MINUTES

COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING

VILLAGE OF VERNON HILLS

JUNE 19, 2003

 

 

 

   IN ATTENDANCE: President Byrne called the meeting to order at 7:40 p.m. The following Trustees were present: Cashman, Duros, Hebda, Koch, Weil, Williams.

 

   Also present were Village Manager Allison, Assistant Village Manager Kalmar, Assistant to the Manager Teich, Finance Director Nakrin, Chief Fleischhauer, Building Commissioner Gerth, Public Works Director Laudenslager, Village Engineer Brown, Village Attorney Citron and Deputy Clerk Pelletier.

 

1.   APPROVAL OF 5/06/2003 & 5/20/2003 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MINUTES. 

      Motion by Trustee Duros second by Trustee Hebda to approve the 5/06/2003 & 5/20/2003 Committee of the Whole Minutes. Roll call vote:

      Ayes: 6-Weil, Williams, Cashman, Duros, Hebda, Koch

      Nays:  0-None

      Absent:  0-None

      Motion declared carried.

 

2.   WRITER ESTATES – CONSIDERATION OF PRELIMINARY APPROVAL.

      Assistant Manager Kalmar stated Planning and Zoning had unanimously approved the preliminary plans for a new development along Route 45 across the highway from the former Leikam Tap. JKL Consulting submitted 26 pages of plans, which P&Z approved and recommended 13 additional conditions to be met, prior to final approval.  Architectural drawings were not available at this time. Trustee Koch stated his concerns regarding sidewalks and parking around the cul-de-sac. Trustee Hebda stated she was not in favor of fencing along Route 45 and would like to see a detailed landscape plan.  Trustee Weil inquired what other development the builder, John Konsor had completed.  Mr. Konsor stated he had completed projects in Northbrook and Palatine. Trustee Weil inquired what type of tree preservation would be done. Trustee Koch stated he would like to see open fencing and landscaping along Route 45.  Trustee Cashman stated River Grove had stockade fencing along Route 45.  Trustee Cashman inquired the cost of the homes and if the lots would be sold individually.  Mr. Konsor stated there would be no selling of individual lots and the development would probably begin with three spec homes in the price range of $520,000 to $560,000.  Attorney Citron stated Outlot 1 should be the homeowner’s association ownership, as well as the maintenance of the landscaping along Route 45.  Motion by Trustee Cashman, second by Trustee Koch to approve the preliminary site plan for Writer Estates as presented with the 13 conditions as recommended by Planning and Zoning. Roll call vote:

      Ayes: 5-Williams, Cashman, Hebda, Koch, Weil

      Nays:  1-Duros

      Absent:  0-None

      Motion declared carried.

 

3.   GREGG’S LANDING, ZALE HOMES - REVISED SALES TRAILER PLAN. 

      Building Commissioner Gerth presented the sales trailer plan for the proposed Pod D-Bay Hill, Sawgrass and Riviera Developments.  The plan provided for a 60 x 28 trailer with a paved 19-space parking lot and landscaping. The time limit for the sales trailer would be 3 years from the issuance of the temporary or final certificate of occupancy.  An ordinance amending Ord. 2002-41 would be drafted to allow the new elevation and operator. Motion by Trustee Cashman, second by Trustee Duros to approve a revised sales trailer plan for Zale Homes. Roll call vote:

      Ayes: 6-Cashman, Duros, Hebda, Koch, Weil, Williams

      Nays:  0-None

      Absent:  0-None

      Motion declared carried.

 

4.   WESTFIELD SHOPPINGTOWN – HAWTHORN – PROPOSED DROP-OFF CHILDCARE. 

      Building Commissioner Gerth introduced Shannon Witt, Island Lake, and owner of the proposed childcare facility to answer questions on the project. Trustee Cashman stated he had received positive inquiries on the project from residents after it was first proposed.  Trustee Hebda inquired how the age of the children would be grouped and was informed by Ms. Witt there would be three areas: 15 months to 2½ years; 2½ to 5 years; and 6 to 9 years of age.  Ms. Witt stated DCFS guidelines would be followed.  Trustee Hebda inquired how staffing would be done and was informed by Ms. Witt it would take approximately 6 months to establish a definite schedule.  Five children per adult would be the quota and anticipated being fully staffed in the afternoons after school.  Staff would be 18 years of age and would have completed CPR training.  Trustee Weil inquired the length of time a child could stay and was informed there would be a four hour max.  The cost would be $10 for the 1st child; $8 for the 2nd child; and $6 for the 3rd child.  Trustee Duros questioned the liability insurance and the mall’s requirements for insurance.  Trustee Duros questioned the staffing when someone called in sick.  Trustee Koch concurred with the other’s comments and stated concerns if someone violated the length of stay and inability to be contacted during the child’s stay.  Ms. Witt stated the parents must be reachable and there would be a “Lost Parent Policy”.  President Byrne requested the village attorney be involved to review the contracts between the mall and Ms. Witt.  President Byrne supported the proposal and stated the project should go forth on their planning and zoning and technical reviews.  President Byrne stated the village staff should review the liability insurance.  Motion by Trustee Williams, second by Trustee Koch to approve the proposed drop-off childcare project.  Roll call vote:

      Ayes:  4-Hebda, Koch, Williams, Cashman

      Nays:  2-Duros, Weil

      Absent:  0-None

      Motion declared carried.

