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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, Police Chief McKeever, Treasurer Art Neubauer and Clerk Patty Chybowski. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES: The minutes of the Regular Meeting of September 24, 2007 were presented to the Board for approval. A motion to approve the minutes was made by Trustee Zerba, seconded by Trustee Metzelaar. On a voice vote, the minutes were approved.
Ayes-6 TREASURER’S REPORT: Art Neubauer presented the September Treasurer’s report, stating the bank balances for all accounts on August 30 were $9,881,543.44; Receipts $1,014,798.05; Expenses $1,131,285.87. The bank balance for all accounts on September 27 was $9,765,055.62. MOTION: A motion to accept the September Treasurer’s Report was made by Trustee Dunham, seconded by Trustee Wayne.
THE ROLL
CALL VOTE WAS: OCTOBER BILLS PRESENTED FOR PAYMENT: Trustee Dunham moved to pay the October bills in the amount of $692,224.75, seconded by Trustee Messmer. THE
ROLL CALL VOTE WAS: COMMUNICATIONS, COMMITTEE BOARD & STAFF REPORTS: Trustee Messmer commented that the Veterans Memorial Commission met on October 1 with the general contractor and architect regarding original contract specifications for the lighting. In addition to the lighting being changed to be more subdued, minor changes will be made to some of the partitions. Trustee Messmer commented that plastic grocery bags have been a source of litter in the Village and proposed sending a letter to Butera requesting installation of a recycling bin. Trustee Metzelaar added that SWALCO is trying to initiate action on environmental concerns such as the recycling of grocery bags. Trustee Messmer commended the Board for not approving a previous request to install a depository in the Village to collect used clothing, stating a nearby community had one and it did not work out. Mayor Lahr agreed, adding that during different seasons of the year a used clothing depository can be problematic. Trustee Messmer announced that there will be a Veterans ceremony held on November 11 at 11am at the Veterans Memorial, which will be the second Veterans Day ceremony held at the memorial. The program has not been finalized but this year the focus will be on getting more youths involved. All are welcome to attend. Trustee Dunham stated the Finance Committee will be meeting as soon as a date can be set. Additionally, Trustee Dunham acknowledged he saluted the flag during the pledge of allegiance this evening. This is due to a change in the flag code passed this year which allows current and former military personnel not in uniform to salute the flag. Trustee Maturano shared that the Lake Villa Fire Protection District met Monday, October 1. Construction on the new fire station is progressing. Additionally, the Fire Protection Board is interested in hiring a part-time business manager for the district and that this position will be advertised locally soon. Marturano also stated that the meeting the Illinois Health Facilities Planning Board was to have with Vista was rescheduled for October 23 and 24. Another letter will be presented to Barbara Martin to forward to the Planning Board in support of a hospital in Lindenhurst. Trustee Zerba commented that the new Lake Villa Fire Department building design is classic and tasteful and that the building really enhances Grass Lake Road and the Village. Mayor Lahr commented that there have been many questions from residents regarding Village Green and that the Village meets weekly to discuss topics relating to Village Green. The Village will be releasing a press release with updates in the next week or two. Lahr continued that the Village is in the process of scheduling a public forum where developers of Village Green will share the progress made to this point and additional information about the project going forward. Mayor Lahr thanked Trustee Messmer for volunteering to be the third person on the Finance Committee and stated the appointment would take place at the next meeting. Mayor Lahr announced that an agenda item regarding signs for the upcoming “Taste of the Talents” was not added in time for tonight’s meeting and requested David Hartwig to present the information. David Hartwig, 1816 Skyline Circle, announced “Taste of the Talents” will be held on October 21 from 12noon until 7pm. Mr. Hartwig requested Board permission to place up to ten (10) signs, with property owner permission, at major intersections. Signs would be removed no later than Tuesday, October 23. Mayor Lahr requested a consensus from the Board for the Village Administrator to manage this request and a consensus was given. Mayor Lahr announced Dan Venturi had information regarding the Lakes High School Eagles Booster Club. Dan Venturi, 25041 Megan Court, shared that the Village of Lake Villa’s water tower, adjacent to Lakes High School, was in the process of being repainted “Lakes Eagle blue,” the color of the Lakes High School Eagles, with the words “Home of the Lakes Eagles.” The booster club had an idea to enhance the paint