River Forest Board of Trustees met Monday, Nov. 28.
The board is the legislative and policy-making body of the village. It includes the village president and six trustees.
Here are the minutes as provided by River Forest:
VILLAGE OF RIVER FOREST REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES MINUTES November 28,2016
A regular meeting of the Village of River Forest Board of Trustees was held on Monday, November 28, 2016 at 7:04 p.m. in the Community Room of Village Hall, 400 Park Avenue, River Forest, TL.
1. CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL
The meeting was called to order at 7:07 p.m. Upon roll call, the following persons were:
Present: President Adduci, Trustees Conti, Corsini, Cargie, Colwell-Steinke, Dwyer (arrived at 7:10 p.m.), andGibbs Absent: None Also Present: Village Clerk Sharon Halperin, Village Administrator Eric Palm, Assistant Village Administrator Lisa Scheiner, Police Chief Greg Weiss, Fire Chief Jim Eggert, Public Works Director John Anderson, Finance Director Joan Rock, Management Intern Jonathan Pape, Village Attorneys Lance Malina and Greg Smith
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
President Adduci led the pledge of allegiance.
3. CITIZENS COMMENTS
None.
4. ELECTED OFFICIALS COMMENTS AND ANNOUCEMENTS
Trustee Gibbs thanked everyone who came to the meeting and extended his condolences to Trustee Corsini on the recent passing of her mother-in-law.
Trustee Conti congratulated Sergeant Edith Buckner on her completion of two marathons in October.
President Adduci extended her condolences to Trustee Corsini on the loss of her mother-in-law. She said she spoke to a third grade classroom regarding government and described her experience speaking with the students.
5. CONSENT AGENDA
a. Regular Village Board Meeting Minutes - November 7, 2016
b. Executive Session Minutes -November 7, 2016
c. Authorize Abatement of Debt Service Levy 2008B General Obligation Bonds - Ordinance d. Authorizing the Investment of Village Funds with Multi-Bank Securities - Resolution
e. Declare Police Gun Vault as Surplus Property - Ordinance
f. Declare 2000 Ford Taurus Wagon Surplus Property - Ordinance
g. Acceptance of Donation of 21 Murphy Beds for the Fire Department from Casper Company - Resolution
h. Construction Without a Surety Bond on IDOT Highways - Resolution
i. Renewal of Agreement for GIS Technical Services with Municipal CIS Partners for $38,788.40
j. Village Monthly Reports
k. Monthly Financial Report
1. October 2016 Accounts Payable - $1,479,137.96 m. Performance Measurement Report - October 2016 n. Village Administrator's Report o. Village Attorney Invoice-October 2016 - $15,458.22
Trustee Cargie made a motion, seconded by Trustee Gibbs, to approve the Consent Agenda items A through C and E through O.
Trustee Cargie stated he had a question on item D.
In regard to item H, Trustee Conti asked what is the significance of construction without a surety bond. Village Administrator Palm stated the Village has maintenance agreements with IDOT and that IDOT is essentially waiving the requirement.
A member of the audience asked why item D had been removed from the consent agenda. President Adduci explained the purpose and function of the consent agenda and how an item may be removed.
Roll call:
Ayes: Trustees Conti, Gibbs, Corsini, Colwell-Steinke, and Cargie Absent: Trustee Dwyer Nays: None
Motion Passes.
Trustee Gibbs made a motion, seconded by Trustee Steinke, to approve a resolution authorizing the Investment of Village Funds with Multi-Bank Securities.
In response to a question from Trustee Cargie, Finance Director Rock stated that the Village is buying individual securities, it is not from a pool, and it provides another place for pricing on securities. She said that PMA has a limited selection which is purchased "second hand", and this is a place where the Village could get better pricing. In response to a follow up question from Trustee Cargie, Finance Director Rock stated that the Village will hold the federal securities and possibly brokered CDs in its own account, all would be less than $250,000, and would be insured.
Roll call:
Ayes: Trustees Conti, Gibbs, Corsini, Colwell-Steinke, Dwyer and Cargie Absent: None Nays: None
Motion Passes.
6. RECOMMENDATIONS OF BOARDS, COMMISSIONS AND COMMITTEES
a. Planned Development Application Amendment - Promenade Townhomes - Ordinance
Trustee Gibbs made a motion, seconded by Trustee Conti, to approve an Ordinance Granting an Amendment to an Existing Planned Development Permit for 7820 W. Madison Street.
