CITY COUNCIL 9-8-1997THE CITY OF LAKE FOREST
COUNCIL AGENDA
September 8, 1997
CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL 7:30 p.m.
Honorable Cornelius B. Waud, Mayor
Samuel J. Henry, Alderman First Ward Gail T. Hodges, Alderman Third Ward
John A. Andersen, Alderman First Ward Henry T. Chandler, Alderman Third Ward
Howard J Kerr, Alderman Second Ward Mary Ann Pekarek, Alderman Fourth Ward
Thomas J. Tropp, Alderman Second Ward G. Bishop Gallagher, Alderman Fourth Ward
REPORTS OF CITY OFFICERS
1. Comments by the Mayor 7:33 p.m.
A. Recognition of Herbert Faulks for Lake Forest Day Contributions
Longtime Lake Forest resident Herbert Faulks has been the driving force behind the Lake Forest Day celebrations for over 30 years. Attached as page 12 is a copy of a Certificate of
Appreciation thanking Mr. Faulks for his contributions in making this holiday one that is enjoyed by countless residents and visitors to Lake Forest.
B. Recognition of Margot Morrison for her Dedication to CROYA
Attached as page 13 is a resolution of appreciation for Margot Morrison, who is leaving CROYA after six years of service.
C. Appointment of Mitch Friedman to the Lake Forest Cable Commission
Attached as page 14 is a volunteer profile sheet for Mitch Friedman, who is recommended for appointment to a vacant seat on the Lake Forest Cable Commission.
D. Proclamation of the United Way Campaign
Mayor Waud will proclaim the week of September 6-12, 1997, as United Way of Lake Forest/Lake Bluff Recognition Week. Attached as page 16 is the proclamation.
2. Comments by the City Manager 7:55 p.m.
A. Report of the Lake Forest / Lake Bluff Roundtable on Civility
Over the course of the last two years, an informal group of local community leaders have been discussing the issues of community values, the loss of civility, and what, if anything,
they could do to make a difference. Through group discussions with local clergy, business and civic leaders, and other interested residents, the group developed the Discussion Paper
on Civility and Public Discourse, attached on page 17. While the members recognized that they could not control the behavior of others and legislate civility, they could impact how
they and their organizations might react in the face of incivility and inappropriate behavior. “We choose to practice civility in public discourse and by living the values of honesty,
respect, and responsibility, and we view the revisiting of civility as a first step in reclaiming our historic community values.”
The various members of the Roundtable will be submitting the discussion paper to their respective governing boards and asking that they and any affiliated bodies endorse the spirit of
the paper and express a willingness to move forward in developing their own policies or guidelines to implement that spirit. The members will also be reaching out into the community
to encourage other groups, agencies, and individuals to discuss this matter and reflect on ways that they too can practice civility within our communities.
Recommended Action: It is recommended that the City Council endorse the spirit of the discussion paper and direct City staff to develop implementation steps that will foster increased
civility and respect within the City organization including those boards, commissions, agencies and organizations that are directly responsible to the City Council.
B. Report on District 115 Transportation Plan
3. Comments by Council Members 8:20 p.m.
A. Report from Finance Committee Chairman Jerry Henry
1) Consideration of Ordinances Authorizing the Issuance of General Obligation and Revenue Bonds (Waive First Reading, grant Second and Final Approval)
PRESENTED BY FINANCE COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN JERRY HENRY
The issuance of bonds was discussed by the Finance Committee earlier this evening. Three ordinances are recommended for approval, as follows:
1) Ordinance # 97-23, authorizing the issuance of Waterworks and Sewerage Revenue Bonds in aggregate principal amounts not to exceed $2,500,000 for the purpose of refunding outstanding
waterworks and sewerage system revenue bonds and $1,000,000 for the purpose of defraying the cost of improving and extending the waterworks and sewerage system of the City;
2) Ordinance # 97-24, authorizing the issuance of General Obligation Bonds (Waterworks and Sewerage System Alternate Revenue Source) in aggregate principal amounts not to exceed $2,500,000
for the purpose of refunding outstanding waterworks and sewerage system revenue bonds and $1,000,000 for the purpose of defraying the cost of improving and extending the waterworks and
sewerage system of the City;
3) Ordinance # 97-25, authorizing the issuance of General Obligation Bonds (Sales Tax Alternate Revenue Source) in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed $1,500,000 for the purpose
of defraying the cost of acquiring, constructing, maintaining and improving a public parking garage within the City.
