MINUTES OF TOWER LAKES

PRESIDENT AND BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETING

Date:                   October 18,1999

Location:   Village Office

Time:                   7:01 P.M.

                (Break at 7:50 with meeting reconvening at 7:56)

_______________________________________________________________________

PLEDGE:

President Fitzpatrick called the meeting to order and led the Pledge of Allegiance.

ROLL CALL:

Present: Trustees Aitken, Cantieri, Jansing, Kuskowski, and Parro; President

Fitzpatrick. Absent: Heagarty and Village Clerk Chulumovich.

SIGN-IN:

See Attached Sign-In list.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES:

Approval of the September meeting minutes were deferred until next month’s meeting.

WATER SYSTEM REPORT:

*      Presentation by Gary Seehawer, VP, Consumers IL Water Company

Mr. Seehawer presented a copy of the Y2K contingency plan for the Village’s water system. Mr. Seehawer stated that a presentation regarding the plan could be made at next month’s meeting, if the Board desired. The Board reported they were interested.

Mr. Seehawer provided the Board with information regarding options available from our power supplier – ComEd—to participate in an alternate supplier program. In October, this program was opened to industrial and commercial customers. However, Consumer’s customers did not meet ComEd’s criteria (e.g. too small) for the program; however, they were allowed to enter a lottery. Wells #1 and #4 won as part of the lottery. Therefore, the Board can choose to have the two wells remain with ComEd or the Board can select an alternative choice. Mr. Seehawer provided a copy of the options, etc. to the Board and suggested they review the options and provide Consumer’s with a recommendation at next month’s Board meeting. In addition, he reported that Consumer’s will also provide a recommendation to the Board – recommending the most advantageous option to the Board.

Mr. Seehawer also provided the Board with a copy of the EPA Vulnerability Waiver form for review.

 

*      Monthly Production Report

The Monthly Production Report and Year-to-Date Summary are available at the Village Office.

*      O&M Contract

Trustee Parro recommended that the Consumers O&M contract for 1999-2000 be renewed. Trustee Jansing made a motion to approve the contract which was seconded by Trustee Kuskowski followed by a roll call vote: AYES: Aitken, Cantieri, Jansing, Kuskowski, Parro. NAYS: None.

Project Status Reports: Outlot A and Interconnections

Trustee Kuskowski reported that the water plant is operating successfully. Campanella has completed miscellaneous items and the final payment is in this month’s Treasurer’s Report approval list.

Trustee Kuskowski reported that regarding the water treatment plant, the Village is withholding $10,000 to ensure that the landscaping etc. gets completed properly before the Village accepts full responsibility.

PLAN COMMISSION:

President Fitzpatrick appointed Mark Stadler to the Plan Commission to complete the remaining term of Bob Masini.

Ms. Hawkes reported that the Plan Commission held a public hearing on September 27th. Fifteen residents and four Plan Commission members were present. The majority of attendees were in favor of tighter restrictions/enforcement. Some residents stated that the ordinance was too restrictive in terms of the amount of time that an RV could remain in the driveway for loading/unloading. A second hearing is scheduled for Tuesday, October 26 at 7:00 P.M.

ZBA:

No meeting was held nor are any scheduled.

BUILDING AND ZONING REPORT:

*      Building Permits

Trustee Cantieri reported that eight permits were issued for the following residences: 117 N. Lakeshore – room addition; 813 E. Lake Shore– kitchen remodel; 714 N. Lake Shore – deck and garage; 310 Warwick – electrical; 411 E. Lakeshore – driveway; 204 Circle – room addition; 25795 W. Indian Trial – reroof; 630 Leon Dr. – reroof.

TREASURER'S REPORT:

President Fitzpatrick reviewed the Treasurer's report and list of bills to be paid.

President Fitzpatrick took a roll call vote to approve the Treasurer's Report and to pay the bills with results as follows: Ayes: Trustees Aitken, Cantieri, Jansing, Kuskowski and Parro. Nays: None.

Trustee Jansing reported that the Village has reduced the number of accounts we have from 8 accounts – 4 money markets and 4 checking accounts – to a total of 4 checking accounts. Barrington Bank & Trust has provided the Village with interest bearing checking accounts which reflect T-Bill interest rates. Barrington Bank made this change since the Village is a good customer and because we are considered a non-profit organization. These are better rates than we received from Grand National Bank in money market funds.

