CC_2025_04_07 MINUTESThe City of Lake Forest
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Proceedings of the Monday, April 7, 2025
City Council Meeting - City Council Chambers
220 E. Deerpath, Lake Forest, IL 60045
CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL AT 6:30
Members
CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL: Honorable Mayor Pro-Tem Goshgarian 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 Goshgarian,
Alderman LeVert, Alderman Weber, and Alderman Walther.
Absent: Alderman Clemens
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
REPORTS OF CITY OFFICERS
COMMENTS BY MAYOR
1. Arbor Day Proclamation
Mayor Tack read the Arbor Day Proclamation, inviting all to celebrate on April 25,2025.
COMMENTS BY CITY MANAGER
1. Deerpath Streetscape Project – Monthly Update - Byron Kutz, Engineering Superintendent
Byron Kutz, Engineering Superintendent, gave the monthly update to the City Council, noting that
the water main project is now complete. He reviewed what was accomplished and what could be
expected moving forward with Deerpath being closed from Oakwood to Western Ave. He reported
on the Bank Lane Enhancements, noting that we received the final plans. The City Council
discussed 15-minute parking options and parking for 3 hours for free.
2. New Police Station Status Update-John Burke, Chief of Police
Chief of police John Burke gave kudos to Alderman Walther, who identified the opportunity to
shift the range to a different location. Chief Burke shared that Corrigan Clark delivered a proposed
range into the plan. A rendition of the proposed range was shared, showing that parking was
retained. The City Council discussed entrances, the Mayor reported that the City Manager's
Advisory group felt the group didn't need to meet again, that their work was finished. Mayor Tack
thanked all members who volunteered and brought skill sets and expertise to complete this
project.
3. Forest Park Beach Playground Replacement-Chuck Myers, Superintendent of Parks, Forestry, &
Natural Resources
City Manager Wicha shared that while this item is on omnibus, this playground at Forest Park
Beach represents a final selection at the end of a community process, and was picked by the
public.
He introduced Chuck Myers, Superintendent of Parks and Forestry. He gave an overview of the
community engagement timeline, along with a review of each community-driven design. With the
goal of universal access. Mr. Myers reported that one of the positives from this is that repurposed
playgrounds for underserved communities will be receiving two large structures from this project,
bringing a cost reduction of almost $4000. He reviewed a timeline of purchasing material in May,
with demolition in September and playground completion in October 2025.
OPPORTUNITY FOR CITIZENS TO ADDRESS THE CITY COUNCIL
COMMITTEE REPORTS
1. Public Works Committee
1. Ahwahnee Lane Watermain Replacement-Byron Kutz, Engineering Superintendent
Byron Kutz, Engineering Superintendent, recapped how the water main was replaced with a
detailed overview of timing with adjacent Stormwater main projects.
2. Gorton Community Center Patio & Drop-In Center- Jim Lockefeer, Assistant Director of Public
Works
Jim Lockefeer, Assistant Public Works Director, gave a high-level overview of the project that has
had long-standing stormwater issues. Noting that the cost has substantially increased. He noted
that the HPC issued a certificate of appropriateness. He reviewed design changes to include
offsetting the stairs, fixing the vestibule at the Drop-In Center by installing footings and restoring
the floor. Recent other public works projects' savings should be able to cover the overage.
