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CC_2025_05_05 MINUTESThe City of Lake Forest CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES Proceedings of the Monday, May 5, 2025 6:30 pm First Session 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 Clemens, Alderman Notz, Alderman Powers, Alderman Goshgarin, 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 COMMENTS BY CITY MANAGER A. McClory Bike Path Update -Byron Kutz, Superintendent of Engineering City Manager Jason Wicha introduced Byron Kutz, Superintendent of Engineering. Mr. Kutz reported that the McClory Bike Path was identified as a priority based on the 2023 community-wide survey. The City applied for IDNR grant and received an award letter dated 10/24/24. The FY2026 Budget total $450,000 (50/50 Grant not to exceed $200,000; Local: $250,000) The City received 4 bids- March 13, 2025 (see chart) Anticipated construction from July 7 to August 1. Other construction in the neighborhood was discussed along with detour options. B. Deerpath Streetscape Project- Monthly Update - Byron Kutz, Superintendent of Engineering City Manager Jason Wicha introduced Byron Kutz, Superintendent of Engineering. Mr. Kutz gave a monthly update that included the following recent work completed: North Shore Gas completed the gas main replacement (Oakwood to Western), IDOT executed the Construction Agreement, and sidewalk saw-cutting began, and mobilization of equipment is underway. Mr. Kutz stated that Phase I is complete. Other general updates included: Project-Team attended Chamber Meetings, monitoring detours and traffic signals, Streetscape Project-Team walking businesses frequently, Regular communication with businesses and Proceedings of the Monday, May 5, 2025 City Council Meeting First Session Chamber, Field-office hours: Open to Public Thursdays 1-2 pm. Lastly, he reported that Deerpath Road would be closed on May 6 in the morning. He also reviewed Phase 2 Streetscape Enhancements to include: Deerpath is closed to vehicle traffic between Oakwood Ave and Western Ave, but remains open to pedestrians. Bank Lane (north of Deerpath to South Gate) will be closed to vehicles. Bank Lane (south of Deerpath) will return to two-way traffic while Deerpath is closed. The Oakwood/Deerpath and Western/Deerpath intersections will close for approximately two weeks for crosswalk installation, and Bank Lane Enhancements from Deerpath to South Gate are expected to begin in June. The City Council had a discussion on delivery accessibility, communications with businesses and residents. OPPORTUNITY FOR CITIZENS TO ADDRESS THE CITY COUNCIL Romy Lopat asked questions to the City Council regarding surplus funds and their allocation. Art Mertes offered his opinion to the City Council in opposition to the Legal Committee Ordinance. Susan Garrett offered her opinion to the City Council in opposition to the Legal Committee Ordinance. COMMITTEE REPORTS PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE 1. Consideration to Approve Agreements and Contingencies for the Deerpath Streetscape Project as follows: a. Approval of Temporary Traffic Signal Services to John Thomas Inc., and authorize the City Manager to execute an Agreement in the Amount Not to exceed $52,200; and b. Approval of a Construction Contingency in the Amount of $150,000 for Invoices to the State of Illinois Department of Transportation; and c. Approval of a Construction Contingency and Miscellaneous Services Related to the Project in the Amount of $150,000 to D'Land Construction, LLC. Byron Kutz, Superintendent of Engineering, gave a brief overview of each item emphasizing that IDOT agreements do not include local contingencies above the award amount. And that awarding a 10% contingency is consistent with our local construction practices. Additionally, splitting a $300,000 contingency 50/50 between IDOT and work, payable directly to D’Land, and contingency for any unforeseen items, or small scope changes, any unused contingency remains in the Capital Fund, and lastly, the current temporary Westminster signal contract expires; staff are seeking a contract extension. Mayor Tack asked if there was anyone from the public who would like to comment on this item. Seeing none, he asked for a motion. COUNCIL ACTION: Consideration to Approve Agreements and Contingencies for the Deerpath Streetscape Project Alderman Goshgarian made a motion to approve Agreements and Contingencies for the Deerpath Streetscape Project, seconded by Alderman Notz. 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. ITEMS FOR OMNIBUS VOTE CONSIDERATION 1. Approval of the April 7, 2025 City Council Meeting Minutes Proceedings of the Monday, May 5, 2025 City Council Meeting First Session 2. Approval of the April 21, 2025 City Council Meeting Minutes 3. Approval of the Check Register for the Period of March 22–April 19, 2025 4. Consideration of Ordinances Amending the City of Lake Forest Code Sections 97.020, 97.021, and 97.022 pertaining to the Park and Recreation Board and Section 32.095 pertaining to the Legal Committee. (Final Approval) 5. Consideration of an Ordinance amending Chapter 39 of the City Code of Ordinances regarding municipal grocery taxes with the adoption of a 1% grocery tax effective January 1, 2026 (Final Reading) 6. Approval of a Public Works Committee Recommendation to Award a Bid Extension to Midwest Power Industries, Inc., for a One-Year Generator Maintenance Contract in the amount of $26,925. 