CITY COUNCIL 2018/04/02 MinutesThe City of Lake Forest
CITY COUNCIL
Proceedings of the Monday, April 2, 2018
City Council Meeting - City Council Chambers
CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL: Honorable Mayor Lansing called the meeting to order at 6:30pm, and the
City Clerk, Margaret Boyer called the roll of Council members.
Present: Alderman Beidler, Alderman Morris, Alderman Newman, Alderman Rummel, Alderman Tack,
Alderman Reisenberg, Alderman Moreno and Alderman Buschmann.
Absent: None.
Also present were: Robert Pickrell, City Attorney; Catherine Czerniak, (Acting City Manager) Director of
Community Development; Elizabeth Holleb, Director of Finance; Michael Thomas, Director of Public Works;
Pete Siebert, Fire Chief; Manager; Karl Walldorf, Chief of Police; Susan Banks, Communications Manager;
Mike Strong, Assistant to the City Manager, along with other members of City Staff.
There were approximately 35 persons present in the Council Chamber.
CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL 6:31pm
Mayor Lansing asked for a motion to adjourn into executive session.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
1. EXECUTIVE SESSION pursuant to 5 ILCS 120/2 (c), (1), The City Council will be discussing
personnel.
Alderman Reisenberg made a motion to adjourn into Executive pursuant to 5 ILCS 120/2 (c), (1), The City
Council will be discussing personnel, seconded by Alderman Newman. The following voted “Aye”: Aldermen
Beidler, Morris, Newman, Rummel, Tack, Reisenberg, Moreno and Buschmann. The following voted “Nay”:
None. 8- Ayes, 0 Nays, motion carried.
Adjournment into Executive Session
RECONVENE INTO REGULAR SESSION the City Council reconvened at 7:00pm
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE was recited by all those present in the Chamber.
REPORTS OF CITY OFFICERS
COMMENTS BY MAYOR
Mayor Lansing reported that the City Lake Forest has received a resignation letter from its City Attorney,
Victor Filippini. The resignation has been accepted and the Legal Committee has begun the process of a
Request for Proposals for legal services. It's expected the City Council will see a new attorney in June 2018.
Mayor Lansing thanked Attorney Victor Filippini and his associates for 18 years of dedicated service. Until
another attorney is identified, Filippini Law Firm will continue to serve the City Lake Forest.
A. Eleventh Annual Deer Path Art League Emerging Artists Awards
-Jillian Chapman, Creative Director
Proceedings of the Monday, April 2, 2018
Regular City Council Meeting-
Mayor Lansing introduced Jillian Chapman, Creative Director of the Deer Path Art league. Ms. Chapman
reported that this is the Art League’s 64th year and its 11th year presenting the Emerging Artist Awards. She
reported it is the Art Leagues intention to spark, nurture and enhance local young artists. Ms. Chapman
thanked the Gallery with it culinary studio and stated that the artwork will be available for viewing and on
display until April 28, 2018. Mayor Lansing presented each artist with their own award and photographs
were taken.
COMMENTS BY CITY MANAGER
COMMENTS BY CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS
A. Alderman Rummel
-Lake Forest City Code Suggestions
Mayor Lansing reported that Alderman Rummel offered some suggestions to the Lake Forest City Code
relating to the ethics ordinance and possible updates by the State of Illinois. Alderman Rummel supplied
thoughts and details to other City Council members. Mayor Lansing made a motion to send this item to the
Legal Committee for review with consideration of state standards and best practices, seconded by Alderman
Rummel. The motion carried unanimously by voice vote. Mayor Lansing stated this item will be seen at a
future City Council meeting.
OPPORTUNITY FOR CITIZENS TO ADDRESS THE CITY COUNCIL ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS
Mayor Lansing read a statement in regard to civility relating to public comment, and that the City Council is
committed to continuing the City’s long tradition of conducting respectful and civil discussions within the
Council Chamber.
The following person(s) offered their opinions to the City Council:
David Mattoon, 1547 N. Sheridan Road, Lake Forest
ITEMS FOR OMNIBUS VOTE CONSIDERATION
1. Approval of the March 19, 2018 City Council Meeting Minutes.
2. Approval of the Check Register for Period of March 10-23, 2018.
3. Approval of an Arbor Day Proclamation.
4. Approval of an Ordinance Abating the 2017 Tax Levy for the General Obligation Bond Issue,
Series 2017 (First Reading and if desired by the City Council, Final Approval).
