CC_2024_04_01_AGENDATHE CITY OF LAKE FOREST
CITY COUNCIL AGENDA
Monday, April 1, 2024, 6:30 p.m.
220 E. Deerpath
Lake Forest, IL 60045
CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL 6:30 p.m.
Honorable Mayor, Stanford R. Tack
Nancy Novit, Alderman First Ward Jim Preschlack, Alderman Third Ward
Joseph R. Waldeck, Alderman First Ward Ara Goshgarian, Alderman Third Ward
Edward U. Notz, Jr., Alderman Second Ward Eileen Looby Weber, Alderman Fourth Ward
John Powers, Alderman Second Ward Richard Walther, Alderman Fourth Ward
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
REPORTS OF CITY OFFICERS
1. COMMENTS BY MAYOR
A. Arbor Day Proclamation
A copy of the Proclamation can be found on page 16
2. COMMENTS BY CITY MANAGER
A. Forest Park Boardwalk Construction Update
- Byron Kutz, P.E., Superintendent of Engineering
3. OPPORTUNITY FOR CITIZENS TO ADDRESS THE CITY COUNCIL
4. COMMITTEE REPORTS
5. ITEMS FOR OMNIBUS VOTE CONSIDERATION
1. Approval of March 18, 2024, City Council Meeting Minutes
A copy of the minutes can be found beginning on page 17.
COUNCIL ACTION: Approval of March 18, 2024, City Council Meeting Minutes
2. Approval of the Check Register for the Period of February 24 – March 22, 2024
STAFF CONTACT: Elizabeth Holleb, Finance Director (847-810-3612)
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Monday, April 1, 2024, City Council Agenda
BACKGROUND/DISCUSSION: City Code Section 38.02 sets forth payment procedures of the
City. The Director of Finance is to prepare a monthly summary of all warrants to be drawn on
the City treasury for the payment of all sums due from the City (including all warrants relating
to payroll and invoice payments) by fund and shall prepare a detailed list of invoice payments
which denotes the person to whom the warrant is payable. The warrant list detail of invoice
payments shall be presented for review to the Chairperson of the City Council Finance
Committee for review and recommendation. All items on the warrant list detail
recommended for payment by the Finance Committee Chairperson shall be presented in
summary form to the City Council for approval or ratification. Any member of the City Council
shall, upon request to the City Manager or Director of Finance, receive a copy of the warrant
list detail as recommended by the Finance Committee Chairperson. The City Council may
approve the warrant list as so recommended by the Finance Committee Chairperson by a
concurrence of the majority of the City Council as recorded through a roll call vote.
The Council action requested is to ratify the payments as summarized below. The associated
payroll and invoice payments have been released during the check register period noted.
Following is the summary of warrants as recommended by the Finance Committee
Chairperson:
The subtotal denoted “All other Funds” includes $416,085 in medical/dental plan expenses in
the Self Insurance Fund.
COUNCIL ACTION: Approval of the Check Register for the Period of February 24 – March 22,
2024
3. Approval of a Resolution Reallocating 2024 Volume Cap to the Village of Buffalo
Grove, Illinois
STAFF CONTACT: Elizabeth Holleb, Finance Director (847-810-3612)
Fund Invoice Payroll Total
101 General 620,985 1,834,639 2,455,624
501 Water & Sewer 43,110 202,893 246,003
220 Parks & Recreation 99,816 380,716 480,532
311 Capital Improvements 736,223 736,223
202 Motor Fuel Tax 71,005 71,005
230 Cemetery 10,026 41,005 51,030
210 Senior Resources 12,434 30,563 42,997
510 Deerpath Golf Course 11,470 11,470
601 Fleet 80,997 62,189 143,186
416 - 434 Debt Funds 0
248 Housing Trust 5,326 5,326
201 Park & Public Land 17,028 17,028
All other Funds 633,746 181,950 815,695
$2,342,164 $2,733,955 $5,076,120
Check Register for February 24 - March 22, 2024
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Monday, April 1, 2024, City Council Agenda
PURPOSE AND ACTION REQUESTED: Staff requests approval of a resolution reallocating the
City’s 2024 private activity bond volume cap to the Village of Buffalo Grove, Illinois for the
private activity bond clearinghouse (PABC) pool.
BACKGROUND/DISCUSSION: The Federal Tax Reform Act of 1986 imposes a limit on the
aggregate amount of “tax exempt private activity” bonds (also known as volume cap) that
can be issued by a State. Pursuant to these federal regulations, the State of Illinois has
developed a formula by which the State ceiling is allocated among governmental units in the
State having authority to issue such bonds.
The Illinois Private Activity Bond Allocation Act provides that a home rule unit of government is
allocated an amount equal to $125 multiplied by its estimated population, which for Lake
Forest in calendar year 2024 is $2,406,500 (19,252 x $125). By May 1, 2024, the City must take
action to grant, reserve or transfer its allocation, or the amount is reserved by the Governor’s
Office for a pool. The City may transfer its allocation to any other home rule unit of
government, the State of Illinois or any agency of the State.
This year, the City has received one request (page 20) to transfer its volume cap, as follows:
Organization Proposed Use Amount of Transfer Fee
* Paid upon issuance of bonds utilizing the allocated volume cap
Home rule units are not prohibited from charging a fee for transferring their cap. In prior years
when economic conditions were more favorable, home rule units were able to induce
developers to pay a higher transfer fee than that offered by Lake County Partners. In recent
years, however, fewer developers have sought the volume cap due to low interest rates and
declines in development activity.
