Village of Mundelein Board of Trustees met November 13.
Here is the minutes provided by the Board:
Call To Order:
The 3153rd Regular Meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Village of Mundelein was held on Monday, November 13, 2017 at 300 Plaza Circle, Mundelein. Mayor Lentz called the meeting to order at 7:11 pm.
Attendance:
Clerk Timmerman took the roll. It indicated the following:
Board Attendance-
Present: Trustees Abernathy, Black, Meier, Rekus, Russell, and Semple; Mayor Lentz
Absent: None
Village Attendance-
Public Works & Engineering Director Boeche, Public Safety Director Guenther, Finance Director Haywood, Chief Deputy Fire Chief Lark, Village Administrator Lobaito, Attorney Marino, Community Development Director Orenchuk, Building Director Schubkegel, and Assistant Village Administrator Vadopalas.
Pledge Of Allegiance:
Mayor Lentz led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Approval Of Minutes:
Board of Trustees - Regular Meeting - Oct 23, 2017 7:00 pm
Result: Carried [5 To 0]
Mover: Dawn Abernathy, Trustee
Seconder: Scott Black, Trustee
Ayes: Rekus, Russell, Black, Abernathy, Meier
Present: Semple
Public Commentary
Mayor Lentz opened the floor to public commentary.
Ed Sullivan stated that Attorney Marino's recognition is well-deserved. He then urged the Board not to raise the tax levy, referencing last year’s 10% real estate tax increase. He shared his opinion that high real estate taxes are the main reason businesses and residents aren't coming to Mundelein and stressed that the Village's talented department heads can be depended on to live within their means.
Mayor Lentz emphatically denied that the Village raised the dollar amount of taxes by 10% last year, suggesting that perhaps the EAV of some properties increased more than others and confirming that he will look into the increases Mr. Sullivan shared with him. He explained that the Village portion of a property tax bill is only 13-14%, adding that other taxing bodies control far greater portions. He also stressed that the Village is levying the same amount as last year, with the only increase going to fund pensions, which is statutorily required by the state of Illinois. He also noted that Springfield recently enacted new tax legislation, which will cost the Village $300,000. Mr. Sullivan commented that a taxpayer compares a new tax bill to the previous tax bill and sees an increase, regardless of details. He described the State of Illinois as a "disaster" and declared that the Village should not use the State as a crutch to justify a tax increase.
Judge Chuck Smith stated that he had the privilege of working with Attorney Marino during his 37 years as a Village prosecutor and noted the respect those in the legal profession have for Attorney Marino.
Ralph Dillon stated that he appreciates the fine residents of Mundelein. He expressed his opposition to a truckstop being developed on the Adamski property (60/83/Midlothian), mentioned his ongoing complaints regarding the former development proposal for the Graham property and predicted that the Village will lose the current SAIA lawsuit.
Pete DeCaluwe thanked Public Works, Village staff and the Board for their efforts in moving the house on Wellington to the new location on North Prairie.
Jim & Debbie Cooper spoke regarding the resolution of the easement issue on Innovation Way and provided further documentation in support of removing the street sign. Mayor Lentz confirmed that the topic will be on the November 27 agenda.
Mayor Lentz closed the floor to public commentary.
Presentations/Awards:
Mayoral Proclamation honoring Charles F. Marino for 60 Years of Dedication to the Legal Profession and 45 Years of Service to the Village of Mundelein
Mayor Lentz read the proclamation and mentioned the celebration and program held before the meeting. Attorney Marino humbly thanked the Board and staff and described the Village of Mundelein as the "best client any lawyer could hope for."
2017 Gold Star Awards - Lakeside Recreation Center, Greg's Frozen Custard, and Mambo Italiano
Economic Development Commission Chairman Larry Gallas described the Gold Star awards and introduced the 2017 recipients:
Lakeside Recreation Center - Chairman Gallas stated that owner John Wing has completed an extensive and impressive remodeling which provides more entertainment options for families (laser tag, meeting spaces, arcades, improved bowling, etc).
