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Lake County Gazette

Friday, March 29, 2024

City of Lake Forest City Council will meet June 18.

City of Lake Forest City Council will meet June 18.

Here is the agenda provided by the Council:

Call To Order And Roll Call 6:30 pm

Pledge Of Allegiance

Reports Of City Officers

1. Comments By Mayor

A. CROYA- Ben Roemer, Scholarship Winner

-“Spirit of CROYA” Margot Martino Essay Contest

B. Consideration of a Joint Resolution of the City of Lake Forest, County of Lake and Lake County Partners Regarding the Enhancement of Commuter Rail Service in Lake County, IL

Presented By: Mayor Robert Lansing

Staff Contact: Robert Kiely, City Manager, 847-810-3675

Purpose And Action Requested: Since the introduction of the Sunrise Express reverse commuter rail service on the Metra Union Pacific North Line in April 2014, the City has been exploring opportunities to improve commuter service on the Metra Milwaukee District North Line. Currently, there is no southbound rail service from the Telegraph Rd. station to the City of Chicago between the hours of 4:47pm and 7:43pm. This has been problematic for the corporate businesses located in Conway Office Park and surrounding area. The installation of a universal crossover north of the Telegraph Road Station will allow northbound Metra trains to “turn” and fill the service gap.

Background/Discussion: The Metra Milwaukee District North Line (“MD-N”) has not been a desirable option for employees working at the various corporate offices in and around the Lake Forest area due to a gap in southbound service to Chicago between the hours of 4:47pm and 7:43pm. Employees are either bused to downtown Lake Forest so they can take the Metra Union Pacific North Line (“UPN”) or are bused to the Deerfield MD-N station. There is currently a universal crossover located north of the Deerfield station which enables northbound trains to “turn” and go southbound in a timely fashion.

During recent discussions with Metra officials regarding proposed improvements along the MD-N Line as part of the Amtrak Hiawatha Environmental Assessment (“EA”), they emphasized the operational and financial benefits of a universal crossover, which was included in their May 18, 2018 letter to IDOT and WisDOT. Representatives from many of the major corporations in the area have met with Metra and Lake County officials to express their strong support for the installation of a universal crossover as well as potential adjustments to the existing train schedule on the line. The proposed resolution is intended to initiate the creation of a public-private partnership to raise approximately $4.7 million in funding for the universal crossover. This partnership would include Metra, IDOT, Canadian Pacific, the City, Lake County, Lake County Partners and multiple employers within a five mile radius of the Telegraph Road Station.

Budget/Fiscal Impact: Has competitive pricing been obtained for proposed goods/services? No

If no, indicate the specific waiver requested:

Administrative Directive 3-5, Section 9.0D – Sole Source

Administrative Directive 3-5, Section 9.0K – Existing Relationship

Beginning on page 16 of your packet is a draft resolution for City Council consideration. If approved by the City Council, a copy of the resolution will be presented to the Lake County Partners Board and the County of Lake for their consideration and approval. They are also going to provide the proper verbiage for the recitals highlighted on the draft version.

Below is an estimated summary of Project budget:

FY201X Funding Source; Amount Budgeted; Amount Requested; Budgeted? Y/N

TBD; NA; $500,000; N

The funding for this project was not contemplated until after FY19 budget had been prepared. It is too early in the process to know if the project would commence in FY19 or FY20. The project will not proceed until the funding has been secured and the lead time for ordering the crossover could be up to one-year. Further, the allocation of cost is still very much in flux. The conceptual division of cost is as follows: Public - $2.0 million Private - $2.7 million

The $2 million of public funding would be split by Metra, IDOT, Canadian Pacific, City of Lake Forest and County of Lake. The City would be tentatively committing up to $500,000 or approximately 10% of the total project cost. A final funding commitment decision by the City Council would be required when other public and private parties have pledged their commitment and an IGA with Metra would need to be entered into.

