Village of River Forest Board of Trustees met December 9

By Philip Gonzales

Apr 10, 2020

Village of River Forest Board of Trustees met Dec. 19.

Here is the minutes provided by the board:

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 Bachner, Brennan, Cargie, O’Connell, Vazquez

Absent: Trustee Henek

Also Present: Village Clerk Kathleen Brand-White, Village Administrator Eric Palm, Assistant Village Administrator Lisa Scheiner, Assistant to the Village Administrator Jonathan Pape, Management Analyst Sara Phyfer, Police Chief James O’Shea, Finance Director Rosemary McAdams, Public Works Director John Anderson, Village Attorney Greg Smith

2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

President Adduci led the pledge of allegiance.

3. CITIZEN COMMENTS

Jan Saeger, 435 William. Ms. Saeger asked about the status of the Lake & Lathrop project.

Administrator Palm stated the developer has an upcoming deadline to submit building permit plans and that they are still working with their lender regarding financing and the paperwork involved with remediation. He stated that there is work being done behind the scenes.

President Adduci affirmed the December 15 milestone for the developer to submit their permit application. She stated they have to remediate the property before demolition can be completed and that the process is continuing with administrative oversight.

4. ELECTED OFFICIAL COMMENTS & ANNOUNCEMENTS

Trustee O’Connell reflected on the previous meeting. He stated that the trustees volunteer their time and expressed frustration about some behavior he observed at the meeting related to the deer discussion, specifically an unpleasant reaction to a resident’s story about Lyme disease and someone’s questioning of the Village President’s decision making process. He also reflected on the variation discussion, noting that it was a difficult decision that many of the trustees struggled with, and he stated that the petitioner was not truthful. He expressed hope that the holiday season would allow everyone to reflect on how to move forward in the new year and that they would continue to be respectful to one another. He also reminded everyone about the opportunity to make deliveries for holiday toy/food drives.

Trustee Brennan welcomed everyone to the meeting. She thanked Staff for inviting trustees to the holiday luncheon, stating that she was struck by the opportunity for Staff who have hit milestones to be recognized for their service. She also reminded everyone about the holiday lights recycling bin on Central between Park and Keystone.

Village Clerk Brand-White wished everyone happy holidays.

Trustee Vazquez expressed his condolences to Ralph Martire and his family for his mother’s passing. He announced that Dementia-Friendly River Forest is holding a No-Shush screening of It’s a Wonderful Life at Lake Theatre on December 17, at 1PM and 7 PM. He reported that he and President Adduci attended the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus meeting related to Age- Friendly Communities in Arlington Heights. He reviewed the discussion topics, including State and Federal policy related to seniors and aging, and the 2020 Census. He stated the next meeting is March 5.

Trustee Cargie remarked that he observed a plastic container with a plant in someone’s leaf collection pile and reminded everyone that the weight affects the cost of the program and it is only for leaves. He also commented that he did not think the Commuter Parking Survey addressed the Green Line issues or universities.

Trustee Bachner read a statement to acknowledge that this land was once inhabited by indigenous people and stated that River Forest continues to be a place that people from diverse backgrounds live and gather. She stated that the Complete Count Committee continues to meet and move through the process. She reported that the Census is hiring for temporary positions from now until 2020. She announced the event Re-Envisioning Community Safety, through a lens of racial equity and economic justice, is Wednesday, December 11 at 6:00pm in the second floor of the Veterans Room at Oak Park Library.

President Adduci thanked Trustee O’Connell for his kind words, thanked Staff for their work, and thanked her fellow elected officials for their hard work and volunteerism, noting that it is not easy and takes time from family and friends. She thanked everyone for being part of this process and wished everyone happy holidays and a peaceful and safe New Year. She also reminded everyone that the meeting is being live-streamed.

Administrator Palm announced that leaf collection has ended but there will one last pickup this week due to the weather. He also noted that the overnight parking request portal has been rolled out and reminded everyone that there is a lift of the overnight parking restriction over the holidays. He also recognized Village Engineer Loster for receiving a grant through Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning for a program that will rate pavement conditions, noting that this analysis will be used to make recommendations in the Capital Improvement Program budget.

