REVISED MINUTES OF TOWER LAKES

BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETING

 

Date:                August 19, 2002

 

Location:          Village Office

 

Time:                7:10 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, Filippell, Parro, Rigali, Village Clerk Leitner, and Village Treasurer Gidley. Absent: Trustee Cantieri 

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

 

2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Minutes of the July, 2002 meeting were approved with corrections.

Motion to accept the minutes as corrected made by Tr Rigali, seconded by Tr Filippell and followed by a unanimous voice vote. Abstain: Trs Adams, Aitken and Parro.

 

3. PUBLIC COMMENTS:

Margaret Patronik—Would like the Village to act on Leaf Burning before October.  She proposes a three year phase in per attached.

Janet Agnoletti—The BACOG Water Testing Program is a well testing program intended to collect information on water resources in the BACOG area. It is staffed by volunteers--citizens, municipal officers, and technical experts. They are measuring the   quantity of water in the shallow aquifer-our primary source of water, and also seeking to protect the quality of the water as well as the natural areas it feeds. They intend to formulate a plan to limit real estate development’s effect on our aquifer. They are working in conjunction with the Ill state water survey, which will be performed free of charge to BACOG. The goal is to identify and test 40-60 wells in the area, enter the information into a GIS to be shared with surrounding-area studies. In the end, BACOG hopes to have two things: (i) a base line of information of water surface in wells and measure what happens to them over time; and (ii) well logs to describe the stratigraphy of the area.  Homeowners will benefit by knowing the exact location of their well and the communities will benefit by expanding general knowledge of our natural resources. Ms Agnoletti believes this study is cutting edge and fits with BACOG’s overall goals. She noted the well depth will vary season-to-season, so this will be performed over a two-to- three week period. Pres Kuskowski commended the work of this committee.

 

4. WATER SYSTEM REPORT: Pres Kuskowski reported that the Village monthly water consumption was quite high – drought related.  Almost double daily usage. The rain has helped slow that down. Water report will be combined with utilities in the future.

 

5. PLAN COMMISSION—no report. Pres Kuskowski discussed with former Chair Dorothy Hawkes revisions to the Village ordinance on knock downs, etc.  He suggests the Plan Commission look into this issue, and the Board concurs. Pres Kuskowski will speak with Chair Valicka.

 

6. ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS:

Mack—ZBA Chair Gold summarized the ZBA meeting of August 8, 2002, attached.  Trustee Rigali asked if there is a way to make the structure allowable, even if the resident agrees to tear it down when his family is finished with it.  Chairman Gold noted this same idea was raised by the petitioner.  Chairman Gold noted that it was board’s decision, but pointed out that this is a totally enclosed structure, and large. Tr Filippell asked for clarification on neighbors’ opinions.  No neighbors voiced opposition. In fact, the Neighbor Notification was modified to reflect neighbors’ acquiescence.  Discussion of playhouses raised the fact that other playhouses don’t have doors, windows and aren’t as big. Tr  Parro noted jungle gyms with enclosed upper floor, but not ground level enclosures. Further discussion.  Drew Mack, the petitioner offered that the height seemed to be the chief concern: submitted photos of three taller playhouses, one with windows, and one with a roof. Mack’s playhouse is on skids, not cemented footings. Rigali-- Mack’s plan is nice, but if that makes it not allowable, let’s tell him what is allowable. Is attaching the structure to the house via Brick pavers an option? Tr Aitken said this structure qualifies as an outbuilding, and if this is allowed, everyone in town will put one up. Tr Filippell wondered whether the Village could enact an ordinance on playhouses which detail parameters. Pres Kuskowski suggests approving ZBA recommendation and then referring Mr Mack to the Building and Zoning Committee.

Motion to accept recommendation of the ZBA to deny the continued construction of the playhouse was made by Tr Aitken, seconded by Tr Parro and followed by a Roll Call vote: AYES: Trs Aitken, Adams, Parro, and Pres Kuskowski. NAYES: Trs Rigali, Filippell. ABSENT: TR Cantieri.

A second motion to waive violations and not pursue enforcement pending consideration of alternatives for a period of 90 days by the Building ands Zoning Committee was made by Tr Rigali, seconded by Tr Adams, and followed by a unanimous voice vote.

Lashen—Village Board withheld approval of the Lashen’s two foot height variance request until the Lashens got appropriate governmental approvals.  The Lashens now have all the storm water management approvals.  Tr Parro wants to know what remediation is planned to prevent runoff to neighbors’ yards. Pres Kuskowski says that Baxter and Woodman agree that the Lashen’s plan complies with Village concerns regarding run-off, and that prior to issuance of a building permit, the Village building inspector must review and approve the plan. Baxter and Woodman point out that there will still be flooding, but the construction of this home is not going to worsen the existing situation.

