City of Lake Forest City Council met April 3.
Here are the minutes provided by the council:
CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL: Mayor Pandaleon called the meeting to order at 6:30p.m., and City Clerk Margaret Boyer called the roll of Council members.
Present: Alderman Morris, Alderman Novit, 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
Mayor Pandaleon acknowledged the recent passing of former Mayor Jim Swarthout, who contributed to the community in so many ways including acquisition of the Chicago Bears within Lake Forest, Deerpath Park, and the Recreation Center. He also noted that a formal resolution of sympathy will be heard at the next City Council meeting.
Mayor Pandaleon also reminded the public that City Hall is no longer open for voting, also noting that changes to voting locations can be found on the Lake County website.
Mayor Pandaleon shared the news that the proposed legislation changes regarding legal defendants for public comment has been passed in the Illinois House and is now onto the Senate, he congratulated the City Attorney.
A. Arbor Day Proclamation
Mayor Pandaleon read the Arbor Day Proclamation.
Mayor Pandaleon reported that the opening of the tenth new restaurant within Lake Forest in three years, Hometown Coffee and Juice. He then concluded his comments by noting omnibus item #3, proposing Lake Forest as an idle-free community, where he highlighted student submissions from an art contest held in March.
COMMENTS BY CITY MANAGER
A. Community Spotlight
- Lake Forest Library
- John Johnson, Lake Forest Library Board President
City Manager Jason Wicha introduced John Johnson to give a presentation on the Lake Forest Library. Mr. John Johnson provided background to the City Council, explaining the programs and milestones accomplished by the library which includes popular digital resources, special collections such as accessibility kits, and apps. Mr. Johnson also reported that the Dome Project will be completed in the summer, and future finances will focus on infrastructure and ADA accessibility. The ribbon cutting for the Dome Project will be on July 8. Mr. Johnson concluded his presentation by noting that the 125th Anniversary of the Library will include a family friendly celebration and a “Night at the Library” on November 3.
City Manager Jason Wicha then reminded all of the public that Ward meetings officially begin next week.
City Manager Wicha furthered his remarks by noting proposed EPA changes to federal drinking water regulations to six different PFA chemicals. Stating that it is currently under review, he stated that all historic drinking water sampling within Lake Forest continues to meet applicable state and federal regulations, including the proposed changes. He concluded his comments by noting that the city recently joined other north shore communities in filing a lawsuit against many PFA’s manufacturers, noting additional information on the City’s website.
OPPORTUNITY FOR CITIZENS TO ADDRESS THE CITY COUNCIL
Mary Matthews offered comments to the City Council, noting PFA health risks in relation to materials and chemicals utilized within the Deerpath Park Project.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
FINANCE COMMITTEE
1. Consideration of an Ordinance Authorizing the Issuance of General Obligation Bonds, Series 2023 (First Reading)
Mayor Pandaleon reminded the City Council that contracts have already been executed and construction has begun, noting that the issuance of bonds is related to whether to fund the project. Mayor Pandaleon then introduced Elizabeth Holleb, Finance Director.
Ms. Holleb reported to the Council that City staff has been working with Speer Financial and Bond Council, Chapman and Cutler LLP, on preparing for the bond sale occurring on April 17. She advised the Council that city staff has directed Speer Financial to generate the lowest possible bond issue that would generate a net $12 million after bond issuance costs. Ms. Holleb concluded by noting a meeting with Moody’s rating analysts on March 29, with a response expected on April 12.
The City Council had a discussion on environmental concerns, overbuilding, additional costs, and the potential use of the reserve fund balance.
Mayor Pandaleon asked if there was anyone from the public who would like to comment. Seeing none, he asked for a motion.
COUNCIL ACTION: Approval of first reading of the bond ordinance. An online bid will occur on Monday, April 17. At the April 17 City Council meeting, a final bond ordinance reflecting results of the bid auction will be presented for City Council consideration for second reading and granting of final approval.
Alderman Goshgarian made a motion to approve first reading of the bond ordinance authorizing the issuance of general obligation bonds, series 2023, noting that on April 17 staff will present City Council with a final bond ordinance reflecting results of the bid auction will be presented for City Council consideration for second reading and granting of final approval, seconded by Alderman Morris. The following voted “Aye”: Alderman Weber, Morris, Notz, and Goshgarian. The following voted “Nay”: Alderman Novit, Rummel, and Buschmann. 4-Ayes, 3-Nays. Members of the City Council had discussion with City Attorney Julie Tappendorf on when and whether the Mayor can offer a vote on this matter. Based on the Mayors choice, he chose to vote and Mayor Pandaleon voted “Aye” 5-Ayes, 3-Nays, motion carried.
PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE
1. Overview of Forest Park Bluff Slope Stabilization
- Byron Kutz, P.E., Superintendent of Engineering
Mayor Pandaleon introduced Michael Thomas, Director of Public Works, and Byron Kutz, Superintendent of Engineering, to give an overview of the Forest Park Bluff Slope Stabilization project. Mr. Thomas gave the City Council a detailed background of the project, noting a timeline with three bid opening periods, and the overall benefits associated with the project.
