Village of Antioch Board of Trustees met Jan. 11.
Here are the minutes provided by the board:
I. CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Gartner called the January 11, 2023 regular meeting of the Board of Trustees to order at 6:32 pm at the Antioch Municipal Building located at 874 Main Street, Antioch, IL and via Zoom.
II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The Mayor and Board of Trustees led the Pledge of Allegiance.
III. ROLL CALL
Roll call indicated the following Trustees were present: Pierce, Macek, Pedersen, Bluthardt, Burman and Dominiak. Also present were Mayor Gartner, Attorney Kiernat and Clerk Romine. Administrator Keim was present via Zoom.
IV. Absent Trustees Wishing to Attend Remotely
There were no Trustees absent wishing to attend remotely.
V. Mayoral Report
Mayor Gartner recognized Law Enforcement Appreciation Day January 9 and the upcoming Martin Luther King Jr. Day Holiday.
1. Antioch Vikings Featherweight Cheer 1st place State Champions – Mayor Gartner recognized the Antioch Vikings Featherweight Cheer -1st Place State Champions with a score of 78.27. They had 2 first place wins, and a 2nd place win at competitions throughout season. The 5th grade team is led by Head Coach Amber Rank and Assistant Coach Heidi Helmkamp.
2. Antioch Vikings JV Cheer 2nd place State Champions – Mayor Gartner recognized the Antioch Vikings JV Cheer -2nd Place State Champions with a score of 79.87. They had 3 first place wins, and a 2nd place win at competitions throughout season. The 6th grade team is led by Head Coach Christina Barrera and Assistant Coach Nicole Skotnicki.
Mayor Gartner updated the board on the municipal bond recently acquired, which has accrued interest exceeding $240,000 at this time. He added that the closing on future Village Hall scheduled for January 19, 2023.
Citizens Wishing to Address the Board
Ms. Ainsley Wonderling, Antioch resident, discussed the proposed gazebo for the park, and believes it is completely inappropriate for the Village of Antioch. She doesn’t think a glass and iron structure follows the historic nature of the town. She discussed maintenance, and urged the board to look elsewhere for more plans.
VI. Consent Agenda
Trustee Bluthardt moved, seconded by Trustee Dominiak, to approve the following consent agenda items as presented:
1. Approval of the December 14, 2022 Public Hearing and Regular Meeting Minutes as presented.
Upon roll call, the vote was:
YES: 6: Pierce, Macek, Pedersen, Bluthardt, Burman and Dominiak.
NO: 0.
ABSENT: 0.
THE MOTION CARRIED.
VII. Regular Business
2. Consideration and approval to ratify payment of accounts payable as prepared by staff in the amount of $359,111.63 – Trustee Macek moved, seconded by Trustee Dominiak, to ratify payment of accounts payable in the amount of $359,111.63.
Upon roll call, the vote was:
YES: 6: Pierce, Macek, Pedersen, Bluthardt, Burman and Dominiak.
NO: 0.
ABSENT: 0.
THE MOTION CARRIED.
3. Consideration and approval of payment of accounts payable as prepared by staff in the amount of $116,717.69 – Trustee Macek moved, seconded by Trustee Pierce, to approve payment of accounts payable in the amount of $116,717.69.
Upon roll call, the vote was:
YES: 6: Pierce, Macek, Pedersen, Bluthardt, Burman and Dominiak.
NO: 0.
ABSENT: 0.
THE MOTION CARRIED.
4. Consideration and approval of a Resolution authorizing the Village Administrator to purchase a gazebo from Chicago Light Works for the Village Green project in the amount of $498,513.40 – Trustee Dominiak moved, seconded by Trustee Pedersen, to approve a Resolution authorizing the Village Administrator to purchase a gazebo from Chicago Light Works for the Village Green project in the amount of $498,513.40.
Mr. Kevin Clark, Lakota Group, reviewed the process for soliciting input for the downtown and park at the corner of Main and Orchard, including public engagement and the formation of a steering committee. He reviewed the options provided to both groups, and the selection of the proposed gazebo by a majority of those involved.
Administrator Keim provided information on the selection of the gazebo, and the impact it will have on the community. He feels strongly that this will set the tone for the community for years to come, and believes that this will set the standard to bring in investment, dining and people to the Village of Antioch. He thinks that this feature adds to the park in a big way, and this will be a centerpiece for not only the park, but for the entire community, and will draw people in for miles around.
Mayor Gartner discussed the process, and commented that this item was overwhelmingly chosen by the public and committees. He said there were no objections to the gazebo during previous discussions, and the initial cost when the design development was approved was $500,000. He also discussed the interest already gained by the bond money, and commented that the Administrator has always been fiscally responsible when it comes to Village spending.
Trustee Pierce said he wants to be bold and transformative and wants this to flow, but he cannot vote yes on something he hasn’t seen. He would like to see what our product will be for $500,000 including size and dimensions.
Trustee Macek said he would prefer dimensions and additional costs that may be incurred for the concrete. He added that the Village will need to get ionic atmosphere and that this will be a lightning rod. He also doesn’t feel that it fits into downtown Antioch.
Trustee Pedersen thinks the structure is quite lovely. She agrees that it’s a lot of money, but said this will be the showpiece for the center of town, so whatever is placed there has to be a statement. She said it doesn’t have to fit what we currently have, but this will enhance the historical buildings in downtown. She commented that a wooden structure would not last as long and would require maintenance. Overall she thinks it’s lovely.
