MINUTES OF THE VILLAGE BOARD

MEETING FOR TOWER LAKES

 

Date: November 21, 2005

Location: Village Hall

Time: 7:52pm

 

1. ROLL CALL, PLEDGE AND SIGN IN:  Present: President Kuskowski, Trustees  Gidley, Parro , Fitzgibbons, de Vries, Village Treas Rolfs, Village Clerk Leitner, Building Inspector Cantieri. Absent: Trs. Frey, Baggett.

 

2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Motion to approve the minutes from the Village Board meeting held October, 2005 made by Tr Gidley, seconded by Tr  Parro and followed by a voice vote: AYES: Trs Gidley,  Parro, Pres Kuskowski. NAYS: none. Abstain: Tr Fitzgibbons, de Vries.  Absent: Baggett, Frey

 

3. PLAN COMMISSION: Plan commission member Barbara Kolasinski reported that the Plan Commission  is beginning the preliminary work on the revision of the Comprehensive Plan update. Toward that end, the Commission plans to invite each of the village trustees to discuss the Comprehensive Plan from their respective areas of responsibility. Tr Gidley has spoken with the Commission; Tr Parro is next. All trustees will be asked. The Plan Commission would like to become familiar with the Village Budget and would like to see it on a monthly basis. Regarding Pres Kuskowski’s request for review of the matter of boulders in the Village’s right of way, the Plan Commission expects to have recommendations next month. Finally, the Plan Commission intends to have a member attend the Village Board monthly meetings to keep up with village issues, and invites Village Board members to attend the Plan Commission meetings.

 

4. ZBA: No Report.

 

5. SWALCO—

Motion Tr Fitzgibbons motions to approve an ordinance consenting to add Round Lake and Island Lake to SWALCO, second by Tr de Vries and followed by a voice vote: Trs.Gidley, Parro, de Vries, Fitzgibbons. NAYS: none.

 

6. BUILDING AND ZONING REPORT- Building Inspector Cantieri reported that

12 Permits were issued last month, information available at the Village office. Discussion ensued whether police should issue tickets for violations of general ordinances.

 

7.  TREASURER’S REPORT — Treas Rolfs reported that all trustees need to go through the distributed bills and sign off on their respective categories’ bills. Insurance proposal came in and is within budgeted projections.  Gas light repair classified as a special project. Annual budget Statements distributed, showing the first half of the year. Motion to approve the bills as stated made by Tr  Gidley, seconded by Tr Fitzgibbons,  followed by a roll call vote: AYES: President Kuskowski, Trs Gidley, Parro, de Vries, Fitzgibbons.

 

8.      FINANCE REPORT: Tr Gidley reported on the truth in taxation resolution which is a necessary follow up to the referendum passed in April authorizing the increase in corporate tax rate. Following passage of the resolution, the Village Board is required to hold a public hearing on December 19, 2005 at 7:30 pm with the village meeting to follow. The truth in taxation resolution acknowledges that we are going over 105% of last corporate tax rate increase. Discussion of the terms of the resolution proved them to be confusing. Therefore, prior to passage of the truth in taxation resolution, Village needs to review its terms with the Village Attorney. The Village Board will hold a special meeting to vote on the resolution as necessary.

 

9.      POLICE REPORT— on file at the Village Office.

 

10. STORMWATER MANAGEMENT—no report.

 

11. ROADS REPORT –Tom Gooch, Cuba Township, reported on road support given by Cuba Township (CT)—drainage work, catch basins and storm basins are all now 100 % functional. Next year more pipe replacements will occur with better pipe materials.  Still looking for tennis court drainage solution. 350 tons of asphalt have been laid. This snow season CT will further reduce use of road salt (reduced by half so far since he took over). In addition, liquid chloride is added to wet the salt so it doesn’t bounce, and CT is experimenting with corn additives to further reduce reliance on salt. This year, CT will presalt the roads with liquid chloride will help reduce use of salt. Computerized trucks help monitor this distribution of salt, and computers are being installed roadside throughout Cuba Township for 24 hour monitoring. Mr Gooch pointed out that the Village’s water company patching is not well done and they leave messes. Regional engineering came up—all municipalities contracting together with one engineering firm could make sense for all.

 

12. HEALTH AND SANITATION—see  above SWALCO report.

 

13. UTILITIES—Water-three homes on WLSD were hooked up to a new 6-inch water main. Work to be completed in spring, including landscaping. Gas Lights—ten lights chosen to turn on, staying within our free therm allotment.  Entrance lights to South Hills are down—solution needs to be worked out with ComEd.

 

14. URBAN FORESTRY: no report.

 

15. BACOG: on sharing cost for middle school officer: Village Trustees and most village boards’ consensus is that the school district should pay for these officers, regardless of the school being served.

 

16. COMMUNITY PLANNING COMMITTEE:  The Committee’s conclusion is to have resident Mike DeLapp, an architect,  develop a footprint of village hall needs, should a revision ever be doable/necessary. Village, police and community meeting room the three main areas of use.

 

17. PUBLIC COMMENTS: None.

 

18. OLD BUSINESS—None.

 

19. NEW BUSINESS—2040 regional framework plan is available at the Village Hall for review.  Leicht auto received approval to develop his autobody shop.

 

Motion to adjourn made at 10:20pm by Tr Gidley, seconded by Tr Fitzgibbons and followed by a voice vote.

 

Respectfully Submitted,

 

 

 

Kathleen Leitner

11-28-05