Loading...
CITY COUNCIL 2020/08/03 MinutesThe City of Lake Forest CITY COUNCIL Proceedings of the Monday, August 3, 2020 City Council Meeting - City Council Chambers REMOTE ACCESS MEETING CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL: Honorable Mayor Pandaleon called the meeting to order at 6:30pm, and the City Clerk Margaret Boyer called the roll of Council members. Present: Honorable Mayor Pandaleon, Alderman Morris, Alderman Karras, Alderman Rummel, Alderman Notz, Alderman Preschlack, Alderman Goshgarian, Alderman Buschmann and Alderman Weber. Absent: None CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE was recited by all those present. REPORTS OF CITY OFFICERS COMMENTS BY MAYOR Mayor Pandaleon made the following statement as required by the Open Meetings Act. In accordance with state statute, Mayor Pandaleon has made a determination that it was not practical or prudent to schedule an in-person City Council meeting because of the COVID-19 pandemic, which is why this August 3, 2020 City Council meeting is being held remotely. A. Donation from Friends of Lake Forest Parks & Recreation Foundation of a Fire Rescue Boat -Rick Amos, Friends of Lake Forest Parks & Recreation Foundation -Ara Goshgarian, Alderman Third Ward Mayor Pandaleon introduced Alderman Goshgarian, who summarized a project that the Friends of Lake Forest Parks & Recreation worked on to acquire a Fire Rescue boat for the City of Lake Forest. He stated that they reached out to members of the community as well as corporate partners to receive donations to purchase a new rescue boat. Alderman Goshgarian introduced Rick Amos of Friends of Lake Forest Parks and Recreation. He gave a brief presentation on the project and the current water rescue boat and compared it to the new water rescue boat. He stated they worked to identify the best type of vessel for offshore rescue. He explained that they were able to work with a local company to purchase the boat. The City Council discussed the cost and details about the boat and thanked the residents, companies and Friends of Lake Forest Parks & Recreation Foundation that worked together to donate this to the City. Deputy Fire Chief, Kevin Cronin reported that the new rescue boat would be used with communities that currently have an intergovernmental agreement with The City of Lake Forest. He also explained the training that the City of Lake Forest Fire Fighters would undergo upon receiving the new vessel. B. 2020-2021 Board and Commission Appointments and Reappointments HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION Proceedings of the Monday, August 3, 2020 Regular City Council Meeting NAME OF MEMBER APPOINT/REAPPOINT WARD Robin Petit Appoint 3 Mayor Pandaleon stated that previous member, Bill Redfield was resigning his positions on the Historic Preservation Commission and that Robin Petit is being appointed to fill the position. COUNCIL ACTION: Approve the Mayors Appointments Alderman Preschlack made a motion to approve the Mayor’s Appointments and Reappointments, seconded by Alderman Weber. The Following voted “Aye”: Alderman Morris, Karras, Rummel, Notz, Preschlack, Goshgarian, Buschmann and Weber. The following voted “Nay”: None. 8-Ayes, 0 Nays, motion carried. C. Consideration of a Resolution in Support of Temporary Expanded Outdoor Activity and Events Associated with Not-For-Profit Entities During the Covid-19 Pandemic (Approval by Motion) Mayor Pandaleon introduced Director of Community Development, Cathy Czerniak to make a brief presentation to approve a resolution to give not-for-profit entities more flexibility when planning events. Ms. Czerniak gave a brief overview on the resolution approved in June to work with retail businesses opening during COVID-19. She reported the current resolution would give staff the ability to offer heightened assistance to not-for-profits. This resolution is specifically for events that will take place during phase 4 of the restore Illinois plan. She stated that this would be to help and support not-for -profits planning small scale dispersed events, and to maintain their presence in the community. The City Council had discussion on the specific events that are being planned and how this will affect the not-for-profits in the community. Additionally, the City Council inquired about maintaining the outdoor seating and venues through the fall season. Ms. Czerniak stated that staff was still in discussion on what the City will