Because the volume cap amount for most municipalities is too small to assist with eligible
projects, Lake County Partners created the Clearinghouse in 2000 as a way for Lake County
communities to pool their cap and make best use of the allocation locally. Lake County
Partners reports that in the past several years, they have seen little activity in the private
activity bond market. Since its inception, the clearinghouse has funded nearly $200 million in
local projects, including the construction of 360,000 square feet of new manufacturing space,
creation of 648 new manufacturing jobs, renovation of 1,600 multi-family dwelling units,
purchase of an estimated 251 homes by “first-time homebuyers”, expansion of a Montessori
School, and construction of a new solid waste disposal “cell”.
This is the 19th year under home rule status that the City has been allocated volume cap. The
City has transferred its volume cap to Buffalo Grove for the past seventeen (17) years. To
date, fee income of $8,574.78 has been received.
BUDGET/FISCAL IMPACT: Upon issuance of bonds utilizing the City’s volume cap, a transfer fee
payment of .5% would be due to the City. Should the entire 2024 allocation be utilized by the
pool, the City would receive $12,032.50.
COUNCIL ACTION: Approval of a Resolution (page 21) Reallocating 2024 Volume Cap to the
Village of Buffalo Grove, Illinois.
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Monday, April 1, 2024, City Council Agenda
4. Request to Waive Bid Process and Consider Approval to Purchase a Replacement
Core Data Switch, Installation Services, and Maintenance from Heartland Business
Systems in the amount of $38,897.43
STAFF CONTACT: Cameron Burrell, Assistant Director of IT (847-810-3598)
PURPOSE AND ACTION REQUESTED: Staff requests approval to expend funds identified in the
capital improvement program and procure from Heartland Business Systems replacement
hardware of the Public Safety data switches and a one-year maintenance subscription.
BACKGROUND/DISCUSSION: The Public Safety core switch is responsible for distributing
network resources to provide access for Public Safety and Recreation to the internet
(SharePoint, OneDrive, Email, and Internet Browsing), access to the City’s data servers
(Financial System, file storage, department specific programs, etc.), and Police and Fire
access to Dispatch Servers for New World and State hosted programs. The Public Safety core
switch is also used for disaster recovery to provide business continuity in the event of a loss of
communication to Municipal Services
Public Safety’s current switches has been in use since 2009, and while still supported by the
manufacturer, procuring replacement parts is becoming increasingly difficult due to age. The
replacement of these switches will provide increased redundancy and minor speed
improvements compared to the City’s existing technology.
PROJECT REVIEW/RECOMMENDATIONS: Three quotes were received as summarized below:
Vendor Amount Quoted
Heartland Business Systems $38,897.43
SHI $34,043.00
Sentinel Technologies $30,219.00
BUDGET/FISCAL IMPACT: The total project expense for the Core Switch Replacement reflects
product procurement, usage licensing, configuration, installation, and one year of
maintenance and support. SHI and Sentinel Technologies did not include services such as
configuration and installation in their quote, while Heartland Business Systems did include
services. It is believed that had these additional configuration/installation services been
provided, Heartland Business Systems would have been the most cost-effective option. Overall,
it is in the opinion of the City’s IT department that Heartland Business Systems would be the best
fit for this project, considering the familiarity with our network and the satisfaction we’ve
experienced with their work previously.
Has City staff obtained competitive pricing for proposed goods/services? Yes
Since the project cost exceeds $25,000, staff is seeking a waiver of the bid requirement
pursuant to Administrative Directive 3-5, Section 6.2 Waiver of Procedures (requires 2/3 vote).
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Monday, April 1, 2024, City Council Agenda
Below is an estimated summary of Project budget:
FY2024 Funding Source
$56,292.62 $38,897.43 Y
COUNCIL ACTION: Request to Waive Bid Process and Consider Approval to Purchase a
Replacement Core Data Switch, Installation Services, and Maintenance from Heartland
Business Systems in the amount of $38,897.43
5. Request to Waive Bid Process and Consider Approval of a Three-Year Agreement
with GovernmentJobs.com for NeoGov Human Resources Management System
Software Maintenance in the amount of $105,804.65.
STAFF CONTACT: Jim Shaw, Director of Innovation and Technology (847-810-3590)
PURPOSE AND ACTION REQUESTED: Staff is requesting City Council approval to enter into a
three (3) year agreement with GovernmentJobs.com for providing NeoGov Human Resource
Management software which includes maintenance services and licensing.
BACKGROUND/DISCUSSION: NeoGov has been providing The City of Lake Forest with human
resources management software for recruiting, employee onboarding, and performance
management since initial implementation in 2013. Since its initial inception, the City has been
increasing utilization of the additional product offerings within NeoGov. This system is one of
the largest software systems to support internal City operations.
BUDGET/FISCAL IMPACT: Per the initial agreement, annual license fees may be increased
according to the Consumer Price Index (CPI-U). This service of support can only be provided
by NeoGov.
In FY22, our annual cost for our usage of NeoGov was $20,532. In FY23, Human Resources
utilized capital funding to add new modules and hardware to our NeoGov offerings which
totaled $31,107. The approval of the next three years of NeoGov services and maintenance
will allow us to continue to utilize these offerings at an 8% increase year over year.
Has City staff obtained competitive pricing for proposed goods/services? No
Since the cost exceeds $25,000, staff is seeking a waiver of the bid requirement pursuant to
Administrative Directive 3-5, Section 6.2 Waiver of Procedures (requires 2/3 vote).
Account Number
IT Operating 101-1315-415-43-37 $32,098.35 $30,581.56 Y
Costs for Years 2 and 3 of the agreement will be included in the annual budget.
