CITY COUNCIL 7-1-02 council agendaTHE CITY OF LAKE FOREST
COUNCIL AGENDA
July 1, 2002
CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL 7:30 p.m.
Honorable John E. Preschlack, Mayor
Robert T. E. Lansing, Alderman First Ward Roger J. Mohr, Alderman Third Ward
Tom Swarthout, Alderman First Ward Timm Reynolds, Alderman Third Ward
Michael J. Burns, Alderman Second Ward James J. Cowhey, Jr., Alderman Fourth Ward
S. Michael Rummel, Alderman Second Ward Kimberly G. Moss, Alderman Fourth Ward
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
REPORTS OF CITY OFFICERS 7:35 p.m.
1. Comments by Mayor
2. Comments by City Manager
A. Discussion of a Request for a Temporary Special Use Permit to Allow a Child Care Facility to be Located on City Owned Property in the Middlefork Farm Subdivision (Request Submitted
by Lake Forest Child Care)
A copy of the public hearing notice that was mailed to neighboring residents, Elawa Farm Commission members, and the Park and Recreation Board is attached as beginning on page 10.
3. Comments by Council Members
4. Council Committee Reports
Finance Committee Report
Consideration of the Annual Appropriation Ordinance for FY2003 (First Reading)
PRESENTED BY CHAIRMAN MICHAEL RUMMEL
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 expenditures. 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 for a 10% “contingency” in the expenditures in an amount above those 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 twenty-one years and has worked very efficiently, while
still providing for complete City Council control over budgeted expenditures. During this 21 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 the School District special charter district, 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 $ 22,767,642 $ 25,044,406 10.0% Fire Pension 626,100 688,710 10.0% Police Pension 848,100 932,910 10.0% Park
and Recreation 5,748,233 6,323,056 10.0% Cemetery Commission & The Memorial Garden 737,727 811,500 10.0% Senior Resources Commission 442,210 486,431 10.0% Park
and Public Land 1,162,743 1,279,017 10.0% Motor Fuel Tax 1,310,000 1,441,000 10.0% Hotel/Motel Tax 106,297 116,927 10.0% Emergency Telephone 233,820 257,202 10.0% Public
Library 2,288,643 2,517,507 10.0% Sub-total $36,271,515 $39,898,666 10.0% School District 67 Educational $ 19,190,444 $ 19,190,444 0.00 Operations,
Building and Maintenance 3,940,805 3,940,805 0.00 Site and Construction 205,000 205,000 0.00 IMRF/Social Security 462,491 462,491 0.00 Working Cash 2,091,305 2,091,305 0.00 Transportation 1,215,033 1,215,033 0.00
Sub-total 27,105,078 27,105,078 0.00 Grand Total $ 63,376,593 $ 67,003,744 5.7%
Recommended Action: Staff recommends that the proposed ordinance receive first reading at this time. A copy of the ordinance is available for review in the City Clerk’s office.
2. Proposed New Ambulance Fees for the City of Lake Forest
PRESENTED BY FIRE CHIEF MIKE BEATTY (615-4240)
Currently, the City charges residents a flat fee for ambulance transports. We charge nonresidents a higher fee plus an additional charge for certain paramedic services provided to the
patient. On April 1, 2002 Medicare changed its ambulance fee payment schedule. 45% of the fire department patient transports are Medicare eligible patients, subject to the Medicare ambulance
fee schedule.
Medicare went from a very complex schedule to a simple flat rate plan based on patient condition with no additional charges allowed. Since many of our patients are Medicare eligible
and many insurance companies use the Medicare schedule as “usual and customary” the fire department would like to make the Medicare Schedule match our ambulance fee schedule for residents.
We can continue with a resident and non-resident schedule as shown below.
Current Lake Forest Ambulance Fee Schedule
Service Non-resident Fee Resident Fee Ambulance transport to LF Hospital $300 $200 Ambulance transport to a non-LF Hospital $50 $50 EKG heart monitor $100 $0 IV therapy $100 $0 O2 $
50 $0 Neck and spine immobilization $100 $0 Mileage (flat fee) $1 $1
New Medicare Ambulance Payment Schedule
BLS emergency $272.86 ALS 1 emergency $324.03 ALS 2 Emergency $468.99 Mileage (per mile) $ 5.47
Proposed New Lake Forest Ambulance Fee Schedule
Resident Non-resident BLS Emergency $273 $473 ALS 1 Emergency $324 $524 ALS 2 Emergency $469 $669 Mileage (flat fee) $ 5 $ 5
In calendar year 2001 the City cleared $150,342 for ambulance transports using its current fee schedule. Had we been using the proposed new fire department schedule shown above we would
have realized a significant increase in revenue. A copy of a survey of fees charged by other municipalities is attached as page 12.
