BOARD OF TRUSTEES, REGULAR MEETING
Municipal Building: 874 Main Street, Antioch, Illinois
May 19, 2003
| 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: Larson, Caulfield,
Porch, Hanson and Turner. Also present were Mayor Maravelas, Attorney Long
and Clerk Rowe. Absent: Pierce. |
| MINUTES 1/21/03 |
Trustee Porch would like to amend the minutes from the January 21, 2003
meeting, approved at the May 5, 2003 meeting.
A motion was made by Trustee Porch, seconded by Trustee Hanson to reconsider the approval of the minutes from the January 21, 2003 approved at the May 5, 2003 meeting. On roll call, the vote was: YES: 5; Larson, Caulfield, Porch, Hanson and Turner. NO: 0. ABSENT: 1; Pierce. THE MOTION CARRIED. A motion was made by Trustee Porch, seconded by Trustee Hanson to amend the January 21, 2003 minutes to reflect her question regarding GLP and the issuance of permits. Trustee Porch would like the following included in the January 21, 2003 minutes on page 4313 under 03-03-02: Trustee Porch asked if approved, does GLP have the right to move dirt. Robert Silhan, Director of Planning, Zoning and Building, said “no, all permits must be in place first.” On roll call, the vote was: YES: 5; Larson, Caulfield, Porch, Hanson and Turner. NO: 0. ABSENT: 1; Pierce. THE MOTION CARRIED. |
| ANITA DYER |
A motion was made by Trustee Hanson, seconded by Trustee Porch to appoint
Ms. Anita Dyer as member to the Redevelopment Commission. On roll call the
vote was:
YES: 5; Larson, Caulfield, Porch, Hanson and Turner. NO: 0. ABSENT: 1; Pierce. THE MOTION CARRIED. |
| KEVIN SCHOUDEL |
A motion was made by Trustee Porch, seconded by Trustee Hanson to appoint
Mr. Kevin Schoudel as member to the Redevelopment Commission. On roll call
the vote was:
YES: 5; Larson, Caulfield, Porch, Hanson and Turner. NO: 0. ABSENT: 1; Pierce. THE MOTION CARRIED. |
| R03-14 |
A motion was made by Trustee Hanson, seconded by Trustee Turner to approve
Resolution No. 03-14, entitled, Resolution Honoring Memorial Day honoring
Memorial Day. On roll call the vote was:
YES: 5; Larson, Caulfield, Porch, Hanson and Turner. NO: 0. ABSENT: 1; Pierce. THE MOTION CARRIED. |
| CLERK ROWE |
Clerk Rowe announced that Clean-up Day in the Village has been scheduled
for June 14, 2003. All items must be curbside by 6:00 a.m. For more information,
residents should call Waste Management at 847-395-2020. |
| CITIZENS |
Mayor Maravelas recognized citizens wishing to address the Board.
Jodi Gott, Pine Hill Drive resident, commented on Orchard Street extension being a major thoroughfare for eastside residents. She said, police are needed at Depot and Main more often especially during the times when the road is closed for special events. Roland Schleusener, member of the Antioch Clock Tower Committee, updated the Board on the committee’s progress. He thanked the Village Board for their consideration. James Cole, Chestnut Street resident, thanked Clerk Rowe for reading
the Memorial Day Resolution. He said the American Legion will be putting
about 800 flags out on flag day. |
| PZB03-05 |
The following Planning and Zoning Board’s letter of recommendation dated
May 16, 2003 regarding the proposed Final Plat for Heron Harbor Unit 7;
42 single-family lots; PZB03-05 was reviewed by Trustee Porch:
The Planning and Zoning Board reviewed the proposed final plat at their regular public meeting on May 8, 2003, following posting of the agenda on 4/16/03 as required. The applicant, Diamond Development / KLM Builders, requests approval of the Final Plat of Subdivision of Heron Harbor 7, the last phase of the Heron Harbor PUD. Kim Meier and Steve Thelen presented the proposed plat. Bob Silhan, Director of Planning, Zoning and Building, presented his report dated April 29, 2003. The report indicates that the proposed final plat is in substantial conformance, with some modifications, to the PUD plan as approved by Ordinance Number 90-6-29. The primary difference is the doubling of the size of the stormwater detention basins over that designed in AD1990. Mr. Silhan is recommending approval subject to: ∙ Approved final engineering ∙ Adequate base material for the private roadway accessing Lot 167. ∙ Agreement from the developer to replace the asphalt paving on the south side of Bowles Road, west of Edgewater Lane. ∙ A contract between the Pedersens and Thelen Sand & Gravel for the completion of sidewalks in Unit 2, and/or that no building permits be issued in Unit 7, until the Unit 2 sidewalks are completed, inspected and approved by the Village. The applicants had no objections to the suggested conditions. They also indicated that they have a signed contract with Mr. Al Pedersen; the sidewalks in Unit 2 will be completed sometime this summer. Following the Board’s discussion, Carol Keller moved, Bob McCarty seconded,
