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CC_2025_07_21 MINUTESThe City of Lake Forest CITY COUNCIL MEETING Proceedings of Monday, July 21, 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. immediately following the Finance Committee meeting, and City Clerk Margaret Boyer called the roll of Council members. Present: Mayor Tack, Alderman Novit, Alderman Notz, Alderman Powers, Alderman LeVert, Alderman Bothfeld, Alderman Weber, and Alderman Walther. Absent: Alderman Clemens PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE was recited by all those present. REPORTS OF CITY OFFICERS COMMENTS BY MAYOR Mayor Tack read the resolution of sympathy. A. Resolution of Sympathy for former Mayor John E. “Jack” Preschlack COUNCIL ACTION: Approval of the Resolution of Sympathy Alderman Weber made a motion to approve the Resolution of Appreciation, seconded by Alderman Notz. The motion passed unanimously by voice vote. COMMENTS BY CITY MANAGER City Manager Wicha introduced the item, and Tricia Schwall, Manager of Dickinson Hall A. Community Spotlight - Dickinson Hall-Lake Forest- Lake Bluff Senior Center - Tricia Schwall, Manager Ms. Schwall reviewed past and current programming, shared what social services are available and community partnerships. City Manager Wicha introduced Chief of Police John Burke, who reviewed the recent grant that the Police Department received related to the retention of Police Officers. OPPORTUNITY FOR CITIZENS TO ADDRESS THE CITY COUNCIL Ray Buschmann offered his opinion to the Council regarding the cell tower meeting discussion deliberations. Romy Lopat offered her opinion to the City Council on lead service lines and costs. Diane offered her opinion to the City Council, thanking Public Safety for their work. Art Mertes offered his opinion to the City Council on procedural issues, standards, and practices. COMMITTEE REPORTS FINANCE COMMITTEE 1. GFOA Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting Award Presentation Proceedings of the July 21, 2025 Regular City Council Meeting Eileen Looby Weber, Finance Committee Chairman reported that The City has received notification that it has once again been awarded the Government Finance Officers Association Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for its FY24 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report. The Certificate of Achievement is the highest form of recognition in the area of governmental accounting and financial reporting, and its attainment is a significant accomplishment by a government and its management. The City has received this prestigious award for the 46th consecutive year. In addition to the Certificate of Achievement, an Award of Financial Reporting Achievement is presented by the GFOA to the individual designated as instrumental in their government unit’s achievement of the Certificate. I am pleased to present this award to Diane Hall, Assistant Finance Director. In Illinois, 354 organizations received the award – 5% of the total 6,963 units of government in the state. ***PUBLIC HEARING ON THE CITY’S ANNUAL APPROPRIATION ORDINANCE*** OPEN PUBLIC HEARING Mayor Tack asked for a motion to open the Public Hearing. Alderman Walther made a motion to open the Public Heating, seconded by Alderman Weber. The following voted “Aye”: Aldermen Novit, Notz, Powers, LeVert, Bothfeld, Weber, and Walther. The following voted “Nay“: None. 7 Ayes, 0 Nays, motion carried Mayor Tack opened the Public Hearing at 7:45 pm 2. Consideration of the Annual Appropriation Ordinance for FY2026 and Approval of Rollovers (Final Reading – Public Hearing Required) Katie Skibbe, Finance Director, reported while the annual municipal budget represents the City’s financial “plan” for expenditures over the course of the fiscal year, the annual Appropriation Ordinance is the formal legal mechanism by which the City Council authorizes the expenditure of public funds. There are some differences between the Budget and the Appropriation Ordinance. The Appropriation Ordinance includes the Library, which was not included in the budget approved at the April 21, 2025, City Council meeting. The Library expenses are approved by the Library Board. Debt service payments are included in the budget, but are excluded from the Appropriation Ordinance. The ordinances approving the debt issues serve as the legal authorization for these annual expenditures. It appropriates specific sums of money by object and purpose. Ms. Skibbe stated that the rollovers are requested to eliminate under and over budgeting of funds in the new fiscal year. The Appropriations Ordinance provides for a 10% “contingency” above the budgeted expenditures for each fund, allowing the approval of unbudgeted expenditures based on unanticipated events. Mayor Tack asked the Council if there were any questions. Seeing none, he offered the opportunity for public comment. Seeing none, he asked for a motion to close the Public Hearing. CLOSE PUBLIC HEARING Alderman LeVert made a motion to close the Public Hearing, seconded by Alderman Novit. The following voted “Aye”: Aldermen Novit, Notz, Powers, LeVert, Bothfeld, Weber, and Walther. The following voted “Nay“: None. 7 Ayes, 0 Nays, motion carried Proceedings of the July 21, 2025 Regular City Council Meeting Mayor Tack closed the Public hearing at 7:54 pm COUNCIL ACTION: Conduct a public hearing on the City’s FY2026 Annual Appropriation Ordinance. Upon closing the public hearing, it is recommended that the City Council consider approval of the final reading of the Ordinance and the rollovers. A copy of the ordinance is available for review by the public in the City Clerk’s office. Alderman Walther made a motion to approve the final reading of the Ordinance and the Rollovers, seconded by Alderman Powers. The following voted “Aye”: Aldermen Novit, Notz, Powers, LeVert, Bothfeld, Weber, and Walther. The following voted “Nay“: None. 7 Ayes, 0 Nays, motion carried ITEMS FOR OMNIBUS VOTE CONSIDERATION 1. Approval of the Check Register for the Period of May 18 – June 30, 2025 2. Approval of an additional One-Year Professional Services Agreement with Core/Automated Merchant Systems (AMS) to provide credit card processing services with the option for early termination. 