Loading...
CC_2025_07_07 MINUTESThe City of Lake Forest CITY COUNCIL MEETING Proceedings of Monday, July 7, 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 6:30 p.m., and City Clerk Margaret Boyer called the roll of Council members. Present: Mayor Tack, Alderman Clemens, Alderman Notz, Alderman Powers, Alderman LeVert, Alderman Bothfeld, Alderman Weber, and Alderman Walther. Absent: Alderman Novit PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE was recited by all those present. REPORTS OF CITY OFFICERS COMMENTS BY MAYOR Mayor Tack offered condolences to the Preschlack Family on the passing of former Mayor John E. “Jack” Preschlack A. Resolution of Appreciation for Retiring Building Inspector Christine Teresi Director of Community Development, Catherine Czerniak, read the Resolution, Mayor Tack presented it, and photos were taken. COUNCIL ACTION: Approval of the Resolution of Appreciation Alderman Weber made a motion to approve the Resolution of Appreciation, seconded by Alderman LeVert. The motion passed unanimously by voice vote. COMMENTS BY CITY MANAGER City Manager Wicha introduced the item, and Byron Kutz, Engineering Superintendent. A. 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 the continued Installation of the irrigation system, masonry wall pour, decorative mainline sidewalk pour (south side), sidewalk removal (north side), and a discussion on the tentative Western Ave closure: August 7- August 24. Mr. Kutz reported on the Bank Lane enhancements. The majority of work during the day, most disruptive work at night, clearly marked pedestrian path, the ATT utility relocation, storm sewer, and water main adjustments, along with concrete sidewalk base-course. The City Council had a discussion on the Western/Deerpath closure and crosswalks at the intersection. City Manager Wicha introduced the item, and John Burke, Chief of Police B. New Police Station Status Update - John Burke, Chief of Police Proceedings of the July 7, 2025 Regular City Council Meeting Chief Burke gave an update on the new Police Station that included the Range location and training room. He also updated the community on the following: a used generator was located, creating a cost savings in the project, a gas line will be run to the building, A fiber optic line will be used for (BDA’S) for radios in the building, furniture layout underway, landscape footprint-CPOA Building use and planned addition, and the Illinois Department of Corrections review underway, a timeline was shared, he noted that the budget was on target. City Manager Wicha introduced the item, and Jim Lockefeer, Assistant Public Works Director C. Residential Lead Service Line Updates - Jim Lockefeer, Assistant Public Works Director Jim Lockefeer, Assistant Public Works Director, gave a brief overview of the Lead Service lines, noting that there are no lead pipes in the City’s infrastructure. The City has 6,925 Service lines, of which 250 are still lead, with 26 unknowns at the time, and leaving 6,649 lines that have no lead. IEPA requires testing of 60 households that have lead service lines. Based on the percentage of positive testing, the City may be required to send a letter to the entire community, not just those whose properties are affected. The service line is owned by the homeowner. The city owns from the water main to the property. The City Council had a discussion that included treatment by the water plant to coat the interior of lead service lines to minimize any exposure to lead. The 250 homes are aware that they have a lead service line, and possible communications moving forward. OPPORTUNITY FOR CITIZENS TO ADDRESS THE CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEE REPORTS ITEMS FOR OMNIBUS VOTE CONSIDERATION 1. Approval of the Monday, June 16, 2025 City Council meeting minutes 2. Approval of FY26 Special Event Funding for Friends of Lake Forest Parks and Recreation in the amount of $70,000 3. Consideration of Ordinances Approving Recommendations from the Building Review Board for 30 Washington Circle, 821 Northmoor Road, 772 Oak Knoll Drive, 1030 Oak Grove Lane, 663 Circle Lane, and 375 Deerpath Square. (First Reading and if Desired by the City Council, Final Approval) 4. Consideration of an Ordinance Approving a Recommendation from the Zoning Board of Appeals in Support of Setback Variances at 375 Deerpath Square. (First Reading, and if Desired by the City Council, Final Approval) 5. Consideration of an Ordinance Approving a Recommendation from the Historic Preservation Commission in Support of Granting a Building Scale Variance for a Pool Pavilion at 1460 Lake Road. (First Reading and if Desired by the City Council, Final Approval) Mayor Tack asked if anyone would like an item removed or taken separately. Seeing none, he asked for a motion. Proceedings of the July 7, 2025 Regular City Council Meeting Alderman Walther made a motion to approve the five (5) Omnibus items as presented, seconded by Alderman Clemens. The following voted “Aye”: Alderman Clemens, Notz, Powers, LeVert, Bothfeld, 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. Presentation of a Report on Wireless Service in the City of Lake Forest. Catherine Czerniak, Director of Community Development, gave a brief background on this item that included the consultant's charge: analyze wireless service in the City, identify options- technologies, types of infrastructure, and feasible locations, and detail the role of the City in the next steps. She then introduced Adam Parrish, Kimley- Horn and Associates, Inc. Mr. Parrish reported that Kimley-Horn has completed the necessary research