COUNCIL ACTION: Request to Waive Bid Process and Consider Approval of a Three-Year
Agreement with GovernmentJobs.com for NeoGov Human Resources Management System
Software Maintenance in the amount of $105,804.65
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Monday, April 1, 2024, City Council Agenda
6. Request to Waive Bid Process and Consider Approval of the purchase of new Cisco
UCS Blades for Virtual Machine Computing from Heartland Business Systems in the
amount of $34,938.90.
STAFF CONTACT: Cameron Burrell, Assistant Director of IT, 847-810-3598
PURPOSE AND ACTION REQUESTED: Staff requests approval to purchase new Cisco UCS server
blades to replace end of life hardware.
BACKGROUND/DISCUSSION: In the winter of 2023, while performing upgrades of the system
that handles all virtual servers, internal staff found that hardware for the servers was
approaching end-of-life. The device has an end of life as of February 29th, 2024, and a
replacement is needed in order to maintain support. The City’s IT department reached out to
several vendors to choose the best path forward for this project and assess what the best
course of action was.
In March 2024, the IT Department evaluated product offerings of similar size and functionality.
It was determined that an in-place replacement of the Cisco UCS server blades is in the best
interests of the City due to the current system meeting or exceeding performance and
functionality expectations. The Cisco UCS blades are responsible for the entire virtual server
environment including BS&A ERP System, Fire records management system, RecTrac, the LF
Now app database, and other critical systems.
BUDGET/FISCAL IMPACT: On January 26, 2024, City staff received a proposal from three
vendors for the Cisco UCS Blade replacement.
Vendor Amount Quoted
Heartland Business Systems $34,938.90
SHI $28,719.00
Sentinel $46,802.00
Has City staff obtained competitive pricing for proposed goods/services? Yes
Since the project cost exceeds $25,000, staff is seeking a waiver of the bid requirement
pursuant to Administrative Directive 3-5, Section 6.2 Waiver of Procedures (requires 2/3 vote).
While the City’s IT department recognizes the lowest quote provided by SHI, SHI did not include
services provided for installation and configuration. The City’s IT department feels it is in the
best interest of the City to go with Heartland Business Systems for this project. We have found
that they have performed superior, detailed work for us in the past and will continue to do so
with this project.
Below is an estimated summary of Project budget:
FY2024 Funding Source
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Monday, April 1, 2024, City Council Agenda
IT Capital
101-1303-466.66-11 $36,000.00 $34,938.90 Y
COUNCIL ACTION: Request to Waive Bid Process and Consider Approval of the purchase of
new Cisco UCS Blades for Virtual Machine Computing from Heartland Business Systems in the
amount of $34,938.90
7. Approval to Award a One-Year Contract for Recreation Department Program
Bussing Services to Safeway.
STAFF CONTACT: Anthony Anaszewicz, Athletics Program Manager (847-810-3945)
Ken Pierini, Athletics Program Supervisor (847-810-3943)
PURPOSE AND ACTION REQUESTED: The Parks & Recreation Board requests approval to award a
one-year contract for Recreation Department program busing service to Safeway.
BACKGROUND/DISCUSSION: Under the City’s financial policies and to lower operational costs
for various Recreation Department programming, the bus transportation needs were put
through the formal bid process in February 2024 for a one-year bussing contract. The City of
Lake Forest’s bussing needs include the usage of school busses throughout the year by the
Parks & Recreation Department for summer camps and various other programs and events.
All Stars & Beyond Day Camp, and McCormick Day Camp will feature morning and afternoon
transportation for the convenience of our residents. Staff plan for five to six routes to cover the
number of stops required by registration however may have to increase or decrease the
number of busses needed based on actual registration and route length. Both camps, with
the inclusion of TWIGS Day Camp also feature shuttles to and from their campsites to Forest
Park Beach and Lake Forest High School for swimming, as well as weekly field trips to various
locations around the north shore. Other Recreation programs including dance and squash,
also utilize bussing for transportation to meets, competitions and performances throughout the
year.
Public notice to solicit bids was provided on February 20, 2024, with a bid opening date of
March 6, 2024. The chosen timetable was driven by the summer camp schedule to prepare
for the upcoming camp programs. Staff received three bids with the pricing in the table
below.
PROJECT REVIEW/RECOMMENDATIONS:
Reviewed Date Comments
Park & Recreation Board 3/19/2024 Approval of staff recommendation
BUDGET/FISCAL IMPACT: Funding for camp program’s is a Parks & Recreation Department
program expense and is budgeted in the programs annual operating budget. This cost of
bussing is covered by program fees associated with the various programs. The amount
requested may vary dependent on the fluctuation of registration numbers, which impacts the
number of busses required for any given service type.
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Monday, April 1, 2024, City Council Agenda
Staff received three bids with the pricing in the table below. Staff recommend awarding the
one-year contract to Safeway based on the lowest bid price and references. This will be our
second year with Safeway and staff are confident they will provide exceptional service based
on last year.
COMPANY Camp Routes Camp Field
Trips/Shuttles
Miscellaneous
Recreation
Programming
TOTAL
Olson Transportation $ 250 / bus / day $ 80 / hr. $ 110 / hr. $85,741
First Student $ 350 / bus / day $ 75 / hr. $ 75 / hr.
Safeway $ 278 / bus / day $ 64 / hr. $ 72 / hr.
Has City staff obtained competitive pricing for proposed goods/services? Yes
Below is an estimated summary of Project budget:
FY2024 Funding Source
Recreation Operating Budgets $85,200 $84,801 Y
COUNCIL ACTION: Approval to Award a One-Year Contract for Recreation Department
Program Bussing Services to Safeway
8. Approval of the Annual Tree Purchasing for FY2025 for an Amount Not to Exceed
$100,000.
