City of Lake Forest City Council Met May 17.
Here are the minutes provided by the council:
CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL: Honorable Mayor Pandaleon called the meeting to order at 6:30pm, and the City Clerk Margaret Boyer called the roll of Council members.
Present: Honorable Mayor Pandaleon, Alderman Morris, Alderman Karras, Alderman Rummel, Alderman Notz, Alderman Goshgarian, Alderman Buschmann and Alderman Weber.
Absent: Alderman Preschlack
CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE was recited.
REPORTS OF CITY OFFICERS
| COMMENTS BY MAYOR |
A. Approval of a Resolution of Sympathy for Former Alderman, Roger Mohr
Mayor Pandaleon read the resolution of sympathy for former Alderman Roger Mohr. Mayor Pandaleon remarked how Roger was very passionate about his work, and was dedicated to the success of the City.
COUNCIL ACTION: Approval of a Resolution of Sympathy for Former Alderman, Roger Mohr
Alderman Goshgarian made a motion to approve of the Resolution of Sympathy for Former Alderman, Roger Mohr, seconded by Alderman Weber. The following voted “Aye”: Alderman Morris, Karras, Rummel, Notz, Goshgarian, Buschmann and Weber. The following voted “Nay”: None. 7-Ayes, 0 Nays, motion carried.
The City Council shared comments stating their sympathy for the Mohr family.
B. Swearing in Firefighter Paramedic, Samantha Hiller
Fire Chief, Pete Siebert displayed a brief video showing the swearing in of Firefighter Paramedic, Samantha Hiller.
The City Council congratulated and welcomed the new member to the Lake Forest Fire Department. C. 2021-2022 Board and Commission Appointments and Reappointments
CEMETERY
| NAME OF MEMBER | APPOINT/REAPPOINT | WARD |
| John Anderson | APPOINT AS CHAIR | 2 |
| Robert Wayne | APPOINT | 3 |
| Lowell Dixon | APPOINT | 1 |
| NAME OF MEMBER | APPOINT/REAPPOINT | WARD |
| Steve Lamontagne | REAPPOINT | 2 |
| Janet Gibson | REAPPOINT | 3 |
| NAME OF MEMBER | APPOINT/REAPPOINT | WARD |
| Joe Waldeck | APPOINT AS CHAIR | 1 |
| Paul Sundberg | APPOINT | 3 |
| David Michael | REAPPOINT | 2 |
| Elizabeth "Joy" Guscott-Mueller | REAPPOINT | 3 |
| NAME OF MEMBER | APPOINT/REAPPOINT | WARD |
| Jim Clifton | APPOINT | 1 |
| Sue Shattock | APPOINT | 1 |
| Heather Strong | APPOINT | 1 |
| NAME OF MEMBER | APPOINT/REAPPOINT | WARD |
| Kevin Carden | APPOINT | 1 |
| Patrick Marshall | APPOINT | 3 |
| NAME OF MEMBER | APPOINT/REAPPOINT | WARD |
| James Moorhead | REAPPOINT | 1 |
| Stephen Douglas | REAPPOINT | 1 |
| NAME OF MEMBER | APPOINT/REAPPOINT | WARD |
| Laurie Rose | REAPPOINT | 4 |
| Lisa Nehring | REAPPOINT | 3 |
| James Moorhead | REAPPOINT | 1 |
| NAME OF MEMBER | APPOINT/REAPPOINT | WARD |
| Fred Montgomery | APPOINT | 3 |
| Ed Richardson | REAPPOINT | LB |
| NAME OF MEMBER | APPOINT/REAPPOINT | WARD |
| Nancy Taubensee | APPOINT | 3 |
| Richard Price | APPOINT | 1 |
| NAME OF MEMBER | APPOINT/REAPPOINT | WARD |
| Don Schoenheider | APPOINT AS CHAIR | 3 |
| Charles King | REAPPOINT | 2 |
Alderman Goshgarian made a motion to approve the Mayor's Appointments and Reappointments, seconded by Alderman Rummel. The following voted “Aye”: Alderman Morris, Karras, Rummel, Notz, Goshgarian, Buschmann and Weber. The following voted “Nay”: None. 7-Ayes, 0 Nays, motion carried.