Council Action: Approval of Joint Resolution Regarding the Enhancement of Commuter Rail Service in Lake County, IL.

2. Comments By City Manager

3. Committee Reports

Finance Committee

A. Consideration of the Annual Appropriation Ordinance for FY2019 and Approval of Rollovers (First Reading)

Presented By: Elizabeth Holleb, Finance Director (847) 810-3612

Purpose And Action Requested: Staff requests approving the first reading of the FY2019 appropriation ordinance and rollovers.

Background/Discussion: While the annual municipal budget represents the City’s financial “plan” for expenditures over the course of the fiscal year, the annual Appropriation Ordinance is the formal legal mechanism by which the City Council authorizes the actual expenditures of funds budgeted in the annual budget. It appropriates specific sums of money by object and purpose of expenditures. State statutes require the passage of an Appropriation Ordinance by the end of July, which must be filed with the County Clerk within 30 days of approval.

There are some differences between the budget and Appropriation Ordinance. The Appropriation Ordinance includes the Library, which was not included in the budget approved at the May 7, 2018 City Council meeting. The Library expenses are approved by the Library Board. Debt service payments are included in the budget, but are excluded from the Appropriation Ordinance. The ordinances approving the debt issues serve as the legal authorization for these annual expenditures.

The Appropriation Ordinance provides for a 10% “contingency” above the budgeted expenditures. Each separate fund includes an item labeled “contingency” with an appropriate sum equivalent to 10% of the total funds budgeted. This practice has been followed for more than thirty years and has worked very efficiently, while still providing for complete City Council control over budgeted expenditures. It is important to note that the City Council and City staff follows the adopted budget as its spending guideline, not the Appropriation Ordinance. Without the contingency, the City Council would have to pass further modifications to the Appropriation Ordinance to cover any unforeseen expenditures exceeding the budget.

In order to provide more accurate and efficient accounting and budgeting of City funds, an annual rollover of funds is required. This eliminates both under and over budgeting of funds in the new fiscal year and is a widely used standard practice for many municipal governments. The items on the attached rollover list (page 19) consist of projects that were appropriated in FY2018 and will not be completed until FY2019. The list is preliminary at this stage as FY2018 invoices are still being paid, but will be finalized for final reading in July.

School District 67 does not recognize the Appropriation Ordinance in their budgeting or auditing standards. However, due to the fact they are a special charter district, their budget must be included in the City’s Appropriation Ordinance. School District 67 numbers are estimates and subject to change, but are not available until second and final reading of the Ordinance.

Project Review/Recommendations:

Reviewed; Date; Comments:

City Council; May 7, 2018; Adoption of FY19 Comprehensive Plan

Budget/Fiscal Impact: The attached Appropriation Ordinance Worksheet (page 21) demonstrates the reconciliation of the Adopted Budget to the Appropriation Ordinance by fund.

Council Action: Approve first reading of the FY2019 Appropriation Ordinance (page 22) and the rollovers. A copy of the ordinance is available for review by the public in the City Clerk’s office. A public hearing will be conducted on July 16, 2018 in conjunction with second reading of the ordinance.

4. Opportunity For Citizens To Address The City Council On Non-Agenda Items

5. Items For Omnibus Vote Consideration

1. Approval of the June 4, 2018 City Council Meeting Minutes

A copy of the minutes can be found beginning on page 33.

Council Action: Approval of the June 4, 2018 City Council Meeting Minutes.

2. Approval of Engagement Letter dated June 11, 2018 with Victor Filippini

Staff Contact: Robert Kiely, Jr., City Manager

Background/Discussion: With the recent appointment of Ancel, Glink as City Attorney, the City needs to enter into a new engagement letter with its previous Attorney, Victor Filippini to cover services for ongoing projects until completed. There are three pending projects that require additional the legal services of the Filippini Law Firm. These include; McCormick Ravine, Oak Knoll Berm and the Hyatt Place Hotel Incentive Agreement on tonight’s agenda. The Proposed engagement letter would also cover the third-party contracts previously authorized by the City Council relating to McCormick Ravine and the Hyatt Place project. A copy of the letter can be found beginning on page 43.