5. CONSENT AGENDA

a. Regular Village Board Meeting Minutes – November 25, 2019

b. 2020 Public Notice of Meeting Schedule

c. Waiver of Formal Bids (due to Sole Source Professional Services) and Award of Contract to R1 RCM Inc. for Consulting Services to Enroll in Ground Emergency Medical Transport Program in a Not-to-Exceed Amount of the greater of $12,000 or 12% of the HFS Reimbursement Amount

d. Monthly Department Reports

e. Performance Measurement Report

f. Accounts Payable – November 2019 – $2,550,076.08

g. Village Administrator’s Report Trustee Cargie made a motion, seconded by Trustee Brennan to approve the Consent Agenda items A - G.

Roll call:

Ayes: Trustees Bachner, Brennan, Cargie, O’Connell, Vazquez

Absent: Trustee Henek

Nays: None

Motion Passes.

6. CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS FOR SEPARATE CONSIDERATION

a. Accounts Payable from the Economic Development Fund ($5,570.92), Madison Street TIF Fund ($7,399.88), and North Avenue TIF Fund ($939.50) (Trustee Vazquez Common Law Conflict of Interest)

Trustee Brennan made a motion, seconded by Trustee Cargie, to approve Accounts Payable from the Economic Development Fund ($5,570.92), Madison Street TIF Fund ($7,399.88), and North Avenue TIF Fund ($939.50).

Roll call:

Ayes: Trustees Bachner, Brennan, Cargie, O’Connell Absent: Trustee Henek

Nays: None

Abstain: Trustee Vazquez

Motion Passes.

b. Accounts Payable from the General Fund to McDonald’s-Karavites for $60.63 (Trustee O’Connell Common Law Conflict of Interest)

Trustee Bachner made a motion, seconded by Trustee Vazquez, to approve Accounts Payable from the General Fund to McDonald’s-Karavites for $60.63.

Roll call:

Ayes: Trustees Bachner, Brennan, Cargie, Vazquez

Absent: Trustee Henek

Nays: None

Abstain: Trustee O’Connell

Motion Passes.

7. RECOMMENDATIONS OF BOARDS, COMMISSIONS AND COMMITTEES

a. Traffic and Safety Commission – Update on Procedures for Resident Initiated Requests

Village Engineer Loster summarized the new procedure for resident-initiated Traffic and Safety Commission requests, which will require a petition obtaining 75% support within the notification area of affected residents. He explained the reasoning behind the new procedure, stating that he has often received concerns about new parking restrictions or traffic measures upon implementation. He stated the new procedure could help prevent that by getting more people involved at the beginning.

In response to a question from Trustee O’Connell, Mr. Loster stated that Staff will determine the notification area at the onset of the conversation and it will be given to the petitioner.

Trustee Cargie stated that this would be a better way to get input but shared his concern that the only input would be from people in the affected area.

Trustee Bachner expressed concern about people in multi-unit housing who may be difficult to reach due to accessing the front entrance, as well as that adding a lot of people to the 75% threshold.

Mr. Loster stated the 75% threshold was selected because some residents may not be around for weeks at a time. He stated he understood Trustee Bachner’s concern about multi-unit structures and that if that is one of the main structures affected by a change, they would need to be included in the petition.

In response to a question from Trustee Vazquez, Mr. Loster clarified that 75% is only for support/do not support and that those who are unable to be reached would not count toward the 75% threshold.

President Adduci stated she supported this new process and it is a great way to capture more resident input.

The Village Board reached a consensus to implement the new policy. Administrator Palm stated the feedback is helpful and assured that Staff has contacts for management companies and other individuals for multi-family housing units.

b. Zoning Board of Appeals – Text Amendments to Zoning Ordinance Regarding Cannabis Business Establishments – Ordinance

Trustee Vazquez made a motion, seconded by Trustee O’Connell, to approve Text Amendments to the Zoning Ordinance Regarding Cannabis Business Establishments – Ordinance.