Trustee Jansing made a motion to approve the investment policy and permit President Fitzpatrick to execute the policy after it is finalized by the Village Attorney which was seconded by Trustee Kuskowski and followed by a unanimous voice vote.

FINANCE REPORT:

Trustee Jansing made a motion to approve the 1999-2000 Tax Levy Resolution which was seconded by Trustee Kuskowski and followed by a roll call vote: AYES: Trustees Aitken, Cantieri, Jansing, Kuskowski and Parro. Nays: None.

POLICE REPORT:

Trustee Aitken reviewed the monthly Police Activity Report which is on file at the Village Office.

President Fitzpatrick reported that over the past month the police patrolling has been excellent, great visibility. Bike patrols has stopped for the season, but was extended due to the nice weather. The police have also done a great job in enforcing the speed limit along Roberts Rd. and Kelsey.

STORMWATER MANAGEMENT REPORT:

Trustee Kuskowski reported that grant application from Lake County Storm Water Management Commission has been completed and submitted for the CCE storm water drainage problem ($20,000 50/50 grant). The basic approach is the enlargement of 9 culverts. Trustee Kuskowski has met with Kermit Smiddy, Cuba Township regarding the project and he agreed that the township can do it, but not all at once (will charge for material, but labor is free). In the meantime, Cuba Township has done some work – cleaning of drains, digging out some of the swales to make the water flow better and putting in a new culvert at the end of Rolling Green.

Trustee Kuskowski stated he also talked to Kermit about doing the Village’s apron and swale by boat landing and agreed to do it.

President Fitzpatrick stated that when LCSWMC created in 1992, all the communities in the jurisdiction of Lake County were given the option of being a "certified community". A certified community reviews building applications for any building or additions to ensure they are not in the flood plain or wetlands. Tower Lakes chose not to be a certified community since there was an associated cost --instead of LCSWMC reviewing the building plans the Village’s Building Officer would have been involved, at an additional cost. Currently, the Village uses an outside consultant as our Building Inspector with a totally fee based system whereby the applicant pays for the costs associated with the review. President Fitzpatrick stated that the Village could hire Baxter and Woodman to conduct the reviews, instead of LCSWMC, with the applicant paying the fee. Currently, since we use LCSWMC, there is no cost to the Village, but the waiting time is long. Trustee Cantieri stated that becoming a "certified community" will bring better service to the residents since the review process would be expedited. The Board agreed to pursue this process of becoming a certified community.

ROADS REPORT:

Trustee Aitken reported that the Village completed over 6000 linear feet of crack sealing and patching has been completed. On 9/24, Kermit Smiddy, Cuba Township extended the Village’s intergovernmental agreement for snow removal and other duties. It was extended an additional 5 years from Nov 1, 2001 to Oct 31, 2006 at the $60,000 base rate that the Village has as of Oct 31, 2000 -- and COLA extensions from 2000 – 2006. Trustee Heagarty was not available to discuss signage.

HEALTH & SANITATION:

Trustee Cantieri reported that George Balas has not responded to his calls and letters regarding the billing discrepancy since he has been in NY dealing with the "encephalitis" problem.

Trustee Cantieri made a motion for President Fitzpatrick to declare Nov 15 America Recycle Day in Tower Lakes, in conjunction with other SWALCO communities. Trustee Kuskowski seconded the motion which was followed by a unanimous voice vote. Trustee Cantieri also stated that there has been many requests from residents for the SWALCO composters.

UTILITIES:

Trustee Parro reported that effective immediately, AT&T Cable Service is taking over TCI and notices will be included with our bills.

URBAN FORESTRY:

No news to report.

OLD BUSINESS:

President Fitzpatrick stated that he wrote a letter to the attorney representing the person who appeared before the Board for a courtesy review of Lots 19 & 20 – Tower Lake Estates. The letter stated that he needs to get a variance from ZBA, apply for a building permit, etc. President Fitzpatrick also stated that there is a TLIA

President Fitzpatrick stated that there was a meeting at North Barrington School regarding the traffic problem (Grandview and Rte 59) which was not well attended by residents. About 50 residents and Senator Peterson and Rep. Beaubien attended. The two elected officials stated that this problem needs to be solved locally because the state will not fund any improvements except on Rte. 59. They are willing to push for changes on Rte 59, but it will take at least 3 years. Trustee Parro asked whether the option of putting flashing lights or reduce speed signs has been discussed. President Fitzpatrick stated that the options have been discussed, but IDOT will not do so, because it is a traffic problem not a pedestrian problem. Installing a traffic light is not possible since Rte 59 is a Strategic Arterial (SRA) which is governed by specific federal criteria. A traffic light is not possible because it would be too close to the one on Miller Road and there is not enough traffic on Grandview. The only options are to expand Grandview so that there is a right turn light north, holding lane facing lane, and a deceleration lane on Rte 59 Northbound. All of this needs to be paid by local money.

