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CC_2024_10_21_MINUTESThe City of Lake Forest CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES Proceedings of the Monday, October 21, 2024 6:30 pm 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 Notz, Alderman Powers, Alderman Goshgarina, Alderman LeVert, Alderman Weber and Alderman Walther. Absent: none CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE was recited by all. REPORTS OF CITY OFFICERS COMMENTS BY MAYOR Mayor Tack read the resolution of sympathy into the record and shared the Councils deepest sympathies with the Altounian Family. A. Resolutions of Sympathy for former Alderman James Altounian COUNCIL ACTION: Approve the Resolution of Sympathy Mayor Tack asked for a motion. Alderman Goshgarian made a motion to approve the resolution of sympathy, seconded by Alderman Notz. The motion was carried unanimously by voice vote. Mayor Tack invited Catherine Czerniak, Director of Community Development to the podium. Ms. Czerniak read a Resolution of Respect from the Chicago Bears into the record. Here is a partial clip from the Resolution of Respect. Whereas he was one of our longest-standing fans dating back to 1974. Whereas during his time as a devoted fan, he saw at least 20 Bears players earn their place in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, legends like Walter Payton, Dick Butkus and Gale Sayers. Whereas in 2016, we had the privilege of honoring Jim on the field during our game against the Denver Broncos, a moment that reflected the admiration we have for him and acknowledging him as someone who truly embody what it means to be a Chicago Bears fan. Whereas we are grateful for the many years he spent cheering for the Chicago Bears. Whereas we hope that his legacy and love for the team continue to inspire those who knew him. Our thoughts are with Jim’s family and friends during this difficult time. Proceedings of the Monday, October 21, 2024 City Council Meeting B. Forest Park Pathway Project and Bluff Stabilization Mayor Tack reported that It's been a busy year at Forest Park, with major progress on both the Bluff Stabilization and Beach Pathway Projects. A few weeks ago, we celebrated the completion of the Forest Park Beach Pathway Project with a beautiful ribbon-cutting ceremony. The Pathway Project was made possible thanks to the incredible generosity of Lake Forest residents, who donated nearly $1 million dollars. Tonight, we're excited to share a timelapse video highlighting activity at Forest Park from August 2023 through October 2024, showcasing the transformation of the bluff and pathway. These projects align with "Infrastructure and City Facilities," a key focus of the City’s 2025- 2030 Strategic Plan. Both the Bluff Stabilization and Pathway Projects represent significant improvements to our City’s infrastructure, ensuring a lasting positive impact for our residents well into the future. City Manager stated that almost every staff member touched both projects ranging from support to feet on the ground. He said it gives him the opportunity to thank all staff involved. He reiterated that we should not take for granted the amazing staff that we have. COMMENTS BY CITY MANAGER City Manager Wicha welcomed Founder and President, Annie McAveeney, noting all that Fill a Heart4Kids does in Lake Forest, from helping one child to over 4000 Lake and Cook county foster, homeless and at-risk youth by providing food, critical necessities, life skills and educational support to empower and build brighter futures. A. Community Spotlight - Fill A Heart 4 Kids, Annie McAveeney, Founder and President Annie McAveeney reported that Fill a Heart 4Kids has been supporting kids for over nineteen years. She added that volunteerism in Lake Forest starts with the youth from preschool to high school, last year there were 6 to 7,000 volunteers who helped make Fill a Heart4Kids successful. She reviewed current and future program plans. Noting there are volunteer opportunities six days a week. The City Council noted that her work is both impressive and heartbreaking. OPPORTUNITY FOR CITIZENS TO ADDRESS THE CITY COUNCIL Diane offered her opinion to the Council on Bluff and Pathway Projects. COMMITTEE REPORTS FINANCE COMMITTEE 1. GFOA Triple Crown Award Presentation and Distinguished Budget Presentation Award Finance Committee Chair Weber reported that the City was notified by the Government Finance Officers