be able to allow for outdoor seating through the fall and winter months. COUNCIL ACTION: Approval of a Resolution in Support of Temporary Expanded Outdoor Activity And Events Associated with Not-For-Profit Entities During the Covid-19 Pandemic Alderman Rummel made a motion to approve of a Resolution in Support of Temporary Expanded Outdoor Activity and Events Associated with Not-For-Profit Entities During the Covid-19 Pandemic, seconded by Alderman Morris. The Following voted “Aye”: Alderman Morris, Karras, Rummel, Notz, Preschlack, Goshgarian, Buschmann and Weber. The following voted “Nay”: None. 8-Ayes, 0 Nays, motion carried. COMMENTS BY CITY MANAGER A. FY2021 Budget in Brief -Elizabeth Holleb, Finance Director City Manager, Jason Wicha introduced Finance Director, Elizabeth Holleb to present the FY2021 Budget in Brief. Ms. Holleb gave a brief background on the use of the Open Gov dashboard and stated it gives a better reporting tool to the public with increased transparency in regards to the City’s finances. The Department opted to use the FY2021 budget in brief in order to develop and modify the look and feel while using the Story Board feature of Open Gov. Ms. Holleb gave a live demonstration of the features as well as the live Proceedings of the Monday, August 3, 2020 Regular City Council Meeting links, she used the FY21 comprehensive fiscal plan to show a budgetary breakdown for specific departments. The City Council discussed their satisfaction with the work provided from the Finance Department, and the ability to present this information in an easy to read way while maintaining transparency with the public. B. Community Spotlight -Gorton Community Center -Amy Wagliardo, Executive Director City Manager, Jason Wicha introduced a video from the Gorton Community Center. The City Council thanked Ms. Wagliardo and her team for the work they have done for the community during COVID-19 and how they have adjusted to still maintain community engagement. Financial impacts were also discussed. C. Community Spotlight -Lake Forest Open Lands -John Sentell, President City Manager, Jason Wicha introduced a video from Lake Forest Open Lands. The City Council expressed their appreciation for Lake Forest Open Lands and wished the organization a successful Bagpipes and Bonfires event. OPPORTUNITY FOR CITIZENS TO ADDRESS THE CITY COUNCIL ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS Members of the public can provide public comment by calling into the following number during the meeting: 847-810-3643 COMMITTEE REPORTS PENSION SUB COMMITTEE A. Approval of a Pension Subcommittee Recommendation to Revise the City’s Pension Funding Policy to Reduce the Interest Rate Assumption from 6.75% to 6.50% for the City’s Police and Fire Pension Plans Alderman Jed Morris summarized the recommendation from the Pension Subcommittee and gave a brief history on how the City have approached pension funding. He then introduced Finance Director, Elizabeth Holleb to give a more in-depth presentation on the reduction of the interest rate, and the impacts it will have on the City. Ms. Holleb compared the previous one-year return reflecting the 6.50% change. She stated that 6 of the comparable communities that use this investment return are within the 6.50% or 6.25% range. The City Council discussed the financial data that is being used from April 30, 2020 and the recent market turnaround to reconsider the reduction being proposed as well as how the lower rate if investment will benefit the Police and Fire pension funds. Alderman Morris stated that the lower investment rate will build a higher rate of return over a longer period of time. Ms. Holleb added that waiting to see how the state takes control of the pension consolidation will offer more data to make a well-informed decision on the City’s contribution to the fund. Proceedings of the Monday, August 3, 2020 Regular City Council Meeting COUNCIL ACTION: Approval of a Pension Subcommittee Recommendation to Revise the City’s Pension Funding Policy to Reduce the Interest Rate Assumption from 6.75% to 6.50% for the City’s Police and Fire Pension Plans Alderman Preschlack made a motion to approve a Pension Subcommittee Recommendation to Revise the City’s Pension Funding Policy to Reduce the Interest Rate Assumption from 6.75% to 6.50% for the City’s Police and Fire Pension Plans, seconded by Alderman Morris. The following voted “Aye”: Alderman