VILLAGE OF LINDENHURST

MOTION A motion to accept the January Treasurer’s Report was made by Trustee Dunham, seconded by Trustee Messmer.

ON ROLL CALL Ayes-6 Trustees Dunham, Messmer, Wayne, Zerba, Metzelaar, Marturano

Nays-0

FEBRUARY BILLS

PRESENTED FOR Trustee Dunham moved to pay the February bills in the amount

PAYMENT of $637,998.66, seconded by Trustee Wayne.

ON ROLL CALL Ayes-6 Trustees Dunham, Wayne, Messmer, Metzelaar, Zerba, Marturano

Nays-0

COMMUNICATIONS

COMMITTEE BOARD

& STAFF REPORTS Mayor Lahr stated that organizers of the Millburn West Craft Show submitted a request to post signs in the Village. Lahr asked the Board whether they would prefer to have sign requests approved by Administrator Stevens as they arise or whether requests should be held until the following Board meeting. Trustees Zerba and Messmer commented they were comfortable with these decisions being made by Stevens. Attorney Phillips stated the sign ordinance may need to be amended and that he would investigate. Stevens added the review of the sign ordinance is timely since he had also received a request by a business to advertise a sidewalk sale. Mayor Lahr suggested Staff compile general guidelines for Lindenhurst’s sign ordinance and outside signs so that the Board can set direction.

Trustee Wayne asked for clarification as to the size of the signs requested for the Millburn West Craft Show and was told it was for four 3’ x 3’ signs. The Board’s consensus was for Staff to approve these types of sign requests.

Trustee Marturano attended the monthly Fire District meeting recently and commented that construction on the Grass Lake Fire Station was progressing and scheduled to open late spring, adding the initial punch list was 90% complete. Trustee Wayne asked about equipment/staffing plans for the new station. Marturano stated the budget process has recently begun and a proposal is being reviewed regarding staffing and equipment. Marturano reminded the Board that the volunteer Fire Department is having their 75^th Anniversary dance on February 16 in Lake Villa. Lastly, Marturano shared the St. Patrick’s Day parade is scheduled for March 15 beginning at 12noon at Palombi School and invited the Board and Village administration to walk along. A corned beef & cabbage dinner will be held following the parade at the Lake Villa VFW.

Trustee Metzelaar announced that, in conjunction with the SWALCO electronics recycling program, Office Max is supporting consumers bringing in their electronics for recycling. In exchange for a small recycling fee, Office Max will offer store coupons up to 1.5 times the recycling fee to put toward purchases.

Mayor Lahr stated a presentation took place on the subject of swimming pools and related ordinances, conducted by the Building Department, to particular firms. Engineer Welsh stated they hope to host more informational sessions on pertinent topics in the future.

Mayor Lahr also shared her experience accompanying an employee from the Street Department performing snow plowing operations for 4 hours on February 6, adding it was very enlightening observing the difficulties and challenges of plowing. Lahr thanked residents for the positive feedback they provided regarding the excellent plowing job by the Village during the recent storm.

Administrator Stevens stated that Lindenhurst, like surrounding communities, was out of their seasonal allotment of salt. Engineer Welsh explained that, historically, salt usage between this time in February and the end of the season averages 400 tons. Welsh continued that Village staff has recommended purchasing 300 tons of salt and actively conserving the supply to get through April. Welsh said the state bid price for salt earlier in the season was $41.65 per ton; however, since the supply is exhausted, salt is no longer available at that price. Village staff identified four different sources of salt with prices ranging from $130 to $175 per ton. Discussion ensued regarding historical practices, possible situations that could arise, pricing and potential action. Trustee Zerba commented the duty of the Board was to ensure public safety. Trustee Messmer concurred and suggested, based on Engineer Welsh’s experience, the recommended tonnage of additional salt be purchased.

MOTION Trustee Dunham made a motion, seconded by Trustee Zerba, to purchase 300 tons at the lowest price possible due to the emergency situation.

ON ROLL CALL Ayes-6, Trustees Dunham, Zerba, Marturano, Messmer,

Metzelaar, Wayne.

Nays-0

OLD BUSINESS A. Ordinance: Authorizing Execution of an Engineering Services Agreement

ORDINANCE No. 08-02-1681

Engineer Welsh restated the fact that the deep well project is on hold due to a potential conflict with Lindenhurst’s eventual access to lake water. To address this conflict, an Engineering Services Agreement has been created for a price not to exceed $8,500. The Agreement focuses on reviewing historical records from the previous test well project to identify if any of the sites investigated four years ago are viable for construction of a shallow well as a short-term investment. Additionally, up to three additional sites will be explored for a potential shallow well location.