Trustee Parro reported that the Tower Lakes website should be operating by November. Costs have been minimal ($289) and internet access and e-mail should be around $200 per year.

NEW BUSINESS:

*      Rigali Driveway Reconfiguration/Restoration Plan

Tom Hamilton, spokesperson for some North lake residents reported that they have concerns regarding the re-configuration of Mr. Rigali’s driveway and restoration plan. President Fitzpatrick stated that the Board does have the petition from last year signed by North Lake residents (made as part of the meeting minutes). Also, President Fitzpatrick stated that as he mentioned last year, no action would be taken with respect to this topic, unless the residents of North Lake had notice and no action has been taken. Mr. Rigali has submitted a "conceptual plan". The Board has not reviewed it, since it was just received this morning. President Fitzpatrick stated a number of issues need to be addressed if the Village were to abandon the cul-de-sac including access by vehicles (e.g. emergency vehicles, etc.). Wauconda Fire Dept, would have to sign off, before anything could be considered. President Fitzpatrick reported that he received a letter from Bob Ernst, President of TLIA which stated that TLIA does not object to the Rigali driveway reconfiguration and restoration plan as long as the area remains Village property and nothing is done to impede access. President Fitzpatrick re-iterated that the Board would not decide on this issue without a public meeting and the North Lake residents would be notified of such by a letter. In addition, President Fitzpatrick and the Board requested that the residents review the Rigali plan and to also discuss their concerns with Mr. Rigali.

Pete Ori stated that his primary concern is strictly an emergency safety issue – one entry/exit into North Lake. Another concern addressed by a resident was the identification by the Board of advantages/disadvantages to the residents (not TLIA) if the property is vacated. Paul Gotter stated he is opposed to the Rigali proposal and stated that if the property is vacated they will resubmit their application to vacate Village property. President Fitzpatrick stated that his position has remained the same on vacating property – he is opposed to it.

*      Buildable Lot

President Fitzgpatrick reported that there is a buildable lot on Roberts Rd. North Lake – the lot size is 20,000 sq. feet or greater (driveway would be on Roberts Rd. unless given an easement on N. Circle by a resident).

 

*      LCSWMC

In 1992, Lake County passed an ordinance which pre-empted municipalities and created LCSWMC. As a result when a resident applies for a building permit for any area adjacent to a wetland, in a flood zone/plain, or a possible flood zone – not mapped (e.g. North Lake); then you must apply to LCSWMC for a permit. In addition, to getting a permit from Lake County Health Department for the septic system and a building permit from the Village, you need to get a permit or waiver form LCSWMC. Mr. Meese, the contractor of the new home on North Lake, as well as the Village were not aware of this new process. LCSWMC, not the Village stopped the construction. Mr. Meese is in the process of hiring a professional engineer to shoot the topography of the site to determine the Base Flood Elevation (BFE). The BFE will show whether the house is high enough up for flooding not to occur. President Fitzpatrick stated that all new construction or any major change to a footprint would require LCSWMC approval. LCSWMC also changed the requirements for building from the water’s edge from 30 feet to 50 feet. Their ordinance pre-empts the Village’s.

*      Millennium Party

Patti Shaefer and Marsha Fitzgibbons addressed the Board on behalf of TLIA and requested partial funding for a Millennium celebration for the Village. Trustee Parro made a motion that the Village fund 50% of the estimated costs of the proposed Millennium celebration by making a $2500 gift to the TLIA with the stipulation that funds raised by TLIA in excess of this donation be returned to the Village and that this celebration be open to all residents of Tower Lakes. The motion was seconded by Trustee Kuskowski and followed by a roll call vote: AYES: Aitken, Cantieri, Jansing, Kuskowski, and Parro. NAYES: None

President Fitzpatrick read a proclamation declaring Nov 4 –10th as National French Week.

MEETING ADJOURNED:

At 9: 35 P.M., Trustee Kuskowski made a motion to adjourn which was seconded by Trustee Cantieri and followed by unanimous voice vote.

Respectfully Submitted,

 

Madeline M. Chulumovich

Village Clerk