Greg's Frozen Custard - Chairman Gallas stated that owner Greg DiPiero made a number of improvements: new sign, brick patio and landscaping, which complement the Art Deco styling of the building and give customers a pleasant outdoor seating experience at a high visibility location on Route 45.
Mambo Italiano - Chairman Gallas stated that owners Sal and Briana Cardone expanded the business into another unit and now occupy nearly 5,000 square feet. He also noted the beautiful decorating throughout the entire restaurant.
Economic Development Commission's 2017 Downtown Annual Report
Chairman Gallas presented this summary of new businesses, vacancies and improvements in the Downtown area from September of 2016 - September 2017. He also listed current members of the EDC and provided information on their mission and responsibilities as a liaison between businesses and the Village. He also described their “tool kit” of events, site visits, partnerships, and informational materials, among others. Chairman Gallas stated that nine new businesses opened, three relocated within the Village, one expanded and eight closed.
Chairman Gallas then presented the EDC's recommendations for 2018:
1) Reconstruction of Morris Avenue
2) Reconstruction of Chicago Avenue
3) Route 176 entrance to the Downtown area
4) Metra service expansion
5) Parkway and gateway signage
6) Plaza Circle placemaking
Motion to accept the 2017 Economic Development Commission Annual Downtown Report.
Result: Carried [Unanimous]
Mover: Bill Rekus, Trustee
Seconder: Robin Meier, Trustee
Ayes: Rekus, Russell, Black, Abernathy, Meier, Semple
2018 Public Improvement Recommendations
Motion to accept the 2018 Economic Development Commission Downtown Recommendations.
Result: Carried [Unanimous]
Mover: Bill Rekus, Trustee
Seconder: Robin Meier, Trustee
Ayes: Rekus, Russell, Black, Abernathy, Meier, Semple
Mayor's Report:
Economic Development Commission Appointment
Motion to approve Tim Wilson’s appointment to the Economic Development Commission.
Result: Carried [Unanimous]
Mover: Ray Semple, Trustee
Seconder: Scott Black, Trustee
Ayes: Rekus, Russell, Black, Abernathy, Meier, Semple
Prosecutorial Services Appointment
Motion to appoint LaLuzerne & Smith, Ltd. as Village prosecutor.
Result: Carried [Unanimous]
Mover: Dawn Abernathy, Trustee
Seconder: Bill Rekus, Trustee
Ayes: Rekus, Russell, Black, Abernathy, Meier, Semple
Prosecutorial Professional Service Agreement
Motion to approve a Prosecutorial Service Agreement, including compensation of the Village prosecutor, and authorize the Mayor and Village Clerk to sign the Agreement.
Result: Carried [Unanimous]
Mover: Bill Rekus, Trustee
Seconder: Dawn Abernathy, Trustee
Ayes: Rekus, Russell, Black, Abernathy, Meier, Semple
Proposed Increase of Minimum Sales Age for Tobacco Products to 21
Mayor Lentz stated that Public Safety Director Guenther is recommending that the Village consider raising the minimum legal age for the sale and purchase of tobacco to 21 years of age, with the legal age of possession remaining at 18 years of age. He noted that a number of municipalities in the area have already done so, including Buffalo Grove, Highland Park, Lincolnshire and Vernon Hills, as well as unincorporated Lake County. He also explained that letters were sent to businesses who sell tobacco alerting them to this discussion, with no responses received.
Tim Sashko, President of the Lake County Board of Health, advocated for the "Tobacco 21" movement. He stated that 20 million people have died due to tobacco and detailed positive results of the graduated driver’s license for teenagers that was adopted ten years ago.
Maggie Lucas, Emily Atkinson and Priyal Patel, members of Mundelein STAND UP, shared statistics and research regarding traditional cigarettes, e-cigarettes and vaping devices. They noted that vaping devices are particularly troublesome as they can be disguised to resemble everyday objects.