The proposed ordinances were included in the Finance Committee packet. It is necessary to approve the authorizing ordinances this evening in order to comply with the backdoor referendum
requirements and have the funds available by November 1, 1997.
Recommended Action: Waive first reading and grant second and final approval to Ordinances 97-23, 97-24 and 97-25.
PUBLIC COMMENTS ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS 8:35 p.m.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES 8:45 p.m.
Recommended Action: Approval of the minutes of the August 4, 1997 Council meeting attached beginning on page 23.
ORDINANCES
1. Consideration of a Report and Recommendation from 8:50 p.m.
the Zoning Board of Appeals Regarding a Request for a
Variation from Front Yard Setbacks for Property Located
at 740 N. Western Avenue (Lake Forest Bank & Trust)
(First Reading and Final Approval)
PRESENTED BY SENIOR PLANNER CATHERINE CZERNIAK (615-4299)
On July 25, 1997, Howard Adams of the Lake Forest Bank and Trust Company provided an overview of the last phase of the planned redevelopment of the bank property located on the southwest
corner of Western Avenue and Westminster. He noted that the only issue before the Board was a request for a variation to allow 4 bay windows to encroach into the front yard setback.
The Zoning Board of Appeals reviewed the matter and voted unanimously to recommend approval of the variation.
Attached beginning on page 28 is the report and recommendation from the Zoning Board of Appeals.
Recommended Action: Grant first reading and final approval of an ordinance granting the requested variation.
2. Consideration of a Report and Recommendation from 9:00 p.m.
the Zoning Board of Appeals Regarding a Request for a
Corner Yard Setback Variation for Property Located at 947
Oakwood Avenue (Boyaris Variation) (First Reading and Final Approval)
PRESENTED BY SENIOR PLANNER CATHERINE CZERNIAK (615-4299)
Mr. John Krasnodebski, the architect for the project, appeared before the Zoning Board of Appeals on August 25, 1997, to request approval of a variation from corner setback requirements
to allow for construction of an addition and a porch at 947 N. Oakwood Avenue.
The Zoning Board of Appeals reviewed the matter and based on the testimony presented, voted unanimously to recommend approval of the variation as requested.
Attached beginning on page 38 is the report and recommendation from the Zoning Board of Appeals.
Recommended Action: Grant first reading and final approval to an ordinance granting the requested variation.
3. Consideration of a Report and Recommendation from the 9:10 p.m.
Zoning Board of Appeals Regarding a Request for a Side and
Rear Yard Setback Variation for Property Located at 380 Scott
Street (Brackenridge Variation) (First Reading and Final Approval)
PRESENTED BY SENIOR PLANNER CATHERINE CZERNIAK (615-4299)
Mr. and Mrs. Brackenridge appeared before the Zoning Board of Appeals at its regular meeting on August 25, 1997, to request approval of a variation from setback requirements to allow
a replacement two-car garage to be constructed at 380 Scott Street.
The Zoning Board of Appeals reviewed the matter and based on the testimony presented, voted unanimously to recommend approval of the variation subject to the granting of reciporical
easements between the Brackenridges and the Llewellyn’s.
Attached beginning on page 48 is the report and recommendation from the Zoning Board of Appeals.
Recommended Action: Grant first reading and final approval to an ordinance granting the requested variation.
4. Consideration of a Report and Recommendation from the 9:20 p.m.
Zoning Board of Appeals Regarding a Request for a Variation
from Side Yard and Steep Slope Setbacks for Property Located at
1211 N. Lake Road (Good Variation) (First Reading and Final Approval)
PRESENTED BY SENIOR PLANNER CATHERINE CZERNIAK (615-4299)
Mr. Wells Wheeler representing Daniel Good appeared before the Zoning Board of Appeals on July 28, 1997 to request approval of variations from side yard setback requirements and steep
slope provisions to allow construction of room additions on the south side of the Good Residence located at 1211 N. Lake Road.