5. Award of Bid to replace the flooring in the Recreation Department Fitness Center.
6. Award of contract for The City of Lake Forest to join the Municipal Partnership Initiative (MPI)
Crack Sealing contract for 2018.
7. Award of the 2018 Concrete Streets, Curb, and Sidewalk Replacement Project.
8. Award of the Lake Forest portion of the Municipal Partnership Initiative (MPI) 2018 Joint Sewer
Lining Project contract.
Proceedings of the Monday, April 2, 2018
Regular City Council Meeting-
9. Consideration of Ordinances Approving Recommendations from the Building Review Board.
(First Reading and if Desired by the City Council, Final Approval).
10. Approval of the Intergovernmental Agreements with The Department of The Army, The City of
Highland Park, Village of Deerfield, East Skokie Drainage District and Lake County Stormwater
Management Commission to evaluate the watersheds of the Middlefork and Skokie River of the
North Branch of the Chicago River and the Authorization for the City Manager to execute
required agreements.
COUNCIL ACTION: Approval of the ten (10) Omnibus items as presented
Mayor Lansing asked members of the Council if they would like to remove any item or take it separately.
The City Council had discussion on item # 10, where there was a typo. After discussion, Mayor Lansing asked
members of the Council if they would like to remove any item or take any other item separately. Seeing
none, Mayor Lansing asked for a motion to approve the ten (10) Omnibus items as presented.
Alderman Reisenberg made a motion to approve the ten (10) Omnibus items as presented, seconded by
Alderman Rummel. The following voted “Aye”: Aldermen Beidler, Morris, Newman, Rummel, 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
1. Consideration of a Recommendation from the Plan Commission in Support of a Special Use
Permit Authorizing a Bank and Drive Thru Facility for Chase Bank and Consideration of a
Recommendation from the Building Review Board in Support of Design Aspects of the
Development Proposed at 884 S. Waukegan Road. (Final Approval of the Ordinances)
Catherine Czerniak, Director of Community Development gave a brief summary of the last time this item
was seen at City Council it included recommendations, project description, background, special use permit
review standards, features of the projects and additional recommendations. Ms. Czerniak reported on the
business types in the district which include retail, food service, educational, services, professional offices,
studios, financial services, banks, healthcare and the train station.
Ms. Czerniak reported that the Special Use Permit does allow for a bank with a drive-through. The Plan
Commission and the Building Review Board looked at design and found it to be in keeping with other
buildings in the area. Demolition of the existing building is proposed followed by construction of a new
building, specifically designed for this site, in approximately the same footprint as the existing building. No
changes are proposed to the existing curb cuts and the parking lot will also remain generally in the existing
configuration with minor changes. Enhanced pedestrian connections on the site and to points off the site
are proposed to support and encourage pedestrian activity between businesses in the area.
City Council expressed appreciation for the work of the both the Building Review Board and the Plan
Commission and the Legal Committee reviewing the Special Use Permit. The City Council discussed the
future relationship of the Chase Bank in the community, the anticipated reduction in traffic, the opportunity
to do something in a more social setting on the property and principal (history of the site) vs precedent
(SUP) as it relates to the project.
Proceedings of the Monday, April 2, 2018
Regular City Council Meeting-
Mayor Lansing asked if anyone from the public would like to comment on the matter. The following people
offered their opinion to the City Council.
Jerry Jacks, 1220 Conway Road, Lake Forest
Dan Sebald, 560 Ivy Ct, Lake Forest
Steve Douglas, 460 Washington Road, Lake Forest
Tom Swarthout, 987 Maplewood, Lake Forest
Mayor Lansing asked the Council for any additional comments. Seeing none, he asked for a two motions.
COUNCIL ACTION: If determined to be appropriate by the City Council, grant final approval of an
Ordinance approving a Special Use Permit authorizing Chase Bank and an associated ATM drive thru at
884 S. Waukegan Road and approving the overall redevelopment plan for the property as recommended
by the Plan Commission.
Alderman Newman made a motion to grant final approval of an Ordinance approving a Special Use Permit
authorizing Chase Bank and an associated ATM drive thru at 884 S. Waukegan Road and approving the
overall redevelopment plan for the property as recommended by the Plan Commission, seconded by
Alderman Rummel. The following voted “Aye”: Aldermen Beidler, Morris, Newman, Rummel, Tack,
Reisenberg, and Moreno. The following voted “Nay”: Alderman Buschmann. 7- Ayes, 1 Nays, motion carried
AND
If determined to be appropriate by the City Council, grant final approval of an Ordinance approving the
Chase Bank petition in accordance with the Building Review Board’s recommendation.
