Lake County Gazette

Village of Antioch Board of Trustees met Oct. 11

Here are the minutes provided by the board:

I. CALL TO ORDER 

Mayor Gartner called the October 11, 2023 regular meeting of the Board of Trustees to order at 6:32pm 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: Burman, Bluthardt, McNeill, Pierce, Macek and Pedersen. Also present were Mayor Gartner, Attorney Vasselli, Administrator Keim and Clerk Romine.

IV. Absent Trustees Wishing to Attend Remotely 

There were no Trustees attending remotely.

V. Mayoral Report – 

Fire Prevention Week – October 8-14; National Cyber Security Awareness Month - Mayor Gartner acknowledged the aforementioned recognitions.

BMX State Champions Liam and Mason King – Mayor Gartner recognized Liam and Mason who went to the state competition for bike racing in first place, and in winning the final race earned the title of State Champion.

Citizens Wishing to Address the Board 

Mr. Jay Jozwiak thanked the Village Board for the flower arrangement for his brother’s service. He discussed the tank renovations at the corner of Toft and Orchard, and said they will have a memorial there in 30 days, weather permitting. Trustee Pierce thanked the Veteran’s who worked on the renovation.

Mr. Jack Fields discussed the proposed Kia Dealership off of Brown Avenue where he resides. He understands the commitment of Mr. Scarpelli, and had specific issues he wanted to address. He discussed the condition of Brown Road, and asked the board to consider the entrance on Route 173 and Brown Avenue. He asked what will be in place to do the improvements in that area to minimize the impact to residents using that road, and he also asked the board to consider water retention from Menards and Walmart.

VI. Consent Agenda 

Trustee Pedersen moved, seconded by Trustee McNeill, to approve the following consent agenda items as presented:

1. Approval of the September 27, 2023 Regular Meeting Minutes as presented.

Trustee Burman discussed the residency requirements discussed at the last meeting, and requested the attorney research the state statute, and said that’s what she based her previous vote off of during that meeting.

Trustee Macek said he asked for an opinion on that item as well.

Mayor Gartner said that could be discussed later in this meeting, and the item being considered at this time is approval of the minutes.

Upon roll call, the vote was:

YES: 6: Burman, Bluthardt, McNeill, Pierce, Macek and Pedersen.

NO: 0. 

ABSENT: 0. 

THE MOTION CARRIED. 

VII. Regular Business 

2. Consideration and approval of payment of accounts payable as prepared by staff in the amount of $230,168.05 – Trustee Bluthardt moved, seconded by Trustee Burman, to approve payment of accounts payable in the amount of $230,168.05. Upon roll call, the vote was:

YES: 6: Burman, Bluthardt, McNeill, Pierce, Macek and Pedersen.

NO: 0. 

ABSENT: 0. 

THE MOTION CARRIED. 

3. Consideration and approval of a Resolution approving a Site Plan for a Kia Dealership for real property located at the Northwest corner of Route 173 and Brown Road, in the Village of Antioch, Illinois – Trustee Bluthardt moved, seconded by Trustee Pedersen, to approve Resolution No. 23-64 approving a site plan for a Kia Dealership for real property located at the Northwest Corner of Route 173 and Brown Road in the Village of Antioch, Illinois. Trustee Bluthardt asked to make sure Mr. Fields concerns are taken into consideration. Upon roll call, the vote was:

YES: 6: Burman, Bluthardt, McNeill, Pierce, Macek and Pedersen.

NO: 0. 

ABSENT: 0. 

THE MOTION CARRIED. 

4. Consideration and approval of a Resolution accepting the GASB 67 & 68 Actuarial Valuation for Fiscal Year ended April 30, 2023 and the Tax Levy Actuarial Valuation for Fiscal Year Ending April 30, 2023 for the Police Pension Fund – Trustee Pedersen moved, seconded by Trustee Burman, to approve Resolution No. 23-65 accepting the GASB 67&68 Actuarial Valuation for Fiscal Year ended April 30, 2023 and the Tax Levy Actuarial Valuation for Fiscal Year Ending April 30, 2024 for the Police Pension Fund.

Director Torres introduced Kevin Cavanaugh from Lauterbach & Amen who presented the reports for consideration. Mr. Cavanaugh discussed the prior, current and recommended valuations for the Police Pension Fund. He discussed unfunded liabilities, demographic changes, age and service distribution and the impacts of those on the fund. He addressed plan changes and the change in fair value of assets. He responded to Trustee Pierce’s question regarding benefits, explaining the benefits and refunds aspect of the pension, and contributions which fund throughout the active working career of the police officer. He discussed an overall change at the state level, requiring all pensions to transition to the consolidated investment pool. Mr. Cavanaugh said the Antioch Police Pension Fund is on the upper end of returns they are seeing statewide. He discussed the risk management of the fund, which is pushing toward a higher risk category, stating almost 11% of the money going out of the pension fund is going toward retirement benefits. Trustee Pierce asked why the recommended contribution isn’t higher due to a potential lower rate of return. Mr. Cavanaugh discussed expected rates of return, expectations of member contributions and retirements, and other variables taken into consideration. They are targeting 100% funding by the year 2040 as opposed to the state requirement of 90% funded.

Trustee Pierce said the board has an obligation to ensure police officers are funded and taken care of, and feels as though we are behind. He asked the board to think about what we could do to help make that 2040 goal.

Upon roll call, the vote was:

YES: 6: Burman, Bluthardt, McNeill, Pierce, Macek and Pedersen.

