March 26, 2002

Mayor Krajewski called the Workshop meeting of the Village Council of the Village of Downers Grove to order at 6:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers of the Village Hall.

Present:Mayor Brian Krajewski; Commissioners Marilyn Schnell, Thomas Sisul, Michael Gilbert, Sue McConnell, Martin Tully, Mark Zabloudil; Village Manager Riccardo Ginex; Village Attorney Daniel Blondin; Village Clerk April Holden

Absent:None

Visitors: Press: Susie Gura, Downers Grove Reporter; Matt Baron, Chicago Tribune; Colt Foutz, The Sun Residents & Others in Attendance: Steve Ohnsmon, 4013 Highland; Christine Fregeau, 1918 Elmore; Andrew J. Clark, 1226 62nd Street; Betty Rigsby, 1962 Hitchcock; Marilynn Gerloff, 4241 Highland Staff: Mike Baker, Assistant to the Village Manager; Ken Rathje, Director, Planning Services; Amanda Browne, Planner; Marty Lyons, Director, Financial Services; Dave VanVooren Deputy Village Manager for Administration; Phil Ruscetti, Fire Chief; Marsha Giesler, Fire Prevention Officer; Mary Scalzetti, Director, Community Events; Doug Kozlowski, Public Information Officer

Mayor Krajewski explained that Council Workshop meetings are held the second and fourth Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m. The meetings are video taped live and for later cable cast over cable channel 6.

The Workshop meeting is intended to provide Council and the public with an appropriate forum for informal discussion of any items intended for future Council consideration or just for general information. No formal action is taken at Workshop meetings.

The public is invited to attend and encouraged to comment or ask questions in an informal manner on any of the items being discussed or on any other subject. The agenda is created to provide a guideline for discussion.

MANAGER

Bids:

2001 Watermain Improvements, Project #4-01. The Manager said staff recommends awarding the bid to Swallow Construction in the amount of $367,491.

Commissioner Schnell asked about the timing on this project as it is near a school. She asked that the schools be notified about what will be taking place. She also recommended that they attempt to make some type of path across Prairie.

Commissioner McConnell congratulated everyone, and asked why the costs are below the estimate.

Jack Bajor , Director, Public Works, referred to questions given to him by Commissioner McConnell. Regarding the high estimates, he said that principally they refer to past bid estimates. He asked staff to review the last three years. This bid is 11% lower than the median bid. He said that they like to err on the side of overestimating. He said that the excess funds will go back into the Enterprise Fund.

Commissioner McConnell asked whether staff was comfortable with the tree pruning and traffic control bids since they were quite a bit lower. Mr. Bajor responded that they were.

Commissioner McConnell asked about the storage of equipment during off hours, saying she would like to see that language tightened up. She would like the word “can” changed to “shall.” Mr. Bajor said he would address that.

Commissioner Tully said he was pleased to see so many competitive bids, and asked about Swallow Construction being 30% below the estimate. He asked what the Village’s experience with Swallow has been.

Mr. Bajor said that Swallow has been a viable contractor for many years. They have a history of being low bidders. He said they will hold the line at the preconstruction conference with the contractor. In further response to Commissioner Tully, Mr. Bajor said he is not sure of what other projects they have done for the Village in the past. He said all they do is sewer and water.

Commissioner Tully then said he would like to have the Village Attorney review the documents.

Commissioner Zabloudil questioned the low bid versus the high bid, asking if there were any specific areas that caused the spread in costs. Mr. Bajor said that at this time of year there was a lot of competition among the contractors. This is an indication of being ahead of the game.

Commissioner Zabloudil then asked how the projects are related regarding the watermain and Glendenning. Mr. Bajor said they are two separate projects. He said with respect to Glendenning, they are waiting for the wetland banking project to be completed.

The Mayor asked Mr. Bajor to provide information regarding the minimum insurance requirement.

Heritage Festival Sound Equipment Rental. The Manager said the Tourism and Events Commission has recommended RJ Recording in the amount of $17,400 for 6 stages and 12 technicians. They have used this group for the past 16 years satisfactorily.

Heritage Festival Fire Works. The Manager said there were four bids, and recommendation is to contract with Lumina, Inc. He noted that the Village’s portion of the cost is $5,000.

Commissioner McConnell asked if this would be similar to last year’s fireworks.

