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CITY COUNCIL 7-20-00 agenda no timesTHE CITY OF LAKE FOREST COUNCIL AGENDA July 20, 2000 CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL Honorable Howard J Kerr, Mayor Samuel J. Henry, Alderman First Ward Lawrence R. Temple, Alderman Third Ward Robert T. E. Lansing, Alderman First Ward Roger J. Mohr, Alderman Third Ward Peter M. Mott, Alderman Second Ward Mary Ann Pekarek, Alderman Fourth Ward Michael J. Burns, Alderman Second Ward James J. Cowhey, Jr., Alderman Fourth Ward REPORTS OF CITY OFFICERS 1. Comments by Mayor A. Appointments to Boards and Commissions Mayor Kerr will announce appointments to Boards and Commissions as follows: 2000 Board/Commission Appointment List CROYA COMMITTEE NAME OF MEMBER NEW/REAPPOINT WARD MARILYN HOWELL REAPPOINT AS CHAIRMAN GARY KREISCHER REAPPOINT HARRY GRIFFITH REAPPOINT 2 CULTURAL ARTS COMMITTEE NAME OF MEMBER NEW/REAPPOINT WARD KAYE GRABBE EX-OFICIO (REAPPT.) LAWRENCE TEMPLE EX-OFICIO (NEW APPT.) 3 CONSTRUCTION CODES COMMITTEE NAME OF MEMBER NEW/REAPPOINT WARD NORMAN ABPLANALP NEW 2 LIBRARY BOARD NAME OF MEMBER NEW/REAPPOINT WARD SHEILA SMOCK NEW 1 2. Comments by City Manager A. Introduction of New Executive Director of L.E.A.D. Michela (Mickey) Jones B. Consideration of Draft Guidelines for Appeals Before the City Council Although infrequent, appeals to the City Council can be generated by action taken by the Historic Preservation Commission, Building Review Board and other committees such as the Traffic Safety Coordinating Committee. As requested by the City Council, at their meeting on June 22nd, draft guidelines were developed to assist the Council in managing the appeals process. It is the intention of these guidelines to provide an appellant with full access to the City Council while eliminating a “re-hearing” of an issue or petition. The attached guidelines have been reviewed by the City Attorney. Additional information see The City Of Lake Forest: Guidelines For Appeals Before The City Council and guidelines for presentations before other Boards and Commissions, starting on page 22. 3. Comments by Council Members OPPORTUNITY FOR PUBLIC TO ADDRESS THE CITY COUNCIL CONSENT AGENDA 1. Approval of Minutes from the June 22, 2000 Meeting A copy is attached beginning on page 30. Recommended Action: Approval of the Consent Agenda items as presented ORDINANCES 1. Consideration of the Annual Appropriation Ordinance for FY2001 (Waive First Reading, Grant Second Reading and Final Approval) PRESENTED BY DIRECTOR OF FINANCE ROBERT D. SHAFFER (615-4222) While the annual municipal budget represents the City’s financial “plan” for expenditures over the course of the fiscal year, the annual Appropriation Ordinance is the formal legal mechanism by which the City Council authorizes the actual expenditures of funds budgeted in the annual budget. It appropriates specific sums of money by object and purpose of expenditure. State statutes require the passage of an Appropriation Ordinance which must be filed with the County Clerk by the end of July. In addition, the Appropriation Ordinance provides a 10% expenditure “contingency” above the amount actually budgeted. Each separate fund includes an item labeled “contingency” with an appropriate sum equivalent to 10% of the total funds budgeted. This practice has been followed for the past nineteen years and has worked very efficiently, while still providing for complete City Council control over budgeted expenditures. During this 19 year period The City has never exceeded the budgeted amount. Importantly, the City Council and City staff follow the adopted budget as its spending guideline, not the Appropriation Ordinance. Without the contingency, the City Council would have to pass an amended Appropriation Ordinance to cover any unforeseen expenditures exceeding the budget. School District 67 does not recognize the Appropriation Ordinance in their budgeting or auditing standards. However, due to the fact they are a special charter district, District 67 must be included in our Appropriation Ordinance. Summary of the Amounts Appropriated from the Several Funds The City of Lake Forest Fund Budget Appropriation % Change General $ 19,981,601 $ 21,979,761 10.0% Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund 895,000 984,500 10.0% Fire Pension 608,700 669,570 10.0% Police Pension 651,700 716,870 10.0% Recreation 3,564,135 3,920,549 10.0% Cemetery Commission 316,467 348,114 10.0% MS Renovation (1998/2000 Capital Improvement Construction) 9,000,000 