NO: 0. 

ABSENT: 0. 

THE MOTION CARRIED. 

5. Consideration and approval of a Resolution authorizing the Village Administrator to approve the purchase of an alternative café window for the Open Space Project at Depot & Main St in the amount of $26,616.45 – Trustee Pedersen moved, seconded by Trustee Bluthardt, to approve Resolution No. 23-66 authorizing the Village Administrator to approve the purchase of an alternative café window for the Open Space Project at Depot & Main St in the amount of $26,616.45. Upon roll call, the vote was:

YES: 4: Bluthardt, McNeill, Pedersen and Mayor Gartner.

NO: 3: Burman, Pierce and Macek.

ABSENT: 0. 

THE MOTION CARRIED. 

VIII. Administrator’s Report 

Administrator Keim reported on work across the street at the open space project and presented photos of the progress so far. He commented on the dewatering and filtration systems in place at the creek. He discussed the proposed changes coming, such as more foundation work, and additional contaminated soil removal. On the East side of Orchard, they are installing conduit to run utilities underground. Administrator Keim reported that the quiet zone has been suspended, and train horns will begin to sound until the North Avenue improvements by Lake County can be completed. Communications are prepared and a posting has gone out on social media.

He reported on the clarifier project, and stated that the concrete meets the design criteria and should be able to perform and do what it is intended to do. Administrator Keim discussed the ICSC conference in Chicago he recently attended, and the positive feedback received. He spoke about a meeting with School District 34 about the status and intent of the old school house building.

IX. Village Clerk’s Report 

Clerk Romine reported that Kelly Morris in the front office has a 5-year anniversary with the Village this month.

X. Department Reports: Community Development, Finance, Police 

Director Garrigan reported that staff continues to work with SB Friedman on a TIF Study for the Marketplace property. He discussed code enforcement, and said he will be bringing a proposed amendment to the Planning and Zoning Board related to flapper signs. The Historic Preservation Commission is working with Landmarks Illinois on a potential landmark designation for Downtown Antioch, which should help economic development. Staff is also working with Raymond Chevrolet, and invited Mr. Scarpelli to speak about electronic charging stations to be installed. Mr. Scarpelli said there will be 2 charging stations, and presented information on the charging stations being installed. Mayor Gartner discussed the need for a feasibility study as a result of speaking with a hotel group.

Director Torres said she is working on the audit draft, and is happy to report that the management letter will report the Village did not have any findings on the audit. She discussed upcoming GASB implementation, and said we are beginning the budget process, and a meeting is scheduled to discuss capital planning. She discussed the updated financial report, and reviewed and highlighted the information contained in that report. Trustee Macek asked how much money is granted through the bond proceeds, and how much is remaining. He asked if there was enough money to complete Grimm Road, Public Works, Village Hall and other projects. Director Torres said there will have to be decisions made on projects. Mayor Gartner clarified that the grant money didn’t come through, and the clerk has asked the board for their availability to have a meeting to discuss capital projects. Trustee Macek expressed concern with inactivity on the Pedersen property that was purchased for a park for Heron Harbor. He is also concerned about staying within the budget for the projects, and the priority of certain projects. Trustee Pierce commented on the open space development project and budget constraints.

Chief Guttschow discussed the Safe-T Act and updated mandates that force the department to make changes, stating the main obstacles are with outside agencies who still need to implement their changes. He discussed the workload assessment for the department and availability for proactive measures such as traffic enforcement and neighborhood patrols. With the three newest hires, the ratio for obligated/non-obligated time went from 20/80 to a 29/71 balance due to increased staffing. This brings levels closer to the desired ratio for workload balance. Chief Guttschow said he is working with the District 34 Superintendent on an IGA for a School Resource Officer, which will come to the board at an upcoming meeting. He added that they have received IDOT approval for the license plate reader cameras, and acknowledged Senator Mary Edly-Allen for her help accelerating the approval process. Shop with a Cop has been scheduled for December, with the official sponsor of Raymond Chevrolet. More details will be forthcoming closer to the event. They were able to expand the elderly services recently, and provided seminars to elderly residents, educating them on potential scams. Letters were sent to liquor license holders regarding sales to underage customers, in which they were advised of pending compliance checks and the results of non-compliance. Chief Guttschow said the Police Department will ensure compliance with registered sex offenders before trick-or-treat on Halloween, and plan to setup at Village Hall during the Treat the Streets event. The status of the ACHS Homecoming parade is expected to be decided by 9am due to impending weather. Finally, he discussed the emotional support dog which will be funded in part by the Lions Club. Mayor Gartner discussed the decision by the Lake County Sherrif to close their holding facilities to municipalities that do not have their own holding facilities. Trustee Macek discussed a potential agreement with a business owner to allow PD access to their security cameras.

XI. Trustee Reports – 

Trustee Burman asked the attorney to review the state residency requirements for members serving on a Village Commission. Attorney Vasselli discussed the Village ordinance related to the residency of commission members, as well as the state statute. He said Police Pension boards don’t have the residency requirement. He added that advisory bodies are officers of the Village, according to statute, and governed by the sections of the law. The board has the power to govern how its commissions operate. Additionally, he discussed laws concerning Planning and Zoning boards.

XII. ADJOURNMENT  

There being no further discussion, the Village Board of Trustees regular meeting adjourned at 8:22 pm.

https://www.antioch.il.gov/download/village_board/Minutes/2023/10-11-23-VB-Minutes.pdf