March 28, 2000

Mayor Krajewski called the Workshop meeting of the Village Council of the Village of Downers Grove to order at 6:35 p.m. in the Committee Room of the Village Hall.

Present:Mayor Brian Krajewski; Commissioners Marilyn Schnell, Thomas Sisul, Michael Gilbert, Sue McConnell; Village Manager Michael McCurdy; Village Attorney Daniel Blondin; Village Clerk April Holden

Absent:None

Visitors: Press: Jason Bramwell, Downers Grove Reporter; Susie Gura, Suburban Life Graphic Residents & Others in Attendance: Sue Davison, 4336 Florence; Dennis L. Huffaker, W.T Engineering, 39 E. Scully Dr., Schaumburg; G.L. Goodman, 5834 Middaugh; Mary Krajewski; Dave Tatterson, 1240 Gilbert; American Legion Post—Larry Bryant, 5329 Grand Ave., Dick Bernardini, 7965 S. Highland; John Speckmann, Gerber Auto Collision & Glass, 2360 Ogden; Jeff Bilek, 1201 Blanchard (EDC); Mark Zabloudil, 620 39th Street, EDC Staff: Lisa Wisner, Visitors Bureau; Alice Ulmer, EDC ; Amanda Gibb, Planning; Steven Rockwell, EDC ; Brian Pabst, Redevelopment; Mary Scalzetti, Community Events; Audrey Priorello, Community Events; Jerry Sprecher, Deputy Village Manager

Mayor Krajewski explained that Council Workshop meetings are held the second and fourth Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m. The meetings are video taped for later cable cast over cable channel P/21.

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:

Heritage Festival Fire Works. Manager McCurdy said that the Community Events Commission is recommending that funds be set aside to have a fireworks display each evening of the Heritage Festival. The Fire Prevention Division Chief, Richard Berndt, prepared a presentation to the Commission outlining safety issues, code requirements and pyrotechnic information. He then recommended that the Community Events Team award a contract in the amount of $15,000 to Lumina, Inc.

Commissioner Gilbert said they would have fireworks each night. The Manager said they would be set off near the train station. Commissioner Gilbert said that Division Chief Berndt has had experience with fireworks displays in this type of setting.

Rental Contracts: Tents, Table & Chairs & Sound Equipment. The Manager said Community Events is recommending approval of a proposal with Rental Max in the amount of $17,138.32, which is an increase caused by the need for more equipment in the event’s new location.

Commissioner Gilbert pointed out that this amount is actually lower than the 1998 Festival. Last year’s amount was less due to the reduced size of the Festival.

Public Works Standard Supplies & Services. The Manager said staff is recommending contract extensions for Public Works standard supplies and services for FY 2000 /01, rather than rebidding the contracts with Liquid Asphalt Cement and Sewer Jetting. He said staff has been satisfied with the services received from both companies.

Sign Equipment. The Manager said staff is recommending awarding a contract to Unistrut Illinois at a cost of $11,210.00 for sign posts and anchors.

Commissioner Schnell asked if they were the standard green signposts and the Manager said they were.

Bike Race Sponsorship. The Manager asked Lisa Wisner, Director of the Visitors Bureau, to make this presentation.

Lisa Wisner , Director, Visitors Bureau, said the bike race is scheduled for August 19-20, 2000. Staff recommends approval of an expenditure in the amount of $23,000 to Chicago Special Events Management for sponsorship of the 2000 Sports Grand Prix. Ms. Wisner said that Curtiss Street will be completed in time for the bicycle race so they will not have to provide an alternate route. In addition, Chicago Special Events has acquired another event which means an over-night stay for participating racers. Racing will begin at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday morning, rather than noon. She indicated that the additional race will attract more professional racers to the Village earlier. They will also continue to have the in-line race and amateur racers.

Commissioner Sisul said that closing the parking lots on Saturday caused problems last year. Ms. Wisner responded that the Curtiss Street parking lot will be accessible during the entire event, and the Methodist Church parking lot will also be accessible. The Mayor asked about the medical facility lot on Main Street. Ms. Wisner said that lot will not be accessible, nor will the drive-throughs for two banks. She indicated she would be meeting with those businesses to discuss options for parking.

Ms. Wisner said that Washington, Curtiss and Main Streets will be closed for the duration of the races.

Commissioner McConnell asked about special advertising, and Ms Wisner said that they will draw up maps for the bank clients, as well as for service type industries.