Mary Scalzetti , Director of Director of Tourism and Events said this is the same company.

Water Insertion Valves Supply & Installation. The Manager said staff is recommending awarding the bid to Geneva Valve Tap Company.

Leak Detection Survey. The Manager said staff recommends awarding a bid to Severn Trent Pipeline Services at a cost of .0141per linear foot for a total cost of $5,979.00.

The Mayor asked how they determine what areas to test. Mr. Bajor said they attempt to cover about 1/3 of the Village during a year. There is no hierarchical or matrix approach.

Supply of Hydrants. The Manager said staff recommends extending the existing contract at a 2% increase with U.S. Filter Distribution Group. They propose to have 50-70 hydrants this year.

Commissioner Tully asked the total amount of the expenditure for next year. Mr. Bajor said he would forward that information to him. Commissioner Tully said that he understood that the existing contract has a 2% increase, and asked how that increase compares to the current prices. Mr. Bajor said he would also obtain that information.

Supply of Water System Clamps & Fittings. The Manager said the recommendation is to extend the existing contract with the three current vendors, all of whom have successfully performed. The cost will not exceed 2% of the 2001-02 contract unit prices.

Commissioner Tully asked the same question for this contract as that on the hydrants and Mr. Bajor said he would provide that information.

The Mayor also asked how many years these contractors have been current vendors for the Village.

Replacement of Bundle for Police Department Air Conditioning System. The Manager said last July the Police Department had an air-conditioning failure which required immediate replacement. The chilled water bundles also needed repair. This is a major component to the system and is 25 years old. Staff recommends awarding the contract to Bell Engineering at a cost of $23,515.

Commissioner McConnell asked why the local companies declined to bid on this project.

Mike Baker , Assistant to the Village Manager, said that Econotemp said they were physically incapable of doing this type of work, and Stadtler was not interested in bidding. Commissioner McConnell asked why they didn’t want to bid, since the Village would like to give its business to local vendors when possible.

2002 MFT Resolution. The Manager said staff is requesting approval of a Resolution authorizing appropriation of the MFT funds for the roadway maintenance project. Public Works anticipates spending $1,471,000.00 of Motor Fuel Tax funds.

Proposals – Demolition of 5212/5214 Washington St. and 1201 Gilbert. The Manager said this includes demolition of two houses, one garage, clearing of the trees and disconnection of the utility service. Staff recommends awarding the contract to Reliable Wrecking to demolish the structures in the amount of $18,300; Bergquist Tree Removal in the amount of $2,800, and Zikis Underground for the disconnection of the water in the amount of $1200. For the Gilbert property demolition, Wrecking’s bid amount was $12,650, and Zikis’ bid amount was $450.

Commissioner McConnell asked if there is a particular reason they are taking the house on Gilbert down now.

Brian Pabst , Deputy Village Manager for Operations, said the house is in extremely bad shape, and has the most contamination from asbestos. It is also in negotiations with a land swap, so it makes sense to take it down now. Commissioner McConnell asked if it has been determined not salvageable, and Mr. Pabst said that the land is worth more than the house.

Mr. Baker said that much of the interior was gutted as part of the auction.

Commissioner Tully asked about tree removal at 1201 Gilbert, and Mr. Baker said there will not be any tree removal at that location.

Commissioner Schnell asked if the neighbors are being notified about the demolition, and if extra liability insurance will be required. Mr. Baker said that the reason the quote for the Gilbert house was higher is because of its location and proximity to other homes. Staff will notify the neighbors when demolition is scheduled. In further response, he said he would check into liability.

The Mayor said the Village requires a certificate of insurance.

Marty Lyons , Director, Financial Services, responded that a standard general liability in contracts is $1 million. In response to the Mayor, Mr. Lyons said he would look into an umbrella policy.

Plan Commission Recommendation: File #1072 Ohnsman Lot Split including a request for a Flag Lot at 4013 Highland Avenue. The Manager asked Amanda Browne to address this item.

