Village of Antioch - Board Meeting Minutes

VILLAGE OF ANTIOCH

BOARD OF TRUSTEES, REGULAR MEETING
Municipal Building: 874 Main Street, Antioch, Illinois

March 17, 2003
7:30 p.m.

CALL TO ORDER	The regular meeting of the Board of Trustees was called to order by Mayor Maravelas at 7:30 p.m. in the Municipal Building: 874 Main Street, Antioch, IL.
ROLL CALL	Roll call indicated the following Trustees were present: Pierce, Caulfield, Foresta, Porch and Hanson. Also present was Mayor Maravelas, Attorney Long and Clerk Rowe. Absent: Trustee Larson.
MOMENT OF SILENCE	There was a moment of silence and support for the Troops in the Middle East.
MINUTES - 12/02/02	A motion was made by Trustee Pierce, seconded by Trustee Porch to approve the minutes from the December 2, 2002 special meeting as presented. On roll call the vote was: YES: 5; Pierce, Caulfield, Foresta, Porch and Hanson. NO: 0. ABSENT: 1; Larson. THE MOTION CARRIED.
CHARLES FAGAN	A motion was made by Trustee Pierce, seconded by Trustee Hanson to appoint Charles Fagan as Police Chief effective May 1, 2003 for a 4-year term. On roll call the vote was: YES: 5; Pierce, Caulfield, Foresta, Porch and Hanson. NO: 0. ABSENT: 1; Larson. THE MOTION CARRIED.
DUI AWARD PINS	Trustee Hanson introduced Mr. Ron Pavlock, IDOT Traffic Safety who presented DUI award pins and certificates to Sgt. James Ruth, and Officers William Splitt and Geoffrey Guttschow.
CLERK	Clerk Rowe reviewed the letter from Peter Adrian, Recycling coordinator thanking the village for agreeing to host a site for their fifth annual compost bin sale. The compost bin sale will be held at Antioch Metra Station on May 17, 2003 - 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
ADMINISTRATOR	Administrator Haley said that included in the agenda packet is an agreement for consulting services from David Taussig and Associates. This firm will act as Trustee for the money realized from the sale of bonds for special service areas number one and two, Neumann Homes project. The trustee will make the payouts to the contractor after the village has inspected the work and signed off on the pay request. The Village Attorney has reviewed the agreement and has approved the contents. This consultant firm fees will paid out of the proceeds of the bonds and not from the Village of Antioch. Administrator Haley said this firm has much experience with this type financing and he requested a motion authorizing the Mayor to sign the agreement. A motion was made by Trustee Pierce, seconded by Trustee Foresta to authorize the Mayor to sign the David Taussig and Associates agreement. On roll call the vote was: YES: 5; Pierce, Caulfield, Foresta, Porch and Hanson. NO: 0. ABSENT: 1; Larson. THE MOTION CARRIED. Administrator Haley reviewed the letter from Mr. Richard Maliszewski regarding the assistance with the treatment of weeds in Lake Tranquility. The Village has participated in this program last year. Mr. Maliszewski indicated in his letter the quote from Scientific Weed Control is $4,100.00 for this year’s treatment. If the village participates in sharing the cost, the cost to the village would be $2,050.00. Mayor Maravelas asked Finance Chair Trustee Caulfield for his opinion. Trustee Caulfield said that it’s a great idea that we contribute to keeping that lake, but since he a member of that association he won’t be voting. We have a history of participating in the program. Since Pedersen Park is bordered by the lake, a motion was made by Trustee Pierce, seconded by Trustee Porch to authorize the expenditure of $2,050.00 expenditure for treatment of weeds at Lake Tranquility. On roll call the vote was: YES: 4; Pierce, Foresta, Porch and Hanson. NO: 0. ABSTAIN: 1; Caulfield. ABSENT: 1; Larson. THE MOTION CARRIED.
CITIZENS	Eleanor Hauser, Lake Street resident, discussed the condition of the Lake Street between St. Peter’s Church and Tiffany Road. Lake Street carries a lot of pedestrian traffic and there is a dire need for sidewalks along the road. She went on to say the condition of the road is very bad and there is poor lighting. Mrs. Hauser said that she’s heard that there is a proposal for a senior building behind the Jewel, and if this is true, there will be more pedestrian traffic. Mayor Maravelas thanked Ms. Hauser for coming before the Board. He said, that he’s been looking at the Street Program proposal that is before the Board tonight, maybe we could add another street to the program. Mayor Maravelas will get back to Mrs. Hauser. Trustee Caulfield reminded the Board that Sam Lombardo presented a similar request a few months ago and at that time there was a recommendation to our staff to study that and see about accelerating that project. Jim Keim, staff engineer will provide more information during the 2003 Road Program report later on the agenda.