9,900,000 10.0% Senior Resources Commission 353,652 389,017 10.0% Park and Public Land 1,009,005 1,109,906 10.0% Motor Fuel Tax 1,125,000 1,237,500 10.0% Hotel/Motel Tax 73,023 80,325 10.0% Emergency Telephone 180,120 198,132 10.0% Public Library 2,799,470 3,079,416 10.0% Sub-total $ 40,557,873 $ 44,613,660 10.0% School District 67 Educational 16,739,467 16,739,467 0.00 Operations, Building and Maintenance 12,265,979 12,265,979 0.00 IMRF/Social Security 410,773 410,773 0.00 Transportation 1,079,500 1,079,500 0.00 Sub-total 30,495,719 30,495,719 0.00 Grand Total $ 71,053,592 $ 75,109,379 5.7% Recommended Action: Waive first reading and grant second and final approval of the Annual Appropriation Ordinance. A copy of the ordinance is available for review in the City Clerk’s office. 2. Consideration of an Ordinance Amending Chapter 40, “Traffic”, of the City Code of Lake Forest, revising Schedule I - Speed Limits, reducing the speed on Onwentsia and Ahwahnee Roads from 30 mph to 25 mph. Presented by Assistant to the City Manager Chris Martin (615-4281) The Traffic Safety Coordinating Committee (TSCC) and City Manager reviewed the 30 mph speed limit on Onwentsia and Ahwahnee Roads at the request of petitioning residents. The Committee reviewed traffic speed and volume data provided by the Police Department from the new mobile data terminal. The data, gathered at two locations over a period of 17.75 hours, revealed that traffic volumes are fairly high with approximately 3,263 vehicles passing the meters and that vehicles are traveling at or above the posted speed limit of 30 mph. In an effort to preserve the residential character of the area and to reduce the speed of any cut-through traffic, the Committee recommended a reduction in the posted speed limit from 30 to 25 mph and additional Children Playing signs. The Committee also reviewed, and recommended not to install additional stop signs or to prohibit “cut-through” traffic on Onwentsia and Ahwahnee Roads. The attached letter to Ms. Weinberger dated July 5th details the reasoning for these recommendations. Additional information see Ordinance, petition, letters to Ms. Weinberger, and speed and volume data, starting on page 34. Recommended Action: Waive first reading of the ordinance and grant final approval to an ordinance amending Chapter 40, Schedule I Speed Limits reducing the speed on Onwentsia and Ahwahnee Roads from 30 mph to 25 mph. 3. Consideration of a Report and Recommendation from the Zoning Board of Appeals for a Variance from the Side Yard Setback to Allow the Construction of an Addition to the Existing Residence Located at 909 Oakwood Avenue. (Davidson Variance) (First Reading and Final Approval) PRESENTED BY SENIOR PLANNER CATHERINE CZERNIAK (615-4299) On June 26, 2000, the Zoning Board of Appeals held a public hearing to consider a request for approval of a variance to allow the construction of an addition within the required side yard setback area. The proposed addition will be constructed at the rear of the existing residence and will encroach into the setback the same distance as the existing house. Like many other residences in this neighborhood, the existing residence encroaches into side yard setback that is currently required by the Code. The Zoning Board of Appeals recognized that many other variances have been granted in this neighborhood and that the variances have worked successfully to preserve the existing housing stock while allowing necessary and desired updating of the residences. The Board voted unanimously to recommend approval of the setback variance as presented. On July 5, 2000, the Building Review Board considered a request for a building scale variance for this addition. The Board voted unanimously to approve the request subject to some additional refinement of the elevations of the addition. The Zoning Board of Appeals received several letters from neighboring property owners in support of this variance request. The letters are included in the Council packet beginning on page 53. The Zoning Board of Appeals’ report is attached beginning on page 45. Recommended Action: Waive first reading and grant final approval of an ordinance for a variance to allow the construction of an addition to the existing residence within the required setback area. 4. Consideration of a Report and Recommendation from the Zoning Board of Appeals for a Variance from the Side Yard Setback to Allow the Construction of a New Garage on Property Located at 899 Rosemary Road. (Linville Variance) (First Reading and