Amanda Browne , Planner, said the Plan Commission has recommended approval of the lot split at 4013 Highland. The property is to be divided into a flag lot and a regular lot. She then described the property size, frontage, and depth. The property is zoned R-4 single family residential. The owner would demolish the attached garage if this were approved. Ms. Browne said that the Plan Commission found that the area characteristics warranted the lot split on this site, and in particular noted the width to depth ratio since it was five times deep as it was wide. The property is over an acre and satisfies the requirements of the Subdivision Control Ordinance. The Commission made its recommendation subject to the condition that the attached garage must be razed.

Commissioner Zabloudil asked whether 4017 Highland is a flag lot. Mr. Browne said it is not a typical flag lot configuration, but was approved as a flag lot given its frontage. In further response she said there are no other flag lots in this particular area.

Commissioner Sisul asked when the lot was purchased. Ms. Browne said it was purchased in 1982. Commissioner Sisul stated there has been significant activity in this area to deal with the unusual size of the lots. He said that the resulting lots will be substantially sized lots.

Commissioner Schnell asked about the lot to the north and Mr. Browne said it was vacant. She said that there are three or four parcels in common ownership, and there have been inquiries made about the property. She does not know the owners’ intention.

Commissioner Schnell asked whether this lot was divisible in any other way. Ms. Browne said they would need an exception due to the 50’ width requirement. Commissioner Schnell said that this is a large lot and fits the intent of the Ordinance.

Commissioner Tully asked about the property to the north, and asked the boundaries of that lot, which is a wooded lot. The map says it is three lots. Ms. Browne said there are three lots in common ownership.

Steve Ohnsman , 4013 Highland Avenue, said he was the owner of the lot in question. He said the resulting lot sizes will be 25,000-30,000 square feet. The construction will blend in with the neighboring lots, and there have been no negative comments from the neighbors.

Change Order: Construction Engineering for Fairview Signals Interconnect (59th to Lincoln) STP Improvement. The Manager said this project is partially funded with funds through DuPage Mayors and Managers Conference. The low bid, of 8 bids received, was $661,655, which was 14% below the engineer’s estimate. The fee for designing engineering work was not to exceed $87,000. The proposed change order to be approved is to award the project to Civiltech Engineering for $85,079.

Commissioner Tully asked Mr. Bajor to explain this project. Mr. Bajor said there are three phases in this type of project: 1) environmental engineering; 2) design engineering; and 3) construction engineering. He said that Phase II construction/engineering services are going to Civiltech Engineering.

Commissioner Tully said that the original contracted amount was $87,000 which was negotiated two years ago, and the amount of the increase is $85,000. Mr. Bajor said that $85,000 includes the Phase III work, which was not included in the initial contract. This represents the Phase III construction section.

The Mayor clarified that instead of initiating a new contract, they do a change order to add the amount on to the existing contract, and Mr. Bajor said that was correct.

Mayor Krajewski said this is $40,000 under budget and asked if that amount will be moved elsewhere. Mr. Lyons said they have moved some of those funds to get all of the projects done. He said he would make the amendment to the budget.

Grant Application to the Federal Emergency Management Agency to support a Fire Prevention Program. The Manager asked Marsha Giesler to address this matter.

Marsha Giesler , Fire Prevention Officer, said they are seeking a grant to increase capabilities of the current website. They want to make it more interactive, and appealing to more age groups. In addition, they would like to make lesson plans and programs available to other Fire Departments.

The Mayor asked what they applied for last year. Fire Chief Ruscetti said he would look into it, and thought it might be for apparatus.

The Mayor asked if the deadline was March 31and Ms. Giesler said that was correct. The Mayor said a copy of the application should be sent to Congresswoman Biggert’s office.

Two Grant Agreements: Community Development Block Grant Agreements for Arbor Park and Autumn Grove Neighborhood Resource Centers. The Manager said the Village received two community Block Grant agreements, one in the amount of $16,599 for Arbor Park Resource Center, and the other for $17,164 for Autumn Grove Resource Center. He said the program has grown and flourished, and staff recommends approval of both grant agreements.

Commissioner Gilbert asked if this is the same grant they have had over the last five years, or lower. Manager Ginex said he would check.

Commissioner Schnell said she thought they do not fund what is asked for each year.

Commissioner Gilbert asked what the future for the program is, as grant money is drying up in this area.

The Mayor said a few months ago Barbara Leiber and Deputy Chief Bluder accepted grant funds from Sam’s Club.

Commissioner McConnell agreed that this is slightly lower than previous grants.

