MINUTES

SPECIAL COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING

VILLAGE OF VERNON HILLS

APRIL 11, 2000

 

 

IN ATTENDANCE: President Byrne called the meeting to order at 8:25 a.m. The following Trustees were present: Black, Hebda, Henley, Koch, Ryg.  Trustee Cashman was absent.

 

Also present were Village Manager Allison, Assistant Manager Kalmar, Finance Director Nakrin, Public Works Director Laudenslager and Deputy Clerk Pelletier.

 

      1. Fairway Drive Extension Planning Report.

      Manager Allison summarized information discussed at the meeting of April 3, 2000 with residents of Centennial Crossings as stated in his memo-dated 4/7/2000 on Design Alternatives. Roger Machut, Civiltech's project engineer stated the right-of-way on the east side of the extension was 2-5 feet higher than the west side presenting constraints on the development of roadway.  The project was planned to minimize the costs of the extension.  He stated to move the road further east would require additional retaining walls.  Mr. Machut stated the Stage I improvement was to construct four-foot wide pavement with 2 foot-wide gravel shoulder for each of the two lanes. He stated that to narrow the roadway would be impossible.  Median strip was required to allow turn lane at Huron St. and elimination of the median would only benefit 7 homes.  The 2000-foot roadway would still require a 500-foot median for the turn lane.  Mr. Machut presented the 5 alternatives for buffer between the 25 homes that backup to the Fairway Drive extension. Option A-Heavy landscaping at a cost of $140,000; Option B-Wooden Fence at a cost of $115,000; Option C-Combination of Options A & B at a cost of $130,000; Option D-3-foot Berm & 5-foot Wooden Fence at a cost of $235,000; and Option E-Depressed Roadway & Retaining Walls at a cost of $1,100,000 (Draining costs still to be determined). 

 

      Trustee Ryg inquired if the roadway could be designed the 2 lane road without the median with 13-foot lane with curb and gutter.  Mr. Machut stated the road was designed similar to Buffalo Grove Rd. to the south.  Trustee Hebda inquired if a median caused drivers to drive differently.  President Byrne questioned if there was no median if more head-on collisions would occur.  Trustee Black inquired which homes would have a the fence in Option C and was informed that Lots 107-121 would have the fence.  Trustee Koch stated Option C was a compromise of the residents and some residents were against having a fence behind their homes.  Trustee Ryg inquired if the fence would be decorative or barrier style.  Pictures of the train station fence were distributed as an example of a barrier fence.  Any fence erected would be maintained by the Village.

 

      Jennifer Hakko, Central Park Place resident stated she was glad the Hickory connection had been eliminated.  She stated concerns if the road was 5-laned; more traffic would be generated.  Removal of median could be detrimental to many students crossing Fairway to get to the school and ball fields.

 

      Manager Allison stated a land bridge previously discussed had been eliminated due to the cost.

 

      Trustee Koch question if the proposed roadway was ADA compliant.

 

      Jennifer Hakko questioned if a fence was installed for residents along Fairway Dr. what would prohibit residents that backup to Rt. 45 would not request the same.  She felt Option E was out of the question due to cost, but was not in favor of the least expensive version.

 

      Mike Kordecki, Stone Fence resident, questioned if Option E could be left at grade level versus lowering of the roadway.  Trustee Koch responded any movement of the road to the east would require retaining wall.

 

      Tom Pettenon, 610 S. Ontario, stated he was a 9-year resident of the Village and commended the Board on their diligence on discussing options with the residents.  He stated the fence would be desirable but was not in favor of a solid fence.  President Byrne stated he would like to see board-on-board, which is more open and wind tolerant.

 

      Debbie Gaineri, 390 E. Marseilles, stated they have small children and would want a fence with no visibility of the road.  The fence should be solid and as tall as possible.

 

      Steve Potts, 384 E. LaSalle, preferred to see better options than the choice of fence given.

 

      John Keister, 374 E. Marseilles, thanked the Board for listening to their concerns.  He stated his home was the closest to the roadway.  He preferred to have the backyard open with no fence.  He would prefer to install his own fence versus a wooden wall behind his home.  He preferred dense landscaping.

 

      Mary Banks, 340 Donnelley, reiterated her comments as stated during the Citizens Wishing to Address the Board portion of the Board Meeting.

