Lake County Gazette

Village of Cary Committee of the Whole met January 15. 

Here is the minutes as provided by the committee:

I. Call to Order 

      This meeting was called to order at 6:26 p.m. by Mayor Kownick.

II. Roll Call 

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

Absent:  Trustee Kraus

Others present included Village Administrator Rife, Police Chief Finlon, Public Works Director Morimoto, 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 

There being no comments from the public, Mayor Kownick closed Public Comments at 6:27 p.m.

V. Discussion Regarding Potential Turning Movement Restrictions on First Street at the Oak Knoll Early Childhood Center 

      Director Morimoto provided an overview of the potential turning movement restrictions on First Street at the Oak Knoll Early Childhood Center,

      Jill Carasso, 735 Crest Drive, stated she is not in favor of a proposed No Left Turn sign on First Street due to the increased traffic that will result on her street. Ms. Carasso states there is minimal traffic disruption during the drop off/pick up times on First Street and it does not warrant a change to the current traffic pattern. Ms. Carasso stated before traffic patterns are changed, Oak Knoll should address the issue of drop off procedures with the parents of students.

      Kasha Prantalos, 136 W. Margaret Terrace, stated she is opposed to the potential turning movement restrictions on First Street at Oak Knoll.

      Trustee Covelli asked if school personnel are assisting parents by directing them regarding proper drop off procedures. Director Morimoto stated school personnel are assisting parents once they have turned into the drop off area but did not observe personnel directing vehicles on First Street.

      Trustee McAlpine stated more information is needed from the school to determine if pick up / drop off information has been clearly conveyed to parents and whether the practices are being followed.

      Director Morimoto and Chief Finlon will continue discussions with District #26.

VII. Discussion Regarding Public Comment Policy 

      Administrator Rife provided background on previous public comment policy discussions.

      Trustee McAlpine stated it is important to let residents know what is expected when addressing the Board.

      Trustees Weinhammer, Covelli and Cosler support a 5 minutes speaking limit.

      Mayor Kownick, Trustees McAlpine and Betz support a 3 minute speaking limit with flexibility to allow additional time if needed.

      It was the consensus of the Committee of the Whole to forward on to the February 5, 2019 Village Board Meeting the consideration of a Village Public Comment Policy.

VII. Discussion Regarding Social Media 

      Administrator Rife and Director Morimoto provided an overview of different social media outreach options.

      Trustees Covelli, Cosler and Weinhammer support a Village presence on social media platforms such as Facebook

      Trustee McAlpine supports a social media presence but is concerned about staff time required to manage the interactive nature of social media platforms such as Facebook and Twitter. Trustee McAlpine prefers Village social media presence to be informational only.

      Trustee Betz supports an informational only social media presence rather than dedicating staff time and resources to monitoring and responding to comments.

      Mayor Kownick supports a social media presence such as Facebook but is aware of the time commitment it requires. Mayor Kownick stated many seniors do not utilize social media and is concerned about getting information to all Cary residents.

      Administrator Rife stated additional information will be gathered regarding social media.

VIII. Discussion Regarding a Potential Police Station/Village Hall Space Needs Analysis and Facility Evaluation Services 

      Director Morimoto provided an overview of the proposed needs analysis and facility evaluation.

      It was the consensus of the Committee of the Whole to move forward with a space needs analysis and facility evaluation regarding a potential Police Station / Village Hall space.

IX. Discussion on Parking in the Downtown Area by Residents in Multi-Tenant Buildings

      Chief Finion provided an overview of the issue of on-street parking in the downtown area by residents in multi-tenant buildings.

      It was the consensus of the Committee of the Whole for staff to notify the property owners that tenants will need to seek other arrangements for overnight parking.

X. Executive Session:   Litigation:    Pending or Imminent     5 ILCS 120/2(c)(11)

      Mayor Kownick stated Executive Session was canceled.

XI. Adjourn

      There being no further items to discuss, a MOTION was made to adjourn the meeting at 8:02 p.m.

      MOTION:   Trustee McAlpine 

      SECOND:  Trustee Weinhammer

      The Voice Vote noted all ayes and the motion carried.

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