Village of River Forest Board of Trustees met March 12.
Here is the minutes provided by the Board:
1. Call To Order/Roll Call
The meeting was called to order at 7:03 p.m. Upon roll call, the following persons were:
Present: President Adduci, Trustees Cargie, Vazquez, Gibbs, and Corsini
Absent: Trustees Conti and Henek
Also Present: Viltage Clerk Kathleen Brand-White, Village Administrator Eric Palm, Assistant Village Administrator Lisa Scheiner, Management Analyst Jon Pape, Police Chief James O'Shea, Deputy Police Chief Daniel Dhooghe, Fire Chief Kurt Bohlmann, Finance Director Joan Rock, Public Works Director John Anderson, Village Attorney Greg Smith
2. Pledge Of Allegiance
President Adduci led the pledge of allegiance.
3. Citizens Comments
Susan Altier, 12 Ashland Avenue, thanked Village Administrator Palm for responding to her previous questions. She noted that the Village Board will be discussing the legislation that the Illinois Municipal League put forth about reducing the population for a community to become Home Rule. She stated that the community voted on this matter not long ago and opposed it and she believes that opinion should be carried forward in the Board's discussion.
4. Elected Officials Comments And Announcements
a. Swearing-ln: Daniel Dhooghe, Deputy Police Chief
Police Chief O'Shea introduced Daniel Dhooghe, Deputy Chief of Police, and discussed his qualifications and accomplishments. Village Clerk Brand-White administered the Oath of Office.
b. 2017 Police Officer of the Year: Daniel Szczesny
Police Chief O'Shea introduced Patrol Officer Daniel Szczesny and discussed his distinguished service that resulted in the award. Chief O'Shea presented him with the 2017 Police Officer of the Year award.
c. Recognition of Andrew Edwards, 7th Grade student at Roosevelt Middle School for his film, "Plastic, not Fantastic", winner of the Middle School Category of the.One Earth Young Filmmakers Contest" (To Take Place Later In the Meeting)
Sue Crothers-Cee introduced Andrew Edwards, who won the middle school level award for the 2018 One Earth Film Festival Young Filmmakers Contest. She discussed the Festival's matching grant (prize) program and announced that Andrew Edwards chose Plastic Oceans Foundation as the organization to receive the $100 grant. Andrew Edwards described the reason he made his film, Plastic Not Fantastic. The film was shown to the audience. President Adduci presented Andrew with a certificate of achievement recognizing his award.
Trustee Cargie stated that the Collaborative Committee met last month and is working toward the community calendar. He stated that they met with the Village's web designer and he will present strategies to achieve this goal next week. In response to a question from President Adduci, Trustee Cargie stated that they believe there is buy-in and the agencies that do not have a calendar will have to develop one. In response to questions from Trustee Corsini and President Adduci, Trustee Cargie discussed the system that has to be in place for it work well.
Trustee Corsini reported that she met with two of the boy scouts who attended the meeting when safe routes to school was discussed. She said they discussed the safe routes program and ways the scouts could help. She stated that she attended the Oak Park River Forest (OPRF) District 200 Community Council meeting where they discussed safety and security issues after the Parkland school shooting. She said they also discussed concerns about how the recent march in response to the shooting was handled. the upcoming march, and a review of curriculum. Trustee Corsini said she also attended the Dominican University Gala and complimented the University on the event and fundraising efforts.
President Adduci stated she attended the Chamber Annual Meeting on March 6th where she and Village Administrator Palm were able to meet with local business owners. President Adduci said she also went to the Dominican University Gala and complimented the University on the event. She announced that she went to The Big Idea at the Wire. She reported that Excellence with Equity won $50,000 and congratulated the team. President Adduci said they also gave $10,000 to From Lawns to Gardens II. She also read a note that she received from a local young resident thanking her for her service.
5. Consent agenda
a. Regular Village Board Meeting Minutes - February 26,2018
b. Executive Session Meeting Minutes - February 26,2018
c. Waiver of Formal Bid and Award One-Year Contract Extension to Homer Tree Care Inc. for 2018 Tree and Stump Removal Program in the not-to-exceed amount of$44,000 (Same Pricing as 2017)
d. Waiver of Formal Bid and Award One-Year Contract Extension to Davis Tree Care & Landscaping Inc. for 2018 Tree Trimming Program in the not-to-exceed amount of$35,010 (Same Pricing as 2017)
e. IDOT 2018 Maintenance Agreement for Use of MFT Funds for 2018 Street Improvement Project for $150,000 - Resolution
f. Amend Title 9 of the Village Code - Prohibit Parking on the East Side of Thatcher Avenue Between Division & Greenfield - Ordinance
g. Monthly Department Reports
h. Monthly Performance Measurement Report
i. Monthly Financial Report
j. Accounts Payable - January 2018 - $1,922,759.94
k. Village Administrator's Report
Trustee Gibbs made a motion, seconded by Trustee Vazquez, to approve the Consent Agenda in its entirety.
