CC_2022_04_04_MINUTESThe City of Lake Forest
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Proceedings of the Tuesday, April 4, 2022
City Council Meeting - City Council Chambers
220 E Deerpath
CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL: Honorable Mayor Pandaleon called the meeting to order at 6:30pm, and
the City Clerk Margaret Boyer called the roll of Council members.
Present: Honorable Mayor Pandaleon, Alderman Morris, Alderman Karras, Alderman Rummel, Alderman
Notz, Alderman Preschlack, Alderman Goshgarian, Alderman Buschmann and Alderman Weber.
Absent: None
CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE was recited.
REPORTS OF CITY OFFICERS
COMMENTS BY MAYOR
A. Approval of a Resolution of Appreciation for Retiring Deputy Fire Chief, Kevin Cronin
Mayor Pandaleon read the Resolution of Appreciation for Retiring Deputy Fire Chief, Kevin Cronin.
COUNCIL ACTION: Approve the Resolution of Appreciation for Retiring Deputy Fire Chief, Kevin Cronin
Deputy Fire Chief, Kevin Cronin thanked the City Council and staff for their kind remarks and recognition. He
expressed gratitude for the community and organization.
Alderman Goshgarian made a motion to Approve the Resolution of Appreciation for Retiring Deputy Fire
Chief, Kevin Cronin, seconded by Alderman Preschlack. The following voted “Aye”: Alderman Karras,
Rummel, Notz, Preschlack, Goshgarian, Buschmann and Weber. The following voted “Nay”: None. 7-Ayes, 0
Nays, motion carried.
COMMENTS BY CITY MANAGER
OPPORTUNITY FOR CITIZENS TO ADDRESS THE CITY COUNCIL ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS
COMMITTEE REPORTS
PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE
1. Report on the 2022 Patching & Resurfacing Project (Omnibus Item overview)
- Michael Thomas, Director of Public Works
Proceedings of the Monday, April 4, 2022
Regular City Council Meeting
Director of Public Works, Michael Thomas, provided a brief overview of the patching and resurfacing project
explaining the various items that are done in house, and items that the City will contract out. Mr. Thomas
explained that funding was reduced this year, due to the usage of asphalt. He explained that the work will
be done from May 2022- July 2022 to avoid school traffic. Additionally, Mr. Thomas displayed a map
explaining the various roads that will be resurfaced during 2022.
The City Council thanked Mr. Thomas for prioritizing concerns over Conway Road.
2. Authorize the City Manager to Execute an Agreement for Construction of the Burr Oak Area
Storm Sewer Project to DiMeo Brothers, Inc. in the Base Amount of $3,896,876 Plus a 10%
Contingency of $389,688. Contingent Upon Final Legal Counsel Approval of the Lake Forest /
Lake County Stormwater Management Commission Inter-Governmental Agreement (SMC
IGA hereafter), Approve a Change Order in the Amount of $655,150 Plus a 10% Contingency
of $65,515 for a Total Not-to-Exceed Project Amount of $5,007,229
Director of Public Works, Michael Thomas, provided background regarding the timeline of the project,
beginning in early May, and the communications pieces being created for the project. Mr. Thomas stated
that from the 2019 storm water study conducted, the Burr Oak storm sewer was listed as a top priority. He
further explained the bidding process stating DiMeo Brothers being utilized by the City before in addition to
using engineering assistance to identify changes that need to be made. Mr. Thomas highlighted the
communications plan explaining the usage of in-person meetings, letters mailed to residents, flyers, and the
usage of all digital forms of communication.
The City Council asked clarifying questions regarding the construction of the 1401 N Western Avenue
building.