Nate Mellman, 750 Clinton. Mr. Mellman reiterated his comments from a previous meeting. He encouraged the Board to opt out and summarized why he believed it was not worth it to allow cannabis business establishments. Mr. Mellman stated the potential revenues do not outweigh the costs, including the possibility of needing to hire another police officer to respond to complaints and the potential effect on property values. He also discussed the potential impact to the Village’s image.

Mary Ann Zeh, 836 Bonnie Brae. Ms. Zeh noted she had spoken at previous meetings and reiterated that her family is against allowing these establishments in the Village. She questioned the sense of the proposed restrictions, asked whether it is reasonable to expect the projected revenues, and stated it is hypocritical to ban the sale of flavored liquid nicotine products but allow cannabis.

Mary Yerkes, 36 Forest. Ms. Yerkes stated that she agreed with the others and noted that this matter was passed by the legislature, not by ballot. She stated she is a pharmacist and discussed her clinical perspective. She expressed concern about safety of the products and stated she disagreed with the argument that legalization will decrease crime. Ms. Yerkes stated neighboring villages have them and did not see why River Forest should, noting she felt it was unlikely to bring much revenue.

Marilyn Thomas, 7911 North. Ms. Thomas stated it seemed like North Avenue is the only area that would be allowed to have a dispensary and objected to having one close to where she lived. She stated she agreed with what others have said and did not think it would be an attractive business. Ms. Thomas encouraged the Board to opt out.

Assistant Administrator Scheiner reviewed the Zoning Board of Appeals’ recommendation. She noted the ordinance in the packet includes definitions of terms, language that prohibits consumption of cannabis on-site, language that requires CBEs to follow State requirements, establishes distance requirements from certain uses, and contains an updated land use chart. She noted that State law dictates medical cannabis and cultivation cannot be banned. Ms. Scheiner also walked through the distance requirements analysis and the effect of the ZBA’s recommendation on potential locations for CBEs.

In response to a question from Trustee Brennan, Ms. Scheiner clarified that multi-family properties may be included as commercial in the distance requirements analysis if their underlying zoning district is commercial.

In response to a question from Trustee O’Connell, Ms. Scheiner explained that a Special Use goes through the zoning entitlement process and requires an additional level of analysis and approval rather than being allowed by right to move in. She noted this is a more interactive process and gives an opportunity to have neighbor, Staff, and the Boards’ concerns mitigated.

In response to a question from Trustee Cargie, Ms. Scheiner stated a study conducted by the Illinois Economic Policy Institute examines potential revenues, which was used to calculate Staff’s estimated revenue for the Village.

In response to another question from Trustee Cargie, Ms. Scheiner stated she met with the Police Chief to discuss the potential impact on the police department and whether it would be necessary to hire another officer. She explained that based on the experiences of other municipalities and the negligible increase in their calls for service for medical dispensaries, Staff does not anticipate additional equipment or personnel to accommodate this land use.

Trustee O’Connell stated this information was gathered in the past 60 days and the only way to do that was to enter into this process. He commented that the State has laid out the law and that the effects will be monitored. He applauded Staff for their work on this.

Trustee Brennan remarked on the challenge of balancing the estimated revenue projections with safety concerns, and she proposed increasing the definition of sensitive uses to include churches, parks, and other youth serving centers.

In response to Trustee Cargie’s question about the Police Department’s position on this issue, Chief O’Shea stated that other communities have not seen any increases in calls for service related to the availability of medical marijuana. He further stated that the Department’s position is to serve the community and that they will operate under the new terms and laws. He also noted that factual justification is needed to increase staff levels.

In response to a follow up question from Trustee Cargie about the volume of recreational users compared to medical, Chief O’Shea stated it is difficult to compare because of differences in the laws among states. He also commented that a percentage of the Local Government Distributive Fund would be allocated for crime prevention programs and law enforcement training.

In response to a question from Trustee Bachner about the impact of advertising on the Village’s image, Ms. Scheiner stated there are studies that attempted to do this calculation, and a study from a realtor’s association that says allowing CBEs would have a positive impact on property values. She explained that the State law regulates signage, and though the matter of image is subjective, she stated, there is an opportunity to review sign packages through Special Use permits and Planned Development applications.

