CITY COUNCIL 2020/12/07 MinutesThe City of Lake Forest
CITY COUNCIL
Proceedings of the Monday, December 7, 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.
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 December 7, 2020
City Council meeting is being held remotely.
A. Approval of a Resolution of Appreciation for Matt Barba, Innkeeper at the Deerpath Inn
Mayor Pandaleon read a resolution of appreciation for Matt Barba, the Innkeeper at the Deerpath Inn.
Mr. Barba made a brief statement thanking the Mayor and City Council for the resolution of appreciation.
The City Council thanked Mr. Barba for his dedication and work to the Deerpath Inn, and the community
and wished him luck in his new role.
COUNCIL ACTION: Approval of a Resolution of Appreciation for Matt Barba, Innkeeper at the Deerpath Inn
Alderman Rummel made a motion of approval of a Resolution of Appreciation for Matt Barba, Innkeeper at
the Deerpath Inn, 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.
B. Swearing in of Firefighter Paramedic Dan Rice and Resolution of Appreciation for Firefighter
Paramedic David Tisinai
- Pete Siebert, Fire Chief
Fire Chief Pete Siebert shared a brief video to spotlight the retirement of Firefighter Paramedic David Tisinai
and the swearing in of Firefighter Paramedic Dan Rice.
Proceedings of the Monday, December 7, 2020
Regular City Council Meeting
C. Lake Forest Station Pop-Up Shop Update
- Alderman Karras
Mayor Pandaleon introduced Alderman Karras to give an update on the Lake Forest Station Pop-Up Shop.
Alderman Karras stated that the shop opened the day after Thanksgiving, and has had available hours on
Thursday, Friday and Saturday. To date the shop sees on average 55 visitors a day and its gross sales have
reached $25,000 since it has been open. She stated that 16 non-profits have or will participate, selling
branded merchandise on their scheduled days.
The City Council thanked Alderman Karras and the Mayor for executing this project, appreciating the success
of the pop-up shop.
Additionally, Alderman Karras thanked the real estate offices for their sponsorship to help support the start-
up of the Lake Forest Station.
COMMENTS BY CITY MANAGER
A. Department Spot Light
- Michael Thomas, Director of Public Works
City Manager Jason Wicha introduced Director of Public Works Michael Thomas to give a brief overview of
Public Works preparation for the snow season. Michael Thomas gave a brief presentation of the Snow Plan
with updates due to the plowing of Route 60, Route 43 and changes due to COVID-19. He discussed the
priority assignments and explained how they can be modified due to weather conditions. Additionally, he
gave a detailed overview of modified staffing and cleaning procedures created regarding COVID-19.
The City Council complimented the Public Works Department for the work dedicated to developing the
updated snow plan.
Additionally the City Council had discussion on the coordination with IDOT for plowing Route 60 and Route
43, as well as coordination with the State for the Deerpath/ Route 41 project beginning during the snowy
season.
Director Thomas also highlighted the State of Illinois reimbursed the City to replant trees that were
removed to begin the new pump station project.
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
FINANCE COMMITTEE
1. Gorton Community Center 2021 Budget Presentation
Alderman Morris introduced Kate Rother Board Chair from the Gorton Community Center to provide an
overview of their 2021 budget presentation. Ms. Rother gave a brief introduction of the processes
conducted for this unique budget year, and introduced Finance Chair, Nick Bothfeld and Executive Director,
Amy Wagliardo to give a more detailed budget presentation. Mr. Bothfeld gave an overview of the
Proceedings of the Monday, December 7, 2020
Regular City Council Meeting
beginning of 2020 which were recording breaking budget months, and how Gorton Community Center
adjusted due to closures and capacity limits. He explained that the Gorton Community Center made a more
conservative estimate for the 2021 budget due to overlying uncertainty, presenting a breakeven budget for
the year. This budget included six months of current level activities and restrictions, zero salary increases, a
temporary 20% increase in children’s drop-in learning center rate for 2021 and endowment draws.
