Lake County Gazette

Village of Antioch Board of Trustees met Aug. 14

Here are the minutes provided by the board:

I. CALL TO ORDER

Mayor Gartner called the August 14, 2024 regular meeting of the Board of Trustees to order at 6:31 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: Burman, Bluthardt, McNeill, Pierce, Macek and Pedersen. Also present were Mayor Gartner, Administrator Guttschow, Attorney Vasselli and Clerk Romine.

IV. Absent Trustees Wishing to Attend Remotely

There were no Trustees wishing to attend remotely.

V. Mayoral Report

Oath of Office – Officer William Piper – Police Chief Guttschow introduced the newest member of the police force, William Piper.

Following his pin, placed by his mother, Clerk Romine administered the oath of office to Officer Piper.

Mayor Gartner discussed upcoming events including the Pennys Purpose Fundraiser, Chamber Golf outing and the Grand Opening of the Sequoit Creek Park on Saturday, August 17 at 11am.

Citizens Wishing to Address the Board

None.

VI. Consent Agenda

Trustee Bluthardt moved, seconded by Trustee Burman, to approve the following consent agenda items as presented:

1. Approval of a Resolution for a Special Event Liquor License for the Village of Antioch Fall Wine Walk to be held on September 21, 2024, waiving all fees - Resolution No. 24-63

2. Approval of a Resolution for a Special Event Liquor License for the Village of Antioch Small Town Smokeout to be held on September 7, 2024, waiving all fees - Resolution No. 24-64

3. Approval of a Resolution authorizing the annual ACHS Homecoming Parade to be held on Thursday, September 19, 2024 - Resolution No. 24-65

4. Approval of a Resolution authorizing the necessary expenses for the Mayor, Elected Officials, and Staff to attend the 2024 Illinois Municipal League Annual Conference – Resolution No. 24-66

5. Approval of a Resolution authorizing a Special Event Liquor License to Professional Beverage Service LLC for the Village of Antioch’s Sequoit Creek Park Grand Opening - Resolution No. 24-55

Upon roll call, the vote was:

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

NO: 0.

ABSENT: 0.

THE MOTION CARRIED.

APPROVED MINUTES

VII. Regular Business

6. Consideration and approval of payment of accounts payable as prepared by staff in the amount of $1,313,249.44 – Trustee McNeill moved, seconded by Trustee Burman, to approve payment of accounts payable in the amount of $1,313,249.44. Upon roll call, the vote was:

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

NO: 0.

ABSENT: 0.

THE MOTION CARRIED.

7. Consideration and approval of an Ordinance granting land use relief for the property located at 927 Carney Court, Antioch, Illinois (Special Use – Weightlifting Club) - Trustee Pedersen moved, seconded by Trustee Bluthardt, to approve Ordinance No. 24-08-49 granting land use relief for the property located at 927 Carney Court, Antioch, Illinois (Special Use – Weightlifting Club), waiving the second reading.

Upon roll call, the vote was:

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

NO: 0.

ABSENT: 0.

THE MOTION CARRIED.

8. Consideration and approval of a Resolution ratifying the renewal and extension of the Collective Bargaining Agreement with the Fraternal Order of Police – Trustee Macek moved, seconded by Trustee McNeill, to approve Resolution No. 24-67 ratifying the renewal and extension of the Collective Bargaining Agreement with the Fraternal Order of Police. Upon roll call, the vote was:

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

NO: 0.

ABSENT: 0.

THE MOTION CARRIED.

9. Consideration and approval of a Resolution accepting and awarding the bid for the 2024 Road Program to Payne & Dolan in the amount of $497,080.75 – Trustee Pedersen moved, seconded by Trustee Burman, to approve Resolution No. 24-68 accepting and awarding the bid for the 2024 Road Program to Payne & Dolan in the amount of $497,080.75.

Director Heimbrodt discussed the roads scheduled for 2024, including Bayshore, Vos Ct., Buena Terrace cul de sac, First St., Highland Ave., Maplewood Dr., Linden, Bridgewood, Elmwood, and Meadow ct.

Upon roll call, the vote was:

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

NO: 0.

ABSENT: 0.

THE MOTION CARRIED.

10. Consideration and approval of a Resolution authorizing and approving the demolition of a building owned by the Village of Antioch, Illinois (Abandoned Well House – 61 McMillen Road) – Trustee Bluthardt moved, seconded by Trustee McNeill, to approve Resolution No. 24-69 authorizing and approving the demolition of a building owned by the Village of Antioch, Illinois (Abandoned Well House – 61 McMillen Road).

Trustee Bluthardt asked if we are aware of any other abandoned facilities in town. Staff is not aware of any other abandoned facilities.

Upon roll call, the vote was:

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

NO: 0.

ABSENT: 0.

THE MOTION CARRIED.

11. Consideration and approval of a Resolution authorizing and approving an engagement agreement for the Village of Antioch, Illinois (Eminent Domain Services) – Trustee McNeill moved, seconded by Trustee Pierce, to approve Resolution No. 24-70 authorizing and approving an engagement agreement for the Village of Antioch, Illinois (Eminent Domain Services). Upon roll call, the vote was:

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

NO: 0.

ABSENT: 0.

THE MOTION CARRIED.

12. Consideration and approval of a Resolution to accept and award the bids for a sidewalk replacement along Main Street to Everlast Blacktop in the amount of $42,000 – Trustee McNeill moved, seconded by Trustee Burman, to approve Resolution No. 24-71 to accept and award the bids for a sidewalk replacement along Main Street to Everlast Blacktop in the amount of $42,000.

