At a recent meeting, the Gurnee Village Board approved the final plat for the Stonebridge subdivision.
The Gurnee Village Board includes six members, the village president and the village clerk. All are elected at large on staggered four-year terms every two years. Meetings are held at 7:30 p.m. on the first, third and fourth Monday of each month at Village Hall, 325 N. O'Plaine Road.
Below are the minutes from this meeting, as provided by the board.
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING
OF THE GURNEE VILLAGE BOARD
GURNEE VILLAGE HALL
JUNE 20, 2016
Call to Order
Mayor Kovarik called the meeting to order at 7:02 p.m.
Other Officials in
Attendance
Patrick Muetz, Village Administrator; David Ziegler, Assistant Village
Administrator/Community Development Director; Bryan Winter, Village
Attorney; Scott Drabicki, Village Engineer; Brian Gosnell, Finance
Director; Christine Palmieri, Director of Human Resources; Tom
Rigwood, Director of Public Works; Fred Friedl, Fire Chief; Kevin
Woodside, Police Chief; Saundra Campbell, Deputy Police Chief; Willie
Meyer Deputy Police Chief; Tracy Velkover, Planning Manager; Ellen
Dean, Economic Development Director, Jack Linehan, Assistant to the
Administrator
Roll Call PRESENT: 6- Garner, Thorstenson, Balmes, Hood, Wilson, Ross
ABSENT: 0- None
Pledge of Allegiance
Mayor Kovarik led the Pledge of Allegiance.
A. PUBLIC
COMMENT
Mayor Kovarik ask Mr. Ziegler to briefly explain why trees were removed
along Route 132 from O’Plaine Road west towards the Des Plaines
River.
Mr. Ziegler explained that as trees grow they shade the area below them
which results in erosion. He said the sidewalk has been closed along
that stretch of Route 132 because of this erosion which has undermined
the sidewalk.
B. APPROVAL OF
CONSENT AGENDA
It was moved by Trustee Balmes, seconded by Trustee Garner to
approve the Consent Agenda as presented.
Roll call,
AYE: 6- Garner, Thorstenson, Balmes, Hood, Wilson, Ross
NAY: 0- None
ABSENT: 0- None
Motion Carried.
C. CONSENT
AGENDA /
OMNIBUS VOTE
The Village Administrator read the consent agenda for an omnibus vote
as follows:
1. Approval of the minutes from the Executive (Closed) Session
meetings on: June 1, 2015, October 5, 2015, November 2, 2015,
March 21, 2015 and April 4, 2016.
2. Approval for public release of minutes from Executive (Closed)
Session meetings on: June 1, 2015, October 5, 2015, November 2,
2015, March 21, 2015 and April 4, 2016.
3. Approval to dispose of electronic recordings from approved and
released Executive (Closed) Session meetings prior to December
2014.
4. Approval of the minutes from the June 6, 2016 Village Board
meeting.
5. Approval of granting a Class 9 Liquor License and waiving the fee
for the Gurnee Breakfast Exchange Club for their Gurnee Days
events on August 12 and 13, 2016.
6. Approval of setting a bid date of July 1, 2016 for 2016 Network
Equipment and Maintenance Project.
7. Approval of Payroll for period ending June 11, 2016 in the amount of
$775,557.39.
8. Approval of Payroll Transfer Journal for period ending June 11,
2016 in the amount of $768,336.23.
9. Approval of Bills for the period ending June 20, 2016 in the amount
of $1,910,184.83.
It was moved by Trustee Balmes, seconded by Trustee Garner to
approve the Consent Agenda for an omnibus vote as read.
Roll call,
AYE: 6- Garner, Thorstenson, Balmes, Hood, Wilson, Ross
NAY: 0- None
ABSENT: 0- None
Motion Carried.
D. PETITIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS
1. Approval of Proclamation designating July as “Relay for Life Month”
in the Village of Gurnee.
Mayor Kovarik read proclamation into record.