Motion to accept the ZBA’s recommendation to allow this  height variance request was made by Tr Adams, seconded by Tr Rigali, and followed by a Roll Call vote: AYES: Trs Rigali, Aitken, Filippell, Adams, Parro. ABSENT: Tr Cantieri.

 

7. BUILDING AND ZONING:  Pres Kuskowski met with Tr Cantieri, and together they determined that the Village Should have a Deputy Building Inspector.  Pres Kuskowski recommends Village Treasurer Brian Gidley  to fill the position.  The Board heartily concurred.

 

Trustee Cantieri –10 permits issued. Ordinance violations noted, including a driveway installation in South Hills.  Report on file at the Village office.

 

8. and 9. TREASURER’S REPORT AND FINANCE REPORT: Treas Gidley distributed the monthly expenditures summary, profit and Loss statement, YTD budget expenditures, bank statement balances.  He compared the Income/Expenses for the period May 1-August 19, 2002 with last year’s time frame—the Village’s net income is about 10% down. Brian is also concerned with P/L for water system: down from last year. Consumer’s Water has been slow in paying the Village $42,000-43,000. Interest payments are not in the contract. Further, both property tax revenues and state revenues are slow to come in this year, but there will be no decrease in income from property taxes, while state revenues will probably be down about 5%. Please watch expenses.

 

Monthly Bills:   Motion to approve the bills was made by Trustee Adams and seconded by Trustee Aitken. VOTE: AYES: Trs Rigali, Aitken, Filippell, Adams, Parro. ABSENT: Tr Cantieri.

Treas Gidley noted that expense control is important right now. Trustees are approving contracts outside of their committee.  Only committee chairman should negotiate, sign and authorize for their committee.  Also, citizens are not allowed to do things for the village, or to contract for work to be paid by the village without village board authorization, yet they are doing it; ex: TLIA’s Beautification Committee.  At the same time, village expenses are increasing, by state mandate and otherwise. Treas Gidley offered to help assemble a Purchase Order system.  Tr Parro expressed concern that Purchase Orders create cumbersome bureaucracy.  Treas Gidley hopes instead a more controlled system will be viewed as more efficient. The Village must be able to answer in writing for all expenditures.

Treas Gidley addressed Water Enterprise Fund Accounting—to be instituted this year, as required by the state.  The State is requiring itemization of assets so that they can be capitalized and depreciated, starting with our water system.  Other Village assets will have to be done by next year.  This is a big project. Treas Gidley also mentioned the need to have a reserve set up for the water system. Need to start reporting on this issue to the state this year. Tr Aitken suggests a Committee of the Whole meet and attempt to minimize the reserve. Treas Gidley will determine the reporting requirements.

Tr Aitken would like to have a monthly spreadsheet by category, including the budgeted expense, the actual expense, and the monthly and annual over/under budget figures. Treas Gidley said he would figure out a way to consolidate information into a readable report.

 

10. POLICE REPORT:  Trustee Aitken presented the 738 monthly activities report, on file at the Village office. Kids Care Safety Fair held Sunday, August 18, 2002 at the Village Hall was sponsored by Casten Autobody. 80 resident children had their fingerprints taken and registered their bikes. They also received instruction on dialing 911, and the Wauconda police and fire departments were represented.

 

11. STORM WATER MANAGEMENT: Trustee Rigali reported that the work near Kubala’s house is done; the Benovich swale is under consideration, but no one can find the buffalo box near the site. Resident John Johnson has finished mapping most of the west side and the east side of the Village’s drainage system.

 

12. ROADS: Vehicle Stickers: second notice went out to 68 residents—generated good return: 37 still outstanding. Fees will increase for those residents.

Cuba Township finished this year’s work  on shoulders and patching. Tr Parro received a  complaint on the condition of old Paddock Lane, which has not been maintained.  Tr Parro sought feedback on options-- turn it into a boulevard, or perform temporary patches? Village highway map needs a major overhaul, but a short term overhaul by Baxter and Woodman will be prepared to include in the published Comprehensive Plan.  A region-wide bike path is being considered. The Village Arborist made a list of diseased trees and trees that need trimming. Elms are the priority, but only those on village right-of-way, oaks with oak wilt next.

 

Trustee Cantieri entered at 8:50 pm.

 

13. HEALTH AND SANITATION:

SWALCO- no report.