Trustee Corsini said that they previously expanded the width of the balcony and asked if there were any changes to the balcony material. Mr. John Schiess stated the material was treated wood and will remain the same.
In response to a question from Trustee Corsini, Chief Eggert stated there is an existing Ordinance that prohibits the use of grills on the balcony.
In response to a question from Trustee Cargie regarding the environmental study, Assistant Village Administrator Schemer explained that the environmental study was not specifically required for the amendment application but the Planned Development Ordinance requires that the applicant provide any environmental studies that they possess.
Roll call:
Ayes: Trustees Dwyer, Conti, Gibbs, Corsini, Colwell-Steinke, and Cargie Absent: None Nays: None
Motion Passes.
b. Planned Development Application - 1101 Bonnie Brae - Ordinance
Trustee Conti made a motion, seconded by Trustee Gibbs, to approve an Ordinance Granting a Planned Development permit for 1101 and 1111 Bonnie Brae Place with conditions as listed in the packet memo.
Art Gurevich, one of the principals of Bonnie Brae Construction LLC, described the proposed planned development noting that the existing vintage six unit apartment building will be converted to a three unit condominium building. He stated that the primary market for the condominiums is empty nesters. He said the size of the units will be from 1,800 to 3,000 square feet and they are giving buyers the opportunity to customize floor plans. He indicated that high quality materials and upscale finishes will be used. He stated that there will be two elevators in the new building, one large enough to accommodate a stretcher. He said there will be security cameras and alarms. lie noted that the balconies on the new building are oversized and there will be ample garage space which will accommodate both buildings.
In response to a question from Trustee Gibbs, Mr. Gurevich stated that the parking issues have been resolved with the double-decker garage which fully accommodates parking on-site. Trustee Gibbs suggested the installation of diagonal parking in front of the building (on Thomas) to keep cars off Bonnie Brae. Mr. Gurevich stated he is concerned about creating more asphalt and reducing green space. President Adduci noted that there were comments regarding the lack of green space.
In response to a question from Trustee Corsini, Mr. Gurevich described how guests access parking and noted that the garage can be opened for guests. Trustee Corsini stated that there are two guest parking spaces off of the alley. Trustee Gibbs noted that there is street parking on Thomas.
Trustee Dwyer inquired whether the proposed development's economic impact on schools was addressed by the Development Review Board (DRB). Mr. Gurevich stated that the DRB deferred that issue to the Village Board because it is not in their purview. President Adduci stated that the ordinance before the Board does not have the waiver, and the Developer is requesting a waiver of a portion of the School District's impact fee. Village Administrator Palm stated that the Developer is requesting a reduction of approximately 25%. He said that a motion would have to be made to grant the waiver and noted that staff does not recommend this. He discussed situations where staff would recommend a waiver, and he maintained that the target market does not necessarily reflect actual buyers.
Trustee Corsini requested clarification regarding whether there should be a motion to deny the request for the waiver. Village Attorney Malina stated that is not necessary because it is not included in the Ordinance. Trustees Corsini and Dwyer stated they are not in favor of granting the waiver. Trustee Dwyer added that he thinks it is setting a bad precedent but understands the Developer's logic in requesting it.
Trustee Corsini suggested that the Village advance the Capital Improvement schedule in regard to reconstruction of the alley so that it coincides with construction. President Adduci explained the alley reconstruction program.
Trustee Corsini expressed her concern about the timing of this project and the construction at Concordia. Mr. Gurevich stated that Concordia is much farther ahead of this project's schedule and he does not anticipate any conflicts with Concordia's project.
In response to a question from Trustee Corsini, Mr. Gurevich stated there are no utility poles that will interfere with construction.
Trustee Corsini requested confirmation that the rooftop green space was eliminated in lieu of a lower middle court yard. Mr. Gurevich affirmed that statement. In response to a question from Trustee Corsini, Mr. Gurevich stated that only the units adjacent to the court yard will have access to it.
In response to a question from Trustee Corsini, Mr. Gurevich stated he believes that five guest parking spots are required and noted that two of the guest spaces arc outside and guests would have to be granted access to the inside guest spaces by a resident.