Morris, Karras, Rummel, Notz, Preschlack, Goshgarian, Buschmann and Weber. The following voted “Nay”: None. 8-Ayes, 0 Nays, motion carried. ENVIROMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE B. Report on a Resolution for Community Solar Clearinghouse Solution Program -Environmental Sustainability Committee Chairman, Alderman Rummel Alderman Rummel gave a brief overview of Municipal sponsored Community Solar. She explained how MIST environment has been working with the committee to identify sustainability initiatives to be implemented in the City. Assistant City Manager, Mike Strong gave an in depth explanation how the community solar works and how it will impact residents in Lake Forest, noting that in 2019, the City was able to part take in the subscriptions for Community Solar to be applied to City accounts. The City Council discussed the direct mail piece and including that a communication to residents in the fall dialogue. ITEMS FOR OMNIBUS VOTE CONSIDERATION 1. Approve the Extension of the Mayor’s Declaration of a Local State of Emergency until the next City Council Meeting 2. Approval of the July 20, 2020 City Council Meeting Minutes 3. Approval of the Check Register for the Period of June 27 to July 24, 2020 4. Approval of a Resolution Amending the Authorized Signers for the Golf Course Operating Bank Account 5. Approval of an Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) with Lake County for the COVID 19 Relief Fund 6. Approval to Renew Agreement for Enterprise Resource Management System Software Maintenance 7. Approval of a Resolution of Appreciation for Retiring Member(s) of Boards and Commissions as follows: BOARD, COMMISSION OR COMMITTEE NAME OF MEMBERS(S) HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION Bill Redfield Proceedings of the Monday, August 3, 2020 Regular City Council Meeting 8. Acceptance of the Donation of a Fire Rescue Boat from the Friends of Lake Forest Parks and Recreation Foundation 9. Approval of a Resolution Supporting the Community Solar Clearinghouse Solution (CS2) Program 10. Approval to Purchase a Replacement Engine for Refuse Truck #183 to Cummins Re-Con Engines in the Amount of $29,678 11. Award of Proposal in the Amount of $34,922 with a 10% or $3,492.00 Contingency for a total amount of $38,414 to Riddiford Roofing for the Water Treatment Plant Roof Repairs. COUNCIL ACTION: Approval of the eleven (11) Omnibus items as presented Elizabeth Holleb gave a brief presentation on the intergovernmental agreement with Lake County, #5 for omnibus consideration, which describes payments to state, local and tribal governments via the Coronavirus Relief Fund which totaled in a $150 billion package in aid. She stated that this fund is directed toward COVID-19 related expenses and stated how communities with certain populations needed to conduct different process to be allocated these funds. The state has created the local CURE funding, which was allocated to the counties, who will then allocate funding to the municipalities. The City Council had discussion if there were definitions for eligible expenses for reimbursements. Ms. Holleb stated that this process is constantly evolving, however the City is still receiving guidance from the County as things are changing. Alderman Buschmann asked for clarification on omnibus item number ten (10) to see if staff felt the pricing for this was fair, as it did not go out for public bidding. Jim Lockefeer, Public Works Management Analyst, stated that staff felt that this price was deemed to be equitable and fair after putting together a preliminary estimate, their proposal was in line with this price. Mayor Pandaleon asked members of the Council if they would like to remove any other item or take it separately. Seeing none, he asked for a motion. Alderman Rummel made a motion to approve the eleven (11) omnibus items seconded by Alderman Buschmann. The following voted “Aye”: Alderman Morris, Karras, Rummel, Notz, Preschlack, Goshgarian, Buschmann and Weber. 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 NEW BUSINESS ADDITIONAL ITEMS FOR COUNCIL DISCUSSION/COMMENTS BY COUNCIL MEMBERS ADJOURNMENT There being no further business Mayor Pandaleon asked for a motion. Alderman Morris made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Alderman Preschlack. Motion carried unanimously by voice vote at 8:46 pm. Proceedings of the Monday, August 3, 2020 Regular City Council Meeting 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.