CITY COUNCIL 9-20-01 agendaTHE CITY OF LAKE FOREST
COUNCIL AGENDA
September 20, 2001
CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL
Honorable Howard J Kerr, Mayor
Samuel J. Henry, Alderman First Ward Roger J. Mohr, Alderman Third Ward
Robert T. E. Lansing, Alderman First Ward Timm Reynolds, Alderman Third Ward
Michael J. Burns, Second Ward Alderman James J. Cowhey, Jr., Alderman Fourth Ward
S. Michael Rummel, Alderman Second Ward Kimberly Moss, Alderman Fourth Ward
REPORTS OF CITY OFFICERS
1. Comments by Mayor
2. Comments by City Manager
A. Report on Gorton Community Center by Executive Director Gail Hodges
Attached beginning on page 4 is information on Gorton and the services it provides the community.
B. Department Spotlight – Community Development by Director of
Community Development Chuck Crook
3. Comments by Council Members
OPPORTUNITY FOR PUBLIC TO ADDRESS THE CITY COUNCIL
CONSENT AGENDA
1. Approval of Minutes from the September 4, 2001 Meeting
A copy of the minutes from the September 4 meeting and are attached beginning on page 9.
Recommended Action: Approval of the Consent Agenda items as presented
ORDINANCES
1. Consideration of a Report and Recommendation from the Zoning Board of Appeals for a Special Use Permit to Allow a Change in Use at 738 Rosemary Road. Filed by Lake Forest College.
(First Reading) 8:40 p.m.
PRESENTED BY DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
CATHERINE CZERNIAK (615-4299)
This is a request for a Special Use Permit to allow conversion of the former College president’s residence to the campus offices of the Alumni Center and Career Counseling Center. On
June 25, 2001 the Zoning Board of Appeals held a public hearing to consider a request for preliminary review of the 5-year Master Plan for Lake Forest College. Recognizing that review
and discussion of the comprehensive Master Plan would likely take several months, College representatives requested that the change in use proposed for the former College president’s
residence be considered separately. The Board agreed, and discussed and heard public comment on the proposed change in use on June 25, 2001 and July 23, 2001.
The Board heard testimony from neighboring property owners who expressed concern about the change in use from residential to office, and about potential impacts of the proposed use on
the neighborhood. In particular, concerns were expressed about increased traffic and parking in the neighborhood as a result of the proposed use.
Based on Board direction, staff developed a series of conditions of approval for Board consideration. The Board modified the conditions in an effort to address the concerns raised by
the neighbors. In summary, the conditions permit only six employees on the site during regular business hours, require parking off site for employees and for special events, and limit
after hours events to those related to the Alumni Center. The conditions require that after hours events end at 9p.m. In addition, the conditions require that a status report on the
operation of the site be provided to the Board six months after the new use is established The full text of the conditions are included in this packet on page 25.
The Zoning Board of Appeals voted 3 – 2 to recommend approval of the Special Use Permit. The Commissioners voting nay expressed concern about potential impacts on the adjacent residential
neighborhood. The minutes of the Board meeting are included in the Council packet beginning on page 19. A copy of the ordinance, with the recommended conditions of approval is included
in the packet beginning on page 15.
Subsequent Activity
On September 6, 2001, a neighborhood drop-in information meeting was held at 738 Rosemary Road. The event was scheduled to provide an opportunity for neighbors to tour the interior
of the former president’s residence, review the conditions of approval as recommended by the Zoning Board of Appeals, and talk one on one with staff from both the College and the City.
Three residents attended the meeting.
Recommended Action: Approve first reading of an ordinance granting a Special Use Permit to allow the former College president’s residence at 738 Rosemary Road to be used as offices
for the Lake Forest College Alumni Center and the Career Counseling Center.
NEW BUSINESS
1. Resolution Approving the Establishment of a Retiree Medical Savings Account Plan through ICMA Retirement Corporation
PRESENTED BY DIRECTOR OF HUMAN RESOURCES
DESHA KALMAR (615-4268)
For many years City employees have asked us to explore ways to allow them to set aside money for medical costs after retirement. After exploring the different alternatives available
through the years, we have finally found a plan that works well for both the City and the employees. That is a retiree medical savings account plan offered through ICMA Retirement Corporation
called VantageCare.
During the past year an employee committee has been looking at this plan and exploring different ways to finance the program. Last April they came forward with a recommendation that
employees fund the plan by contributing 1% of their base salaries to the program. Informational meetings were held for employees and spouses and a questionnaire was distributed to all
employees. The employees returning the questionnaire were overwhelmingly in favor of starting the program and funding it on a percent of salary basis.
The VantageCare program allows employees to set aside dollars today to be used for medical expenses at retirement. Tax-free contributions are made into an account in individual employees’
names (similar to the current 457 Plan). The employee determines how the money is invested, and the funds grow on a tax-free basis. If the employee, a spouse or dependent uses the
funds for qualified health benefits, the money is never taxed. If employees separate from the City before retirement, they will have the option of withdrawing the money and paying taxes
on it or withdrawing it for medical expenses and not paying taxes on it. Either way, the money remains in the employee’s control.
Because this plan falls under IRS rules, however the City sets up the program, and all employees must participate on an equal basis. In other words, employees will not have a choice
of whether or not to participate in the program. It will be a requirement for all regular full- and part-time employees.
Pensions will not be affected by the contribution of the 1% of salary because pension contributions will be made on the full salary. However, federal and state taxes, Social Security
and Medicare deductions will not be withheld on the money. This not only reduces the employees’ tax liability, but reduces the City’s costs as well. Importantly, the 1% is deducted
from the employee’s base salary and does not reflect as an additional cost to the City.
Recommended Action: Approve Resolution Establishing a Retiree Medical Savings Account Plan through ICMA Retirement Corporation.
ADDITIONAL ITEMS FOR COUNCIL DISCUSSION
EXECUTIVE SESSION
ADJOURNMENT
Office of the City Manager
September 14, 2001
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.
September 20, 2001 agenda Page 3