Budget Fiscal Impact: The City will continue to be billed for legal services as outlined in the engagement letter.

Council Action: Approval of Engagement Letter dated June 11, 2018 with Victor Filippini

3. Consideration and Approval of the Prevailing Wage Resolution as required by State Statutes

Staff Contact: Margaret Boyer, City Clerk (847-810-3674)

Background/Discussion: State statutes require that all public bodies awarding contracts for public work should abide by current prevailing wage rates and regulation. The attached Resolution beginning on page 50 is required to be adopted on an annual basis that includes a copy of the latest wage rates. The City will file the Resolution electronically with the Illinois Department of Labor. A certified copy will also be available on the City’s website that will include a link to the latest version of the prevailing wage. The State of Illinois issued the latest version of prevailing wage, effective May 30, 2018.

Budget/Fiscal Impact: The City of Lake Forest is required to abide by current prevailing wage rates and regulations when awarding contracts for public work.

Council Action: Consideration and Approval of the Prevailing Wage Resolution as required by State Statutes

4. Approval of an agreement to maintain Membership in Northeastern Illinois Regional Crime Laboratory (NIRCL) and Authorizing Payment of the FY2019 Membership Fees.

Staff Contact: Deputy Chief R.D. Copeland (847-810-3809)

Purpose And Action Requested: Staff requests City Council approval authorizing acceptance of an intergovernmental agreement for FY2019 membership with the Northeastern Illinois Regional Crime Laboratory (NIRCL).

Background/Discussion: The Northeastern Illinois Regional Crime Laboratory was established in 1968 and currently provides forensic service to over 50 member law enforcement agencies. Member agencies govern and fund its operations through yearly membership assessments. NIRCL, located in Vernon Hills, provides the following services to the Lake Forest Police Department in a timely and effective manner; DNA testing, Latent Prints, Footwear impressions, Firearms/Tool Marks identification, Controlled Substance and Toxicology testing as well as authorized evidence destruction and agency training/education for evidence technicians..

Budget/Fiscal Impact: The total dues for FY2019 for membership in the NIPCL are $28,831.00. This amount is divided into two fee items, the first being a membership assessment of $25,831.00. This fee is based on the population size of the member agency and the second item is a $3,000.00 maintenance fee that is assessed to all member agencies.

As part of our membership we would request an exemption to competitive bidding under Administrative Directive 3-5, Section 9.0D – (Sole Source) and 9.0 I (government service)

Company Name; Dollar Amount Bid:

Northeastern Illinois Regional Crime Laboratory (NIRCL); $28,831.00

Below is an estimated summary of Project budget:

FY2019 Funding Source; Amount Budgeted; Amount Requested; Budgeted? Y/N

Contractual Services; $28,831.00; $28,831.00; Y

Council Action: Approval of an agreement to maintain Membership in Northeastern Illinois Regional Crime Laboratory (NIRCL) and Authorizing Payment of the FY2019 Membership Fees.

5. Authorization to Issue Reimbursement for City Work Costs Related to Clean-up of the City’s Former Municipal Services Site

Staff Contact: Catherine J. Czerniak,

Director of Community Development (810-3504)

Purpose And Action Requested: City Council action is requested to authorize the City Manager to reimburse Focus Development for costs incurred in the performance of Unforeseen City Work at the former Municipal Services site. This is the fifth in a series of reimbursements anticipated as site work continues. Limited areas on the site remain unexcavated so little additional unforeseen work, if any, is expected.

Background/Discussion: In February, 2015, the City Council directed that the environmental cleanup of the former Municipal Services site get underway. The cleanup work included testing and investigation, demolition of all of the above ground structures, removal of all known underground slabs, foundations and tanks, hauling and proper disposal of impacted soils, removal of utilities and preparation and filing of the necessary reports in order to obtain a letter of No Further Remediation. A No Further Remediation Letter was received by the City in September, 2016.

