City of Lake Forest City Council met May 7.
Here is the minutes provided by the Council:
Call To Order And Roll Call: Honorable Mayor Lansing called the meeting to order at 6:30 pm, and the City Clerk, Margaret Boyer called the roll of Council members.
Present: Alderman Beidler, Alderman Morris, Alderman Newman, Alderman Rummel, Alderman Tack, Alderman Reisenberg, Alderman Moreno and Alderman Buschmann.
Absent: none.
Also present were: Robert Kiely, Jr., City Manager; Robert Pickrell, City Attorney; Catherine Czerniak, Director of Community Development; Elizabeth Holleb, Director of Finance; Michael Thomas, Director of Public Works; Pete Siebert, Fire Chief; Manager; Karl Walldorf, Chief of Police; Susan Banks, Communications Manager; Mike Strong, Assistant to the City Manager, along with other members of City Staff.
There were approximately 50 persons present in the Council Chamber.
Call To Order And Roll Call 6:30 pm
Pledge Of Allegiance was recited by all those present in the Chamber.
Reports Of City Officers
Comments By Mayor:
Mayor Lansing read the Resolution of Appreciation and presented it to David Anderson. Photos were taken.
A. Resolution of Appreciation for Retiring Fire Fighter/Paramedic David A. Andersen
Council Action: Approve the Resolution
Mayor Lansing asked for a motion. Alderman Tack made a motion to approve the Resolution, seconded by Alderman Buschmann. Motion carried unanimously by voice vote.
Mayor Lansing reported that in conversations with IDOT and Metra, there is frustration relating to the third track. Mayor Lansing made a statement regarding the engineering study relating to the Underpass and cost associated and grant money that may be available. Mayor Lansing stated the City's number one concern is safety.
Comments By City Manager:
City Manager Robert Kiely, reported that about a year ago, the City Council adopted an update to the Strategic Plan. The Plan and the Plans scorecard are now available on The City of Lake Forest website. Assistant to the City Manager Mike Strong reported how to view and use the information.
City Manager Robert Kiely delivered the Mayor's Annual salary check in the amount of $10.
Alderman Reisenberg reported that PCA Committee met earlier in the day and there will not be any changes to the City Managers contract. Per the contract. City Council approval is not needed, and the item will be removed from the agenda.
Comments By City Council Members
Finance Committee:
A. Approval of the Comprehensive Fiscal Plan for FY2019
Finance Committee Chairman James Morris reported the Finance Committee has reviewed various components of the Comprehensive Fiscal Plan for FY2019 at several public meetings over the past six months. Chairman Morris recognized Finance Director Elizabeth Holleb and City Staff for a job well done.
Ms. Holleb reported these changes since the March 5, 2018 Finance Committee meeting:
•Compensation adjustments are now reflected within the operating department budgets of the General Fund.
•Historical Society contribution of $50,000 added per Finance Committee direction.
•Remaining discretionary dollars have been eliminated.
• Transfer from Lake Forest Hospital Fund to the Capital Improvements Fund has been added to close the Lake Forest Hospital Fund.
•2017 GO Bond Issue debt service added to Water Utility Fund
Ms. Holleb stated that the proposed expenditures for FY2019 total $84, 160, 533 and the proposed plan is balanced with all operating expenditures covered from current revenues and capital expenditures funded from current revenues and reserves in excess of the City Council's Fiscal Policy. Fund balance deficits projected for the Laurel/Western TIF Fund and the Deerpath Golf Course would be funded from temporary inter-fund loans.
Finance Director Holleb reviewed long-term financial planning with a five year fund balance forecast including the Capital improvement Fund. She also reviewed the FY2019 Budget increases police and fire pension contributions by $800,000 in total to reduce the projected 8-9% annual increases going forward.
In summary, Ms. Holleb reported The City of Lake Forest current financial condition is excellent with healthy fund balance reserves. The City of Lake Forest continues to hold a Aaa Bond Rating and has the lowest property tax rate in Lake County. A balanced Budget is presented. Ms. Holleb stated that long term financial challenges have not changed, including the State Budget Crisis, with potential impact on City budget and that expense growth is outpacing revenue growth.
