VILLAGE OF LINDENHURST ILLINOIS

2301 E. Sand Lake Road

 

REGULAR MEETING OF THE VILLAGE BOARD

JUNE 9, 2008

7:00 P.M.

MINUTES

 

CALL TO ORDER               Mayor Lahr called the Regular Board meeting to order at 7pm.

 

ROLL CALL                         Roll call showed those present were: Mayor Lahr, Trustees: Dunham, Messmer, Metzelaar, Wayne and Zerba.  Also in attendance were Administrator/Police Chief Jack McKeever, Attorney Phillips, Engineer Welsh, and Clerk Chybowski.  Trustees Marturano was on vacation.

 

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE         

 

APPROVAL OF

THE MINUTES                    The minutes of the Regular Meeting of May 12, 2008 were presented to the Board for approval.  A motion to approve the minutes was made by Trustee ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­Zerba seconded by Trustee Dunham.

 

On a voice vote, the minutes were approved.

Ayes-5

                                                Nays-0

 

TREASURER’S REPORT            Trustee Dunham presented the May Treasurer’s report, stating the bank balances for all accounts on April 29, 2008 were $8,009,442.93; Receipts $609,257.84; Expenses $125,995.34.  The bank balance for all accounts on May 29, 2008 was $8,492,705.43


 

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

 

THE ROLL CALL

VOTE WAS                           Ayes-5 Trustees Dunham, Wayne, Zerba, Metzelaar, Messmer

                                                Nays-0

 

JUNE BILLS

PRESENTED FOR             Trustee Dunham moved to pay the June bills in the amount of

PAYMENT                            $694,155.60, seconded by Trustee Wayne.

 


THE ROLL CALL

VOTE WAS                           Ayes-5 Trustees Dunham, Wayne, Metzelaar, Zerba, Dunham

                                                Nays-0

 

COMMUNICATIONS

COMMITTEE BOARD

& STAFF REPORTS          Trustee Zerba commented that she, as well as other board members, attended the dedication of the Lake Villa fire station.  Zerba stated the facility is impressive and she looks forward to the facility being fully staffed and able to provide EMT and equipment services.

 

Trustee Messmer stated there was an great turnout for the Veterans Memorial Dedication ceremony:  Participants in the ceremony included Father John Jamnicky, Pastor of St. Raphael the Archangel Catholic Church in Antioch; Lt. Colonel Kevin Moore, a resident of Lindenhurst; the Lakes Community H.S. Band; and vocalist Rebecca Labb of the Lindenhurst Police Department.  Additionally, the U.S. Army Recruiting Battalion and Great Lakes Color Guard were in attendance. 

 

Trustee Metzelaar informed the Board that SWALCO will be hosting an open house on June 19 from 4-7pm at their location on Estes Drive in Gurnee, giving tours of the facility and showcasing their incorporation of “green” materials in the building.   Metzelaar also stated she spoke with Walter Willis of SWALCO regarding commercial franchising a survey he is preparing to submit to businesses.  He is also looking into assisting with the Village’s residential contract, up for renewal in December.  Mayor Lahr added that she spoke with Dr. Menzer from Millburn District 24 about commercial franchising and that he expressed interest in participating.  Metzelaar stated Lake Villa Mayor Loffredo is also investigating the concept

 

Mayor Lahr shared with the Board she attended the “Catch the Cougar” celebration on June 2 at Millburn West.  Lahr explained the book reading program set a goal for students to read 12,000 books during the school year in order to earn an end-of-the-year picnic.  The students read 13,036 books.  

 

Mayor Lahr shared a concern by a resident regarding weed control for unattended home sites and vacant lots.  The current ordinance states warnings could be issued every 10 days.  Discussion took place whether this was frequent enough and whether there was an opportunity for a Village beautification committee.   

 

Administrator McKeever referenced the outdoor siren warning system and the fact that, because it is intended to be an outdoor system, residents may not be able to hear the siren when indoors.  McKeever continued that the decision to activate the system is based on information available at the time.  Mayor Lahr stated that Village communicates via channel 17, as well as by answering questions by phone. 

