At a recent meeting, the River Forest Village Board considered several appointments and reappointments to boards and commissions.
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
May 9, 2016
A regular meeting of the Village of River Forest Board of Trustees was held on Monday, May 9, 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 7:02 p.m. Upon roll call, the following persons were:
Present: President Adduci, Trustees Conti, Corsini, Colwcll-Steinke, Dwyer, Gibbs and Cargie (arrived at 7:15 p.m.)
Absent: None
Also Present: Village Clerk Sharon Halperin, Village Administrator Eric Palm, Assistant Village Administrator Lisa Schemer, Police Chief Greg Weiss, Public Works Director John Anderson, Village Engineer Jeff Loster, Fire Chief Jim Eggert, Assistant Finance Director Cheryl Scott, Management Intern Jon Pape, Village Attorney Lance Malina
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
President Adduci led the pledge of allegiance.
3. CITIZENS COMMENTS
Susan Altier, 12 Ashland Avenue, inquired about the selection procedure in regard to the one public member of the Joint Review Board for the proposed Madison TIF District. Village Administrator Palm replied that the member is chosen based on a recommendation of Village President with consent of Village Board. In response to a follow-up question from Ms. Altier, Mr. Palm stated that the appointment would likely be considered at the next meeting of the Board of Trustees. Ms. Altier stated that there are audio recordings of Village meetings on the Village's website that do not work. Mr. Palm stated that there are sometimes issues with the settings used in the playback program selected. Village President Adduci asked that staff work with Ms. Altier to identify the issue and resolve it.
Owen Beacom, a twenty year Village resident, stated that when the Village Board puts forth a plan that will potentially include eminent domain condemnation proceedings against fellow home owners and small businesses, it should have clear evidence that the actions suggested in the plan are worthwhile and necessary. He indicated that on page 23 of the Redevelopment Plan and Project document the future Anticipated Equalized Assessed Valuation of the proposed TIF district is $20 to $25 million in twenty three years which equates to a planned average annual growth rate of 3.3% to 4.25%. He noted that on page 20 and 21 of the Redevelopment Plan, the expenditure to reach that goal is estimated at $25 million. Mr. Beacom stated based on Table 2 on page 10 of the TIF Qualification Report, the proposed TIF projections offer very little in respect to incremental valuation growth over what is happening now with no government expenditure. He suggested the EAV declines for 2009 through 2014 are the same as the rest of the Village, are taken out of context, and using those to enable a plan with eminent domain condemnation potential is disingenuous. He said the Housing Impact Study (pages 9 through 11) suggests all but one displaced family should relocate outside the Village and he feels that plan is harsh and cold-hearted. He stated these properties identified by Kane McKenna for alternative housing are cheaper than comparable properties within River Forest. He asked the Board to consider the affect the potential TIP district will have on the lives of neighbors and friends. He stated he feels that the case made by the three reports is not adequate to move forward.
President Adduci suggested Mr. Beacom attend the public hearing when Phil McKenna can address his concerns and said the Board noted his concerns.
4. ELECTED OFFICIALS COMMENTS AND ANNOUCEMENTS
a. Swearing-in of Fire Lieutenant John Rose
Fire Chief Jim Eggert introduced recently appointed Fire Department Lieutenant John Rose. Clerk Halperin administered the oath of office.
b. Presentation of Award - EMS Award
Fire Chief Jim Eggert presented the 2016 Emergency Medical Service award to Firefighter/Paramedic Michael Smith and read a letter from the Illinois Department of Public Health and Governor Rauner. President Adduci presented Firefighter/Paramedic Smith with an award certificate.
Trustee Gibbs stated that he appreciates being able to start Board Meetings with recognitions such as this and congratulated Firefighter/Paramedic Smith on his award.
Trustee Dwyer echoed Trustee Gibbs's comments.
Trustee Conti congratulated Lieutenant Rose and Firefighter/Paramedic Smith. She stated she was unable to attend the meeting held last week on the proposed Madison Street TIF district but that she listened to the audio and looks forward to future meetings and discussions.