Consistent with the terms of the sale of the City’s former Municipal Service Site, and as detailed in the Redevelopment Agreement, the City is required to reimburse Focus Development for certain costs related to further cleanup of the site, as needed as excavation of the site proceeds. In 2017, the City Council authorized reimbursements to Focus Development for Deferred City Work which included the removal of monitoring wells and portions of water and sewer lines left on the site after the completion of the City’s clean-up work because removal could be handled more efficiently as part of the developer’s site preparation work. The 2017 reimbursements also covered costs related to Unforeseen City Work incurred as excavation for the three apartment buildings and underground garage proceeded. The work included the removal of four underground storage tanks, slabs and foundations all discovered as excavation proceeded.

The current request for reimbursement is for costs related to removal and disposal of contaminated soil discovered during the excavation for the first condominium building, near the center of the site. The costs incurred by Focus Development are summarized below.

Unforeseen City Work; Contractors; Cost of Work:

Work associated with the removal of contaminated soils including soil sampling, testing, soil removal and disposal.; Apex Companies Grace Analytical Labs John Keno & Company; $ 243,423.50

The above direct contractors’ costs were reviewed by the City’s consultant, JHA, and found to be reasonable based on the scope of work completed.

The amount previously authorized by the City Council and paid to date for deferred and unforeseen City work totals $197,135.28.

Budget/Fiscal Impact: The cost of the site cleanup is reimbursable through funds generated by the TIF District.

Authorization to issue reimbursement as detailed below is requested.

FY2019 Funding Source; Amount Budgeted; Reimbursement to Focus Development Authorized; Budgeted Y/N

Laurel and Western TIF Fund #322-2501-499-77-05; N/A*; $243,423.50; No

*The original approved budget for the TIF allocated $3,000,000 for costs related to environmental remediation. No specific dollar amount was budgeted in the FY 2019 budget for additional clean-up costs since at the time the budget was created, there was no indication that further remediation would be needed on the site. If necessary, a supplemental appropriation will be requested at the end of the fiscal year.

Including the reimbursement now requested, environmental remediation costs to date total $2,598,739.49 and do not exceed the amount originally allocated for clean-up. This amount includes clean-up costs incurred directly by the City at the front end of the redevelopment process and the reimbursements paid to date, and now requested, from Focus for the unforeseen clean-up work completed after the sale of the property.

Council Action: Authorize the City Manager to issue reimbursement to Focus Development for direct costs related to Unforeseen City Work completed in the amount of $243,423.50 consistent with the Redevelopment Agreement.

6. Consideration of an Ordinance Approving a Recommendation from the Building Review Board. (First Reading and if Desired by the City Council, Final Approval)

Staff Contact: Catherine Czerniak,

Director of Community Development (810-3504)

The following recommendation from the Building Review Board is presented to the City Council for consideration as part of the Omnibus Agenda.

104 Washington Circle - The Building Review Board recommended approval of a new residence and attached garage to be constructed on a vacant site in an established neighborhood. The residence previously located on the site was approved for demolition and has already been removed. Two neighboring property owners spoke in support of the project. The Board voted 4 to 3 to approve the project. The Board members voting in opposition had concerns about the length of the house in relation to the neighboring homes. In response to the Board’s concerns, the design of the house has been further refined and as a result, the length of the house has been mitigated somewhat. The Board recognized that the narrow and deep configuration of the lot, and the desire of the property owners to have an attached garage, contribute to the length of the house. (Board vote: 4-3, approved)

The Zoning Board of Appeals also considered this project and recommended approval of a variance to allow the house to be sited consistent with other homes in the neighborhood as detailed in the following agenda item.

The Ordinance approving the petition as recommended by the Building Review Board, with key exhibits attached, is included in the Council packet beginning on page 61. The Ordinance, complete with all exhibits, is available for review in the Community Development Department.