The City Council had discussion on the pension liability and generational equity, long term financial forecasting, property taxes, vehicle stickers and grant funding. City Council also had additional discussion relating to the underpass and expenditures to date.
Mayor Lansing asked if there was anyone from the public who wanted to comment. Seeing none, he asked for a motion.
Council Action: Approval of the Comprehensive Fiscal Plan for Fiscal Year 2019
Alderman Morris made a motion to approve the Comprehensive Fiscal Plan for Fiscal Year 2019, seconded by Alderman Newman. The following voted "Aye": Aldermen Beidler, Morris, Newman, Rummel, Tack, Reisenberg, Moreno and Buschmann. The following voted "Nay": None. 8- Ayes, 0 Nays, motion carried.
B. Annual Vendor Approval
Finance Director Elizabeth Holleb reported that on September 19, 2011, the City Council approved Code amendments revising the method for approving vendors. Consistent with the revised policy, payments for services provided on an unspecified ongoing basis exceeding $20,000 annually in aggregate are to be approved by the City Council as part of the budget process. The Vendor list provides the vendors approved for FY2012-FY2018 as well as the recommendations submitted for City Council approval for FY2019. The City Council will continue to approve any single purchase over $20,000 as established by the purchasing code.
The City Council had discussion on balancing the possible accumulation over twenty-thousand for frequently used vendors.
Mayor Lansing asked if there was anyone from the public who wanted to comment. Seeing none, he asked for a motion.
Council Action: Approval of the attached list of vendors (page 17) for Fiscal Year 2019
Alderman Morris made a motion to approve the Vendor list for Fiscal Year 2019, seconded by Alderman Moreno. The following voted "Aye": Aldermen Beidler, Morris, Newman, Rummel, Tack, Reisenberg, Moreno and Buschmann. The following voted "Nay": None. 8- Ayes, 0 Nays, motion carried.
Personnel Compensation Administration Committee:
A. Approval of the FY19 Personnel Policies, Administrative Directives and Pay Plan
DeSha Kalmar, Director of Human Resources, reported that the PCA committee met earlier today and will remove the FY19 Personnel Policies and Administrative Directives to rework language in a couple of areas. Ms. Kalmar stated she is only seeking approval of the Pay Plan portion which includes a 2.5% increase and range adjustments. The Personnel Policies and Administrative Directives will be seen at the June 4 City Council meeting.
The City Council had discussion on minor language changes.
Mayor Lansing asked if there was anyone from the public who wanted to comment. Seeing none, he asked for a motion excluding the FY19 Personnel Policies and Practices and Administrative Directives.
Council Action: Approval of the FY19 Personnel Policies and Practices, Administrative Directives and FY19 Pay Plan.
Alderman Reisenberg made a motion to approve the FY 19 Pay Plan, seconded by Alderman Rummel. The following voted "Aye": Aldermen Beidler, Morris, Newman, Rummel, Tack, Reisenberg, Moreno and Buschmann. The following voted "Nay": None. 8- Ayes, 0 Nays, motion carried.
B. Report and Recommendation from the Personnel, Compensation and Administration Committee on the Employment Agreement with the City Manager
As stated previously, this item has been removed.
Council Action: Approve the Employment Agreement with the City Manager
Public Works Committee:
A. Consideration of an Ordinance Amending Section 135.108(C), titled "Noise, Generally" of the City Code (First Reading)
Randy Tack, Chairman Public Works Committee, reported that the Public Works Committee considered amendments relating to the use of gasoline powered leaf blowers and other types of lawn maintenance on equipment April 11, 2018. The Committee's recommendation is presented to the City Council for consideration. Chairman Tack introduced Chuck Myers, Superintendent of Parks, Forestry and Special Facilities. Mr. Myers reported that last fall. Mayor Lansing requested that the City's current regulations regarding noise control, specifically gasoline-powered leaf blowers, be re-examined. City staff reviewed the sections in the City Code, which pertain to the operation of lawn maintenance equipment and leaf blowers, and presented City Council with various options for revisions to the City Code. Mr. Myers gave a history on this topic which included a number of code changes.