Mayor Pandaleon made a brief statement regarding the COVID-19 vaccine pop-up clinic hosted by the City and community volunteers. He explained the group that received their second vaccine, and the 12-15 years olds that received their first dose at this clinic. The Mayor and City Council thanked all of the City staff members that organized the event.
| COMMENTS BY CITY MANAGER |
- Annual Emerging Artists Award
- Cecilia Lannon, Executive Director, Deer Path Art League
City Manager, Jason Wicha introduced Cecilia Lannon, Executive Director of the Deer Path Art League, to present the emerging artist awards. Ms. Lannon explained how the organization displayed all of the artwork
in different storefront windows throughout the City. Additionally, she recognized all of the participating schools and the winners from each school.
B. CROYA’s 40th +1 Anniversary Festival
- Todd Nahigian, CROYA Manager
City Manager, Jason Wicha introduced Todd Nahigian, CROYA Manager, to brief the City Council on the CROYA 40th + 1 Anniversary Festival. Mr. Nahigian discussed what will be offered at the event, taking place on Saturday, June 6, from 5 p.m. – 9 p.m. He explained the bands that would be playing, and that food would be available for attendees. Those interested could RSVP at CROYA.com through the Eventbrite link.
The City Council asked clarifying questions regarding the logistics of the event.
| OPPORTUNITY FOR CITIZENS TO ADDRESS THE CITY COUNCIL ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS |
| COMMITTEE REPORTS |
1. Report on the Local Government Distributive Fund (LGDF)
- Finance Committee Chairman, Jed Morris
Finance Director, Elizabeth Holleb made a brief presentation regarding the Local Government Distributive Fund. She explained the State of Illinois has adjusted LGDF formulas that were in place from 1969-2010 to ensure local governments do not benefit from increased income tax rates. Ms. Holleb provided additional background beginning in 2011 explaining the increase in the changes for individuals and corporations. Ms. Holleb further explained the change in the LGDF rate, providing information regarding the State of Illinois’ fiscal year and the modified rate. Ms. Holleb stated the proposed resolution is included in the omnibus agenda, joint efforts of the Northwest Municipal Conference, Illinois Municipal League and local governments across the state in urging the State of Illinois to restore the original LGDF formula.
The City Council asked clarifying questions regarding the revenue generated from the LGDF. PROPERTY AND PUBLIC LANDS COMMITTEE
1. Report on a License Agreement Extension with Music Institute of Chicago
- PPL Chairman, Ara Goshgarian
Alderman Goshgarian gave a brief report regarding the Music Institute of Chicago, stating that their license was set to expire on June 15. The PPL Committee is bringing forward a recommendation to extend the license agreement by five years. In addition, the only other change to the agreement includes an annual escalator provision, which allows the City to adjust the License fee in accordance with the Consumer Price Index (CPI).
The City Council discussed the escalator provision included in the lease.
2. Report on Dissolution of the Elawa Farm Commission as a result of a Lease Agreement
- PPL Chairman, Ara Goshgarian
Alderman Goshgarian provided a brief update, regarding the lease agreement between the City and Elawa Farm. He explained the historic context between the City and the Elawa Farm Foundation as to how the previous lease agreement impacted both entities. Alderman Goshgarian summarized the changes as to why the dissolution of the Elawa Farm Commission would benefit both the City and Elawa Farm. The lease agreement still requires the foundation to submit annual financial reports to the City.
The City Council thanked the members of the Elawa Farm Commission and all those involved in making the Elawa Farm lease agreement a success.
| ITEMS FOR OMNIBUS VOTE CONSIDERATION |
2. Approval of May 3, 2021, City Council Meeting Minutes
3. Approval of a Resolution of Appreciation for Retiring Members of Boards and Commissions as follows:
| BOARD, COMMISSION OR COMMITTEE | NAME OF MEMBERS(S) |
| CEMETERY | Dennis O’Brien, Chair and David Hooke |
| LEGAL | Dale Tauke, Chair |
| LIBRARY | Carrie Travers, Wendy Darling and David Rose |
| PARKS & RECREATION BOARD | Shannon Maguire, Melanie Walsh and Jarod Rhoads |
| SENIOR RESOURCE COMMISSION | Thomas Sullivan |
| BOARD OF POLICE AND FIRE COMMISSIONERS | Greg Nikitas and Steve Kernahan |
5. Approval to Authorize the City Manager to enter into an Agreement with William Schelhas Media Services, LLC In an Amount not to exceed $30,075 for Professional Services Related to the Operation of the City’s Public, Educational and Government Access Cable Television Services.