Trustee Steinke congratulated Lieutenant Rose and Firefighter/Paramedic Smith and thanked them for their service.
Trustee Cargie congratulated Lieutenant Rose and Firefighter/Paramedic Smith and shared a comment he'd heard in the wake of 9-11 regarding firefighters.
Trustee Corsini congratulated Lieutenant Rose and Firefighter/Paramedic Smith and thanked them as well as their families. She stated that she was also unable to attend the recent TIF Meeting but listened to the audio. She thanked the residents for their participation in the process.
President Adduci stated she attended the Illinois Municipal League (IML) Board Meeting that took place in Springfield last week and it was a productive meeting. She said the IML board met with some of the congressional leadership and reported there does not appear to be movement in respect to the budget. She stated the Village is okay with the Local Municipal Distribution Fund, sales tax and motor fuel tax though these funds could be at risk in the future. She reminded all attendees about Celebrating Seniors Week which is coming up and noted there is a luncheon at Concordia as part of the celebration. She congratulated Lieutenant Rose and Firefighter/Paramedic Smith.
Village Clerk Halperin thanked and congratulated Lieutenant Rose and Firefighter/Paramedic Smith.
5. CONSENT AGENDA
a. Village Board Regular Meeting Minutes - April 25, 2016
b. Village Attorney March Invoice - $18,191.78
c. Proclamation - Emergency Medical Services Month
d. Proclamation - Maestro Jay Friedman
e. Award of Contract - 2016 Pavement Preservation Program to Denier Inc. for $31,500.
f. Monthly Depaitment Reports
g. Performance Measurement Report
h. Village Administrator Report
Trustee Corsini made a motion, seconded by Taistee Dwyer, to approve the Consent Agenda.
President Adduci noted Maestro Jay Friedman is a very talented, accomplished individual and will be honored on May 22, 2016 at the Oak Park River Forest Symphony Orchestra's final concert.
Roll call:
Ayes: Trustees Conti, Gibbs, Corsini, Colwell-Steinke, Dwyer, and Cargie
Absent: None
Nays: None
Motion Passes.
Village Administrator Palm recognized the work of Village Engineer Jeff Loster who worked with the Village of Elmwood Park on a joint bid for the Pavement Preservation Program. He indicated that Village Engineer Loster did the majority of work and Elmwood Park will benefit from that.
6. RECOMMENDATIONS OF BOARDS, COMMISSIONS AND COMMITTEES
a. Zoning Board of Appeals - Variation to Side-Yard Setback at 24 Franklin - Ordinance
Trustee Gibbs made a motion, seconded by Trustee Corsini, to approve the Ordinance for variations of Section 10-9-7 of the Zoning Code at 24 Franklin.
In response to a comment from Trustee Corsini, Village Administrator Palm stated the property would be subject to the Grading Ordinance requirements where flooding issues would be addressed. Trustee Corsini noted the neighbors support the project.
Roll call:
Ayes: Trustees Conti, Gibbs, Corsini, Colwell-Steinke, Dwyer, and Cargie
Absent: None
Nays: None
Motion Passes.
b. Zoning Board of Appeals - Variation to Side-Yard Setback at 1102 Franklin - Ordinance Trustee Gibbs made a motion, seconded by Trustee Dwyer to approve an Ordinance for variations of Section 10-9-7 of the Zoning Code at 1102 Franklin.
In response to a question from Trustee Cargie, Village Attorney Malina indicated that the existing structure violates Code setback requirement and without the variation, the second story would have to be set back ten feet from the first floor. He noted that corner lots are always difficult.
In response to a question from Trustee Corsini, Project Architect William Schultens stated the garage is currently off Thomas (south). He said the proposed plan would move the garage doors to the west side of the subject property and the doors would not be visible from Thomas. In a response to a follow up question from Trustee Corsini, Mr. Schultens stated a driveway and garage court is planned along the west side of the house. In response to a question from Trustee Corsini, Mr. Schultens stated the two main materials to be used on the exterior are limestone and for the second floor is sandfinished stucco.