Council Action: If determined to be appropriate by the City Council, waive first reading and grant final approval of the Ordinance in accordance with the Building Review Board’s recommendation.

7. Consideration of Ordinances Approving Recommendations from the Zoning Board of Appeals. (First Reading, and if Desired by the City Council, Final Approval)

Staff Contact: Catherine Czerniak,

Director of Community Development (810-3504)

The following recommendations from the Zoning Board of Appeals are presented to the City Council for consideration as part of the Omnibus Agenda.

620 Washington Road – The Zoning Board of Appeals recommends approval of variances from the side and rear yard setbacks to allow construction of a replacement garage and linking element between the garage and the house. No public testimony was presented to the Zoning Board of Appeals on this petition. (Board vote: 4 - 0, approved)

104 Washington Circle – The Zoning Board of Appeals recommends approval of a variance from the front yard setback to allow a new home to be constructed consistent with the existing pattern of homes in the neighborhood. This petition was also considered by the Building Review Board as detailed in the previous agenda item. Public testimony in support of the variance was presented by two neighboring property owners. (Board vote: 4 - 0, approved)

The Ordinances approving the petitions as recommended by the Zoning Board of Appeals, with key exhibits attached, are included in the Council packet beginning on page 69. The Ordinances, complete with all exhibits, are available for review in the Community Development Department.

Council Action: If determined to be appropriate by the City Council, waive first reading and grant final approval of the Ordinances approving the petitions in accordance with the Zoning Board of Appeals’ recommendations.

8. Consideration of an Ordinance Conveying Certain Surplus Real Estate Owned by the City to the Park Lane Home Owners’ Association (First Reading and if Desired by the City Council, Final Approval)

Staff Contact: Catherine Czerniak,

Director of Community Development (810-3504)

Purpose And Action Requested: The City Council is asked to consider a recommendation from the Property and Public Lands Committee in support of conveying open space that was created as part of the Park Lane Subdivision, to the Park Lane Homeowners’ Association, (“Park Lane HOA”).

Project Review/Recommendations:

Reviewed; Dates; Comments:

Property and Public Lands Committee; 12/18/2017 and 5/18/18; Discussed, directed preparation of ordinance and recommended approval of the conveyance

Background/Discussion: The Park Lane Subdivision was approved by the City Council and recorded in 1996. As is common in Planned Preservation Subdivisions, the development was configured to preserve a large area of common open space, which surrounds the 46 building lots. The detention ponds required to support the development are located on a portion of the preserved open space which totals approximately 50 acres. However, unlike other subdivisions, the open space area was dedicated to the City of Lake Forest rather than retained as common area for the subdivision, in the ownership of the HOA. Although the open space was dedicated to the City through the plat of subdivision, it is not identified or designated as a public park or planned for park use in the future. The impetus for dedicating the land to the City at the time of subdivision is not clear, but apparently was related to the developer’s hope that the open space might one day be developed for a non-residential use.

Although the preserved open space in the Park Lane Subdivision is owned by the City, the plat requires the HOA to maintain the open space in perpetuity including maintenance of the detention ponds and mowing of open space areas, creating an unusual situation. The Park Lane HOA has to date been a very good steward of the open space and ponds, regularly maintaining and enhancing the area. Over several years, residents of Park Lane have expressed concern about the unusual arrangement and the fact that although no public funds are used to support the open space; because the land is in the ownership of the City, the area, including the ponds, are open to the public. The residents have expressed concerns about security, vandalism and public access into an area maintained by the HOA.