Danielle Ryan of the Lake County Health Department shared additional information in support of Tobacco 21 and addressed the retail impact.
Robin Rosenbaum, volunteer with the Mundelein STAND UP task force, emphasized that Tobacco 21 would help keep tobacco products out of the hands of middle school children by removing access from older teenagers. She urged the Village to join other Lake County municipalities who have adopted the Tobacco 21 initiative.
Brian Cappel stated that he is employed by a retailer that sells tobacco. He stressed that 18-20 year olds have a free will to choose right from wrong and need to gain experience in making good decisions. He also noted that people old enough to serve in the military should be able to purchase tobacco. President Sashko interjected that new data on brain development has revealed that brains are not fully developed and capable of making good choices until age 25. He also contended that the choice to serve in the military is a choice for the common good, whereas there is no good in the choice to smoke. He also stressed that Tobacco 21 creates an age gap between purchasers and young users. Mr. Cappel also brought up the topic of harming businesses that sell tobacco, asking if the Village of Mundelein is truly business-friendly.
Mayor Lentz gave his support to raising the age to 21, noting that one of government’s roles is to regulate addictive things.
Trustee Rekus stated that he will support the Tobacco 21 initiative, stressing that the health and safety of youth is important. As an aside, he added that the Village does indeed support businesses.
Trustee Abernathy emphasized that she is adamantly against this proposal. She conceded that drug use is terrible but insisted that government should not regulate things that are legal. She also mentioned the 36 establishments in the Village that sell tobacco, noting that 18-20 year olds who buy cigarettes purchase other things at the same time and will just take their business to other municipalities. She concluded by stressing that government cannot fix everything, instead stating that family and education are the key factors, and confirmed that businesses must be supported.
Trustee Black referenced a Venn diagram, questioning the size of the subset of 18-20 year olds who are purchasing both gas and cigarettes and might go elsewhere. He noted that he attended a meeting in Island Lake where he learned that their annual tax revenue from 18-20 year olds buying cigarettes is only $400. He also shared a quote: "Cigarettes are the one product that if used as directed are guaranteed to harm you" and called support of Tobacco 21 an easy decision.
Trustee Abernathy stated that she has heard that some of the same people in Springfield pushing for Tobacco 21 are also pushing for the legalization of marijuana. President Sashko conceded that he has also heard rumors, possibly because of possible tax revenues.
Trustee Semple inquired about efforts to reduce tobacco use in the military. President Sashko responded that the military is working on this but that for now the age for purchase of tobacco remains at 18. Director Guenther explained that the Department of Defense has a goal of a tobacco- free environment by 2020. Trustee Semple then provided his support for Tobacco 21.
Trustee Meier shared her strong opinion that no one should smoke, regardless of age. However, she expressed concerns about today's youth losing accountability, responsibility and decision-making skills due to society, parents and government controlling their lives. She stressed again that she is not in favor of smoking but is still "on the fence" while she considers all aspects of the issue.
Trustee Russell described smoking as "stupid" but declared that he cannot support Tobacco 21, stressing instead that education on such topics must start at home without the government playing the role of parent. He concluded by noting that he doesn't want government telling him or others what to do.
Mayor Lentz noted that there appears to be a thin consensus to move forward with Tobacco 21.
Amendment No. 5 to the Metra Commuter Station Development Agreement (Resolution No. 17-11- 77)
Motion to adopt a Resolution approving Amendment No. 5 to the Commuter Station Development Agreement.
Result: Carried [Unanimous]
Mover: Ray Semple, Trustee
Seconder: Robin Meier, Trustee
Ayes: Rekus, Russell, Black, Abernathy, Meier, Semple
Motion to recess the Regular Meeting into a Liquor Control Commission meeting
Result: Carried [Unanimous]
Mover: Scott Black, Trustee
Seconder: Bill Rekus, Trustee
Ayes: Rekus, Russell, Black, Abernathy, Meier, Semple
The 3153rd Regular Meeting was recessed at 8:32 pm.