Final Approval) PRESENTED BY SENIOR PLANNER CATHERINE CZERNIAK (615-4299) On May 22, 2000, the Zoning Board of Appeals held a public hearing to consider a request for approval of a variance to allow a new garage to be constructed on the property located at 899 Rosemary Road. The existing garage is located perilously close to the edge of the ravine and is no longer safe for use as a garage. The residence on this property is a Contributing Structure to the City’s Historic District. The variance request, as presented to the Zoning Board of Appeals, sought approval of the construction of the garage within two feet of the interior property line. The required setback is 20 feet. The Board noted concern with the proposed extent of the encroachment, but recognized the uniqueness of the property due to its configuration as a lot-in-depth, the ravine and the importance of preserving the historic integrity of the residence. After discussion, the Board voted unanimously to recommend approval of the variance subject to several conditions which are listed in the Ordinance on page 57 of this packet. One of the conditions of the Zoning Board’s recommendation was that the Historic Preservation Commission review and approve the garage. On June 28, 2000, the Historic Preservation Commission reviewed the proposed garage for consistency with the applicable standards in the Historic Preservation Ordinance. The Commissioners commended the work of the architect, Mr. Thomas Rajkovich, and the petitioners in developing a proposal that respects and enhances the historic character of the property. The Commission unanimously approved the proposed garage. In response to concerns expressed by the Zoning Board of Appeals, the plan presented by the petitioner to the Historic Preservation Commission locates the garage about eight and a half feet from the property line, rather than two feet from the property line, as originally proposed. No public comment on this petition was provided to either the Zoning Board of Appeals or the Historic Preservation Commission. The Zoning Board of Appeals’ report is attached beginning on page 60. Recommended Action: Waive first reading and grant final approval of an ordinance granting a variance to allow the encroachment of the garage into the required setback area. 5. Consideration of a Report and Recommendation from the Zoning Board of Appeals for a Variance from the Front Yard Setback to Allow the Addition of a Screen Porch to the Existing Residence Located at 1075 Walden Lane. (DePree Variance) (First Reading and Final Approval) PRESENTED BY SENIOR PLANNER CATHERINE CZERNIAK (615-4299) On June 26, 2000, the Zoning Board of Appeals held a public hearing to consider a request for approval of a variance to allow a one-story screen porch to be added to the DePree residence. The screen porch will replace an existing patio area at the rear of the home. This property is bordered on both the north and south by public streets, and as a result, a 40-foot setback applies to both the front and rear of the residence. The proposed porch will encroach just under 11 feet into the 40-foot setback. The Zoning Board of Appeals discussed the existing landscaping on the property and the need for a landscape plan to assure adequate screening of the proposed addition from Westleigh Road. The Board also noted the importance of retaining the openness of the porch as reflected in the plans since that design serves to reduce the appearance of the mass of the structure. After discussion, the Board voted unanimously to recommend approval of the request subject to two conditions which are listed in the Ordinance on page 71 of this packet. The Zoning Board of Appeals received one letter from a neighboring property owner opposing the request. The Zoning Board of Appeals’ report is attached beginning on page 75. Recommended Action: Waive first reading and grant final approval of an ordinance for a variance to allow the construction of a screen porch at the rear of the residence, within the required setback area. 6. Consideration of a Report and Recommendation from the Zoning Board of Appeals for a Variance from the Side Yard Setback to Allow a Garage Addition on Property Located at 181 Wildwood Road. (Taylor Variance) (First Reading) PRESENTED BY SENIOR PLANNER CATHERINE CZERNIAK (615-4299) On June 26, 2000, the Zoning Board of Appeals held a public hearing to consider a request for approval of a variance to allow a garage addition. The proposed addition will expand the garage seven and a half feet to