It was moved by Trustee Balmes, seconded by Trustee Wilson to
approve of Proclamation designating July as “Relay for Life Month” in the
Village of Gurnee.
Voice Vote: ALL AYE: Motion Carried
Kelly Stanbury briefly spoke about the upcoming event and stated this
year they will be honoring Julie Smith with the survivor dinner starting at
5pm. The event as a whole will run from 4pm until midnight on July 9th.
2. Approval of Proclamation designating July as “Parks and Recreation
Month” in the Village of Gurnee.
Mayor Kovarik read proclamation into record.
It was moved by Trustee Garner, seconded by Trustee Ross to approve
of Proclamation designating July as “Parks and Recreation Month” in the
Village of Gurnee.
Voice Vote: ALL AYE: Motion Carried
E. REPORTS None.
F. OLD BUSINESS None.
G. NEW BUSINESS 1. Approval of Ord. 2016 - 42 accepting the Final Plat of Stonebridge of
Gurnee, LLC.
Mr. Muetz said Stonebridge is located on the north side of
Washington Street between Tri-State Parkway and Hunt Club Road.
Staff has reviewed the plat and noted it conforms with the
Subdivision Ordinance. The Planning & Zoning Board reviewed the
plat on June 1st and is forwarding a unanimous favorable
recommendation.
It was moved by Trustee Hood, seconded by Trustee Balmes to approve
of Ord. 2016 - 42 accepting the Final Plat of Stonebridge of Gurnee,
LLC.
Roll call,
AYE: 6- Garner, Thorstenson, Balmes, Hood, Wilson, Ross
NAY: 0- None
ABSENT: 0- None
Motion Carried.
2. Approval of Ord. 2016 - 43 granting the Final PUD Plan pursuant to
the Gurnee Zoning Ordinance for 5980 Washington Street (formerly
16256-16346 West Washington Street).
Mr. Muetz said per the Zoning Ordinance update, the Zoning
Administrator is to review the submitted plans and make a
determination as to whether they are in substantial conformance with
the Preliminary PUD. Upon review of the plans, staff noted a variety
of changes related to the exterior of the building. Mr. Muetz then
read the changes. He stated despite these changes the Zoning
Administrator has determined the overall plan, in its entirety, is in
substantial conformance with the Preliminary PUD and is
recommending approval.
Trustee Ross said she is not happy with the changes. She realizes
it conforms but the petitioner originally came in and showed the
Board a classy building. Now the project has taken away the bricks
and shutters and it doesn’t look as nice to her.
Mr. Joe Mugnaini said the original plan used 2015 pricing. He said
the costs have changed and they had to adjust their plan due to the
increase in costs. He said they have not changed the interior, just
the outside. He said the budget is set and the outlined changes are
what they have to do to operate within the budget without
compromising the interior of the building.
Trustee Thorstenson asked if the front entrance of the building faced
Washington Street.
Mr. Mugnaini said yes.
Trustee Wilson asked if a separate company was constructing the
building compared to who is managing the building.
Mr. Mugnaini said the general contractor and property manager are
two separate firms and added the budget is set in stone.
Trustee Wilson said the Board is concerned because the building’s
location is sort of a gateway to Gurnee.
Mr. Mugnaini said he understands and he has tried to reduce the
impact of exterior revisions.
Trustee Wilson said he is concerned with the building and the overall
aesthetics of the Village.
Mr. Mugnaini stated he understood.
Mayor Kovarik said anytime taxpayer funds are used guidelines
have to be followed.
Trustee Balmes asked if the outdoor amenities remained.
Mr. Mugnaini said the key outdoor elements remain.
Mayor Kovarik asked for more information as to what hardie board
was.
Mr. Ziegler said it is a cement-based product that is made to look like
bricks or wood. He said it is not as rich a texture as bricks but it is
still a common commercial grade exterior finish that has the ability to
give some visual distinctions on a building.
Mayor Kovarik explained this is a much-needed type of housing in
this area. She said they can always go back and add to the
aesthetics.