 

5.   WESTFIELD SHOPPINGTOWN – HAWTHORN – PROPRIETARY LICENSE.

      Building Commissioner Gerth stated Westfield Shoppingtown – Hawthorn is requesting a proprietary license to maintain six kiddie rides, a photo booth, and a sticker machine in the mall as required by village ordinance.  Motion by Trustee Cashman, second by Trustee Hebda to approve a proprietary license for Westfield Shoppingtown – Hawthorn. Roll call vote:

      Ayes:  6-Hebda, Koch, Weil, Williams, Cashman, Duros

      Nays:  0-None

      Absent:  0-None

      Motion declared carried.

 

6.   AMENDMENT TO SECTION 5-171 – ELIMINATION OF CERTAIN PERMIT FEES. 

      Building Commissioner Gerth stated three amendments would be drafted to elimination permit fees for water heaters; no charge to certain public entities within the village; and a reference change from the use of BOCA to adopt the International Code Series.  Mr. Gerth to draft ordinance for final approval.  Motion by Trustee Cashman, second by Trustee Koch to approve amendments to Sec. 5-171 of the Building Code. Roll call vote:

      Ayes:  6-Koch, Weil, Williams, Cashman, Duros, Hebda

      Nays:  0-None

      Absent:  0-None

      Motion declared carried.

 

7.   NIKE SKATE PARK. 

      Village Engineer Brown stated staff was looking for direction on how to proceed with the skate park.  President Byrne stated he had been approached by another entity to development an indoor sports complex at the site.  Manager Allison stated the National Park Services would have to approve such a plan.  Trustee Williams questioned if a private entity could be involved on a public land project.  Trustee Hebda favored the concept of an indoor facility that would allow year round activities.  Trustee Cashman was in favor of an enclosed facility and staff should explore the concept.  Engineer Brown stated discussions had been going on with the park district over the last three years regarding the skate park.  President Byrne stated the Aspen site may be a better site and not so isolated for children.  Trustee Williams stated other places may be available and the village should stay open minded; and would like more information on the indoor sports center concept.  Engineer Brown stated it was six weeks out to develop plans and needed to meet with the park district.  The current equipment located at Aspen will not make the transition over to the Vernon Hills Athletic Complex and new equipment would need to be purchased.  The question would be who would pay for the equipment and what materials would be used in the construction, asphalt or concrete.  Manager Allison stated the skate park could be placed on one of the soccer fields.  Trustee Cashman favored a year round use for the site and would like to see a financial commitment from the park district.  Manager Allison stated a meeting should be set up between the park district and the village’s liaisons to discuss.  President Byrne stated this topic should be discussed at the first meeting in August.

 

8.   CONSTRUCTION OF CABLE STUDIO. 

      Assistant to the Village Manager Teich stated all but the studio had been located in the new village hall.  A savings of $6,000 annually would be seen if the studio was constructed in the new hall as obligated in the lease with the park district.  Funding is available by monies collected through the Cable Franchise Fees. Motion by Trustee Hebda, second by Trustee Williams to approve the construction of the cable studio in the lower level of the new village hall.  Roll call vote:

      Ayes:  6-Weil, Williams, Cashman, Duros, Hebda, Koch

      Nays:  0-None

      Absent: 0-None

      Motion declared carried.

 

9.   VERNON HILLS GOLF COURSE – CLEAN INDOOR AIR ACT. 

      Chief of Police Fleischhauer stated the village needed to set up a policy designating a smoking area at the golf course as required by state law.  Private parties could also ban smoking during their event.  Staff met with golf course management regarding a policy.

 

10.   ADDITIONAL BUSINESS

      Trustee Cashman stated staff needed to contact an arborist on the preservation of the oak tree located in River Grove. Trustee Cashman would like the landscaping plans of the new village reviewed; and would like to see under the strategic plan, the discussion of a health department.

 

11.   ADJOURNMENT

      Motion by Trustee Williams, second by Trustee Koch to adjourn the meeting and go to executive session for discussion of litigation and land acquisition.  Roll call vote:

      Ayes:  6-Cashman, Duros, Hebda, Koch, Weil, Williams

      Nays:  0-None

      Absent: 0-None

      Motion declared carried.

 

      Meeting adjourned at 8:40 p.m.

 

                                                                    

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