At a recent meeting, the River Forest Village Board discussed whether homes with garages facing alleys should have their addresses marked on these garages.
The board is the legislative and policy-making body of the village. It includes the village president and six trustees.
Below are the minutes from this meeting, as provided by the board.
VILLAGE OF RIVER FOREST REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES MINUTES August 22, 2016
A regular meeting of the Village of River Forest Board of Trustees was held on Monday, August 22, 2016 at 7:00 p.m. in the Community Room of Village Hall, 400 Park Avenue, River Forest, IL.
1. CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL
The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. Upon roll call, the following persons were:
Present: President Adduci, Trustees Cargie, Corsini, Conti (arrived at 7:06 p.m.), Dwyer,
and Gibbs Absent: Trustees Colwell-Steinke Also Present: Village Clerk Sharon Halperin, Village Administrator Eric Palm, Police Chief Greg Weiss, Public Works Director John Anderson, Fire Chief Jim Eggert, Finance Director Joan Rock, Assistant Village Administrator Lisa Scheiner, Management Intern Jon Pape, Village Attorney Lance Malina
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
President Adduci led the pledge of allegiance.
3. CITIZENS COMMENTS
4. ELECTED OFFICIALS COMMENTS AND ANNOUCEMENTS
Trustee Gibbs welcomed students back to school and said he hopes motorists adjust their driving strategies accordingly.
Trustee Corsini welcomed students back to school and also encouraged motorists to drive carefully. She congratulated School District 90 on the completion of their construction project before the start of the school year. She also recognized Paris Schultz, a River Forest native, who was featured in an article in the Chicago Tribune.
Village Administrator Palm stated that the Village has erected the mobile message board encouraging motorists to drive carefully and deployed the new speed trailer. In response to a comment from President Adduci, Administrator Palm confirmed that an additional crossing guard was hired to assist during the start of the school year.
5. CONSENT AGENDA
a. Village Board Regular Meeting Minutes - August 8, 2016
b. Purchase of Seven (7) Panasonic Police Arbitrator Cameras System through the MCS State
Bid from CDS Office Technologies, for $50,761 c. Change Order #1 (Final) for 2016 Street Improvement Program for $2,898.72 d. July 2016 Accounts Payable - $2,219,868.23 e. July 2016 Financial Report f. Village Administrator's Report
Trustee Cargie made a motion, seconded by Trustee Gibbs to approve the Consent Agenda Items A through F.
Trustee Corsini noted that a change on page 3 of the August 8, 2016 minutes to reflect the motion made by Trustee Cargie and seconded by her regarding the changes from the Traffic & Safety Commission.
Roll call:
Ayes: Trustees Cargie, Gibbs, Corsini, and Dwyer Absent: Trustee Colwell-Steinke and Conti Nays: None
Motion Passes.
6. RECOMMENDATIONS OF BOARDS, COMMISSIONS AND COMMITTEES
a. Zoning Board of Appeals-Variation of Side Yard Setback-559 Ashland -Ordinance
Trustee Gibbs made a motion, seconded by Trustee Corsini to approve an ordinance granting the requested variations to Section 10-9-7 of the Zoning Code at 559 Ashland Avenue.
Assistant Village Administrator Scheiner stated the variation was requested by Paul and Cheryl Harding. She noted that the variation is for an eave that will encroach into the side yard setback on a reconstructed garage. She stated that the location of the garage was chosen in order to preserve a large, mature tree on the property. She said the homeowners are working with an arborist and the design of the garage is in keeping with the historically significant architecture of the home.
Village Administrator Palm stated that this item was voted on by the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) and passed on a vote of six to zero.
Trustee Gibbs discussed a similar variation request which was approved by the Board of Trustees.
Trustee Corsini expressed her appreciation of the homeowners' efforts to save the tree. In response to a question from Trustee Corsini, Assistant Village Administrator Scheiner stated staff may have to evaluate whether the garage is subject to the Historic Preservation Ordinance. She noted that garages are considered accessory structures and if detached, may not be subject to the Ordinance.
