Gurnee Village Board met August 6.
Here is the minutes provided by the board:
Call to Order:
Mayor Kovarik called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
Other Officials in Attendance:
Patrick Muetz, Village Administrator; David Ziegler, Assistant Village Administrator/Community Development Director; Bryan Winter, Village Attorney; Brian Gosnell, Finance Director; Ellen Dean, Economic Development Director; John Kavanagh, Fire Chief; Kevin Woodside, Police Chief; Brian Smith, Deputy Police Chief; Scott Drabicki, Village Engineer; Jack Linehan, Assistant to the Administrator
Roll Call:
Present: 5- Balmes, Hood, Thorstenson, Jacobs, Ross
Absent: 1- Garner
Pledge of Allegiance:
Mayor Kovarik led the Pledge of Allegiance.
A. Public Comment
Don Schweer 16746 Thoroughbred Dr. Old Mill Creek
Mr. Schweer asked the Board to consider making improvements such as plants, trees, and wrought iron lighting to Grand Avenue west of I94. He stated these improvements would beautify the entry way into Gurnee. The Mayor clarified stating the Village would have to coordinate with the State regarding improvements along with considering the Village budget. She asked Mr. Schweer to put his request in writing and staff would place it under consideration.
B. Approval Of Consent Agenda
It was moved by Trustee Balmes, seconded by Trustee Jacobs to approve the Consent Agenda as presented.
Roll call,
Aye: 5- Balmes, Hood, Thorstenson, Jacobs, Ross,
Nay: 0- None
Absent: 1- Garner
Motion Carried.
C. Consent Agenda/ Omnibus Vote
The Village Administrator read the Consent Agenda for an omnibus vote as read.
1. Approval of the minutes from the July 16, 2018 Village Board meeting.
2. Approval of Ord. 2018-58 approving a Plat of Easement which grants a Utility Easement to the Village of Gurnee at 6210 Grand Avenue.
3. Approval of Ord. 2018-59 approving Plats which Vacate and Dedicate Easements on the Serbian Orthodox Monastery of St. Sava at 32413 N IL Rte. 21.
4. Approval of purchasing one-year of Cisco SMARTnet maintenance services from the State of Illinois contract holder CDWG in the amount of $49,575.70.
5. Approval of Professional Services Contract with Infraland Consulting, LLC for design services related to the FY 2020 Ferndale Street Watermain Replacement and Roadway Reconstruction Project in an amount not to exceed $32,000.00.
6. Approval of request to dispose of certain Police Department documents as authorized by the State of Illinois Local Records Commission.
7. Approval of a fireworks permit for Gurnee Days on August 11, 2018.
8. Approval of granting a Class 9 Liquor License and waiving the fee for the Gurnee Exchange Club for their Gurnee Days events on August 10 and 11, 2018.
9. Approval of Payroll for period ending July 20, 2018 in the amount of $831,927.72.
10. Approval of Bills for the period ending August 6, 2018 in the amount of $633,677.29.
It was moved by Trustee Ross, seconded by Trustee Jacobs to approve the Consent Agenda as presented.
Roll call,
Aye: 5- Balmes, Hood, Thorstenson, Jacobs, Ross,
Nay: 0- None
Absent: 1- Garner
Motion Carried.
D. Petitions And Communications
1. Approval of Proclamation honoring Dan Kloczkowski for being selected the 2018 Gurnee Days Honoree.
Mayor Kovarik read the Proclamation into record.
It was moved by Trustee Thorstenson, seconded by Trustee Ross to approve a Proclamation honoring Dan Kloczkowski for being selected the 2018 Gurnee Days Honoree.
Voice Vote: All Aye: Motion Carried.
2. Presentation of Gurnee Police Officer of the Year Award to Detective Brian Cary and Police Civilian of the Year Award to Communications Shift Leader Wendy Mann.
Chief Woodside along with Deputy Chief Smith presented and congratulated both Police Civilian of the Year recipient Detective Brian Cary and Police Civilian of the Year recipient Communication Shift Leader Wendy Mann for their outstanding service going above and beyond in their daily duties as employees of the Village of Gurnee.
3. Presentation of Gurnee Police Department Saved by the Belt Award to Khursheed Baig related to a motor vehicle accident on January 30, 2018.
Chief Woodside spoke of the importance seat belt safety and introduced and presented the Saved by the Belt Award to Khursheed Baig.
F. Old Business
None.
G. New Business
1. Approval of Ord. 2018-60 authorizing a Professional Service Agreement with Sports Facilities Advisory, LLC, to conducted a Feasibility Study and Economic Impact Analysis of a multi- sport facility.