to approve PZB03-05, Final Plat of Subdivision, Heron Harbor Unit 7, (last
phase); 42 single-family lots; Diamond Development / KLM Builders, subject
to the conditions in the staff comments of April 29, 2003. Roll call vote:
YES: 6; Ipsen, McCarty, Cole, LaReese, Keller, and Baba. NO: 0. The Motion
Carried. |
| VB MOTION |
A motion was made by Trustee Porch, seconded by Trustee Larson to approve
the Planning and Zoning Board’s letter of recommendation dated May 16, 2003
regarding the Final Plat of Subdivision, Heron Harbor Unit 7, 42 single
family lots; Diamond Development (Thelen/KLM), PZB03-05; subject to the
recommendations as stated in their letter and authorizes the Village Attorney
to draft an appropriate ordinance. On roll call the vote was:
YES: 4; Larson, Caulfield, Porch and Hanson NO: 0. ABSTAIN: 1; Turner. ABSENT: 1; Pierce. THE MOTION CARRIED. |
| METRA PARKING | Staff Engineer Jim Keim updated the Village Board regarding the Metra parking lot and temporary signage. Mr. Keim reported that completion of parking lot and landscaping should be done mid-June. Trustee Porch asked if two-hour parking signage can be put on strip of parking space (with the exception of the strip closest to Depot Strip Mall). Mayor Maravelas asked how long before the coin boxes are installed. Administrator Haley said the coin boxes are in and he anticipates the installation should be done within two weeks. |
| FRIDAY FEST |
Trustee Porch said that during the FridayFest event days, there will be
a children’s toy exchange program begins June 20, 2003. She said that donations
are needed to start off program. Toys can be dropped off at the Antioch
Chamber of Commerce office. |
| ORCHARD STREET |
Trustee Porch said the temporary closing of the Orchard Street extension
will be closed June 13-15, 2003. Closing dates will be posted in the June
Village newsletter. Trustee Hanson said there was some miscommunication
with the carnival and the closing of the street. At that time, he spoke
with Bob Silhan, Director of Planning, Zoning and Building and he suggested
implementation of some kind of permit. Permitting the events, with no fees
being charged, would enable village staff to put signage in the state right-of-way.
Administrator Haley said that whoever is requesting the closing of the Orchard
Street extension, such as the 885 Club, would apply for a permit with the
Village. We can then address the request internally and make sure all the
departments are involved. Trustee Hanson said would like to set this topic
up for discussion in committee. |
| RAILROAD CROSSINGS |
Trustee Porch said there is information in the June Village Newsletter regarding
the temporary closing of the railroad crossings. Crossings will be closed
for two weeks at a time beginning at the Route 83 Crossing and moving south. |
| TRUSTEE PORCH |
Trustee Porch on behalf of the Village, thanked those who volunteered their
time to help make Antioch the place that it is. Volunteers worked in the
wetlands and the planting areas. Trustee Porch also thanked the Antioch
Garden Club whose members have done a lot of planting this year also. |
| TRUSTEE CAULFIELD |
Regarding the Orchard Street extension closing, Trustee Caulfield said that
he would like to call attention to the fact that he thought he addressed
the issue regarding signage and road closures and things about a year ago.
He was disappointed that whatever was decided on, did not happen this time.
In his discussions with the Village Administrator over how or why that happened,
he thinks it reinforces what he heard Trustee Hanson mention regarding instituting
some kind of permit process. He didn’t hear us take action, and he doesn’t
know what the procedure would be. Trustee Porch said that we put the item
in committee first to find out what other communities do and how they handle
these situations. Trustee Caulfield said that he wanted to reinforce; 1.
It’s all about safety and he thought we had serious concerns regarding safety
on the roadway as a result of the lack of setup for that weekend; 2. Retailer’s
were impacted in a negative way as a result of the road closure. He knows
that several retailers tried with varying degrees to get signage put up
even after the road was closed with no apparent notice ahead of time. 3.
