REVISED MINUTES OF TOWER LAKES

PUBLIC HEARINGS AND

BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETING

 

Date:                May 20, 2002

 

Location:          Village Office

 

Time:                7:01 pm

 

1. PLEDGE: President Kuskowski called the meeting to order and led the Pledge of Allegiance.  Sign in sheet circulated.

 

ROLL CALL: Present: Village President Kuskowski, Trustees Adams, Aitken, Parro, Filippell, Rigali, and Village Clerk Leitner, Village Treasurer Gidley. Absent: Cantieri

Also in attendance:  Dorothy Pratt, Deputy Village Clerk and newsletter correspondent.  

 

2. PRESENTATION OF AWARD TO KERMIT SMIDDY- Pres Kuskowski presented a plaque to recently retired Cuba Township Highway Commissioner commending and thanking him for all of the tremendous work he performed on behalf of Tower Lakes.  He will be missed!

 

3.APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Motion by Trustee Parro to approve the minutes of the April Village Board Meeting as revised, seconded by Trustee Rigali and followed by a Roll Call vote: AYES: Trustees Adams, Aitken, Filippell, Parro, Rigali. NAYES: None.  Absent: Cantieri.

 

4. PUBLIC COMMENTS: Terry Jennings-Barrington Park District Director is seeking assistance from surrounding Villages to keep the Jewel Park Brown Field Grant.  The Jewel Park site was assessed and found to be eligible for a $120,000  EPA-assisted Brown Field Grant, given to municipalities with abandoned gas station fields or other property with environmental issues. As of today, the Village of Barrington wants part of these funds, since this is a one-time only grant per municipality, and the village of Barrington has other “brown fields”. Ms Jennings is seeking the Village of Tower Lakes’ assistance to write the grant because we will never have a need for a brown field grant. That way, she can have full use of the $120,000 for the Jewel Park project, as originally planned. The EPA actually does all the grant application work: Tower Lakes simply sponsors it. Ms Jennings needs feedback ASAP because the Park District closed on the property today assuming they would get all $120,000. Topic of reduced park district fees to Tower Lakes' residents came up. Tower Lakers don’t have to be taxpayers to the park district, simply users. Park district plans to build a ball field, walking paths, soccer fields, and retain a warehouse for indoor use. The question of developing the Grey Lady into condo has been rejected, since the developer wanted the best of the property. Tr Adams wonders how to expedite the process. Pres Kuskowski will check with Village Attorney Jim Bateman on advisability of Tower Lakes' participation. Tr Parro wondered whether townships can help-no, only villages are eligible. Tr Rigali wondered if we can approve  pending discussion or approval by Village Attorney Bateman. Pres Kuskowski determined that the Village should not rush approval this pm.The Tower Lakes Board agrees in principal with participating in the grant process.

 

5. WATER SYSTEM REPORT: Pres Kuskowski reported that the Village monthly water consumption is at 126,000 gallons per day, which is a little higher than normal, because of flushing.

 

DCCA Grant: President Kuskowski reported no change. We still have approximately $500.00 to spend.  He has ordered two pumps for well one, at a cost of $700.00.  This order will use up the balance of the DCCA Grant.

 

6. PLAN COMMISSION: The Plan Commission is finishing up the Comprehensive Plan. Draft No. 10.  Pres Kuskowski would like the Village map to include areas annexed to the Village since 1993, and would like to hold off publication until the map is updated.  Motion to approve the Comprehensive Plan with map amendment made by Tr Adams, seconded by Aitken and followed by a roll call vote. AYES: Trustees Adams, Aitken,  Filippell, Parro, Rigali. NAYES: None.

 

7. ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS: A ZBA meeting is scheduled for May 30, 20002 to consider the variance requests of to families: the Fauts requesting a fence ordinance variance and the Lashen's seeking a height variance.

