CITY COUNCIL 2017/03/20 MinutesThe City of Lake Forest
CITY COUNCIL
Proceedings of the Monday, March 20, 2017
City Council Meeting - City Council Chambers, 6:30 p.m.
CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL: Honorable Mayor Schoenheider called the meeting to order at 6:32 pm,
and 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 Moreno and Alderman Buschmann.
Absent: None
Also present were: Robert Kiely Jr., City Manager; Catherine Czerniak, Director of Community Development,
Elizabeth Holleb, Director of Finance; Victor Filippini, City Attorney; Michael Thomas, Director of Public
Works; Karl Walldorf, Chief of Police; Pete Siebert, Fire Chief; Mike Strong, Assistant to the City Manager
along with other members of City Staff.
There were approximately 100 persons present in the Council Chamber.
CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL 6:32 pm
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE was recited by all those present in the Chamber.
REPORTS OF CITY OFFICERS
COMMENTS BY MAYOR
A. 2017-2018 Board & Commission Appointments
ELAWA FARM COMMISSION
NAME OF MEMBER APPOINT/REAPPOINT WARD
Nicholas Peters APPOINT 3
CROYA
NAME OF MEMBER APPOINT/REAPPOINT WARD
Megan Engelberg APPOINT 4
COUNCIL ACTION: Approve the Mayor’s Appointments
Alderman Reisenberg made a motion to approve the Mayors appointments, seconded by Alderman Beidler.
Motion carried unanimously by voice vote
B. Deer Path Art League, Emerging Artists Awards
- Jillian Chapman, Creative Director
Mayor Schoenheider introduced Ms. Chapman who introduced and invited each of the Emerging Artists up
to the dais. Mayor Schoenheider presented each award and photos were taken.
COMMENTS BY CITY MANAGER
Proceedings of the Monday, March 20, 2017
Regular City Council Meeting
A. Update on March 15 Train Derailment
City Manager Robert Kiely stated that staff was unable to find information on any train derailment in the
history of the City of Lake Forest. He introduced Fire Chief Pete Siebert and Police Chief Karl Walldorf, who
gave a timeline review of the entire incident. The existing partnership between Lake Forest City
Departments (Police, Fire & Public Works) functioned smoothly and lead to a successful resolution of the
incident.
• The systems in place to increase responses according to the scale of the incident are very
well organized.
• The safety features in modern rail cars did their job of keeping the products inside the rail
cars that derailed.
• The Union Pacific Railroad was extremely cooperative with our command staff and first
responders.
• The City of Lake Forest Police and Fire Departments were kept well informed throughout
the incident. Union Pacific quickly brought in a large amount of resources to quickly
mitigate the incident.
Adrian Guerrero, Director of Public Affairs for the Union Pacific Railroad, also gave a review of the incident
from the Railroads Hazard Materials Management Group perspective. The HMM Group is part of Union
Pacific’s Railroad Safety Department. Its primary focus is the safety of all UP employees, the residents of the
communities where the trains are operated. Mr. Guerrero noted that all the information that he presented
is available at www.up.com and encouraged residents to visit the site. The City Council had a lengthy
discussion about the incident.
COMMENTS BY COUNCIL MEMBERS
PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE
1. Consideration of an Ordinance Amending Section 150.384, titled “Sewage and Sewage Disposal”
of the City Code (First Reading)
Catherine Waldeck, Chairman Public Works Committee reported that the Public Works Committee is
recommending approval of first reading of an Ordinance amendment to the City Code concerning the
requirements and conditions for connecting residential and non-residential properties to City sanitary
sewer.
The current City Code requires residential and non-residential properties to connect to public sanitary sewer
when they are located within 500 feet or 1,000 feet of an existing or new sanitary sewer. Additionally, the
City Code requires that these private connections be made within six months of the availability of the sewer.
The intent of providing access to sanitary sewers and requiring efficient connections is to provide both
development benefit and affect the long term public health and welfare of the community. The City has
additional legal and legislative requirements it is obligated to follow as it relates to private sewer
connections.
The amendment to the City Code will achieve the following:
- Aligns the City Code with the requirements of the Lake County Code requiring connection to public
sewer if it is adjacent to the property or within 250 feet of any property line;
- Establishes a certification program requiring owners of properties with septic systems to submit
documentation to the City, on an annual basis or semi-annual basis if they have an existing
connection to a storm sewer, of regular maintenance, proper operation, and confirmation that no
health or environmental hazard exists;
- Sets conditions under which interim use of an existing septic system may continue to be used; and
Proceedings of the Monday, March 20, 2017
Regular City Council Meeting
- Establishes conditions under which connection to the public sewer system may be “triggered” or
required by the City.
The intent of the amendment is to update the language based on policy recommendations provided by City
Council and to clarify expectations and requirements for connecting to the City’s sanitary sewer.
