yeas, 1 Nay, motion carried. Mayor Schoenheider thanked City Staff, the Board and Commission Volunteers for their tremendous input, he stated that this is just the start of the process that all the input is valued and the Council is grateful to all involved. Thank you to Tim and his team and Focus. CIVIC BEAUTIFICATION A. Approval of Contract to Perform Engineering Services for the Western Avenue Streetscape Improvement Project Chuck Myers, Superintendent of Parks & Forestry, reported that the proposal was presented at the City Council’s budget workshop and in October 2015, the City held a Public Visioning Session to engage local residents and businesses in the planning process. Representatives from the Civic Beautification Committee were also in attendance and listened to concerns expressed by attendees. City staff compiled the feedback and worked with the Civic Beautification Committee to begin planning for improvements. Alderman Beidler reported that in January 2016, the City entered into a contractual agreement with Craig Bergmann Landscape Design to perform a design analysis of the project area and develop a conceptual streetscape plan. Bergmann worked with the City to develop the plan, based in part on the feedback received from the Public Visioning Session. After a period of review and revisions, the plan was accepted by City staff and the Civic Beautification Committee. The City held a follow-up Public Meeting on March 1, 2016 to present the design plan and receive feedback from residents and businesses. The plan was generally well received. Proceedings of the Monday, March 7, 2016 Regular City Council Meeting Mr. Myers stated that the next phase of planning for the Western Avenue Streetscape Improvement Project involves the development of engineering plans and construction documents. The City has received a proposal from Gewalt Hamilton Associates (GHA), the City’s Engineering Consultant, to perform Professional Engineering Services for this project. Based upon the exception noted in Section 8.5 D1 of the City’s Purchasing Directive, the City has the ability to enter into an agreement with GHA for the engineering services without conducting a bid process. The scope of services provided by GHA will include: Project Initiation and Coordination, Topographic Survey, ROW Survey, & Base Plan Preparation, Preliminary Engineering (includes probable costs) and Final Engineering. If approved, the conceptual schedule for completing the improvements: 1. Survey Work April 15, 2016 2. Preliminary Engineering May 6, 2015 3. Final Engineering & Permitting Submittals June 10, 2016 4. Bid Opening June 29, 2016 5. City Council Contract Approval July 5, 2016 6. Construction Start Date August 1, 2016 Mayor Schoenheider asked if there was anyone from the public who wanted to comment. Seeing none, he asked for a motion. COUNCIL ACTION: Acknowledge the exception noted in Section 8.5 D1 of the City’s Purchasing Directive and award of a contract to Gewalt Hamilton Associates (GHA) to perform Professional Engineering Services for the Western Avenue Streetscape Improvement Project in an amount not to exceed $ 55,700.00. Alderman Adelman made a motion to acknowledge the exception noted in Section 8.5 D1 of the City’s Purchasing Directive and award of a contract to Gewalt Hamilton Associates (GHA) to perform Professional Engineering Services for the Western Avenue Streetscape Improvement Project in an amount not to exceed $ 55,700.00, seconded by Alderman Moreno. The following voted “Yea”: Aldermen Waldeck, Beidler, Pandaleon, Newman, Tack, Reisenberg, Adelman and Moreno. The following voted “Nay”: None. 8 Yeas, 0 Nays, motion carried. PARKS & RECREATION BOARD A. Approval of an amendment to the Athletic Field Usage Policy as approved by the Parks & Recreation Board (first Reading) This item was rescheduled for hearing at the April 14 City Council meeting. ADDITIONAL ITEMS FOR COUNCIL DISCUSSION Proceedings of the Monday, March 7, 2016 Regular City Council Meeting ADJOURNMENT There being no further business. Alderman Waldeck made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Alderman Moreno. Motion carried unanimously by voice vote at 9:55 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.