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CITY COUNCIL 2017/06/05 MinutesThe City of Lake Forest CITY COUNCIL Proceedings of the Monday, June 5, 2017 City Council Meeting - City Council Chambers, 6:30pm CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL: Honorable Mayor Lansing called the meeting to order at 6:30pm, and City Clerk Margaret Boyer called the roll of Council members. Present: Honorable Mayor Lansing, Alderman Newman, Alderman Rummel, Alderman Tack, Alderman Reisenberg, Alderman Moreno and Alderman Buschmann. Absent: Alderman Beidler and Alderman Morris. Also present were: Robert Kiely Jr., City Manager; Catherine Czerniak, Director of Community Development, Elizabeth Holleb, Director of Finance; Victor Filippini, City Attorney; Susan Banks, Communications Manager; 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 30 persons present in the Council Chambers. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL 6:30 pm PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE was recited by all those present in the Chamber. REPORTS OF CITY OFFICERS COMMENTS BY MAYOR A. CROYA- Maddy Moore, Scholarship Winner -“Spirit of CROYA” Margot Martino Essay Contest Mayor Lansing introduced CROYA Manager, Todd Nahigian who provided CROYA background, stating that there are over 300 programs annually and this year alone, 9-10,000 contacts have been made with the youth of Lake Forest and Lake Bluff. He introduced Maddy Moore, who read her winning essay to the Council. Mayor Lansing thanked her for her encouraging words for the excellent City program. B. Consideration of an Ordinance Amending Section 32.083 of the City Code, Housing Trust Fund Board. (Waive first reading and grant final approval) Mayor Lansing reported that the City Council is being asked to amend the current code to adjust the membership of the Housing Trust Fund Board established in 2011 from seven to three. The HTFB acts as an advisory body to the City Council on matters relating to diversity in housing in the community. Unlike other City boards and commissions, the HTFB does not focus on individual petitions but instead, focuses primarily on policy, programs and on making recommendations to the City Council on expenditures of funds from the City’s Housing Trust Fund. In the past, the seven member HTFB included representatives from local institutions such as the College, the Hospital and the Senior Resources Commission and at times, the diversity of interests of the group limited its effectiveness and responsiveness. Mayor Lansing reported that as a result, in recent years, the Board has been inactive. Given the upcoming significant contribution that will be made to the Housing Trust Fund by the developer of the Laurel and Western Avenues site, Mayor Lansing determined that re-activating the HTFB is appropriate and that by reducing the membership, the Board will be positioned to respond Proceedings of the Monday, June 5, 2017 Regular City Council Meeting- efficiently and effectively to opportunities that arise. When appropriate, the HTFB will bring in representatives from various community institutions to explore partnership opportunities. Mayor Lansing reported that after the HTFB has a chance to meet and establish short term goals and a work plan, an update will be provided to the City Council. Mayor Lansing asked if there was anyone from the Council or the public who would like to comment on the matter. Seeing none, he asked for a motion. COUNCIL ACTION: If determined to be appropriate by the City Council, waive first reading and grant final approval of the Ordinance amending Section 32.083, Housing Trust Fund Board. Alderman Reisenberg made a motion to waive first reading and grant final approval of the Ordinance amending Section 32.083, Housing Trust Fund Board, seconded by Alderman Newman. The following voted “Aye”: Aldermen Newman, Rummel, Tack, Reisenberg, Moreno and Buschmann. The following voted “Nay”: None. 6- Ayes, 0 Nays, motion carried. Based on the amendment to the City Code, Mayor Lansing made the following appointments. C. 2017-2018 Board & Commission Appointments/Reappointments HOUSING TRUST FUND BOARD NAME OF MEMBER APPOINT/REAPPOINT TERM Donald Schoenheider Appoint as Chairman 2 Charles King Appoint 2 Chris Baker Appoint 1 COUNCIL ACTION: Approve the Mayor’s Appointments Alderman Buschmann made a motion to approve the Mayor’s appointments, seconded by Alderman Newman. Motion carried unanimously by voice vote. Mayor Lansing stated there is an issue in Ward 2 regarding powerlines behind the houses, and he will be referring this issue to the Public Works Committee. COMMENTS BY CITY MANAGER A. Update on Fort Sheridan Forest Preserve Enhancement Project - Ty Kovach, Executive Director, Lake County Forest Preserve District City Manager Robert Kiely reported that the City of Lake Forest has a rich tradition of working with the Lake County Forest Preserve. He introduced the President and Treasurer, Ann Maine and Mike Rummel. They reviewed work being done on the Everett Road Trail, the Middlefork Bridge, access to the Des Plaines River Trail and how to access and use the preserve areas. The City Council had discussion on the work at Ft. Sheridan and the continuing work with the “GLFR” project happening at the lakefront and ravines at Ft. Sheridan. B. Tick Talk - Sally Swarthout, Director of Parks, Recreation and Forestry City Manager Robert Kiely introduced Sally Swarthout, Director of Parks, Recreation and Forestry. Ms. Swarthout gave an overview presentation about ticks, tick season, prevention and steps to take after a bite. Proceedings of the Monday, June 5, 2017 Regular City Council Meeting- She