CITY COUNCIL 8-5-02 council agendaTHE CITY OF LAKE FOREST
COUNCIL AGENDA
August 5, 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 7:30 p.m.
REPORTS OF CITY OFFICERS 7:35 p.m.
1. Comments by Mayor
2. Comments by City Manager
Presentation of the Junior Olympics video
3. Comments by Council Members
4. Council Committee Reports
Finance Committee Report
Consideration of an Ordinance Authorizing the Issuance of $26,000,000 General Obligation Alternate Revenue Bonds, of The City of Lake Forest, Illinois, for Financing Waterworks and Sewerage
System Capital Improvements (Second Reading and Final Approval Reading)
PRESENTED BY CHAIRMAN MICHAEL RUMMEL
This ordinance authorizes the sale of $26,000,000 in general obligation bonds to finance waterworks and sewerage system capital improvements. These bonds are alternate revenue bonds
to be retired with revenues from the Water and Sewer Fund and the annual tax levy abated each year. The financing timetable for these bond issues is as follows:
Monday, August 5, 2002: Bond bid opening at 11:00 a.m., with award of bond sale and final adoption of Bond Ordinance at City Council meeting that evening.
Tuesday, August 20, 2002: Receive bond proceeds.
Final changes to the ordinance will be made on Monday, August 5, 2002, after the bond bids are opened and the final interest rates and tax levy amounts are determined.
Recommended Action: Grant final approval to the ordinance authorizing the issuance of $26,000,000 General Obligation Alternate Revenue Bonds.
Resolution Initiating The Submission Of A Public Question On The Issuance Of General Obligation Bonds – Property On Route 60
The City Council discussed this option for financing the purchase o property on Route 60 at its special meeting on July 29, 2002. The attached resolution would place a question on the
November 5, 2002 ballot to issue general obligation bonds for this purpose. The amount of this issue will be provided at the meeting. A copy of the resolution is attached beginning
on page 7.
Resolution Initiating The Submission Of A Public Question To Establish Certain Local Taxes For Infrastructure Improvements – Sales Tax
The City Council discussed this option for financing public infrastructure improvements at its special meeting on July 29, 2002. The attached resolution would place a question on the
November 5, 2002 ballot to increase the City portion of the sales tax by .5%. A copy of the resolution is attached beginning on page 10.
Resolution Initiating The Submission Of A Public Question On The Issuance Of $10,000,000 Of General Obligation Bonds – Storm Sewers
The City Council discussed this option for financing comprehensive storm sewer improvements at its special meeting on July 29, 2002. The attached resolution would place a question on
the November 5, 2002 ballot to issue $10 million of general obligation bonds for this purpose. A copy of the resolution is attached beginning on page 12.
Other Committee Reports
OPPORTUNITY FOR PUBLIC TO ADDRESS THE CITY COUNCIL 8:30 p.m.
CONSENT AGENDA 8:35 p.m.
Approval of the Minutes of the July 18, 2002 Regular City Council Meeting
A copy of the minutes is attached beginning on page 14.
Recommended Action: Approval of the Consent Agenda items as presented.
Award of Contract for the Estate Lane Watermain Replacement Project
On Tuesday, July 9, 2002, bids were received and opened on the Estate Lane Watermain Replacement Project. The project involves the replacement of 1,700 feet of 4” watermain along Estate
Lane between Estate Lane east and Old Mill Road. The replacement of the existing 4” watermain, where installation dates back approximately 75 years, with a larger diameter watermain
will increase flow capacities in this area. The following is a summary of the bids received.
Contractor Bid Amount
J. R. Myers $230,771.00
Nickolson Construction $267,987.00
Joel Kennedy $281,650.00
Tires N Tracks $308,030.39
Di Meo Brothers $449,875.00
The low bidder, J. R. Myers, has had considerable experience working in the City. Their low bid of $230,771.00 is $46,059.00 under the engineer’s estimate of $276,830.00. If awarded
the project would begin in late August and completed in late October. It is recommended that the Contract for the Estate Lane Watermain Replacement Project be awarded to J. R. Myers
Co., Inc., in the amount of $230,771.00
Subsequent to the award of the contract for this project, a contract will need to be awarded for construction layout and inspection services. Clark Dietz, Inc., the engineering firm
responsible for the design of the project, proposes to undertake this work for a not-to-exceed amount of $31,000.00. This amount is comparable to construction inspection costs incurred
on similar projects. It is recommended that the Contract for construction layout and inspection services related to the Estate Lane Watermain Replacement Project be awarded to Clark
Dietz, Inc., for a not-to-exceed amount of $31,000.00.
