VILLAGE OF LONG GROVE
3110 RFD, ILLINOIS 60047-9613

MINUTES OF THE VILLAGE BOARD OF LONG GROVE

Tuesday, September 9, 2008 at 8 P.M.

3110 RFD, LONG GROVE, ILLINOIS 60047-9613

 

 

CALL TO ORDER:

President Rodriguez called the meeting to order at 8:00 P.M.

 

OFFICIALS IN ATTENDANCE:

Village President:                      Rodriguez

Trustees:                                   Acuna, Hannon, Lazakis, Schmitt, Wachs

Trustees Absent:                       Barry

Village Clerk:                            Schultheis

Also Present:                             Superintendent Block, Village Manager Lothspeich, Village Engineer Chiczewski and Witkowski,  and Village Counsel Filippini

 

President Rodriguez Update to the Audience: 

President Rodriguez told the Audience that Kildeer students were chosen as the Fourth Grade

Scholastic Book class to have their collective works published.  There is only one class in the country

chosen for this honor.  Kudos were extended to the Fourth Grade classes at Kildeer. - No action was

taken.

President Rodriguez also told the Audience that the Heritage Run and Wine Tasting events exceeded

expectations.  No action was taken.

 

Homeowner Associations:    

Hidden Valley – Lou Lundstedt.No one was present. No action was taken.

Mardan Woods – Debbie Netter. – Speaking on behalf of the subdivision, Trustee Schmitt said that the

Light Speed Box had been installed, but she was not certain that it was operational No action was taken.

 

ACTION ITEMS:

Item:         Special Event Applications.

The Long Grove Business & Community Partners recommended approval of the following (2) special event

applications (not Timmy’s Outdoor Movies) during their August 19, 2008 meeting.

 

                  Oktoberfest (LGBCP).  This is a returning event that has been extended from one to two days.  Long Grove Business & Community Partners Oktoberfest on Fountain Square for October 18 & 19, 2008 from 12:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. (utilizing the tent and setup for the Department 56 Swap & Sell).  – LGBCP President John Maguire said that this is the fourth year of the Oktoberfest; and that it was going to have a “block party” included as part of the event.  He said that future events might consider a “Long Grove Block Party” theme.

                  Trustee Wachs moved to approve the Special Event/Temporary Signage Application by the Long Grove Business & Community Partners for Oktoberfest on October 18 & 19, 2008 from 12:00 p.m. until 9 p.m. on Fountain Square; seconded by Trustee Schmitt.

                  VOICE VOTE:

                  All ayes, no nays (Motion carried 5 – 0; Trustee Barry absent).

 

                  Oktoberfest (Long Grove Tavern).  This is a new event hosted by The Long Grove Tavern and runs on the same dates with slightly different times than the LGBCP Oktoberfest event.  Oktoberfest on October 18 & 19, 2008 from 10:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the Long Grove Tavern (beer tent in parking lot).  Trustee Schmitt moved to approve the Special Event/Temporary Signage Application by the Village Tavern for Oktoberfest on October 18 & 19, 2008 from 10:00 a.m. until 7 p.m. at the Village Tavern; seconded by Trustee Wachs.

                  VOICE VOTE:

                  All ayes, no nays (Motion carried 5 – 0; Trustee Barry absent).

 

                  Timmy’s Sandwiches & Ice Cream Outdoor Movies.  This is a new event request by Timmy’s Sandwiches & Ice Cream for the weekends in September and October.  Due to the timing of the request, this request has not yet been reviewed by the LGBCP Board and as such it is recommended that any Board action be contingent upon approval by the LGBCP.   Trustee Wachs moved to approve the Special Event/Temporary Signage Application, subject to review and approval of the LGBCP Board of Directors, by Timmy’s Sandwiches and Ice Cream for Outdoor Movies on the Towner’s Green during the weekend evenings in September and October 2008; seconded by Trustee Schmitt.

                  VOICE VOTE:

                  All ayes, no nays (Motion carried 5 – 0; Trustee Barry absent).