In response to a concern from Trustee Brennan about loitering, Village Attorney Smith and Chief O’Shea discussed the regulations currently in place to deter and respond to that behavior.

President Adduci stated the Village was a dry community for a long time and that this is why the Village does not have many restaurants.

Trustee Cargie commented that he did not see how the Board could solve people’s concerns with the exception of traffic. He further stated that marijuana will be in the Village but expressed frustration about not capturing revenue from it. He stated he was struck by the ZBA’s decision to effectively opt out and thought Staff’s recommendation to follow alcohol sales prohibitions made sense.

The Village Board discussed at length adding to the definition of sensitive uses as well as modifying distance requirements, and the impact these changes would have on where a CBE could locate. The consensus of the Board was to reinstate Staff’s recommendation on distance requirements, to expand the definition of sensitive uses, and to remove the cap on the number of CBEs allowed.

Trustee Vazquez amended his motion, seconded by Trustee O’Connell, to approve the Text Amendments as discussed.

Roll call:

Ayes: Trustees Bachner, Brennan, Cargie, O’Connell, Vazquez

Absent: Trustee Henek

Nays: None

Motion Passes.

8. UNFINISHED BUSINESS

a. Discussion: Next Steps on Wildlife Management Program

Dave Franek, 634 Keystone. Mr. Franek complimented Staff on their work on this matter. He stated that while deer are aesthetically beautiful, they run out of food and are the most common hosts of ticks that carry Lyme disease. He urged that health and safety concerns should take precedence over aesthetic concerns, and he called reducing the population a common sense solution.

Carla Graham-White, 734 Park. Ms. Graham-White stated that deer live in her backyard and that dogs walk through deer feces and lick their paws, causing health issues. She stated they also bark at deer, which is a nuisance. She urged the Board to make their decision for the health of people living here.

Mary Vanker, 1234 Monroe. Ms. Vanker thanked the Board for pausing to consider a task force. She compared the new Traffic and Safety petition policy to the task force, stating that not everyone will participate but they will do what they can to get everyone’s input. She urged the Board to start with the surveys the IDNR presented and to gather residents’ experience with wildlife.

Askold Kozbur, 1235 Monroe. Mr. Kozbur stated his agreement with Ms. Vanker and thanked the Board for considering a task force. He stated that a task force would come up with an agreeable solution and that rushing into an expensive program is not the way to go. He volunteered to serve on the task force.

Mary Shoemaker, 633 Keystone. Ms. Shoemaker stated the deer are a real problem and that she was not suggesting eradication but that some kind of controls be put in. She encouraged the Board to listen to the experts saying the food is not there. She stated she understood the need for a task force but asked that this not be dragged out, noting that they did not want to be known as a community that has Lyme disease.

Jan Saeger 435 William. Ms. Saeger stated she was in favor of doing something and suggested a combination of culling and sterilization. She stated that residents have a right to enjoy their property and feel safe, and that the revelation about Lyme disease was shocking. She agreed with Ms. Shoemaker that this not be dragged out and be addressed with a sense of urgency.

Bob Zimmerman, 906 Keystone. Mr. Zimmerman stated he witnessed what happened to John Roeger’s daughter, who has Lyme disease, and stated that those who are against culling are still sympathetic to Lyme disease. He discussed some of the effects climate change has on the tick population. He suggested having a booth in Village Hall to educate residents about ticks. He thanked the Board for considering a task force but suggested it was not necessary to hire a consultant, stating that the Village has residents who are environmentalists and ecologists. Mr. Zimmerman further stated that he is not against culling if it is regional.

