City of Lake Forest City Council met Nov. 4.
Here is the minutes provided by the council:
CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL: Honorable Mayor Pandaleon called the meeting to order at 6:56pm, and the City Clerk Margaret Boyer called the roll of Council members.
Present: Honorable Mayor Pandaleon, Alderman Beidler, Alderman Morris, Alderman Newman, Alderman Rummel, Alderman Preschlack, Alderman Goshgarian and Alderman Buschmann.
Absent: Alderman Moreno
CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE was recited by all those present in the Chambers.
REPORTS OF CITY OFFICERS
COMMENTS BY MAYOR
Mayor Pandaleon read a statement related to former City Manager Bob Kiely, noting that The City of Lake Forest did not seek action in this matter and will refrain from commenting on the topic.
Mayor Pandaleon introduced Lake Forest Caucus President Sheila Henretta. Ms. Henretta reported on the Caucus’s meeting, stating all registered Lake Forest voters are invited to vote on the slate of proposed candidates, keeping an effective, non-partisan government. Additionally this year there will be a Jr. Caucus report given by third graders at the Everett Elementary School.
A. Approval of the Deed of Gift of the Original 1857 Map of The City of Lake Forest to The Newberry Library in Chicago
Susan Banks, Communications Manager gave a brief overview of the background and history of the original surveyor’s map from 1857. Art Miller and Jim Optsitnik reported that in January 2019, it was determined by the History Center, the Preservation Foundation and City Staff and Attorney that The Newberry was the proper location for this map. Jim Optsitnik reported on the preservation efforts, options available for copies of the map in digital format and the significance of this map as it relates to Rail Road towns.
The City Council had lengthy discussion about where the best place for the map would be. After discussion staff was asked to look into the Lake County Museum as an option to gift the map.
Alderman Goshgarian made a motion to table this item to another City Council meeting, seconded by Alderman Beidler.
Mayor Pandaleon asked if there was anyone from the audience who would like to comment. Seeing none, he asked for a motion.
COUNCIL ACTION: Grant Approval of Deed of Gift of the Original 1857 Map of The City of Lake Forest to The Newberry Library in Chicago
COMMENTS BY CITY MANAGER
City Manager Jason Wicha introduced Sally Swarthout, Director of Parks and Recreation. Ms. Swarthout reported on the recent promotion of Tricia Schwall as Manager at Dickinson Hall.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
AUDIT COMMITTEE
A. Audit Committee Report-Fiscal Year 2019 Annual Financial Report
Audit Committee Chairman Vincent Sparrow, reported that the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report has been reviewed by the Audit Committee with Baker Tilly Virchow Krause, the City’s independent audit firm, and has been accepted by the Audit Committee. The City has received an unmodified opinion on its Fiscal Year 2019 financial statements.
The City has been awarded the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting from the Government Finance Officers Association for forty consecutive years. This year’s report will once again be submitted to GFOA for consideration of this award.
COUNCIL ACTION: Receipt of the audit report for the fiscal year ended April 30, 2019.
Alderman Morris made a motion to accept receipt of the audit report for the fiscal year ended April 30, 2019, seconded by Alderman Preschlack. The following voted “Aye”: Alderman Beidler, Morris, Notz, Rummel, Preschlack, Goshgarian and Buschmann. The following voted “Nay”: None. 7-Ayes, 0 Nays, motion carried.
FINANCE COMMITTEE
A. Determination of Non-Binding Estimate of the Amount of Revenue to be generated from Property Taxes for the 2019 Calendar Year in Accordance with the Truth in Taxation Statute and Establishment of a Public Hearing Date for the 2019 Tax Levy (if required)
Elizabeth Holleb, Finance Director reported that this item was discussed at the October 21, 2019 Finance Committee meeting. A discussion regarding the 2019 tax levy is scheduled for the November 12 Finance Committee budget workshop. The tax levy ordinance will be considered by the City Council on November 18 and again on December 2, 2019.