 

Other Items From the Audience:

Bridle Path – Dr. Herbert Kanter said that the bridle path was now complete, and he wanted to know if

there had been approval of this path by the Lake County Health Department.  Village Manager

Lothspeich replied that the Lake County Health Department had not yet replied to the Village’s request

for information.  As for Dr. Kanter’s question regarding the need for permits; Superintendent Block

informed Dr. Kanter that the because the culverts were on private easements, they did not require

permits.  When President Rodriguez asked if Dr. Kanter was representing the entire Homeowner’s

Association, he said that he was.  The Village Manager suggested that the Homeowner’s Association

would be better able to use its covenants to enforce any restrictions – No action was taken.

 

Trees on Route 22:  Trustee Schmitt asked about trees that were perceived to have been planted on the

median strip on Route 22.  In specific, she wanted to know who would maintain them and water them?

Village Manager Lothspeich said that there were not any trees planted on the median strip, because the

Village did not want to maintain them.  Village Engineer Witkowski said that IDOT had been asked

not to plant any trees on the median strip, but they might have been there for temporary storage. – No

action was taken.

 

Item #1:    Report Of The September 2, 2008 PC & ZBA Meeting.

CONTINUED

Ø     Final Approval Of Plans And Plats For Final Planned Unit Development, For Nine (9), Single Family Lots To Be Known As The Steeple View Estates PUD Subdivision, Located On The South Side Of Route 53 And North Of Manassas Lane, Ullrich.  (Continued)

 

Item #2:    Report Of The September 3, 2008 CSCC Meeting.

The Conservancy Scenic Corridor Committee considered the following item during their meeting. 

Ø     Discussion Re: Limiting Phosphorous Use.  – Trustees Barry and Schmitt will look into interest

in  pursuing this – No action was taken.

 

Item #3:    Ordinance Approving Comp Amendments To Zoning Code Re: Floor Area & Height.

Continued from the August 26, 2008 Board Meeting.  The draft ordinance is based upon the version

recommended for approval by the Plan Commission with possible changes discussed by the Village

Board during the August 12 and August 26, 2008 Board Meetings.  Specifically, changes during the

prior board meeting include: impact of straight subdivisions vs. PUD’s; nature of open space;

definition of areas included/excluded under the bulk regulations; applicability to existing subdivisions

vs. new subdivisions, etc.   – Trustees discussed the effect and helpfulness of actual illustrations to

aid in clarification of the codes.  CONTINUED.

 

Item #4:    Ordinance Establishing Long Grove EMA & Approving The Long Grove EOP.

As directed during the August 26, 2008 Board Meeting, Village Counsel Filippini prepared the draft

Ordinance Establishing The Village Of Long Grove Emergency Management Agency (EMA) &

Approving The Village Of Long Grove Emergency Operations Plan (EOP).   

Trustee Acuna moved to approve an Ordinance Establishing The Village of Long Grove

Emergency Management (EMA) & Approving The Village of Long Grove Emergency

Operations Plan (EOP); seconded by Trustee Wachs.

ROLL CALL VOTE:

Acuna – aye; Barry – absent; Hannon – aye; Lazakis – aye; Schmitt – aye; Wachs – aye.

(Motion carried 5 – 0; one absent)

 

Item #5:    Resolution Appointing Marc Small As The Long Grove EMA Coordinator.

As discussed during the August 12 & August 26, 2008 Board Meetings (Executive Session – Personnel

Matters), Village Counsel Filippini prepared a draft resolution appointing Marc Small as the Long

Grove Emergency Management Agency (EMA) Coordinator.  Please note that the resolution does not

reference the monthly stipend since this amount may be considered separately from the appointment in

the future. 

Trustee Schmitt moved to approve a Resolution Appointing Marc Small as the Village

Emergency Management Agency Coordinator with a regular stipend of $500.00 per month to

assist with off-setting expenses and services provided while serving in this capacity; seconded by

Trustee Wachs.

ROLL CALL VOTE:

Acuna – aye; Barry – absent; Hannon – aye; Lazakis – aye; Schmitt – aye; Wachs – aye.

(Motion carried 5 – 0; one absent).