In response to a question from Trustee Cargie regarding the cost of the contract for crossing guard, Village Administrator Palm explained that the Village has the contract with the vendor, makes payment to the vendor, and D90 reimburses the Village for its share. He stated that he would provide more information to the Village Board regarding how the expenses and revenues are shown in the budget.
Roll call:
Ayes: Trustees Cargie, Y azqte4 Gibbs, and Corsini
Absent: Trustees Conti and Henek
Nays: None
Motion Passes.
6. Consent Agenda Items Requiring Separate Consideration
d. Payment to Anderson Elevator - $620.00
Trustee Gibbs announced that he will not be participating in this matter.
Trustee Corsini made a motion, seconded by Trustee Vazquez, to approve a payment of $620.00 to Anderson Elevator.
Roll call:
Ayes: Trustees Cargie, Vazquez, Corsini, and President Adduci
Absent: Trustees Conti and Henek
Nays: None
Motion Passes.
7. Recommendations Of Boards, Committees And Commissions
a.Development Review Board - Amendment to the Planned Development Permit at 1101-1107 Bonnie Brae - (Avalon Condominiums) - Ordinance Trustee Gibbs made
Trustee Gibbs made a motion, seconded by Trustee Corsini, to pass an Ordinance granting a Major Amendment to Planned Development Permit - front, side and comer front setbacks of 110l - 1107 Bonnie Brae Place.
Art Gurevich, Bonnie Brae, LLC, stated that he is present to request an amendment to the approved Planned Development. He explained that they were shown on the original site plan but not included in the original site development allowance requests. He indicated that although this is a major amendment it is more of a housekeeping issue. He stated the major items are the projection of the canopies and some projections on the south yard. Village Administrator Palm stated the Development Review Board unanimously recommended these changes.
In response to a question from Trustee Cargie, Mr. Gurevich stated that they are in the process of completing the plan review and permitting requirements in addition to selling units to meet pre- sale requirements. He said he hopes to be under construction this summer.
Roll call:
Ayes: Trustees Cargie, Vazquez, Gibbs, and Corsini
Absent: Trustees Conti and Henek
Nays: None
Motion Passes.
8. Unfinished Business
None.
9. New business
a Discussion and Approval of Policy Regarding Crossing Guards
Trustee Corsini made a motion, seconded by Trustee Gibbs, to approve the Crossing Guard policy as presented.
President Adduci provided a summary of the discussion that led to this point and noted that there is agreement between the Village and the School District 90 for the need for a policy regarding the procedure for evaluating the need for a crossing guard.
Village Administrator Palm stated that this establishes a framework and process for either party to evaluate the need for and process a request for a crossing guard. He said the School District will also adopt the policy. He said it strengthens the relationship between the two organizations. He stated that in a discussion with School Superintendent Condon there was agreement that it would be appropriate to review the inter governmental agreement (IGA) after the safe routes study has been completed.
Trustee Corsini stated that her only concern is regarding the last paragraph. She questioned whether the expense would fall on the Village if there is disagreement between the Village and the District regarding the placement of crossing guards. Village Administrator Palm affirmed that they would go to IGA as to how to handle that.
In response to a question from Trustee Cargie, President Adduci stated Grace Lutheran has its own crossing guards. In response to a question from Trustee Cargie, Village Administrator Palm stated that the Cnace Lutheran crossing guards are not Village employees.
Trustee Corsini discussed the history with St. Luke's coming into the fold with the Village.
In response to a question from Trustee Cargie, Trustee Corsini affirmed that there are two crossing guards at the Roosevelt lot, one located at the library lot and one at the exit of the circular drive.
Trustee Corsini inquired whether the Board is comfortable with the language. She said she is in agreement with revisiting the IGA. In response to a question from Trustee Corsini, Assistant Village Administrator Scheiner stated that expense appears on the police side of the budget. Police Chief O'Shea stated it is included in community support services in Police Department budget. Village Administrator Palm stated he will provide the total expense to the Board.
Due to a common law conflict of interest Trustee Vazquez asked that the Clerk not call him for the vote.
Roll call:
Ayes: Trustees Cargie, Gibbs, Corsini and President Adduci
Absent: Trustees Conti and Henek
Nays: None
Motion Passes.
b. Discussion Regarding State Expansion of Home Rule Eligibility (Sponsored by the Iltinois Municipal League Legislative Agenda) (SJRCA 9)
President Adduci briefly described the background of the issue and stated that this is for discussion purposes only and the Village Board is not being asked to take formal action. She discussed the status of the bill and stated that she is not sure where it will end up in this legislative session. She noted that Illinois Municipal League (lML) has positioned it as a way to bring on more municipalities by lowering the population status for home rule from 25,000 to 5,000. President Adduci said she wanted to let the Board know it was on IML's agenda. She stated that if this gets through the legislative session and gets support it will appear on the ballot as a constitutional amendment.
In response to a question from President Adduci, Village Attorney Smith stated the amendment could appear on the ballot as soon as November if there is a 3i5 majority in both chambers before the end of July.