7. Approval of Design Engineering Services for the Cherokee Road Storm Sewer Improvements Project to Christopher B. Burke Engineering, Ltd., and Authorize the City Manager to Execute an Agreement in the Amount of $59,876 to Include a 5% Contingency in the Amount of $2,994 for a Total Cost of $62,870 8. Award of the Low Bid for the 2025 McClory Bike Path Resurfacing project to Maneval Construction, and Authorize the City Manager to Execute an Agreement in the Amount of $236,664 as well as Approving a 10% Contingency in the Amount of $23,666 for a Total Cost of $260,330 9. Approval of a 10% Construction Contingency for the Cherokee School Sidewalk Connection Project in the Amount of $24,614 for Invoices to the State of Illinois Department of Transportation 10. Approval to Authorize the City Manager to enter into a contract with American Sealcoating of Indiana for South Park Tennis and Basketball Court Resurfacing Services, in the Amount of $27,100 to include a Contingency in the Amount of $2,900 for a Total Cost of $30,000. COUNCIL ACTION: Approve the ten (10) omnibus items as presented Mayor Tack asked the Council if there were any items to be removed or taken separately. Items # 4 & #5 were removed. Seeing no other items to be removed, he asked for a motion. Alderman Weber made a motion to approve the eight (8) Omnibus items as presented, seconded by Alderman Goshgarian. 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. Items removed to be taken separately. (# 5) Consideration of an Ordinance amending Chapter 39 of the City Code of Ordinances regarding municipal grocery taxes with the adoption of a 1% grocery tax effective January 1, 2026 (Final Reading) City Manager Jason Wicha gave a summary of this item noting that currently the State of Illinois serves as a pass through, and the City received approximately $525,000 dollars annually from the tax. Proceedings of the Monday, May 5, 2025 City Council Meeting First Session Mayor Tack offered public comment on this item. Romy Lopat offered her opinion to the City Council on this matter. Seeing no other comments, Mayor Tack asked for a motion. Alderman Walther made a motion to approve an Ordinance amending Chapter 39 of the City Code of Ordinances regarding municipal grocery taxes with the adoption of a 1% grocery tax effective January 1, 2026 (Final Reading), seconded by Alderman Weber. The following voted “Aye”: Alderman Novit, Clemens, Notz, Powers, LeVert, Weber and Walther. The following “abstained”: Alderman Goshgarian. The following voted “Nay”: none. 7-Ayes, 1-abstention, 0-Nays, motion carried. (# 4) Consideration of Ordinances Amending the City of Lake Forest Code Sections 97.020, 97.021, and 97.022 pertaining to the Park and Recreation Board and Section 32.095 pertaining to the Legal Committee. (Final Approval) Mayor Tack opened discussion on this topic. Members of the City Council asked to have the ordinance amendments separated. The role of each committee was discussed at length by all members of the City Council, along with the potential creation of Ad hoc Committees should the need arise. Mayor Tack offered public comments. Romy Lopat offered comments to the City Council on the Legal Committee’s role. Art Mertes offered his opinion in opposition to the amendment related to the Legal Committee. Susan Garrett offered her opinion on opposition to the amendment related to the Legal Committee. Mayor Tack asked for a motion to amend the City of Lake Forest Code Sections 97.020, 97.021, and 97.022 pertaining to the Park and Recreation Board. (final approval) Alderman Notz made a motion to amend the City of Lake Forest Code Sections 97.020, 97.021, and 97.022 pertaining to the Park and Recreation Board (final approval), seconded by Alderman Goshgarian. 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. Mayor Tack asked for a motion to amend the City of Lake Forest Code Section 32.095 pertaining to the Legal Committee. Alderman Novit made a motion to table the discussion on this item, seconded by Alderman Goshgarian. 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 7. NEW BUSINESS 1. Consideration of a Request for Naming Rights for the Baseball Field at Everett Park in Memory of Steven Malin Jr. (By Motion) Alderman Ara Goshgarian stated Steven’s memory lives on, his vibrancy, zest for life, and love of baseball are memorialized through enhancements to the baseball field at Everett Park. The enhancements were made possible through the efforts of his family and through generous in kind and monetary contributions from many Proceedings of the Monday, May 5, 2025 City Council Meeting First Session totaling $329,700. The improvements included, but were not limited to, fencing and screening for dugouts, home run fencing and padding, installation of a score board, a landscaped memorial area, and hardscape improvements. The improvements remain today and have elevated this neighborhood ball field above standard ball fields found throughout the community. Mr. & Mrs. Malin thanked the City Council for their