provide additional storage in the existing one car garage. The driveway will remain in its current configuration since a second vehicle door is not proposed as part of the addition. Although the lot appears to have street frontage consistent with other properties on Wildwood Road, the property, as configured, has street frontage at only one point and therefore, is considered a lot in depth. The required setback in the R-1 zoning district for lots-in-depth is 40 feet from all property lines. If this property were not a lot-in-depth, the required side yard setback that would apply to the garage addition would be 10 feet. The proposed garage addition will encroach to within 10 feet of the south property line. The Board discussed the limitations of the site and the benefit of providing additional landscaping on the site as part of the garage expansion project. The Board voted 5 to 1 to approve the variance subject to conditions of approval. The conditions are listed in the Ordinance on page 85 of this packet. The Board member voting in opposition to the request stated that he was not convinced that sufficient consideration was given to alternatives for providing additional storage space on the property. The Board received one letter on this petition from the neighboring property owner. The letter stated opposition to the requested variance. The Zoning Board of Appeals’ report is attached beginning on page 89. Recommended Action: Grant first reading to an Ordinance allowing a side yard variance for a garage addition. 7. Consideration of a Report and Recommendation from the Zoning Board of Appeals for a Variance from the Rear Yard Setback to Allow the Construction of a Garage on Property Located at 274 Noble Avenue. (Dunn Variance) (First Reading and Final Approval) PRESENTED BY SENIOR PLANNER CATHERINE CZERNIAK (615-4299) On June 26, 2000, the Zoning Board of Appeals held a public hearing to consider a request for approval of both a side and rear yard variance for a new garage. As forwarded to the City Council, the petition includes only a rear yard variance as a result of a compromise on the part of the petitioner to address the concerns of neighboring property owner. The present request is for a rear yard variance to allow the new garage to encroach to within three feet of the rear property line. The rear property line is adjacent to the seven foot fence that separates this property from the driveway on the south side of Lake Forest High School. The required rear yard setback for accessory buildings in the GR-3 zoning district is 10 feet. However, the intent of that setback is to ensure a buffer between neighboring residential properties. In this case, the high school campus abuts the property to the north. The side yard setback is six feet and the garage will be positioned in the site to be in conformance with that setback. The Board acknowledged that many variances and non-conforming situations exist in this neighborhood due to the very small lots. The Board also noted that many of the issues raised by the neighboring property owner could be addressed by adding a garage on this site. The Board voted unanimously to recommend approval of a rear yard variance to the City Council subject to conditions. The conditions are listed in the Ordinance on page 101 of this packet. The Board received a petition signed by several neighboring residents in support of the variance request. The Board received one letter from a neighboring property owner opposing the request. The Zoning Board of Appeals’ report is attached beginning on page 104. Recommended Action: Grant first reading and final approval to an Ordinance allowing a rear yard variance for a new garage. 8. Consideration of a Report and Recommendation from the Zoning Board of Appeals on a Request for an Amendment to a Special Use Permit for Lake Forest Hospital to Allow the Expansion of the Emergency Room and Associated Site Improvements. The Hospital is Located at 660 N. Westmoreland Road. (Lake Forest Hospital) (First Reading and Final Approval) PRESENTED BY SENIOR PLANNER CATHERINE CZERNIAK (615-4299) On June 26, 2000, the Zoning Board of Appeals held a public hearing to consider a request for an amendment to a Special Use Permit to allow expansion of the hospital facilities. The original request presented to the Board included a building addition to allow the expansion of the emergency room and related facilities, reconfiguration of driveways and the parking area that is adjacent to the emergency room, and construction of a new