In response to a question from Trustee Corsini concerning public education regarding home rule. President Adduci stated that the IML has research papers available on their website. Village Attorney Smith state that the IML cannot engage in full blown support and lobbying since they are funded with taxpayer dollars, though another group may emerge for that purpose. He added that Board members are free to express their personal opinions but cannot use Village resources to advocate for the matter.
In response to a question from Trustee Gibbs, President Adduci clarified that there was no action requested by the Board. Trustee Gibbs said he supported it then and supports it now and stated that President it is because Adduci he agreed trusts the that people the community in this room is more closer than to the municipal trusts the officials people in than Springfield. those in Springfield.
Trustee Cargie inquired about the population threshold when IML last pushed home rule. Trustee Corsini recalled that they previously set it at 5,000. She stated that logically there is no reason River Forest should not have the same advantage as a town with a population of 25,000. She said there was a concern regarding bonding authority when there is not adequate revenue to support it. She stated that is almost discriminatory for smaller communities to not be able to make local decisions when they face the same issues as a community of25,000.
President Adduci said she feels there are more advantages than disadvantages to home rule. Trustee Corsini noted that the voters will have an opportunity to weigh in and wondered whether an outside group could make the case better than they did.
In response to a question from Trustee Corsini, President Adduci discussed instances where it was important for the Board to weigh in and noted the Board does not have to take any action at this point. In response to a question from Trustee Corsini, President Adduci stated that the fact that this is on the IML agenda indicates it has a lot of support but the more our state legislators hear us the more likely they are to pay attention.
Trustee Vazquez stated he is in favor of supporting home rule to move the discussion forward. Trustees Gibbs and Corsini concurred.
Trustee Cargie reiterated that the Village spoke loudly on this topic. He concurred with Trustee Corsini in that there is no legal reason for the distinction in regard to population but that legal distinction does exist. He said does not believe that River Forest supports home rule. Trustee Corsini stated that the community has changed in the last four years. She indicated that opposition may not have been putting the best information forward four years ago. She stated that it is a hard subject to fully understand and explain. She said the first thing that is said is that taxes will increase out of control and there is no accountability. She discussed home rule and non-home rule tax levies.
Trustee Cargie stated that home rule does not change the relationship of the Village with the state. He said home rule allows the Village to operate where the state hasn't expressly said something. He stated that the argument that we could have fixed the budget problems if we had home rule in River Forest is wrong. Trustee Corsini said she is not referring to the state budget problems, but the local budget and there is more flexibility with that with home rule.
President Adduci stated she agrees that there is more flexibility with home rule. She said she sees no reason not to put it to a vote again. Trustee Corsini stated there are 160 plus municipalities that this would cover and their residents might find value with home rule. She said they should have the opportunity to vote on it.
c. Extension of Lease through July 15,2018 with Lutheran Child and Family Services for the property located at 7620 Madison, River Forest - Resolution
Trustee Cargie made a motion, seconded by Trustee Gibbs, to approve the Resolution authorizing the extension to the lease for the property located at 7620 Madison with Lutheran Child and Family Services through July 15,2018.
Trustee Vazquez stated that he has a common law conflict of interest and asked the Village Clerk not to call him for the vote.
Roll call:
Ayes: Trustees Cargie, Gibbs, Corsini and President Adduci
Absent: Trustees Conti and Henek
Nays: None
Motion Passes.
10. Executive Session
Trustee Cargie made a motion, seconded by Trustee Gibbs, to go into Executive Session to discuss purchase or lease of real property for the use of the Village, including whether a particular parcel should be acquired, and for pending, probable, or imminent litigation involving the Village.
Roll call:
Ayes: Trustees Cargie, Gibbs, Vazqnez, and Corsini
Absent: Trustees Henek and Conti
Nays: None
Motion Passes.
Trustee Gibbs made a motion, seconded by Trustee Corsini, to retum to the regular session of the Village Board of Trustees meeting.
Roll call:
Ayes: Trustees Cargie, Corsini, Gibbs, and President Adduci
Absent: Trustees Conti, Henek and Vazquez
Nays: None
Motion Passes.
In response to a question from Trustee Corsini, President Adduci stated that she will be attending a meeting with a representative of School District 200 and a small group of residents to discuss school safety.
Trustee Cargie announced that the Sustainability Committee is hosting a Climate Change seminar on March 18th from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. at the River Forest Library.
In response to a question from Trustees Gibbs and Corsini, Village Administrator Palm stated that the River Forest Police Department is aware of a planned walk-out at OPRI High School and an event at Roosevelt Middle School. There was a brief discussion of whether the students would remain on school property and about the previous walk-out.
President Adduci announced that the next Village Board Meeting will be held Monday, April 9, 2018.
11. Adjournment
Trustee Corsini made a motion seconded by Trustee Gibbs, to adjourn the regular Village Board of Trustees Meeting at 9:41 p.m.
RolI call:
Ayes: Trustees Cargie, Corsini, Gibbs, and President Adduci
Absent: Trustees Conti, Henek and Vazquez
Nays: None
Motion Passes.
https://vrf.us/uploads/cms/documents/events/03-12-18_VBOT_Minutes.pdf
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