consideration. COUNCIL ACTION: If desired by the Council, approve a motion granting naming rights for the baseball field at Everett Park to the Malin Family in memory of Steven Malin, Jr. and direct that signage be finalized and a Resolution documenting the Council’s approval be presented at a future meeting. Alderman Clemens made a motion granting naming rights for the baseball field at Everett Park to the Malin Family in memory of Steven Malin, Jr. and direct that signage be finalized and a Resolution documenting the Council’s approval be presented at a future meeting, 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. Mayor Tack, on behalf of the City Council, extended heartfelt condolences and wished comfort to the Malin family. ADDITIONAL ITEMS FOR COUNCIL DISCUSSION/COMMENTS BY COUNCIL MEMBERS With Thanks and Appreciation -City Manager Jason Wicha Jason Wicha, City Manager, presented Alderman Goshgarian with a certificate for a tree to be planted in his honor, along with a personalized City street sign. 1. Final words for departing Council Member from remaining Council Members for Alderman Goshgarian The City Council expressed sincere gratitude for the service of departing Alderman Goshgarian, saying a few words regarding his service to the City. 2. Final comments from Alderman Goshgarian Alderman Goshgarian made closing remarks to the Council, Residents, and Staff about his tenure and accomplishments on the City Council. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business Mayor Tack asked for a motion to adjourn. Alderman Goshgarian made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Alderman Powers. The motion was carried unanimously by voice vote at 9:05 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. Proceedings of the Monday, May 5, 2025 City Council Meeting First Session The City of Lake Forest CITY COUNCIL MEETING SECOND SESSION Proceedings of the Monday, May 5, 2025 City Council Meeting – City Council Chambers 220 E Deerpath, Lake Forest, IL 60045 CALL FOR ORGANIZATION OF THE 2025-2026 LAKE FOREST CITY COUNCIL The City Clerk Called for the Organization of the 2025-2026 Lake Forest City Council and asked the Alderman Elect to step forward to have the Oath of Office administered. Photos were taken. CITY CLERK ADMINISTERS THE OATH OF OFFICE TO: First Ward Alderman-Elect - - Pete Clemens Second Ward Alderman-Elect - - John Powers Third Ward Alderman-Elect - - Nick Bothfeld Fourth Ward Alderman-Elect - - Richard Walther CITY CLERK ADMINISTERS THE OATH OF OFFICE TO: Mayor-Elect - - Stanford R. Tack CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL 9:12 P.M. Honorable Mayor, Stanford R. Tack Nancy Novit, Alderman First Ward Alice LeVert, Alderman Third Ward Peter Clemens, Alderman First Ward Nick Bothfeld, 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 was recited by all those present. ELECTION AND APPOINTMENT OF CITY OFFICERS 1. ELECTION BY THE CITY COUNCIL AND APPOINTMENTS BY THE MAYOR AS REQUIRED BY CHARTER AND CITY CODE City Supervisor Jason Wicha City Treasurer Katie Skibbe City Clerk Margaret Boyer City Marshal & Collector John Burke City Attorney Ancel Glink City Surveyor and Engineer Gewalt Hamilton Associates COUNCIL ACTION: Approve the Mayors Appointments Alderman Novit made a motion to approve the Mayors Appointments, seconded by Alderman Weber. Motion passed unanimously by voice vote. Proceedings of the May 5, 2025 Second Session City Council Meeting REPORTS OF CITY OFFICERS COMMENTS BY MAYOR A. Resolution of Appreciation for Ward 3 Alderman Ara Goshgarian Mayor Tack read the resolution, and photos were taken. COUNCIL ACTION: Approve the Resolution of Appreciation Alderman LeVert made a motion to approve the Resolution of Appreciation, seconded by Alderman Powers. Motion passed unanimously by voice vote. COMMENTS BY CITY MANAGER City Manager Wicha congratulated and welcomed Alderman Bothfeld to the City Council noting what a reward public service can be when we all work toward a collective vision. OPPORTUNITY FOR CITIZENS TO ADDRESS THE CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEE REPORTS ITEMS FOR OMNIBUS VOTE CONSIDERATION 1. Approval of the Regularly Scheduled Meetings of the Lake Forest City Council for the year 2026 2. Approval of Resolutions Required for Bank Purposes to Amend Authorized Signers on City bank accounts. 3. Approval of a Resolution Appointing a Delegate and Alternate Delegate to the Intergovernmental Risk Management Agency (IRMA). COUNCIL ACTION: Approve the three (3) omnibus items as presented Mayor Tack asked if anyone would like an item removed or taken separately. Seeing none he asked for a motion. Alderman Weber made a motion to approve the three (3) Omnibus items as presented, seconded by Alderman Novit. The following voted “Aye”: Alderman 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 Proceedings of the May 5, 2025 Second Session City Council Meeting ADDITIONAL ITEMS FOR COUNCIL DISCUSSION/COMMENTS BY COUNCIL MEMBERS ADJOURNMENT There being no further business Mayor Tack asked for a motion to adjourn. Alderman Clemens made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Alderman LeVert. Motion carried unanimously by voice vote at 9:20 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.