President Adduci summarized how the Village got to this point. She stated that many residents across River Forest asked the Board and Staff to address the issue going back to 2015. She stated that the Forest Preserve was not readily willing to work with the Village then. Because they kept hearing from residents, she explained, the Village held the June 24 meeting with the representative from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources to discuss the issues and possible solutions. President Adduci noted that people have attended the meetings for various reasons such as concerns about vegetation, health and Lyme disease, and safety issues like collisions and deer stuck on fences. She stated Staff got information on the possible solutions and there is not just one option. In the discussion about health and safety, she asked about how to measure that, stating that in terms of health, it is anecdotal. Car accidents, she noted, are being tracked and the Village has seen increases each year. She discussed vegetation as well, noting that there is not enough food for the deer in the Forest Preserve and that the County’s observations led them to conclude there is overpopulation in their ecosystem. President Adduci stated it is the elected officials’ job to ensure the health and safety of the community, and she asked that that be the number one measurement of the task force.

Trustee Cargie stated that after he reflected on the task force, he concluded it is a waste of time and that he did not believe anyone who volunteered would change their mind. He stated it would be expensive to have an expert, and that there is an obligation to protect property and people’s enjoyment of their property.

Trustee Brennan stated that acceptable solutions are worth the time and effort required and that the Board had heard a lot of different opinions and facts. She encouraged getting buy-in and consensus from residents to show information was researched and weighed. She expressed confidence that the Village can do this with residents who have different opinions, are engaged and want to work together. Trustee Brennan further stated it is difficult to have resident buy-in on a decision if there is not a forum to hear all the opinions and give people a chance to discuss the matter. She also remarked on conflicting facts being presented.

Trustee O’Connell disagreed about conflicting facts and stated the Frequently Asked Questions document was researched. He stated some people do not like the IGA but the Village is taking a leap of faith in terms of the information received from the Forest Preserves and the IDNR. He concurred with President Adduci’s comment about a collective solution. He stated they are not going to change the behavior of deer and they cannot change their behavior for 50 deer. Trustee O’Connell stated he is happy to support the task force and get the IGA started.

In response to a comment from Trustee Brennan about other communities, Trustee O’Connell stated they do not have the facts behind what has happened in other communities. He remarked that River Forest has a very small area that is inundated and overrun, reiterating that the experts have said there is nothing for the deer to eat.

Trustee Bachner commented about Northbrook and that feedback from the community was part of their culling process, as well as coming up with a good way to determine accident rates. She stated these were two major factors in their decision-making to have a sound decision.

President Adduci stated that the Village tracks accident rates but that people do not always call if there is a near miss or no vehicle damage. She reiterated that the Village has seen increases in collision as well as deer being impaled on fences. She noted that anecdotally in talking to residents, they say there are more deer too. She stated that in the data being collected, the Forest Preserves has said there is an imbalance in that area. The real measurement, she stated, is in avoiding fatal accidents and noted that she is welcome to other types of measurements.

In response to a question from Trustee Bachner about accident rates, Administrator Palm explained Staff is doing more to get better data and track incidents that do not result in accident reports, such as when Public Works collects dead deer on private property.

Assistant to the Village Administrator Pape added that some reports would have to include an inference on what happened, for example making an assumption that a deer was struck by a car if no accident was reported.

Mr. Pape read the accident data in response to a question from Trustee Brennan. He clarified that those numbers only reflected accidents reported to police and when a crash report was filed. He stated that accident data is tracked over time and suggested a measurable goal would be for the Village to decide what is a tolerable level of accidents. He further clarified that the IDNR requires a justification in its application.

President Adduci reiterated that the Village has to do whatever it can to ensure the safety of the community.

In response to a question from Trustee Brennan, President Adduci stated the IDNR and Forest Preserves have said 50 deer is a reasonable place to start and they know what is in the Forest Preserves by observation and their experience.

In response to a question from Trustee Bachner about the data, Mr. Pape stated the Forest Preserves obtained 50 tags, which is supported by their evidence of surveying flora. In response to a follow up question from Trustee Bachner, Mr. Pape stated they have not provided their analysis to date.

Administrator Palm stated Staff is meeting with the Forest Preserves tomorrow and that they have requested this information. He stated the County looks at this from an ecological perspective and compared them to the Public Works Superintendent, who determines by observation and experience when trees need trimming or to come down. He cautioned that their data is going to relate to the ecology of the Forest Preserves because, while they have an interest in public safety, that is not what they are making their decision on.