Association that the City’s FY23 Popular Annual Financial Report (PAFR) has received the GFOA’s PAFR Award. The GFOA established the Popular Annual Financial Reporting Awards Program (PAFR Program) in 1991. Successfully achieving this award puts the City in a very exclusive club as a GFOA “Triple Crown” winner for the 3rd year in a row. This designation is for governmental units that have been awarded the GFOA Certificate of Proceedings of the Monday, October 21, 2024 City Council Meeting Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting, the GFOA Distinguished Budget Presentation award, and the GFOA PAFR Award. • The City has earned the GFOA Financial Reporting Award 45 consecutive years • The City has earned the GFOA Budget Presentation Award for 9 consecutive years, including recently being notified of receiving the award for the City’s FY25 budget • The City has earned the GFOA PAFR award for 3 consecutive years According to the US Census Bureau, there are only 354 units of government in the United States currently hold “GFOA Triple Crown” Finance Chair Weber stated that the Finance Department team is to be commended for the excellent work they do each and every day that allows for the City to be successful in achieving these national recognitions. 2. Acknowledge Receipt of the FY2024 Treasurer’s Report Finance Committee Chair Weber introduced Jamese Scott, Staff Accountant. Ms. Scott stated pursuant to Illinois Statute, a Treasurer’s Report must be filed with the City Clerk, the County Clerk, and published in a Lake Forest newspaper within six months after the end of each fiscal year. The report will be published in the October 24, 2024, edition of the Lake Forester. She then gave a brief overview of what the treasures report entails, summarizing the City’s financial position. Finance Chair Weber remarked excellent work! COUNCIL ACTION: Acknowledge receipt of the FY2024 Treasurer’s Report Finance Chair Weber asked for a motion. Alderman Walther made a motion to acknowledge receipt of the FY 2024 Treasurer’s report, seconded by Alderman Powers. The motion was carried unanimously by voice vote. ITEMS FOR OMNIBUS VOTE CONSIDERATION 1. Approval of the October 7, 2024, City Council Meeting Minutes 2. Consideration of a Request to Waive the Fidelity Bond Requirement in Connection with Holding Three Raffles in the City of Lake Forest for the School of St. Mary Parent Association (Approval by Motion) 3. Approval of Health Insurance Contracts for Calendar Year 2025 4. Approve the contract to Camp Nageela Midwest, dba Camp Henry Horner in the amount of $34,000. 5. Approval of a Public Works Committee Recommendation to Authorize the City Manager to Execute all Required Permanent Easement Acquisition Documents for the Deerpath Streetscape Project to Include the Potential Purchase of Needed Easements in an Amount not to Exceed $54,700 6. Approval of a Purchase of a Replacement Forestry Section Stump Grinder in the Amount of $105,316 and the Trade-In of the Current 2005 Forestry Section Stump Grinder as Surplus Property in the amount of $7,500 to Alexander Equipment Co. Inc. Proceedings of the Monday, October 21, 2024 City Council Meeting 7. Consideration of a Recommendation from the Plan Commission in Support of a Plat of Condominium for a building under construction at 1095 Kelmscott Way. (Approval by Motion) COUNCIL ACTION: Approve the seven (7) omnibus items as presented Mayor Tack asked the Council if there were any items to be removed or taken separately. Seeing none, he asked for a motion. Alderman Walther made a motion to approve the seven (7) Omnibus items as presented, seconded by Alderman Weber. The following voted “Aye”: Alderman Novit, Clemens, Notz, Powers, Goshgarian, LeVert, Weber and Walther. The following voted “Nay”: none. 8-Ayes, 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 NEW BUSINESS ADDITIONAL ITEMS FOR COUNCIL DISCUSSION/COMMENTS BY COUNCIL MEMBERS City Council asked the City to put out a statement about dogs at the beach. City Manager Wicha reported that staff can review current policy and that the City Council can direct staff should a change be warranted. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business Mayor Tack asked for a motion to adjourn. Alderman Novit made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Alderman LeVert. The motion was carried unanimously by voice vote at 7:35 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.