MOTION Trustee Marturano made a motion to authorize execution of the Engineering Services Agreement, seconded by Trustee Wayne.

ON ROLL CALL Ayes-6 Trustees Marturano, Wayne, Messmer, Zerba, Dunham, Metzelaar

Nays-0

NEW BUSINESS A. Ordinance: Special Service Area No. 4 Property Tax Abatement

ORDINANCE No. 08-02-1682

Administrator Stevens explained an annual procedure that, by passing this ordinance, the County does not bill homeowners in the Falling Waters Subdivision for a special service area bond debt. The debt was initiated approximately 14 years ago and will be in place for a 20 year period. During the course of each year, this debt is paid as part of the bi-monthly water/sewer billing. The necessity for this procedure dates back to the original development process under “special service area financing” wherein utilities were financed. Mayor Lahr requested confirmation that the collected fee is not assessed on property taxes; Stevens stated that was correct.

MOTION Trustee Dunham made a motion to pass the Special Service Area Abatement, seconded by Trustee Messmer

ON ROLL CALL Ayes-6 Trustees Dunham, Messmer, Zerba, Marturano,

Wayne, Metzelaar

Nays-0

B. Ordinance: Alternate Revenue Source Bonds Property Tax Abatement

ORDINANCE No. 08-02-1683

Administrator Stevens clarified this is exclusively for the Village of Lindenhurst in conjunction with a rural bond bank loan initiated several years ago to expand the Village Hall, work on the grounds, parking lot, and build the new police facility. This particular loan was refinanced and combined with the utility department garage and office expansion a few years ago. This is now known as the Alternate Revenue Source Bond, to which property taxes have been pledged in the event no other funds are available. Stevens clarified that, since Lindenhurst does not use property tax to pay for the bond issue, this will be abated annually every February or March.

MOTION Trustee Wayne made a motion to approve Ordinance No. 08-02-1683 abating 2007 tax levies resulting from Village of Lindenhurst’s general obligation, seconded by Trustee Zerba.

ON ROLL CALL Ayes-6 Trustees Wayne, Zerba, Messmer, Dunham, Marturano, Metzelaar

Nays-0

C. Ordinance: Executing an Agreement for a Special Census

ORDINANCE No. 08-02-1684

Administrator Stevens communicated the fact that, due to approximately 182 new homes in Lindenhurst, it is estimated the population has grown by 546 residents. Stevens continued that, because of this growth, there is an advantage to taking a special census, as it would provide additional revenues for the increased expenses. Village staff has estimated there could be a revenue gain of as much as $161,000 for the $65,000 expense. The three major per capita distributed state funds are: Motor fuel tax funds, $28.70; state use tax funds, $13.00; and income tax funds, $90, for a total of $131.70 per resident. Stevens reiterated that these are all estimates due to the variables and that the census would only be conducted in select areas of the Village.

Mayor Lahr inquired about the future census schedule. Stevens confirmed the next census would be conducted in 2010, approximately 27 months from now, with the certification being released the following year. Discussion took place outlining the value of doing a special census for a growing community to avoid missing out on additional revenue.

MOTION Trustee Messmer made a motion approving a special census, seconded by Trustee Metzelaar.

ON ROLL CALL Ayes-6 Trustees Messmer, Metzelaar, Dunham, Zerba,

Wayne, Marturano

Nays-0

D. Resolution to Adopt IMRF Early Retirement Incentive (ERI)

RESOLUTION NO. 08-02-1685R

Administrator Stevens explained that the Early Retirement Incentive program is controlled by the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund. This program states that once the process is initiated, there is a 1-year mandatory period to act and that the date has now been set for 2/12/08. Stevens acknowledged the previous analysis discussed by the Board in executive session.

MOTION Trustee Zerba made a motion adopting the IMRF Early Retirement Incentive, seconded by Trustee Marturano

ON ROLL CALL Ayes-6 Trustees Zerba, Marturano, Metzelaar, Dunham,

Wayne, Messmer

Nays-0

PUBLIC

PARTICIPATION Jim Stryker 2203, Sand Lake road, stated that Lindenhurst’s Public Works Department did a great job of snow removal, especially in comparison with neighboring communities.

Luige DeAngelis, 2703 Neubaer Circle, stated he recently toured the Village Green site with an executive of a hotel from Chicago, extending this same invitation to the Board and Staff. DeAngelis also stated he has been in contact with individuals in the high end grocery business and that he sent a letter to the Board.

MOTION A motion to adjourn the meeting was made by Trustee Wayne, seconded by Trustee Dunham. Upon a voice vote, the motion carried.

ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 7:50 pm.

Date Approved__________________________________

_______________________________ _________________________________

Susan Lahr, Mayor Patty Chybowski, Clerk