Economic Development Director Ellen Dean gave a review stating that the Village budget and economy is highly dependent on user driven revenues such as sales taxes, food and beverage taxes, and hotel taxes and a need to keep Gurnee on the map with a variety of family friendly amenities. One avenue that hasn’t been fully explored is sport tourism. She further stated that Gurnee is well positioned to attract youth tournaments which would help round out the tourism season year round. She further stated that phase one is a feasibility study that will confirm if there is a market for a multi- sport facility in Gurnee. Staff is recommending a contract with Sports Facilities Advisory (SFA) / Sports Facilities Management (SFM) to evaluate the market potential for a tournament-quality sports facility that would be complementary to Gurnee’s other attractions.
Eric Sullivan, Partner, Sports Facilities Advisory addressed the Board and gave an overview of the company’s history and their approach to analyzing the market and right-size project for the Village. He stated the 10-12 week process will determine feasibility from a market, finance and fundraising, and local regional opportunity in Gurnee. Mr. Sullivan presented Feasibility Assessment Factors that include: Market Demographic/Socioeconomic Analysis; Sports, Fitness & Recreation Participation; Current Assets and Competition Analysis; Community Engagement & Stakeholder Interviews; Competitive Advantages of the Market & Operating Model and Industry Benchmarking. Mr. Sullivan concluded by stating that they look forward to working with the Village through this process and laying out a pathway that would be beneficial.
Questions/Comments
Trustee Thorstenson asked how many developments that fit successfully into the 35-45 acreage range has SFA worked with. Mr. Sullivan stated they have worked with several.
Walter Delaney President Lakers Hockey Club Lindenhurst, IL:
Mr. Delaney spoke of the shortage of ice rinks in the area, safety, practice time and stated that he’s in full support of a sports facility in the Village.
RJ White, President Vipers Pro Basketball Team:
Ms. White, along with Vipers’ Coach Washington stated they are in favor and welcome a facility. Ms. White is a Director with Nike and can bring various teams, including international teams to the Village to utilize a sports facility and the amenities the Village has to offer.
Terri Stanley, Parent WTHS Hockey Team:
Ms. Stanely, whose son plays hockey for Warren Township High School, made comments regarding the early morning and late night practices her son endures and her welcoming support for a sports facility.
Steve Dry, Director Falcons Youth Hockey Club:
Mr. Dry, Director of the Falcons Youth Hockey Club for kids with disabilities, said the group’s ice options are limited, and they’ve had to turn away youths who want to take advantage of the adaptive hockey program. He’s in favor of a sports facility.
Bob Diehl 341 Hickory Haven Dr. Gurnee, IL:
Mr. Diehl asked what the term, “acceptable parking” means. The Mayor clarified stating it means you have to have enough parking space for participants for any event in town based on square footage.
Mr. Diel asked if staff is considering any other companies to perform the feasibility study. The Mayor clarified stating that SFA rose to the top of possible candidates in that they recognize the value of tourism. She also stated that the $48,000 is a one-time fee and public meetings will be held to obtain resident input.
Jason Ori, President Chicago Young Americans Hockey Organization:
Mr. Ori, spoke in detail and gave a history of hockey and the explosion that has taken place with youth hockey since the Chicago Blackhawks won the Stanley Cup. He’s in favor of a sports facility.
The Mayor concluded by stating that a multi-sports facility would add value to the Village and conducting a feasibility study would validate the reasoning and sustainability.
Andy Milowski 228 Hickory Haven Dr. Gurnee, IL:
Mr. Milowski stated that while he’s in favor of youth programs, he is very concerned about traffic, especially on Washington Street and the impact a sports facility would have to an already congested area.
The Mayor clarified stating that a traffic study would be completed.
After other resident questions/comments regarding Village properties, privately versus for-sale parcels, etc., it was moved by Trustee Jacobs, seconded by Trustee Thorstenson to approve Ord. 2018-60 authorizing a Professional Service Agreement with Sports Facilities Advisory, LLC, to conducted a Feasibility Study and Economic Impact Analysis of a multi-sport facility.
Roll call,
Aye: 4- Balmes, Thorstenson, Jacobs, Ross,
Nay: 0- None
Absent: 1- Garner
Abstain: 1- Hood
Motion Carried
1. Approval of Ord. 2018-61 approving the terms of an Intergovernmental Agreement for Woodland School District #50 School Resource Officer.