6. Approval of an Expense in an Amount not to exceed $36,500 to Lake County Press to Provide Professional Printing Services of the City Dialogue Community-Wide Newsletter for FY2022.
7. Approval of a Second Amendment to the License Agreement Between the City of Lake Forest and the Music Institute of Chicago to occupy a portion of Volwiler Hall, located at 40 E. Old Mill Road
8. Approval of an Ordinance Amending Chapter 97, Sections 115 through 119 of the City of Lake Forest City Code to Dissolve the Elawa Farm Commission
9. Consideration of a Recommendation from the Housing Trust Fund Board in Support of an Amendment to Section 39.159(N) of the City of Lake Forest Code to Update and Clarify Language Relating to an Exemption from Obtaining a Transfer Stamp for Designated Affordable Housing Units (Waive first reading and grant final approval of an Ordinance.)
10. Consideration of Ordinances Approving Recommendations from the Historic Preservation Commission. (First Reading and if Desired by the City Council, Final Approval)
11. Consideration of Ordinances Approving Recommendations from the Zoning Board of Appeals. (First Reading, and if Desired by the City Council, Final Approval)
COUNCIL ACTION: Approval of the eleven (11) Omnibus items as presented
The City Council had an additional discussion on item #6
Mayor Pandaleon asked members of the Council if they would like to remove any item or take it separately. Seeing none, he asked for a motion.
Alderman Weber made a motion to approve the eleven (11) Omnibus items as presented, seconded by Alderman Notz. The following voted “Aye”: Alderman Karras, Rummel, Notz, Preschlack, Goshgarian, Buschmann and Weber. The following voted “Nay”: None. 6-Ayes, 0 Nays, motion carried. Alderman Morris had to leave the meeting.
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 |
| OLD BUSINESS |
| NEW BUSINESS |
Cathy Czerniak, Director of Community Development made a brief presentation regarding the Sloan resubdivision. She gave an extensive history of the property including the lot size, its location, and its historic use. Additionally, she explained the purpose of the resubdivision is to reconfigure two existing lots to incorporate an additional parcel of land that was acquired by the petitioner several decades ago and to properly align access and utility easements. No additional lots are proposed as part of the proposed resubdivision.
COUNCIL ACTION: If determined to be appropriate by the City Council, approve the Sloan Resubdivision plat by motion as recommended by the Plan Commission.
Alderman Rummel made a motion to approve the Sloan Resubdivision plat by motion as recommended by the Plan Commission, seconded by Alderman Goshgarian. The following voted “Aye”: Alderman Karras, Rummel, Notz, Preschlack, Goshgarian, Buschmann and Weber. The following voted “Nay”: None. 6-Ayes, 0 Nays, motion carried. Alderman Morris had to leave the meeting.
2. Discussion and Direction on Whether to Establish Regulations, Requirements or Parameters Authorizing Food Trucks in Some Capacity in the City. (No Action Requested – Discussion and Direction Only)
Cathy Czerniak, Director of Community Development presented information regarding establishing regulations, to authorize food trucks within City limits. As a follow-up to interest expressed by some in allowing food trucks in Lake Forest in some capacity, Ms. Czerniak provided the background of the City’s current processes, as well as how other communities, and the County regulates food trucks. Preliminary information is provided to facilitate a high level discussion by the Council on whether there is interest in having the City staff and City Attorney pursue this topic further. Ms. Czerniak explained as an initial step, City staff has been in communication with colleagues in other communities on this issue and has received input from some local restauranteurs as well as some local organizations that host community events.
City Council members provided lengthy responses regarding their thoughts on the matter. COUNCIL ACTION: Provide high level direction to staff and the City Attorney regarding food trucks
Mayor Pandaleon summarized the thoughts of the Council, providing direction to staff to conduct further research into potential regulations, to allow food trucks within the City, and asked staff to bring it to the next City Council meeting.
| ADDITIONAL ITEMS FOR COUNCIL DISCUSSION/COMMENTS BY COUNCIL MEMBERS |
| ADJOURNMENT |
Alerts Sign-up