Trustee Corsini inquired about the minimum presale number required prior to construction. Mr. Gurevich stated that 30%, or five units, is the requirement. He added that one unit is under contract and they hope to have more. He noted that it is difficult to sell something that has not been approved.
In response to a question from Trustee Corsini, Mr. Gurevich stated that only one of the elevators needs to be large enough to accommodate a stretcher and noted that both are accessible.
In response to a question from Trustee Corsini, Assistant Village Administrator Schemer stated that residents who attended the DRB meetings were pleased with the change in density.
Trustee Corsini inquired about home owner associations (HOA). Mr. Gurevich stated that there will be two separate HOAs (one for each building) and one umbrella HOA to cover the common areas.
In response to a question from Trustee Conti, Mr. Gurevich stated the exterior building materials will be brick and limestone, the brick will be oversized, and the bricks are similar to those at Village Hall but darker in color. In response to a follow up question from Trustee Conti, Mr. Gurevich stated that the exterior of the existing building will be cleaned up.
In response to a question from Village Clerk Halperin, Mr. Gurevich stated there will be fifteen units in the new four story building and three in the vintage building. Trustee Corsini summarized the floor configuration: sub ground parking, first level parking, and three stories of residences. Mr. Gurevich confirmed her statement.
President Adduci stated that it has been a long process and appreciates the Developer staying the course. She said she thinks the changes have resulted in a better project.
Denise McDermott, 314 Franklin, asked the Developer why they eliminated the rooftop garden. Mr. Gurevich explained that the building height was the issue and that it was a rooftop common area, not a garden. Ms. McDermott inquired whether there will be opportunities for people to have their own gardens. Mr. Gurevich stated that there are individual terraces for private use. President Adduci stated it will be up to the HOA to decide what is allowed on the terraces. In response to a question from Ms. McDermott, Mr. Gurevich stated there will not be resident access to the rooftop.
Roll call:
Ayes: Trustees Dwyer, Conti, Gibbs, Corsini, Colwell-Steinke, and Cargie Absent: None Nays: None
Motion Passes.
7. BOARD AND COMMISSION APPOINTMENTS
a. Plan Commission - Appoint Carolyn KJlbride - (McMahon Vacancy) - Remaining Term Expiring 4/30/19
b. Plan Commission - Appoint Ori Gottlieb (Johnson Vacancy) - Remaining Term Expiring 4/30/17
c. Historic Preservation Commission - Appoint Michael Pritz (McMahon Vacancy) - Remaining Term Expiring 4/30/17
d. Traffic and Safety Commission - Appoint Jack Cleary (Hagensick Vacancy) - Remaining Term Expiring 4/30/17
e. Traffic and Safety Commission -Appoint Doug Rees Chairman
f. Ethics Commission - Appoint Maria Cullerton (Crotty Vacancy) - Remaining Term Expiring 4/30/18
g. Ethics Commission - Appoint Gary Collins - Chairperson
Trustee Cargie made a motion, seconded by Trustee Conti, to concur with the recommendation of the Village President for appointments/reappointments 7a.-7g. for the Village Boards and Commissions effective November 28, 2016.
President Adduci stated she is recommending Carolyn Kilbride for the Dennis McMahon vacancy on the Plan Commission and noted that Ms. Kilbride is an engineering graduate from Notre Dame. She said she is recommending Ori Gottlieb who is a physician at the University of Chicago for the Johnson vacancy on the Plan Commission, Michael Pritz for the Laurel McMahon vacancy on the Historic Preservation Commission, and Jack Cleary for the John Hagensick vacancy on the Traffic and Safety Commission. She noted that she is recommending the appointment of Doug Rees as chairman of the Traffic and Safety Commission. President Adduci stated she is recommending Maria Cullerton for the Sean Crotty vacancy on the Ethics Commission and the appointment of Gary Collins as chairperson of that Commission.
Trustee Gibbs stated that Dr. Gottlieb's resume is impressive but he questioned the appointment and Dr. Gottlieb's interest in the Plan Commission. President Adduci stated that she spoke with Dr. Gottlieb and he is very interested in serving on the Plan Commission. She said she feels he can bring his perspective to the Commission.
Trustee Gibbs asked if there had ever been an interest in combining the Plan Commission and the DRB. President Adduci stated the Board discussed the Plan Commission, DRB and Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) in 2013. She said by law the ZBA and Plan Commission are separate and that the DRB was something the Village decided to create in order to help move planned developments along.