Members of the City Council had discussions on regulations, enforcement of the ordinance, economic
hardship and financial support.
COUNCIL ACTION: Approve first reading of an ordinance amending Section 150.384, titled “Sewage and
Sewage Disposal” of the City Code
Mayor Schoenheider asked if there was anyone form the public who would like to comment. Seeing none,
he asked for a motion.
Alderman Waldeck made a motion to approve first reading of an ordinance amending Section 150.384,
titled “Sewage and Sewage Disposal” of the City Code, seconded by Alderman Pandaleon. The following
voted “Aye”: Aldermen Waldeck, Beidler, Pandaleon, Newman, Tack, Reisenberg, Moreno and Buschmann.
The following voted “Nay”: None. 8- Ayes, 0 Nays, motion carried.
2. Discussion Relating to a Special Service Area Proposed for the Installation of Sanitary Sewer in
the Winwood Drive Neighborhood
Victor Filippini, City Attorney, reported that after conducting a formal public hearing, as well as holding a
follow-up discussion with neighbors and the Public Works Committee on January 4, 2017, the City Council
adopted a Resolution which re-opened the public hearing to a date to be determined and extended the
objection period, thereby allowing more time for City Council, the Public Works Committee and City staff to
meet with residents to address their concerns and determine if suitable alternatives for the project may
exist.
The purpose of the discussion is to review various options the City Council may consider relating to the
proposed Special Service Area on Winwood Drive.
Mr. Filippini reported that on March 15, 2017, the Public Works Committee discussed and considered
various options related to the disposition of the proposed SSA, and according to Resolution 2017-01, the
City Council may consider the following options, as next steps:
Option A: Proceed under the authority of Resolution 2017-01, and direct staff to schedule a final
public hearing to consider the Proposed Special Service Area No. 41. Under this option, the City
Council would have to allow appropriate time for noticing and scheduling of the Public Hearing in
accordance with the Special Service Area Tax Law, 35 ILCS 200/27-5 et seq. (“SSA Tax Law”).
Therefore, the timeline of events would be as follows:
ITEM DATE
Public Hearing Notice Published/Mailed March 30, 2017
Hold Public Hearing April 17, 2017
End of 60-Day Objection Period June 16, 2017
City Council Consideration – Establishing Ordinance
(1st Reading)
June 19, 2017
City Council Consideration – Establishing Ordinance
(Final Reading)
July 17, 2017
Proceedings of the Monday, March 20, 2017
Regular City Council Meeting
While this option extends deliberation, and ultimate consideration by City Council on the Proposed SSA, it
would allow for the formal SSA process to be completed, including the requirement of an objection to be
filed with the City Clerk.
Mr. Filippini noted that, if a legally sufficient objection is filed, the City Council will have no authority to
consider an establishing ordinance. Additionally, the City could not include any property included in an
objecting petition within a similar special service area for at least two years.
If no legally sufficient objection is filed, the City would have the right to establish the proposed SSA, but only
in accordance with the parameters set forth in the SSA Proposing Ordinance. However, the City Council
would have the right not to establish a special service area if it did not desire to proceed based on the
parameters set forth in the SSA Proposing Ordinance.
Option B: An alternative approach the City Council may consider taking is consideration of an
Ordinance rescinding the Winwood SSA Proposing Ordinance and terminating the continuation of
the SSA process. This option would require the following sequence of events:
ITEM DATE
City Council Consideration – Rescinding Ordinance
(1st Reading)
April 3, 2017
City Council Consideration – Establishing Ordinance
(Final Reading)
April 17, 2017
This option would preserve the right for the City Council to pursue in the future the possible establishment
of an SSA in the Winwood Drive neighborhood to provide sanitary sewer improvements without the
restriction of a two-year mandatory waiting period as defined in the SSA Tax Law. However, it would
terminate the SSA process from continuing on at this point, and would not require any follow up action,
including scheduling of public hearing, or requirement to submit any formal objection by property owners
and electors within the proposed SSA area.
The City Council had discussion on the value of using the process of the SSA, fairness to all previous SSA’s,
resident wants and needs, and the petition process and the public vote that is part of that process.
Mayor Schoenheider asked if there was anyone from the public who wanted to comment.
Susan Briggs, 1106 Winwood, offered her opinion to the City Council.
COUNCIL ACTION: Discussion Only- No action was taken by the City Council
3. Approval of a Design and Monitoring Agreement for Forest Park Bluff
Catherine Waldeck, Chairman Public Works Committee, stated that at the December 5, 2016 City Council
meeting, an agreement with AECOM was approved to provide an update of the 2009 analysis for the
remaining portion of the bluff that was not evaluated this past summer (Spring Lane to the North Beach
Access Road). While this area is unrelated to the shallow slope failure on the South Beach Access Road, the
intent was to provide a comprehensive analysis and the condition of the entire Forest Park bluff system
prior to making decisions regarding repairs or future monitoring.