 

      Barry Labovitz, 386 E. Marseilles, preferred a fence versus landscaping.  He stated he could plant his own landscaping.

 

      Mike Moss, 366 E. Marseilles, preferred Option E.  Trustee Koch stated concerns of maintenance of the retaining over time.

 

      Gary Klages, 382 E. Marseilles, preferred Option C.  President Byrne inquired the distance of homes from road easement.  He was informed that the distances varied.  The homes with the alley to the back of easement had a distance of 13-25 feet to garage.  Homes that backup to easement where no alley exists were 110 feet from easement.

 

      Resident, Lot 103, Centennial Crossings, stated he had a 3-year-old and was torn between fence and landscaping.  He had concerns of Fairway becoming a speedway.  President Byrne mentioned the Grosse Point landscaping project that was done to buffer homes from Rt. 83.

 

      Wendy Levy, 364 LaSalle, Lot 112, stated she had dogs and would prefer having a fence.

 

      Frank Rockwell, 368 LaSalle, Lot 113, stated viable options were being discusse, but requested more options be explored.  President Byrne stated this meeting was to consider options.  Road was planned long before Centennial Crossings was conceived.  Landbanking had been done for Centennial Crossing at Rt. 45 and when Rt. 45 is widened in the future, the road easements for that project would be to the south towards the cemetery property.

 

      Resident, 390 Marseilles, preferred fencing with landscaping on both sides of fence.  Manager Allison stated Town and Country was responsible for landscaping for homeowner's property.  Trustee Koch stated the homeowners could purchase additional landscaping for their property.

 

      Sherry Labovitz, 386 E. Marseilles, Lot 107, preferred fencing with mature landscaping.  She stated concerns on security and would like to see the speed limit set at 30 mph.  The homeowner association allows only picket fencing.  She thanked the Board for listening to resident concerns.

 

      Trustee Black inquired if the homeowners association would allow the Option A fence.  She was informed the homeowners association allowed only 4-foot white picket fencing.  Trustee Black stated she would like to see more decorative fencing.  She questioned accessibility of homeowners to the bikepath by way of gates in the fencing.

 

      Trustee Koch reiterated concerns to moving the roadway east.  He preferred to keep the current east landscaping.

 

      John Houbion, 369 Hobblebush, inquired about the bikepath extending south of Rt. 45 by way of underpass.  President Byrne stated the bikepath was not part of this project.

 

      Manager Allison stated the county had no plan for bridge.  Bikepath crossing was located at Metra station through Centennial Crossings.  President Byrne stated there was no underpass in plans.  Trustee Koch stated underpass crossings had security risks.

 

      President Byrne stated he would like to see landscaping and fencing was questionable.  Residents seemed to have different ideas whether they want landscaping or fencing. 

 

      Trustee Koch stated the Stevenson High School berm should be investigated to see if a landscape berm was feasible for this project.  President Byrne questioned the impact a berm would have on drainage.  Mr. Machut stated there currently as a swale and drains every 4 houses.  Berm would have additional costs to relocate utilities.  Mr. Machut stated concerns of fence and berm, which would have the fence higher than garages on certain properties.

 

      President Byrne stated a consensus of the residents was needed.  Ms. Hakko stated one vote from each household should be allowed. 

 

      Trustee Ryg stated more consideration should be done as to whether it would be 6-foot or 8-foot fence.  She preferred evergreens versus deciduous shrubbery.

 

      Trustee Black suggested each homeowner mark on the plan their preference to options and Trustee Hebda concurred.

 

      Resident, Lot 78, stated concerns of viewing the alley from her kitchen.

 

         The Board concurred Option E was too expensive.

 

         Option D would impact the homeowner's backyards with the slope of berm.

 

         Manager Allison to notified homeowners not present as to their preference.

 

      2. FY2000-01 Budget.

         G.   Resident Direct Benefit Fund

         Social Service Grant requests were presented.  Peer/Jury Program through Omni and the Police Department should be investigated.  Trustee Ryg stated the service organizations were spending more on services than they were being budgeted to receive in grant funding.  Trustee Henley stated he would like to see documentation of what was spent by the social service organizations when they do their grant applications in the future. Motion by Trustee Ryg, second by Trustee Hebda to approve the Social Service Grants in the amount of $51,500.  Roll call vote:

      Ayes:  4-Hebda, Koch, Ryg, Black

      Nays:  1-Henley

      Absent:  1-Cashman

 

      Motion declared carried.