Trustee Macek asked if there were a guarantee or warranty in place. Director Garrigan responded that staff will discuss that with the vendor. Director Heimbrodt added that all are existing sidewalks in place for many years, which would address any sediment issues.

Upon roll call, the vote was:

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

NO: 0.

ABSENT: 0.

THE MOTION CARRIED.

VIII. Administrator’s Report

Administrator Guttschow discussed interviews for a Village Prosecutor over the past weeks. He said second interviews are currently being conducted, and they hope to have a recommendation for the Board at the next meeting. He discussed CenCom’s recent board meeting, and his recent attendance at the HOA meeting for Woods of Antioch, and their appreciation in bringing the project forward. At the next Board meeting, the architect and managers for the Village Hall and Public Works projects will be present to show progress on both facilities. He discussed new opportunities to meet with Administrators and Assistant Administrators in the region. Administrator Guttschow said he met with the Chamber of Commerce recently, and they plan to come forward with a request for a carnival at their event next year. He provided staffing updates, including parks, police and other pending positions. He reported that he hopes to come to the next  meeting with park rules for Sequoit Creek Park. Trustee Pierce asked if vaping was prohibited in parks, and asked the attorney to look at the ordinance to see if signage needs to be updated. Finally, Administrator Guttschow discussed the community input meeting held regarding Centennial Park. Trustee Bluthardt suggested a post be done prior to this weekend regarding skateboarding and biking at the park. Mayor Gartner added that the chosen vendor for the café building has been non-responsive since the approval by the Village Board and staff continues to reach out to them.

IX. Village Clerk’s Report

Clerk Romine announced that courtesy petition packets for the April 1, 2025 consolidated election will be available next week.

X. Trustee Reports

Trustee Pierce asked about procedures and processes for Trustees to approach questions and concerns of the staff. Attorney Vasselli commented that a department director receiving conflicting directives from Village Trustees could be problematic. Mayor Gartner said requests should go to Administrator Guttschow or Assistant Administrator Moran to help manage the workflow.

Trustee Macek read aloud the statement made by Trustee Macek regarding village events and information. Trustee Macek commented on the events and the generosity of sponsors. There were no objections from trustees to include the statement in the meeting minutes, which have been attached.

Trustee Macek requested a pay study be done. Mayor Gartner said a proposal from GovHR to do a study of 55 positions in the Village was received, and Administrator Guttschow and Assistant Administrator Moran were directed by the Mayor to conduct the study.

XI. Department Reports – Community Development, Finance, Police

Director Garrigan said new utilities will be placed along Brown road on Monday. Once new utility poles are installed, construction can begin, which is expected to last about 2 months. He said staff is working on a revised access point with the developer. Director Garrigan reported that he has been working with Lennar Homes on Phase 4 in the Clublands Subdivision, and potentially will see developer move dirt. He has been meeting with PM&L theater on a major façade grant, which is coming in for phase 2, after the initial phase 1 façade renovation was approved. He advised the Board that the concept for Carmax will be coming to the Board sometime in September. Staff is working closely with Code Enforcement Officer Madura, and making progress in the field. He feels that there is a new and positive approach to code enforcement. Director Garrigan announced that staff has scheduled a meeting next week with a developer on 3-4 outlots along Route 173. Mayor Gartner mentioned a revised façade grant program, with a 6-month window for a use it or lose it program will be coming to the Board. Director Garrigan said revised façade guidelines are ready, and will be presented at the next Committee of the Whole meeting for discussion. Mayor Gartner said Director Garrigan and the legal team have been working on timelines for the Clublands Clubhouse progress. Director Garrigan said he is working with the developer, and the pool must be completed by the end of the season. Finance Director Torres said the audit fieldwork begins on Monday, and the draft Police Pension actuary report is completed and will be emailed to the Board as soon as the final draft is completed. She reported that they finally completed and used the ARPA funds to close with the state. On Friday she will be sending the financial statements, and asked the Board to pay attention to the memo attached to those statements. She said the general fund is expected to have a surplus, and she would like to move the funds to the capital fund for use. Finance Director Torres said the East Business District has $3 million set aside for projects, and $1.1 million in the capital fund. She has set aside $2.5 million for long term projects in water fund. Finance Director Torres said it is sad to see long term employees leave the Village, and added that their department will be losing two employees who plan to retire in November and the spring. Mayor Gartner said the goal is to put money in reserves or capital reserves when there is a surplus. Administrator Guttschow said part of the funds in water and sewer are set aside for the Public Works facility. Trustee Pierce said the Board needs to discuss other water and sewer projects as well. Director Torres said they are almost just breaking even in water and sewer, and another rate study may be necessary.

Commander Smith discussed speeding concerns on Hillside and Bayshore and said they conducted enforcement operations in that area. After correcting some of the speed limit signs, the average speed was 20mph. He added that there were identified speeding issues on Hillside and Route 59, and the police department will conduct a vigorous and intense traffic enforcement detail in that area. He discussed accomplishments in rapid deployment with other agencies, a shooting investigation at Hillside and Harden, the School Resource Officers beginning next week, and the recent sentencing for the conviction related to the house party on Ida last year. Commander Smith said two additional staff will be attending the Staff and Command in the coming weeks, and an officer will be deployed for DNC which will be reimbursable by ILEAS.

Trustee Macek said the new park was also built by past administrations, and asked if previous elected officials were invited. Mayor Gartner said email invitations were sent to previous elected officials.

XII. EXECUTIVE SESSION – The Mayor and Board of Trustees did not go into executive session.

XIII. ADJOURNMENT

There being no further discussion, the Village Board of Trustees regular meeting adjourned at 7:25 pm.

https://www.antioch.il.gov/download/village_board/Minutes/2024/08-14-24-VB-Minutes.pdf