also reported that the McCormick Day Camp will move to Northcroft Park due to a large tick population in the ravines and woods at McCormick Day Camp. The City Council had discussion on moving the Camp. John Sentell, President of Open Lands, agreed that the spike in the tick population is due to a “blip” in nature and that we will hopefully see numbers return back to normal next summer. COMMENTS BY CITY CCOUNCIL MEMBERS Mayor Lansing reported that the next item was the result of negotiations vetted at the PCA meeting held earlier in the day. He introduced DeSha Kalmar. PERSONNEL COMPENSATION AND ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE 1. Approval of Metropolitan Alliance of Police (MAP) Collective Bargaining Agreement between the City and the Lake Forest Police Officers DeSha Kalmar, Director of Human Resources, gave an overview of the contract that was approved by the PCA Committee, highlighting parts of the contract that reflect the general range increases of 1% for Steps 1- 6 and 2.5% for Step 7. Additionally, she reported that should the State reduce the City’s LGDF, the annual salary adjustments will be reduced as follows: Amount of LGDF Reduction Salary Reduction 1-5% LGDF Reduction 0.2% 6-10% LGDF Reduction 0.4% Over 10% LGDF Reduction 0.6% Further, if the State of Illinois legislature freezes local property taxes at any time during the contract period, the City has the right to reopen the wage section only for the fiscal year or years affected by the property tax freeze. Mayor Lansing asked if there was anyone from the Council or the public who would like to comment on the matter. Seeing none, he asked for a motion. COUNCIL ACTION: Approval of Metropolitan Alliance of Police (MAP) Collective Bargaining Agreement between the City and the Lake Forest Police Officers for the period May 1, 2017 through April 30, 2021. Alderman Moreno made a motion for approval of Metropolitan Alliance of Police (MAP) Collective Bargaining Agreement between the City and the Lake Forest Police Officers for the period May 1, 2017 through April 30, 2021, seconded by Alderman Reisenberg. The following voted “Aye”: Aldermen Newman, Rummel, Tack, Reisenberg, Moreno and Buschmann. The following voted “Nay”: None. 6- Ayes, 0 Nays, motion carried. OPPORTUNITY FOR CITIZENS TO ADDRESS THE CITY COUNCIL ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS Dan Seabald, 560 Ivy Ct, Lake Forest offered his opinion to the City Council on moving the Board & Commission meetings and Omnibus agenda item relating to 145 S. Green Bay Road. (Item #7). ITEMS FOR OMNIBUS VOTE CONSIDERATION 1. Approval of the May 15, 2017 City Council Meeting Minutes 2. Check Register for the period of April 22- May 26, 2017 Proceedings of the Monday, June 5, 2017 Regular City Council Meeting- 3. Resolution of Appreciation for retiring employee Robert O. Martinelli 4. Consideration and Approval of the Prevailing Wage Resolution 5. Approval of Benefit Consulting Services to be provided in Fiscal Year 2017 by Wright Benefit Strategies 6. Consideration of a Recommendation from the Plan Commission in Support of a Plat of Condominium for a Duplex at 1439 and 1441 N. McKinley Road. (Approval by Motion) 7. Consideration of Ordinances Approving Recommendations from the Building Review Board (First Reading and if Desired by the City Council, Final Approval) COUNCIL ACTION: Approval of the Seven (7) Omnibus items as presented Mayor Lansing asked members of the Council if they would like to remove any item or take it separately. Item #7 was removed. Alderman Reisenberg noted that the property at 20 N. Western Ave. has been in disrepair and an eyesore for years and for the past year the site has been stalled in construction. He believes the best course of action would be to demolish the house and start over, recognizing that as long as the applicable building codes are met, the owner has the right to continue. He asked that Staff insure that the property is restored to a state that is compatible with the rest of the neighborhood, that construction plans or structural information is submitted to the City as soon as possible to expedite any further plan reviews that may be necessary, and to ensure all work complies with the approved plans and codes, monitor the site and to not issue additional permits until approved work is completed. Catherine Czerniak, Director of Community Development, gave a detailed history to the City Council starting with the Building Review Board’s experience with the property and the steps needed to bring the project to completion. The City Council had discussion on timelines, drainage and monitoring the plans for consistency with work performed. City Attorney Victor Filippini stated that an amendment to the minutes relating to the Bond Ordinance that had been presented to the Council members. Mayor Lansing asked for a motion to approve the Six Omnibus items as presented. Alderman Moreno made a motion to approve the six Omnibus items as presented, seconded by Alderman Rummel. The following voted “Aye”: Aldermen Newman, Rummel, Tack, Reisenberg, Moreno and Buschmann. The following voted “Nay”: None. 6- 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. OMNIBUS ITEM REMOVED: Consideration of Ordinances Approving Recommendations from the Building Review Board. (First Reading and if Desired by the City Council, Final Approval) (Item #7- ) Catherine Czerniak, Director of Community Development gave a detailed overview of the Building Review Board recommended approval of alterations and an addition to the north wing of the Lake Forest Country Day School and the Performing Arts Center. She reported this is the second phase of a larger