 

Lake County Board Chairman Suzi Schmidt presented the Hastings Lake Forest Preserve plan.  Schmidt introduced Linda Peterson, legislative aide to Joann Osmond, and Marty Buehler, Highway Superintendent for Lake County.  Schmidt described the $6.9 million project, stating the trail around the lake will be paved allowing for snow removal in the winter.  There will be main shelters, as well as family shelters, that will be 3-season with infrared heat, allowing for fall events.  Schmidt stated that since this projected is budgeted, the funds are there and the anticipated completion date is late 2010. 

 

Marty Buehler referenced a publication for County approval called “Getting Transportation into Higher Gear,” which identified the worst problem areas in Lake County.  Buehler stated two projects that will be constructed in the County will be the Millburn bypass (U.S. 45 junction at Grass Lake Road), and Quentin Road (in Killdeer at Hwy. 12).  Buehler continued that the County will be taking the project over from the State and will access federal money earmarked for this project, stating the cost would be $26 – $27 million.  Buehler stated they are on a schedule and will be hiring consultants soon after Board approval, adding that the $240 million county-wide program addresses other projects as well.  Buehler referenced a series of $100 million “challenge bonds” to be issued where the County would work and collaborate with municipalities and with I-DOT.  Buehler clarified that because the Millburn project is already funded, it is not labeled a ‘challenge’ project.

 

Trustee Wayne asked whether the plan for construction calls for two or four lanes.  Buehler confirmed it would be four lanes (two in each direction).  Trustee Wayne referenced the importance of avoiding a scenario of “bottlenecking” on Hwy. 45 by going from four lanes to two lanes.  Buehler stated that Lake County will be completing work that will compliment future road plans of the State. 

 

Mayor Lahr commented that if Chicago were to be chosen to host the 2016 Olympics, this road work would assist in easing traffic for anticipated equestrian events in the area.  Schmidt explained the importance of working together with developers by securing road funding when implementing projects, such as Village Green.  Trustee Wayne asked about plans for landscape berms to provide buffers to homes adjacent to highway projects.  Mr. Buehler stated there will be a plan for landscaping and noise studies done to accommodate residents.  Wayne commented that increased truck traffic is a natural consequence when roads are widened.

 

Trustee Zerba complimented the County officials on the work done and their foresight and fiscal responsibility.  The Board joined together in thanking Suzi Schmidt for her efforts.

 

OLD BUSINESS                  A.  Presentation and Updates by Harris Bank 

1.    $2 Million Utility Capital Replacement Loan

2.    Refinancing of SSA #4

 

Mr. Eric Anderson of Harris Bank updated the Board regarding the current interest rate curve, stating the period of cutting rates may be coming to an end and that an upward trend is anticipated by as early as fall.  Anderson stated now would be the time to fund a water capital improvement plan with bonds via a debt certificate, avoiding a referendum or levying a separate tax.  Anderson stated the maximum term is 20 years and that the Village would need to budget annually for this.

 

Anderson referenced four different terms options:  10-year, 10-year balloon, 15-year and 20-year.  Mr. Anderson recommended 15 years, eliminating the balloon risk, stating that although this timeframe would be slightly more in interest, it would provide the Village flexibility.  Anderson stated each term option contains a 7-year call on the loan.  Anderson requested direction from the Board as to which approach to investigate, stating his preference for the 15-year term. 

 

Mayor Lahr inquired as to what the differential between the 10-year and the 15-year would be.  Anderson stated the difference would be 20 basis points, translating to approximately $264,000.

 

Trustees Metzelaar and Wayne expressed their preference for the 15-year timeframe, as it would be a balance of a competitive interest rate while not over extending the Village.  Trustee Dunham concurred.   Board consensus was to move forward with 15-year term.

 

MOTION                                Trustee Dunham made a motion to move forward with refinancing SSA #4, seconded by Trustee Metzelaar.

 


THE ROLL CALL

VOTE WAS                           Ayes-5 Trustees Dunham, Metzelaar, Wayne, Zerba, Messmer

Nays-0

 

Anderson overviewed next steps, stating debt certificates can be sent to local banks for bids; returned bids could be considered at the June 23 Board meeting; financing and closing could occur by July 1.  Anderson also stated the Village could reject all bids if interest rates became unfavorable. 