Village Administrator Muetz gave a review stating that via contractual agreements the Village provides School Resource Officers to each of our three school districts. The three year agreement is up for renewal with the same terms as before, District #50 is responsible for 50% of the cost, this includes salary and benefits, health insurance, transportation costs when necessary, pension contributions and social security. Including. The District 50 Board approved this three year agreement at its June 28th meeting
It was moved by Trustee Jacobs, seconded by Trustee Ross to approve Ord. 2018-61 approving the terms of an Intergovernmental Agreement for Woodland School District #50 School Resource Officer.
Roll call,
Aye: 5- Balmes, Hood, Thorstenson, Jacobs, Ross,
Nay: 0- None
Absent: 1- Garner
Motion Carried.
2. Approval of Ord. 2018-62 approving an amended Mutual Aid Agreement for the Northern Illinois Police Alarm System (NIPAS).
Village Administrator Muetz gave a review stating that the Village has been a member of NIPAS since 1983. He further stated that from time to time the bylaws and member agreements are updated. The updates, both general and clarification in nature, have been reviewed and are acceptable by both Chief Woodside and Village Attorney Winter.
It was moved by Trustee Ross, seconded by Trustee Balmes to approve Ord. 2018-62 an amended Mutual Aid Agreement for the Northern Illinois Police Alarm System (NIPAS).
Roll call,
Aye: 5- Balmes, Hood, Thorstenson, Jacobs, Ross,
Nay: 0- None
Absent: 1- Garner
Motion Carried.
3. Approval of request from 1009 Vineyard Drive for relief from Gurnee Municipal Code Section 66-135 which limits residential driveway width to 24 feet at the right-of-way.
Village Administrator Muetz gave a reviewing stating that the property owner at 1009 Vineyard recently applied for a driveway permit to reconstruct their asphalt drive. Upon review, it was determined that the existing driveway does not meet current specifications in either the Gurnee Municipal code, or the Gurnee Zoning Code, as it related to the width of the driveway and it is believed that a final inspection of the driveway never took place when the home was built in 1995. The property owner is requesting relief from the Gurnee Municipal Code and would like to replace the driveway.
Trustee Ross asked if this situation is the same as the situation on Old Grand. Village Engineer Drabicki stated they are not similar. In this case the owner is requesting to replace a nonconforming driveway. He further stated if approved the property owner will need zoning approval as well.
Mr. Stantowski stated he has lived there 15 years and is not the original owner. He stated he simply wants to replace what is currently there.
Administrator Muetz and Attorney Winter clarified the request must be considered by the Village Board since it is a divergence from the Municipal Code.
Mr. Stantowski stated compiling with the Municipal Code will result in additional expenses for him.
Community Development Director Ziegler provided clarification on the zoning requirement approval needed along with the Municipal Code approval, stating the approval for consideration tonight is step one of a multi-step process.
Mayor Kovarik stated it may be nonconforming due to an oversight by the Village many years ago.
It was moved by Trustee Balmes, seconded by Trustee Jacobs to approve a request from 1009 Vineyard Drive for relief from Gurnee Municipal Code Section 66-135 which limits residential driveway width to 24 feet at the right-of-way.
Roll call,
Aye: 5- Balmes, Hood, Thorstenson, Jacobs, Ross
Nay: 0- None
Absent: 1- Garner
Motion Carried.
H. Public Comment
None.
I. Executive Session
The Village Attorney stated that tonight’s Executive Session will reference:
5 ILCS 120/2 (c) (21) Discussion of minutes of meetings lawfully closed under this Act, whether for purposes of approval by the body of the minutes or semi-annual review of the minutes as mandated by Section 2.06.
It was moved by Trustee Balmes, seconded by Trustee Jacobs to adjourn the meeting into Executive Session.
Voice Vote: All Aye: Motion Carried.
Adjournment to Executive Session:
Mayor Kovarik adjourned the meeting into Executive Session at 8:20 p.m.
Recall to Order: Mayor Kovarik recalled the meeting to order at 8:30 p.m.
Roll call,
Aye: 5- Balmes, Hood, Thorstenson, Jacobs, Ross,
Nay: 0- None
Absent: 1- Garner
Motion Carried.
Closing Comments: None.
Adjournment: It was moved by Trustee Balmes, seconded by Trustee Jacobs to adjourn the meeting at 8:35 p.m.
Voice Vote: All Aye: Motion Carried.
Mayor Kovarik adjourned the meeting at 8:35 p.m.
https://www.gurnee.il.us/docs/default-source/meetings/village-board/minutes/2018/2018-08-06_vb_minutes.pdf?sfvrsn=2
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