Safety again. Trustee Caulfield said that he thinks it was a real unsafe
situation initially. It got better, but he wanted to stress it. |
| SMITH ENGINEERING |
Staff Engineer Jim Keim reviewed the memorandum dated May 15, 2003 regarding
the April invoices from Smith Engineering that reviews the invoice amounts
and the escrow balance/fund source. |
| B & F TECHNICAL |
A motion was made by Trustee Caulfield, seconded by Trustee Porch to authorize
payment of $15,033.21 to B&F Technical for Wal-Mart building review. On
roll call, the vote was:
YES: 5; Larson, Caulfield, Porch, Hanson and Turner. NO: 0. ABSENT: 1; Pierce. THE MOTION CARRIED. |
| BANK ONE |
A motion was made by Trustee Caulfield, seconded by Trustee Larson to authorize
payment of $50,025.00 to Bank One for the 1998A Bond Interest payment. On
roll call, the vote was:
YES: 5; Larson, Caulfield, Porch, Hanson and Turner. NO: 0. ABSENT: 1; Pierce. THE MOTION CARRIED. A motion was made by Trustee Caulfield, seconded by Trustee Larson to authorize payment of $53,287.50 to Bank One for the 1998B Bond Interest payment. On roll call, the vote was: YES: 5; Larson, Caulfield, Porch, Hanson and Turner. NO: 0. ABSENT: 1; Pierce. THE MOTION CARRIED. |
| CLAIRE HORTON |
A motion was made by Trustee Caulfield, seconded by Trustee Porch to authorize
payment of $11,200.00 to Claire Horton for the property located at 433 Orchard
Street. There is one final payment left remaining. On roll call, the vote
was:
YES: 5; Larson, Caulfield, Porch, Hanson and Turner. NO: 0. ABSENT: 1; Pierce. THE MOTION CARRIED. |
| PAYNE & DOLAN |
A motion was made by Trustee Caulfield, seconded by Trustee Larson to authorize
payment of $24,844.12 to Payne & Dolan for the 2002 Street Improvement.
On roll call, the vote was:
YES: 5; Larson, Caulfield, Porch, Hanson and Turner. NO: 0. ABSENT: 1; Pierce. THE MOTION CARRIED. |
| SMITH ENGINEERING |
A motion was made by Trustee Caulfield, seconded by Trustee Porch to authorize
payment of $17,941.95 to Smith Engineering for the EFPA Water / Neumann.
On roll call, the vote was:
YES: 5; Larson, Caulfield, Porch, Hanson and Turner. NO: 0. ABSENT: 1; Pierce. THE MOTION CARRIED. A motion was made by Trustee Caulfield, seconded by Trustee Porch to authorize payment of $14,324.35 to Smith Engineering for the EFPA Sewer / Neumann. On roll call, the vote was: YES: 5; Larson, Caulfield, Porch, Hanson and Turner. NO: 0. ABSENT: 1; Pierce. THE MOTION CARRIED. |
| AUTHORIZE PAYMENT |
A motion was made by Trustee Caulfield, seconded by Trustee Porch to authorize
payment of the remaining accounts payable, without payment to Shore Galleries,
Inc. in the amount of $1,872.00 and as prepared by the Village Treasurer.
The check warrant is in a different format this time due to a printer problem.
On roll call, the vote was:
YES: 5; Larson, Caulfield, Porch, Hanson and Turner. NO: 0. ABSENT: 1; Pierce. THE MOTION CARRIED. |
| MANUAL CHECKS |
A motion was made by Trustee Caulfield, seconded by Trustee Turner to approve
the manual checks written to date for the water and sewer, payroll, Dolly
Spiering Fund and general accounts. On roll call, the vote was:
YES: 5; Larson, Caulfield, Porch, Hanson and Turner. NO: 0. ABSENT: 1; Pierce. THE MOTION CARRIED. |
| INTER-FUND LOAN |
A motion was made by Trustee Caulfield, seconded by Trustee Larson to approve
repayment of the following inter-fund loan balances that were on the books
prior to April 30, 2002;
Repay From Repay To Amount These inter-fund payments are required to balance dollar amounts that were charged to various accounts and remain on the books as loans. These inter-fund loan balances were carried over from previous audits. On roll call, the vote was: YES: 5; Larson, Caulfield, Porch, Hanson and Turner. NO: 0. ABSENT: 1; Pierce. THE MOTION CARRIED. |
| CASH TRANSFERS |
A motion was made by Trustee Caulfield, seconded by Trustee Larson to ratify
general fund cash transfers for the fiscal year 2002 - 2003 as follows:
Transfer From Transfer To Amount These are transfers that either have no revenue to support them, or funds that existing revenues do not support expenditures. On roll call, the vote was: YES: 5; Larson, Caulfield, Porch, Hanson and Turner. NO: 0. ABSENT: 1; Pierce. THE MOTION CARRIED. |
| TRUSTEE CAULFIELD |
Trustee Caulfield said that he notices the Village Administrator is now
listed under his committee. He asked the Village Administrator if he had
anything to report. Administrator Haley said that we’ve worked on the fund
transfers will help the auditor as he prepares the audit. He said, “as you
know, we met with him, and he’s ready to start the audit post-haste.” |
| SAFE CROSSING |
Trustee Hanson said that about two years ago, the Mayor and Mr. Alan Knutsen
discussed the Safe Crossing concept plan. Mr. Knutsen has taken it upon
himself to volunteer his time toward this plan. Trustee Hanson said that
Alan Knutsen is doing a tremendous job. Mr. Knutsen updated the Board regarding
his recent meetings with Senator Adeline Geo-Karis and Executive Director
of the Illinois Commerce Commission, Scott Wisener who was very receptive
to the Safe Crossing concept. Staff Engineer Jim Keim said that they had
a very good meeting with Mr. Wisener and his staff. He said, “We asked them
for help in making our crossings safer and permission to test this concept
in the Village of Antioch. We asked them to help us establish testing procedure
so the test would be valid and have results that we could build on. We also
asked for funding to help make this test a reality.” Mr. Keim said the Director
of the ICC didn’t reject the concept on it’s face and it appeared they liked
this concept and they agreed to set up a meeting between the Village and
the ICC Engineer. Mr. Alan Knutsen said he believes the concept plan is
making progress and he will update the Board as it evolves. The Mayor and
Board of Trustees applauded Mr. Knutsen for his efforts. |
| EVA-MARIE HUTTON |
A motion was made by Trustee Hanson, seconded by Trustee Porch to authorize
the hiring of Eva-Marie Hutton as a Telecommunicator with a starting salary
of $14.28 an hour. On roll call, the vote was:
YES: 5; Larson, Caulfield, Porch, Hanson and Turner. NO: 0. ABSENT: 1; Pierce. THE MOTION CARRIED. |
| SPEED LIMIT SIGNS |
Police Chief Fagan reviewed his letter dated May 14, 2003 regarding speed
limit signs on Harden Street and on North Avenue from Trevor Road to Morley
subdivision.
Following discussion, a motion was made by Trustee Hanson, seconded by Trustee Turner to reduce the speed limit on Harden Street to 30 mph (between Route 59 and Hillside) and westbound North Avenue between Trevor Road to Morley subdivision be reduced to 35 mph as stated in his memo dated May 14, 2003. Clean up of obsolete signs is included in the motion. On roll call, the vote was: YES: 5; Larson, Caulfield, Porch, Hanson and Turner. NO: 0. ABSENT: 1; Pierce. THE MOTION CARRIED. |
| PARK/REC CAMPUS |
Park Board Chairman Chris Leinhardt and Park Board member Jim Weber gave
a brief presentation regarding the proposed parks and recreation campus.
Mr. Leinhardt said the pool is at least sixty years old and we are in need
of updated facilities. The Park Board would like to build a facility that
would address our current needs as well as the future. He said that the
Park Board reviewed and received presentations from three architectural
firms, they did surveys and visited other park facilities. The power point
slide presentation showed average size facilities that are located in surrounding
areas and the kind of facility the Park Board is aiming for. In addition
to the kind of facility that would best suit the village, location must
be determined. The Park Board is recommending that PHN Architects firm for
the parks and recreation campus when the Village is ready to move forward
on this project. Mr. Neil Pollak of PHN Architects said he believes the
next step, is to have them prepare and submit proposals and define the scope
and phases of the project. They can also help with survey process. Trustee
Larson said that Chris Leinhardt, Laurie Stahl, Parks and Recreation Director
and Park Board members did a great job in researching and selecting the
architect firm.