He said City staff met with the Public Works Committee to consider options for amendments relating to the use of gasoline powered leaf blowers and other types of lawn maintenance equipment. At this time, the Public Works Committee is recommending City Council amend the hours of operation for gasoline powered leaf blowers only. Leaf blower operation would be allowed Monday through Saturday from 9:00 a. m. until 5:00 p.m. Gasoline powered leaf blower operation would be prohibited on Sundays and Holidays. The new restrictions would apply year-round and would apply to gasoline powered leaf blowers only, not mowers and other lawn maintenance equipment. In addition, the restriction would not apply to municipal and golf course operations.
The City Council had discussion on noise and air pollution, sound levels, the use of electronic equipment related to lawn care, complaints and enforcement.
Mayor Lansing asked if there was anyone from the public who wanted to comment. Seeing none, he asked for a motion.
Council Action: Grant first reading of an Ordinance amending Section 135. 108(C), titled "Noise, Generally" of the City Code
Alderman Tack made a motion to grant first reading of an Ordinance amending Section 135. 108(c), titled "Noise Generally" of the City Code, seconded by Alderman Beidler. The following voted "Aye": Aldermen Beidler, Morris, Newman, Rummel, Tack, Reisenberg, Moreno and Buschmann. The following voted "Nay": None. 8- Ayes, 0 Nays, motion carried.
Alderman Beidler gave an overview of recent meetings with the Marketing Committee and the Welcome Home campaign, the recent 2018 Chamber Guide that reminds residents to shop, eat and play local. The new Lake Forest City book from JWC Media is a good resource for all residents.
Alderman Buschmann commented on the May 20 meeting with IDOT and asked that the City of Lake Forest put forth the same effort as Glenview in fighting the third track. He also talked about environmental impacts on the Middlefork Savanna and ask that the City take a more proactive approach and be more collaborative about the third track.
Mayor Lansing reported the EA comment period is closed and that the reality of getting an EIS on the railway's right of way corridor is quite slim as there are thousands of miles of rail through wild life preserves. Mayor Lansing also reported that the FRA has over thirty projects pending approval.
Opportunity For Citizens To Address The City Council On Non-Agenda Items:
David Tanaka, 1142 Pine Oaks Circle, offered his opinion to the City Council
JoAnne Desmond 1681 Yale Ct, offered her opinion to the City Council
Rick Cusack, 1126 Pine Oaks Circle, offered his opinion to the City Council
Items For Omnibus Vote Consideration:
1. Approval of the April 2, 2018 City Council meeting Minutes
2. Consideration of Approval Only of Executive Session Minutes with the dates of 3/20/17, 7/17/17, 8/7/17, 9/18/17, 10/2/17, 10/16/17, 11/6/17, 12/4/17, 12/18/17, 1/16/18, 2/5/18, 2/20/18 and 4/2/18
3. Approval of the Check Register for Period of March 24-April 20, 2018
4. Approval of Benefit Consulting Services to be provided in Fiscal Year 2019 by Wright Benefit Strategies
5. Award of the Lake Forest Share of the Joint 2018 Annual Pavement Patching Program Contract to Chicagoland Paving Contractor Inc. for a not-to-exceed amount of $175,000
6. Award of the 2018 Sanitary Sewer Inflow/lnfiltration Testing Project to RJN Group in the total not-to-exceed amount of $102,330
7. Consideration of Ordinances Approving Recommendations from the Building Review Board. (First Reading and if Desired by the City Council, Final Approval)
8. Consideration of Ordinances Approving Recommendations from the Zoning Board of Appeals. (First Reading, and if Desired by the City Council, Final Approval)
9. Consideration of an Ordinance Approving a Recommendation from the Historic Preservation Commission. (First Reading and if Desired by the City Council, Final Approval)
Council Action: Approval of the ten (10) Omnibus items as presented
Mayor Lansing asked members of the Council if they would like to remove any item or take it separately. The City Council had discussion on items # 4 and removed it from the Omnibus to be taken separately. Alderman Rummel recused herself from item # 2. After discussion, Mayor Lansing asked members of the Council if they would like to remove any item or take any other item separately. Seeing none, Mayor Lansing asked for a motion to approve the nine (9) Omnibus items as presented.
