CITY COUNCIL 2021/07/19 MinutesThe City of Lake Forest
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Proceedings of the Monday, July 19, 2021
City Council Meeting - City Council Chambers
REMOTE ACCESS MEETING
CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL: Honorable Mayor Pandaleon called the meeting to order at 7:41pm, 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.
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 July 19, 2021 City
Council meeting is being held remotely.
A. Assessment Notices
Mayor Pandaleon Noted that Lake County has begun mailing Assessment Notices, “the blue cards” to all
Lake Forest residents. He explained that all residents have 30 days to file any appeal of their property
assessed valuation. Mayor Pandaleon directed Lake Forest Property owners to the Lake County’s website
for additional information.
COMMENTS BY CITY MANAGER
B. Report on a Dispatch Services Agreement between the Village of Glenview and the
City of Lake Forest for Calendar Years 2022 through 2028
- Jason Wicha, City Manager
City Manager, Jason Wicha gave a brief overview regarding a Dispatch Services agreement between the
Village of Glenview, and the City of Lake Forest, an item on tonight’s omnibus agenda. He introduced
Finance Director, Elizabeth Holleb, who provided a detailed presentation outlining the feasibility study
conducted in 2012 regarding 911 consolidation, specific items from the previous agreement, and the current
recommendation to extend the contract. Additionally, Ms. Holleb presented the cost projections for the
extension period through FY 2028.
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
Proceedings of the Monday, July 19, 2021
Regular City Council Meeting
COMMITTEE REPORTS
FINANCE COMMITTEE
Mayor Pandaleon asked for a motion to open the Public Hearing.
***PUBLIC HEARING ON THE CITY’S ANNUAL APPROPRIATION ORDINANCE***
Alderman Morris made a motion to open a Public Hearing on the City’s Annual Appropriation Ordinance,
seconded by Alderman Rummel. 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.
OPEN PUBLIC HEARING
Mayor Pandaleon opened the Public Hearing at 7:58 p.m.
Finance Director Elizabeth Holleb provided a brief overview of the legal mechanism regarding the Annual
Appropriation Ordinance.
There were no comments from the public.
The Mayor asked if there was anyone from the public who would like to comment. Seeing none, he closed
the Public Hearing at 8:00 p.m.
CLOSE PUBLIC HEARING
Alderman Morris made a motion to close a Public Hearing on the City’s Annual Appropriation Ordinance,
seconded by Alderman Rummel. 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.
1. Consideration of the Annual Appropriation Ordinance for FY2022 and Approval of Rollovers
(Final Reading – Public Hearing Required)
Following the Public Hearing, the Mayor asked for a motion.
COUNCIL ACTION: Conduct a public hearing on the City’s FY2022 Annual Appropriation Ordinance. Upon
closing the public hearing, it is recommended that the City Council consider approval of the final reading
of the Ordinance (page 29) and the rollovers
Alderman Morris made a motion to approve of the final reading of the Ordinance and the rollovers,
seconded by Alderman Rummel. 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.
2. GFOA Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting Award Presentation
Finance Chair Morris gave a brief presentation congratulating Assistant Finance Director, Diane Hall for
receiving the GFOA Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting.
Proceedings of the Monday, July 19, 2021
Regular City Council Meeting
3. Consideration of an Ordinance Providing for the issuance of not to exceed $8,500,000
General Obligation Refunding Bonds, Series 2021, for the purpose of refunding certain
outstanding general obligation bonds of the City, providing for the levy and collection of a
direct annual tax sufficient to pay the principal of and interest on said bonds, authorizing and
directing the execution of an escrow agreement in connection with the issuance of said
bonds, and authorizing the sale of said bonds to the winning bidder thereof (First Reading)
Finance Director, Elizabeth Holleb provided further background regarding bond parameters. She displayed
the City’s current outstanding bond obligations, and explained the recommendation to refinance the 2013
GO Bond issue. Ms. Holleb further explained the Bond Parameter Ordinance, which set the structure for the
bond issues to proceed. This included a time period of when this could occur, debt servicing, and the value
of debt service savings.