BILLBOARD MORATORIUM	Trustee Pierce discussed the billboard moratorium. He said that he believes that during discussions over the last couple of months, Trustee Foresta mentioned that he believed that at some point and time there was a billboard sign moratorium in progress. Trustee Pierce said that he didn’t find any reference to that and he would like the Board to authorize the Village Attorney to draft an ordinance, for at least 180 days, regarding a billboard sign moratorium, maybe for 12 months, while we review our billboard status in this community. A motion was made by Trustee Pierce, seconded by Trustee Foresta to authorize the Village Attorney to draft an ordinance regarding two180-day moratorium periods regarding billboard signs. An ordinance will be placed on the April 7 agenda for first reading. On roll call the vote was: YES: 5; Pierce, Caulfield, Foresta, Porch and Hanson. NO: 0. ABSENT: 1; Larson. THE MOTION CARRIED.
AUTHORIZE PAYMENT	A motion was made by Trustee Caulfield, seconded by Trustee Foresta to authorize payment of accounts payable as prepared by the Village Treasurer. On roll call the vote was: YES: 5; Pierce, Caulfield, Foresta, Porch and Hanson. NO: 0. ABSENT: 1; Larson. THE MOTION CARRIED.
MANUAL CHECKS	A motion was made by Trustee Caulfield, seconded by Trustee Porch to approve the manual checks written to date for the water and sewer, payroll, Dolly Spiering Fund, general and police pension fund accounts. On roll call the vote was: YES: 5; Pierce, Caulfield, Foresta, Porch and Hanson. NO: 0. ABSENT: 1; Larson. THE MOTION CARRIED.
JAN. FINANCIAL STMT.	A motion was made by Trustee Caulfield, seconded by Trustee Foresta to approve the Village Treasurer’s financial statement for the month of January, 2003 as corrected. There is a typographical error listing the interest rate for the Dolly Spiering Checking account. On roll call the vote was: YES: 5; Pierce, Caulfield, Foresta, Porch and Hanson. NO: 0. ABSENT: 1; Larson. THE MOTION CARRIED.
FEB. FINANCIAL STMT.	A motion was made by Trustee Caulfield, seconded by Trustee Foresta to approve the Village Treasurer’s financial statement for the month of February, 2003 as corrected. There is a typographical error listing the interest rate for the Dolly Spiering Checking account. On roll call the vote was: YES: 5; Pierce, Caulfield, Foresta, Porch and Hanson. NO: 0. ABSENT: 1; Larson. THE MOTION CARRIED.
A.L.L. PARENT NETWORK	Trustee Caulfield discussed the request from A.L.L. Parent Network requesting a donation for their Post-Prom activities. Trustee Caulfield said that while he approves of this organization and all it’s good efforts, he’s not sure that we should be in the position of donating, and it’s not just this organization. He would like to have this item on a future Finance Committee meeting agenda to discuss the village’s position to fund these kinds of organizations. He went on to say that he doesn’t disagree and that the cause is a very good cause, he’s not sure that it’s appropriate that we are in the business of donating. Mayor Maravelas asked if this group has ever approached the village before. The Mayor was informed by several Board Members and the Village Clerk that this is an annual request that has taken place for many years. Trustee Pierce said that last year he vigorously defended this practice and he will do so again. He said that he doesn’t agree to table it. Trustee Foresta said he believed the village participated ever since the organization started. A motion was made by Trustee Caulfield, seconded by Trustee Porch to authorize $1,000.00 expenditure to A.L.L. Parent Network for post prom activities. On roll call the vote was: YES: 5; Pierce, Caulfield, Foresta, Porch and Hanson. NO: 0. ABSENT: 1; Larson. THE MOTION CARRIED. Trustee Caulfield said that he will be asking for a Finance Committee meeting to discuss where we are at on the budget with the date to be noted.