Capital Equipment
On July 3, 2003, bids were sent to various dealerships and equipment suppliers. Concurrently the Invitation to Bid along with all of the specifications were placed on the City’s web
page. On Thursday, July 18th, bids were received for a majority of the items listed in the budget book’s “Fiscal Year 2003 Capital Equipment”. City Council will receive staff recommendations
for the purchase of the remaining three items (marked Police squads, refurbishment of the Fire Department’s ladder unit, and refuse scooters) in the coming six-eight months. Attached
starting on page 25 are the 2003 Capital Equipment recommendations.
Resolution Approving The Transfer of Certain City Owned Property To The State Of Illinois, Department Of Transportation
The following two items are related. The State of Illinois, Department of Transportation ("IDOT") desires to acquire the Property for the purposes of expanding Illinois Route 43. The
City and IDOT have agreed to the terms and conditions of the transfer of the Property, the resolution and a project map are provided starting on page 41.
IDOT shall prepare a construction schedule.
IDOT shall provide executed copies to the City of all contracts between IDOT and any agent of IDOT.
IDOT shall provide evidence of surety bonds to the City in amounts appropriate for any construction work.
IDOT shall insure at all times that one lane of traffic in each direction is continuously open and available for traffic during any construction work.
Resolution Authorizing The Execution of a Temporary Construction Easement With The State Of Illinois, Department Of Transportation
The State of Illinois, Department of Transportation desires to acquire temporary easement rights over the Property for the purposes of construction work associated with the expansion
of Illinois Route 43. The resolution attached starting on page 52 agrees to grant a temporary construction easement to IDOT for all construction work associated with the Route 43 expansion.
Recommended Action: Approval of the Consent Agenda items as presented.
ORDINANCES
Consideration of a Recommendation from the Plan Commission to rezone 12.9 acres of property located North and East of Grove Cultural Campus, and South of Northcroft Park. (First Reading
and Final Approval) 8:45 p.m.
PRESENTED BY PLANNER SUZANNE GERMANN (615-4587)
On June 20, 2002, the City Council approved first reading of an ordinance designating Grove Cultural Campus as a Local Historic Landmark. After discussion by the City Council, staff
was directed to bring the designation recommendation back to the Council in conjunction with the zone change for the northern portion of the Grove site. Both matters are now before
the Council for consideration.
On July 10, 2002 the Plan Commission unanimously recommended approval of a zone change for 12.9 acres of property located north and east of the Grove Cultural Campus as shown on the
map included in the Council packet. The rezoning was required as a condition of the Special Use Permit for Grove Cultural Campus because this portion of the property is being incorporated
into Northcroft Park. The proposed OA, Open Area, zoning is consistent with the zoning of the remainder of Northcroft Park and consistent with the zoning of parks throughout the community.
The rezoning ordinance is included in this packet on page 60.
Recommended Action: Waive first reading and grant final approval of an Ordinance rezoning 12.9 acres of property located north and east of Grove Cultural Campus.
Consideration of a Recommendation from the Historic Preservation Commission to designate the Grove Cultural Campus located at 40-100 E. Old Mill Road as a Local Historic Landmark. (Final
Approval) 8:55 p.m.
PRESENTED BY PLANNER SUZANNE GERMANN (615-4587)
On May 22, 2002 the Historic Preservation Commission voted unanimously to recommend approval of Grove Cultural Campus as a Local Historic Landmark. At the previous Council meetings,
staff explained that designation of the Grove Cultural Campus is consistent with the City’s Historic Preservation Ordinance and consistent with the City’s long tradition of encouraging
the preservation of historic buildings and sites. Local designation does not involve any review or approval from State or Federal agencies. The City Council is responsible for policy
decisions on local landmarks. Since Grove Cultural Campus is a City owned property, the City Council controls any decisions made about the future of this site.
The ordinance amending the Historic Preservation Ordinance and thereby designating the Grove Cultural Campus as a Local Historic Landmark is included in the packet beginning on page
62.