 

Village Emergency Management Agency Coordinator Small took the oath of office as administered

by President Rodriguez.

 

Item #6:    Resolution Approving Vehicle Lease Agreement For Long Grove EMA Coordinator.

As discussed during the August 12, 2008 Board Meetings (Executive Session – Personnel Matters),

Village Counsel Filippini prepared a draft resolution approving a vehicle lease agreement for Marc

Small as the Long Grove Emergency Management Agency (EMA) Coordinator.   Trustee Wachs

moved to approve a Resolution approving a Vehicle Lease Agreement for The Village of Long

Grove Emergency Management Agency (EMA) Coordinator; seconded by Trustee Schmitt.

ROLL CALL VOTE:

Acuna – aye; Barry – absent; Hannon – aye; Lazakis – aye; Schmitt – aye; Wachs – aye.

(Motion carried 5 – 0; one absent).

 

Item #7:    Resolution Approving Waiver Of Bidding & Contract For Rock Salt.

As directed during the August 26, 2008 Board Meeting, Village Superintendant Bob Block and Staff

have been working with the Lake County Managers and Public Works Directors to pursue the purchase

of road salt.  The Village did not commit itself to the State Central Management Services (CMS) bidding

process due to the uncertainties of their receiving salt and the price range suggested of up to $140/ton.

CMS confirmed late this week that they received bids for salt at a price of $138.50/ton (including

delivery).  In the meantime, the Village received a verbal commitment from the City of Kenosha to

provide salt at $60/ton (excluding delivery that is estimated at $20/ton).  – Village Manger Lothspeich

and Village Superintendent Block were able to ascertain an agreement from the City of Kenosha for

rock salt at a much cheaper price than the CMS’s prices.  In order to guarantee the purchase from the

City of Kenosha, the Board needed to approve a bid without seeking further competition.  Trustees

agreed that the Staff had done an excellent job in securing much cheaper tonnage rates for the salt.

Trustee Wachs moved to Approve a Resolution Approving the Waiver of Competitive Bidding &

The Selection and Contract with the City of Kenosha, Wisconsin for the Purchase of 1,500 Tons of

Rock Salt at a price of $60.00/Ton for an Amount Not to Exceed $90,000.00; seconded by Trustee Lazakis.

ROLL CALL VOTE:

Acuna – aye; Barry – absent; Hannon – aye; Lazakis – aye; Schmitt – aye; Wachs – aye.

(Motion carried 5 – 0; one absent)

 

Item #8:    Village President Rodriguez.

Buffalo Creek – President Rodriguez said that there would be a meeting on September 15, 2008 at 1PM in the Village Hall regarding the reservoir – No action was taken.

Fire District Board Meeting – The meeting will discuss fire and building codes; especially in wake of the Pine Cone store fire.  Trustee Schmitt noted that the initial reaction to that fire brought accolades from everyone concerned regarding he professional way that the fire was handled. – No action was taken.

 

Item #9:    Village Trustee Acuna.

Infrastructure Committee Chair Acuna met with Village Superintendant Block; Village Engineer

Chiczewski; Village Engineer Witkowski and Staff on September 3, 2008 and reviewed the following

items. 

 

                  A.  Mardan Drainage Study – Update.  Study on-going with report of possible solutions and their costs expected before the end of this year for consideration as part of the budget discussions for FY 2009/10. – Village Engineer Chiczewski noted that all data was received, and that the ESI would have a draft by the next Board meeting – No action was taken.

B.     Lake Michigan Water Study - Update.  Discussion on status of the draft ESI water study.

·        Lake County Communities will be meeting September 18, 2008 for update.

·        ESI is finalizing an initial draft of the report describing the water supply infrastructure required to provide Lake Michigan water from the Village's border to every residence.  The report describes likely placement and size of water mains throughout the Village as well as a detailed survey by subdivision.

·        The estimate of the cost of the system is roughly $180 million.  How this would be divided per individual household in individual subdivisions is debatable.  IF it were to be divided evenly regardless of existing conditions it might be roughly $75,000 per house.