When asked if this facility would be a park district facility, Mayor
Maravelas stated this will be a parks department and use funds strictly
from sales tax. There was a discussion on whether we take action at tonight’s
meeting. Mayor Maravelas said that he doesn’t believe we should take action
tonight and we should wait to see what the funds are. Mayor Maravelas
said that we have a slight problem for funds at this time and the Finance
Chairman concurred. Mayor Maravelas agreed that we will wait until PHN
prepares a proposal before moving forward. |
| RAFFLE LICENSE |
A motion was made by Trustee Larson, seconded by Trustee Hanson to issue
a raffle license to the Antioch Lions Club and waiving the fee. Raffle ticket
drawing will be held on August 3, 2003. On roll call, the vote was:
YES: 5; Larson, Caulfield, Porch, Hanson and Turner. NO: 0. ABSENT: 1; Pierce. THE MOTION CARRIED. |
| LIQUOR LICENSE |
A motion was made by Trustee Larson, seconded by Trustee Turner to issue
a liquor license to the Antioch Chamber of Commerce & Industry for the “Taste
of Summer” being held July 17 - 20, 2003, waiving fee. On roll call, the
vote was:
YES: 5; Larson, Caulfield, Hanson and Turner. NO: 0. PASS: 1; Porch. ABSENT: 1; Pierce. THE MOTION CARRIED. |
| PARK PERMIT |
A motion was made by Trustee Larson, seconded by Trustee Porch to issue
a park permit to Vicki Netzel, APD Dispatch - Pedersen Park - May 31, 2003.
On roll call, the vote was:
YES: 5; Larson, Caulfield, Porch, Hanson and Turner. NO: 0. ABSENT: 1; Pierce. THE MOTION CARRIED. |
| COMBINED PARK |
Antioch Township Board member Claudette Skvarce updated the Village Board
regarding the status of the combined Township/Village Park. She said they
anticipate to complete the purchase of property and that a meeting will
be scheduled soon. Trustee Larson said it’s been a wonderful fit between
the Township and the Village. The Township have been excellent to work with.
We are moving forward on the combined park, it’s just been slower than they
have anticipated. |
| LAKE STREET SIDEWALK |
Trustee Caulfield asked staff if there was an update on the Lake Street
sidewalk program. Staff Engineer Jim Keim said they met with the surveyor
which showed some ownership issues, that they are currently working on a
solution for. Mr. Keim expects the final version of the survey later this
week and we’re moving forward. Trustee Caulfield asked when the concrete
would be poured. Mr. Keim said that we’re still thirty days out from going
to bid. |
| SENIOR CENTER |
Trustee Larson updated the Board on the Senior Services Committee meeting
held last Tuesday. Trustee Larson said that she, along with Trustees Pierce,
Porch and Turner were in attendance and there were about 20 - 30 members
from the Senior Center in addition to the Senior Citizen Council members
were at that meeting. She said the seniors expressed concern about what
they read in the paper and they felt that perhaps the Village was trying
to bail out on the Senior Center. There were four Village Trustees there,
all four Board members, (which would be the majority) were in agreement
that they will support what the Senior Center people want to do with that
building. |
| ATTORNEY | Attorney Long read aloud the following ordinance: |
| O3-05-21 |
A motion was made by Trustee Porch, seconded by Trustee Turner to approve
and publish in pamphlet form an ordinance, 03-05-21, entitled, AN ORDINANCE
PROHIBITING POSSESSION AND USE OF TOBACCO PRODUCTS BY MINORS. On roll call
the vote was:
YES: 5; Larson, Caulfield, Porch, Hanson and Turner. NO: 0. ABSENT: 1; Pierce. THE MOTION CARRIED. Trustee Caulfield asked Attorney Long if Chief Fagan had any input regarding
the drafting of the ordinance. Attorney Long said that he had. There was
a brief discussion regarding the teen court procedure and if this would
go on the individuals permanent record. Attorney Long said that it would
not, teen court doesn’t usually go to the court system. |
| R03-15 |
Attorney Bob Long read aloud the Resolution regarding the dedication of
a plot of land for the new Village Tower Clock.
Trustee Larson said that she thinks the Clock Tower is a good idea, but when we put in Orchard and Main in the Resolution, she has a problem with it. Per the resolution, it appears that we’ve already decided where the location is, and she doesn’t know that this Board had a discussion on where it would go. Mayor Maravelas introduced Roland Schleusener. Mr. Schleusener said the Clock Tower Committee met and walked around the town with the clock maker and they thought this location was the very best place. Mayor Maravelas said with this location, the clock would be seen from three different angles. Trustee Larson said that she was concerned with making this the absolute location included in this resolution. Mr. Schleusener said the clock maker wants to know if we’re serious about this project, and naming a certain location indicates to the him that we are. He went on to say that the plans for the clock are all drawn up, and the clock maker has been here on several occasions. Mayor Maravelas said that for the Clock Tower Committee to solicit for donations, a location should be named. Trustee Larson said that she’s not sure which corner of Lake and Orchard Street their planning. Mayor Maravelas said that it will be at this corner, the one that Village Hall stands on would be a better location. Attorney Long said a final vote will be taken at a later time. Trustee Porch asked if we could change the language. Robert Silhan, Director of Planning, Zoning and Building suggested we add at a prominent downtown location at or near... in the second paragraph after the twenty-four feet square. Trustee Hanson asked that since we’re this far advanced with the clock tower he asked this be included part of the master plan for the moratorium for the downtown and make that part of that study. A motion was made by Trustee Larson, seconded by Trustee Turner to approve Resolution No. R03-15, entitled, A Resolution stating the intent of the Village to dedicate a plot of land for a new Village Tower Clock, as amended with the suggested language. On roll call the vote was: YES: 4; Larson, Caulfield, Hanson and Turner. NO: 1; Porch. ABSENT: 1; Pierce. THE MOTION CARRIED. |
| TRUSTEE CAULFIELD |
Trustee Caulfield said that he wanted to use this opportunity to bring up
something that has been troubling him a little bit. In the course of studies,
he understand that the fairness often no longer applies in this country
and the mass media doesn’t necessarily give opposing views of a subject.