Roll call:
Ayes: Trustees Conti, Gibbs, Corsini, Colwell-Steinke, Dwyer, and Cargie
Absent: None
Nays: None
Motion Passes.
Trustee Gibbs noted that an affirmative vote from a supermajority of the Board was required for this zoning variation application to receive approval because three members of the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) were not in attendance at the meeting and the absence of a "yes" vote essentially counts as a negative vote. He asked that the Village consider the identification of alternates to ensure that a quorum was always available to hold a meeting.
President Adduci acknowledged the situation but she noted this has never been a problem.
Village Attorney Malina stated there would have to be a Code amendment and the alternates would need to attend all meetings. He said this could be done in a home rule municipality but he is not sure it can be done in a non-home rule community and he will look into it.
7. BOARD AND COMMISSION APPOINTMENTS & REAPPOINTMENTS
a. Plan Commission - Reappoint Lisa Ryan - Four Year Term Expiring 4/30/20
b. Plan Commission - Appoint Lisa Ryan Chairperson - Two Year Term Expiring 4/30/18
c. Plan Commission - Reappoint Elaine Kirk - Four Year Term Expiring 4/30/20
d. Plan Commission - Appoint Keary Creagan - Four Year Term Expiring 4/30/20
e. Zoning Board of Appeals - Reappoint Therese "Tagger" O'Brien - Five Year Term Expiring 4/30/21
f. Zoning Board of Appeals - Appoint Gerry Dombrowski - Five Year Term Expiring 4/30/21 May 9,
g. Zoning Board of Appeals - Appoint Mike Ruehle (Cooke Vacancy) - Remaining Term Expiring 4/30/20
h. Development Review Board - Reappoint Mary Ann Fishman - Two Year Term Expiring 4/30/18
i. Development Review Board - Reappoint David Crosby - Two Year Term Expiring 4/30/18
j. Development Review Board - Reappoint Therese "Tagger" O'Brien - Two Year Term Expiring 4/30/18
k. Development Review Board - Appoint Mike Ruehle - Two Year Term Expiring 4/30/18
1. Development Review Board - Appoint John Griffin (Cooke Vacancy) - Remaining Term Expiring 4/30/17
m. Economic Development Commission - Appoint Robert Graham - Four Year Term Expiring 4/30/20
n. Economic Development Commission - Appoint Robert O'Connell - Four Year Term Expiring 4/30/20
o. Economic Development Commission - Appoint Lee Neubecker - Four Year Term Expiring 4/30/20
p. Firefighter's Pension Fund - Reappoint Sean Condon - Three Year Term Expiring 4/30/19
q. Board of Fire and Police Commission - Reappoint Michael Trucco - Three Year Term Expiring 4/30/19
r. Ethics Commission - Appoint Greg Ignoffo - Three Year Term Expiring 4/30/19
s. Historic Preservation Commission - Appoint Thomas Zurowski Chairperson
Trustee Cargie made a motion, seconded by Trustee Corsini, to concur with the recommendation of the Village President for appointments/reappointments 7a.-7s. for the Village Boards and Commissions effective May 1, 2016.
Trustee Corsini stated that these are great appointments. She thanked the appointed officials for their willingness to serve on these boards and commissions.
Trustee Conti thanked the Village President for her effort to reach out to the appointees.
President Adduci stated that it is the best part of the job and she enjoyed the ability to speak to each appointee. She said that the Board opened the application process online and she was pleased that the Village received an overwhelming response from residents who are willing to serve.
Roll call:
Ayes: Trustees Conti, Gibbs, Corsini, Colwell-Steinke, Dwyer, and Cargie
Absent: None
Nays: None
Motion Passes.
8. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
a. Update on Thatcher Commuter Lot Rehabilitation Cost Estimate and Direction to Seek
Competitive Bids
Village Administrator Palm stated that the Village had a discussion with the Sustainability Committee regarding this project in order to identify a more sustainable, stormwater friendly solution. He noted that the Village budgeted approximately $100,000 for the project and the goal was to create drive aisles with permeable pavers. He said they condensed the space as it was engineered due to budgetary constraints. He stated the lots will still be able to capture more stormwater and return it to the ground instead of relying on the combined sewer systems, and it will relieve pressure on the system.
In response to a question from Trustee Corsini, Village Engineer Loster stated the reduction of permeable surface equates to approximately 15% in the footprint of the design and a 15% increase in stormwater entering the sewer system. He noted the amount of paver area is as much as staff could squeeze in within the budget. He added that if unit prices come back at a price that is advantageous to the Village, staff could return to the originally proposed footprint.
In response to a question from Trustee Gibbs, Village Engineer Loster stated there are two sewer inlets for the parking lot and the entire lot drains into one sewer that feeds into a combined sewer on Thatcher. He stated there will be a stone sub-base under the pavers that is approximately three feet deep and constitutes stormwater storage. Trustee Gibbs inquired whether the Village could separate the inlets and create a French drain to remove the entire parking lot from the sewer system. Village Engineer Loster stated there is a concern that the massive rainfalls the Village has experienced in recent years would inundate this system if there was no inlet to the sewer system.
In response to a question from Trustee Corsini, Village Engineer Loster stated since nothing exists today, it is an improvement to stormwater management.
In response to a question from Trustee Gibbs, Village Engineer Loster stated if pavers are installed without stones beneath, they are essentially useless. Trustee Gibbs stated he is having a hard time with $100,000 for two strips of pavers. Village Engineer Loster stated staff is viewing this as an opportunity and noted the Village spent a significant amount of money chasing after a stormwater problem on the north side of town. He said this project cost is significantly lower, relatively speaking. He stated staff viewed this as an opportunity to get ahead of the problem and tackle it in another way in another area of town.
In response to a question from Trustee Cargie, Village Engineer Loster stated he does not recall the specific volumes of water that would be diverted from the sewer system. He explained that cost drove the footprint in the designing process and the Village landed where it landed in terms of storage. He said he will provide that number to the Board.
In response to a question from Trustee Cargie, Village Engineer Loster stated the bump-out in the northern lane is to make it easier to install the pavers.
President Adduci stated the green alley initiatives have been a huge success and have diverted a significant amount of stormwater. She noted that this was possible from a grant but the Village still needs to chisel away at this problem. Trustee Corsini noted that the Village has a parking fund designed for capturing dollars that can be used to fund projects like this.
Trustee Gibbs said as a reminder, if this is a step to help residents along Lake Street, the Board as elected officials should consent to sending this out to bid.
The Board directed staff to solicit bids for the project.
9. NEW BUSINESS
a. Introduction of Planned Development - Lake and Lathrop, LLC
David Howat, representing Inland National Development Corporation, stated that although the Company is very large, the group involved with this project is small and has the ability to act quickly and decisively yet tap into the expertise of the other groups within their umbrella. He discussed the challenges facing developers within the Chicago area and noted that the Company brought the Hamptons of Hinsdale development to market over the past four to five years. He assured the Board that he and Tim Hague are committed to the project and are evaluating the market in regard to resident preferences. He commended staff and thanked them for their diligence with the redevelopment agreement. He noted they have an aggressive timeline ahead and said they are committed to seeing the project through and meeting those deadlines.
Village Administrator Palm noted the Board and staff have been engaged on the business end of this development and said it was a good time to notify the community that the process is starting. He stated the Developers will be appearing before the Development Review Board (DRB) in the middle of May and will be having a resident meeting before submitting their planned development application.
In response to a question from Trustee Conti, Mr. Howat stated it will be quite a while before they begin advertising the units. He said they will need site control and they do not want to put the cart before the horse.
b. Award Agreement for Communications Services to Jasculca Terman.
Trustee Corsini made a motion, seconded by Trustee Conti to approve the recommendation of the Village staff and award a contract to Jasculca Terman for the Phase I: Communications Audit and Strategy Development.