 

MOTION                                Trustee Dunham made a motion to proceed with the proposal for the $2 million utility capital replacement loan per the proposed schedule, seconded by Trustee Wayne

 

THE ROLL CALL

VOTE WAS                           Ayes-5 Trustees Dunham, Wayne, Metzelaar, Zerba, Messmer

Nays-0

 

Anderson stated the Board can choose to move forward on one or both issues tonight or defer to a future Board meeting.  Mayor Lahr referenced significant savings would be gained by moving forward with both the debt certificate issue and the reflecting bond issue, suggesting the Board move forward with both.  Anderson clarified that the net balance is inclusive of $25,000 in expenses.

 

MOTION                                Trustee Dunham made a motion to move forward on the bond ordinances co-terminously, seconded by Trustee Metzelaar. 

 

ON ROLL CALL                  Ayes-5, Trustees Dunham, Metzelaar, Messmer, Wayne, Zerba

                                                Nays-0

 

B.   Presentation by Lakes Committee

 

Ken Funk, Chairman of Lindenhurst Lakes Commission, and Bob Blameuser, Commissioner for Lake Potomac, were introduced.  Funk overviewed the history of the lakes in the Lindenhurst area and his involvement over the years.  Funk presented “Lakes Story,” a story that was put together based on information from the Village archives.  Funk stated that the health of any lake is considered good when wildlife is healthy.  Funk continued that the goal of the Commission Illinois Lakes Management Association is to constantly strive to make our lakes better, referencing the four lakes in the Village that are managed by the Lakes Commission:  Lake Linden (31 acres); Lake Waterford (67 acres); Lake Potomac (13 Acres); Spring Ledge (7 acres). 

 

Funk informed that since our lakes do not have streams or springs feeding them, the lakes can be compared to retention ponds and that any lawn fertilizers, road salt, etc., from our community flows directly into our lakes.  Because the soil in this area is rich in phosphorous, formation of algae blooms in lakes occurs.  Funk discussed the challenges and methods of restoring the health of Lindenhurst lakes over the years. 

 

Funk recommended the Village institute a ban on fertilizers containing phosphates.  Funk stated the Lake County Health Department supports this effort and that Antioch has put an ordinance in place banning phosphate fertilizers.

 

Mayor Lahr inquired as to whether it would be preferable enforcing a ban on phosphates or promoting a voluntary community initiative.  Trustee Messmer suggested landscaping companies operating in the area should comply, adding that many commercial operations state they are using phosphate-free fertilizer. 

 

Funk referenced other cities that have been successful in reducing the phosphorous levels in lakes after restrictions were implemented.  Discussion regarding timeframes to institute a potential ban took place.  Trustee Zerba stated the importance of providing thorough communication through local publications to educate residents on the topic.  Trustee Wayne expressed concern about instituting an ordinance that would be difficult to enforce.  Mayor Lahr stated this could be considered a societal issue, similar to recycling, whereby providing education surrounding phosphates and instituting an ordinance would create heightened awareness of the environment.  Following discussion, a request was made of Attorney Phillips to research and draft a phosphorous ordinance for future discussion. 

 

NEW BUSINESS                 A.  Ordinance:  Authorization to Auction Property

 

                                                                        ORDINANCE NO. 08-06-1715

 

                                                Jack McKeever summarized that during the year, the Village auctions off property that cannot be returned to owners.  McKeever requested ex facto approval from the Board authorizing the disposition of property for a recent auction based on past practices.  McKeever also communicated that bicycles can be claimed by residents from the Police Department by residents if they can provide the serial number.

                                               


 

MOTION                                Trustee Zerba made a motion supporting Ordinance 08-06-1715, seconded by Trustee Metzelaar.

 

THE ROLL CALL                Ayes-5, Trustees Zerba, Metzelaar, Messmer, Dunham, Wayne

VOTE WAS                           Nays-0

 

B.   Resolution:  Authorized Signatures – Village Accounts and

Investments

 

RESOLUTION NO. 08-06-1716R

 

                                                McKeever advised the purpose of this resolution was to add his name as a Village signatory.