Following receipt of a petition from the Park Lane HOA last fall, a copy of which is included in the Council’s packet, the Property and Public Lands Committee considered this matter and directed staff to explore the feasibility of conveying the open space to the HOA. In follow up discussions with staff from the Public Works and Park, Recreation and Forestry departments, both departments expressed support for the proposed conveyance noting that the usual situation has been a subject of confusion and pointing out that City crews do not maintain or monitor the open space areas in the Park Lane Subdivision. A blanket easement would be retained by the City for utility and drainage purposes in the event that the conveyance occurs. The Police Department noted that if the property is transferred to private ownership, initially there will likely be some feedback from members of the public, including residents from outside of Lake Forest, who currently fish at the ponds. If the property is conveyed to the Park Lane HOA, signs indicating that the property is in private ownership would be installed by the HOA.

After considering the unusual circumstances surrounding the open space in the Park Lane Subdivision, the Property and Public Lands Committee determined that conveying the property to the Park Lane HOA would align the ownership and maintenance responsibilities, and would eliminate City liability for the area. Importantly, the Committee noted that once conveyed the areas would continue to be protected open space in perpetuity, as required by the recorded plat of subdivision.

The Ordinance declaring the property as surplus and directing the conveyance to the Park Lane Homeowners’ Association is included in the Council packet beginning on page 85. The letter of request from the Park Lane HOA, a vicinity map and a copy of the plat of subdivision are also included as background information.

Council Action: Waive first reading and if desired, grant final approval of an Ordinance conveying preserved open space created as part of the Park Lane Subdivision, to the Park Lane Homeowners’ Association.

Council Action: Approval of the eight (8) Omnibus items as presented

6. ORDINANCES

1. Consideration of an Ordinance Amending Sections 94.15 through 94.21, titled “Open Fires” of the City Code (First Reading)

Staff Contacts: Pete Siebert, Fire Chief, 847-810-3864

Catherine Czerniak, Director of Community Development, 847-810-3504

Purpose And Action Requested: In response to concerns and questions received from residents, the Council is asked to consider clarifications and modifications to the Code provisions relating to open fires of various types, in particular, recreational fires on residential properties, within the City limits.

Background/Discussion: As currently written, the City Code does not permit any type of open fire without a permit. However, various types of open fires occur throughout the City and enforcement occurs on a complaint basis.

In response to recent input from some residents, City staff has reviewed the City Code language and reconsidered the current prohibitions in the context of current practice, other life safety Codes, development patterns and past experience with open fires. The proposed amendments give priority to life safety, while at the same time, providing some latitude for open fires, within the City limits, for recreational, ceremonial and natural area maintenance purposes. In summary, the amendments permit open fires on residential properties with some limitations.

Open fires are permitted on residential properties of 60,000 square feet or larger under the following conditions:

▪ Conformance with established setbacks from structures and property lines.

▪ Dry, seasoned wood is used for fuel; no burning of trash, leaves or other debris.

▪ The fire is attended constantly until extinguished.

▪ Fire extinguishing equipment or material is nearby.

Fires in portable, covered outdoor fire pits or containers are permitted on residential properties of any size under similar conditions as those noted above.

Fires not meeting the above conditions may still be permitted subject to review by the Fire Chief and the issuance of required permits.

Staff from the Fire, Parks and Recreation and Community Developments collaborated on the proposed amendments. The amendments are presented to the City Council with the endorsement of all three departments.

The Ordinance, with a blackline version of the Code Sections reflecting the proposed amendments is included in the Council packet beginning on page 91. A clean copy of the Code Sections, incorporating all of the proposed amendments as recommended by staff, is also included in the packet for ease of reading.

Council Action: Grant first reading of an Ordinance amending Sections 94.15 through 94.21, titled “Open Fires” of the City Code.

2. Consideration of Two Recommendations Related to Construction of a Hyatt Place Hotel, in Conway Park. (Waive First Reading of an Ordinance and if Desired by the City Council, Grant Final Approval and if Desired by the City Council, Approve a Resolution by Motion)

Presented By: Catherine J. Czerniak, Director of Community Development Robert R. Kiely, Jr., City Manager

Purpose And Action Requested: The Council is asked to consider a recommendation from the Building Review Board in support of the design aspects of a Hyatt Place Hotel proposed for construction in Conway Park.

and

The Council is asked to consider a limited-term financial incentive package for the hotel to support the following goals: 1) to provide a hotel, as an amenity in Conway Park in response to requests from current corporate tenants of the Park; 2) to meet the needs of residents and visitors who currently seek lodging outside of the community; and 3) to expand on and diversify commercial development within the City.