To oversee the update and analysis being performed by AECOM, a workgroup was established consisting of
two Aldermen and various residents with related knowledge and interest in bluff and ravine repairs. The
workgroup met from December to March and reviewed areas of the bluff’s slope movement, various repair
Proceedings of the Monday, March 20, 2017
Regular City Council Meeting
options, and recommended next steps to the Public Works Committee. The Public Works Committee met
on March 15, 2017 and concurred with the workgroup’s recommendations for design and monitoring.
Alderman Waldeck stated that option 2 included lowering the road by approximately five to eight feet,
removing the fill, and flattening the steep slopes below the road. Not only is this option less expensive, but
it is superior in terms of the degree of slope stabilization that can be accomplished and reduces future slope
maintenance.
Mayor Schoenheider asked if there was anyone from the public who would like to comment. 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 provide design documents and monitoring services for the
Forest Park Bluff in the amount of $219,400.
Alderman Waldeck 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 provide design documents and monitoring
services for the Forest Park Bluff in the amount of $219,400, seconded by Alderman Pandaleon. The
following voted “Aye”: Aldermen Waldeck, Beidler, Pandaleon, Newman, Tack, Reisenberg, Moreno and
Buschmann. The following voted “Nay”: None. 8- Ayes, 0 Nays, motion carried.
OPPORTUNITY FOR CITIZENS TO ADDRESS THE CITY COUNCIL ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS
There were no comments from the audience members.
ITEMS FOR OMNIBUS VOTE CONSIDERATION
1. Approval of the March 6, 2017 City Council Meeting Minutes
2. Approval of a First Amendment to the Water Tower and Ground Lease Agreement between
The City of Lake Forest and AT&T Wireless Services
3. Authorization to Issue Reimbursement for City Work Costs Related to Clean-up of the City’s
Former Municipal Services Site.
4. Consideration and Approval of a Resolution as part of a Grant Request for Greenest Region
Compact 2, Relating to the Replacement of Outdated Equipment
5. Consideration of an Ordinance Amending Section 77, schedule III of the City Code Related to
the Traffic as Recommended by the Traffic Safety Coordinating Committee (TSCC).
6. Consideration of an Ordinance Approving the Vacation of Unused Right-of-Way, a Portion of
Tiverton Road. (First Reading and if Desired by the City Council, Final Approval)
7. Consideration of Ordinances Approving Recommendations from the Building Review Board.
(First Reading and if Desired by the City Council, Final Approval)
8. Consideration of an Ordinance Approving a Recommendation from the Historic Preservation
Commission. (First Reading and if Desired by the City Council, Final Approval)
9. Consideration of Ordinances Approving Recommendations from the Zoning Board of
Appeals. (First Reading, and if Desired by the City Council, Final Approval)
Proceedings of the Monday, March 20, 2017
Regular City Council Meeting
COUNCIL ACTION: Approval of the nine (9) Omnibus items as presented
Mayor Schoenheider asked members of the Council if they would like to remove any item or take it
separately. Mayor Schoenheider asked for a motion to approve the nine Omnibus items as presented.
Alderman Beidler made a motion to approve the nine Omnibus items as presented, seconded by Alderman
Tack. The following voted “Aye”: Aldermen Waldeck, Beidler, Pandaleon, Newman, Tack, Reisenberg,
Moreno and Buschmann. The following voted “Nay”: None. 8- Ayes, 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 AFFECTING CODE AMENDMENTS
NEW BUSINESS
ADDITIONAL ITEMS FOR COUNCIL DISCUSSION
1. EXECUTIVE SESSION
- pursuant to 5ILCS 120/2, (21), The City Council will be discussing, annual review of
the minutes mandated by Section 2.06 of the Open Meetings Act and 5ILCS 120/2
(c), (5), The City Council will be discussing the consideration of Land Acquisition and
(6) The City Council will be discussing Land Disposition
Alderman Beidler made a motion to adjourn into executive session pursuant to 5ILCS 120/2, (21), The City
Council will be discussing, annual review of the minutes mandated by Section 2.06 of the Open Meetings Act
and 5ILCS 120/2 (c), (5), The City Council will be discussing the consideration of Land Acquisition and (6) The
City Council will be discussing Land Disposition, seconded by Alderman Tack. The following voted “Aye”:
Aldermen Waldeck, Beidler, Pandaleon, Newman, Tack, Reisenberg, Moreno and Buschmann. The following
voted “Nay”: None. 8- Ayes, 0 Nays, motion carried.
Adjourn into Executive Session at 9:10pm.
Mayor Schoenheider announced there will be no further business following executive session.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business. Alderman Pandaleon made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Alderman
Moreno. Motion carried unanimously by voice vote at 9:45 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted
Margaret Boyer
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.
Proceedings of the Monday, March 20, 2017
Regular City Council Meeting