Deputy Manager Van Vooren said it is about $2,000 in total higher than last year.

Commissioner McConnell said that it is an instrumental program in that it impacts the lives of the residents in those complexes, and in how they participate in the Village.

Commissioner Sisul congratulated to the Department for this program. It has been very successful and well received. Its success has shown in the lack of police activity in those areas.

Hotel Ordinance Amending Tax Rates. The Manager said the purpose of this amendment is to change the Hotel Tax from 3.5% to 4.5%, which will result in approximately $227,000. The effective date of this Ordinance would be June 1.

Commissioner Gilbert said he attended a meeting on this, and the hotel representatives said although they understand the need for this, they are counting on their summer season to recover from the recent slump. In that vein, they have asked that this be delayed as long as possible. He asked that Mr. Lyons review this to see what changes can be made to accommodate their request.

Commissioner Schnell said she has a problem with this. She spent some time reviewing the old Cummings McNulty report which discusses the connection between economic development and tourism. Within that report it recommends that the visitors portion of the budget be 50% and economic development be 30%, leaving 20% for community events. She said the current mix is 60% economic development and 20% each for the visitors and community events portions. She said she believes that they are getting away from the original intent of the hotel tax fund by eliminating the tourism portion. By combining the two boards it is becoming more of a community events board as opposed to a tourism/community events board. She is afraid they are not doing what the original intent was for the hotel tax. They are putting hotel occupancy rates in jeopardy. The increase will put the Village level with surrounding communities. She said that our properties are older, and there are only two high end properties in the community. She is afraid that this will put the hotel occupancy rates in jeopardy.

The Mayor asked what she would propose cutting out of the budget.

Commissioner Schnell said she is not sure, but this is an easy tax because it is on non-residents, and she sees it as an easy way out. She said hotel occupancy rates have been down, and she believes this will drive the occupancy rates down further. She stated that she is not comfortable with this and doesn’t see benefits to hotels, although it does benefit economic development. This has been a difficult year for every community in the State. There are no easy answers to this. She said that perhaps additional positive advertising could possibly aid in increasing occupancy rates.

The Mayor asked if she would want to put the tax on residents instead. Commissioner Schnell said she does not know what the answer is. They are talking about $275,000 from this increase. She believes that some additional positive advertising might aid in increasing the occupancy.

Commissioner Sisul said this has been discussed and contemplated for a long period of time. There must be a positive alternative solution if there is an objection to this. He said this runs closely with the Economic Development Commission, and various projects could not have been accomplished without this tax.

Commissioner Schnell said in the past there has been a gentleman’s agreement that the Village would not raise the tax above 3.5%. She said if they do not have the competitive edge with a lower tax rate, it may ultimately hurt what they are trying to do. She recommended perhaps postponing this as long as possible and monitor it for a year to see what the effect is on the occupancy rate.

The Mayor said that the Cummings McNulty report recommended increasing the rates to 4% in 1995, with an increase to 5% in 1996-97. He said that for years they have been spending resident taxes on economic developments and working on office parks which the hotels benefit from tremendously. Regarding the split of the money, Council adopted an ordinance directing the money to go into the general fund to be used as the Council determines. He said in the meantime a lot of revenue has been lost by not following the Cummings McNulty report and instead subsidizing with taxpayer dollars.

Commissioner Schnell said the report also says the funds were to be used for tourism. She said a certain percent of the money was designated for economic development and has benefited the hotels. She does not feel they have unduly burdened the taxpayers in this case. Her concern is the effect it will have on hotels, on the occupancy rates, and ultimately on the tax dollars. She recommends not instituting this until September, and then monitor the effect on the occupancy rates.

The Mayor asked where she would come up with the shortfall, and Commissioner Schnell said they would have to look at where to come up with $75,000 by delaying this increase until fall. She said that according to tourism representatives that she has spoken with, people shop rates and hotel taxes. The hotels are also obviously not happy with this.