The Zoning Board of Appeals reviewed the matter and based on the testimony presented, voted unanimously to recommend approval of the variation and steep slope provisions subject to the
conditions detailed in the attached report.
Attached beginning on page 61 is the report and recommendation from the Zoning Board of Appeals.
Recommended Action: Grant first reading and final approval to an ordinance granting the requested variations.
5. Consideration of a Report and Recommendation from the 9:30 p.m.
Zoning Board of Appeals Regarding a Request for a Side and
Rear Yard Setback Variation for Property Located at 288
Ahwahnee Lane (Buscemi/Bruno Variation) (First Reading and
Final Approval)
PRESENTED BY SENIOR PLANNER CATHERINE CZERNIAK (615-4299)
Ms. Buscemi appeared before the Zoning Board of Appeals on July 28, 1997 and requested approval of a variation from side and rear yard setback requirements to construct a screened porch
and garage in conjunction with a new residence planned for property located at 288 Ahwahnee Lane.
The Zoning Board of Appeals reviewed the matter and based on the testimony presented, voted unanimously to recommend approval of the variation subject to the conditions detailed in the
attached report. Subsequent to the Zoning Board of Appeals approval, the petitioners have decided to eliminate the screened porch from the plans. Therefore, the variation request before
the City Council is only for the garage.
Attached beginning on page 75 is the report and recommendation from the Zoning Board of Appeals.
Recommended Action: Grant first reading and final approval to an ordinance granting the requested variation.
6. Amendment to The City of Lake Forest’s Watershed 9:40 p.m.
Development Ordinance Consisting of the Adoption of
the new Federal Emergency Management Agency Floodplain Maps
PRESENTED BY CITY ENGINEER KENNETH MAGNUS (615-4329)
Included in The City of Lake Forest’s Watershed Development Ordinance is reference to the floodplain maps prepared by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). These maps identify
the 100-year Regulatory Floodplain and Floodway within The City of Lake Forest and other communities in Lake County. Specific design standards are noted in the Watershed Development
Ordinance in regard to development within the 100-year Regulatory Floodplain and Floodway. These maps are used to designate those areas which must abide by these standards.
The existing floodplain maps which were adopted in 1981 have since been updated (1997). The new maps, whose changes are minor and not unexpected, need to be adopted into the Watershed
Development Ordinance.
Recommended Action: Amend The City of Lake Forest’s Watershed Development Ordinance by adopting the new Base Flood Elevations (100-year Regulatory Floodplain and Floodway) Map Panels
of the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
7. Consideration of a Report and Recommendation from the 9:50 p.m.
Zoning Board of Appeals Regarding a Request for a Special
Use Permit for Property Located at 300 E. Illinois Road
(First Chicago) (First Reading and Final Approval)
PRESENTED BY SENIOR PLANNER CATHERINE CZERNIAK (615-4299)
Mr. Kane, the attorney representing First Chicago Bank, appeared before the Zoning Board of Appeals on July 28, 1997 and presented the request for a special use permit for the drive-thru
facility and noted the link between the bank and the planned city parking deck on the property to the north. Jeff Kutsche, the architect representing First Chicago Bank, provided an
overview of the project noting the improvements planned for the western end of the existing building and describing the proposed drive-thru facility.
The Zoning Board of Appeals reviewed the matter and based on the testimony presented, voted unanimously to recommend approval of the special use permit subject to conditions detailed
in the attached report.
Attached beginning on page 88 is the report and recommendation from the Zoning Board of Appeals.
Recommended Action: Grant first reading and final approval to an ordinance granting the Special Use Permit subject to conditions.
8. Consideration of a Report and Recommendation from the 10:05 p.m.
Zoning Board of Appeals Regarding a Special Use Permit for
a 2-Level Parking Deck on Bank Lane (Filed by The City of Lake
Forest)(First Reading and Final Approval)
PRESENTED BY SENIOR PLANNER CATHERINE CZERNIAK (615-4299)
Chuck Crook, Director of Community Development, appeared before the Zoning Board of Appeals on August 25, 1997 and introduced the City’s request for a Special Use Permit to construct
a 2-level parking deck. He noted that the proposed parking deck would help to address the need for additional parking at the south end of the business district. Mr. Howard May, Desmond
Associates, explained the operational aspects of the parking deck and the relationship of the parking deck to the proposed First Chicago Bank drive-thru facility.