Background/Discussion: Conway Park is a corporate office park located at the western edge of Lake Forest, adjacent to the Illinois Tollway. The office park was annexed by the City over 20 years ago and today, the park is nearly built out with 13 office buildings of various sizes and the Lake Forest Graduate School of Management. A hotel is a permitted use in Conway Park and a hotel was always envisioned along the Route 60 Corridor to serve businesses, residents and visitors. A Hyatt Place Hotel is proposed on one of the last remaining vacant parcels in Conway Park.

More than 20 years ago, when the property along the Route 60 Corridor near the Tollway was annexed, a framework was put in place to support development of the area with a first-class corporate office park and supporting ancillary uses. Today, Conway Park, along with the office buildings located on the south side of Route 60, is home to many corporate headquarters reflecting that early vision. However, the anticipated ancillary uses (hotels, restaurants and limited service businesses) have not yet been established in the area to support, retain and attract corporate users, employees of the office park, residents of the community and visitors.

A vibrant Route 60 Corridor is consistent with the community goals identified in the City’s recently updated Strategic Plan. The Business and Economic Vitality Chapter of the Plan states that the City “will use economic development tools” to engage property owners, take advantage of opportunities and overcome challenges in achieving desired development. The Plan specifically speaks to working with entrepreneurs and employers who complement the City’s long-term economic vision in order to establish and maintain an appropriate balance between the residential and commercial tax bases in the community. The Plan also directs that the City will engage in proactive economic development efforts to attract key businesses in commercial corridors. Council consideration of an incentive package to achieve development of a hotel in the Route 60 Corridor, is consistent with the directives in the Strategic Plan.

Design Review – Building Review Board-

Earlier this year, over the course of two meetings, the Building Review Board considered a request for approval of the design aspects of the proposed Hyatt Place Hotel. At the Board’s request, the details of the design, exterior materials and overall site plan were refined after the first meeting and enhanced plans were presented to the Board for a final recommendation at the March, 2018 meeting. The Board heard testimony in support of the petition from one resident. The Conway Park Owners’ Association also submitted testimony in support of the hotel noting that final approval from the Owners’ Association is required prior to construction, consistent with the covenants pertaining to Conway Park. The Board voted 6 to 0 in support of the petition. The ordinance and key exhibits are included in the Board’s packet beginning on page 99. The ordinance, complete with all exhibits, is available for review in the Community Development Department.

Review of Incentive Request-

In February, 2018, with the approval of the City Council, Michael Tobin, CBRE, was engaged to assist the City in considering the request for financial incentives. Mr. Tobin and his colleagues worked with the Mayor, Finance Committee Chairman, City Attorney and City staff to assure that the right questions were asked of the developer, complete information obtained and a thorough analysis conducted of both the short-term and long-term benefits of the proposed hotel development to the overall community.

Project Review/Recommendations:

Reviewed; Date; Comments:

Building Review Board; February/March 2018; Recommended Approval (6 to 0)

Mayor and Finance Committee Chairman; May/June 2018; Reviewed developer’s proposal, consulted with Michael Tobin, the City’s Advisor on this matter, negotiated Term Sheet.

Budget/Fiscal Impact: The Resolution presented for Council action, endorsing the proposed incentive package and directing finalization of the Agreement, is included in the Council packet on page 111. Exhibit A to the resolution, the draft incentives agreement, will be sent under separate cover along with the proposed financial terms as recommended by the Mayor and the Finance Committee Chairman.

A review of the financial benefits the City will realize in the short-term, and over the longer term, as a result of the proposed Hyatt Place will also be sent under separate cover.