·        These numbers are rough estimates and do not include our share of the cost for bringing the water to our borders.  The order of magnitude of the individual homeowners' contribution is significant and a resident referendum will be required.  The timing of the referendum is important in determining the amount of further involvement with the new water group. – Village Engineer Chiczewski noted that the figures presented were based upon grand assumptions, and calculated in today’s dollars.  He also said that the figures do not represent any costs for acquiring right of way.  Both Trustee Acuna and Village Engineer Chiczewski reiterated that the figures being discussed showed order of magnitude not actual numbers.  Trustee Acuna also noted that it would not be until Spring, 2009 before Lake Michigan water could be petitioned for; and if successful a Committee would have to be formed; so that there was still a long way in the process to go before the Village needed to decide whether or not it wanted to receive Lake Michigan water.

Trustee Acuna believed that the referendum could be on the April, 2009 ballot.

No action was taken.

C.     Menard’s Sanitary Sewer Construction - Update. 

·        Menard’s received their final permit from the IEPA and submitted a construction schedule for the sanitary sewer.  Staff informed Menard’s that signs must be installed and notices to each affected resident warning of the upcoming work must be provided no less than 2 weeks prior to work commencing.  The Village Engineer will be on-site every day to monitor the construction and Menard’s is being required to install chain link fencing along the limits of the Village’s ROW to avoid any potential impact on adjoining residents properties.

·        The proposed schedule will run through the end of December with final road patching etc. in early Spring. – Village Manager Lothspeich said that the construction would begin on September 22nd, and that it would probably go into Spring, 2009. – No action was taken.

D.    Neighborhood Traffic Management Program Request (NTMP) for North Schaeffer Road.

·        NTMP application was received from the Residents off of North Schaeffer Road for the installation of two speed tables between 53 and Manassas.  The application included homes west of Schaeffer but no home in Bridgewater farms, east of Schaeffer.  The applicant did not include Bridgewater in their petition since none of the Bridgewater properties have direct access to their properties off of Schaeffer and are separated by a conservancy area from Schaeffer Road.  It should be noted that all but two of the homes that submitted the application do not have direct access to Schaeffer from their driveways.

·        Village Engineer Chiczewski questions were 1) whether we should accept the application as is or requires more signatures, 2) with or without #1 above whether we should install the other traffic calming elements suggested by the original study (median at 53 end and at the Bridgewater entrance as well as a raised intersection at Manassas).

·        Trustee Acuna’s recommendation is that the Village proceed with the application as submitted and install the two speed tables to provide some level of traffic calming.

·        ESI was directed to ask Menards' paving subcontractor to install in the tables for free during the installation of the sanitary sewer.  If this approach does not work, there are excess funds remaining in the road paving budget and the work could be included as an “add-on” to the contract with Chicagoland Paving. – Trustee Acuna told the Board that a petition had been put into motion for a speed table program between Route 53 and Manassas.  He said that the petition met the Village’s percentage of subdivision homes and adjacent affected properties criteria, but that it did not include subdivisions such as Bridgewater Farms, because they were not considered directly affected.  Trustee Acuna said that the Infrastructure Committee had reviewed the initial request and it met all criteria to move to the next level of the process.  He suggested that the Board would need to give direction to ESI to move forward in evaluating the effect of the speed tables. Trustee Acuna said that the process was designed to allow the residents to be the driving force in traffic calming.  Trustees Wachs and Schmitt were wary of the fact that the process was not designed to allow small groups of residents to “chop up” a project into small pieces by their residences.  Village Counsel Filippini noted that the direction would only be to move forward in the process, not to begin construction.  He also said that the next step would involve more evaluation and input from surrounding neighbors.

 

Country Club Estates HOA President Camy Gould stated that the speed tables had been considered the least desirable way to handle traffic calming, and that a large part of the surrounding subdivisions had not been contacted about the proposed speed tables.  She also said that they were noisy and slowed down emergency vehicles. 

 

Nancy Zalusky of 1218 Schaeffer Road said that she wanted the speed tables as an affordable and effective way to slow down traffic.

 

Frank Kowalczyk of 1220 Schaeffer Road said that the speed tables appeared to be the only affordable solution, and something needed to be done.