Commissioner Schnell asked how they came up with a $1,000 decrease, and whether they would hold to this amount. Ms. Wisner said when the event first started, the sponsorship was seen as seed money, with the intent that it would become self-supporting. That is not a realistic goal because the towns realize this is an economic event and they have approached Chicago Special Events to move the race to their communities. In an effort to stay competitive, the Village must offer a monetary incentive. Chicago Special Events has enjoyed working with Downers Grove, and has agreed to keep to the decreased funding amount. She added that the amount of hotel tax that comes in from the 800 competitors and 20,000 spectators is beneficial to the Village, as is the television coverage.

Commissioner Schnell asked when the decreased funds will stop. Ms. Wisner said that Chicago Special Events has a ten year commitment from the cycling group, and it was determined to decrease funding $1,000 per year for the duration.

EDC Recommendation – Economic Incentive Policy. The Manager asked Mr. Rockwell to explain this policy.

Steven Rockwell , Economic Development Director, introduced some of the Board members in attendance. He stated that the Board has worked hard to replace the existing policy. He then asked Mark Zabloudil to make a presentation.

Mark Zabloudil said he would review the need for a change in the current policy, the process the EDC used to review the past policy, and the recommended new policy, as well as the process for businesses and the decision-making matrix. He stated that the existing policy is rigid in nature, and is focused on specific guidelines with respect to dollar limits in offering incentives. It is also tailored to specific sizes of businesses, thereby limiting flexibility for redevelopment issues.

Mr. Zabloudil said the EDC reviewed the past experiences, and the needed documentation from the business community.

Mr. Zabloudil reviewed the breakdown of the recommended policy, noting the greater flexibility in this policy and the importance of documentation to evaluate the community’s needs. He indicated that an application would undergo an EDC Committee review, followed by a recommendation from the EDC to the Village Council.

Mr. Zabloudil said one aspect of the process is the performance criteria, noting that a matrix was provided to the Council in their packet outlining 18 attributes to be weighted in the determination of the appropriateness of a particular request. They are attempting to provide a consistent approach to view opportunities in the Village for existing businesses, as well as bringing new businesses into the Village.

The Mayor asked about the Committees, and Mr. Zabloudil said that there was an Attraction Committee and the Retention Committee, and the matrix can be applied to both.

Regarding the weighted scoring system, Mr. Zabloudil responded to Commissioner Sisul that the weighted score is 1-5, with the raw score ranging between –5 to +5. Commissioner Sisul asked for clarification that the raw score is where the Committee would apply their evaluation to the weighted score. Mr. Zabloudil then offered current examples to the Council of how a particular business might be scored. He distributed samples of the scoring system to the Council.

Commissioner Sisul asked how they determine the recommendation after the score is obtained. Mr. Zabloudil said it would be based upon what has been done in the past in making a determination as to whether they want to offer the applicant any incentives. Commissioner Sisul said then that this process actually evaluates the significance of the petitioner. Mr. Zabloudil said that was correct.

Commissioner Schnell about the intent of this policy. Mr. Zabloudil said the intent was to ask those applying for economic incentives to fill out the materials. Commissioner Schnell asked if the business would have to initiate the request for the incentive. Mr. Zabloudil said that was correct. They would be prepared to discuss the incentive if it were to come up in discussion.

Commissioner Schnell questioned the concept of the raw score. Mr. Zabloudil said the EDC would apply the score. Commissioner Schnell asked how the EDC balances the needs of the residents and business community, in terms of aesthetics, density and zoning regulations. Mr. Zabloudil said they will have to determine if the applicant is really asking for assistance. The raw score assists in answering what they are trying to accomplish in the community. These questions are difficult to answer and lend themselves to discussion in the groups.

Commissioner Schnell asked whether, as a Commission, they would take certain area sensitivities into consideration. Mr. Zabloudil responded they would, as these are reviewed on a case-by-case basis. The intent is to apply the attributes in a given scenario.

Commissioner Schnell said she believed it was important to get that point across to the public. His explanation has provided her with a better comfort level. The Mayor noted that with 18 specific factors, no one factor will overwhelm the analysis.

Commissioner Sisul said it appears to him that a recommendation from a Board or Commission is based upon their particular analysis of a project, yet the Village Council may have other considerations that have to be taken into consideration as well.

Commissioner Schnell said she believes the public needs to understand how this policy will be used. The EDC , as well as others, will look at the economics as well as the sensitivities. She finds that aspect attractive.