 

8. BUILDING AND ZONING: Pres Kuskowski presented the report.  Eight permits were issued: information in the Village Office. Ordinance violations-Tom Groh Trailers.

 

West Drive Resolution-allowing Lashen’s to use the West Drive right-of-way-via a revocable license considered. Tr Parro asked if license is for the entire village right of way.  The Lasken’s attorney, Bill Fitzpatrick, answered yes, but the use is limited to that of a driveway and is only thirty feet long. Driveway plan presented and reviewed. Bill Fitzpatrick pointed out that three items need addressing prior to building: 1) need to obtain permission to trespass on village property via the revocable license; 2) the property has four drainage issues as found by Baxter and Woodman, which need to be resolved prior to issuance of a watershed development permit; and 3) height variance request being entertained at May 30th ZBA hearing. The Village Attorney drafted the revocable license. Motion to pass the resolution granting a revocable license for the Lasher’s use made by Tr Rigali, seconded by Tr Adams and followed by a roll call vote. AYES: Trustees Adams, Aitken, Filippell, Parro, Rigali. NAYES: None.

 

BACOG Impact Fee Meeting -not enough input to get started.

 

Road and Completion Bond Ordinance Amendment-adds the performance aspect to the bond to ensure that the building itself is completed. Motion to approve the amendment made by Tr Filippell seconded by Tr Adams and followed by a roll call vote: AYES: Trustees Adams, Aitken, Filippell, Parro, Rigali. NAYES: None.

 

 

Barclays Woods Update—Pres Kuskowski met with Developer Lageschulte.  Lageschulte is dismayed with the Village’s additional requirements, especially with respect to the road repaving requirement.  Pres Kuskowski believes it is in the interest of the Village to see this project through, and seeks a compromise.  Pres Kuskowski will work with the developer and the Village Attorney.

 

Drew Mack Playhouse-resident will petition the ZBA for a variance.

 

9. TREASURER’S REPORT AND FINANCE REPORT:Treas Gidley distributed  the monthly expenditures summary(showing a$58000 net income), a breakout of Barclay’s Woods expenditures, YTD budget expenditures, DCCA state grant status, Bank statement balances.  He also distributed a Chart of Accounts and a Transaction List by Vendors. Dan Snell and Traveirne complimented Brian on how well the accounts have come together. ISDN Ameritech has finally found all our bills and is working through our problem.

 

Monthly Bills:   Motion to approve the bills was made by Trustee Adams and seconded by Trustee Rigali. VOTE:  AYES: Trustees Adams, Aitken, Filippell, Parro, Rigali. NAYES: None. ABSTAIN: None.

 

10. POLICE REPORT:  Trustee Aitken presented the 720 monthly activities report, on file at the Village office. Chief Sinacore applied and was approved for a $20,000 grant with a 25% match from the village. Ordinance to authorize sale of Crown Victoria. Motion to approve ordinance to sell the Crown Victoria made by Tr Aitken, seconded by Tr Rigali and followed by a roll call vote. VOTE:  AYES: Trustees Adams, Aitken,  Filippell, Parro, Rigali. NAYES: None. ABSTAIN: None.

 

Chief Sinacore presented Project Safe Streets speed radar trailer, which was purchased with funds granted through Senate Bill No.740.  The speed radar trailer will be used as a deterrent for warning purposes in tower lakes. Costs associated with its use will be paid for out of the police accounts until reimbursement comes from the government.

 

Seven-Eleven is again sponsoring Operation Chill, and Tower Lakes was again selected to participate.  The police will be distributing free Slurpie certificates to children exhibiting safe car and bicycle riding habits.

 

Along with the Seven-Eleven program, the police will be participating in the Click It Or Ticket program to reward people-mainly children-for wearing their seat belts.  Citations will be issued to those adults not wearing them, in accordance with the recently changed law.

 

Tower Lakes police brought in the ILL state police to conduct a drug bust in our community.  The state police has a group specifically trained for this detail. No further details are available pending investigation.