The City Council had discussion regarding the limit of 5% and what the current market conditions are.
The City Council had additional discussion regarding future debt capacity.
The Mayor asked if there was anyone from the public who would like to comment. Seeing none, he asked
for a motion.
COUNCIL ACTION: Approval of first reading of the bond ordinance
Alderman Goshgarian made a motion to approve of first reading of the bond ordinance, 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.
4. Approval of an additional FY21 Transfer out of the General Fund as directed by the City
Council in the Estimated Amount of $4.26 Million to Fund One-Time Expenditures, to be
determined at a later date.
Finance Director, Elizabeth Holleb gave a brief presentation regarding an additional transfer out of the
General Fund for FY 21. She provided background of the FY 21 Budget Development timeline, and displayed
how the FY 21 fiscal year compared to previous years, and the significance of the current surplus. Ms. Holleb
explained how the budgeting process took more of a conservative approach, as sales tax reporting, income
tax reporting and building permit revenue were impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Finally, Ms. Holleb
outlined specific amount to be allocated to additional funds within the City, to allow for additional programs
to continue to function.
The City Council had discussion regarding online sales tax collected by local governments. The City Council
had additional discussion regarding the reserve fund level.
COUNCIL ACTION: Approval of an additional FY21 Transfer out of the General Fund as directed by the City
Council in the Estimated Amount of $4.26 Million to Fund One-Time Expenditures, to be determined at a
later date.
Alderman Buschmann made a motion to approve of an additional FY21 Transfer out of the General Fund as
directed by the City Council in the Estimated Amount of $4.26 Million to Fund One-Time Expenditures, to be
determined at a later date, 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.
Proceedings of the Monday, July 19, 2021
Regular City Council Meeting
***Mayor Pandaleon moved the New Business item, Consideration of a Recommendation from the Building
Review Board in Support of New Designs and Plans for the Amberley Woods Courtyard Homes. (Waive First
Reading and Grant Final Approval of an Ordinance) to be heard here. Detailed information is below.
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 June 21, 2021, City Council Meeting Minutes
3. Approval of July 19, 2021, SPECIAL City Council Workshop Meeting Minutes
4. Approval of the Check Register for the Period of May 22 – June 25, 2021
5. Approval of Amendments to the Lake Forest Cemetery Commission Investment Policy
6. Approval to Renew Agreement for Enterprise Resource Management System Software
Maintenance
7. Approval of both a Change Order to the Agreement with H.W. Lochner, Inc. and an IDOT
Resolution for Additional MFT Funds for Phase I Design of the Lake/Woodbine Vehicle Bridge
in the Amount of $27,328
8. Consideration of Ordinances Approving Recommendations from the Building Review Board.
(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)
10. Approval of an IDOT Resolution and Use of MFT Funds in the Amount of $186,170 for the
Everett & Waukegan Road Intersection Phase II Base Design and the Phase I & Phase II Right-
Hand Turn Lane Design Supplement, and the Ratification of Expenses Related to the
Additional Evaluation of the Intersection in the Amount of $45,348, to Civiltech Engineering,
Inc.
11. Authorize the Mayor and City Manager to Execute Documents Extending the Dispatch
Services Agreement between the Village of Glenview and the City of Lake Forest for Calendar
Years 2022 through 2028
12. Consideration of a Recommendation from the Plan Commission in Support of a Special Use
Permit for “Lucky Duck”, a Tapas Restaurant Proposed in Westwood Center, 950 N. Western
Avenue. (If desired by the Council, Waive First Reading and Grant Final Approval of the
Ordinance.)
COUNCIL ACTION: Approval of the twelve (12) Omnibus items as presented
Mayor Pandaleon asked members of the Council if they would like to remove any item or take it separately.
Seeing none, he asked for a motion.