STAFF CONTACT: Corey Wierema, City Forester/Forestry Supervisor
(847-810-3564)
PURPOSE AND ACTION REQUESTED: Staff is seeking City Council approval to purchase
trees/plant material from multiple vendors.
BACKGROUND/DISCUSSION: The City’s Forestry section conducted our annual joint bid with the
City of Highland Park and the Highland Park-Park District to leverage volume discounts for
purchasing trees on city streets, parks, and other City-owned properties. Staff received twelve
(11) bids for purchasing over 65 varieties of balled and burlap trees and shrubs, with an
average price of $200 for a 2.5” caliper tree. Multiple vendors will be used to secure the
requested number of trees, sizes, and varieties while adhering to our stringent quality controls.
Additional vendors may need to be used based on species availability and product quality.
Additional purchasing will comply with the City’s purchasing policy. The Forestry section
anticipates planting 350 trees throughout City parkways and City owned properties along with
various amounts of shrubs and perennials this year.
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Monday, April 1, 2024, City Council Agenda
BUDGET/FISCAL IMPACT: Funding for the tree/plant material purchasing contract is budgeted
in Fund 220, Operating Fund. Due to the anticipated number of new trees being planted and
diminishing tree availability in the nurseries, we expect to exceed $25,000 with a single vendor.
Has competitive pricing been obtained for proposed goods/services? Yes
If no, indicate the specific waiver requested:
Administrative Directive 3-5, Section 9.0F – Government Joint Purchases
The City participated in the annual joint bid with the City of Highland Park and the Highland
Park-Park District for tree purchasing.
FY2025 Funding Source
$100,000 $100,000 Y
COUNCIL ACTION: Approval of the Annual Tree Purchasing for FY2025 for an Amount Not to
Exceed $100,000
9. Approval of a Recommendation from the Parks & Recreation Board to authorize the
City Manager to enter into a contract with Sundance Lawncare for City-Wide
Grounds Maintenance Services in the Parks FY2025 Budget, for an Amount Not to
Exceed $203,000.
STAFF CONTACT: Chuck Myers, Superintendent of Parks & Forestry, 810-3565
PURPOSE AND ACTION REQUESTED: City Staff and the Parks & Recreation Board requests
approval to award a one-year contract Sundance Lawncare, for $203,000 to provide mowing
and grounds maintenance services city-wide.
BACKGROUND/DISCUSSION: Annually, the Parks and Recreation Department researches
opportunities to improve operational efficiencies and deliver services in the most cost effective
manner. In 2011, the Parks section began outsourcing the mowing of many of our passive
parks and miscellaneous parcels. We chose not to bid out all other park properties, such as the
neighborhood parks and community parks, due to the significant need to coordinate with
ever-changing public use and athletic field schedules. The outsourcing of mowing has proven
to be a beneficial fiscal approach by reducing labor expenses and long-term capital
equipment replacement costs.
In an effort to restructure the larger contract, staff created a “tiered” system to distinguish the
level of maintenance required for various sites. Tier 1 includes some of the City’s higher profile
sites that require more extensive maintenance, Tier 2 includes City properties with lower
maintenance requirements and includes the City’s 167 cul-de-sacs, and Tier 3 includes various
City owned right-of-ways along roadways.
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Monday, April 1, 2024, City Council Agenda
In December 2023, staff conducted an expansive bid request that included mowing and
grounds maintenance on fifteen City property areas, 167 cul-de-sacs and the mowing only of
twenty City rights-of-ways. Additional grounds maintenance includes lawn care, weed control,
and bed maintenance. Similar to the selection rationale for outsourcing areas in 2011, the
right-of-ways and cul-de-sacs are also desirable to outsource because they involve routine
scheduling requirements.
PROJECT REVIEW/RECOMMENDATIONS:
Reviewed Date Comments
Parks & Recreation Board 03/19/24 Recommend Approval
BUDGET/FISCAL IMPACT: Funding for the FY2024 City-wide Grounds Maintenance contract is
budgeted in the Parks Fund 220 operating budget. On December 13, 2023, City staff released
an invitation to bid for the City-Wide Grounds Maintenance Services. The bid opening was on
January 4, 2024 and three sealed bids were received, as detailed below.
Has competitive pricing been obtained for proposed goods/services? Yes
Recommended Bidder/Proposer is BOLDED
Company Name Dollar Amount Bid
Green Acres Landscaping, Inc.$259,120
Gutierrez & Sons Landscaping, Inc. $1,425,849
After careful review of the bids by City staff, we are recommending the selection of Sundance
Lawncare for city-wide grounds maintenance services, at a total cost of $203,000 for a one-
year contract. The City will have the ability to extend the contract after the first season for two
additional years (FY2026 and FY2027) or rebid the contract. Sundance Lawncare has excellent
references and has a very successful record of performing similar services on other City
properties.
Below is an estimated summary of Project budget:
FY2025 Funding Source
$203,000 $203,000 Y
COUNCIL ACTION: Approval of a Recommendation from the Parks & Recreation Board to
authorize the City Manager to enter into a contract with Sundance Lawncare for City-Wide
Grounds Maintenance Services in the Parks FY2025 Budget, for an Amount Not to Exceed
$203,000.
10. Consideration of a Waiver of Permit Fees Associated with the Deerpath Park Athletic
Turf Fields Project at 115 W. Deerpath in the Amount of $34,081.64. (Approval by
Motion)
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Monday, April 1, 2024, City Council Agenda
STAFF CONTACT: Catherine Czerniak
Director of Community Development (810-3504)
PURPOSE AND ACTION REQUESTED: As provided for in the City’s Administrative Directives, 3 – 7,
City Council approval is required for the waiver of fees in excess of $5,000.