COUNCIL ACTION: Authorize the City Manager to Execute an Agreement for Construction of the Burr Oak
Area Storm Sewer Project to DiMeo Brothers, Inc. in the Base Amount of $3,896,876 Plus a 10%
Contingency of $389,688. Contingent Upon Final Legal Counsel Approval of the Lake Forest / Lake County
Stormwater Management Commission Inter-Governmental Agreement (SMC IGA hereafter), Approve a
Change Order in the Amount of $655,150 Plus a 10% Contingency of $65,515 for a Total Not-to-Exceed
Project Amount of $5,007,229
Alderman Rummel made a motion to Authorize the City Manager to Execute an Agreement for Construction
of the Burr Oak Area Storm Sewer Project to DiMeo Brothers, Inc. in the Base Amount of $3,896,876 Plus a
10% Contingency of $389,688. Contingent Upon Final Legal Counsel Approval of the Lake Forest / Lake
County Stormwater Management Commission Inter-Governmental Agreement (SMC IGA hereafter),
Approve a Change Order in the Amount of $655,150 Plus a 10% Contingency of $65,515 for a Total Not-to-
Exceed Project Amount of $5,007,229, seconded by Alderman Goshgarian. The following voted “Aye”:
Alderman Morris, Karras, Rummel, Notz, Preschlack, Goshgarian, Buschmann and Weber. The following
voted “Nay”: None. 8-Ayes, 0 Nays, motion carried.
3. Authorize the City Manager to Execute an Agreement for Construction Assistance Services
for the Burr Oak Area Storm Sewer Project to GeWalt Hamilton Associates, Inc. in an Amount
Not-to-Exceed $40,250
Mayor Pandaleon read the item and asked the City Council for comments, seeing none. He asked for a
motion
COUNCIL ACTION: Authorize the City Manager to Execute an Agreement for Construction Assistance
Services for the Burr Oak Area Storm Sewer Project to GeWalt Hamilton Associates, Inc. in an Amount
Not-to-Exceed $40,250
Proceedings of the Monday, April 4, 2022
Regular City Council Meeting
Alderman Morris made a motion to Authorize the City Manager to Execute an Agreement for Construction
Assistance Services for the Burr Oak Area Storm Sewer Project to GeWalt Hamilton Associates, Inc. in an
Amount Not-to-Exceed $40,250, seconded by Alderman Weber. The following voted “Aye”: Alderman
Morris, Karras, Rummel, Notz, Preschlack, Goshgarian, Buschmann and Weber. The following voted “Nay”:
None. 8-Ayes, 0 Nays, motion carried.
ITEMS FOR OMNIBUS VOTE CONSIDERATION
1. Approval of March 7, 2022, City Council Meeting Minutes
2. Approval of the Check Register for the Period of February 26 – March 25, 2022
3. Approval of a Resolution Reallocating 2022 Volume Cap to the Village of Buffalo Grove,
Illinois
4. Consideration of a Request to Waive the Fidelity Bond Requirement in Connection with the
School of St. Mary Holding a Raffle in The City of Lake Forest. (Approval by Motion)
5. Consideration of an Ordinance Amending the City of Lake Forest City Code Regarding the
Class C-1 and C-3 Liquor Licenses (First reading and if appropriate final approval)
6. Award of the Lowest Responsive and Responsible Proposal for Dialogue Newsletter Printing
Services to Lake County Press, Inc., in the Amount of $40,180 and a contingency in the
amount of $1,800, for a total of $41,980
7. Approve the Purchase of Mobile Radios for the Fire Department from state bid vendor
Motorola Solutions in the Amount of $100,793.86, of which $86,137.30 is Grant Funded
8. Approval to Award a Three-Year Contract to First Student for Recreation Department
Program and CROYA Bussing Services.
9. Approval to Award the Forest Park Boardwalk Project Design to Hey and Associates, Inc. in
the Amount of $60,000.
10. Award of Bid for the Public Safety Fire Garage Roof Replacement Project to the Lowest
Responsive and Responsible Bidder Riddiford Roofing and Authorize the City Manager to
Execute an Agreement in the Amount of $378,636 to Include a 10% Contingency in the
Amount of $38,864 for a Total of $416,500
11. Award of the Low Bid for the 2022 Patching & Resurfacing Project to Peter Baker & Son Co.
and Authorize the City Manager to Execute an Agreement in the Amount Not to Exceed
$850,000
12. Consideration of an Ordinance Approving a Recommendation from the Historic Preservation
Commission. (First Reading and if Desired by the City Council, Final Approval)
13. Consideration of Ordinances Approving Recommendations from the Zoning Board of
Appeals. (First Reading, and if Desired by the City Council, Final Approval)
14. Consideration of Ordinances Approving Recommendations from the Building Review Board.
(First Reading, and if Desired by the City Council, Final Approval)
Proceedings of the Monday, April 4, 2022
Regular City Council Meeting
15. Consideration of Recommendations from the Plan Commission and Building Review Board in
Support of Adaptive Reuse and Expansion of an Existing Office Building at 1401 N. Western
Avenue for Multi-Family Residential Use (Waive First Reading and Grant Final Approval of
Ordinances)
COUNCIL ACTION: Approval of the twelve (15) Omnibus items as presented
Mayor Pandaleon asked members of the Council if they would like to remove any item or take it separately.