Proceedings of the Monday, July 19, 2021
Regular City Council Meeting
Alderman Goshgarian made a motion to approve the twelve (12) Omnibus items as presented, seconded by
Alderman Preschlack. 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
OLD BUSINESS
1. Consideration of an Ordinance Amending the City of Lake Forest City Code Regarding
Alcoholic Beverages (final approval)
COUNCIL ACTION: Consideration of an Ordinance Amending the City of Lake Forest City Code Regarding
Alcoholic Beverages
Mayor Pandaleon asked the Council if there were questions. Seeing none, he asked for a motion.
Alderman Weber made a motion to approve of an Ordinance Amending the City of Lake Forest City Code
Regarding Alcoholic Beverages, seconded by Alderman Preschlack. 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.
2. Consideration of an Ordinance Amending the Fee Schedule to reflect changes to the
Liquor Code (final approval)
COUNCIL ACTION: Consideration of an Ordinance Amending the Fee Schedule to reflect changed to the
Liquor Code (Final Approval)
Mayor Pandaleon asked the Council if there were questions. Seeing none, he asked for a motion.
Alderman Goshgarian made a motion to approve of an Ordinance Amending the Fee Schedule to reflect
changed to the Liquor Code (Final Approval), seconded by Alderman Preschlack. 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.
NEW BUSINESS
***This item was heard earlier in the meeting
1. Consideration of a Recommendation from the Building Review Board in Support of New
Designs and Plans for the Amberley Woods Courtyard Homes. (Waive First Reading and
Grant Final Approval of an Ordinance)
Cathy Czerniak, Director of Community Development provided an in depth presentation regarding a
recommendation from the Building Review Board in support of new designs and plans for the Amberley
Woods Courtyard Homes. Ms. Czerniak explained why this item has been placed on the agenda for City
Council discussion. She began by providing extensive background explaining the initial discussion that took
place on February 3, regarding the 19 vacant lots in the Amberley Woods Courtyard.
Proceedings of the Monday, July 19, 2021
Regular City Council Meeting
At the February meeting, the Building Review Board continued the petition, finding that the overall design,
exterior materials and quality of the homes as then presented was not consistent with the existing homes in
the development or the homes in the surrounding developments. The petitioner returned to the Building
Review Board in April with revised plans, presenting four different floor plans that would be available to
potential buyers. The Board commended the petitioner for remaining consistent with existing architecture
in Lake Forest. The Board recommended additional refinements to the proposed materials to be utilized. To
prevent delays in the project, the Building Review Board agreed to create a subcommittee of two members,
which met with the developer to resolve the outstanding items.
At the June meeting, the Building Review Board unanimously endorsed the plans presented, subject to the
specified conditions including landscaping and lighting. In addition to receiving a presentation from the
petitioner, the Building Review Board received a number of letters from property owners residing near the
development, regarding roofing material which were shared with the City Council.
Members of the public can provide public comment by calling into the following number during the
meeting: 847-810-3643
John Barry offered comments to the City Council
Wayne Urbanek offered comments to the City Council
Keith Kreb offered comments to the City Council
The City Council had lengthy discussion regarding the future aspects of the development and each member
provided lengthy comments.
COUNCIL ACTION: If determined to be appropriate by the City Council, accept the recommendation of the
Building Review Board and waive first reading of an ordinance approving the new plans for the Amberley
Woods Courtyard homes and grant final approval
OR
Modify the recommendation of the Building Review Board and approve first reading of the Ordinance and
direct staff and the City Attorney to modify the conditions and findings as appropriate and present the
revised Ordinance to the Council for final action at a future meeting.
OR
Remand the petition to the Building Review Board for further consideration.
Alderman Goshgarian made a motion to accept the recommendation of the Building Review Board and
waive first reading of an ordinance approving the new plans for the Amberley Woods Courtyard homes and
grant final approval, seconded by Alderman Preschlack. 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.
ADDITIONAL ITEMS FOR COUNCIL DISCUSSION/COMMENTS BY COUNCIL MEMBERS
Alderman Karras discussed the potential of a farmers market in the fall at the west side train station.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business Mayor Pandaleon asked for a motion. Alderman Rummel made a motion to
adjourn, seconded by Alderman Preschlack. Motion carried unanimously by voice vote at 10:01 pm.
Proceedings of the Monday, July 19, 2021
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.