Commissioner Sisul said that the EDC is not only recommending incentives.

Commissioner Schnell noted that previously, Burpee did not meet the old criteria; however, under these criteria they would. She sees this as a means of providing the Council with an easier interpretation of the EDC ’s recommendation.

Commissioner McConnell thanked the EDC for the work on this project. She asked whether the Village will actually be putting up the dollars for the incentives. Mr. Zabloudil said the EDC would be recommending companies for the applicant to contact.

Commissioner McConnell asked about the rationale for the $500 application fee. Mr. Zabloudil said the Commission thought by establishing a higher fee it would draw out those who are really serious in applying for the incentives. In addition, it covers expenses to do the evaluation of the application.

Commissioner McConnell then asked about the weightings for the Code and zoning variance, and for density, which are both ranked as “3”, which she thought was not high enough. Mr. Zabloudil responded that the Code and zoning variance could be a negative. If the applicant is not asking for any variances, they would score higher. The Committee considered the “3” to be a middle-of-the-road ranking. Commissioner McConnell said she thought they should be ranked at 4. Mr. Zabloudil said they are not set in stone and could be adjusted higher. The weighted scores can be changed as the community progresses.

The Mayor noted that a business not asking for zoning change would get a higher score. He said they did not want to skew the scores upward either. Mr. Zabloudil said that it is not that significant of an impact. With respect to density, zoning and parking, the chances are they would be getting more negative scoring.

Commissioner Gilbert said he thought this was a beautiful forum and congratulated the EDC on their accomplishment. He noted that it is both subjective and objective, and he is happy to see the EDC having the opportunity to assign scores. Commissioner Gilbert said he liked the discussion about limiting, and the surrender penalties. He said there are other forums that will discuss density, parking, traffic, zoning, etc. He said the EDC focus is to examine and evaluate from an economic standpoint.

Commissioner Sisul asked about the $500 application fee covering the initial cost, and how the cost of an agreement between the petitioner and Village would be handled. Mr. Zabloudil said that has not been addressed. The agreement with Burpee and Madsen went through the legal department and they are unaware as to the costs involved there.

The Mayor asked who drafted those agreements.

Village Attorney Dan Blondin said they were developed primarily by the Legal Department.

Mr. Rockwell said that when the Council receives a recommendation they can agree or disagree with it, but they will have the numbers available to them so they know on what the recommendation was based.

Dave Tatterson , 1240 Gilbert, asked how residents’ views will be included in these evaluations. Mr. Rockwell said that the twelve members of the Committee are residents of the Village. The EDC meetings and Council meetings are open meetings for anyone to attend. There will be at least three or four meetings before any action is taken. He indicated that the purpose of the policy is to provide a method of determining whether or not to go ahead with the economic incentives.

The Mayor noted that the 18 attributes of the policy address issues which the Village faces all the time.

Mr. Tatterson said he hoped that resident views were taken into account. He would feel more comfortable if the Committee were made up only of residents, as he thought the Committee was made up of mostly Chamber members. Mr. Rockwell said that they are not Chamber members but residents. Mr. Tatterson asked how those residents will gather input from other residents. Mr. Rockwell reiterated that the residents can provide input by attending the EDC and Council meetings.

Commissioner Gilbert asked Mr. Tatterson how he would like to see this done. Mr. Tatterson said he understood there would be public meetings where residents who are involved in the area effected by the development can come and provide input at the beginning. Once it comes before the Council, the ball is already rolling. He said it has been his observation that once residents get to the point of attending the Council meetings, they are already in a negative and reactionary mode.

Commissioner Sisul said the purpose of this is a recommendation from a Board or Commission regarding the economic impact of a business on the Village. He said that Mr. Tatterson’s concerns are very valid to the overall process of development at various levels. There will be public opportunity to participate in the process. He said that the EDC only makes a recommendation to the Council, and the Council welcomes participation in the discussions.

Mr. Tatterson said he hopes the Committee will seek input from residents who will be impacted.

The Mayor noted that a particular project could get a high score from the EDC , but a negative recommendation from the Plan Commission or other commissions involved in a particular issue.

Mr. Tatterson again said he hoped they would seek input from the residents.

Dr. Gordon Goodman , 5834 Middaugh, said he hasn’t studied this issue thoroughly, as he did not find this in the Library packet. He thinks the matrix approach is important, but he also agrees that public opportunities for input are also important. He recalls that the EDC meetings were held in the early mornings and that might take special advertising to made people aware of the time of the meetings.