Alderman Tack made a motion to approve the nine (9) Omnibus items as presented, seconded by Alderman Newman. The following voted "Aye": Aldermen Beidler, Morris, Newman, Rummel, Tack, Reisenberg, Moreno and Buschmann. The following voted "Nay": None. 8- Ayes, 0 Nays, motion carried.
Information such as Purpose and Action Requested, Background/Discussion, Budget/Fiscal Impact, Recommended Action and a Staff Contact as it relates to the Omnibus items can be found on the agenda.
Item # 4 Removed: Approval to Establish an Account with Amazon Business
Assistant Finance Director Diane Hall reported on the current practices, levels of authority, credit limits and advantages of using Amazon. The City Council had discussion on how this new program will work, internal controls, tax exemption, and shopping local. Police Chief Karl Walldorfgave an example of how Amazon Business has saved the Police Department money.
Mayor Lansing asked if there was anyone from the public who wanted to comment. Seeing none, he asked for a motion.
Alderman Moreno made a motion to approve item # 4 removed from the Omnibus, Approval to Establish an Account with Amazon Business, seconded by Alderman Morris. The following voted "Aye": Aldermen Beidler, Morris, Newman, Rummel, Tack, Reisenberg, Morenoand Buschmann. The following voted "Nay" None. 8- Ayes, 0 Nays, motion carried.
Ordinances:
1. Approval of an Ordinance amending City Code Section 38. 37 Relating to Purchasing (Waive First Reading and Grant Final Approval)
Elizabeth Holleb, Finance Director reported based on direction of the City Council Finance Committee on April 16, 2018, a minor revision is required to be consistent with the City's Purchasing Policies and Procedures. The proposed Ordinance amending City Code is related to the authority to approve other purchases and contracts. Ms. Holleb also stated that all will be reported and approved by the Finance Committee Chair.
Mayor Lansing asked if there was anyone from the public who wanted to comment. Seeing none, he asked for a motion.
Council Action: If determined to be appropriate by the City Council, waive first reading and grant final approval of an Ordinance amending City Code relating to Purchasing (Ordinance can be found on page 91).
Alderman Morris made a motion waive first reading and grant final approval of an Ordinance amending City Code relating to Purchasing, seconded by Alderman Beidler. The following voted "Aye": Aldermen Beidler, Morris, Newman, Rummel, Tack, Reisenberg, Moreno and Buschmann. The following voted "Nay": None. 8- Ayes, 0 Nays, motion carried.
New Business
Additional Items For Council Discussion:
1. Presentation of Fabulous Gifts and Prizes
-Robert Kiely, City Manager
Robert Kiely, City Manager, presented Alderman Tack with a certificate for a tree to be planted in his honor and personalized City street sign. Public Works Director Michael Thomas also presented a sign.
2. Final words for departing Aldermen Tack from the remaining Council Members
Each Alderman expressed sincere gratitude for the service of retiring Alderman Tack, saying a few words regarding his service to the City.
3. Final comments from Alderman Tack
Alderman Tack made closing remarks to the Council, Residents and Staff about his following in his father's footsteps as a public servant and his tenure on the City Council.
Adjournment:
There being no further business Mayor Lansing asked for a motion. Alderman Tack made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Alderman Buschmann. Motion carried unanimously by voice vote at 8:30 pm
https://www.cityoflakeforest.com/assets/1/27/5-7-2018_City_Council_Minutes.pdf
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