Byron Kutz, Superintendent of Engineering, provided the Council with mapping and cost explanations, noting the boardwalk design and a detailed explanation of funding sources and contractors. Mr. Kutz also reported that the anticipated construction start date is September 18 and is expected to be completed in March of 2024, with landscaping to follow.
The City Council had a discussion on sustainability elements within the projects, with city staff noting native planting that will increase bioswales and additional shrubbery planting. This item is part of the omnibus vote consideration.
ITEMS FOR OMNIBUS VOTE CONSIDERATION
1. Approval of March 20, 2023, City Council Meeting Minutes
2. Approval of the Check Register for the Period of February 25 – March 24, 2023
3. Approval of a Resolution declaring Lake Forest as an Idle Free Community
4. Approval of a Resolution Reallocating 2023 Volume Cap to the Village of Buffalo Grove, Illinois
5. Consideration of a Request to Waive the Fidelity Bond Requirement in Connection with Holding a Raffle in the City of Lake Forest for the Lake Forest Baseball Association and the Church of the Holy Spirit (Approval by Motion)
6. Authorize the City Manager to Execute a Two-Year Professional Services Agreement for City Engineering Services with Gewalt Hamilton Associates, Inc. in an Amount Not to Exceed $43,000 for FY2024 and $45,000 for FY2025, and for Permit Reviews when the Full Cost is Reimbursable by the Developer or Property Owner
7. Award of the Low Bid for the 2023 Sewer Lining Program to Hoerr Construction, Inc., and Authorize the City Manager to Execute an Agreement in the Amount Not to Exceed $108,000
8. Consideration to Approve Contracts and Bids for the Forest Park Bluff Slope Stabilization Project to include:
⮚ Approval of Construction Inspection and Bluff Monitoring Services for the Forest Park Bluff Slope Stabilization Project to Hey and Associates, Inc., in the Amount of $56,565, and Authorize the City Manager to Execute an Agreement with Two Additional One-Year Bluff Monitoring Renewals in the Amount of $11,565 Per Year; and
⮚ Award of the low bid for the Forest Park Bluff Slope Stabilization Project to John Keno & Company, Inc., and Authorize the City Manager to Execute an Agreement in the Amount of $5,097,174 and a 10% Construction Contingency in the Amount of $509,717.40, for a Total of $5,606,891.40; and
⮚ Award of the Low Bid for the Forest Park Bluff Sanitary Lining to Hoerr Construction, Inc., and Authorize the City Manager to Execute an Agreement in the Amount of $64,570 and a 10% Construction Contingency in the Amount of $6,457, for a Total of $71,027
9. Approval to Award a One-Year Contract for Recreation Department Program Bussing Services to Safeway.
10. Approval for an Advancement of Fiscal Year 2024 Capital Funding for the Installation of AquaFlex Water Play Surfacing on the Splashpad at Townline Park, to Landscape Structures, Inc., in the Amount of $56,000.
11. Approval to authorize the City Manager to enter into a contract with Mariani Landscape for Grounds Maintenance Services at Forest Park in the Parks FY2024 Budget, for an Amount Not to Exceed $53,517.07
12. Approval of the Annual Tree Purchasing for FY2024 for an Amount Not to Exceed $100,000.
13. Approval to authorize the City Manager to enter into a contract with Landscape Concepts Management for City-Wide Grounds Maintenance Services in the Parks FY2024 Budget, for an Amount Not to Exceed $181,402.
COUNCIL ACTION: Approval of the thirteen (13) Omnibus items as presented.
Mayor Pandaleon asked members of the City Council if there were any item that they would like to be removed or taken separately. Seeing none, he asked for a motion.
Alderman Weber made a motion to approve the thirteen (13) Omnibus items as presented, seconded by Alderman Rummel. The following voted “Aye”: Alderman Rummel, Novit, Notz, Preschlack, Goshgarian, Buschmann, and Weber. 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.
OLD BUSINESS
NEW BUSINESS
ADDITIONAL ITEMS FOR COUNCIL DISCUSSION/COMMENTS BY COUNCIL MEMBERS
Alderman Buschmann offered his resignation to Mayor Pandaleon and members of the City Council, noting an upcoming Ward relocation.
Final words for departing Council Member from remaining Council Members
Each Alderman, Mayor Pandaleon, and City Manager Wicha expressed sincere gratitude for the service of Alderman Buschmann.
Alderman Buschmann made closing remarks to the Council, residents and City Staff.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business Mayor Pandaleon asked for a motion. Alderman Buschmann made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Alderman Rummel. Motion carried unanimously by voice vote at 8:02p.m.
https://cms9files.revize.com/cityoflakeforestil/Document_center/Agendas%20and%20Minutes/City%20Council/2023/City-Council-Minutes-2023-4-3.pdf
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