Council Action: If determined to be appropriate by the City Council:

1. Waive first reading and grant final approval of the Ordinance in accordance with the Building Review Board’s recommendation.

2. Approve a Resolution by Motion, directing the City Manager and Attorney Victor Filippini to finalize an Agreement with Janko LLC, substantially in conformance with the Term Sheet presented to the City Council, and authorize the Mayor to enter into the Agreement on behalf of the City.

7. New Business

1. Approval for the Friends of Lake Forest Parks and Recreation Foundation to change the venue of their annual Oktoberfest event to City Hall, 220 E. Deerpath Rd.

Presented By: Rick Amos, Friends of Lake Forest Park and Recreation Foundation

Staff Contact: Sally Swarthout, Director-Parks, Recreation, and Forestry (847-810-3942)

Purpose And Action Requested: The Friends of Lake Forest Park and Recreation Foundation is requesting approval to move their annual Oktoberfest Fundraising event from the Lake Forest Recreation Center, 400 Hastings Rd, Lake Forest, IL to City Hall, 220 E. Deerpath Rd, Lake Forest, IL.

Background/Discussion: A portion of the Friends of Lake Forest Parks and Recreation Foundation’s (the Foundation) mission is to raise funds to further programs and services provided by the City of Lake Forest Parks and Recreation department. Oktoberfest is a key component of the Foundation’s fundraising initiative.

The Foundation has hosted Oktoberfest events in 2016 and 2017 at the Recreation Center, 400 Hastings Rd. After flooding rains in 2016, the Foundation moved their event from the grass fields to the parking lot south of the Fitness Center at the Recreation Center. After the 2017 event, a suggestion was made to move Oktoberfest into a more central location in the heart of the City of Lake Forest to create an open, welcoming community event that is accessible to all.

After discussions with the Foundation Board, Staff, and representatives from the Police and Fire Departments it was determined by all that moving Oktoberfest to the City Hall location would not be too disruptive to the area and would be good for the event, our residents, the Foundation, Parks and Recreation, and the City.

Currently, the Foundation hosts the Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony in Market Square. Since the Foundation has taken over the logistics for the Tree Lighting celebration, the community has seen an increase in activities and participation throughout the event. The Foundation also supports the Concerts in the Square activities throughout the summer months.

Budget/Fiscal Impact: n/a

Council Action: Approval for the Friends of Lake Forest Parks and Recreation Foundation to change the venue of their annual Oktoberfest event to City Hall, 220 E. Deerpath Rd.

2. Adoption of Decision Making Parameters

Staff Contact: Robert Kiely, Jr., City Manager

Background/Discussion: In 1994 the City Council adopted” Decision Making Parameters” which served as guidelines for evaluating and acting upon matters brought before it. In November 2017 the Mayor and City Manager presented the Parameters to the City Council for its reviews and consideration. The City Council members were asked to suggest edits for consideration at a future Council meeting.

At its January 16, 2018 meeting, the City Council was presented with a revised draft of the parameters prepared by Mayor Lansing and Alderman Beidler. The Council agreed to postpone discussion to a future workshop meeting. This meeting was held on May 21 and resulted in extensive discussion and debate on the proposed document. At the conclusion of the workshop meeting, Council members were asked to submit any final thoughts to City Staff who would pass them to Mayor Lansing and Alderman Beidler so that a final draft could be available for tonight’s meeting. A copy is beginning on page 114 of your packet.

It has been recommended that once adopted, the Parameters be brought before the Council for review and consideration on an annual basis.

Council Action: Approval of the Proposed Decision Making Parameters

8. Additional Items For Discussion/ Comments By Council Members

1. Executive Session pursuant to 5 ILCS 120/2 (c), (1), The City Council will be discussing personnel

Adjournment into Executive Session

Reconvene into Regular Session

9. Adjournment

https://www.cityoflakeforest.com/assets/1/27/CC_2018_06_18.pdf

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