Recommended Action: Grant final approval of an Ordinance amending Chapter 51 of the City Code to designate the Grove Cultural Campus as a Local Historic Landmark.
3. For Information Only -- Consideration of an Amendment to Chapter 42, Sections 50 and 52 to Establish Minimum Landscape Requirements for Single Family Residences and Duplexes (Discussion) 9:00
p.m.
PRESENTED BY DEVELOPMENT COORDINATOR AND CITY FORESTER
DAN REEVES (615-4216)
On December 3, 2001, the City Council approved a revised Tree Preservation and Landscape Ordinance. This approval represented the first major revision to this ordinance since it was
originally adopted by the City Council in 1988. During the Council’s discussion in 2001, staff was directed to review the new ordinance on an ongoing basis and return to the Council
periodically with incremental amendments to address issues that arise.
The revised ordinance includes minimum landscape requirements for multi-family and commercial buildings, but not for duplexes or single family residences. As the community experiences
more and more infill development in established neighborhoods, ensuring that new homes, homes that replace existing homes, and homes that undergo major renovation and expansion, are
“finished off” with at least a minimum amount of landscaping is becoming increasingly important.
In most cases, development projects in Lake Forest include extensive landscaping as part of the job. However, in a few cases, infill has occurred and the replacement homes or expanded
homes have remained un-landscaped for years. As a result, staff receives numerous complaints from neighbors about these situations. Even though the number of projects without any landscaping
is small, these projects negatively affect the appearance of the streetscape, disrupt the character of established neighborhoods and some neighbors fear, negatively affect property values.
To respond to this issue, staff is proposing the addition of minimum landscape standards for single family residences and duplexes. Of course property owners are free to do landscaping
that far exceeds the proposed requirements, but the minimum requirements will provide staff with a tool to address the few situations that arise in a proactive manner. The minimum landscape
requirements for single family residences and duplexes would have to be met prior to the issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy. In the event that due to the time of year planting cannot
occur, a bond would be posted by the property owner to assure planting at the earliest possible date consistent with provisions already in the Code.
The proposed Code amendment language is included on page 64 of the Council packet.
Recommended Action: Direct staff to prepare an ordinance to amend the Code to establish minimum landscape requirements for single family homes and duplexes.
NEW BUSINESS
US 41 At Old Elm Road Grade Separation Feasibility Study 9:15 p.m.
PRESENTED BY SUPERINTENDANT OF PUBLIC WORKS KEN LEONE
In April 2001, City Council approved an agreement with the engineering firm Edwards and Kelcey to study the feasibility of constructing a grade crossing separation at Route 41 and Old
Elm Road. The study was funded in full by an Illinois First Grant, secured with the assistance of State Representative Susan Garrett. The issue of safely crossing Route 41 at Old Elm
Road by bicycle and on foot was first raised by residents in that vicinity.
Fifteen grade separation alternatives were evaluated and priced. The report recommends four of the alternatives, three of which are underpasses, the fourth being an overpass. Estimated
costs range from $650,000 to $2,110,000. An Executive Summary of the report is included in the Agenda Packet beginning on page 64. (Copies of the full report are available upon request.)
The Assistant City Engineer and Superintendent of Public Works have worked with the consultants during preparation of the study and we concur with their recommendations.
Craig Williams and Rae Casale of Edwards and Kelcey will be present to give a summary of their report.
Recommended Action: Select one or two alternatives and allow staff to seek outside funding for construction.
APPROVAL OF AUTHORIZED INVOICES AND PAYROLLS 9:30 p.m.
During the month of July the following amounts were disbursed from the Cashier’s Account:
GENERAL FUND, IMRF, & CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS. WATER TOTALS INVOICES 756,809.58 159,046.79 915,856.37 PAYROLL 879,764.97 122,168.60 1,001,933.57 TOTALS 1,636,574.55 281,215.39 1,917,789.94
AUTHORIZATION OF TREASURER’S WARRANTS TO MEET EXPENSES OF AUGUST, 2002
The motion to authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to sign such warrants as may be necessary to meet the August 2002 audited accounts.
ADDITIONAL ITEMS FOR COUNCIL DISCUSSION
EXECUTIVE SESSION
ADJOURNMENT 9:35 p.m.
Office of the City Manager
August 1, 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.
August 5, 2002 Agenda Page 6