West Nile Virus-Clark has done studies on the West Nile Virus, and is conducting weekly sprayings in our area.  Cuba Township has contracted with Clark for special traps that can better track West Nile Virus.  These will be circulated throughout the township.  We may want to spray further into October than originally contracted. Tr Rigali will confirm with Clark that Clark works with the health department and circulates information in conjunction with the health department. Pres Kuskowski attended a meeting sponsored by US Rep Kirk on this topic.  Residents can help prevent the spread of this disease by emptying standing water and using larvicide’s pellets from home depot.

Leaf Burning Ordinance-Resident Margaret Patronik circulated her proposal for reduction of leaf burning over a three year period, with total elimination after three years. Tr  Parro  suggested  a year to year reduction over four years coupled with education of, and voluntary change by, residents. Tr  Aitken proposed eliminating burning in the winter months and reducing available hours. Pres Kuskowski likes Tr Aitken’s proposal, but would extend it into December-not all trees fall by December First. Tr Filippell noted that there are many two-income families and limiting the burning time too severely makes it difficult for them, plus you increase the pollution on weekends. Discussion ensued, with Board consideration of different alternatives.   Public comments. Enforcement of the ordinance and Village liability for any health risks considered. Resident Sherry Van Ochten submitted a petition signed by 450 residents who favor burning-in some fashion. Pres Kuskowski said the Village will not phase out burning at this time, but will consider modification of the existing Ordinance provisions.

Motion to modify the leaf burning ordinance by amending the legal time period for burning to October 1st through December 15th, and April 1st through May 31st , 9:ooam through 4:00pm  proposed by Tr Rigali, seconded by Tr Aitken, and followed by a roll call vote: AYES: Trs Rigali, Aitken, Filippell, Adams, Parro, Cantieri.

 

14. UTILITIES- RE: Cable Franchise Renewal Ordinance-Village is required to enact this ordinance to allow renewal and authorization of execution of the contract.

Motion to approve Cable Franchise Renewal Ordinance made by Tr Adams, seconded by Tr Parro  and followed by a roll call vote: AYES: Trs Rigali, Aitken, Filippell, Adams, Parro, Cantieri

Tr Adams introduced a Resolution proposed by ComEd amending the Village’s tree-trimming agreement with that utility by providing more notice to the Village prior to trimming.

Motion to pass Resolution from ComEd related to tree trimming made by Tr Adams,  seconded by Tr Cantieri, and followed by a roll call vote: AYES: Trs Rigali, Aitken, Filippell, Adams, Parro, Cantieri

Other matters: Tr Adams addressed Water Enterprise Fund Accounting, discussed under Treasury Report, and the ATT Comcast letter which needs to go to ATT. He has not had an opportunity to complete the JULIE requirements for the water system.

 

15.URBAN FORESTRY: Tr Adams is working with resident Randy Spiess and Village Arborist Rich Bergland on a reforestation program. IDOT owns the vacant lot across Rte 59 with the dead elm trees.

 

16. BACOG-is reinstituting the position of legislative liaison; the GIS plan is  almost finished; the Water Resources Committee is making progress, as described by Janet Angoletti earlier; the Impact Fee Committee has no report; BACOG is considering reducing its number of meetings per year; Barrington Hills is  considering the Brown’s Field grant that Tower Lakes previously declined to participate in.

 

17. OLD BUSINESS: Codification: revisions in.  Trustees to review by next meeting.  Copy to Village Attorney Bateman also.

 

18. NEW BUSINESS:

Change Board Meeting time-Pres Kuskowski proposes to change the Board meeting time to 7:30 pm, rather than 7:00pm. Board members concur.

Harry Vignocchi-Pres Kuskowski reported that Harry Vignocchi, Ivanhoe Road, has expressed an interest in being annexed to Tower Lakes with Agricultural Zoning to create a landscaping business. He is awaiting a response from Wauconda on the same request. A similar request has been rejected by Lake County.

Brush pickup- will wait to schedule until TLIA announces its schedule for Fall Lake Clean-up.

Barrington Historical Society Free Storage--Tr Parro reported that the Village of Tower Lakes has been offered the opportunity to store free of charge up to ten banker’s boxes of village documents with the Historical Society, as a gesture of thanks from the Historical Society for Tower Lakes support and assistance in creating the storage space. Treas Gidley noted that any assets need to be indexed and perhaps appraised, with a view toward compiling a list of assets next year.

MEETING ADJOURNED:  Motion to adjourn the Board meeting at 10:30pm made by Tr Rigali and seconded by Tr Cantieri and followed by unanimous voice vote.

 

Respectfully Submitted,

 

 

Kathleen Leitner

Village Clerk

08-22-02