The Mayor noted that often people are sending letters or e-mail correspondence to members of the Council or Boards and Commissions.

Commissioner McConnell suggested that when the applicant makes a presentation before the EDC , the agenda item could be bulleted in the newspaper as an economic incentive presentation so the public will know that an issue is being raised.

Manager McCurdy said this would be considered on the Council’s April 18 Agenda as a Resolution.

Commissioner Gilbert noted that there are some people waiting for this issue to be brought up and asked whether they could move forward with this on April 4.

Village Attorney Blondin said there was no problem with moving it forward.

Prosecution Services Contract. The Manager asked Attorney Blondin to make this presentation.

Village Attorney Blondin said that for some years the Village has contracted with Attorney Linda Pieczynski to prosecute Ordinance violations in three sessions per week. The contract in the past has been renewed on an annual basis. Ms. Pieczynski’s contract for the Council’s consideration is in the amount of $24,500, which is 3% over the 1999 fee. Occasionally she needs to perform additional work or research which is at the rate of $100 per hour. Attorney Blondin has surveyed the Code Enforcement, Fire Prevention and Police Departments who have enthusiastically recommended continuing to retain Ms. Pieczynski’s services. He also surveyed surrounding communities to determine how they handle their prosecutions. He said the Village’s agreement is competitive with Wheaton, Lombard and Woodridge. Attorney Blondin said that in the 1980s these prosecutions were done in-house. If they chose to do this again, it would cost at least $31,000-$32,000 per year. He sees no reason to recommend a change at this time, although he could explore the possibility of entering into a multi-year contract if the Council wishes.

The Mayor asked whether she prosecutes DUIs, and Attorney Blondin said she does not as they are written under the State Ordinance.

The Mayor asked whether the Village gets the fine money back, and Attorney Blondin said he would look into that. It might require adding another session for her to prosecute DUIs, but may be cost effective in the long run.

Commissioner Sisul said he thought the one-year contract was appropriate.

The Mayor asked that they look at the DUIs for the last two years and the related fines.

Manager McCurdy said that this will be placed on the April 4 Active Agenda.

ZBA Petitions: The Manager asked Ms. Gibb to make the presentation on these petitions.

Amoco. Amanda Gibb , Planner, said this petition concerns the Amoco station at the intersection of Ogden Avenue and Main Street. She noted that in September 1999 Amoco petitioned the Village for redevelopment of the site combined with McDonald’s. That petition was withdrawn and Amoco has submitted a revised petition for the redevelopment of the site.

Ms. Gibb said the new proposal will include 8 pump canopies on the site. A significant portion of the site, 39%, will be dedicated to greenspace area, which is a large increase over the existing site. She added that they will also be adding stormwater detention to the site.

Regarding access to the site, Ogden Avenue is regulated by the State, which has directed that there will be only one access on Ogden Avenue to be right-in/right-out. Main Street access will be decreased to one access point. The Forest Avenue access driveway has been located about 12 feet further south than its present location, as requested by the Public Works Director.

Ms. Gibb noted that there are 18 specific conditions for approval that the petitioner is required to meet, and the Zoning Board of Appeals found affirmatively for meeting those standards, with the exception of the petitioner’s development being a lawful non-conforming development, which is a pre-existing condition for that site.

Commissioner Schnell asked about sidewalks on Ogden.

Dennis Huffaker , representing Amoco, said that the sidewalk on Ogden Avenue will be removed and relocated on the petitioner’s property to provide some streetscape between the curb and proposed sidewalk.

The Mayor asked about the timeframe, and Mr. Huffaker said they hope to begin construction in May and complete it within 4-5 months.

Mr. Huffaker passed a photograph of the proposed building for the Council to view.

Commissioner McConnell asked whether there would be a fee in lieu of the sidewalk on Forest, and Mr. Huffaker said there was. In further response to Commissioner McConnell, he said that they are proposing the same lighting as they did in their previous petition last fall. He also said this is a red roof structure.

Mr. Zabloudil asked how this plan fits in with the Ogden Avenue Master Plan, and what type of signage would be on the property. The Manager said that this was discussed at the Zoning Board of Appeals meeting and the plan substantially conforms to the Ogden Avenue Master Plan.