Trustee Cargie stated that based on their assessment of the habitat, the Forest Preserves have concluded it could not support the size of the herds, and asserted they would not be leaving their habitat if it could support them.

In response to a question from Trustee Brennan about deer from surrounding areas filling in in areas where deer were culled, Mr. Pape stated the IDNR’s opinion is that manmade barriers, like North Avenue, would make it unlikely.

President Adduci stated the task force is a great idea but that it does not address car accidents and public health. She asked what other measurements residents wanted.

Trustee Vazquez remarked there is a common goal to manage the deer population. He agreed that there are public safety concerns and a need to be sympathetic to property owners who do not want them on their property. He stated his agreement with Trustee O’Connell and noted a few changes he would like to see in the IGA if the Village goes that route. He commented that he had faith a task force would come together on this but that there was no need for a consultant.

President Adduci stated there would have to be an application process and cautioned the additional workload for Staff. She reiterated her confidence that trustees can come to a conclusion together.

Trustee Vazquez stated he was inclined to move forward with the IGA as well as the task force. He emphasized that the process has to be viewed as fair with equal viewpoints on both sides. He suggested that if the task force can agree on other effective options, they could have a recommendation the following year.

Trustee Cargie expressed concern that the task force would be slanted. He asserted there is no other solution than culling and the other options are not practical.

Trustee Vazquez discussed his experience with being on task forces, noting that it is an opportunity to move forward.

Trustee Brennan stated the Board has to trust that there are residents who are volunteering their time to work on this issue are offering their time in good faith. She stated they have heard a lot of emotional opinions and that the best and most peaceful way to move forward is to have opinions heard.

Trustee O’Connell expressed concern that they were disregarding information from professionals at the Forest Preserves and IDNR.

President Adduci stated that the Board would have to discuss the formation of the task force and she asked who selects the volunteers, how would they put them in touch with agencies, and what was the business plan? She encouraged the Board to look to the IGA if they believed the Village needs to thin the herd for public safety and health reasons.

Administrator Palm asked if there were any trustees who did not believe there was a deer problem right now and there were no responses.

Trustee Bachner stated they have been told there is overpopulation and stated she would like to see that information.

Administrator Palm reiterated the Forest Preserves’ data would be related to habitat, not accidents or Lyme disease. He further stated that the IDNR is saying culling is how to handle and manage this problem.

Trustee Brennan remarked on other studies she has read and stated she is not convinced that culling is the only answer.

President Adduci stated they should take recommendations but cautioned that they do not address health and safety issues. She stated the IGA can be brought back for discussion in January, and that they need to figure out what the task force looks like. She emphasized that her opinion is to take the IGA and then take the opinions of the community.

Trustee O’Connell stated that his opinion is to vote yes on the IGA at the next meeting because the Village would be out for the culling season until next year.

Trustee Vazquez stated he is fine with voting on the IGA next month and cautioned that he is not trying to stop the task force. He suggested the Board look at the IGA on an annual basis. He stated he did not want to wait another year to do something.

Trustee Cargie concurred with this approach.

Trustee Bachner stated she would like to see what they get back from the Forest Preserves. She agreed with voting on the IGA at the next meeting but cautioned she may vote no depending on the Forest Preserves’ analysis about overpopulation. She remarked that she did not mind a task force and wondered whether a Board member would like to lead it.

Trustee Brennan stated she preferred to let the task force study the issue and not go forward with the IGA before the task force had an opportunity to gather information and make a recommendation before the Board. Regarding a timeframe, Trustee Brennan stated task forces take longer than anyone would like, but that the Village needs to own this issue. She stated it would be best to have a consultant leading the task force, like a wildlife expert.

President Adduci summarized that the majority of the Board would like to see more information from the Forest Preserves and IDNR. She stated the IGA would be on a January agenda for discussion and a vote. She noted the task force’s role and responsibility would be to look at how the Village could do more to enhance the deer management program.