Alderman Moreno made a motion to grant final approval of an Ordinance approving the Chase Bank petition
in accordance with the Building Review Board’s recommendation, seconded by Alderman Reisenberg. The
following voted “Aye”: Aldermen Beidler, Morris, Newman, Rummel, Tack, Reisenberg, Moreno and
Buschmann. The following voted “Nay”: None. 8- Ayes, 0 Nays, motion carried.
NEW BUSINESS
1. Consideration of a Resolution Restating and Reaffirming the City’s Opposition to the
Chicago-Milwaukee Intercity Passenger Rail Corridor Proposal and Reaffirmation of the City’s
Request for an Environmental Impact Statement
Mayor Lansing stated that the draft resolution was in the packet, and that late in the day proposed
amendments were submitted and are in front of the Council. Mayor Lansing asked the Council for
comments on the submitted amendments. Seeing none, he made a motion.
COUNCIL ACTION: Consideration of a Resolution Restating and Reaffirming the City’s Opposition to the
Chicago-Milwaukee Intercity Passenger Rail Corridor Proposal and Reaffirmation of the City’s Request for
an Environmental Impact Statement to include Alderman Buschmann’s amendments.
Alderman Beidler made a motion to approve a resolution Restating and Reaffirming the City’s Opposition to
the Chicago-Milwaukee Intercity Passenger Rail Corridor Proposal and Reaffirmation of the City’s Request
for an Environmental Impact Statement to include Alderman Buschmann’s amendments, seconded by
Alderman Rummel. The following voted “Aye”: Aldermen Beidler, Morris, Newman, Rummel, Tack,
Reisenberg, Moreno and Buschmann. The following voted “Nay”: None. 8- Ayes, 0 Nays, motion carried.
Proceedings of the Monday, April 2, 2018
Regular City Council Meeting-
Mayor Lansing recognized that Dan Sebald wanted to comment on this item and was inadvertently missed.
1. Consideration of a Resolution Directing and Initiating an Update to the City’s Comprehensive
Plan. (Approve by Motion)
Catherine Czerniak, Director of Community Development, reported that this item was presented at the
March 5 Finance Committee meeting. The Plan was last re-adopted in 1998, and several limited
amendments have been made to the Comprehensive Plan since that time. The proposed update will
continue the City’s long tradition of careful planning, provide guidance on development related matters,
and will position the City well for the future. Ms. Czerniak reviewed the expected phases in updating the
plan.
The Comprehensive Plan is the guiding document for the City with respect to land use and development and
looks forward 20 years in an effort to establish a framework for important community decisions. In
accordance with the City Code, the Plan Commission is charged with conducting public hearings and
forwarding recommendations to the City Council in the form of a draft Comprehensive Plan update.
As planned, the update process will offer numerous opportunities for public input and involvement through
workshops, small group discussions and public forums even before formal public hearings before the Plan
Commission get underway. Residents, business owners, commercial property owners, representatives of
local institutions, subject matter experts and other interested parties will be invited to participate in the
process. Regular updates on the progress of the 18-24 month phases/Plan will be provided to the City
Council.
The City Council had discussion on process, business districts, timeline, citizen input, addressing critical
issues and while progressing through the phases of the project. Also discussed were City Code updates,
Zoning as it relates to the Comprehensive Plan, interested parties list, who will be involved, the study of
other districts in other communities, possible incentives and the rich talent in citizens/experts who
recognize the Comprehensive Plan is intended to assure that decisions are based on careful deliberation,
factual data and focused on the long term, rather than on short term trends.
COUNCIL ACTION: Approve a motion in support of a Resolution directing City staff and the Plan
Commission to undertake an update to the Comprehensive Plan
Alderman Moreno made a motion in support of a Resolution directing City staff and the Plan Commission to
undertake an update to the Comprehensive Plan, seconded by Alderman Beidler. The following voted “Aye”:
Aldermen Beidler, Morris, Newman, Rummel, Tack, Reisenberg, Moreno and Buschmann. The following
voted “Nay”: None. 8- Ayes, 0 Nays, motion carried.
ADDITIONAL ITEMS FOR COUNCIL DISCUSSION
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business Mayor Lansing asked for a motion. Alderman Newman made a motion to
adjourn, seconded by Alderman Beidler. Motion carried unanimously by voice vote at 8:26p.m.
Respectfully Submitted
Margaret Boyer, City Clerk
Proceedings of the Monday, April 2, 2018
Regular City Council Meeting-
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.