Regarding signage, Mr. Huffaker said the site is unique in that it is located on a corner with four frontages. He said they plan three ID signs, one located at the southeast corner along Main Street, one at the intersection of Ogden and Main, and one at the intersection of Ogden and Forest. The square footage of the signs are well within the limitations of the Ordinance.

Dave Tatterson, 1240 Gilbert, asked whether there is 100% water retention for the development. Ms. Gibb said there was.

Dr. Gordon Goodman, 5834 Middaugh, said it is important to have sidewalks on the opposite side of Sherman, and he hoped they would also be on the opposite side of Forest. His recollection of the Ogden Avenue plan was that they were expecting redevelopment of this site as well as the site to the west of it. He indicated this represents a departure from the Ogden Avenue plan as far as he understood it, and will require rethinking of the redevelopment of the property west of Forest and south of Ogden Avenue.

Commissioner Sisul said that is a good point and he is not sure that it has been adequately addressed. He said they need to address how this fits into the Lakota Plan for Ogden Avenue. He said there is no plan and it would be helpful to have one available. Commissioner Sisul said that they need to address the redevelopment along Ogden in a more timely fashion.

Commissioner Schnell said you can’t implement something that does not exist. She said that they need to decide, as a Council, if they want to work through the plan and adopt it or not.

Dr. Goodman said that is how he feels. There is a great economic incentive along Ogden Avenue, and a series of developments along Ogden Avenue will get ahead of the plan.

Manager McCurdy said that there is a plan based on a recommendation that the Council accepted last year.

Ms. Ulmer said that the Council adopted the Plan in March 1999.

Commissioner Gilbert said the street closure portion of the Plan was left in abeyance for the Parking & Traffic Commission review. He said, however, that the Council did accept and approve the Plan.

Commissioner Sisul said that the staff needs direction as to how to apply the Plan to pending petitions.

Commissioner Gilbert said that they have to move forward with a concrete plan as to what will be done.

Manager McCurdy said that staff has been using the Plan.

Commissioner Gilbert said that he wants to see the Council move forward and be more proactive. Economic incentives, redevelopment opportunities, the TIF , etc., all had to be addressed. The issue of street closures must also be addressed before other issues come up. He said that the Council needs to be ahead of the game.

Gerber Auto Body. Ms. Gibb said this site is located at 2603 Ogden Avenue. This is a request for an amendment to a special use permit. The petitioner is requesting moving a portion of their business into an additional portion of the building in an effort to increase the size of their repair operation. The uses in the building will be office space, warehouse space, repairs, estimates, washing, detailing of vehicles. The parking assessed for the exterior of the building is 66 spaces. The petitioner currently provides 97 spaces on the site. Regarding open space requirement, the site is a lawfully non-conforming site, and has 0% of greenspace at this time, which could lawfully remain the same. The petitioner, however, is planning to provide 8.37% of greenspace as part of this expansion and remodeling of the facility.

Manager McCurdy said Commissioner Schnell raised the issue of sidewalks for the site. He said they would like to revisit this issue before the Council acts on the petition.

Commissioner Schnell said that the more sidewalks the Village can get through redevelopment, the closer it will be to achieving its goal.

John Speckmann of Gerber Auto Collision and Glass provided some background information on the site. The building is a red brick building which has been at the site since 1985. He described the businesses moving west along Ogden, stating he agrees with the need for sidewalks, but asked what would be done with the other buildings who have no space for sidewalks. The other side of Ogden has some sidewalks that stop. He said the kids stand in parking lots.

Commissioner Schnell said the Village will be seeing more and more redevelopment on Ogden Avenue, and if there is some way to work in sidewalks as part of the redevelopment, she would like to see it done, even if it is on a cost-sharing basis. She noted that it is difficult to walk in that area, and this would be a start.

Dr. Gordon Goodman said he agreed with Commissioner Schnell, noting the importance of working on Ogden Avenue. It is a busy street and difficult for pedestrians to cross. Sidewalks are needed on both sides of the street, and pedestrian crossings at the intersections are also needed. He believes they should begin when they have the opportunity. He encourages revisiting this regarding the sidewalk issue.

Commissioner McConnell said this should also be reviewed against the Ogden Avenue Plan. She also asked whether any more open space could be achieved for the site.