job by adding the Lakes logo and a picture of the eagle mascot. Mr. Venturi explained there was a small window of opportunity to decide on this enhancement, as the tower was currently being sandblasted and primed. Venturi continued that the additional cost for the logo and eagle would be $15,000. He stated that the Chamber of Commerce pledged $750 toward the cost, the Village of Lake Villa was contributing $3,000, and that the proceeds of the 50/50 raffle from homecoming would also be contributed. Venturi requested a contribution from the Village of Lindenhurst. Mayor Lahr inquired as to whether there was money available for such a request. Administrator Stevens said there was a small budget of about $500 available for such a request. Mr. Venturi added that all major contributors will be announced at all football games this year and next year. Additionally, contributor names will also be posted at concession stands for basketball and football. Trustee Wayne confirmed with Mr. Venturi that the $15,000 is an incremental cost. Venturi also confirmed that the Lakes logo and eagle would be seen as you look west from Lakes High School, with “Lake Villa” viewable from the other side. MOTION: Trustee Zerba made a motion to contribute $500 to the cause, adding that since the appropriate Village fund would then be depleted, further requests of the Village this year would need to be denied. Trustee Wayne concurred with Zerba, adding that when the Finance Committee does meet, principles could be drafted to outline criteria for future requests. Trustee Marturano seconded the motion.
THE ROLL
CALL VOTE WAS: Trustee Zerba stated that on October 4 she attended the third District 41 Facilities Planning Meeting where discussions took place regarding the best options available to efficiently and effectively educate students in District 41 in the future. The next meeting will be held October 18. Trustee Zerba also went to Bonner farm on October 3 to attend their fall program, which was a nice event with many families attending. Mayor Lahr commented that a number of the Board members attended a seminar for newly elected officials hosted by the Municipal League on October 6. The seminar was well-attended and was very beneficial for new members, and served as a refresher for other attendees. Trustee Metzelaar shared that she, Mayor Lahr, Shawn Lahr of the Environmental Committee, and resident Carl Norlin, toured SWALCO and Recycle America. The tour was very informative and provided good ideas to enhance recycling and potentially increase revenue for the community. It was noted there is an electronics collection scheduled on November 3rd from 9am until 12 noon. OLD BUSINESS: None
NEW BUSINESS: Nick Broduck and Shawn Parnell, representing Exceed Development, presented regarding the site layout and overview of the Lindenhurst Campus Center development. Greg Trapanni of Trapanni Construction, who is helping to manage the project, also presented. Shawn Parnell communicated the following: The site is an 11.5 acre parcel on Route 45 just north of Sand Lake Road. Two entrances are proposed from Route 45 north and south. There will be a primary three-story T-shaped building on the site, approximately 198,000 square feet in size, with retail, office and restaurant components on the first level. The residential units are planned to be designed similar to residential units in the area with regard to architecture and materials. Affordable housing units will be located in one area of the building. Additionally, there are two retail outlots proposed as a future component of the development. At the rear of the property, bordering the residential community, there is a proposed landscaping and berm buffer between the two projects, as well as a shallow, gradually sloping retention area. The height of the berm, which runs the length of the western boundary, varies and is six feet at the highest point. Questions from the Board about the project regarding the exterior design of the building, traffic flow of vehicles in the parking, parking for residents, etc., were answered by Mr. Parnell. Mayor Lahr suggested before Mr. Broduck started the next segment that homeowners from Cross Creek should have an opportunity to provide input regarding the information just presented. Lindsey Wood, 264 Creekside Court, President of the Cross Creek Homeowners Association, stated that his understanding of the development was that there would be residential units available for purchase and that he is surprised to learn that the units will be 100% rental units. With this significant change, Wood stated his concern that other aspects of the development have also changed drastically, including the landscaping buffer that was communicated previously. Mr. Trapanni responded that the height of the berm is the same and that the area would be heavily landscaped, as previously communicated. Nick Broduck provided information regarding the unit composition of the rental building, as well as prices and information regarding affordable housing. Affordable Housing for rental units, by definition, is