BACKGROUND/DISCUSSION: The City recently completed work at Deerpath Park. As is
customary with City projects, the plan review, permit, and connection fees associated with this
project are presented to the Council with a recommendation to waive all City fees associated
with this work. The fees relate to all aspects of the improvement project including, but not
limited to grading, stormsewer, hardscape, the two buildings, lighting, and signage.
BUDGET/FISCAL IMPACT: The payment of these fees would result in the transfer of City funds
from one account to another. As noted above, fees for City improvement projects are
routinely waived.
Waiver Requested
$34,081.64 $34,081.64
COUNCIL ACTION: If desired by the City Council, by motion, approve the waiver of permit
fees associated with the Deerpath Park Athletic Turf Fields Project at 115 W. Deerpath in the
Amount of $34,081.64
11. Consideration of an Ordinance Approving a Recommendation from the Building
Review Board for 766 Highview Terrace. (First Reading, and if Desired by the City
Council, Final Approval)
STAFF CONTACT: Catherine Czerniak,
Director of Community Development (810-3504)
PURPOSE AND ACTION REQUESTED: The following recommendation from the Building Review Board is
presented to the City Council for consideration as part of the Omnibus Agenda.
BACKGROUND: 766 Highview Terrace – The Building Review Board recommended approval of an
Ordinance granting a building scale variance for a side and rear addition to replace an existing
smaller addition which will be removed, and approval of modest alterations to the residence. No
public testimony was presented on this petition. (Board vote - 6 to 0)
The Ordinance approving the petition as recommended by the Building Review Board, with key
exhibits attached, is included in the Council packet beginning on page 23. The Ordinance,
complete with all exhibits, is available for review in the Community Development Department.
COUNCIL ACTION: If determined to be appropriate by the City Council, waive first reading
and grant final approval of an Ordinance for 766 Highview Terrace in accordance with the
Building Review Board’s recommendation.
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Monday, April 1, 2024, City Council Agenda
COUNCIL ACTION: Approve the eleven (11) omnibus items as presented
6.OLD BUSINESS
7.NEW BUSINESS
1.Consideration of an Appeal of a Decision of the Historic Preservation Commission
Granting a Certificate of Appropriateness Approving the Design Aspects of a
Replacement Outdoor Terrace at the Northwest Corner of the Gorton Center at 400
Illinois Road. (Action by Motion)
PRESENTED BY: Catherine Czerniak,
Director of Community Development (847-810-3504)
PURPOSE AND ACTION REQUESTED: Consideration of an appeal filed by Mary Sanders, owner of the
property at 389/391 E. Deerpath, Lindsey Draska owner of 381 E. Deerpath, and the Winnett family,
tenants of the coach house at 389 E. Deerpath.
BACKGROUND/DISCUSSION:
The Historic Preservation Commission is charged with evaluating petitions based on the 17
Standards detailed in Chapter 155, Historic Preservation, of the City Code. The standards
relate to the visual character and qualities of projects. The Commission does not have
purview over the use of properties, which is governed by the City’s zoning regulations.
On February 28, 2024, the Historic Preservation Commission considered a request for a
Certificate of Appropriateness for a replacement outdoor terrace at the northwest corner of
the Gorton Center building. The Commission reviewed the replacement terrace based on the
17 Standards the Commission is charged with using to evaluate petitions. After hearing a
presentation from the project architect, comments from Gorton Center representatives, public
testimony, and comments by City staff, the Commission deliberated and concluded that the
replacement terrace as presented satisfies all of the applicable Standards. The Commission
considered the configuration of the terrace in relation to the west facing façade of the
original Gorton building, the proposed materials, and the architectural detailing.
The replacement of the terrace was identified as a need in recent years due to deterioration
that is occurring as a result of drainage issues in the area. Improvements to address drainage
issues near the terrace and beyond will precede the construction of the replacement terrace.
Replacing the terrace provides the opportunity to modestly increase the useable area of the
terrace from 420 square feet to 724 square feet, to more comfortably accommodate a limited
number of tables and chairs. The terrace is intended for passive uses and is not an area that is
programmed for activities. The City Council’s approval of amendments to the Gorton
Center’s Special Use Permit in February of this year has already established use parameters
and limitations consistent with the recommendation from the Zoning Board of Appeals.
The Certificate of Appropriateness was approved by a 6 to 0 vote of the Historic Preservation
Commission. The Certificate of Appropriateness, the findings adopted by the Commission in
support of the decision, the minutes detailing the Commission’s deliberations at the public
hearing, and the staff report and supporting materials submitted to the Commission are all
included in the Council’s packet beginning on page 43.
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Monday, April 1, 2024, City Council Agenda
Guidelines for Appeals to City Council are included in the Council packet beginning on page
35.
COUNCIL ACTION: Options for Council motions are offered below.
1. Deny the appeal and uphold the Historic Preservation Commission’s decision to grant a
Certificate of Appropriateness approving a replacement terrace at the northwest
corner of the Gorton Center.
OR
2. Grant the appeal and overturn the Historic Preservation Commission’s decision and
direct that written findings in support of the City Council’s decision be prepared and
presented to the Council for final action at the next meeting.
OR
3. Remand the matter to the Historic Preservation Commission for further consideration,
public testimony, and action. If the City Council desires to remand the matter back to
the HPC, it should provide direction to the HPC on specific issues it should consider on
remand.
8. ADDITIONAL ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION/ COMMENTS BY COUNCIL MEMBERS
1. EXECUTIVE SESSION
Adjournment into Executive Session
Reconvene into Regular Session
9. ADJOURNMENT
A copy of the Decision Making Parameters is included with this agenda following this page.