Motion to reconvene the Regular Meeting
Result: Carried [Unanimous]
Mover: Dawn Abernathy, Trustee
Seconder: Scott Black, Trustee
Ayes: Rekus, Russell, Black, Abernathy, Meier, Semple
The 3153rd Regular Meeting was reconvened at 9:05 pm.
Attendance:
Clerk Timmerman took the roll. It indicated the following: Board Attendance
Present: Trustees Abernathy, Black, Meier, Rekus, Russell, and Semple; Mayor Lentz
Absent: None
Village Attendance
Public Works & Engineering Director Boeche, Public Safety Director Guenther, Finance Director Haywood, Chief Deputy Fire Chief Lark, Village Administrator Lobaito, Attorney Marino, Community Development Director Orenchuk, Building Director Schubkegel, and Assistant Village Administrator Vadopalas.
Trustee Reports:
Community and Economic Development Committee (Abernathy, Russell, Meier)
James Martin Associates, Inc - 1408 and 1440 Townline Road (Ordinance No. 17-11-56)
Motion to pass an Ordinance Granting Conditional Variations for James Martin Associates Inc. at 1408 and 1440 Townline Road.
Result: Carried [Unanimous]
Mover: Dawn Abernathy, Trustee
Seconder: Kerston Russell, Trustee
Ayes: Rekus, Russell, Black, Abernathy, Meier, Semple
Plat of Subdivision – Reinders Inc. - 911 & 913 Tower Road (Resolution No. 17-11-78)
Motion to adopt a Resolution approving Preliminary Plat of Reinders Subdivision and Final Plat of Reinders Subdivision for Reinders Inc. at 911 and 913 Tower Road, Mundelein, Illinois.
Result: Carried [Unanimous]
Mover: Dawn Abernathy, Trustee
Seconder: Kerston Russell, Trustee
Ayes: Rekus, Russell, Black, Abernathy, Meier, Semple
Applications for Lake County Consortium CDBG Program (Resolution No. 17-11-79)
Motion to adopt a Resolution Approving and Authorizing the Application for Funds Through the Lake County Consortium Community Development Block Grant Program for the Purposes of Demolition, Site Preparation, and General Business District Improvements and Job Creation for Downtown Mundelein, Illinois.
Result: Carried [Unanimous]
Mover: Dawn Abernathy, Trustee
Seconder: Kerston Russell, Trustee
Ayes: Rekus, Russell, Black, Abernathy, Meier, Semple
Public Works Committee (Russell, Meier, Black)-
No Report
Finance Committee (Semple, Abernathy, Rekus)-
Partial Abatement of Tax Levy
Motion to authorize the Posting of an Ordinance providing for the Partial Abatement of the Levy of Property Taxes.
Administrator Lobaito explained that this is abating taxes of $1.3 million (not charging to taxpayers).
Result: Carried [Unanimous]
Mover: Ray Semple, Trustee
Seconder: Bill Rekus, Trustee
Ayes: Rekus, Russell, Black, Abernathy, Meier, Semple
2017 Property Tax Levy - Estimate
Motion to authorize the Posting of the Property Tax Levy Ordinance for the Current Fiscal Year beginning May 1, 2017 and ending April 30, 2018.
Administrator Lobaito explained that, by law, the Village is required to post the proposed levy, adding that the levy was discussed at the Strategic Planning meetings earlier in the fall and mirrors the Board's consensus. He added that this levy keeps all line items the same except for an increase to fund pensions.
Chairman Semple confirmed that the levy will come up for a vote at the Board's Regular Meeting on December 11, 2017.
Result: Carried [5 To 1]
Mover: Ray Semple, Trustee
Seconder: Dawn Abernathy, Trustee
Ayes: Rekus, Russell, Black, Meier, Semple
Nays: Abernathy
Refinancing Bonds Results
Finance Director Haywood reported that the refinancing took place last Thursday and will save the Village over $767,000 in interest payments.