After public comment and discussion, the Board voted unanimously to approve the Special Use Permit subject to Building Review Board approval of the parking deck and City Council approval
of the business agreement between the City and First Chicago Bank.
Attached beginning on page 101 is the report and recommendation from the Zoning Board of Appeals.
Recommended Action: Grant first reading and final approval to an ordinance granting the Special Use Permit subject to Building Review Board approval of the parking deck.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
NEW BUSINESS
1. Consideration of a Ground Lease with First Chicago 10:15 p.m.
for Public Parking Deck
PRESENTED BY CITY MANAGER ROBERT R. KIELY, JR. (615-4271)
In 1992, the City engaged the planning firm of Trkla, Pettigrew, Allen and Payne to examine the parking situation in the Lake Forest Central Business District. In general, the report
found that there was an ample supply of parking except for the area south of Deerpath Road, commonly referred to as the south business district. Since then, the City has been exploring
options for providing additional long and short-term parking within this area. One option that was aggressively pursued over the past four years was the development of a parking deck
over the City’s Bank Lane parking lot and Avondale Bank property. Unfortunately, Avondale Bank was going through some changes and could not commit to a joint project with the City.
First Chicago purchased the Avondale Bank property approximately one year ago whereupon the City initiated discussions with First Chicago about the concept of a joint parking deck.
City staff and representatives of First Chicago have been meeting diligently since last November, when the City Council and First Chicago entered into a Memorandum of Understanding to
undertake a feasibility study and preliminary negotiations on the business terms.
Attached beginning on page is a copy of the proposed ground lease and access easements that would allow the City to construct a parking deck on the current parking lot property and
portions of First Chicago’s property (5,810sf). The access easements are for the properties located immediately east of the City’s Bank Lane parking lot (McMasters and Price Insurance)
that currently have access easements over the Bank Lane parking lot. If the City Council approves the proposed ground lease, access easements and the ordinance granting a special use
for the parking deck, construction of the deck would begin in early Spring of 1998 and be completed around Labor Day, 1998.
Recommended Action: Approve the ground lease and access easements between First Chicago and The City of Lake Forest for the development of a public parking deck at the northeast corner
of Bank Lane and Illinois Road.
2. Consideration of a Report and Recommendation from 10:30 p.m.
the Grove School Planning Committee
PRESENTED BY CITY MANAGER ROBERT R. KIELY, JR. (615-4271)
At its June 2, 1997 meeting, the City Council appointed a seven-member Planning Committee to explore the feasibility of purchasing the 26.3 acre Grove School property, located near Ridge
and Old Mill Road to address a number of identified community needs. The owners of the property, Bethany Methodist, had provided the City with a 90-day exclusive offer to consider purchasing
the property after it had decided not to pursue the development of a senior care project on the subject property. The City Council felt that the parcel, due to its size and proximity,
might potentially address a number of community needs and that it was prudent to explore the likelihood of acquiring this property, as the number of large, undeveloped parcels within
the community are limited.
Attached beginning on page 176 is a copy of the Planning Committee’s report and recommendation. In summary, the committee is recommending that the City Council negotiate for the acquisition
of the property with Bethany Methodist and submit a petition to the Plan Commission for development of a Conceptual Use Plan that would include one or more of the following uses: 1)
development of a community park; 2) greenway connection to the Heller Nature Preserve; 3) Lake Forest/Lake Bluff Senior Center; and 4) affordable senior housing.
Recommended Action: To accept the report and recommendation of the Grove School Planning Committee and direct city staff to negotiate a purchase agreement with Bethany Methodist.
3. Award of Contract for the Improvement of the Route 43/ 11:00 p.m.
Deerpath Intersection
PRESENTED BY CITY ENGINEER KENNETH MAGNUS (615-4329)
On Tuesday, August 12, 1997 bids were received on the Deerpath/Route 43 Intersection Improvement Project. This project involves the widening of Deerpath and Route 43 at this location
to accommodate left turn lanes on all four approaches as well as the installation of new traffic signals. The following is a summary of the results:
1. Maneval Construction Co., Inc.
Grayslake, IL $477,803.13 2. Alliance Contractors
Woodstock, IL $481,363.44 3. Campanella & Sons, Inc.