 

MOTION                                Trustee Messmer made a motion approving the resolution to add McKeever to the Village signature card, seconded by Trustee Metzelaar

 

THE ROLL CALL                Ayes-5, Trustees Messmer, Metzelaar, Wayne, Dunham, Zerba

VOTE WAS                           Nays-0

 

C.   Ordinance:  Prevailing Wage Lake County

 

ORDINANCE NO. 08-06-1717

 

                                                Mayor Lahr communicated that approving this ordinance would allow the Village to be in line with State wages.

 

 

MOTION                                Trustee Metzelaar made a motion to adopt the Prevailing Wage for Lake County, seconded by Trustee Dunham.

 

THE ROLL CALL                Ayes-5, Trustees Metzelaar, Dunham, Wayne, Messmer, Zerba

VOTE WAS                           Nays-0

 

D.   Ordinance:  Amending the Personnel Code – Vision Plan

 

ORDINANCE NO. 08-06-1718

 

Mayor Lahr explained this ordinance is in support of a proposal from the HR committee amending the personnel code to enhance the vision plan for all Village employees.

 

MOTION                                Trustee Messmer made a motion to adopt Ordinance No. 08-06-1718, seconded by Trustee Metzelaar

 

THE ROLL CALL                Ayes-5, Trustees Messmer, Metzelaar, Zerba, Wayne, Dunham

VOTE WAS                           Nays-0


 

E.   Bid Award – Grand Avenue Water Main Phase 1

 

Engineer Welsh referenced three bids received from a request on May 27.  The low bidder was Elmwood Enterprises, Inc. from Lakemoor, IL.  Welsh stated Elmwood has successfully completed two projects for the Village in the last three years and recommended the base bid of $1,195,408.50 be awarded to Elmwood Enterprises of Lakemoor IL.  Welsh made mention that the base bid is $38,000, or 3.3%, above the amount budgeted.  Welsh referenced the importance of moving forward with this project to replace a 50-year-old water main with a state-of-the-art system.  In answering a question from Trustee Zerba as to why the price increased so drastically, Welsh stated it is due to the economy, noting the project involves a significant amount of steel and high density polyethylene pipe.  Welsh clarified this project had been budgeted to come from the enterprise fund of the Water Department. 

 

MOTION                                Trustee Dunham made a motion awarding the bid to Elmwood Enterprises, seconded by Trustee Wayne

 

THE ROLL CALL                Ayes-5, Trustees Dunham, Wayne, Metzelaar, Zerba, Messmer

VOTE WAS                           Nays-0

 

F.    Bid Award – Emergency Pavement Patching

 

Engineer Welsh explained it was previously decided to waive the bidding process to move the emergency pavement patching project forward.   Three competitive proposals were received.  The best proposal was submitted by Meridian Construction Company of Lake Bluff, IL, for $20.69 per square yard (3’ x 3’ x specified depth).  Welsh stated there is a budgeted dollar amount of $60,000 to spend, so emergency patching would be completed to greatest extent possible without exceeding $60,000.  Welsh noted that since this amount was budgeted several months ago, the purchasing value has decreased immensely due to prices from paving companies increasing by as much as 35%.  Welsh continued that because of the amount of damage from the past winter, these funds will not adequately address all of the areas in need in the Village and that the focus will be on the worst areas. 

 

Wes explained that the Village of Lindenhurst’s population has been stagnant over the last few years, stating there were 36 new single family homes in 2005; 26 new homes in 2006; 10 new homes in 2007; and 3 new homes year to date in 2008.  Since motor fuel taxes are distributed on a per capita basis, continued Welsh, the Village has received the same amount of money each year over the last three years and that, like other communities, paving materials have gone up by 40% over the last year.

 

MOTION                                Trustee Messmer made a motion to accept the proposal of Meridian Construction Company for pavement patching, not to exceed the $60,000 budgeted amount, seconded by Trustee Zerba.

 

THE ROLL CALL                Ayes-5, Trustees Messmer, Zerba, Dunham, Metzelaar, Wayne

VOTE WAS                           Nays-0

                                               

PUBLIC

PARTICIPATION                 None. 

 

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 9:20 pm.

           

 

Date Approved__________________________________

 

 

 

_______________________________                _________________________________

Susan Lahr, Mayor                                                  Patty Chybowski, Clerk