Trustee Bluthardt commented that he distributed the proposed gazebo for comments, and received feedback that they do not feel it fits Antioch. He also solicited feedback from musicians who said that they would not like to perform under such a structure. He agrees to be bold and make the park a statement, but there are three large items in a row; concession, restroom and gazebo. He believes they all need to be cohesive and work together. Trustee Bluthardt added that he would not approve this high of a purchase without a final design on the project. He would like to see comparisons to the gazebo he distributed and would like to make sure the board agrees overall on the design.
Trustee Burman commented on how the manufacturing in Italy may affect the cost. She thought it gave a strong vibe of New Orleans and doesn’t feel that it fits in Antioch. She added that she cannot justify the price.
Trustee Dominiak commented that it’s beautiful. She said the difference between the picture presented, and the Village’s purchase option is that there will not be statues holding the lights in Antioch. Mr. Clark commented that the proposed Antioch gazebo will not have side railings, and it’s not raised. Trustee Dominiak thinks it should be elevated and thinks there should be more discussion about what the board thinks it should be. She recommended it be raised, and commented on maintenance. She asked when the drawings for the café will be completed so they could tie-in to each other. She said the gazebo is an important feature, but is not the only highlight of this park. Administrator Keim said Williams is finalizing the floor plan, and may be a few weeks away from having elevations or renderings for the other building.
Administrator Keim said he doesn’t view this as a danger, and said anything with a roofline or gutters will require maintenance. He was attracted to this because of the low maintenance and the elegant look.
Trustee Pierce said the rendering on the flat ground flows better and he would like to see the final design from Neri. He is concerned about the replacement of broken glass over the years.
Trustee Macek discussed the glass roof and potential issues.
Trustee Pedersen said she feels the gazebo should be elevated.
Trustee Bluthardt agrees on the elevation of the gazebo, and thinks we need to start with the basic plan and then determine numbers. He feels this is rushed, but will be worth the wait.
Trustee Burman agrees to slow this down a bit.
Trustee Dominiak agreed that the park is the attraction, and disagrees that glass will be problematic. She thinks it will be elegant, but would like it less ornamental.
Trustee Bluthardt moved, seconded by Trustee Pedersen to table Resolution No. 23-01 authorizing the Village Administrator to purchase a gazebo from Chicago Light Works for the Village Green project in the amount of $498,513.40.
Upon roll call, the vote was:
YES: 6: Pierce, Macek, Pedersen, Bluthardt, Burman and Dominiak.
NO: 0.
ABSENT: 0.
THE MOTION CARRIED.
5. Consideration and approval of a Resolution authorizing the Village Administrator to engage JJ Henderson and Sons, Inc. to perform Emergency Design Repair Work related to the Wastewater Treatment Plant East Clarifier – Director Heimbrodt provided an overview of the damage at the Wastewater Treatment Plant and the engagement of JJ Henderson. He commented that they did similar repairs in 2020, and hopes to have Strand, the Village and JJ Henderson finalize the drawings that will be used for the reconstruction and associated costs.
Trustee Dominiak moved, seconded by Trustee Pierce, to approve Resolution No. 23-02 authorizing the Village Administrator to engage JJ Henderson and Sons, Inc. to perform emergency design repair work related to the Wastewater Treatment Plant East Clarifier.
Trustee Pierce asked if there is an anticipated completion date. Director Heimbrodt responded that they will be improving the clarifier in order to avoid this issue in the future and hope this approval helps the project move forward with construction.
Upon roll call, the vote was:
YES: 6: Pierce, Macek, Pedersen, Bluthardt, Burman and Dominiak.
NO: 0.
ABSENT: 0.
THE MOTION CARRIED.
6. Consideration and approval of an Ordinance granting a Variance to increase the height of a sign at 309 E Route 173 – Trustee Bluthardt moved, seconded by Trustee Pedersen, to approve Ordinance No. 23-01-01 granting a variance to increase the height of a sign at 309 E Route 173, waiving the second reading.
Director Garrigan discussed the request and recommendation of the Planning and Zoning Board for a variance to the sign requirements. He added that the EMB sign is not being modified, and there are a number of signs with similar heights nearby.
Trustee Pierce commented on the sign ordinance and believes the board should follow the sign ordinance. He added that it is lower and sits down and thinks there is precedent, but the board should be clear that just because someone wants a variance doesn’t mean it will happen.
Trustee Macek commented that it is a safety issue and thinks it makes sense to bring the sign up.
Upon roll call, the vote was:
YES: 6: Pierce, Macek, Pedersen, Bluthardt, Burman and Dominiak.
NO: 0.
ABSENT: 0.
THE MOTION CARRIED.
VIII. Administrator’s Report
No report.
IX. Village Clerk’s Report
No report.
X. Trustee Reports
Trustee Dominiak asked the board to consider looking at the sign ordinance related to billboard signs and lighting. She recommended an amortization for the signs and their removal/compliance. She stated she is currently working with School District 34 on their strategic plan.
XI. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further discussion, the Village Board of Trustees regular meeting adjourned at 8:00 pm.
https://www.antioch.il.gov/download/village_board/Minutes/2023/01-11-23-VB-Minutes.pdf
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