 

      Trustee Ryg inquired about the use of the golf course by local charities.  She inquired about a Park District donation and President Byrne stated it would be discussed at the 4/18 meeting.  President Byrne inquired if the Park District had budgeted monies for development of the Vernon Hills Athletic Complex ball fields and Manager Allison stated Mr. DeGraaf had informed him funds were not available.

 

         Motion by Trustee Black, second by Trustee Hebda to approve the Resident Direct Benefit Fund budget in the amount of $462,000.  Roll call vote:

      Ayes:  5-Henley, Koch, Ryg, Black, Hebda

      Nays:  0-None

      Absent:  1-Cashman

 

      Motion declared carried.

 

      A.   Replacement Fund

         Motion by Trustee Ryg, second by Trustee Black to approve the Replacement Fund Budget in the amount of $1,644.000.  Roll call vote:

      Ayes:  5- Koch, Ryg, Black, Hebda, Henley

      Nays:  0-None

      Absent:  1-Cashman

     

      Motion declared carried.

 

      B.   Community Infrastructure Development Fund

         Trustee Ryg questioned $20,000 for additional landscaping along Seavey Ditch.  $20,000 was pulled.  Motion by Trustee Black, second by Trustee Henley to approve the Community Infrastructure Development Fund Budget in the amount $6,200,000.  Roll call vote:

      Ayes:  5- Koch, Ryg, Black, Hebda, Henley

      Nays:  0-None

      Absent:  1-Cashman

     

      Motion declared carried.

 

      C.   Motor Fuel Tax Fund

         Trustee Ryg questioned the discrepancy on item K.1. between department request the manager's request regarding the street rehab of A streets.  Motion by Trustee Henley, second by Trustee Hebda to approve the Motor Fuel Tax Fund Budget in the amount of $829,312.  Roll call vote:

      Ayes:  5-Black, Hebda, Henley, Koch, Ryg

      Nays:  0-None

      Absent:  1-Cashman

     

      Motion declared carried.

 

      D.  911 Fund

         Budget to be reviewed with new Chief of Police.  Motion by Trustee Hebda, second by Trustee Koch to approve the 911 Fund Budget in the amount of $94,000.  Roll call vote:

      Ayes:  5- Hebda, Henley, Koch, Ryg, Black,

      Nays:  0-None

      Absent:  1-Cashman

     

      Motion declared carried.

 

      E.   2001 Bond Fund

         Motion by Trustee Henley, second by Trustee Koch to approve the 2001 Bond Fund Budget in the amount of $5,000,000.  Roll call vote:

      Ayes:  5- Henley, Koch, Ryg, Black, Hebda

      Nays:  0-None

      Absent:  1-Cashman

     

      Motion declared carried.

 

      F.      Committee Fund

         Trustee Koch questioned the $27,250 Senior budget.  He inquired where their holiday party would be held and how elaborate.  Trustee Henley questioned the budgeted art supplies and exercise equipment.  President Byrne inquired about the "Art-in Architecture" fee for $12,400.  Motion by Trustee Black, second by Trustee Ryg to approve the Committee Budget the amount of $93,346 to be allocated as follows: Planning and Zoning-$4,776, Zoning Board of Appeals-$378, Fire and Police Commission-$53,692, Traffic Advisory Committee-$500, Citizens Environmental Committee-$1,000, Historical Society-$1,000, Senior Citizen Committee-$27,250, Blood Drive Committee-$300, Electrical Commission-$50 and Forestry Advisory Committee-$4,400 for a total.  Roll call vote:

      Ayes:  4- Koch, Ryg, Black, Hebda

      Nays:  0-None

      Absent:  1-Cashman

      Present:  1-Henley

     

      Motion declared carried.

 

(Trustee Black left at 10:45 p.m.)