Office of the City Manager March 27, 2024
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 Jason Wicha, at (847) 234-2600 promptly to allow the City to make
reasonable accommodations for those persons.
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Monday, April 1, 2024, City Council Agenda
14
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THE CITY OF LAKE FOREST
DECISION-MAKING PARAMETERS FOR CITY COUNCIL,
AND APPOINTED BOARDS & COMMISSIONS
Adopted June 18, 2018
The City of Lake Forest Mission Statement:
"Be the best-managed, fiscally-responsible and appealing community and promote a community
spirit of trust, respect and citizen involvement. "
The Lake Forest City Council, with the advice and recommendations of its appointed advisory
Boards and Commissions, Lake Forest Citizens, and City Staff, is responsible for policy
formulation and approval. Implementation of adopted strategy, policy, budgets, and other
directives of Council is the responsibility of City Staff, led by the City Manager and Senior
Staff. The Mayor and Aldermen, and appointed members of Boards and Commissions should
address matters in a timely, deliberate, objective and process-driven manner, making decisions
guided by the City of Lake Forest Strategic and Comprehensive Plans, the City's Codes,
policies and procedures, and the following parameters:
. Motions and votes should comprise what is in the best long-term interests of all Lake
Forest citizens, measured in decades, being mindful of proven precedents and new
precedents that may be created.
. All points of view should be listened to and considered in making decisions with the
long-term benefit to Lake Forest's general public welfare being the highest priority.
. Fundmg decisions should support effectiveness and economy in providing services
and programs, while mindful of the number ofcidzens benefittmg from such
expenditures.
. New initiatives should be quantified, qualified, and evaluated for their long-tenn merit
and overall fiscal unpact and other consequences to the community.
. Decision makers should be proactive and timely in addressing sto-ategic planning
initiatives, external forces not under control of the City, and other opportunities and
challenges to the community.
Community trust in, and support of, government is fostered by maintaining the integrity of these
decision-making parameters.
The City of Lake Forest 's Decision-Making Parameters shall be reviewed by the City Council on an
annual basis and shall be included on all agendas of the City Council and Boards and Commissions.
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PROCLAMATION
WHEREAS, Arbor Day will be officially observed in the State of Illinois on Friday,
April 26, 2024, by proclamation of the Governor, and the planting of trees
on Arbor Day is a traditional activity throughout the State and The City of
Lake Forest, and
WHEREAS, Lake Forest, with its environment of natural areas, is particularly
dedicated to the observance of this day and has consistency throughout its
history enacted ordinances to preserve its trees and other natural assets and
WHEREAS, citizen groups, garden clubs, and private and public institutions have
actively supported preservation efforts and the renewal of natural areas
through tree planting and landscape projects and
WHEREAS, the celebration of Arbor Day 2024 in Lake Forest will include the
distribution of tree seedlings to the public at designated locations, and
Arbor Day 2024 will be celebrated throughout the day in programs at
schools and other locations and at West Park (located at 850 Summit
Ave), on Friday, April 26 at 10:00 a.m., where the City’s official Arbor
Day tree, one oak tree, will be planted, and
WHEREAS, trees in our City, wherever they are planted, increase property values,
enhance our business and residential areas, beautify our community, and
are a source of joy to gladden the hearts and promote the environmental
well-being of present and future generations, and
WHEREAS, The City of Lake Forest has been recognized as Tree City USA for forty-
four consecutive years by the National Arbor Day Foundation,
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Stanford R. Tack, Mayor of The City of Lake Forest, do hereby
proclaim Friday, April 26, 2024, as ARBOR DAY in The City of Lake Forest, and I urge
all citizens to support efforts to protect our trees and woodlands, to support our City’s
forestry program, to plant trees on this day, and to join in the celebration ceremonies.
IN WITNESS HEREOF, I have hereunder set my hand and have had the Seal of The City
of Lake Forest affixed this 26th day of April 2024.
________________________
Stanford R. Tack, Mayor
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The City of Lake Forest
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Proceedings of the Monday, March 18, 2024
City Council Meeting – City Council Chambers
220 E Deerpath, Lake Forest, IL 60045
CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL: Honorable Mayor Tack called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m., and City
Clerk Margaret Boyer called the roll of Council members.
Present: Honorable Mayor Tack, Alderman Novit, Alderman Powers, Alderman Notz, Alderman Preschlack,
Alderman Weber, and Alderman Walther.
Absent: Alderman Goshgarian and Alderman Waldeck.
CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE was recited by all.
REPORTS OF CITY OFFICERS
COMMENTS BY MAYOR
Mayor Tack on behalf of the Lake Forest City Council and the entire community, expressed gratitude to
Representative Brad Schneider for his help securing federal funding for the Seminary Ravine Project.
Additionally, Mayor Tack expressed gratitude for Senator Julie Morrison for supporting public safety and
prioritizing the Police Department’s needs.
A. Lake Forest Day Proclamation “Lake Forest Salutes Our Welcoming Community”
Mayor Tack read the Proclamation declaring Tuesday, August 6, and Wednesday, August 7 as Lake Forest Day;
photos were taken. A brief video about Lake Forest Day was shared, Mayor Tack asked residents to save the
date, after all, it’s more than just a day!
COMMENTS BY CITY MANAGER
Comments by City Manager are being moved to the April 1 City Council meeting.
OPPORTUNITY FOR CITIZENS TO ADDRESS THE CITY COUNCIL
None this evening
COMMITTEE REPORTS
ITEMS FOR OMNIBUS VOTE CONSIDERATION
1. Approval of March 4, 2024, City Council Meeting Minutes
2. Annual Vendor Approval for FY2025
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Proceedings of the Monday, March 18, 2024
City Council Meeting
3. Approval of a Second Year Renewal with Hoerr Construction, Inc. for the 2024 Sewer Lining
Program, and Authorize the City Manager to Execute an Agreement in the Amount Not to
Exceed $275,000
4. Waive the Bidding Process and Authorize the City Manager to approve used police vehicle
purchases up to a maximum expenditure of $250,000.