The 2019 property tax levy estimate, as considered by the Finance Committee on October 21, is as follows:
| Levy | 2018 Extended | 2019 Levy Estimate | % Increase (Decr.) |
| Aggregate Levy | $ 30,630,237 | $ 31,881,291 | 4.08% |
| Debt Service Levy | 1,669,665 | 1,901,820 | 13.90% |
| TOTAL LEVY | $ 32,299,902 | $ 33,783,111 | 4.59% |
• 1.90% overall increase in compliance with the tax cap applicable to 2019 levies under the Property Tax Extension Limitation Law (PTELL),
• an increase due to new construction as estimated by the Lake County Assessor’s Office (not yet available, so will be added at a later date),
• an increase in funding requirements for police and fire pension as established by a 4/30/19 independent actuarial valuation, and
• required debt service levy amounts as established by bond ordinances approved at the time of debt issuance.
Based on the preliminary estimate, a public hearing would not be required under the Truth in Taxation Act.
COUNCIL ACTION: Determination of an Estimate of the Amount of Revenue to be generated from Property Taxes for the 2019 Calendar Year and establishment of December 2, 2019 as a public hearing date (if required) in Accordance with the Truth in Taxation Statute.
Alderman Morris made a motion to accept pending approve the determination of an Estimate of the Amount of Revenue to be generated from Property Taxes for the 2019 Calendar Year and establishment of December 2, 2019 as a public hearing date (if required) in Accordance with the Truth in Taxation Statute, seconded by Alderman Goshgarian. The following voted “Aye”: Alderman Beidler, Morris, Notz, Rummel, Preschlack, Goshgarian and Buschmann. The following voted “Nay”: None. 7-Ayes, 0 Nays, motion carried.
OPPORTUNITY FOR CITIZENS TO ADDRESS THE CITY COUNCIL ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS
ITEMS FOR OMNIBUS VOTE CONSIDERATION
1. Approval of the October 21, 2019 City Council Meeting Minutes
2. Approval of the Check Register for September 21-October 25, 2019
3. Approval of an Amendment to the City Council Schedule of Regular Meetings Previously Adopted by the City Council for the Year 2020
4. Approval of a Proclamation Honoring National Indian Heritage Month
5. Approval of Health Insurance Contract Renewals and Authorization for the City Manager to Execute Contracts Related to the Renewals
6. Award of Bid for the Mayflower Ravine Repair to North Shore Boring in the amount of $34,710.00 and Kinnucan Tree Experts in the amount of $45,434.16 for the Combined Project Amount of $80,144.16
7. Authorization to Dispose of City Property; Sale of Existing 1991 Ladder Tower via Gov Deals to the Highest Bidder in the Amount of $32,500
8. Consideration of an Ordinance Approving a Recommendation from the Zoning Board of Appeals. (First Reading, and if Desired by the City Council, Final Approval)
9. Consideration of a Recommendation from the Plan Commission in Support of Final Approval of a Plat of Subdivision for Property Located at 279 Scott Street and 931 McKinley Road. (Approval by Motion)
COUNCIL ACTION: Approval of the nine (9) Omnibus items as presented
Mayor Pandaleon again asked members of the Council if they would like to remove any item or take it separately. Hearing none, Mayor Pandaleon asked for a motion to approve the nine (9) Omnibus items as presented.
Alderman Notz made a motion to approve the nine (9) Omnibus items as presented, seconded by Alderman Preschlack. The following voted “Aye”: Alderman Beidler, Morris, Notz, Rummel, Preschlack, Goshgarian and Buschmann. The following voted “Nay”: None. 7-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.
ORDINANCES
NEW BUSINESS
ADDITIONAL ITEMS FOR COUNCIL DISCUSSION/COMMENTS BY COUNCIL MEMBERS
1. EXECUTIVE SESSION pursuant to 5ILCS 120/2 (c) (11), The City Council will be discussing threatened or pending litigation and (1), The City Council will be discussing personnel.
Alderman Notz made a motion to adjourn into executive session pursuant to 5ILCS 120/2 (c) (11), The City Council will be discussing threatened or pending litigation and (1), The City Council will be discussing personnel, seconded by Alderman Preschlack. The following voted “Aye”: Alderman Beidler, Morris, Notz, Rummel, Preschlack, Goshgarian and Buschmann. The following voted “Nay”: None. 7-Ayes, 0 Nays, motion carried.
Adjournment into Executive Session at 7:08 pm Reconvene into Regular Session 9:51 pm
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business Mayor Pandaleon asked for a motion. Alderman Beidler made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Alderman Buschmann. Motion carried unanimously by voice vote at 9:52 pm.
https://www.cityoflakeforest.com/assets/1/27/09_11-4-2019_CC_Minutes.pdf
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