project which was previously approved by the Board and City Council. The first phase of the project involved an entrance addition and upgrades to the south wing, the Athletic Center. The Lake Forest Preservation Foundation presented testimony in support of the project. Proceedings of the Monday, June 5, 2017 Regular City Council Meeting- The City Council had discussion on the project and the greenhouse. Mayor Lansing asked if there was anyone from the public who wanted to comment on the item. Seeing none, Mayor Lansing asked for a motion. COUNCIL ACTION: If determined to be appropriate by the City Council, waive first reading and grant final approval of the Ordinances in accordance with the Building Review Board’s recommendations. Alderman Reisenberg made a motion to waive first reading and grant final approval of the Ordinances in accordance with the Building Review Board’s recommendations, seconded by Alderman Moreno. The following voted “Aye”: Aldermen Newman, Rummel, Tack, Reisenberg, Moreno and Buschmann. The following voted “Nay”: None. 6- Ayes, 0 Nays, motion carried. ORDINANCES 1. Consideration of an Ordinance Authorizing the Elawa Farm Centennial Celebration. (First Reading, and if desired by the City Council, Final Approval) Mike Strong, Assistant to the City Manager, asked the Council for consideration of an Ordinance authorizing the Elawa Farm Centennial Celebration on Saturday, September 9, 2017. On May 15, 2017, the Elawa Farm Foundation made a request to the City Council to authorize an exception from the Special Use Permit that would permit them to host up to 300 patrons for a Centennial Celebration that is planned to take place on Saturday, September 9, 2017, from 6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. Mr. Strong reported the City Council indicated that it was generally in favor of granting an exception for the event. In addition to the feedback provided by the City Council, the Middlefork Homeowners Association has requested that all other conditions within the SUP be strictly enforced, including the provisions to disallow street parking, and ensure noise level adherence for any amplified music during the event. Since the development of the Ordinance, the City has received subsequent correspondence from the Foundation indicating an interest in having amplified music for the event due to a recent wedding cancellation. Should the City Council be in favor of granting this request, a modification to the Ordinance is recommended. The City Council had discussion on amplified music and the Homeowners Association’s knowledge of it. City Attorney Victor Filippini offered the Council an amendment to the current Ordinance due to time consideration to add language to the Ordinance requiring a subsequent Resolution allowing amplified music once the Homeowners Association has been notified of the change. Mayor Lansing asked if there was anyone from the public who would like to comment on the item. Seeing none he asked for a motion. COUNCIL ACTION: If determined to be appropriate by the City Council, waive first reading, and grant final approval of an Ordinance Authorizing the Elawa Farm Centennial Celebration Alderman Buschmann made a motion to waive first reading and grant final approval of the Ordinance with the Attorneys edits authorizing the Elawa Farm Centennial Celebration, seconded by Alderman Moreno. The following voted “Aye”: Aldermen Newman, Rummel, Tack, Reisenberg, Moreno and Buschmann. The following voted “Nay”: None. 6- Ayes, 0 Nays, motion carried. Proceedings of the Monday, June 5, 2017 Regular City Council Meeting- NEW BUSINESS 1. Discussion on City’s Communication Program and future modifications and/ or expansions. Robert Kiely, City Manager introduced Susan Banks, Communications Manager. She gave an overview of traditional methods and social media platforms that the City is using to communicate with its residents and how each department in the City uses each one differently. They include the City’s website, FaceBook, Twitter, YouTube, Constant Contact E-News, CodeRed Emergency Notification, Household/Business Mailings the quarterly Dialogue, Print Media, Email, Phone and in Person either at a facility or a scheduled meeting. Ms. Banks reported according to the 2016 Resident survey 52% of residents obtain information about the City from the Dialogue, 46% from the City’s website, 45% from local newspapers, 22% from online media publications and 31% from E-News (including emergency notifications). The City is not using Instagram, Vimeo and Snapchat for news. However, the City does have a LinkedIn account for internal use by HR. The City Council had lengthy discussion on residents’ options of opting in and out of certain platforms, subscriptions and the varied options that go with them, the City’s privacy policy, who issues the CodeRed for emergencies, subscription vs. “pushed” information, Ward specific newsletters and the number of staff needed to create them, the number of people reached using the City’s current methods, new digital platforms that determines what is being used, and the maintenance of information that is made available. The City Manager reported that as our residents change, the need for how they find or get information may also be changing. Consideration has to be given to possible future options regarding cost vs. value. This item was for discussion purposes only. ADDITIONAL ITEMS FOR COUNCIL DISCUSSION ADJOURNMENT There being no further business. Alderman Rummel made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Alderman Newman. Motion carried unanimously by voice vote at 9:17p.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.