 

BACOG emergency planning meeting was held April 12, 2002.  Each village will do its own plan and share its information and resources with surrounding communities.

 

11. STORM WATER MANAGEMENT: Trustee Rigali reported auguring by Dave Schneiderman.

 

12. ROADS: Trustee Parro reported on shoulder work throughout village. Pres Kuskowski and Tr Parro drove the village roads with Tom Gooch, Cuba Township’s new Highway Commissioner, to determine work to be done.

 

Overweight vehicle permits fees to be to amended. Specifically, Ordinance  9-1-2 will reflect a modification to the formulation of the fee, and closes loopholes.  The flat fee of   $100.00 will be good for 72 hours per vehicle, and be nonrefundable. Motion to approve the ordinance amending overweight vehicle permit fees made by Tr Parro, seconded by Tr Aitken, and followed by a roll call vote.  VOTE:  AYES: Trustees Adams, Aitken,  Filippell, Parro, Rigali. NAYES: None. ABSTAIN: None

 

13. HEALTH AND SANITATION: Tr Rigali reported that the leaf burning meeting attracted 20 residents, and had presentations by the Wauconda Fire Chief, SWALCO, Lake County Health Dept. among others. The meeting went well.

 

SWALCO’s Refuse consortium bid went out to four different refuse companies.  Bids are due back by June 20th.In the mean time; we have to extend the existing contract in order to continue service. Motion was made to approve the Resolution Approving the Extension of the Municipal Waste Contract by Tr Adams, seconded by Tr Rigali, and followed by a roll call vote. VOTE:  AYES: Trustees Adams, Aitken, Filippell, Parro, Rigali. NAYES: None. ABSTAIN: None

 

14. UTILITIES: ATT Broadband- Tr Adams has received a draft Franchise Agreement   to be reviewed by Village Attorney Bateman. Tr Adams thinks it covers all the Village’s concerns. Tr Adams also received a survey from Nicor seeking feedback. Tr Adams will complete. Tr Adams is working on the JULIE application required for to identify the Village’s water lines.  Motion was made to consent to change of control and internal restructuring by Tr Aitken, seconded by Tr Adams, and followed by a roll call vote. VOTE:  AYES: Trustees Adams, Aitken,  Filippell, Parro, Rigali. NAYES: None. ABSTAIN: None

 

15. URBAN FORESTRY:  Village resident Randy Spiess will coordinate Arbor Day.  Tower Lakes has been designated a Tree City once again. Motion to approve the Gitchell’s Tree and Lake Clean-Up bill made by Trustee Rigali and seconded by Trustee Aitken. VOTE:  AYES: Trustees Adams, Aitken, Filippell, Parro, Rigali. NAYES: None. ABSTAIN: None.

 

16. OLD BUSINESS:

Codification: Submitted back to Sterling with Trustee comments. Village Clerk Leitner in contact with Sterling on progress. Need to be done by next month.

A recent Senate bill requires municipalities to post the monthly agenda and minutes on internet—when the website is maintained by maintained by staff; therefore, Tower Lakes is exempt from the requirement.

 

17. NEW BUSINESS:

Ordinance adding Bukowski residence on Warwick to the SSA— Motion to approve the ordinance adding Bukowski residence on Warwick to the SSA made by Tr Rigali, seconded by Tr Aitken, and followed by a roll call vote.  VOTE:  AYES: Trustees Adams, Aitken, Filippell, Parro, Rigali. NAYES: None. ABSTAIN: None

 

BACOG Resolution regarding Route 59 expansion: tabled again.

 

West Nile Virus Clarke’s asking for $800.00 per village for west Nile virus no.

 

MEETING ADJOURNED:  Motion to adjourn the Board meeting made by Tr Rigali and seconded by Tr Adams and followed by unanimous voice vote.

 

Respectfully Submitted,

 

 

Kathleen Leitner

Village Clerk

06-13-02