In response to questions from Trustee Cargie, Assistant Village Administrator Scheiner stated that there were no objections from neighbors to her knowledge and that the neighbors were informed of the public hearing for this issue as required.
Roll call:
Ayes: Trustees Cargie, Conti, Dwyer, Gibbs, and Corsini, Absent: Trustee Colwell-Steinke Nays: None
Motion Passes.
b. Zoning Board of Appeals-Variation of Side Yard Setback-30 Franklin-Ordinance
Trustee Cargie made a motion, seconded by Trustee Corsini to approve an ordinance granting the requested variations to Section 10-9-7 of the Zoning Code at 30 Franklin Avenue.
Assistant Village Administrator Scheiner stated the property owners requesting this variation are Elizabeth Cheng and Charles Kerstetter. She said homeowners plan to construct a second story on their home and have requested a setback that matches the first story of the house and for a roof eave that encroaches into the setback. She noted the ZBA voted five to one in favor of approving this variation request.
Trustee Corsini stated she appreciated that the homeowners are improving the property and feels the design is consistent with the architecture of the home and with the neighborhood.
In response to a question from Trustee Cargie, Trustee Gibbs stated that comments submitted by neighbors were favorable. Assistant Village Administrator Scheiner added that the neighbors were notified of the public hearing.
President Adduci echoed Trustee Corsini's comments.
Roll call:
Ayes: Trustees Cargie, Conti, Corsini, Dwyer, and Gibbs Absent: Trustee Colwell-Steinke Nays: None
Motion Passes.
7. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
a. Proposed Madison Street TIF District - An Ordinance calling for a public hearing and a joint review board meeting to consider the designation of a redevelopment project area and the approval of a redevelopment plan and project for the Village of River Forest (Madison Street Tax Increment Financing District) - Ordinance
Trustee Corsini questioned whether addresses are mandatory on garages built along alleys and stated that she feels they should be for public safety purposes. Assistant Village Administrator Scheiner stated that the code enforcement officer could place door hangers on homes where alley-facing garages do not have an address in order to educate residents. There was a brief discussion whether there is an ordinance that addresses this issue.
Trustee Gibbs made a motion, seconded by Trustee Cargie to approve an Ordinance calling for a public hearing as part of the regularly scheduled Village Board of Trustees meeting on Monday, October 24, 2016 at 7:00 PM, and a Joint Review Board (JRB) Meeting Tuesday, September 13, 2016 at 6:00 PM, and to consider the designation of a redevelopment project area and the approval of a redevelopment plan and project for the Village of River Forest (Madison Street Tax Increment Financing District).
President Adduci noted that this was discussed at the previous Board meeting.
Roll call:
Ayes: Trustees Cargie, Conti, Corsini, Dwyer, and Gibbs Absent: Trustee Colwell-Steinke Nays: None
Motion Passes.
b. Proposed Madison Street TIP District - Intergovernmental Agreement with School Districts
Village Administrator Palm stated that the parties met and discussed the business terms that would be applicable to both the Madison Street and any future North Avenue TIF District. He reviewed the Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) with the school districts and the historical basis of some of the terms. He stated the school district is in agreement with all the terms except for the subordination clause. He indicated that the hierarchy of payments is very important to the Village and that although it was structured a little differently, there was a similar hierarchy of payments in the 1997 TIF. He stated that staff is going back to the school with the Village's position prior to the JRB meeting but wanted to make the Board aware of the negotiations and that the school boards may or may not vote in favor of the TIF.
Trustee Cargie stated he is concerned about limiting the TIF to 23 years. In response to a question from Trustee Cargie, Village Attorney Malina stated he does not believe there was a provision in the 1997 TGA regarding the prohibition of an extension of the TIF and discussed the process that would be involved with an extension. Village Administrator Palm noted that the Village would not seek an extension without a major event such as the Great Recession taking place. He stated that in his experience when a municipality seeks an extension it generally will meet with the school district, explain the reasons for the extension, and would likely rework the financial arrangements.
