Lake County Gazette

Village of Cary Committee of the Whole met May 15.

Here is the minutes provided by the Committee:

I.Call to Order

This meeting was called to order at 7:05 p.m. by Mayor Kownick.

II.Roll Call

Present: Mayor Kownick and Trustees Covelli, Weinhammer, Betz, Kraus, McAlpine and Cosler

Absent: None

Others present included Village Administrator Rife, Public Works Director Morimoto, Community Development Director Simmons, Police Chief Finlon, Finance Director DuCharme, Management Analyst Sage, Village Attorney Uhler and members of the audience per the sign-in sheet.

III. Pledge of Allegiance

Mayor Kownick led in the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance.

IV. Public Comments

Sean Wheeler, Adopt-A-Roadway Volunteer, stated he did not understand why the Village Board did not approve a recent Adopt-A-Roadway volunteer request. He stated other communities are supportive of these programs, and feels it is important for the Village to demonstrate environmental responsibility and to treat applicants equally.

There being no further comments from the public, Mayor Kownick closed Public Comments at 7:09 p.m.

V. Presentation from the Police Pension Fund

Discussion-

Board President Sgt. Winkelman and Board Member Chris Spoerl provided an overview of the Police Pension Fund.

VI. Public Hearing - Consider for Approval a Variance for an Off-Premise Residential Development Sign for the West Lake Residential Subdivision on the Property Located at 3118 Three Oaks Road

Discussion-

Director Simmons provided an overview of the proposed variance.

It was the consensus of the Committee of the whole to forward on to the Village Board's June 5, 2018 meeting for approval of a variance for an off-premise residential development sign for the West Lake residential subdivision on the property located at 3118 Three Oaks Road.

VII. Discussion on Feinberg Drive Monument Sign

Discussion-

Director Simmons provided an overview of the history related to the sign.

Trustee Cosler asked what the original intent for the monument sign was. Director Simmons stated the original intent was to provide visibility for the businesses on Feinberg Court.

Patsy Frits, owner of the right-of-way lease which expired on December 31, 2017, stated she wanted to work out a lease agreement with Galati's for the sign. Ms. Frits stated that Galati's indicated they were not interested in a lease agreement.

Sean McHugh of Galati's stated that the right-of-way lease agreement's First Amendment states that the business occupying the former Wool Street space shall be allowed to utilize the top two (2) tenant panels for their own purposes. Mr. McHugh stated Galati's feels all tenants of Feinberg Court who wish to advertise their businesses on the sign should be able to do so at no charge. Galati's stated they would cover the maintenance costs of such a sign. Galati's offered Ms. Frits $13,000 for the sign. Ms. Frits produced a counter-offer of $30,000. Mr. McHugh stated that Galati's would like to have the sign removed and replaced, at their expense, with another sign which they feel better represents the tenants of Feinberg Court.

Trustee Weinhammer asked about the size of the sign if all interested tenants of Feinberg Court were displayed. Director Simmons stated the individual signs would not be easily readable. The sign presently is the maximum size allowed by Village code and anything larger would require a variance.

Vince Galati stated negotiations with Ms. Frits have been going on for over 3 years and would like to settle the sign issue.

Ms. Frits stated she would accept $15,000 to sell the sign. Mr. McHugh and Mr. Galati stated this was acceptable if the tenant panels remain at the current sizes.

It was the consensus of the Committee of the Whole to finalize an agreement for the sale of the Feinberg Court monument sign.

VIII. Discussion on Solicitor Ordinance

Discussion-

Chief Finlon provided an overview of the proposed solicitor ordinance.

Trustee Weinhammer asked if it would be possible to change the solicitor hours end time to earlier than 8:00 p.m. Attorney Uhler stated changing the end time to earlier than 8:00 p.m. exposes the Village to First Amendment legal challenges based on case law involving other municipalities. Trustee Weinhammer stated she supported amending the end time to 7:00 p.m.

Trustees Covelli, Betz, Kraus, Cosler and McAlpine supported amending the end time to 7:00 p.m.

It was the consensus of the Committee of the Whole to forward on to the Village Board's June 5, 2018 Meeting for approval amending the Village's Solicitor Ordinance.

IX. Discussion on a Special Event Policy

Discussion-

Village Administrator Rife provided an overview of the Special Event Policy.

Trustee Covelli stated the Village should be reimbursed for costs associated with personnel and equipment utilized for special events. Trustee Covelli stated the Village's budget and Police Pension Fund status require additional revenue sources.

Trustee Cosler supported the reimbursement to the Village for special event costs.

Trustee McAlpine supported the Village hosting a meeting for groups to inform them of the potential costs involved because it might affect their ability to host them. Trustee McAlpine stated other communities contribute to special events from their budget. Trustee McAlpine stated that these community events are beneficial to both the Village and local businesses who participate.

Mayor Kownick stated he was concerned that several of the groups that currently host community events would not be able to continue due to the costs involved. Mayor Kownick stated he felt these community events help shape Cary's identity and benefits both the residents and the Village,

Trustee Covelli stated the supporters of organizations could increase their contributions or charge entry fees to help offset costs for groups that host community events. Trustee Covelli stated residents who do not attend the events should not have to financially support Village related costs.

Trustee Kraus supported having the Park District bear the costs for Village personnel and equipment at Park District events. Trustee Kraus stated he was concerned some of the groups would not be able to continue hosting community events due to the costs involved. Trustee Kraus added he believes the benefits of continuing these community events outweigh the costs involved.

Trustee Weinhammer stated other municipalities charge for costs incurred related to personnel and equipment and that it is appropriate for the Village do the same.

Lynn Caccavallo, Executive Director of the Cary Grove Chamber of Commerce, stated some events they currently host would no longer be able to continue should the Village require reimbursement for costs associated with the event.

Dave Miller stated that there are many individuals that cannot afford to pay additional or increased fees in order to attend community events. Mr. Miller stated keeping the events free is important to keep them open to all who would like to attend.

It was the consensus of the Committee of the whole to continue the Village's current practices regarding special events.

X. Executive Session: Personnel:

Appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance or dismissal of specific employees 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(1)

It was the consensus of the Committee of the Whole to reschedule Executive Session for the June 5, 2018 Committee of the Whole Meeting.

XI. Adjourn

There being no further items to discuss, a Motion was made to adjourn the meeting at 10:04 p.m.

Motion: Trustee McAlpine

Second: Trustee Kraus

The Voice Vote noted all ayes and the motion carried.

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