 

      H.   Motel/Hotel Fund

         Trustee Ryg inquired about the village map pinpointing retail locations.  Motion by Trustee Henley, second by Trustee Koch to approve the Hotel/Motel Tax Fund Budget in the amount of  $520,000 with the amendment that the $311,000 originally budgeted for debt service is to be budgeted for permanent improvements.  Roll call vote:

      Ayes:  5- Koch, Ryg, Hebda, Henley, Byrne

      Nays:  0-None

      Absent:  2-Black, Cashman

     

      Motion declared carried. 

 

      I.    Completion of Events Fund

         Trustee Koch stated his objections to the "Frosty" balloon display for the annual Light Show.  He inquired about the $6,000 Sound System rental fee.  Mr. Nakrin was to research. Trustee Ryg inquired about the addition $12,500 fee for new displays and this item was deleted from the budget.  Motion by Trustee Henley, second by Trustee Hebda to approved the Events Fund Budget in the amount of $295,031 which includes $14,000 for Arbortheater Concerts, $7,000 for the Community Dance, $162,375 for the light show and $17,000 for Summer Celebration.  Roll call vote:

      Ayes:  4- Koch, Ryg, Hebda, Henley

      Nays:  0-None

      Absent: 2-Black, Cashman

     

      Motion declared carried.

 

      J.    Committee Budgets

         Motion by Trustee Hebda, second by Trustee Henley to approve the Committee Budget for the amount of $93,346 to be allocated as follows: Planning and Zoning-$4,776, Zoning Board of Appeals-$378, Fire and Police Commission-$53,692, Traffic Advisory Committee-$500, Citizens Environmental Committee-$1,000, Historical Society-$1,000, Senior Citizen Committee-$27,250, Blood Drive Committee-$300, Electrical Commission-$50 and Forestry Advisory Committee-$4,400.  Roll call vote:

      Ayes:  4- Hebda, Henley, Koch, Ryg

      Nays:  0-None

      Absent: 2-Black, Cashman

     

      Motion declared carried.

 

      K.   President & Trustees

      Motion by Trustee Hebda, second by Trustee Henley to approve the President and Trustees budget for the amount of $71,927.  Roll call vote:

      Ayes:  4- Hebda, Henley, Koch, Ryg

      Nays:  0-None

      Absent: 2-Black, Cashman

     

      Motion declared carried.

 

      L.   Judiciary

         Trustee Ryg suggested revisiting selection of professional services in general.  Motion by Trustee Hebda, second by Trustee Ryg to approve the Judiciary Budget in the amount of $276,000.   Roll call vote:

      Ayes:  4- Hebda, Henley, Koch, Ryg

      Nays:  0-None

      Absent: 2-Black, Cashman

     

      Motion declared carried.

 

      President Byrne requested remaining Items M-Q be approved by Omnibus Vote: 

      Motion by Trustee Henley, second by Trustee Ryg to approve Items M-Q by Omnibus Vote: Roll call vote:

      Ayes:  4- Hebda, Henley, Koch, Ryg

      Nays:  0-None

      Absent: 2-Black, Cashman

     

      Motion declared carried.

 

      M.  2000 Bond Project Fund in the amount of $4,500,000. Approved by omnibus vote.

      N.  1995 Bond Project Fund in the amount of $44,000.  Approved by omnibus vote.

      O.  Review & Inspection Budget Fund in the amount of $690,000.  Approved by omnibus vote.

      P.      Drug Forfeiture Budget in the amount of $18,000.  Approved by omnibus vote.

      Q.   Cultural/Community Budget Fund in the amount of $120,000.  Approved by omnibus vote.

 

3.      Route 60 Corridor Improvements

      President Byrne referred to a memo dated 3/29/2000 to Kirk Brown, Illinois State Secretary of Transportation regarding the Traffic Improvements in the Lake County Rt. 60 Corridor.  Manager Allison requested permission to send memo as that the project needed municipality support.  Trustee Koch stated second piece needed further study.

 

4. Adjournment

      Motion by Trustee Ryg, second by Trustee Henley to adjourn the Committee of the Whole Meeting. 

      Roll call vote:

      Ayes:  4- Koch, Ryg, Hebda, Henley

      Nays: 0-None

      Absent:  2- Black, Cashman

      Abstain:  0-None

 

      Motion declared carried.

 

      Meeting adjourned at 11:15 p.m.

 

 

 

                                                        

 

      Linda Pelletier, Deputy Village Clerk       Roger L. Byrne, Village President