In response to a question from Trustee Cargie, Village Administrator Palm stated the Village expects to wrap up the TIF (assuming it is on course) by October/November, send paperwork to the County, and the assessed valuation of the Hines property would be based on what is there at the time. In response to a follow-up question from Trustee Cargie, Village Administrator Palm stated the developer is hoping the homes will be purchased before the next assessment.
Trustee Cargie stated that he does not see a difference between 5.a. and 5.c. and he agrees with the Village Administrator's recommendations.
In response to a question from Trustee Dwyer, Village Administrator Palm stated that the school districts provided no clear explanation for resisting that part of the Agreement and he supposed that they believe the dollar amounts they are requesting are reasonable and should be considered as the priority. President Adduci stated she believes they're raising it now because we're raising the 1GA with them. She said she doesn't think the way they're looking at the IGA is unusual. She stated she agrees with Trustee Cargie regarding item 5.c. Village Attorney Malina stated that what the school districts are doing would make more sense if the Village was focused on a select number of projects that would be completed within the life of the TIF. He noted that this TIF is different, there may not be good possibilities available in the first several years of the TIF, and the Village is trying to maximize flexibility for this TIF.
In response to a question from Trustee Conti, Village Administrator Palm stated he does not know that having the same attorney representing both districts will have an effect on the way they vote at the JRB. He noted that they are entitled to vote 'no' but then they would not receive the surplus payments. He added that the school districts approached the Village in regard to an IGA. President Adduci stated that it's not unusual for them to request the IGA and to ask for a little more but it is unusual for them to not recognize some of the TIF expenses.
In response to a question from Trustee Cargie, Village Administrator Palm stated the timeframes were structured differently because the payments were not surplus but were direct payments. Village Attorney Malina commented that direct payments would not be allowed now. Village Administrator Palm stated that staff ran the numbers through Kane McKenna and he feels that as long as the Village has the subordination provisions, it will be okay.
Trustee Cargie stated that the concern he has is that there are not people waiting to buy the properties so a ten-year timeline might be short.
Trustee Corsini stated that because there is a precedent with the recommended outline she is comfortable proceeding. In response to a question from Trustee Corsini, President Adduci stated that half of the money goes to the County and they distribute it. Village Attorney Malina stated that money would be distributed on a pro rata basis.
In response to a question from Trustee Corsini, Village Attorney Malina that there is an amendment to the Illinois TIF statue that provides protections for school districts concerning students generated in the district as a result of development within the TIF and that amendment requires tuition payments. He noted that this is an exception to the 'no direct payment doctrine'. He said that one of the schools' concerns when they ask for an IGA is the negative economic impact a TIF can have and this amendment was passed to alleviate that concern.
In response to a question from Trustee Cargie, Village Attorney Malina stated the amendment covers the actual net gain in students due to the redevelopment.
In response to a question from Trustee Corsini, Village Attorney Malina stated the amendment is an additional protection that did not exist when the Lake Street TIP was formed.
Village Administrator Palm stated that the school districts had requested other items from the onset that the Village could not agree to and they fell off over time. He added that discussions have been cordial but there is a professional disagreement on this particular item.
Jessica Hartshorn, 35 Park Avenue, stated that she was told by residents within the TIP that they did not receive the legal notice. She said people she spoke with either own or reside in multi- family dwellings. Village Administrator Palm stated that the Village attorneys' office has been handling the mailings. He said the addresses are on the list and he is not sure why people are not receiving them. He added that in his experience, some people discard the notices without reading them. He affirmed that notices have gone out to both residents and taxpayers of record. Trustee Cargie suggested that residents visit the website for more information. Trustee Corsini requested assistance from the press in publishing the public meeting dates.