He said they can perhaps give one opinion that might favor or not favor
a topic. But they don’t have to necessarily present or give time to opposing
views. He said that this is his understanding and given that, and given
the fact that at the last board meeting, he started his conversation by
saying that he has a very high respect for the senior citizens of the Village
of Antioch. He said, that his comments were addressed at making sure that
the senior citizens of Antioch and the future senior citizens of Antioch
get the best that they can get for their money.
Trustee Caulfield said that his conversation centered around the fact
that he did not feel the process was allowing that to happen at this stage.
He went on to say that one of the things that he asked for at the last
meeting was, and he remembered asking for it, was to have the opportunity
to meet with senior citizens. He wanted to be informed of when a senior
citizen meeting was going to be set up so he could have an opportunity
to talk to them. He said for some reason, he didn’t know why, and that
he had been busy, he didn’t get notice there was going to be a senior
called until after it was called and he got a 24 hour notice. The meeting
was already posted and he couldn’t make the meeting. Trustee Caulfield
said that he’s pointing this out because he thinks there’s a chance that
some folks walked away from that meeting thinking that he had some view
that was counter to the seniors best interest. To add to that, he said,
during the presentation tonight regarding safe crossing, when he made
a comment at the last meeting that he was concerned at the last meeting
that this train was rolling down the track and that our staff, had already
been working on it and there were already plans. He said, essentially
it’s an unwritten, unapproved plan at that time to go ahead the senior
center as it is. Trustee Caulfield said that he cautioned that we shouldn’t
head in that direction. He said that it’s a democratic process and the
vote was such that it was five to one and others might follow Trustees
votes differently, that’s ok. With that in mind, he said that it’s important
to use this safe crossing concept to point out that he thinks these tax
paying citizens of Antioch, including the senior citizens who also pay
taxes, who also are involved in having their utility bill hit with additional
tax money related to this senior citizen money, would be used to expand
the senior center. The fund is not paid back yet. The dust hasn’t even
settled on that issue and he suggests that perhaps as all the residents
of Antioch, including senior citizen residents, are headed toward that
crossing, toward that intersection, that there is a train headed that
way that has, as we heard at this meeting this evening, has the majority
support on this Board to do something with senior center without still
having the seniors having the opportunity to explore other options. Trustee
Caulfield suggested that the light should be a yellow right now and that
all the citizens of Antioch should be well aware of might potentially
be happening with the funds related to the senior center. Trustee Larson
said the funds were left to the senior center at the bequest of Dolly
Spiering, this is not tax money, this is money left from an elderly woman
to a group of people that she loved. She left them that money to do with
what they felt was best. She said that the seniors haven’t spent a nickel
of that yet, it’s ongoing at the committee meeting. Trustee Larson apologized
to Trustee Caulfield, although she didn’t call the meeting, Trustee Pierce
called the meeting, she thought Trustee Caulfield was aware of it. She
said that Trustee Pierce didn’t ask her for a time that would be good,
he sent out the notice. Trustee Larson said that two Trustees that weren’t
on the committee were in attendance and she didn’t believe there was any
ulterior motives. She said that she thinks there’s a real philosophical
difference of whose money that is, she feels it belongs to the seniors.
Shesaid, “It was given to them, it was taken away, the village took it
and then we repaid it. Now, you say the money hasn’t been paid back, well
it has been paid back as far as the seniors are concerned they have it.”
The utility tax was implemented to pay back that loan from the village’s
standpoint. Trustee Larson said, “there’s a majority that expressed our
views at that meeting and we feel it’s the seniors money. It’s not our
money, we happen to be the people who are holding it at this point and
that’s all.” Trustee Turner said that doesn’t believe it was the seniors
fault that the money disappeared. The money was paid back and the people
of the Village of Antioch, paid back that money and their still paying
it back. The money is in that account for them and it was always their
money. Trustee Caulfield said that while he may not be in the majority
position, he hopes this is not another situation on mis-spent funds. |
| MAYOR MARAVELAS |
Mayor Maravelas said “that as the Mayor he supports Trustee Caulfield.”