parking lot on the undeveloped land located to the west of the medical office building. As forwarded to the City Council by the Zoning Board of Appeals, this petition only includes a recommendation for approval of the expansion of the emergency room and the resulting driveway and parking lot changes in the area immediately adjacent to the emergency room. The Zoning Board of Appeals did not take action on the hospital’s request for a new parking lot on the western forty acres, but instead directed the petitioner and staff to respond to the various issues and questions raised by the neighboring property owners and the Board before returning to the Board for action on the proposed parking lot. The Zoning Board of Appeals received letters and heard testimony from several neighboring property owners. In general, the neighbors raised concerns about the impact of the proposed new parking lot on the neighboring residential properties in terms of light, noise, aesthetics and property values. In addition, the neighbors raised questions about future hospital related facilities that are, or may be planned for the forty acre parcel. In light of the questions raised, the Board decided to separate the emergency room expansion from the proposed parking lot. After the Board decided to address the emergency room expansion as a separate issue, the Board voted unanimously to recommend approval of an amendment to the existing Special Use Permit for Lake Forest Hospital. The amendment will allow a building addition to be constructed to expand the emergency room facilities and related areas of the hospital. Reconfiguration of the driveway areas and parking lots immediately adjacent to the emergency room, and improvement of an existing intersection will occur as part of this project. The Zoning Board of Appeals’ report is attached beginning on page 115. Recommended Action: Waive first reading and grant final approval of an ordinance amending the existing Special Use Permit to allow a building addition, reconfiguration of the existing driveway and parking lot adjacent to the emergency room and improvement of an existing intersection on the Lake Forest Hospital campus. Direct the petitioner to work with City staff to address the concerns raised regarding the new parking lot proposed for the western 40 acre parcel and to return the matter to the Zoning Board of Appeals for continued consideration. NEW BUSINESS 1. Report and Recommendation from the Park and Recreation Board Approving the Cooperative Facilities Use Agreement PRESENTED BY CITY MANAGER ROBERT R. KIELY, JR. (615-4271) For more than two years, representatives of The City of Lake Forest, School District 115, School District 67, School District 65 (Lake Bluff), the Village of Lake Bluff and the Lake Bluff Park District have held meetings to discuss the development of a Cooperative Facilities Use Agreement. The purpose of the agreement is to maximize the availability and utilization of recreational and meeting facilities of the various organizations. Essentially, the agreement promotes cooperation between the various entities and the scheduling of their facilities and making their facilities available to the other participating agencies on a priority basis. Other not-for-profit and private organizations will be provided space once the needs of the other participating agencies have been met. The agreement, along with the Conceptual Community Sports Initiative program, was considered and discussed by the Park and Recreation Board on three successive occasions, whereupon at their May 16 meeting they unanimously approved the Facilities Use Agreement and community sports initiative. Recommended Action: Approve the execution of the Cooperative Facilities Use Agreement and Endorse the City’s Participation in a Community Sports Initiative APPROVAL OF AUTHORIZED INVOICES AND PAYROLLS During the month of February, the following amounts were disbursed from the Cashier’s Account: Gen. IMRF & Cap. Imp. Water Total Invoices $ 937,532.77 $ 37,122.96 $ 974,655.73 Payrolls 827,919.62 111,204.00 939,123.62 Totals 1,765,452.39 148,326.96 1,913,779.35 AUTHORIZATION OF TREASURER’S WARRANTS TO MEET EXPENSES OF JUNE, 2000 The motion to authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to sign such warrants as may be necessary to meet the June, 2000 audited accounts. ADDITIONAL ITEMS FOR COUNCIL DISCUSSION EXECUTIVE SESSION ADJOURNMENT Office of the City Manager July 14, 2000 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. July 20, 2000 Agenda Page 2