and the report summarizing the findings. In summary, the coverage study revealed a deficiency in wireless service for all three carriers in the vicinity of the intersection of Waukegan and Everett Roads. The report acknowledges that the lack of telecommunication infrastructure in this area is impacting the ability of wireless infrastructure in other areas of the community to provide the intended coverage and reliability in areas they are intended to serve. Mr. Parrish stated that the report speaks about the technology available to address the deficiency and offers recommendations for steps the City can take to encourage wireless providers to invest in the community to provide enhanced service. He also reviewed Monopoles and Flagpole towers. The City can help to address the area lacking coverage by updating zoning requirements in the 4th Ward for the installation of a new tower that can support all three carriers. He highlighted that there is an existing need in the area, but a willing telecom business partner or tower owner will need to be found to build and rent the tower space from an existing landowner, and that the City should consider the use of city-owned parcels in the area for a tower site. The City Council had a lengthy discussion on height, for comparison, what is 150’, the flagpole tower, maximum height now permitted, the height of the tower at Woodlands, questions on the coverage maps, major area of focus, and the lake front, what is the radius of each tower, adding networks, and more. Mayor Tack asked if there was anyone from the public who would like to comment. The following offer their comment/opinion to the Council, either in favor or against cell tower service. Joe Weiss offered his comments in favor of a potential new cell tower service. Nancy Mantynband offered her comments in favor of a potential new cell tower service. Sandy Carson offered her comments in favor of a potential new cell tower service. Dennis Meulelmans offered his comments against a potential new cell tower service. Ford Campbell III offered his comments against a potential new cell tower service. Hayley Cropper offered her comments against a potential new cell tower service. Antoinette Hulata offered her comments against a potential new cell tower service. Sam (unknown) offered his comments against a potential new cell tower service. Tom V. offered his comments against a potential new cell tower service. Annie (Unknown) offered her comments against a potential new cell tower service. Katie May offered her comments against a potential new cell tower service. Julia Saran offered her comments against a potential new cell tower service. Diane Cassuto offered her comments against a potential new cell tower service. Melissa (unknown) offered her comments against a potential new cell tower service. Debbie Saran offered her comments against a potential new cell tower service. Proceedings of the July 7, 2025 Regular City Council Meeting (no name given) offered their comments against of potential new cell tower service. Jane P. offered her comments against a potential new cell tower service. Ms. Barlotta offered her comments against a potential new cell tower service. Mayor tack asked for a motion. COUNCIL ACTION: If determined to be appropriate by the City Council: 1) Accept the report as presented by Kimley-Horn and acknowledge the deficiency in wireless service coverage in the 4th Ward, specifically in the vicinity of Waukegan and Everett Roads. AND 2) Direct the Plan Commission to reconsider a Code amendment identifying one or more permitted locations for a telecommunications monopole or stealth tower within the search ring identified in the report with the full understanding that subsequent to any amendment, any proposal coming forward would be required to demonstrate completion of all required studies and compliance with all applicable regulations. Alderman Clemens made a motion to accept the report as presented by Kimley-Horn and acknowledge the deficiency in wireless service coverage in the 4th Ward, specifically in the vicinity of Waukegan and Everett Roads and Direct the Plan Commission to reconsider a Code amendment identifying one or more permitted locations for a telecommunications monopole or stealth tower within the search ring identified in the report with the full understanding that subsequent to any amendment, any proposal coming forward would be required to demonstrate completion of all required studies and compliance with all applicable regulations, seconded by Alderman Powers. The following voted “Aye”: Alderman Clemens, Notz, Powers, Bothfeld, Weber, and Walther. The following voted “Nay”: none. The following abstained: (noting employment conflict) Alderman LeVert. 6-Ayes, 0-Nays, 1-Abstenstion. Motion carried. 