He said since May 2001 our first priority was to restore the money that
was spent. This Mayor and the Board reached out to the taxpayers of the
community and asked them to restore something that this Board did, allow
to mis-spend 1. 6 million dollars. After debate and discussions we enacted
a 5% utility tax, we restored the money, but we haven’t repaid the banks
yet. All of sudden, this Board allowing the citizens spend the money, because
five individuals want to do that. Why are the seniors citizens so stubborn
when we’ll put them in a beautiful campus that will accommodate, not only
65 or 70 and over, it will accommodate, infants to their age. This is what
Mr. Caulfield and this Mayor is all about, to do the right thing, that’s
all we’re asking.” Mayor Maravelas said, “don’t spend the funds until it’s
all paid, let the taxpayers know that we are free of our obligation, we
got the money, take the 5% utility tax off their bills that they get every
month. Get it out of the way and then plan for the future, not for three
individuals. Plan for the future of the Village of Antioch.” Trustee Larson,
said there were 30 people at that meeting. Mayor Maravelas said the village
has 10,500 people. Trustee Larson said that it’s not the Village’s money.
Mayor Maravelas read an email that he received from a concerned citizen
that said “they were disturbed when the village government thinks that they
can spend the senior’s bequest of Dolly Spiering as they see fit. While
there are little reasons why the village must spend this money, it’s to
be done in accordance with Dolly’s bequest to the seniors.” Mayor Maravelas
called on Antioch Township Claudette Skvarce, present in the audience, who
said that it still comes down to the original intent, she didn’t give it
to the Village of Antioch, she left it to the senior citizens. Mayor Maravelas
said it was left to the Antioch Senior Center, and the Village is the landlord
to that center. Ms. Jodi Gott, Pine Hill Drive resident, said that although
we can’t ask Dolly Spiering, but she is sure that when Dolly bequeathed
the money that she had no idea that the senior center dollars was controlled
by Village. She said the money should go strictly to the seniors and the
village should have no part of it. Trustee Larson said “that when the will
was read, the contact person was Paul Howard it was not Marilyn Shineflug
or Tim Wells, it was Paul Howard because that was who she considered to
be the head of the Antioch Senior Center. He did not work for the Village
of Antioch at that time, we found about it after the fact because he came
to us and said she’s given 1.5 million dollars”. Trustee Larson said that
our Board voted for that money to be held in a separate account not to be
used for anything except senior center improvements or what they want to
use it for. She thought we’ve gotten past all this. Jodi Gott, Pine Hill
Drive resident, said that she didn’t want to offend anybody, but if we don’t
have the confidence that money that’s earmarked for the seniors is going
to go there, what confidence does the village residents have with this park
complex that is proposed with sales tax dollars. How do we know that the
money is going to go to that and that later down the road you’re going to
decide to put the sales tax money somewhere else because it’s controlled
by the Village. Trustee Caulfield said that one of the issues is a twisting
of stories and there was no attempt to say that the money was not going
to be used for the seniors, just like the money would not be used for a
rec center. Trustee Caulfield didn’t understand Ms. Gott’s point. He went
on to say, “just so he’s not misquoted or misunderstood again, my goal is
to have the seniors to end up with something that’s good for them and for
the future seniors of Antioch. If it comes down to this board voting that
their best interest, according to this Board, are served by expanding that
senior center, that’s what’s going to happen. That’s the way it is.” He
said that it’s important that the silent train be given some noise so the
community knows what’s going on and that’s why he’s bringing it up. He also
said he has no special interest for that money. That’s the seniors money
for the seniors of the Village of Antioch today and future. Trustee Caulfield
said he thinks there should be other options explored that hasn’t been done.
Evidence by what he heard happened at that last meeting, it doesn’t look
like there’s any serious attempt to head in that direction now so that’s
why he brought it up again. Trustee Hanson said this is a loaded cannon
and it can be debated for twenty-four hours for the next ten years.
