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VILLAGE OF LINDENHURST REGULAR MEETING OF THE VILLAGE BOARD |
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CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Lahr called the Regular Board meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. ROLL CALL: Roll call showed those present were: Mayor Lahr, Trustees: Dunham, Marturano, Messmer, Metzelaar, Wayne and Zerba. Also in attendance were: Administrator Stevens, Attorney Phillips, Chief McKeever, Johanna Tangney, a police intern, and Deputy Clerk, Cindy Spangler. Clerk Chybowski was absent due to personal reasons. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES: The minutes of the Regular Board Meeting of September 10, 2007 and the Executive Session of September 10, 2007 were presented to the Board for approval. A motion to approve the minutes was made by Trustee Wayne and was seconded by Trustee Zerba
THE ROLL
CALL VOTE WAS: COMMUNICATIONS, COMMITTEE BOARD & STAFF REPORTS: DISTRICT 41: Trustee Zerba noted that she attended the second School District 41 Facilities Planning meeting on 9/19. The discussion centered on how the four schools and one academic facility should be populated, e.g. K-6 for all versus one school K-3 and another 4-6th grade. She encouraged public input and to contact her at any time. The meetings are scheduled on Thursdays but there is no set schedule. LAKES: Trustee Metzelaar attended a Lakes Commission meeting on 9/18. The Commission provided an update on the aquatic plant buffer strip on High Point. They also discussed the possibility of developing an ordinance prohibiting the use of phosphorus similar to what the Village of Antioch is considering. The next meeting is 11/20/07 at 7:30. SWALCO: Trustee Metzelaar indicated that she and Carl Norlin will be touring the SWALCO and Recycle America facilities on 9/26. The next electronic recycling event takes place here on 11/3. VETERANS: Trustee Messmer advised the Veteran’s Day observance will be conducted at the memorial on 11/11 at 11:00 a.m. This will be second service at the new memorial site. The pavers and plaque orders have been placed and they will be installed prior the event. PARKS: Trustee Wayne reported he attended a Lindenhurst Park District Board meeting last Tuesday. They are in the very early stages of discussing the financing and construction of a maintenance facility to be located on the Grass Lake facility property. STAFF: Administrator Stevens reported that Walgreens intends to open around Thanksgiving and no later than Christmas. Chief McKeever introduced Johanna Tangney, a third year college intern who will be with the department for the next three months. She will earn six college credits and will be performing a traffic study of accident patterns in the Village that includes three major intersections. She can also be made available to other departments as needed. LINDENFEST PARADE AWARDS: Lindenfest Committee President, Larry Threadgill introduced 2007 Parade Directors, Kristin Deisinger and Jenny O’Brien who would present the parade awards. Lake Forest Health and Fitness Center was presented “Outstanding Theme” award. The “Lindenfest Committee” award was presented to the Winthrop Harbor Queens. The “Outstanding Entry” award went to Lindenhurst Early Childhood Center. The “Honorable Mention” was presented to State Bank of the Lakes, Ultimate Gymnastics and My Favorite Place. The Board congratulated the Lindenfest Committee members for all of their efforts in the production of the annual event. Mayor Lahr announced there would not be any appointments to Board, Committees or Staff. She also announced anyone in the audience who wished to leave could be excused for the balance of the agenda. OLD BUSINESS: None. NEW BUSINESS: A. SPECIAL PRESENTATION: LAKE MICHIGAN WATER FEASIBILITY STUDY/APPLIED TECHNOLOGIES Mr. John Callan and Frank Tiefert of Applied Technologies advised the Board that approximately one year ago a group was formed called Northern Lake County Water Planning Group. Its purpose is to address future water needs based upon projected area growth and to explore the potential of providing Lake Michigan water to the northern sections of the county. The six communities funding the study are Antioch, Lindenhurst, Lake Villa, Old Mill Creek, Fox Lake and Wauconda. He explained how they approached the study and various statistics and formulas that were used. He indicated that 45 miles of pipeline would need to be constructed to distribute Lake Michigan water. He also indicated several other communities have since shown interest in being included in the study. The more users introduced to the plan make the project even more feasible based on economy of scale. The water allocation to Illinois is restricted by the Supreme Court to a maximum of 3200 cu. ft. per second. That is currently completely allocated. Conservation efforts have improved consumption statistics for the last two years. It was noted that Lindenhurst is the second largest user in the group. Local infrastructure improvements would have to be made to receive Lake Michigan water. Local capital costs are not a part of the study. Total cost estimates include pipelines, pumping stations and treatment facilities projected