2. Consideration of a Recommendation from the Plan Commission of an amendment to Section 159.154, Personal Wireless Service Facilities Overlay District, of the City Code as it Pertains to the City’s Compost Center at 1381 Kennedy Road. Catherine Czerniak, Director of Community Development, reported that this is the second recommendation from the Plan Commission in support of adding a permitted tower location. With the City code, looking forward, this would designate a portion of the compost center site for a cell tower outside the floodway. She noted that designation does not guarantee a tower; instead, it indicates the City’s interest. The water tower is currently at capacity and adding a third carrier to that location to relocate all carriers to a separate tower, achieving enhanced service, and we can create an updated coverage map and existing wireless facilities shared options. She reviewed the Council's options for action on this item to include Accept Plan Commission’s Recommendation- Amend the Code – Allow Cell Tower on the Compost Center Site, or reject Plan Commission’s Recommendation, or take no action. The City Council had a discussion restating that this is moving facilities that are already on site, increasing capacity from 2 to 3, a new tower at the compost site, multiple providers, up-to-date equipment, water tower height of 160’. Mayor Tack asked if there was anyone from the public who would like to comment. Haley Cropper offered her opinion on adding carrier/coverage maps. Mayor Tack reported that we will study updated coverage maps should a third provider come in. Antoinette Hulata noted that cell service should improve. Mayor Tack asked for a motion Proceedings of the July 7, 2025 Regular City Council Meeting COUNCIL ACTION: If determined to be appropriate by the City Council waive first reading and grant final approval of an Ordinance amending Section 159.154, Personal Wireless Service Facilities Overlay District, of the City Code to Designate a Portion of the City’s Compost Center at 1381 Kennedy Road as a permitted location for a cell tower or monopole, antennas, and related ground equipment Alderman Weber made a motion to waive first reading and grant final approval of an Ordinance amending Section 159.154, Personal Wireless Service Facilities Overlay District, of the City Code to Designate a Portion of the City’s Compost Center at 1381 Kennedy Road as a permitted location for a cell tower or monopole, antennas, and related ground equipment, seconded by Alderman Notz. The following voted “Aye”: Alderman Clemens, Notz, Powers, LeVert, Bothfeld, Weber and Walther. The following voted “Aye”: Alderman Clemens, Notz, Powers, Bothfeld, Weber, and Walther. The following voted “Nay”: none. The following abstained: (noting employment conflict) Alderman LeVert. 6-Ayes, 0-Nays, 1-Abstenstion. Motion carried. NEW BUSINESS 1. Consideration of a Business Disruption Grant Program for Businesses Impacted by the Deerpath Streetscape and Bank Lane Projects Keri Kaup, Assistant to the City Manager, reported that the City has heard from business owners in the Deerpath Streetscape project area that they are experiencing revenue loss as a direct result of the construction. Council is asked to consider approving a business disruption grant program for the businesses that are directly impacted by the Deerpath Streetscape and Bank Lane construction projects. At the direction of the Mayor, staff researched and evaluated the feasibility of a business disruption grant program for businesses directly impacted by the Deerpath Streetscape and Bank Lane construction projects. After reviewing how other municipalities have handled business assistance during similar streetscape projects, staff developed a grant program modeled off the previously developed COVID-19 business grant program offered by the City in 2020. The City has funds available in the Deerpath Streetscape project budget due to the construction bids coming back lower than expected. After considering the ITEP grant, the grant non-eligible expenses, construction engineering, and the contingency funds, the City is expecting project savings that can fund the business disruption grant program. Staff recommends capping the business disruption grant program at $250,000. In order to be eligible, businesses must have street frontage or primary access on either Deerpath or Bank Lane within the project area that is closed to traffic and must be reporting sales tax to the Illinois Department of Revenue to the Lake Forest Location Code. Only taxable sales generated and reported to the Lake Forest location code is eligible for the grant (reported on ST-1 or ST-2). The maximum grant amount will be 50% of the sales revenue lost between January 1 and October 31, 2025 compared to the same period in 2024. The grant will be capped at $11,650 per business. If a Lake Forest business is otherwise eligible for the program but opened after January 1, 2025, the maximum grant amount will be the greater of 50% of sales or $5,000. The grant amount will be determined based on the business’s eligibility and calculated sales data. The City Council had a discussion on this once-in-a-generation project and the impact on business. The Council thanked staff for establishing a creative solution and encouraged all to support and shop local. Mayor Tack asked if there was anyone from the public who would like to comment. Prue Beidler offered her support for this item. Proceedings of the July 7, 2025 Regular City Council Meeting Joanna Rolek, on behalf of the Chamber of Commerce, commended the City on its communications with local businesses and grant detail issues. The Mayor asked property owners for a temporary abatement on rates until construction is complete. Mayor Tack asked for a motion COUNCIL ACTION: Consideration of a Business Disruption Grant Program for Businesses Impacted by the Deerpath Streetscape and Bank Lane Projects Alderman LeVert made a motion to approve a Business Disruption Grant Program for Businesses Impacted by the Deerpath Streetscape and Bank Lane Projects, seconded by Alderman Powers. The following voted “Aye”: Alderman Clemens, Notz, Powers, LeVert, Bothfeld, Weber and Walther. The following voted “Nay”: none. 7- Ayes, 0-Nays, motion carried. ADDITIONAL ITEMS FOR COUNCIL DISCUSSION/COMMENTS BY COUNCIL MEMBERS 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 8:28 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.