 

Trustee Wachs was concerned about the cost/benefit for a project that had not shown substantial support nor was it comprehensive enough to affect traffic calming on a long stretch of road.

 

Trustee Acuna said that the neighbors had followed a process set up by the Village.

Trustee Acuna moved to accept the petition and approve taking further steps in the Neighborhood Traffic Management Program to continue evaluation and bring in neighbors that might be impacted; seconded by Trustee Lazakis.

VOICE VOTE:

All ayes, no nays

(Motion carried 5 – 0; Trustee Barry was absent).

                 

                        E. Traffic Control North Schaeffer Road.

                        In addition, the Village recently received a phone call from Resident Larry Lewis, 2231 Shiloh, inquiring about the possibility of posting a no left turn sign from eastbound Lake-Cook (evening) and no right turn from southbound Schaeffer onto Lake-Cook (morning).  Staff informed Mr. Lewis that the request would be reviewed by the Infrastructure Committee for recommendation to the Village Board before spending time/money to review further.  Staff also informed Mr. Lewis that there was much history on the Schaeffer Road restrictions and closing, including that there were some efforts to restrict turn movements that caused other unintended consequences such as drivers turning around in residents driveways in order to avoid the turn restrictions, etc.  Staff relayed concerns that many Long Grove Residents use Schaeffer Road as well and they would be impacted as well.  The installation of “No Through Traffic” signs is also problematic since they cannot be legally enforced and create an expectation that they can be enforced.  The enforcement of the no left turn restrictions may create similar problems…Bannockburn imposed similar restrictions on Telegraph Road and had to install the gate and have an officer monitor the gate during the entire time and still drivers would “run” the gate even with the officer sitting there…a huge headache for the department.  Village Engineer Chiczewski supported these concerns, among others, and Trustee Acuna’s initial reaction was to not consider imposing the requested restrictions.  No action was taken.

                    F. Oakwood Bridge – Trustee Acuna said that there was a timing problem with this project.  Because the crack in the Bridge was determined to qualify for a government grant, work on the Oakwood Bridge’s guardrail was suspended.  However, the contractor presented the Village with a bill for 75% of the cost for the portion of work he had completed.  The Village was still awaiting the grant money from the government, and it was suggested that the Village get the contractor to finish the rail.  Trustee Lazakis noted that the Highway Bridge Construction Fund was bankrupt, and that it might be a while before the Village received grant money. -   The Trustees directed Staff to resume the rail construction on the Oakwood Bridge.

 

Item #10:  Village Trustee Barry.

Not Present.

 

Item #11:  Village Trustee Hannon.

A.     Treasurer Report For August 31, 2008.  - Trustee Hannon moved to accept the Bills as presented; seconded by Trustee Lazakis.

                        ROLL CALL VOTE:

                  Acuna – aye; Barry – absent; Hannon – aye; Lazakis – aye; Schmitt – aye; Wachs – aye.

      (Motion carried 5 – 0; one absent).

 

Trustee Hannon moved to accept the Fund Balances as presented; seconded by  Trustee Wachs.

                   ROLL CALL VOTE:

                  Acuna – aye; Barry – absent; Hannon – aye; Lazakis – aye; Schmitt – aye; Wachs – aye.

(Motion carried 5 – 0; one absent).

B.     Actual and Budget Comparisons For Period Ending August 31, 2008.  No action was taken.

C.     Downtown Master Plan Wayfinding Signage.  Village Trustee Hannon met with various Architectural Commission/Downtown Merchant/Downtown Property Owner/LGBCP Director Maguire and Village Engineer Chiczewski – Trustee Hannon stated that the Committee was studying color schemes.  Trustees concurred with the concept of the Bridge logo as part of the signage. – No action was taken.

 

Item #12:  Village Trustee Lazakis.

Nothing  to report. No action was taken.

 

Item #13:  Trustee Schmitt.

The Bridge – Trustee Schmitt said that The Bridge was ready to be sent out within a week. – No action

was taken.

Park District – Trustee Schmitt said that Lee Bassett was elected President and Jane Wittig elected Vice

President – No action was taken.