Trustee Abernathy Separated Bill for Approval
Motion to approve the payment of bills, as indicated on the Disbursement Pending Report dated 11/13/17 for Trustee Abernathy in the amount of $210.00 for reimbursement of expenses at IML Conference.
Result: Carried [5 To 0]
Mover: Ray Semple, Trustee
Seconder: Bill Rekus, Trustee
Ayes: Rekus, Russell, Black, Meier, Semple
Abstain: Abernathy
AT&T Separated Bills for Approval
Motion to approve the payment of bills, as indicated on the Disbursement Pending Report for:
Dated; Vendor Name; Invoice Totaling:
11/13/17; AT&T; $6,868.86
11/13/17; AT&T Mobility; $3,501.78
Result: Carried [5 To 0]
Mover: Ray Semple, Trustee
Seconder: Bill Rekus, Trustee
Ayes: Rekus, Russell, Black, Abernathy, Semple
Abstain: Meier
Governing Body Bill Approval - November 13, 2017
Motion to approve the payment of bills, as indicated in the Governing Body Report for the period between October 24, 2017, and ending November 13, 2017, in the amount of $1,084,166.86.
Result: Carried [Unanimous]
Mover: Ray Semple, Trustee
Seconder: Scott Black, Trustee
Ayes: Rekus, Russell, Black, Abernathy, Meier, Semple
Public Safety Committee (Rekus, Semple, Abernathy)-
Intergovernmental Agreement - Village of Libertyville (Resolution No. 17-11-80)
Motion to adopt a Resolution to approve an Intergovernmental Agreement with the Village of Libertyville to share a Ladder Tower Fire Apparatus and Related Equipment.
Public Safety Director Guenther noted that the Board has encouraged exploring ways to share services and save money. He noted that this agreement was reached after more than a year of talks. He reported that Mundelein's ladder truck was bought used for $500,000, with a current replacement cost of $1.3-$1.5 million. He noted, however, that the Village has few tall properties that actually need the ladder truck and that water has never been run through it. He explained that Libertyville has the identical ladder truck that will service Mundelein when needed, pointing out that Libertyville is on the correct side of the railroad tracks to service Cardinal Square buildings. He stated that the Village will sell or trade the current ladder truck (estimate of $350,000-$400,000). Director Guenther then detailed the agreement which calls for Mundelein to pay Libertyville $14,000 annually for the use of the ladder truck, noting that the Village spent $52,000 in the past three years to maintain its ladder truck, plus fuel costs. He concluded by describing the agreement as a good use of taxpayer dollars.
Chief Deputy Fire Chief Lark noted that this is a fiscally responsible approach and predicted that this type of agreement will become more common.
Committee Member Abernathy asked if the planned Mega Realty development will be serviced by Libertyville and Director Guenther confirmed that all commercial and high rise buildings are covered. A discussion was held on various safety factors, including the height of buildings, concrete vs. wood framing, sprinkler systems and the horizontal reach of trucks (depends on setbacks).
Result: Carried [Unanimous]
Mover: Bill Rekus, Trustee
Seconder: Ray Semple, Trustee
Ayes: Rekus, Russell, Black, Abernathy, Meier, Semple
Public Safety Director Guenther reported that:
1) There were 49 graduates at the recent Latino Police Academy graduation.
2) The Meat Raffle at Hitz Pizza was very successful, with proceeds doubled from last year's inaugural event.
3) The annual Spaghetti Dinner will be held December 1, 4:15-8:00 pm at the Police Department.
Chief Deputy Fire Chief Lark reported that Fire Prevention Month was successful.
Building Committee (Meier, Black, Russell)-
Chairman Meier announced a meeting call for the Building Committee to begin discussing Village architectural standards, November 27 at 6:00PM at Village Hall.