Alderman Goshgarian disclosed that he has a financial interest in item #15, and that after City Attorney
discussion it was not necessary to recuse himself. Mayor Pandaleon noted item # 9 was brought forward
because there has been a donation to the City. Alderman Buschmann inquired about naming rights. City
Manager Wicha acknowledged the donor and stated this will be back at the City Council for recognition.
Mayor Pandaleon again asked the Council if there were any other items. Seeing none, he asked for a
motion. Alderman Karras made a motion to approve the fifteen (15) Omnibus items as presented, seconded
by Alderman Rummel. The following voted “Aye”: Alderman Morris, Karras, Rummel, Notz, Preschlack,
Goshgarian, Buschmann and Weber. The following voted “Nay”: None. 8-Ayes, 0 Nays, motion carried.
Information such as Purpose and Action Requested, Background/Discussion, Budget/Fiscal Impact,
Recommended Action and a Staff Contact as it relates to the Omnibus items can be found on the agenda.
ORDINANCES
OLD BUSINESS
NEW BUSINESS
Mayor Pandaleon moved this item to be heard earlier in the agenda, following opportunity for citizens to
address the city council on non-agenda items.
1. Consideration of a Recommendation from the Parks and Recreation Board in Support of
Improvement of the Athletic Fields at Deerpath Park with Artificial Turf Fields and a Request
for Authorization to Proceed with Next Steps to Implement the Recommendation
Director of Parks and Recreation, Sally Swarthout, provided an in-depth presentation regarding the
recommendation from the Parks and Recreation Board in support of improvements to the athletic fields at
Deerpath park. Ms. Swarthout explained the recommendation provides guidance to proceed with next steps
on the project. She began by displaying the number of historic cancellations due to weather and field
conditions, stating that scheduled practices and games are cancelled due to poor field condition especially
during the spring and fall months.
Ms. Swarthout exhibited a project timeline, dating back to 2019 when the Parks and Recreation Master Plan
was approved, including the need to improve athletic fields in the City. The timeline walked through the
feasibility study, the City Council workshops, the schematic design process, the residential survey, and the
various community engagement sessions. Additionally, Ms. Swarthout presented four options discussed by
the Parks and Recreation board, ultimately concluding to recommend artificial turf improvements to
Deerpath Park.
Proceedings of the Monday, April 4, 2022
Regular City Council Meeting
Finally, Ms. Swarthout reviewed the options for the City Council action. Approve the recommendation from
the Park and Recreation Board, reject the recommendation from the Park and Recreation Board, or table
the discussion on athletic field improvements.
Members of the City Council offered their opinion and asked clarifying questions. The City Council continued
lengthy discussion regarding the options presented to be considered by the City Council.
Mac Elliot offered comments to the City Council in opposition to athletic field improvements utilizing
synthetic turf and encouraged the Council to build community consensus.
Michele McClain offered comments to the City Council in opposition to athletic field improvements utilizing
synthetic turf noting health and safety concerns.
Paul Hamann offered comments to the City Council in opposition to athletic field improvements utilizing
synthetic turf and encouraged moving play to a dry area.
Mary Galea offered comments to the City Council in opposition to athletic field improvements utilizing
synthetic turf noting fiscal responsibility and health concerns.
Erin Lonegran offered comments to the City Council in opposition to athletic field improvements utilizing
synthetic turf encouraging natural grass improvements.
Richard Chun offered comments to the City Council in opposition to athletic field improvements utilizing
synthetic turf encouraging the Council to act in the best interest to improve the fields.
Marcus Schabacker offered comments to the City Council in opposition to athletic field improvements
utilizing synthetic turf noting injury and environmental impacts.
Yuh Schabacker-Koppel offered comments to the City Council in opposition to athletic field improvements
utilizing synthetic turf asking the Council to table the item and study natural grass option.
Wiebke Droege offered comments to the City Council in opposition to athletic field improvements utilizing
synthetic turf noting that the products are not recyclable, and the option is not sustainable.