Commissioner Tully said there are two issues: 1) whether there should be an increase; and 2) if there is an increase, how should the funds be allocated. He said regarding the increase of 1%, they have been behind the curve on this for some time. If the 1% increase had been made before September 11th and the recession, this discussion would not be necessary. He said the funds have been delegated toward development, tourism and events, and that is as close as you can get to a targeted revenue source. He questioned whether having the additional funds a few years ago would have positively impacted tourism. Given what the surrounding communities are charging, he does not believe a 1% increase to be unreasonable. He would, however, like to be accommodating as possible to the hotels in the form of a brief delay if that is necessary. He is also in favor of watching the impact this will have on the hotels. Commissioner Tully said he also thinks the time for the increase is past due. Regarding the allocation of the revenues, he has no problem with the current allocation, stating that the extent to which they can involve the hotels in the economic development process would be good.

The Mayor said he has asked the Village Attorney to review the Ordinance creating the Economic Development Commission with respect to hotel representatives.

Commissioner Gilbert agreed that if this were before September 11th, this discussion would not be necessary. He said his comment regarding the extension is to help the hotels get through an abnormal time. It’s a far different issue to fund $75,000 versus $227,000. He recommending asking the Tourism Events Board to review the allocation of funds from their perspective. He noted that the Cummings McNulty report is over ten years old.

The Mayor said that the current Ordinance specifies that the hotel taxes go into the General Fund, and any discussion should also include the question of changing the Ordinance regarding the allocation.

Commissioner Schnell said she agrees with Commissioner Gilbert. She would like to have Mary Scalzetti meet with the general managers of the hotels to determine what they feel is a good return on their investment. Ms. Scalzetti said that a meeting has already been set for April 2.

Commissioner Gilbert said there were three reasons for combining Tourism and Events, one of which was stability. The hospitality and hotel business are directly connected. Also they wanted to make sure that both Tourism and Events were working in sync. The stability issue was one of the bigger issues.

Commissioner Zabloudil said a comprehensive EDC study was done about a year ago which probably should be reviewed, as the McNulty study is ten years old. He said there are surprising results of the EDC on tourism and the community.

Commissioner Sisul said that they need suggestions for additional revenue sources or cuts. The main concern is the effect on the residents.

Commissioner McConnell said that the Cummings McNulty report is an older report, although it is a piece of information to be considered. However, she does not think it is something to depend upon one way or the other. In looking at the overall budget, a 1% increase on the hotel tax can provide additional income to be focused on economic development which impacts the hotel businesses. She said it is hard for her to believe it will have a long-term negative impact.

The Mayor asked if staff has the rates of hotel taxes in surrounding communities. Mr. Baker said he has that information and the highest rate is 7% as of figures from last week. Most of the communities are 4%-5.5%.

Chris Fregeau , 1918 Elmore, has attended some of the finance and budget meetings, and found it enlightening and encouraging to find out how hard everyone worked to provide the most services with the limited dollars available. She said it is responsible management to look for any revenue that will bring in $250,000 without burdening the residents further. She said she suspects that the local hotel business is corporate business or overflow from other areas. Ms. Fregeau said she doesn’t think this is negative and hopes the Council supports this.

9. Telecommunication Ordinance Amending Tax Rates. The Manager said staff has recommended a change from 3.5% to 4.5% to support projects in the Capitol Projects funds as well as economic development and public safety expenses. He said they estimate this will generate approximately $1.45 million to be allocated to capital projects and the general fund. The recommended effective date is June 1.

The Mayor asked what the distribution will be. Mr. Lyons said they expect it to be a distribution of $300,000 to the general fund and $900,000 to capital projects. The Mayor said they want to be sure to stay on top of the infrastructure and that is why they need to get more funds into the capital projects funds. He asked Mr. Baker to run through the slides depicting community rankings for this tax. The Village would be the third lowest, and substantially lower than other communities.

Mr. Baker said that the increase will help by adding $300,000 to the general fund to include two firefighter/paramedics, one police officer, one traffic engineer, VOC equipment and Reverse 911.

The Mayor said it takes approximately nine minutes for personnel from Station 1 to get to the northwest side of the Village and that time delay is a concern. The Reverse 911 is another benefit.

Commissioner Schnell asked if they have asked the Chamber about this increase. The Mayor asked Brian Pabst to meet with the Chamber. In regard to the Capital Projects fund, the increase will help with numerous projects in the downtown area, sidewalk installation, roadway maintenance, facility enhancements and stormwater projects.

Commissioner Tully said that nobody likes increases; however, he would support this as it will still be lower than the surrounding communities. It’s a user based fee, as well.