3. Authorize the Police Department to utilize ILETSB grant funds to award each Police Officer, Sergeant and Commander a one-time lump sum retention bonus of 3.5% of their FY2025 salary. 4. Approval of a Recommendation from the Public Works Committee to Award of Bid to Wunderlich Malec for Spruce & Sheridan Lift Station Control Panel Replacement Project in the Amount of $54,800, to Include a 5% or $2,740 Contingency for a Total Cost of $57,540 5. Approval of a Purchase to Replace a Water & Sewer Section Valve Turner to E.H. Wachs in the Amount of $94,306 6. Approval of a Purchase of Two Replacement Sanitation Section Scooters to Russo Equipment for $74,950 7. Approval of a Purchase of a Replacement Senior Center Passenger Vehicle to Olathe Ford Sales in the Amount of $78,043 8. Consideration of Ordinances Approving Recommendations from the Building Review Board for 1925 Field Court, 799 Everett Road, 315 Stable Lane, 1196 Sir William Lane. (First Reading and if Desired by the City Council, Final Approval) The City Council had a brief discussion about item # 6 and a typo. Mayor Tack asked if anyone would like an item removed or taken separately. Seeing none, he asked for a motion. Alderman Notz made a motion to approve the eight (8) Omnibus items as presented, seconded by Alderman Bothfeld. The following voted “Aye”: Alderman Novit, 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. Proceedings of the July 21, 2025 Regular City Council Meeting OLD BUSINESS 1. Consideration of an Ordinance Amending the City of Lake Forest Code Section 32.095 pertaining to the Legal Committee. (Final Approval) Mayor Tack reported that tonight is the third time the City Council has discussed this item, and thanked the members of the Legal Committee for their service. He made clear and confirmed with the City Attorney that the Legal Committee has no role in ethics oversight. A few Aldermen offered their insight on the discussion that included the history and duty of the committee, risk mitigation, and ethical standards. Mayor Tack then opened the opportunity for public comment. Joanne Desmond offered her opinion opposing the amendment of the code. Former Mayor Mike Rummel offered his opinion opposing the amendment of the code. Joy Guscott-Mueller offered her opinion opposing the amendment of the code. Prue Beidler offered her opinion opposing the amendment of the code. Art Mertes offered his opinion opposing the amendment of the code. Lori Thuente offered her opinion opposing the amendment of the code. Susan Garrett offered her opinion opposing the amendment of the code. Ray Buschmann offered his opinion opposing the amendment of the code. Joe Waldeck offered his opinion opposing the amendment of the code. Diane offered her opinion opposing the amendment of the code. Cobe Stein offered his opinion opposing the amendment of the code. City Council then resumed a lengthy discussion that included volunteers, decision-making, whose role it is, transparency, due diligence, policies, and procedures. Mayor Tack concluded by stating that the legal expertise of Ancel Glink and IRMA makes this committee obsolete, and that times have changed and the world as we knew it during the tenure of former Mayor Rummel has changed. City Council members on both sides of the issue thanked residents for their contributions on this issue. COUNCIL ACTION Consideration of an Ordinance Amending the City of Lake Forest Code Section 32.095 pertaining to the Legal Committee. (Final Approval) Mayor Tack asked for a motion. Alderman Walther made a motion to approve an Ordinance Amending the City of Lake Forest Code Section 32.095 pertaining to the Legal Committee, seconded by Alderman Notz. The following voted “Aye”: Aldermen Notz, Powers, LeVert, Bothfeld, Weber, and Walther. The following voted “Nay”: Alderman Novit. 6-Ayes, 1- Nays, motion carried. 2. Consideration of a Recommendation from Staff to Authorize the City Manager to Enter into a Professional Services Contract with Teska Associates, Inc. for the Final Phase of the Update to the Comprehensive Land Use Plan in an Amount not to Exceed $55,000. Catherine Czerniak, Director of Community Development, gave a brief overview of Teska Associates previous engagement with the City to provide support for the second and third phases of the Comprehensive Land Use Plan update. She reported that work along with the update to the plan as it relates to the Waukegan Road/Settler’s Square Business District is complete. The consultant’s guidance has proved to be valuable in moving the update process forward and creating what will ultimately be an electronic, easily accessible, updated Plan. Proceedings of the July 21, 2025 Regular City Council Meeting The final phase of the Plan update will build on the work completed to date and will look at the City broadly to identify and plan for areas that may still have development potential and, importantly, focus on areas previously identified as likely areas that may provide redevelopment opportunities in the future. The goal is for the City to be proactive in planning for future development, to set realistic expectations for property owners, real estate professionals, and developers. The City Manager’s Working Group will provide direction throughout the research and draft development process. A continuation of Teska’s professional services contract is requested to build upon the momentum established to date and to provide continuity as the update moves into the final phase. Mayor Tack offered the opportunity for public comments. Seeing none, he asked for a motion. COUNCIL ACTION: Authorize the City Manager to enter into a professional services contract with Teska Associates, Inc. for completion of the Comprehensive Land Use Plan update in an amount not to exceed $55,000. Alderman LeVert made a motion to authorize the City Manager to enter into a professional services contract with Teska Associates, Inc. for completion of the Comprehensive Land Use Plan update in an amount not to exceed $55,000, seconded by Alderman Powers. The following voted “Aye”: Aldermen Novit, Notz, Powers, LeVert, Bothfeld, Weber, and Walther. The following voted “Nay”: Alderman Novit. 7-Ayes, 0-Nays, motion carried. NEW BUSINESS 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 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. Click on I Want To, then click on View, then choose Archived Meetings Videos.