Village Administrator Palm stated he will share this discussion with the school districts. He said if there is an agreement on the business terms of the IGA, the document will be formalized and will come before the Board for approval.
8. NEW BUSINESS
a. Waiver of Formal Bid Process and Authorize the Village Administrator to Execute a Contract with Darley Fire Apparatus, Itasca, for a New Fire Engine for $575,500
Trustee Conti made a motion, seconded by Trustee Gibbs to waive the formal bid process and authorize the Village Administrator to execute a contract with Darley Fire Apparatus, Itasca, Illinois, in a not to exceed amount of $575,500.
Fire Chief Eggert discussed the new fire truck and the process and criteria used to select it. Village Administrator Palm noted that the apparatus has, in addition to the water system, a compressed air foam system that suppresses the fire.
In response to a question from Trustee Cargie, Chief Eggert stated he will pursue a discount for prepayment. He said the discount is typically a percentage of the chassis and he reviewed the timeline needed to build the chassis and body. In response to a follow up question from Trustee Cargie, Chief Eggert stated a trade-in on a fire truck is not like a trade-in on a car and the manufacturers are interested in helping the Village broker a sale.
Trustee Gibbs stated he is pleased the Village has chosen a Darley truck as the Darley family members have been long time of residents River Forest.
Trustee Corsini questioned how the payments will be structured. Chief Eggert stated that once the vendor is formally chosen, they will negotiate the payment structure. He noted some of costs are up-front and the highest number they had was $21,000 which is one percent.
Trustee Corsini noted that staff has managed their budget well and the money is available in the Capital Equipment Replacement Fund (CERF). Chief Eggert indicated that this equipment typically has a ten year life span and the Village has had this equipment in use for 24 years. He said that is a testament to the manufacturers of the equipment as well the maintenance the Village has performed.
Roll call:
Ayes: Trustees Cargie, Conti, Corsini, Dwyer, and Gibbs Absent: Trustee Colwell-Steinke Nays: None
Motion Passes.
b. Adoption of Village Meeting Room Use Policy
Trustee Cargie made a motion, seconded by Trustee Conti to approve the Village Meeting Room Use policy as presented for immediate implementation.
Village Administrator Palm stated the Village does not currently have a policy and reviewed some of the previous uses of the space. He stated that previous decisions were governed by informal policy and that it was determined that it would be best to formalize the policy. He stated the Village Attorney's office has assisted in assembling the policy which is already in use in other municipalities.
President Adduci stated that she understands that a policy is necessary. In response to a question from President Adduci, Village Administrator Palm stated no group that has previously used the space will be affected. Regarding President Adduci's inquiry about having the policy online, Village Administrator Palm stated this has been discussed and a form will be available online with an indemnification clause. Village Attorney Malina indicated that the idea to do it informally without standards is a problem. He stated that in order to protect the limited public forum the Village needs to have objective standards and this policy creates it.
In response to a question from Trustee Corsini, Village Attorney Malina stated that the town hall scheduled for the near future falls within the policy as it is for advocacy and outreach.
Roll call:
Ayes: Trustees Cargie, Conti, Corsini, Dwyer, and Gibbs Absent: Trustee Colwell-Steinke Nays: None
Motion Passes.
Village Administrator Palm stated that Mid-America submitted for permit last week and all engineering issues regarding the Fresh Thyme building have been resolved. He noted that the
court-ordered deadline has been met and indicated that construction should begin within a few weeks.
9. EXECUTIVE SESSION
None.
10. ADJOURNMENT
Trustee Cargie made a motion seconded by Trustee Gibbs to adjourn the regular Village Board of Trustees Meeting at 7:48 p.m.
Roll call:
Ayes: Trustees Cargie, Conti, Corsini, Dwyer, and Gibbs Absent: Trustee Colwell-Steinke Nays: None
Motion Passes.
Sharon Halperin, Village Clerk
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