Soccer/Athletic Fields – Update.  Village Trustee Schmitt, Village Trustee Hannon, Village

Superintendent Block and Staff met with Long Grove Park District President Nathanson and

Commissioner Wittig on August 27, 2008 to review the soccer field plans.  With the recent awarding

of the bid to Pease Construction, the work will be starting soon with the fields completed by next

Spring and playable the next year depending upon how quickly the turf is established.  Overall the

plans were well received, with the following questions raised for consideration by the Village Board:

(1)      Whether to install the access drive from Checker and Old Hicks now with the addition of gates to prohibit potential cut-through traffic to/from Old 53.  The proposed access road will allow neighbors in the Country Club area to access the fields directly rather than exiting to 53 first.  – Trustee Schmitt said that there would be an access drive off of Checker and Old Hicks.  It was considered by Trustees that the lane should be one way and not a two way, which might encourage cut-through traffic. HOA President Camy Gould asked how many parking spaces there would be – Trustee Schmitt said that there would be 120 spaces total.  Trustees believed that traffic calming in the area might be needed. – No action was taken.

(2)      Whether to add the installation of a lawn irrigation system for the soccer fields in order to make sure the seed takes and to help the grass survive during soccer season.  Concerns were discussed that without irrigation it will take considerably longer for the grass to get established and there will be a high likelihood that it will not grow back in the dry season after it is used.  Village Superintendent Block is requesting quotes for the system which would be installed after the groundwork is completed.  – Superintendent Block said that some type of irrigation system made sense; and that there were eleven zones.  The irrigation system would be set so that one zone would go off at a time.  The water would be fed from Menards.  Superintendent Block also said that while the Park District recommended sod; he believed that Sports Grass would be better even though it takes a longer time to grow. – No action was taken.

 

Item #14:  Village Trustee Wachs.

Nothing to report.  No action was taken.

 

Item #15:  Village Clerk Schultheis.

Nothing to report.  No action was taken.

 

Item #16:  Village Manager Lothspeich.

Nothing to report.  No action was taken.

 

Item #17:  Village Superintendent Block.

Nothing to report.  No action was taken.

 

Item #18:  Village Planner Hogue.

Not Present.

 

Item #19:  Village Attorney Filippini.

Nothing to report.  No action was taken.

 

Item #20:  Approval of Board Meeting Minutes.

August 26, 2008 Minutes.Trustee Wachs moved to Approve the August 26, 2008 Minutes;

seconded by Trustee Schmitt.

VOICE VOTE:

All ayes, no nays

(Motion carried 5 – 0; Trustee Barry was absent).

 

Item:         Executive Session.

At 9:50 P.M., Trustee Wachs moved to go into Executive Session to discuss (1) Executive Session

Minutes; (2) Litigation; (3) Personnel Matters; and (4) Acquisition and Disposition of Property;

seconded by Trustee Schmitt.

ROLL CALL VOTE:

Acuna – aye; Barry – absent; Hannon – aye; Lazakis – aye; Schmitt – aye; Wachs – aye.

(Motion carried 5 – 0; one absent).

 

Item:         Other Business.

August 12, 2008 Executive Session Meeting Minutes.  Trustee Wachs moved to Approve the August

12, 2008 Executive Session Minutes as amended, but not Release to the Public; seconded by

Trustee Lazakis.

VOICE VOTE:

All ayes, no nays, one abstain

(Motion carried 4 – 0; Trustee Acuna abstained; Trustee Barry absent).

 

August 26, 2008 Executive Session Meeting Minutes. Trustee Schmitt moved to Approve the August 26, 2008 Executive Session Minutes, but not Release to the Public; seconded by Trustee Wachs.

VOICE VOTE:

All ayes, no nays

(Motion carried 5 – 0; Trustee Barry was absent).

 

Item:         Adjournment.

At 11:16 P.M.; Trustee Wachs moved to adjourn; seconded by Trustee Schmitt.

VOICE VOTE:

All ayes, no nays

(Motion carried 5 – 0; Trustee Barry was absent).