Jennifer Turner offered comments to the City Council in opposition to athletic field improvements utilizing
synthetic turf noting land preservation.
Erin Helms offered comments to the City Council in opposition to athletic field improvements utilizing
synthetic turf noting health concerns and asked the council to consider a dome option.
David Hamming offered comments to the City Council in opposition to athletic field improvements utilizing
synthetic turf noting injury.
Brian Dacy offered comments to the City Council in favor of athletic field improvements utilizing synthetic
turf noting dangerous conditions when the grass fields are wet.
Tom Ford offered comments to the City Council in favor of athletic field improvements utilizing synthetic
turf noting that being able to get on a field and play a sport has great impact on children’s wellbeing.
Dewey Winebreuner offered comments to the City Council in favor of athletic field improvements utilizing
synthetic turf noting turf fields will not change the character of Lake Forest.
Proceedings of the Monday, April 4, 2022
Regular City Council Meeting
Quinn Garrigan offered comments to the City Council in favor of athletic field improvements utilizing
synthetic turf not that the grass fields are unkept and as a coach kids need to get out and play.
Simrata offered comments to the City Council in opposition to athletic field improvements utilizing synthetic
turf noting health and safety concerns and lower extremity injury
The City Council took a five-minute break.
Jackie Greca offered comments to the City Council in favor of athletic field improvements utilizing synthetic
turf noting we need to start with engineering.
Deborah Gallagher offered comments to the City Council in favor of athletic field improvements utilizing
synthetic turf noting that the AYSO needs the improvement.
Jodi Cofer offered comments to the City Council in opposition to athletic field improvements utilizing
synthetic turf noting health concerns.
Steve Mahn offered comments to the City Council in favor of athletic field improvements utilizing synthetic
turf noting that natural grass drainage doesn’t last.
Brady Goodman offered comments to the City Council in favor of athletic field improvements utilizing
synthetic turf noting safety of turf.
Tim Hender offered comments to the City Council in favor of athletic field improvements utilizing synthetic
turf encouraging the Council to move this to the next step.
Kate Rother offered comments to the City Council in favor of athletic field improvements utilizing synthetic
turf noting families need this option.
Reid Kelly offered comments to the City Council in favor of athletic field improvements utilizing synthetic
turf noting the value of turf fields.
Mary Mathews offered comments to the City Council in opposition to athletic field improvements utilizing
synthetic turf noting a different conclusion based on the evidence.
Sally Grover offered comments to the City Council in opposition to athletic field improvements utilizing
synthetic turf noting emission concerns on wildlife.
The City Council had additional discussion, asking City staff clarifying questions.
COUNCIL ACTION: Options for Council consideration are offered below.
Approve the recommendation from the Parks and Recreation Board and authorize and direct the City
Manager to conduct a Request for Proposals process to select a firm to complete an engineering and
design study for artificial turf athletic fields at Deerpath Park. After completion of the Request for
Proposals process, return to the City Council for consideration of the award of the contract.
OR
Reject the recommendation from the Parks and Recreation Board and authorize and direct the City
Manager to conduct an RFP process for an engineering and design study for natural turf athletic fields or a
hybrid approach at Deerpath Park. After completion of the Request for Proposals process, return to the
City Council for consideration of the award of the contract.
Proceedings of the Monday, April 4, 2022
Regular City Council Meeting
OR
Table the discussion of athletic field improvements
Alderman Notz made a motion to Approve the recommendation from the Parks and Recreation Board and
authorize and direct the City Manager to conduct a Request for Proposals process to select a firm to
complete an engineering and design study for artificial turf athletic fields at Deerpath Park. After
completion of the Request for Proposals process, return to the City Council for consideration of the award of
the contract, seconded by Alderman Preschlack. The following voted “Aye”: Alderman Morris, Notz,
Preschlack, Goshgarian, and Weber. The following voted “Nay”: Alderman Karras, Rummel and Buschmann.
5-Ayes, 3-Nays, motion carried.
ADDITIONAL ITEMS FOR COUNCIL DISCUSSION/COMMENTS BY COUNCIL MEMBERS
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business Mayor Pandaleon asked for a motion. Alderman Preschlack made a motion
to adjourn, seconded by Alderman Goshgarian. Motion carried unanimously by voice vote at 10:45 pm.
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.