Transportation & Infrastructure Committee (Black, Rekus, Semple)-
IL 176/60/83 Improvements--Engineering Change Order #1
Motion to approve Change Order No. 1 for Gewalt Hamilton Associates to the IL 60/83 at IL Route 176 Intersection Improvements Supplemental Agreement increasing the contract value in the amount of $27,702.00.
Public Works & Engineering Director Boeche detailed the changes, adding that this will benefit residents of Grand Dominion.
Result: Carried [Unanimous]
Mover: Scott Black, Trustee
Seconder: Robin Meier, Trustee
Ayes: Rekus, Russell, Black, Abernathy, Meier, Semple
Butterfield Road Sanitary Sewer Extension-Bill of Sale
Motion to approve the sale of the Butterfield Sanitary Sewer Extension via a Bill of Sale to Lake County (through its Department of Public Works) and to authorize the Mayor to sign the Bill of Sale.
Result: Carried [Unanimous]
Mover: Scott Black, Trustee
Seconder: Robin Meier, Trustee
Ayes: Rekus, Russell, Black, Abernathy, Meier, Semple
Other Reports-
Trustee Meier reported that she attended the first Public Works & Engineering Snow and Ice Control Open House on November 11, adding that she received positive remarks from residents. She also encouraged the continuation of this event in future years.
Scheduled Business:
Omnibus Vote Items-
Surplus Vehicle Donation (Resolution No. 17-11-81)
Motion to adopt a Resolution to Donate a Surplus 2014 Ford Taurus Interceptor to Lake County Crime Stoppers.
Result: Carried [Unanimous]
Mover: Dawn Abernathy, Trustee
Seconder: Bill Rekus, Trustee
Ayes: Rekus, Russell, Black, Abernathy, Meier, Semple
Watershed Development Ordinance Community Recertification
Motion to approve and authorize the Mayor and Village Clerk to sign the Petition for SMC Certification.
Result: Carried [Unanimous]
Mover: Dawn Abernathy, Trustee
Seconder: Bill Rekus, Trustee
Ayes: Rekus, Russell, Black, Abernathy, Meier, Semple
Repealing Ordinance 05-08-59 - 1290 Townline Road, Unit D (Ordinance No. 17-11-57)
Motion to pass an Ordinance Repealing Ordinance 05-08-59, granting a Special Use Permit for a Pet Crematorium at 1290 Townline Road, Unit D, Mundelein, Illinois.
Result: Carried [Unanimous]
Mover: Dawn Abernathy, Trustee
Seconder: Bill Rekus, Trustee
Ayes: Rekus, Russell, Black, Abernathy, Meier, Semple
Repeal Conditional Use Variation - 888 Tower Road, Units H, I & L (Ordinance No. 17-11-58)
Motion to pass an Ordinance Repealing Ordinance 12-06-29 and Ordinance 14-01-06, Granting a Conditional Use Variation to M & A Prestige Line of Mundelein Inc. for a Used Car Indoor Showroom on the Property at 888 Tower Road, Unit H, I, and L, Mundelein, Illinois.
Result: Carried [Unanimous]
Mover: Dawn Abernathy, Trustee
Seconder: Bill Rekus, Trustee
Ayes: Rekus, Russell, Black, Abernathy, Meier, Semple
Village Staff Reports:
Village Administrator-
Administrator Lobaito reminded staff and the Board that Village email will be migrated from the current server to the Cloud tomorrow.
Village Attorney-
Attorney Marino thanked the Board and staff again for the recognition and honor bestowed upon him tonight.
Adjournment:
Motion to adjourn the Regular Board Meeting
Result: Carried [Unanimous]
Mover: Dawn Abernathy, Trustee
Seconder: Ray Semple, Trustee
Ayes: Rekus, Russell, Black, Abernathy, Meier, Semple
The 3153rd Regular Meeting was adjourned at 9:34 pm.
http://mundeleinvillageil.iqm2.com/Citizens/FileOpen.aspx?Type=12&ID=1986&Inline=True
Alerts Sign-up