Wadsworth, IL $496,104.38 4. James Cape & Sons, Co.
Racine, WI $609,675.58 Engineer’s Estimate $453,298.35
The low bidder, Maneval Construction Co., Inc. has worked previously for the City where their work has been acceptable. Their low bid is 5.4% or $24,504.78 over the engineer’s estimate.
This is mostly attributable to the time of year in which this project was bid which was in the middle of the construction season. More favorable bids are usually seen in early spring
or late winter. If awarded the project would start this fall with the installation of the temporary traffic signals and the widening of the roadway to accommodate new left turn lanes.
The balance of the work, which involves the installation of the permanent traffic signals, is expected to be completed next spring. A meeting was held on September 4, 1997 with area
residents to discuss impacts and construction scheduling.
Subsequent to the award of contract for this project a contract will need to be awarded for construction inspection services. Teng & Associates, Inc., the engineering firm responsible
for the design of the project, proposes to undertake this work for a not-to-exceed amount of $64,201.50. This amount, which represents 13.6% of the project costs is slightly under the
construction inspection services costs on other intersection improvement projects (Deerpath/Golf Lane; Westleigh Road/Western Avenue).
In accordance with the Newell’s Reserve Subdivision Agreement the City was responsible for contributing $75,000 toward this improvement. In addition, the City added $29,416.25 worth
of work involving the replacement of a deficient section of watermain located along the west approach of Deerpath. The balance of the remaining funding for this improvement ($437,588.38)
will come from $300,000 previously acquired from the developer of the Newell’s Reserve Subdivision and the existing Letter of Credit in the amount of $245,257. The City will remain
holding an additional $200,000 in cash from the developer of Newell’s Reserve Subdivision as set forth in the Subdivision Agreement.
Recommended Action:
1. Award the Contract for the Deerpath/Route 43 Intersection Improvement
Project to Maneval Construction Co., Inc., for the amount of $477,803.13.
2. Award the Contract for construction inspection services related to the Deerpath/
Route 43 Intersection Improvement Project to Teng & Associates for a not-to-exceed amount of $64,201.50.
3. Appropriate by resolution an amount of $75,000 in Motor Fuel Tax (MFT) funds
to be used toward funding the Deerpath/Route 43 Intersection Improvement Project.
4. Consideration of Resolution for Continued Operation 11:15 p.m.
of Route 60 Compost Facility
PRESENTED BY CITY MANGER ROBERT R. KIELY, JR. (615-4271)
Attached beginning on page 194 is a resolution supporting the continued operation of the Route 60 Compost Facility. The resolution will be forwarded on to the Illinois Environmental
Protection Agency (IEPA) to show the interest of the community to continue the limited composting operations at the Route 60 site. The IPEA has scheduled a public hearing on the City’s
pending application for Thursday, October 23 at 7:00 p.m. in the Lake Forest High School Auditorium.
Recommended Action: Approve the proposed resolution supporting the continued operation of the Route 60 Compost Facility.
5. Award of Contract for Ravine Slope Erosion Repair in Lake 11:30 p.m.
Forest Cemetery
PRESENTED BY KEN LEONE, SUPERINTENDENT OF PARKS,
FORESTRY AND PUBLIC WORKS (615-4300)
Bids were received on August 19, 1997 for construction of a mortarless concrete retaining wall with geogrid soil reinforcement and installation of Gabion baskets and Reno mattresses.
The improvement will be made on a ravine slope and at the bottom of the ravine channel in Lake Forest Cemetery, at a site where erosion threatens existing graves. Design and specifications
for repair were done by Bleck Engineering of Lake Forest and approved by the City Engineer.
The tabulation of bids follows:
Guy Scopelliti Co., Inc. $31,715.27
Highland Park, IL
G. W. Mahler and Son, Inc. $39,826.00
Lake Forest, IL
Recommended Action: On the basis of low bid and a previous successful retaining wall installation in Lake Forest Cemetery, it is recommended that a construction contract be awarded
to Guy Scopelliti Co., Inc. of Highland Park, Illinois, in the amount of $31,715.27. The FY1998 Cemetery budget includes $40,000 for this project.