5. Approval to Waive the Bid Process and Award a Contract to Northern Divers U.S.A. for the
Water Plant Intake Cleaning Project Included in the FY ’25 Budget, in the amount of $225,000.
6. Consideration of a recommendation from staff to authorize the City Manager to enter into a
contract with Citywide Elevator Inspection Services, Inc.
7. Consideration of Ordinances Approving Recommendations from the Building Review Board for
1062 Valley Road, 715 Forest Hill Drive, 1360 Everett Road, and 545 Whitehall Lane. (First
Reading, and if Desired by the City Council, Final Approval)
8. Consideration of Ordinances Approving Recommendations from the Zoning Board of Appeals
for 1062 Valley Road and 605 College Road. (First Reading, and if Desired by the City Council,
Final Approval)
9. Consideration of an Ordinance Approving a Recommendation from the Historic Preservation
Commission Granting a Building Scale Variance and Approving an Addition and Alterations at
605 College Road. (First Reading and if Desired by the City Council, Final Approval)
Mayor Tack asked members of the City Council if there were any items that they would like removed or taken
separately.
Item # 2 was removed at the request of Alderman Walther stating he is an employee of a vendor on the
approval list.
Mayor Tack removed item # 2 to be taken separately, he asked for a motion on the remaining eight omnibus
items as presented.
Alderman Powers made a motion to approve the eight (8) Omnibus items as presented, seconded by
Alderman Novit. The following voted “Aye”: Alderman Novit, Notz, Powers, Preschlack, Weber, and Walther.
The following voted “Nay”: none. 6-Ayes, 0-Nays, motion carried.
1. Mayor Tack read item # 2 Annual Vendor Approval for FY2025
Alderman Preschlack made a motion to approve item #2, Annual Vendor Approval for FY2025, seconded by
Alderman Novit. The following voted “Aye”: Alderman Novit, Powers, Notz, Preschlack, and Weber. The
following voted “Nay”: none. Alderman Walther recused himself on the vote. 5-Ayes, 1- Abstention, 0-Nays,
motion carried.
Information such as Purpose and Action Requested, Background/Discussion, Budget/Fiscal Impact, Council
Action and a Staff Contact as it relates to the Omnibus items can be found on the agenda.
OLD BUSINESS
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Proceedings of the Monday, March 18, 2024
City Council Meeting
NEW BUSINESS
ADDITIONAL ITEMS FOR COUNCIL DISCUSSION/COMMENTS BY COUNCIL MEMBERS
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business Mayor Tack asked for a motion to adjourn. Alderman Weber made a motion
to adjourn, seconded by Alderman Preschlack. Motion carried unanimously by voice vote at 6:41 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Margaret Boyer, City Clerk
A video of the City Council meeting is available for viewing at the Lake Forest Library and on file in the Clerk’s
office at City Hall. You can also view it on the website by visiting www.cityoflakeforest.com. Click on I Want To,
then click on View, then choose Archived Meetings Videos.
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January 17, 2024
Mr. Jason Wicha, Village Manager
City of Lake Forest
Sent via email to: wichaj@cityoflakeforest.com
Dear Mr. Wicha:
I am writing to request your municipality’s participation in Lake County’s Private Activity Bond
Clearinghouse (PABC) in 2024. Each year, Lake County Partners contacts the home rule communities in
Lake County to request a pooling together of the volume cap to ensure the best use of our collective private
activity bond allocation. The PABC cap for each year is transferred to the Village of Buf falo Grove, the
Pool’s host home rule community. If your municipality is interested in participating, your governing body
must approve a resolution and submit it to the Governor’s Office before Friday, May 10, 2024. A sample
resolution is attached for your use.
Since its inception, the Lake County PABC has funded nearly $200,000,000 in local projects, which has
resulted in the construction of over 360,000 sq. ft. of new manufacturing space, the creation of 648 new
manufacturing jobs, the renovation of 1,600 multi-family dwelling units, the purchase of an estimated 251
homes by first-time homebuyers, the expansion of a Montessori School, and the construction of a new solid
waste disposal cell.
Please click on the following link to review the: “State of Illinois’ Guidelines and Procedures for the
Allocation of Private Activity Bonding Authority in Accordance with the Tax Reform Act of 1986 and 30
ILCS 345”. Per page 4 of this document, this year’s per capita amount is $125.00, and the population data
estimates outlined within these guidelines are based on Census information. The population estimate for
City of Lake Forest is 19,252, bringing your municipality’s 2024 allocation to $2,406,500.00.
Your municipality’s approval of a resolution to transfer its volume cap to the Village of Buffalo Grove will
preserve the volume cap in Lake County for a three-year period for the important reasons outlined above.
Lake County Partners therefore requests that you place a resolution similar to the attached example
on your Board’s schedule for approval and forward the approved resolution to the attention of the
Governor’s Office as soon as possible in the manner outlined within page 3 of the above hyperlinked
Guidelines and Procedures document; please note that all reporting submissions are to be submitted
in both hard copy and electronic format.
Please copy me at bprusila@lakecountypartners.com on your Board’s actions and subsequent
notification to the Governor’s Office, or notify me if your community chooses not to participate in
this year’s pool so that we may more effectively manage the process next year. If you have any specific
questions or concerns, please feel free to get in touch directly at 847 -597-1230.
We appreciate your support and look forward to working with you.