Assistant Village Administrator Scheiner stated nine proposals were received in response to the Request for Proposal (RFP) that staff released in March, 2016. She indicated all responses were thoroughly reviewed and ranked. She reported four firms were interviewed and two were selected as finalists based on their ability to provide relevant communication services. She stated that after reviewing sample reports, deliverables, writing samples, and checking references, the Village Administrator, Assistant Village Administrator, and Management Intern unanimously agreed Jasculca Terman and Associates would be the best fit for the Village.
Assistant Village Administrator Scheiner briefly discussed the firm's history and noted it has significant public policy experience and has worked with a number of municipalities on project May 9,2016 specific work and broader communication goals. She stated the Village will be using a phased approach. She discussed the Phase I Communications Audit & Strategy Development and summarized what the process will include. She noted this process will take place over a three to four month period. She stated Phase II is the implementation phase. She indicated that the Fiscal Year 2017 budget includes $100,000 for communications-related projects and noted this is anticipated to be a nonrecurring expenditure. She stated Phase I will cost $51,000 and staff anticipates any ancillary expenses to be minimal. She stated that once audit and strategy development are complete, staff will return to the Board with a separate contract for Phase II. Ms. Scheiner said that it was difficult to estimate the cost of Phase II as it is unknown at this time what will be included.
In response to a question from Trustee Cargie, Assistant Village Administrator Scheiner stated the initial RFP response included a variety of services. She said staff was able to eliminate some third party handling fees and other items to keep the cost down and Jasculca Terman was flexible in working within the Village budget and reduced the cost.
Dan Regan, Senior Vice President of Jasculca Terman and Associates, stated he believes Rick Jasculca, on the principals of the firm, is a forty year River Forest resident. He discussed the firm's experience and projects they have worked on. He said they are looking forward to working with the Village and once the contract is approved, they plan to have a kick-off meeting to begin Phase I. He briefly described events that will take place in Phase I.
In response to a question from Trustee Conti, Mr. Regan described the "On the Table Initiative" and Jasculca Terman and Associates involvement with it.
Roll call:
Ayes: Trustees Conti, Gibbs, Corsini, Colwell-Steinke, Dwyer, and Cargie
Absent: None
Nays: None
Motion Passes.
c. 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 Gibbs made a motion, seconded by Trustee Dwyer, to approve 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).
In response to a question from Trustee Cargie, Village Administrator Palm stated staff typically serves on a joint review board and noted that he, the superintendent of schools, the park district executive director, etc. will be on that board. In response to a follow up question from Trustee Cargie, Village Administrator Palm stated the joint review board will make a recommendation to the Village Board.
In response to a question from Trustee Corsini, Village Administrator Palm stated there is not necessarily only one meeting of the joint review board.
In response to a question from Trustee Cargie, Village Administrator Palm stated other taxing bodies will have the opportunity to object or raise concerns at that joint review board meeting. In response to a question from Trustee Gibbs, Village Administrator Palm stated the joint review board meeting is open to the public and the Village is required to take public comment.
In response to a question from Trustee Corsini, Village Administrator Palm confirmed that the joint review board meeting is scheduled for Friday, June 3, 2016 at 2:00 p.m.
Trustee Gibbs stated it is a good thing to have multiple opportunities for the public to comment.
Roll call:
Ayes: Trustees Conti, Gibbs, Corsini, Colwell-Steinke, Dwyer, and Cargie
Absent: None
Nays: None
Motion Passes.
10. EXECUTIVE SESSION
None.
11. ADJOURNMENT
Trustee Cargie made a motion, seconded by Trustee Corsini, to adjourn the regular Village Board of Trustees Meeting at 8:13 p.m.
Roll call:
Ayes: Trustees Conti, Gibbs, Corsini, Colwell-Steinke, Dwyer, and Cargie
Absent: None
Nays: None
Motion Passes.
Sharon Halperin, Village Clerk
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