ITEMS FOR OMNIBUS VOTE CONSIDERATION
1. Approval of March 17, 2025, City Council Meeting Minutes
2. Approval of the Check Register for the Period of February 15 – March 21, 2025
3. Approval of a Resolution Reallocating 2025 Volume Cap to the Village of Buffalo Grove, Illinois
4. Approval to authorize the City Manager to enter into a contract with Landscape Structures for
the purchase and installation of playground equipment and surfacing at Forest Park Beach, in
the Amount of $544,754 to Include a 10% Contingency in the Amount of $55,246, for a Total Cost
of $600,000
5. Approval of the Annual Tree Purchasing for FY2026
6. Approval of an Athletic Field Rental Fee Waiver to Lake Forest Baseball Association for a Total
Amount of $13,862.50
7. Approval to Award a One-Year Contract for Recreation Department Program Bussing Services to
North Shore Transit in the amount of $107,545.00
8. Approval to award a contract to Life Fitness for purchase of cardio equipment in the amount of
$36,497.00
9. Authorization to Dispose of City Property to the Highest Bidder, via GovDeals.com, for the Sale
of the 2010 Cat Skid Steer in the Amount of $21,200
10. Approval of a Purchase of a Replacement Fire Department Vehicle to Karl Chevrolet in the
Amount of $53,500
11. Approval of a Public Works Committee Recommendation of an Award of Bid to Efraim Carlson
Construction Inc. for the Elawa Door Improvement Project in the Amount of $38,000, to Include
a 10% Contingency in the amount of $4,000, for a Grand Total Cost of $42,000
12. Approval of a Purchase to Replace a Backhoe to West Side Tractor Sales in the Amount of
$224,004
13. Approval of a Public Works Committee Recommendation of an Award of Bid to Efraim Carlson
Construction Inc. for the Gorton Community Center Patio & Drop-In Center Projects in the
Amount of $385,000, to Include a 10% Contingency in the amount of $38,000, for a Grand Total
Cost of $423,000
14. Approval of a Second-Year Renewal with Schroeder & Schroeder, Inc., for the 2025 Concrete
Streets, Curb, and Sidewalk Replacement Project, and Authorize the City Manager to Execute an
Agreement in the Amount Not to Exceed $215,000
15. Award the Low Responsible Bid for the Ahwahnee Lane Watermain Replacement Project and
Valve Repairs Project to DiMeo Brothers., Inc., and Authorize the City Manager to Execute an
Agreement in the Amount of $579,800 and a 10% Contingency in the Amount of $57,980 for a
Total Project Cost of $637,780
16. Approval of Phase III Construction Engineering Services for the Safe Routes to School Project to
Clark Dietz, Inc., and Authorize the City Manager to Execute an Agreement in an Amount Not to
Exceed $43,100
17. Approval to Purchase the Next Phase of Verkada Security Cameras for Existing Security
Camera System from Modern Media Technologies in the Amount of $70,970
18. Approval to Purchase the Verkada Access Control System for the Lake Forest
Recreation Center from Modern Media Technologies in the Amount of $90,530
COUNCIL ACTION: Approve the eighteen (18) 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 eighteen (18) Omnibus items as presented,
seconded by Alderman Powers. The following voted “Aye”: Alderman Novit, Notz, Powers,
Goshgarian, LeVert, Weber and Walther. The following voted “Nay”: none. 7-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
1. Consideration of a Recommendation from Staff to Authorize the City Manager to Enter into a
Contract with Kimley-Horn Engineering Consultants in the Amount of $18,497 with a Provision
for Unforeseen Supplemental Work for a Total not to Exceed $24,999, the City Manager’s
Spending Authority.
Catherine Czerniak, Director of Community Development, gave the City Council the history of this
item. She stated that the goal of the Wireless Consultant Contract is to optimize coverage and
quality while having a minimal visual impact. She shared a map showing existing wireless
infrastructure on rooftops and pole locations. In November, the City Council directed staff to issue
an RFP. The first and second time, we received tower builders or tower companies. In the third
issue of the RFP, the City received responses that were geared towards identifying problems
instead of offering a solution. The Consultant's charge is to •Analyze wireless service •Identify
options - technologies, types of infrastructure, feasible locations•Detail role for The City – Next
Steps. While the City Manager's spending authority allows up to $24,999, we are seeking flexibility
for minor changes without bringing it back to the Council for an amount not to exceed $24,999. A
report is expected in June to the City Council with next steps.
The City Council discussed the content of the proposal, the scope initially in the 4th Ward,
deficiencies outside the 4th Ward, City Code limiting it to certain locations, private property, or
other property being identified, and challenges faced with poor service citywide.
NEW BUSINESS
ADDITIONAL ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION/COMMENTS BY COUNCIL MEMBERS
Alderman Notz asked for the enforcement of no dogs at the Beach. City Manager Wicha stated
that all pets are prohibited by City Code at Lake Forest Beach. The City Council had a lengthy
discussion on signage, enforcement, safety, the boardwalk, and an education campaign. In
addition, e-scooter education and enforcement were also discussed.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, Mayor Tack asked for a motion to adjourn. Alderman Notz
made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Alderman Walther. The motion was carried
unanimously by voice vote at 7:46 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.