2003 ROAD PROGRAM	Staff Engineer Jim Keim reviewed the five year road program as distributed to the Village Board in their agenda packet. Mr. Keim said that the 2002 Road Program came in under budget this year with our final contract price of $248,441.22. Mayor Maravelas compared the cost of the 2001 and 2002 programs with a substantial savings to the 2002 program. The 2003 Road Program will include Victoria, Spafford, Harden (Main to 173) Birchwood, Hazelwood, Hickory and Trevor Road.
2003 ROAD PROGRAM	Mr. Keim updated the Board regarding Lake Street. He said, as directed, staff has been working to study Lake Street, and we do have some right-of-way property issues to resolve, but we’re committed to making sure there’s a sidewalk out there. In fact, you’ll see surveyors showing up there very shortly. We are studying the ownership of the street. It’s going to be surveyed very soon and we will get a sidewalk in there as soon as possible this year. Lake Street is outside the MFT Program. The 2003 Program is a MFT Program that we’re spending state money on. Mr. Keim said there are difficult issues to be resolved with Lake Street, but we’re going to work it into the program as fast as possible. He said, “It’s not like our other streets, it’s not certified right-of-way, but we are looking at that.” Trustee Foresta said that he would like to see improved street signage. He would like to see the standardized signage, similar to what the County uses. The signs are larger and easier to see. Trustee Foresta would like to see as the streets go in and get resurfaced to implement a uniformed signage program. Mr. Keim said there is a manual for Uniformed Traffic Control Devices 2000 Edition which we are currently using. Mr. Keim said he’s not sure if that was used in the past, but there is a document published by IDOT that regulates street signage. Mr. Keim said that he’s been using that document as a guidance for the new subdivisions as to what they’re supposed to put out there. That would be the same as what Trustee Foresta wanted, uniformity among communities when traveling through different towns, they are not looking at different signs. Mayor Maravelas asked Staff Engineer Jim Keim to explain what we have inherited, what we have done and where we are going in regard to the motor fuel tax fund. Mr. Keim said that we passed a lot of IDOT Resolutions to reconcile our MFT Fund. When we took office, the fund was upside down $1.9 million dollars. Today the fund is in the positive, we’ve gotten all the documents to IDOT and the fund reconciled. Today, we have approximately $200,000 in the motor fuel tax fund as well as the $1.9 in the street program. Mayor Maravelas reassured Mrs. Hauser that the money is here to do the work on Lake Street and that the work will be done. Trustee Porch asked Staff Engineer Jim Keim what the difference is between the 2002 and 2003 Road Program. Mr. Keim said the main difference is that we will be working in the older part of town with Victoria, Spafford and Harden Street. The curbed streets, you’ll see sidewalk and curb repair, whereas last years Road Program didn’t include as much of that. He said the concrete work is going to be expensive. Trevor Road will probably be an expensive street as well. Trustee Hanson discussed his conversations with Engineer Jim Keim concerning initiating another program to include funding for a water main replacement program. Mr. Keim said it would be a good idea for the village to have an ongoing sewer and water program to do with the road program. It makes a lot of sense to do the water and sewer work before we pave the street. He said that he’s trying to schedule it that way as much as possible, but we haven’t come up with a water main program in the road program format yet. Trustee Hanson will set up the appropriate meetings for further discussion. Jim Keim, Staff Engineer, said the Village’s water main is 100 years old this year. Trustee Caulfield asked for a more definite date as to when the sidewalk will actually appear on Lake Street. Mr. Keim said that we’re going to have the property surveyed to see where we have room to put it. It’s not like typical streets where there is a right-of-way and a spot for us to put, he actually has to find some room for it first. He will be working with property owners there to see if can find a ‘make sense’ position for the sidewalk. After that, it’s simply a matter of getting some numbers together and getting the contractor. Mr. Keim said that it should be complete inside of two months.
KENNETH NEUMANN	Clerk Rowe read a letter dated March 10, 2003 from Kenneth Neumann, CEO of Neumann Homes thanking the Mayor, Village Trustees, Plan Commission members and staff for the leadership demonstrated over the past several months. Mr. Neumann went on to say that he is pleased to inform the village that he will ordering a four-wheel-drive vehicle and donating it to the Village Police Department. Upon it’s arrival Mr. Neumann would like the honor of presenting the vehicle to the police department.