Recommended Action: Approve the proposed new Lake Forest ambulance fee schedule to take effect August 1, 2002.
OPPORTUNITY FOR PUBLIC TO ADDRESS THE CITY COUNCIL 7:55 p.m.
CONSENT AGENDA 8:00 p.m.
Approval of the Minutes of the June 20, 2002 Regular City Council Meeting
A copy of the minutes is attached beginning on page 13.
Recommended Action: Approval of the Consent Agenda items as presented.
ORDINANCES
1. Consideration of a Recommendation from the Historic Preservation Commission to designate an historic garden wall at 188 Foster Place, and the Grove Cultural Campus located at 40 E.
Old Mill Road, as Local Historic Landmarks and Amend the Historic Preservation Ordinance accordingly. (Requested by the City of Lake Forest and Joseph and Laurie Dakis, property owners).
(Final Approval) 8:05 p.m.
PRESENTED BY PLANNER SUZANNE GERMANN (615-4587)
On June 20, 2002, the City Council approved first reading of an ordinance designating an historic wall at 188 Foster Place and the Grove Cultural Campus as Local Historic Landmarks.
The ordinance is now before the Council for final approval.
At the June 20th Council meeting staff explained that designation of the two properties is consistent with the provisions of the City’s Historic Preservation Ordinance and consistent
with the City’s long tradition of ensuring the preservation of historic buildings and sites. Local designation does not involve any review or approval from State or Federal agencies.
Ultimately, the City Council is in control of the future of local landmarks.
The Historic Preservation Commission voted unanimously to recommend approval of both of these properties as Local Historic Landmarks. The ordinance amending the Historic Preservation
Ordinance and thereby designating these two properties as Local Historic Landmarks is included in the packet beginning on page 18.
Recommended Action: Grant final approval of an Ordinance amending the Historic Preservation Ordinance and Chapter 51 of the City Code to designate the Grove Cultural Campus and the
historic garden wall at 188 Foster Place as Local Historic Landmarks.
2. Consideration of a Recommendation from the Plan Commission to Amend Section 46-18(C.1) Restoration of Damaged Buildings or Structures, in the B-3, Traditional District, and B-4, Preservation
District. (Final Approval) 8:10 p.m.
PRESENTED BY DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
CATHERINE CZERNIAK (615-4299)
On April 1, 2002, the City Council approved first reading of this Code amendment. At that time, the Council directed staff to review the wording of the amendment and consider whether
it would have the unintended consequence of encouraging the reconstruction of less desirable buildings, as well as those that are historically significant and contribute to the unique
character of the Central Business District. Language has been added to the ordinance to more accurately reflect the Plan Commission’s intent which was to provide the ability to reconstruct
significant buildings in the Central Business District. The ordinance is included in this packet on page .
This amendment allows for the reconstruction of non-conforming buildings in the Preservation and Traditional zoning districts of the Central Business District, at the same floor area
ratio as the pre-existing building, in the event of a catastrophic loss of more than 50% of the cost of the restoration of the entire building. Normally, a non-conforming building which
is destroyed to this extent could not be reconstructed, but instead, the new construction would need to meet current regulations.
This amendment establishes a series of criteria under which reconstruction of a non-conforming building to its prior size would be permitted. In summary, the appropriate Board or Commission,
either the Building Review Board or the Historic Preservation Commission, would determine whether the pre-existing building contributed to the historic district and streetscape character
of the Central Business District. If a determination is made that in fact it did, a building may be reconstructed at the floor area ratio of the pre-existing building, if the replacement
building is consistent in architectural design, scale and materials with the building that was destroyed.
In the event that a property owner does not wish to replace the building consistent with the one that was destroyed, the current provisions in the Code, including the recently adopted
floor area ratios, would apply. In the event that the damage or destruction to a building constitutes less than 50% of the cost of restoration, submission of a building permit application
for the repair of the building must be filed with the City within 6 months of the date of destruction consistent with existing provisions of the Code.
The Plan Commission voted unanimously to recommend approval of this Code amendment, as revised, to the City Council.
Recommended Action: Grant final approval of the Ordinance amending Section 46-18(C.1) of the Zoning Code to allow reconstruction of a nonconforming building in the event of a catastrophic
loss.
NEW BUSINESS
1. Review of a Conceptual Land Plan, Proposed Uses, and Approximate Densities as Endorsed by the Plan Commission for the Miller/Swanson property. (Conceptual Endorsement of the Land
Plan) 8:25 p.m.