Trustee Garner said he believes a building this size with hardie
board on the exterior will look inexpensive. He said we are trying to
build a Village that looks like something. He continued to say he is
concerned the Village will not like the look once it’s built.
Mr. Ziegler said only the first floor was going to be brick originally,
the rest of the building was always going to be hardie board.
Trustee Balmes asked if it is commercial grade.
Mr. Ziegler said yes it is commercial grade, adding he is not familiar
with it enough to know if there is a residential grade or not. He said
hardie board is much better than regular siding.
Trustee Thorstenson asked what the estimated life of the product is.
Mr. Mugnaini said he doesn’t know but he can get that information.
Mr. Ziegler stated he estimates between 30 and 50 years.
Trustee Ross stated the issue is she feels like the Village Board was
deceived by the original proposal.
Mr. Mugnaini stated he understands that, but the cost increases left
him no choice but to adjust the exterior. He stated he would love to
add features back in if something changes, but he cannot promise
that will happen.
Mayor Kovarik stated the Board understands the tax credit process
is extremely long and complicated.
Trustee Wilson stated the goal of the project is good, it’s the
aesthetics that are the issue.
Trustee Hood asked for the timeframe if it is not approved tonight.
Mr. Mugnaini stated not receiving an approval tonight results in
winter month construction, which only increases the cost.
Trustee Hood asked if there any low cost aesthetic improvements
that can be committed to tonight.
Mr. Mugnaini stated he would like to commit to that, but cannot
based on current financial figures.
Trustee Hood asked if he could review this quickly and reappear
before the Village Board.
Mr. Mugnaini stated he cannot afford any delays in the project.
Mayor Kovarik clarified that Trustee Hood was recommending to
postpone a vote in order to give Mr. Mugnaini time to review low cost
exterior improvements.
Mr. Ziegler stated the petitioner could come back immediately with a
new version of the Final PUD.
Attorney Winter clarified that the original, full budget is being utilized
and that the cost of overall project has increased.
Mr. Mugnaini stated yes, the budget is $28 million which was
originally proposed.
Mr. Ziegler stated the best comparison to a current building would be
Heritage Woods.
Mr. Mugnaini then provided the Village Board some background
information on the Burton Foundation. He continued to say he would
like to make greater investment in the exterior, but again, he cannot
commit to that at this time.
Mayor Kovarik asked if there are interior changes that can be made.
Mr. Mugnaini stated the intent is to close at the end of this month.
Trustee Thorstenson stated she does not want the interior changed
as this may impact residents.
Trustee Ross agreed with Trustee Thorstenson.
Trustee Garner asked if the footprint of the building could be
reduced.
Mr. Mugnaini stated those options have been reviewed, however,
one change impacts a variety of other aspects. He continued to
state it took 2 years to get to this point.
Mayor Kovarik asked how much brick would add to the cost of the
front.
Mr. Ziegler stated he estimated $250,000 based on the discussions
he has had with the architect.
Mayor Kovarik asked if there is $250,000 that can be cut on the
inside to install exterior enhancements.
Mr. Mugnaini stated no.
Mr. Ziegler then reviewed some of the changes they have made to
help improve the exterior aesthetics.
Trustee Hood stated he believes the project is good for the
community and he doesn’t believe the petitioner tried to mislead the
Board. He believes the Board should vote yes on this project.
Trustee Wilson stated he understands Trustee Hood’s point, but
disagrees that a vote against the project is a vote against the use.
It was moved by Trustee Hood, seconded by Trustee Balmes to approve
of Ord. 2016 - 43 granting the Final PUD Plan pursuant to the Gurnee
Zoning Ordinance for 5980 Washington Street (formerly 16256-16346
West Washington Street).
Roll call,
AYE: 4- Thorstenson, Balmes, Hood, Ross
NAY: 2- Garner, Wilson
ABSENT: 0- None
Motion Carried.
3. Approval of Ord. 2016 - 44 amending Section 2-311 of the
Gurnee Municipal Code Chapter 2, entitled Schedule of Fines and
Late Penalties.