Roll call:
Ayes: Trustees Dwyer, Conti, Gibbs, Corsini, Colwell-Steinke, and Cargie Absent: None Nays: None
Motion Passes.
8. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
a. Approval of the 2016 Village Property Tax Levy - $7,856,317 - Ordinance
Trustee Dwyer made a motion, seconded by Trustee Corsini, to pass an Ordinance Levying Taxes for Corporate Purposes for the Current Fiscal Year Commencing on the 1st Day of May, 2016 and Ending on the 30th Day of April, 2017 for the Village of River Forest, Illinois in the amount of $7,856,317.
Trustees Corsini and Dwyer thanked Finance Director Rock for preparing the document.
President Adduci thanked Finance Director Rock and the Finance Committee.
Roll call:
Ayes: Trustees Dwyer, Conti, Gibbs, Corsini, Colwell-Steinke, and Cargie Absent: None Nays: None
Motion Passes.
b. Madison Street Tax Increment Financing District
i. An Ordinance Designating the Village of River Forest Madison Street Tax
Increment Financing District Redevelopment Project Area ii. An Ordinance Approving the Village of River Forest Madison Street Tax Increment Financing District Redevelopment Project Area Redevelopment Plan and Project iii. An Ordinance Adopting Tax Increment Financing for the Village of River Forest
Madison Street Tax Increment Financing District
Trustee Gibbs made a motion, seconded by Trustee Conti, to pass an Ordinance designating the Village of River Forest Madison Street Tax Increment Financing District Redevelopment Project Area, an Ordinance approving the Village of River Forest Madison Street Tax Increment Financing District Redevelopment Project Area Redevelopment Plan and Project, and an Ordinance adopting Tax Increment Financing for the Village of River Forest Madison Street Tax Increment Financing District.
Trustee Corsini thanked Village staff and attorneys for their work and thanked the residents who participated in the process which improved the Ordinance.
President Adduci reiterated Trustee Corsini's comments. She said that throughout the process she and the Board of Trustees focused on the task at hand, taking the necessary steps to expand and add vibrancy to the Village's commercial tax base. She stated that they believe that strengthening the commercial base strengthens the community. She said that shifting some of the tax burden away from the residents allows residents, especially seniors on a fixed income, to remain in the Village. She discussed the lessons learned in regard to communications and discussed the new communication strategies the Village will be implementing in the near future. She encouraged residents to sign up for the Village e-newsletter. She thanked the residents who participated in the process and noted that government is here to serve the community.
President Adduci stated the next steps start at the beginning of 2017 with the formulation of a strategy to bring new potential developers to River Forest. She said the Village does not know what kinds of businesses will come but that there is hope for a white tablecloth restaurant. She stated the working guides will be the marketing plan, the 2010 Corridor Study, the Comprehensive Plan, and the Board will continue to consult with the Economic Development Commission, Development Review Board, and the Historic Preservation Commission as well. She said the Village will keep residents apprised of new developments.
Roll call:
Ayes: Trustees Dwyer, Conti, Gibbs, Corsini, Colwell-Steinke, and Cargie Absent: None Nays: None
Motion Passes.
9. NEW BUSINESS
None.
10. EXECUTIVE SESSION
At 7:47 p.m., Trustee Corsini made a motion seconded by Trustee Gibbs to recess to Executive Session to discuss personnel and the acquisition of real property.
Roll call:
Ayes: Trustees Conti, Gibbs, Corsini, and Colwell-Steinke, Cargie, and Dwyer Absent: None Nays: None
Motion Passes.
Call To Order/Roll Call Return to Regular Session
The Board returned to Regular Session at 8:50 p.m. Upon roll call, the following persons were present:
President Adduci, Trustees Cargie, Dwyer, Conti, Corsini, Colwell-Steinke, and Gibbs
Absent: None
Also Present: Assistant Village Administrator Scheiner, Village Attorney Malina and Attorney Smith.
11. ADJOURNMENT
Trustee Cargie made a motion seconded by Trustee Steinke, to adjourn the regular Village Board of Trustees Meeting at 8:51 p.m.
Roll call:
Ayes: Trustees Conti, Dwyer, Gibbs, Corsini, Colwell-Steinke, and Cargie Absent: None Nays: None
Motion Passes.
Sharon Halperin, Village Clerk