The Mayor said this will be an additional burden on the businesses, but will stay very competitive. Business increases daytime population, and it is only fair that they pay for the wear and tear on the roads, etc.

The Mayor noted that one of the taxes eliminated was the vehicle tax in Downers Grove. He said that the Mayor of Roselle forwarded a 1929 automobile license plate from Downers Grove. The Mayor passed it on to Commissioner Gilbert for the Historical Society.

Highway Authority – Gammonley. The Manager asked Attorney Enza Petrarca to address this item.

Acting Village Attorney Enza Petrarca said this agreement is part of the overall environmental strategy, and is site specific to the Station Crossing property. It prohibits the use of groundwater below the Station Crossing site, and the adjacent right-of-way as a potable water supply. She said the agreement will be submitted to the IEPA in an attempt to receive a “No Further Remediation Letter.”

Cable (PEG) Fee. The Manager asked Doug Kozlowski to address this matter.

Doug Kozlowski , Cable TV, said within the franchise agreement there are three separate opportunities for the cable operation to collect PEG capital. He said the Village is looking to acquire up to $80,000 in PEG capital to re-tool cameras in the Cable TV Department, as well as adding a character generator to allow superimposing text over the pictures. They also are looking to improve audio equipment for the Council Chamber. He said they would like to use $30,000 to go to Community High School District 99 to upgrade their equipment as well. Council will have to authorize the cable company to collect a charge from subscribers for a one-year period. It will amount to about $6.55 for one year, or $.55 per month. Staff thinks this is an appropriate way to garner capital, and will enhance service. Mr. Kozlowski pointed out that the $30,000 to the High School will also be used as feed money for a start-up channel dedicated to the educational institutions in the Village. District 99 would be the agency responsible for that channel. This would give them an opportunity to provide text messages to students and parents throughout the school year.

STANDING COMMITTEE REPORTS

Commissioner Schnell said that the Public Services Committee will be meeting on Monday, April 1, 2002 at 5:00 p.m. to discuss stormwater violations.

ATTORNEY ’S REPORT

Attorney Petrarca reviewed ten items to be presented to the Council this evening: 1) A resolution for maintenance of streets and highways by municipality under the Illinois Highway Code; 2) A resolution approving lot split with a flag lot for the property at 4013 Highland Avenue; 3) A resolution authorizing submittal of grant application to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), which she said the Council will be asked to act upon the FEMA item this evening; 4) A resolution authorizing execution of an agreement between the County of DuPage and the Village of Downers Grove (Arbor Park Resource Center); 5) A resolution authorizing execution of an agreement between the County of DuPage and the Village of Downers Grove (Autumn Grove Resource Center); 6) An ordinance amending the hotel tax rate; 7) An ordinance amending the telecommunication tax rate; 8) A resolution authorizing execution of a tiered approach to corrective action objective agreement between the Village of Downers Grove and R.T.G. Land Development Corporation; 9) A resolution authorizing the collection of an external charge for public, educational and governmental access capital by Media One of Northern Illinois Acquisitions, Inc.; and 10) An ordinance establishing a moratorium regarding flag lots under Chapter 20 of the Downers Grove Municipal Code.

Commissioner Sisul moved to waive the one week waiting period for new business. Commissioner Gilbert seconded the Motion.

AYES :Commissioners Sisul, Gilbert, Zabloudil, McConnell, Tully, Schnell, Mayor Krajewski

Mayor Krajewski declared the Motion carried.

A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING SUBMITTAL OF GRANT APPLICATION TO THE FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY (FEMA)

RESOLUTION 2002 -26

Commissioner Sisul moved to authorize submittal of the FEMA grant application. Commissioner Gilbert seconded the Motion.

AYES :Commissioners Sisul, Gilbert, Zabloudil, McConnell, Tully, Schnell, Mayor Krajewski

Mayor Krajewski declared the Motion carried.

COUNCIL MEMBERS

Commissioner Sisul said he attended a play in LaGrange and congratulated resident Marilyn Weiher for her participation in that play. He said she is very talented and has performed in many plays in the area. The LaGrange play was called Night Watch. He encouraged people to attend these community performances.

Commissioner McConnell said she was glad to be back in town.

Commissioner Tully said, regarding the creation of a Stormwater Exploratory Task Force, he spoke with Donal