The City Council thanked Gorton Community Center for adjusting staff operations and adding necessary
safety precautions due to COVID-19.
Additionally, the City Council had discussion on the impact of the increased fee for the children’s drop-in
center. Mr. Bothfeld stated that the increase has not gone in to effect yet, however it is planned to take
effect later in 2021. He also stated that the 20% increase is an estimated $2 payment increase.
COUNCIL ACTION: It is recommended that the City Council consider approval of the Gorton Community
Center 2021 Budget.
Alderman Morris made a motion to approve of the Gorton Community Center 2021 Budget, 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. Consideration of an Ordinance Establishing the 2020 Tax Levy (Final Reading)
Finance Director Elizabeth Holleb stated that this item being recognized for the fifth time on the agenda,
that there was no formal presentation planned. Director Holleb stated that the detailed tax levy schedule
was included in the City Council packet.
Mayor Pandaleon asked Council members if there were any questions. Seeing none, he asked for a motion.
COUNCIL ACTION: Grant final approval of an Ordinance Establishing the 2020 Tax Levy.
Alderman Notz made a motion to approve of an Ordinance Establishing the 2020 Tax Levy, 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.
PERSONNEL, COMPENSATION AND ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE
1. Approval of Health Insurance Contract Renewals for Calendar Year 2021
Director of Human Resources DeSha Kalmar presented the insurance renewal for calendar year 2021. She
gave a brief background on the history of the City being self-insured, and how that has helped maintain
costs. Moving forward, the recommendation is to retain the current services, and change the Stop Loss
coverage from Voya to Sun Life as well as increasing the deductible. Ms.Kalmar also explained the retention
of Asset Health, which is the website where the Think Healthy campaign is housed. She gave a brief
demonstration of the website, and how the program works.
The City Council thanked Ms. Kalmar for an overview on the discussion regarding the benefit package, and
how it compares to neighboring communities.
The City Council had lengthy discussion regarding the proposed changes in the Stop Loss coverage. Director
Kalmar introduced Peter Wright to further explain the recommended deductible increase.
Mayor Pandaleon asked Council members if there were any questions. Seeing none, he asked for a motion.
Proceedings of the Monday, December 7, 2020
Regular City Council Meeting
COUNCIL ACTIONS: Authorize the City Manager to execute contracts:
• retaining Professional Benefit Administrators (PBA) for administration and billing
services
• retaining preferred provider network administration with CIGNA through PBA
• moving stop loss coverage to Sun Life, with $170,000 deductible
• renew with Optum Health for transplant coverage, a component of stop loss coverage,
and
• retaining Asset Health services for Think Healthy Wellness Program
Alderman Goshgarian made a motion to authorize the City Manager to execute contracts to retain
Professional Benefit Administrators (PBA) for administration and billing services, retain preferred provider
network administration with CIGNA through PBA, moving stop loss coverage to Sun Life, with $170,000
deductible, renew with Optum Health for transplant coverage, a component of stop loss coverage, and
retain Asset Health services for Think Healthy Wellness Program, seconded by Alderman Karras. 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 City Code relating to Real Estate Transfer Taxes
and to approve a waiver of the 60 day filing requirement to Joan Alley 727 N McKinley Rd
Unit 200 (Waive First Reading and Grant Final Approval)
Assistant Finance Director Diane Hall presented a summary of the proposed changes to the City Code
regarding real estate transfer tax. She gave a detailed overview of the recommended changes, explaining
each code amendment as it currently reads, and what the proposed changes are. Additionally, she
presented the request of a waiver for the property located at 727 N McKinley road, which was received
after the 60-day deadline.
The City Council had discussion regarding the effective date on the change of the 60 day filing period,
impacting sales that have already occurred prior to the proposed changes. Assistant Director Hall stated that
this would take effect moving forward.