Sincerely,
Barbara C. Prusila
Marketing & Communications Director
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RESOLUTION NO. _______
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF LAKE FOREST, ILLINOIS
REALLOCATING 2024 VOLUME CAP
TO THE VILLAGE OF BUFFALO GROVE, ILLINOIS
WHEREAS, the City of Lake Forest, Lake County, Illinois the (“City”), is a municipality and
a home rule unit of government duly organized and validly existing under Section 6(a) of Article
VII of the 1970 Constitution and laws of the State of Illinois; and
WHEREAS, certain tax exempt private activity bonds may be issued only if sufficient
volume cap pursuant to Section 146 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the
“Code”), is available for the bonds; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to the Code, the City has been allocated volume cap equal to
$125.00 per resident of the City in calendar year 2024, or $2,406,500 for the issuance of such tax
exempt private activity bonds; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to Section 6 and Section 6.1 of the Illinois Private Activity Bond
Allocation Act, 30 ILCS 345/1 et seq. (the “Bond Allocation Act), and the Guidelines and
Procedures promulgated thereunder, the City may, prior to May 1, 2024, reallocate to other home
rule units of government the volume cap allocated to the City by the Code for their issuance of
such tax exempt private activity bonds or for subsequent transfer or reallocation; and
WHEREAS, the City has not used any of its 2024 volume cap and has no present intention
to use the same; and
WHEREAS, the Lake County Partnership for Economic Development, Inc. has offered
Lake County home rule communities the opportunity to participate in a program to combine their
respective volume cap allocations and create a Private Activity Bond Clearinghouse Pool (the
“Pool”) to facilitate the issuance of tax-exempt private activity bonds to finance, manufacturing
and multi-family housing commercial projects in Lake County, Illinois, for economic development
purposes (“Eligible Projects”); and
WHEREAS, the Village of Buffalo Grove, a home rule unit of government (“Buffalo
Grove”), pursuant to its Resolution No. 2001-51 adopted December 17, 2001, agreed to host the
Pool and to reserve its own volume cap, and accept volume cap reallocated to Buffalo Grove by
other home rule units of government, for the issuance of tax-exempt private activity bonds placed
through the Pool to finance Eligible Projects; and
WHEREAS, Buffalo Grove has requested that the City reallocate all of its 2024 volume
cap to Buffalo Grove to be used for the issuance of tax-exempt private activity bonds placed
through the Pool to finance Eligible Projects;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LAKE
FOREST, LAKE COUNTY, ILLINOIS, as follows:
Section 1: Recitals. The foregoing recitals are incorporated in and made a part of this
Resolution by this reference as findings of the City Council.
Section 2: Transfer and Reallocation of 2024 Volume Cap. Pursuant to Section 6 and Section
6.1 of the Bond Allocation Act and the Guidelines and Procedures promulgated
thereunder, the City irrevocably agrees to, and does hereby, transfer and
reallocate all of its 2024 volume cap to Buffalo Grove to be used for the issuance
of tax-exempt private activity bonds placed through the Pool to finance Eligible
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Projects as directed by the Advisory Committee created pursuant to Buffalo Grove
Resolution No. 2001-51.
Section 3: Agreement. This Resolution shall constitute the agreement of the City to a different
allocation under Section 146(e)(3) of the Code and the writing required under
Section 6 of the Bond Allocation Act.
Section 4: Warranty. The City covenants and warrants that it has taken no action or issued
bonds that would abrogate, diminish, or impair its ability to fulfill the written
agreement, covenants, and undertakings on its part under this Resolution.
Section 5: Authorization. As required by the Bond Allocation Act and the Guidelines and
Procedures promulgated thereunder, a certified copy of this Resolution shall be
transmitted to the Office of the Governor of the State of Illinois. Any and all
appropriate and proper officers, officials, agents, and employees of the City are
hereby authorized, empowered, and directed to take all necessary and advisable
actions, and to execute all such documents and certificates, as may be necessary
to further the purposes and intent of this Resolution.
Section 6: Maintain Record. The City shall maintain a written record of this Resolution in its
records for so long as the bonds to which the volume cap transferred by this
Resolution is reallocated remain outstanding.
Section 7: Effective Date. This Resolution shall be in full force and effect from and after its
passage and approval as required by law and is enacted by the City pursuant to
its powers under the laws of the State of Illinois and the Illinois Constitution of 1970
and its home rule powers.
PASSED this _____ day of __________________, 2024
AYES:
NAYS:
ABSENT:
APPROVED this _____ day of _______________, 2024
____________________________________
Mayor
ATTEST:
__________________________
City Clerk
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Maureen Eddy Grinnell
745 South Camelot Court
Lake Forest, Illinois 60045
847.878.3022
March 26, 2024
Mayor Stanford “Randy” Tack
City of Lake Forest
220 East Deerpath Road
Lake Forest, IL 60045
Dear Mayor Tack,
I understand that an appeal of the Historic Preserva�on Commission’s February 28, 2024
approval of the replacement terrace at Gorton Center, 400 East Illinois Road, was filed by a
neighbor, Mary Sanders, who lives at 391 East Deerpath, her tenants the Winnets, and Lindsey
Draskas at 381 East Deerpath.
I hereby appoint Catherine Czerniak, Director of Community Development, as my designee and
authorize her to appear before the City Council on April 1, 2024 on my behalf and present a
report on the decision of the Commission and the findings on which it was based. I understand
that the appeal is on the record created at the Commission and that no new evidence will be
introduced.
Ms. Czerniak was present for the full proceedings and heard the delibera�ons, reasoning, and
decisions of the Commission on this mater.
Sincerely,
Maureen Eddy Grinnell
Chair, Historic Preserva�on Commission
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