PRESENTED BY DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
CATHERINE CZERNIAK (615-4299)
On April 10, 2002 and June 19, 2002, the Plan Commission considered a conceptual land plan for the Miller/Swanson property. This is a 40-acre parcel located on the south side of Route
60, between Saunders Road and Conway Farms Drive. This property is directly west of the 70-acre Conway Farms parcel for which the City Council recently endorsed a conceptual land plan.
Similar to the Conway Farms parcel, the development of the Miller/Swanson property is a large, complicated project that will ultimately be a defining element of the entrance to Lake
Forest. In addition, the Miller/Swanson property requires annexation because it is not currently within the City limits. The impact on City services and schools needs to be carefully
considered as part of the annexation discussion.
The Plan Commission reviewed the conceptual land plan based on the recently adopted amendment to the Comprehensive Plan for the Route 60 area. That amendment reads as follows as it
pertains to this property.
The site should be annexed into the City based on a development plan which is consistent with the following uses:
Moderate density low-rise residential, with a range of housing product types, that preserves significant tree stands, preserves the site’s overall wooded character, and links to the
future residential neighborhood to the east.
Adaptive reuse of the Miller estate house.
Professional office space intended for users in need of smaller spaces may also be considered if part of an acceptable plan for the full development of the site. Limited ancillary retail
space within any professional office development is acceptable as a mixed component of the site. Any non-residential uses may only be located on the west edge of the site. Only Saunders
Road can be used for access for non-residential uses.
The conceptual land plan proposes the following mix of uses for the property.
2 – 30,000 square foot office buildings in the northwest corner of the property. These buildings would be designed for the small office user, not for Corporate use, and the parking
ratio would be reduced accordingly.
Preservation and adaptive reuse of the Miller estate residence. A restaurant use of the residence has been proposed.
3 condominium buildings with up to 96 units in the northeast corner of the property. The Commission expressed concerns about the height and overall mass of the buildings.
24 “courtyard” single family, detached, clustered units on the south half of the property.
Preservation of the high quality wooded wetlands consistent with the direction from the Lake County Stormwater Management Commission.
Preservation of the most significant stand of trees in the Oak grove located in the center of the property.
Due to the complexity and importance of this development, the Plan Commission is forwarding this conceptual land plan to the City Council for direction on whether the plan is moving
in a direction that is acceptable to the City Council. Extensive engineering and legal issues will need to be addressed before this plan is ready for formal action by the Plan Commission.
However, before the petitioner incurs the expense of further work on the proposed development, conceptual endorsement will help to provide some certainty that the project is on the
“right track.” Changes to this plan are expected as the plans are refined and as additional information is provided for City review.
The Plan Commission conceptually endorsed the land plan. The full text of the Commission’s discussion is provided in the attached minutes beginning on page 20.
Recommended Action: Conceptually endorse the overall land plan, proposed uses, and approximate densities as endorsed by the Plan Commission for the Miller/Swanson property on Route
60 subject to submittal and review of all necessary engineering, legal and other related documents.
2. Authorization to Enter into an Engineering Agreement for the Rehabilitation of the Old Elm Road Bridge 8:50 p.m.
PRESENTED BY CITY ENGINEER KEN MAGNUS (615-4329)
Recent inspection and testing performed on the Old Elm Road Bridge over the East Skokie Drainage Ditch revealed that this 77 year old bridge is approaching the end of its useful service
life. An analysis, undertaken by the engineering firm, Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates, Inc., revealed extensive freeze-thaw damage to the bridge deck. Since reconstruction of the
bridge is necessary the City applied for federal funds under the “Bridge Reconstruction and Rehabilitation Program” to assist in the rehabilitation of the bridge. We have since received
confirmation from IDOT that the bridge is eligible to receive federal funding at an 80% federal and 20% local cost sharing split. The City has used these funds to rehabilitate seven
(7) other bridges in the past ten (10) years.
The first step in this process, which is anticipated to take approximately one year, is to enter into an agreement with a consultant to begin Phase I preliminary engineering. The engineering
consultant chosen, in accordance with federal guidelines, was Wiss, Janney, Elstner & Associates, Inc., who has extensive knowledge of the structure acquired through past inspections.
IDOT has given its approval of the Phase I Engineering Agreement with Wiss, Janney, Elstner & Associates, Inc., in the amount of $92,110.90.
Subsequent to the approval of the Phase I Engineering Agreement with Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates, Inc. for the rehabilitation of the bridge, the City will need to enter into an
agreement with IDOT, who is administrating this program for the Federal Highway Administration, to document the funding responsibilities. Under this program, the federal funding responsibilities
for Phase I Engineering will be 80% or $73,688.72, while the City’s funding responsibilities will be 20% or $18,422.18. Since Motor Fuel Tax (MFT) funds will be used, the City needs
to appropriate, by resolution, the total amount of the Agreement, $92,110.90, of which the City will be reimbursed from IDOT for their 80% share. The City’s 20% share will be reduced
in half based on an existing Agreement with the City of Highland Park. This Agreement involves sharing equally in the costs to reconstruct this bridge. The net cost to the City will
ultimately be reduced to 10% or $9,211.09.