6. Award of Contract for Construction of Bike Trail 11:40 p.m.
Connecting Paths at Laurel Avenue and Ahwahnee Lane
PRESENTED BY KEN LEONE, SUPERINTENDENT OF PARKS,
FORESTRY AND PUBLIC WORKS (615-4300)
The Lake County Board awarded a contract to Lake County Grading Company of Libertyville, Illinois for the construction of the Lake Forest portion of the Skokie Valley Bike Trail. The
project is scheduled to begin the week of September 8. It is the City's responsibility to construct the connecting paths at Laurel Avenue and Ahwahnee Lane.
The only way a contractor can reach the Laurel Avenue right of way to build that 1500 foot path is via the route of the Skokie Valley Bike Trail, which follows the narrow Commonwealth
Edison right of way. The existing 5 ton capacity foot bridge at the west end of Laurel Avenue will serve cyclists and pedestrians entering the new bike trail, but does not allow the
passage of construction equipment and trucks. To avoid potential scheduling and work area conflicts if we were to have 2 contractors working in a confined area at the same time, we
have elected to work with a single contractor.
With the help of the City Engineer and his staff, we have negotiated a contract with Lake County Grading Company to build our 2 paths. The negotiated price is $49,566.28. The unit
pricing compares favorably to what the County will pay. Our part of the project is somewhat more difficult because it is at the end of the trail, which will require stone and asphalt
trucks to back the length of the Laurel Avenue right of way. Some of our unit costs are slightly higher than the county's. The FY1998 Capital Improvement Budget includes $50,000 for
the project.
Recommendation Action: (1) Waive the bid process for this construction project and ( 2) Award a bike path construction contract to Lake County Grading Company in the amount of $49,566.28.
7. Award of Contract for Resurfacing of Three (3) Tennis 11:50 p.m.
Courts at Everett Park
PRESENTED BY KEN LEONE, SUPERINTENDENT OF PARKS,
FORESTRY AND PUBLIC WORKS (615-4300)
Bids were received on August 12, 1997, for the repair and resurfacing of 3 of the tennis courts at Everett Park.
The 3 western most tennis courts contain a number of deep cracks that pose a safety threat to tennis players. If left unrepaired, the cracks will quickly worsen due to weathering action.
The tabulation of bids follows:
M - C Sport Systems, Inc. Des Plaines, IL $22,734.00 Olson Recreational Surfaces Mundelein, IL $27,135.00
The FY1998 Capital Improvement Budget includes $60,000 for this project.
Since this project is so far under budget and because of favorable pricing, we have gone to bid for the resurfacing of the courts at Deerpath Park, as well. The results of this bid
will be presented at the October 6 City Council meeting. Work at Deerpath Park can be done in mid-fall or early spring, depending upon weather.
Recommended Action: On the basis of low bid and previous good work for the City, it is recommended that a tennis court resurfacing contract be awarded to M-C Sport Systems in the amount
of $22,734.00.
OPPORTUNITY FOR THE PUBLIC TO ADDRESS 12:00 a.m.
THE CITY COUNCIL
APPROVAL OF AUTHORIZED INVOICES AND PAYROLLS 12:05 a.m.
During the month of August, the following amounts were distributed from the cashier’s account:
General Fund, IMRF, and
Capital Improvement
Water
Totals
Invoices
$821,839.38
$759,610.62
$1,581,450.00 Payroll 342,323.04 95,648.44 437,971.48 TOTALS $1,164,162.42 $855,259.06 $2,019,421.48
AUTHORIZATION OF TREASURER’S WARRANTS TO 12:10 a.m.
MEET EXPENSES OF SEPTEMBER, 1997
The motion to authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to sign such warrants as may be necessary to meet the September 1997 audited accounts.
ADDITIONAL ITEMS FOR COUNCIL DISCUSSION
EXECUTIVE SESSION
ADJOURNMENT 12:15 a.m.
Office of the City Manager
September 5, 1997
The City of Lake Forest is subject to the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Individuals with disabilities who plan to attend this meeting and who require
certain accommodations in order to allow them to observe and/or participate in this meeting, or who have questions regarding the accessibility of the meeting or the facilities, are required
to contact City Manager Robert R. Kiely, Jr., at (847) 234-2600 promptly to allow the City to make reasonable accommodations for those persons.
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