when a household spends no more than 30% of their gross household income on rent and utilities. For the Lindenhurst Campus Center development, there would be 114 residential rental units in total, including 42 one bedroom/one bath units, and 72 two bedroom/two bath units. Of the 114 apartments, 46 would be designated as affordable housing rental units, consisting of 16 one bedroom/1 bath units and 30 two bedroom/two bath units. Broduck continued that the rental units designated as “affordable housing” units are meant to be affordable to households who earn at or below 60% of the area median (gross) income. This coincides with Village of Lindenhurst’s comprehensive plan, as well as State law. Broduck presented salary levels and varying household sizes that would meet the criteria for affordable housing in Lake County. Examples of occupations that can command the moderate incomes qualifying for the affordable units would be teachers, municipal or county employees, young professionals, etc. Broduck stated the market rate monthly rent estimates range from $1,187 to $1,481, depending upon whether it is for a one or two bedroom unit. Affordable monthly rents could range from $848 to $1,018. Broduck added that even though the apartments are limited to one or two-bedrooms, the square footage for these units is greater than most rentals in the area. Broduck summarized that Chapter 8 of the comprehensive affordable housing states that 15% of all new residential development or redevelopment be affordable. Exceed Development is seeking a waiver from the Village for all or a portion of the infrastructure/maintenance fees for the affordable units to assist in the implementation of the Lindenhurst Campus Center project. Questions from the Board regarding maintaining qualifications for affordable housing in the future, presence of a rental management company, determination of market rate rentals, square footage, heating and cooling of the units and the experience of the developer were addressed. B. Resolution: Community Development Block Grant Funding RESOLUTION 07-10-1653R Administrator Stevens overviewed that there is an area of Lindenhurst which potentially qualifies for community development block grant funding. To effectuate an application for next year, the Board must approve a resolution showing the Village Board supports the application. The maximum grant available is $75,000. An eligible project in the Village would be to improve the slow/delayed water flow on a portion of Elmwood and the subsequent road repair, which could cost up to $100,000. Trustee Wayne made a motion to adopt Resolution 07-10-1653R authorizing an application for community block grant funding, seconded by Trustee Zerba.
THE ROLL
CALL VOTE WAS: C. Discussion: Meehan & Company, Inc., Contract Amendment for Professional Planning Services Mayor Lahr stated that an amendment to change hourly wages to Meehan & Company’s contract, in conjunction with a 2-year renewal beginning 1/1/08, was before the Board. The proposed village-related services change is from $111 per hour to $120 per hour. The proposed change in developer fees is from $145 per hour to $160 per hour. Mayor Lahr inquired as to whether the rate corresponds to the current market rate. Administrator Stevens replied that this was the market rate two years ago. Lahr commented that there has been considerable input as to the quality of work performed by Meehan and acknowledged that Jane Gattone, Chairperson of the Lindenhurst Plan Commission, was present this evening. Jane Gattone commented that Meehan is indispensable to the Plan Commission, that the memos prepared by Meehan are extremely detailed, which makes the work of the Plan Commission much more efficient. Trustee Messmer added that in his experience on the Plan Commission in the past, Meehan did a very thorough job. Trustee Wayne concurred with Messmer regarding his experience as a former member of the Plan Commission. Mayor Lahr requested the approval of this contract be put on the agenda for the next Board meeting. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION: Greg Phillips, 54 Coventry Cove, commented that Trustee Marturano provided a good update regarding the progress of the fire house. Phillips added that wireless communication is currently being investigated for fire alarms. David Hartwig, 1816 Skyline Circle, spoke on behalf of the Lakes Community High School students to thank the Village for the generous donation for Taste of the Talent and that he hopes to see everyone there. EXECUTIVE SESSION: A motion to move to Executive Session was made by Trustee Marturano and was seconded by Trustee Wayne. No action is anticipated.
THE ROLL
CALL VOTE WAS: Mayor Lahr stated the motion carried and the Board moved into Executive Session at 8:25pm. RE-CONVENE: The Regular Meeting re-convened at 9:07pm. MOTION: A motion to adjourn the meeting was made by Trustee Dunham, seconded by Trustee Wayne. Upon a voice vote, the motion carried. ADJOURNMENT: The meeting was adjourned at 9:07pm. |
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