Trustee Hanson said “the problem that he sees is that we’re looking at a short term fix that nobody knows what the cost is. If this project does happen, we have to keep in mind, that the seniors may not even stay there, because we own the property. So if they’re willing to improve that property on the concept that someday they could be moved out of that property because of expansion reasons, we may need that room for different services. There’s nothing in stone that says that location has got to be a senior center for the next two hundred years.” Trustee Larson said that’s why she asked for a resolution guaranteeing those folks, for at least two years we guarantee they can stay in that building. Trustee Larson said the senior citizens listed reasons why they want to stay in that location. The first five were absolutely key. It’s location; it’s not a busy street; the proximity to senior housing; the proximity to the downtown shopping area; all the reasons they listed Trustee Larson said she can’t imagine being better reasons. Trustee Hanson said those are all short-term reasons. Trustee Larson said the seniors know right now that they don’t want to be incorporated in a recreational campus where the traffic, people traffic alone will be horrendous. Trustee Hanson said “if we’re going to spend the kind of money to improve that building, let’s do it, if you so please, knowing that it could change. We could end up with that building and still move those folks away after they spent the money they really didn’t have to spend. He said, obviously what the Mayor’s indicating is he’s willing to move that center someday. He’s not say necessarily to the recreation center.” He said, we’ve only seen one plan and he would like to see the options himself. Trustee Larson said the seniors are getting three estimates. She said that Trustee Hanson is missing the whole point, it’s their money. Mayor Maravelas said that it’s the village’s property. Trustee Larson said that as long she’s on the Board she will not move them out of that building. Mayor Maravelas asked who said anything about moving anyone. Trustee Larson said Trustee Hanson’s comments sounded like a veiled threat to her. Mayor Maravelas said she was wrong. Claudette Skvarce, asked if when the money was discovered missing, would the insurance company pay that fund back. Attorney Long said the bond only covers theft and since there was no theft and the money didn’t disappear it would not have been covered by insurance. Instead the money was spent on other village facilities which would have been paid for out of some form of tax on village residents anyway. He said realistically when you look at the larger sense, it doesn’t feel good, but from a legal point of view, it’s reasonable to repay by tax dollars. Ms. Skvarce said that another question that she has is, if this expansion ends up costing them $400,000 or $500,000, they still have a million dollars, has the Village asked the seniors to put the million dollars in another senior facility in another area? Mayor Maravelas said “no, that he went personally to them and said look this new direction that we’re taking. We don’t want your money, we don’t want your $1.6 million dollars, keep it. But this is the direction the village will take for next generation. What I’m doing here, Claudette, is, if you look since 1989, this village done work on piece meal. Never done anything new. They took old buildings and they spend and spend on remodeling. I’ll give you an example, this administration doesn’t want to go through this ever again. We’re going to take it, we’re taking the board’s vote, we’re going to take procedures, we’re going to take staff ideas and we’re going to go forward. That’s why I’m proposing this park.” Mayor Maravelas said that he went to the senior center more than three times and talked to them. He told them if they want to stay, they stay, but we’re going to move forward. Mayor Maravelas said his concern is that the building is old and what they’re proposing to do is going to cost money and it’s money mis-spent. Mayor Maravelas said that he will not put his signature on money mis-spent anymore in this village. This is why the Chairman of Finance is concerned. Pine Hill Drive resident said if the Board is saying let’s get the best bang for their buck, why are we not doing the same for the park board. She heard of only one company that they already decided on and they’re going to come back with a proposal, why aren’t we putting it all out? Park Board Chairman Chris Leinhardt said the park board interviewed three architects. They interviewed firms and made a recommendation on the most qualified. He said that’s the job of the Park Board in an advisory capacity. Ms. Gott said that she is asking them to get the most bang for buck,
wouldn’t the same principles apply. She believes the same standard should
every project. She believes it’s the seniors money, and if it’s the route
they want to go, it’s their money. |
| EXECUTIVE SESSION |
A motion was made by Trustee Caulfield, seconded by Trustee Porch to move
into Executive Session at 10:00 p.m. to discuss pending litigation, possible
purchase of property, personnel, possible action. On roll call the vote
was:
YES: 5; Larson, Caulfield, Porch, Hanson and Turner. NO: 0. ABSENT: 1; Pierce. THE MOTION CARRIED. |
| RETURN |
A motion was made by Trustee Caulfield, seconded by Trustee Larson for the
Mayor and Board of Trustees to return from executive session and resume
the regular meeting at 10:35 p.m. with no action taken. On roll call the
vote was:
YES: 5; Larson, Caulfield, Porch, Hanson and Turner. NO: 0. ABSENT: 1; Pierce. THE MOTION CARRIED. |
| ADJOURN |
A motion was made by Trustee Larson, seconded by Trustee Caulfield to adjourn
the regular meeting of the Board of Trustees at 10:38 p.m. |
____________________
Candi L. Rowe, Clerk