EXECUTIVE SESSION	A motion was made by Trustee Hanson, seconded by Trustee Foresta for the Mayor and Board of Trustees to go into executive session at 8:15 p.m. to discuss pending litigation and personnel. On roll call the vote was: YES: 5; Pierce, Caulfield, Foresta, Porch and Hanson. NO: 0. ABSENT: 1; Larson. THE MOTION CARRIED.
RETURN	A motion was made by Trustee Hanson, seconded by Trustee Caulfield for the Mayor and Board of Trustees to return from executive session and resume the regular meeting at 8:55 p.m. with no action taken. On roll call the vote was: YES: 5; Pierce, Caulfield, Foresta, Porch and Hanson. NO: 0. ABSENT: 1; Larson. THE MOTION CARRIED.
885 CIVIC CLUB	Following review of the letter dated March 3, 2003 from Eva Hawryluk, President of the 885 Civic Club and former president Margaret Cole, present in the audience explaining the history of the club and services provided, a motion was made by Trustee Foresta, seconded by Trustee Pierce to approve the 885 Civic Club’s request to hold their annual carnival May 8 - 11, 2003. On roll call the vote was: YES: 5; Pierce, Caulfield, Foresta, Porch and Hanson. NO: 0. ABSENT: 1; Larson. THE MOTION CARRIED.
TRUSTEE FORESTA	Trustee Foresta said there is a Park Board meeting scheduled at 6:30 p.m. at Antioch Village Hall. The Park Board will be hearing presentations from Architectural firms regarding the park and recreation center. Trustee Foresta also said that he has sent a letter to Lake County Board member Judy Martini requesting opening discussion with the Forest Preserve District, specifically their land acquisition, and going before them and discussing the plan that was discussed at the last meeting (the community recreation facility). Trustee Foresta said this is just informational and he was not asking for any Board action at this time. Trustee Foresta wanted to clarify some points that have circulated regarding the seniors and Antioch Senior Center. He said, “that at the last meeting he mentioned the community recreation center and looking at all the possibilities that we have, and being able to put everything in what he would call a campus environment. Basically, having room for the aqua park, the recreation center and the senior center.” Trustee Foresta wanted to clarify the following issue. He said, “the seniors as they are operating today in the current senior center, I want to clarify the issue there, the senior center that I recommended to put in the complex has basically been taken and put onto the shelf. The reason being is that the seniors have made their point quite clearly in a number of articles. I have had discussions with them on an ongoing basis over the last few weeks. Based on those discussions they have indicated that the seniors would be best suited at the current location. I did stress to them, the campus scenario, both the Mayor and myself, the campus project, we want to make sure that when the time is needed or when the time comes due, and basically an understanding of both the senior committee as well as with the village board, when they feel time it is needed for a new center, I want to assure them that they have a location to move that center to the campus. To clear up any articles that were in publication stating the seniors were on the move or we’re moving the seniors, I want to make it very clear that basically is not an issue. The senior center as far as the Mayor is concerned as well as I believe the rest of this Board, is welcome to have the organization at the facility where they are at. Considering they are looking to expand and remodel we want to whole heartily encourage them to do so with no fear that when they do expand to where they need a facility, they will have someplace to go.”
TRUSTEE CAULFIELD	Trustee Caulfield said that it seems to him that he’s hearing Trustee Foresta say “the seniors have a place to go, but, they’re assured they will have a place to go and they’re assured they will be able stay where they are at.” Trustee Foresta said, “that if and when, under both parties, both the village because it’s a village facility as well as the senior committee, when membership exceeds the capacity of that location, instead of sitting there and looking at what are we going to do now, we want to assure the seniors and the senior committee that there will be adequate location for a new senior center when and if they so desire, in our community recreation facility.” Trustee Caulfield asked “how can we make a commitment that there will be room in the new campus or facility if potentially the funds for some future senior center are used at the existing senior center. How can you do both?” Trustee Foresta said the funding of this project at this point, if the senior center were constructed at the new campus, it would be funded in a similar mechanism as the rest of the campus. Trustee Caulfield asked if the seniors would not participate in the funding of the senior center at the new campus? Trustee Foresta said, if they wanted to. Mayor Maravelas said, “the seniors have declined to move with the rest of the village and if they choose to join at later date, they will be welcome. If they want to stay where they are, they can stay there.” Trustee Foresta said “the project for the initial senior center has been put on the shelf. The understanding the Mayor and I have, we’re not going to build a facility and force them to move to it. When the time to move arrives, we will welcome them and we’ll have a spot for them.” Trustee Pierce indicated that we are still trying to identify the needs of the village, this discussion should be placed in committee. Trustee Foresta said the Mayor asked him to head up the project regarding the recreation facility and aqua center. He said we are just starting to look at funding and locations and that the Park Board will take over. Trustee Porch agreed with Trustee Pierce to place this in committee.
