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CC_2025_08_04 MINUTESThe City of Lake Forest CITY COUNCIL MEETING Proceedings of Monday, August 4, 2025 City Council Meeting – City Council Chambers 220 E Deerpath, Lake Forest, IL 60045 CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL: Mayor Tack called the meeting to order at 6:58 p.m., and City Clerk Margaret Boyer called the roll of Council members. Present: Mayor Tack, Alderman Novit, Alderman Clemens, Alderman Notz, Alderman Powers, Alderman LeVert, Alderman Weber, and Alderman Walther. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE was recited by all those present. REPORTS OF CITY OFFICERS COMMENTS BY MAYOR Mayor Tack reminded the community of Lake Forest Day. He announced the Dialogue winner, Meredith Peper. Mayor Tack read the Resolution of Appreciation. Photos were taken. A. Resolution of Appreciation for retiring Deputy Clerk, Joyce McAndrews COUNCIL ACTION: Approve the resolution of Appreciation. Alderman Novit made a motion to approve the Resolution of Appreciation, seconded by Alderman Weber. The motion passed unanimously by voice vote. B. 2025-2026 Board and Commission Appointments and Reappointments SENIOR RESOURCE COMMISSION NAME OF MEMBER APPOINT/REAPPOINT WARD Joanne Bluhm APPOINT 4 PLAN COMMISSION NAME OF MEMBER APPOINT/REAPPOINT WARD Lisa Nehring REAPPOINT 3 COUNCIL ACTION: Approve the Mayor’s Appointments and Reappointments Alderman LeVert made a motion to approve the Resolution of Appreciation, seconded by Alderman Powers. The motion passed unanimously by voice vote. COMMENTS BY CITY MANAGER Proceedings of the August 4, 2025 Regular City Council Meeting City Manager Wicha introduced Dr. Tanya Huang, President of Friends of the Lake Forest Library. A. Community Spotlight - Friends of Lake Forest Library - Dr. Tanya Huang, President of the Friends of Lake Forest Library Dr. Huang gave a brief history of the annual book sale. She reported that over 3 million dollars has been raised. She went on to share the restoration projects that have been funded. She also stated that the book Sale will be Friday- Sunday at the Rec Center. The Friends of Lake Forest Library will be celebrating 50 years in 2026. City Manager Wicha then introduced Byron Kutz, Engineering Superintendent, to provide the monthly Streetscape Project update and the Bank Lane Construction Project update. B. Deerpath Streetscape Project- Monthly Update - Byron Kutz, Engineering Superintendent Byron Kutz, Engineering Superintendent, shared a video and reviewed recent work that has been completed. A review of upcoming work that included granite curb installation, shifting pedestrian traffic to the south sidewalk, and sidewalk removal on the north side. The Western Avenue closure is from August 7-24, and 3 business grant applications have been received. He stated that the project was still on track. Mr. Kutz reported on the construction communication series, Meet the Engineer, on Thursday, August 6, from 6-7 pm. He then reported on the Bank Lane enhancements, noting that the majority of work is during the day and the most disruptive work will happen at night, the masonry wall installation is ongoing, and later this week or the next the remaining concrete sidewalk base course will be put in, and lastly, pedestrians will shift back to sidewalks and the pavement will be removed. City Manager Wicha introduced the item, and John Burke, Chief of Police C. Community Emergency Response Team Training Program - John Burke, Chief of Police Chief Burke highlighted the success of the City First Community Emergency Response Team, which is a national program that trains residents to assist in emergencies. Their training includes first aid, fire safety, search and rescue, disaster preparedness, and traffic direction. The 11 recent graduates will form Lake Forest’s first official CERTS Team. OPPORTUNITY FOR CITIZENS TO ADDRESS THE CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEE REPORTS PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE 1. Approval of a Resolution for a Joint Funding Agreement for Federally Funded Construction with the state of Illinois Department of Transportation for Construction of the Lake Woodbine Bridge Project, Section Number 12-00094-00-BR, for a Local Match Estimated at $1,212,952, and Authorize the City Manager to Execute Required Agreements and Additional Paperwork as Required by IDOT Related to Work on This Project Byron Kutz, P.E., Superintendent of Engineering, reported that this item was last seen in June to proceed with the standard arch bridge. One of the last steps is to complete the funding agreement to get on the September letting schedule with IDOT. The City received two construction grants for a total of $3,680,000 with a local Proceedings of the August 4, 2025 Regular City Council Meeting match of $1,212,952 (excluding construction engineering and contingency). IDOT requires funding agreements to be executed by the City before the bid opening. The bid opening is September 19, 2025. The City Council had a discussion on the total cost of the project, the total number of cars on the bridge per day (500), and the ability to pay for this is only because of the grants the City can get. The Mayor asked if there was anyone from the public who would like to comment. Seeing none, he asked for a motion. COUNCIL ACTION: Approval of a Resolution for a Joint Funding Agreement for Federally Funded Construction with the State of Illinois Department of Transportation for Construction of the Lake Woodbine Bridge Project, Section Number 12-00094-00-BR, for a Local Match Estimated at $1,212,952, and Authorize the City Manager to Execute Required Agreements and Additional Paperwork as Required by IDOT Related to Work on This Project Alderman Notz made a motion to approve a Resolution for a Joint Funding Agreement for Federally Funded Construction with the State of Illinois Department of Transportation for Construction of the Lake Woodbine Bridge Project, Section Number 12-00094-00-BR, for a Local Match Estimated at $1,212,952, and Authorize the City Manager to Execute Required Agreements and Additional Paperwork as Required by IDOT Related to Work on This Project, seconded by Alderman Novit. The following voted “Aye”: Aldermen Novit, Clemens, Notz, Powers, LeVert, Bothfeld, Weber, and Walther. The following voted “Nay”: none. 8-Ayes, 0-Nays, motion carried. ITEMS FOR OMNIBUS VOTE CONSIDERATION 1. Approval of the July 7, 2025 City Council Meeting Minutes 2. Consideration to Amend the Approved 2025 Regular Meeting Schedule for the Lake Forest City Council. 3. Approval of a Resolution of Appreciation for Retiring Members of Boards and Commissions as follows: Arthur Mertes, David Michael, Elizabeth “Joy” Guscott- Mueller as Chair, and Paul Sundburg Henry Kleeman 4. Approval of the Check Register for the Period of July 1 – July 18, 2025 5. Consideration of a Request to Waive the Fidelity Bond Requirement in Connection with Holding Two Proposed Raffles in the City of Lake Forest: the Lake Forest/Lake Bluff Lions Club and Northwestern Medicine Lake Forest Hospital. (Approval by Motion) 6. Approval to Waive the Bid Process and Approve the Purchase of a Replacement Streets Section Truck in the Amount of $54,530 to Schepel Auto Group CITY COUNCIL ACTION Approve the six (6) omnibus items as presented. Proceedings of the August 4, 2025 Regular City Council Meeting Mayor Tack asked if anyone would like an item removed or taken separately. Seeing none, he asked for a motion. Alderman Walther made a motion to approve the five (5) Omnibus items as presented, seconded by Alderman Powers. The following voted “Aye”: Aldermen Novit, Clemens, Notz, Powers, LeVert, Bothfeld, 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 1. Consideration of a Recommendation from Staff to Authorize the City Manager to Enter into a Professional Services Contract with Wight & Company in the Amount of $620,000, with a 5% Contingency for a Total of $651,000 for Design, Construction Drawings, and Cost Estimating Services to Support the Renovation of the City’s Fire Station. Andy Rick, Fire Chief, reviewed the project needs. While the Police Department is relocating, there is an opportunity to address long-standing issues of outdated and cramped facilities and inadequate living and working quarters. Stating that the facilities don’t support the current staffing models or wellness needs. He reviewed the RFP process that produced nine responses, four of which came in for interviews. This resulted in the recommendation of Wight and Company. He said they are experienced and a fully integrated architectural and engineering firm, they have extensive past project knowledge, and their expertise in long-term planning and creative design with a focus on meeting budget targets. Chief Rick went on to share the proposed project timeline, which is about 15-8 months. The City Council requested a guideline of what’s happening financially in Capitol for FYs 27, 28, and 29 on debt service at the next workshop. The Mayor asked if there was anyone from the public who would like to comment. Seeing none, he asked for a motion. COUNCIL ACTION: Consideration of a Recommendation from Staff to Authorize the City Manager to Enter into a Professional Services Contract with Wight & Company in the Amount of $620,000, with a 5% Contingency for a Total of $651,000 for Design, Construction Drawings, and Cost Estimating Services to Support the Renovation of the City’s Fire Station. Alderman Walther made a motion to authorize the City Manager to Enter into a Professional Services Contract with Wight & Company in the Amount of $620,000, with a 5% Contingency for a Total of $651,000 for Design, Construction Drawings, and Cost Estimating Services to Support the Renovation of the City’s Fire Station, seconded by Alderman Powers. The following voted “Aye”: Aldermen Novit, Clemens, Notz, Powers, LeVert, Bothfeld, Weber and Walther. The following voted “Nay”: none. 8-Ayes, 0-Nays, motion carried. ADDITIONAL ITEMS FOR COUNCIL DISCUSSION/COMMENTS BY COUNCIL MEMBERS Mayor Tack stated that there will be no further business following the executive session. 1. EXECUTIVE SESSION Proceedings of the August 4, 2025 Regular City Council Meeting Mayor Tack asked for a motion to adjourn into EXECUTIVE SESSION pursuant to 5 ILCS 120/2 (c) (1). The City Council will be discussing specific personnel, and (c) (2) collective bargaining. Alderman Weber made a motion to adjourn into EXECUTIVE SESSION pursuant to 5 ILCS 120/2 (c) (1). The City Council will be discussing specific personnel, and (c) (2) collective bargaining, seconded by Alderman Powers. The following voted “Aye”: Aldermen Novit, Clemens, Notz, Powers, LeVert, Bothfeld, Weber and Walther. The following voted “Nay”: none. 8-Ayes, 0-Nays, motion carried. Adjournment into Executive Session at 7:20 pm Reconvene into Regular Session 9:17 pm ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, Mayor Tack asked for a motion to adjourn. Alderman Weber made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Alderman Powers. Motion carried unanimously by voice vote at 9:18 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. 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