Lake County Gazette

City of Lake Forest City Council met Oct. 7

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL: Honorable Mayor Tack called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m., and City Clerk Margaret Boyer called the roll of Council members.

Present: Honorable Mayor Tack, Alderman Novit, Alderman Notz, Alderman Powers, Alderman Goshgarina, Alderman LeVert, and Alderman Weber.

Absent: Alderman Walther

CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE was recited by all.

REPORTS OF CITY OFFICERS

COMMENTS BY MAYOR

Mayor Tack asked Fire Chief Pete Siebert to introduce Eric Farr to the community. Mayor Tack administered the Oath of Office, and his family pinned him, and photos were taken.

A. Fire Department Promotion- Swear in Eric Farr, Battalion Chief

COMMENTS BY CITY MANAGER

City Manager Wicha reported that due to an unseen technical issue both Spotlights we will be rescheduled.

A. Community Spotlight

- Fill A Heart 4 Kids, Annie McAveeney, Founder and President

B. Department Spotlight- Communications and Community Engagement

- Dana Olson, Director

OPPORTUNITY FOR CITIZENS TO ADDRESS THE CITY COUNCIL

Janice Aull offered her opinion to the Council on grant writing for flooding related to the Foster Ave Ditch and communication issues with Sheilds Township.

Diane offered her opinion to the Council on Coffee with the Police, and Streets and Sanitation is quickly resolving an issue.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

ITEMS FOR OMNIBUS VOTE CONSIDERATION

1. Approval of the September 16, 2024, City Council Meeting Minutes

2. Approval of the Check Register for the Period of August 24 – September 27, 2024

3. Approval of a Three Year Renewal Agreement for Microsoft Enterprise Licensing with Dell Marketing L.P. Based on State of Illinois Contract

4. Approval to Purchase Upgraded Digital, Audio Visual System for City Council Chambers from CTI in the Amount of $203,667.

5. Approval of a Water Service Fee Waiver Adjustment to James Utts, 441 Thorne Lane for a Total Amount of $5,777.10 Per City Code 51.075

6. Consideration of Ordinances Approving Recommendations from the Building Review Board for 210 Majestic Oak Court and 230 Majestic Oak Court. (First Reading and if Desired by the City Council, Final Approval)

COUNCIL ACTION: Approve the six (6) omnibus items as presented

Mayor Tack asked the Council if there were any items to be removed or taken separately. Seeing none, he asked for a motion.

Alderman Weber made a motion to approve the six (6) Omnibus items as presented, seconded by Alderman Clemens. The following voted “Aye”: Alderman Novit, Clemens, Notz, Powers, Goshgarian, LeVert, 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, Council Action and a Staff Contact as it relates to the Omnibus items can be found on the agenda.

OLD BUSINESS

1. Consideration and Adoption of the 2025-2030 Strategic Plan

George Issakoo, Assistant City Manager gave an overview of the final Strategic Plan, he reviewed the process to date including extending the opportunity for public feedback. Mr. Issakoo noted that the Strategic Plan reaffirms the Mission, Vision and Values and Cornerstones of the previous plans, but based on the public feedback, offers newly created and refocused Focus Areas with fresh objectives for future planning and policy guidance. The new Focus Areas are as follows, Fiscal Stewardship, Infrastructure and City Facilities, Public Safety, Recreation and Community Well-Being, Community’s Visual Character and Development, Business and Economic Vitality and Community Engagement.

Lastly, he noted that as has been the practice for many years, the new Strategic Plan will guide policy and budget recommendations made by City Staff over the next five years. The new Focus Areas will respectively be tied to budget goals established by each department in the budget process. Also, during the annual budget process, an annual progress report will be provided to provide an update on the implementation status on various aspects of the plan

The City Council thanked all staff involved, and the community who provided feedback in developing the Strategic Plan.

Mayor Tack asked if there was anyone from the Public who would like to comment. Seeing none, he asked for a motion.

COUNCIL ACTION: Consider and Adopt the 2025-2030 Strategic Plan

Alderman Powers made a motion to approve and Adopt the 2025-2030 Strategic Plan, seconded by Alderman Notz. The following voted “Aye”: Alderman Novit, Clemens, Notz, Powers, Goshgarian, LeVert, and Weber. The following voted “Nay”: none. 7-Ayes, 0-Nays, motion carried.

NEW BUSINESS

ADDITIONAL ITEMS FOR COUNCIL DISCUSSION/COMMENTS BY COUNCIL MEMBERS

Alderman Weber reminded residents of Coffee in the Park for Fourth Ward will be Saturday at Everett Park.

Alderman Goshgarian comments on the Pathway Project, noting over 800 plantings done in house, thanking all staff under the direction of Micheal Thomas for a job done well. Additionally, he thanked Diana and David Moore for the generous donation showcasing the work of Public Private Partnerships within the City.

Mayor Tack noted there will be no further business following executive session, he then asked for a motion to adjourn into Executive Session pursuant to 5 ILCS 120/2 (c)(1),the City Council will be discussing specific personnel.

Alderman Novit made a motion to adjourn into executive session pursuant to 5 ILCS 120/2 (c)(1), The City Council will be discussing specific personnel, seconded by Alderman Goshgarian. The following voted “Aye”: Alderman Novit, Clemens, Waldeck, Notz, Powers, Preschlack, Goshgarian, and Weber. The following voted “Nay”: none. 7-Ayes, 0-Nays, motion carried.

1. EXECUTIVE SESSION

Adjournment into Executive Session 6:57 pm.

Reconvene into Regular Session 7:13 pm.

ADJOURNMENT

There being no further business Mayor Tack asked for a motion to adjourn. Alderman Weber made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Alderman Powers. The motion was carried unanimously by voice vote at 7:14 p.m. 

https://cms9files.revize.com/cityoflakeforestil/Document_center/Agendas%20and%20Minutes/City%20Council/00%202024/City-Council-Minutes-2024-10-07.pdf