TABLE	A motion was made by Trustee Pierce, seconded by Trustee Caulfield to table the discussion regarding the park and recreation campus to committee for further discussion. On roll call, the vote was: YES: 5; Pierce, Caulfield, Foresta, Porch and Hanson. NO: 0. ABSENT: 1; Larson. THE MOTION CARRIED.
R03-06	A motion was made by Trustee Hanson, seconded by Trustee Caulfield to adopt Resolution Number R03-06, entitled, Annual Revised Zoning Map as required by State Law. On roll call the vote was: YES: 5; Pierce, Caulfield, Foresta, Porch and Hanson. NO: 0. ABSENT: 1; Larson. THE MOTION CARRIED.
R03-07	Attorney Long read aloud Resolution Number R03-07 requesting certain lands known as the “Elfering Property” be annexed to the Lake County Northeast FPA Special Service Area. A motion was made by Trustee Pierce, seconded by Trustee Caulfield to adopt Resolution Number R03-07, entitled, A Resolution Requesting Certain Lands Known as the “Elfering Property” be Annexed to the Lake County Northeast FPA Special Service Area. On roll call the vote was: YES: 5; Pierce, Caulfield, Foresta, Porch and Hanson. NO: 0. ABSENT: 1; Larson. THE MOTION CARRIED.
R03-08	Attorney Long read aloud the resolution and reviewed the Quit Claim Deed of Easement regarding the intergovernmental agreement with Antioch High School District #117 for an easement for a gas line. A motion was made by Trustee Caulfield, seconded by Trustee Porch to adopt Resolution Number R03-08, entitled, A Resolution Adopting an Intergovernmental Agreement with Antioch High School District 117 and Authorizing the Mayor to Execute an Easement for a Gas Line. On roll call the vote was: YES: 5; Pierce, Caulfield, Foresta, Porch and Hanson. NO: 0. ABSENT: 1; Larson. THE MOTION CARRIED.
R03-09	Attorney Long read aloud the Resolution appointing defense counsel. A motion was made by Trustee Caulfield, seconded by Trustee Pierce to adopt Resolution Number R03-09, entitled, A Resolution Appointing Defense Counsel. On roll call the vote was: YES: 5; Pierce, Caulfield, Foresta, Porch and Hanson. NO: 0. ABSENT: 1; Larson. THE MOTION CARRIED.
03-03-12	Attorney Robert Long reviewed the ordinance approving a front setback variance for the expansion of the Antioch Senior Center. A motion was made by Trustee Pierce, seconded by Trustee Foresta to waive the second reading, approve and publish in pamphlet form an ordinance, 03-03-12, entitled, AN ORDINANCE APPROVING A FRONT SETBACK VARIANCE ALLOWING FOR THE EXPANSION OF THE ANTIOCH SENIOR CENTER; PZB03-01 On roll call the vote was: YES: 4; Pierce, Foresta, Porch and Hanson. NO: 1; Caulfield. ABSENT: 1; Larson. THE MOTION CARRIED.
GEOFFREY WEXLER	Geoffrey Wexler, Prosecution Legal Counsel from Daniels, Long & Pinsel, distributed information regarding Antioch Traffic and DUI fines and fees. The graph distributed by Mr. Wexler depicts a comparison that shows how traffic and DUI fines and fees have increased during the last two years. Mr. Wexler said that we have generated more in fines than such bigger towns like Libertyville and North Chicago and a few thousand dollars less than a town the size of Deerfield. Mr. Wexler said the ticket level is about the same but the prosecution level is better. Village Attorney Long said we also passed an amendment that adopted vehicle codes that allows more of the fines to flow back to the village.
ELECTORAL BOARD	Attorney Robert Long reported that this morning the courts upheld the decisions on the appeal of the decision of the Antioch Electoral Board, so the ballot will in fact be as it was printed in the newspapers last week.
ADJOURN	A motion was made by Trustee Pierce, seconded by Trustee Porch to adjourn the regular meeting of the Board of Trustees at 9:30 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

____________________

Candi L. Rowe, Clerk

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