The City Council asked clarifying questions regarding the frequency of requests. Assistant Director Hall
explained how the changes in the code would help simplify the language for buyers and sellers, and
simplifying the process for staff.
Additionally, there was discussion on the procedural format when passing the ordinance changes and the
requested waiver. Alderman Rummel made a motion to hear the proposed items separately, and to take
two separate votes on each item.
Mayor Pandaleon asked for two separate motions on the matter as follows.
COUNCIL ACTION: Approval of a waiver of the 60 day filing requirement to Joan Alley 727 N McKinley Rd
Unit 200.
Alderman Rummel made a motion to approve a waiver of the 60 day filing requirement to Joan Alley 727 N
McKinley Rd Unit 200, seconded by Alderman Goshgarian. 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.
COUNCIL ACTION: If determined to be appropriate by the City Council, waive first reading and grant final
approval of an Ordinance approving amendments to the City Code relating to Real Estate Transfer Taxes
Proceedings of the Monday, December 7, 2020
Regular City Council Meeting
Alderman Rummel made a motion to approve to waive first reading and grant final approval of an
Ordinance approving amendments to the City Code relating to Real Estate Transfer Taxes, seconded by
Alderman Goshgarian. 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.
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 November 16, 2020 City Council Meeting Minutes
3. Approval of the Check Register for the Period of October 24 through November 20, 2020
4. Approval of a Resolution of Appreciation for retiring Firefighter Paramedic David Tisinai
5. Approval of Ordinances Abating 2020 Tax Levies for Various G.O. Alternate Revenue Bond
Issues (Final Reading)
6. Consideration of an Ordinance approving a Fee Schedule and Ordinances adopting new fees
(Final Reading)
7. Approval of a One-Year Contract Renewal with InterDev for Information Technology Support
in the Amount of $124,000
8. Consideration of an Ordinance Amending the City of Lake Forest Liquor Code, to increase the
number of Licenses available in Class E-1 and H-2 (First reading and if appropriate final
approval)
9. Authorization to Advance FY22 Capital Expense and Approval to Award a Contract to
Lohmann Quitno Golf Course Architects, Inc. for Preparation of Final Construction
Documents for Deerpath Golf Course as Associated with the IDOT Storm Water Project, in
the Amount of $24,600.
10. Approval of a Change Order to the Agreement with Bleck Engineering Company, Inc. to
Provide Additional Engineering Design Services for the Ringwood Road Ravine Project in the
Amount of $18,300
11. Approval of a Recommendation from the Public Works Committee to replace existing Section
152.30 of the City Code with the Lake County Watershed Development Ordinance as
approved by the County of Lake on October 13, 2020 with its adoption by reference
12. Consideration of a Staff Recommendation to Award the Contract for GIS Services to MGP,
Inc. in the not-to-exceed amount of $208,514 for Calendar Year 2021
13. Award of Bid to Illinois Pump in the Amount of $78,908 Plus a 10% Contingency of $7,890 for
a Total of $86,798 for the Lake Forest Water Treatment Plant Pump Rebuild Project.
Proceedings of the Monday, December 7, 2020
Regular City Council Meeting
14. Consideration of an Ordinance Approving a Recommendation from the Building Review
Board. (First Reading, and if Desired by the City Council, Final Approval)
15. Consideration of Ordinances Approving Recommendations from the Zoning Board of
Appeals. (First Reading, and if Desired by the City Council, Final Approval)
COUNCIL ACTION: Approval of the fifteen (15) 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.
Alderman Preschlack made a motion to approve the fifteen (15) Omnibus items as presented, 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.
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
NEW BUSINESS
ADDITIONAL ITEMS FOR COUNCIL DISCUSSION/COMMENTS BY COUNCIL MEMBERS
Mayor Pandaleon wished everyone a Happy Holiday season.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business Mayor Pandaleon asked for a motion. Alderman Preschlack made a motion
to adjourn, seconded by Alderman Morris. Motion carried unanimously by voice vote at 8:30 pm.
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.