Recommended Action:
Enter into an agreement with Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates, Inc., to provide Phase I Engineering for the rehabilitation of the Old Elm Road Bridge in the amount of $92,110.90.
Enter into a Joint Agreement with IDOT which will document the funding responsibilities for Phase I Engineering for the Rehabilitation of the Old Elm Road Bridge at 80% federal ($73,688.72)
and 20% The City of Lake Forest ($18,422.18).
Appropriate by resolution an amount of $92,110.90 of MFT funds to be used toward Phase I Engineering for the Rehabilitation of the Old Elm Road Bridge of which The City of Lake Forest
will be reimbursed 80% ($73,688.72) from IDOT.
3. Award of Contract for the Illinois/Washington Storm Sewer Project 9:00 p.m.
PRESENTED BY CITY ENGINEER KEN MAGNUS (615-4329)
On June 11, 2002, bids were received and opened on the Illinois/Washington Storm Sewer Project. This project involves the installation of a storm sewer along Illinois between Sheridan
Road and Washington Road, as well as, along Washington Road between Illinois Road and Woodlawn. The installation of this storm sewer will complete a drainage improvement in this area
where storm sewer segments were upgraded in the past both upstream (Wildwood) and downstream (Sheridan Road) of this project. The following is a summary of the bids:
Contractor Bid Amount
DiMeo Brothers $663,690.00
Glenbrook Excavating $688,491.00
Campanella & Sons $697,697.00
Maneval Construction $711,465.39
Mauro Sewer Construction $737,760.00
Thelen Sand & Gravel $752,849.00
George Kennedy Construction $754,612.00
The low bidder, DiMeo Brothers, has had considerable experience working in the City where their work performance has been commendable. Their low bid of $663,690.00 is $13,690.00 over
the budgeted amount of $650,000.00. If awarded, work on this project is expected to begin in early August and completed in late October.
Recommended Action: Award the Contract for the Illinois/Washington Storm Sewer Project to DiMeo Brothers in the amount of $663,690.00.
4. Award of Contract for the Harlan Court Storm Sewer Project 9:10 p.m.
PRESENTED BY CITY ENGINEER KEN MAGNUS (615-4329)
On June 11, 2002, bids were received and opened on the Harlan Court Storm Sewer Project. This project involves the replacement of approximately 300 feet of deficient storm sewer on
Harlan Court immediately north of Old Elm Road. The following is a summary of the bids:
Contractor Bid Amount
Mauro Sewer Construction $49,160.00
J.R. Myers Co., Inc. $56,341.05
Montemayor Construction $59,077.00
Alliance Contractors $60,352.80
Campanella and Sons $61,601.00
George W. Kennedy Construction $62,582.00
Glenbrook Excavating $65,725.00
Mosele & Associates $66,720.00
DiMeo Brothers $79,515.00
Maneval Construction $83,890.01
Thelen Sand And Gravel $100,919.00
The low bidder, Mauro Sewer Construction, does not have prior experience working in the City; however, they have considerable experience working on projects of this size and scope.
References for Mauro Sewer Construction were conducted and found to be very positive. Their low bid of $49,160 is $50,840 under the budgeted amount of $100,000. If awarded, work is
expected to begin in early August and completed in early September.
Recommended Action: It is recommended to award the Contract for the Harlan Court Storm Sewer Project to Mauro Sewer Construction in the amount of $49,160.00.
APPROVAL OF AUTHORIZED INVOICES AND PAYROLLS 9:15 p.m.
During the month of June the following amounts were disbursed from the Cashier’s Account:
GENERAL FUND, IMRF, & CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS. WATER TOTALS INVOICES 563,815.44 85,286.09 649,101.53 PAYROLL 902,510.48 117,236.48 1,019,746.96 TOTALS 1,466,325.92 202,522.57 1,668,848.49
AUTHORIZATION OF TREASURER’S WARRANTS TO MEET EXPENSES OF
JULY, 2002
The motion to authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to sign such warrants as may be necessary to meet the July 2002 audited accounts.
ADDITIONAL ITEMS FOR COUNCIL DISCUSSION
EXECUTIVE SESSION
ADJOURNMENT 9:20 p.m.
Office of the City Manager
June 27, 2002
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 1, 2002 Agenda Page 9