9. NEW BUSINESS

a. Amendment of the Village Code Regarding the Regulation of Cannabis (Non-Land Use) – Ordinance

Trustee O’Connell made a motion, seconded by Trustee Brennan, to approve an Ordinance amending the River Forest Village Code Regarding the Regulation of Cannabis

Administrator Palm noted that because the personnel manual item was not specified on the agenda, the Board could discuss the item but not take final action until their next meeting. The Village Board proceeded to vote on the Ordinance.

Roll call:

Ayes: Trustees Bachner, Brennan, Cargie, O’Connell, Vazquez

Absent: Trustee Henek

Nays: None

Motion Passes.

b. An Ordinance Providing for the Issue of Not-to-Exceed $525,000 General Obligation Limited Tax Bonds, Series 2020, of the Village of River Forest, Cook County, Illinois, for the Purpose of Paying for Public Infrastructure Projects within the Village, Providing for the Levy of a Direct Annual Tax to Pay the Principal of and Interest on said Bonds – Ordinance

Trustee Cargie made a motion, seconded by Trustee Vazquez, to approve an Ordinance Providing for the Issue of Not-to-Exceed $525,000 General Obligation Limited Tax Bonds, Series 2020, of the Village of River Forest, Cook County, Illinois, for the Purpose of Paying for Public Infrastructure Projects within the Village, Providing for the Levy of a Direct Annual Tax to Pay the Principal of and Interest on said Bonds.

Administrator Palm explained that this ordinance would approve the issuance of a debt service extension bond. Once approved, he stated, the Finance Director would go to bid and pick the lowest interest rate.

In response to a question from Trustee O’Connell, Administrator Palm confirmed no one spoke at the Public Hearing for this matter.

Roll call: Ayes: Trustees Bachner, Brennan, Cargie, O’Connell, Vazquez Absent: Trustee Henek Nays: None Motion Passes.

c. Proposal to Create Special Service Area 11 (Chicago & Harlem Senior Care Community) – Ordinance

Trustee Vazquez made a motion, seconded by Trustee O’Connell, to approve an Ordinance proposing the establishment of River Forest Special Service Area 11.

Administrator Palm explained that the Special Service Area only applies to the Chicago & Harlem property and would be in place as a back-up in the event that the property’s impact fee is triggered and the property owner does not pay. He stated the Village has the ability to levy a tax to recoup the cost and recommended approval to protect taxpayers in the Village. He further stated this ordinance approves proposing it, which will trigger a Public Hearing and another ordinance to approve it.

Roll call:

Ayes: Trustees Bachner, Brennan, Cargie, O’Connell, Vazquez

Absent: Trustee Henek

Nays: None

Motion Passes.

d. Discussion and Referral of Zoning Ordinance Text Amendments Related to Defining Beauty Shops and Allowing Permanent Cosmetics, Microblading, Micropigmentation and Similar Care Services as an Accessory Use to Beauty Shops

Trustee Bachner made a motion, seconded by Trustee O’Connell, to direct the Village Administrator to propose text amendments related to beauty shops and their accessory uses to the Zoning Board of Appeals for a public hearing and recommendation.

Administrator Palm explained the genesis of this matter, stating that a resident is looking to establish a business with services like microblading and micropigmentation, which are considered more permanent markings. He stated that this led to a Staff-level conversation about cleaning up the Zoning Code to define what beauty shop means and define types of accessory uses to reflect what is seen in the industry now.

In response to a question from Trustee Cargie about whether the current definition of beauty shop is too limited, Administrator Palm explained that certain spa services have been allowed but that micropigmentation requires a tattoo license and is not considered to fall under the definition of beauty shop.

Roll call:

Ayes: Trustees Bachner, Brennan, Cargie, O’Connell, Vazquez

Absent: Trustee Henek

Nays: None

Motion Passes.

10. EXECUTIVE SESSION

None.

11. ADJOURNMENT

Trustee Cargie made a motion, seconded by Trustee O’Connell to adjourn the regular Village Board of Trustees Meeting at 11:30 p.m.

Roll call:

Ayes: Trustees Bachner, Brennan, Cargie, O’Connell, Vazquez

Absent: Trustee Henek