Mr. Muetz said when the Village started to send Code Enforcement
issues through the Administrative Hearing process, the Village Board
set minimum fines of $100 for most violations. Staff uses fines to
attempt to gain compliance, not as punishment. As a result, staff felt
a $100 fine for a long grass violation, for example, was a bit
excessive and is recommending violations such as this be reduced
to a $25 minimum. He concluded by stating it is up to the Code
Enforcement Officer to use his discretion.
Mayor Kovarik said for the record none of the Code Enforcement
fines start at $750/day. That fine would only be levied at the end of
the Administrative Adjudication process.
It was moved by Trustee Wilson, seconded by Trustee Garner to
approve of Ord. 2016 - 44 amending Section 2-311 of the Gurnee
Municipal Code Chapter 2, entitled Schedule of Fines and Late
Penalties.
Roll call,
AYE: 6- Garner, Thorstenson, Balmes, Hood, Wilson, Ross
NAY: 0- None
ABSENT: 0- None
Motion Carried.
4. Approval of Ord. 2016 - 45 ascertaining the prevailing rate of wages
for laborers, workmen and mechanics employed in public works of
this public body.
Mr. Muetz said the Village of Gurnee is subject to the Prevailing
Wage Act and, as such, is required to adopt a “prevailing wage”
ordinance every June to ensure compliance. He stated Finance
Director Gosnell will review a quick PowerPoint summarizing the Act
to get those up to speed that may not be familiar with it.
Trustee Wilson said this is the Illinois General Assembly telling us
how to vote. He also asked if all of these wages are paid to the
employee. He continued to ask if some of the wages are paid to a
union. He stated they are.
Mayor Kovarik said this is not something that is new and it would
take the State and the Federal legislation to make a change to this
policy. She said voting this down would result in possible lawsuit.
Trustee Wilson said there hasn’t been a lawsuit in the State of Illinois
yet.
Trustee Garner said just because we do it doesn’t make it right if it
effects our community.
Mayor Kovarik said it is required by law stating this is an easy lawsuit
to avoid.
It was moved by Trustee Balmes, seconded by Trustee Ross to approve
of Ord. 2016 - 45 ascertaining the prevailing rate of wages for laborers,
workmen and mechanics employed in public works of this public body.
Roll call,
AYE: 4- Thorstenson, Balmes, Hood, Ross
NAY: 1- Garner
ABSTAIN: 1- Wilson
Motion Carried.
5. Approval of Ord. 2016 - amending the Village of Gurnee
Personnel Policy Manual.
Item removed.
6. Approval of Res. 2016 - 05 agreeing to adopt the
Multijurisdictional Mill Creek Watershed and Flood Mitigation Plan.
Mr. Muetz said Lake County Stormwater Management has
completed the Watershed Plan for Mill Creek and is asking for local
communities to adopt the Plan. The Mill Creek Watershed contains
the majority of the area west of Hunt Club Road. The Plan is simply
a guiding document that identifies action that can be taken to
improve the water quality and reduce flooding risks. Village
Engineer Drabicki has reviewed the Plan and recommends the
Village adopt it.
Mayor Kovarik said this plan was guided under Stormwater
Management and was needed.
It was moved by Trustee Ross, seconded by Trustee Balmes to approve
of Res. 2016 - 05 agreeing to adopt the Multijurisdictional Mill Creek
Watershed and Flood Mitigation Plan.
Roll call,
AYE: 6- Garner, Thorstenson, Balmes, Hood, Wilson, Ross
NAY: 0- None
ABSENT: 0- None
Motion Carried.
H. PUBLIC
COMMENT
None.
Closing Comments None.
Adjournment It was moved by Trustee Balmes, seconded by Trustee Wilson to
adjourn the meeting.
Voice Vote: ALL AYE: Motion Carried.
Mayor Kovarik adjourned the meeting at 8:08 p.m.
Andrew Harris,
Village Clerk
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