at $178 million dollars. Communities would pay based upon consumption and to keep those rates reasonable they suggest other alternative financing including water revenue bond issues and special service area bonds. The estimated cost on a $300,000 value home would be between $188-$241 additional annual property tax. The estimated usage rate would be $2.22-$2.63 per 1000 gallons of usage. All costs discussed were wholesale values. There are no exemptions and additional taxes would apply to all entities including schools, parks etc… Future users could be charged a suggested tap on fee of $3000 to defray costs and keep rates down. Referendums were passed for additional property tax in central Lake County communities. Unincorporated Venetian Village was discussed. They currently have no water infrastructure systems and their costs to install water mains and hydrants would be very significant and would be bore independently. Suzi Schmidt, Lake County Board, spoke on behalf of the county about unincorporated areas in Wauconda and Libertyville that were not a part of JAWA but were assisted due to hazardous water conditions. Grandwood Park and Fox Lake Hills are on county systems and could be included in the distribution. All other independent well users would have to vote and form their own special service area. She indicated this is a small window of opportunity for this area to be allocated to Lake Michigan water and this time may be the only chance to opt in. Applied Technologies have several more communities to present the study to and they will have a better idea on future timeline and steps to be taken once they secure sufficient interest from the entire group. Existing well studies need to be made as part of the process. The total project timeline is estimated at 7-years. Administrator Stevens advised our cost to date is $8,000. B. AUTHORIZATION TO AUCTION VILLAGE PROPERTY Administrator Stevens explained the release of Village property to auction must be approved by the Board in the form of an ordinance. MOTION: A motion to authorize the auction of Village Property was made by Trustee Marturano and was seconded by Trustee Wayne. Ordinance No. 07-9-1652
THE ROLL
CALL VOTE WAS: PUBLIC PARTICIPATION: Mayor Lahr opened the meeting to public comments. Jim Streicher, 2203 Sand Lake Road inquired as to the status of the 50th Anniversary history book. Administrator Stevens advised he had recently met with the author and additional editing was necessary. He also added he is awaiting a final list of items to be contained in the time capsule. Carl Norlin, 523 Hillcrest recalled that 25 years ago the Village opted not to be a part of JAWA. He believes that now is the time to support allocation of Lake Michigan water. Gary Stitgen, 464 Country Place stated he was impressed by the presentation and would be interested in seeing more detail. He was concerned about the impact on capital improvements. He questioned what would happen with existing well systems in seven years if Lake Michigan water is introduced. He credited the Village forefather’s vision that enabled future development to the community. He wondered if we would be losing our control or independence by entering into a shared project. Administrator Stevens advised that many surrounding unincorporated properties are included in our master plan and sanitary service area. He further questioned if future development could potentially be contingent upon an agency vote for water services. We would be part of the agency and have a single vote and there is potential to be out voted. Many of those details have yet to be addressed and Mr. Stitgen was complemented for asking very good questions. Suzi Schmidt added that JAWA has not stopped any water to its agents since inception in 1980. David Hartwig, 1816 Skyline Cir. stated we need to have insurance for future water supplies. Bob Reding, 2465 Heron Drive wanted to know how the Board communities were communicating amongst each other and what their thoughts on alternative solutions were. Mayor Lahr advised that would be the next phase of the process. He also wanted to know if there was another agency we could go to and was advised that we are the agency and there are no other agencies forming around us. Carl Norlin, 523 Hillcrest commented to the significance of water conservation. Luigi DeAngelis, Neubauer Cir announced an international sporting event AIBA (World Boxing Championship) would soon be coming to Chicago and he urged greater Chicagoland support through spectator and volunteer opportunities. He said this will also be an opportunity to show support for the 2016 Olympics to be held in Chicago. Russ & Jean Valin, 1801 E. Grand Ave advised the Board that they would be submitting various applications to the building department and would appreciate expedited handling. Their home is being torn down and rebuilt due to fire and they only have four months insurance coverage for alternate housing. Administrator Stevens advised he would look into matters first thing the next day. MOTION: A motion to adjourn the meeting was made by Trustee Wayne and seconded by Trustee Messmer. All were in favor.
Ayes –
6 ADJOURNMENT: The meeting was adjourned at 8:22 p.m. |
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