American Legion. Ms. Gibb said the American Legion site is approximately 10.8 acres in size. The existing building in a non-conforming legal use, built sometime in the 1940s. The petitioner is requesting a 2,066 square foot addition to the north side of the facility. She noted that the special use permit is compounded in that the DuPage County Traffic Court is an additional user on this site, and uses the facility during the daytime hours. The American Legion primarily uses the site for evening meetings and weekend uses. Ms. Gibb said there were sufficient setbacks and open space/greenspace area. There is sufficient parking to meet the requirements, and the parking lots will be re-striped but not expanded. She noted that the Zoning Board of Appeals unanimously recommended approval of this petition.

Manager McCurdy said this would be considered on the April 18 Active Agenda.

Larry Bryant , 5329 Grand, stated he represented the petitioner, the American Legion. He said the American Legion has gone through an arduous task in getting to this point to provide for Traffic Court. He petitioned the Council to place this on the first meeting of the month to enable them to meet the construction scheduled established with the County. He said approval on the April 4 Active Agenda would be greatly appreciated. Village Attorney Blondin said he would have this ready for that date.

Commissioner Gilbert asked if Mr. Bryant is saying that if the Traffic Court moves out of their facility, the addition will not be built. Mr. Bryant replied that the Legion has a 3-year lease with the Traffic Court. In the lease there is a requirement that the Traffic Court occupy the offices which will be in the new addition, and that the Clerks will be able to operate out of that space by June. That only allows two months for them to have that space available.

The Mayor said the Council will waive the two week waiting period and place the petition on the April 4 Agenda.

Plan Commission Recommendation: File #1043 – Street Right of Way Vacation – Lyman. Ms. Gibb said this recommendation from the Plan Commission concerns vacation of a right-of-way which is 33 feet wide and is located on Lyman Avenue to the south of Lyman Court and north of 60th Place. She said when the subdivision was developed this 33’ portion was dedicated; however, when the subdivision to the east developed the other half of the 33’ right-of-way was not dedicated. The petitioner is proposing that the right-of-way be vacated up to their lot, which would allow them to proceed with plans to remodel their home and driveway.

Ms. Gibb said some concern has been expressed by the neighbor to the east regarding the trees straddling what would become the common property line between the two properties. She indicated that the Plan Commission has recommended that the petitioner reach a written agreement with the neighbors concerning the care of the trees. She spoke with the petitioner today who indicated that the negotiations are moving forward, and they intend to have an agreement ready by April 18.

Commissioner Sisul asked whether the right-of-way has been used for pedestrian or bicycle traffic, and Ms Gibb said she was unaware of any such traffic. She noted that there was no discussion of pedestrian or bicycle routes at the public hearing.

Commissioner Sisul said he thought that might be a concern. He said the Village is trying to encourage alternative means of transportation, and if they vacate Lyman it would force people to cut across front yards. He said that is a very busy area, with the YMCA nearby.

Commissioner Schnell said they could see whether there is a path, and if so, they may have to talk to the petitioner to determine whether the walkway would remain. Ms. Gibb said she believes there is a footpath utilized by the YMCA , but said she could have a visual check done. Commissioner Schnell said there might also be a concern on the part of the petitioner regarding access. Ms. Gibb said she agrees, and would check into this issue further.

Manager McCurdy said this will be scheduled for the Agenda on April 18th.

Dr. Goodman addressed the issue of unbuilt rights-of-way, stating it was important to look at the current use when vacation is being considered. The vacation request for this site should be studied in terms of the entire circulation pattern, especially the unbuilt portion of Lyman south of this site. He said the portion of Lyman Avenue south of this location is an undedicated right-of-way that floods occasionally; however, it could be improved for bicycle use. Having such a route could eliminate some of the additional traffic through Clyde Estates. Dr. Goodman said the Village might want to request a pedestrian easement based on future plans. He said this is a wonderful resource that cost the Village very little. It is important to preserve the easements for utility, as well as pedestrian and bicycle access.

Space Needs. The Manager referred to a memorandum prepared by the Deputy Village Manager concerning space needs. Manager McCurdy said a number of changes have taken place over the past seven years, including moving the Public Works department to the new facility in Ellsworth Industrial Park. He would like to re-do the space needs study at this time. More than a year ago, modifications for this building were being studied; however, the Manager said he stopped that study in an effort to review the needs based upon an integrated approach including both Village Hall and the Police Department. He would like to see a committee of people formed, including a Council member and staff representative assess the needs within the next six months. He said it may be necessary to bring another architect.

Commissioner Gilbert said he would be in favor of that, and thinks there are enough talented people on hand to conduct such a review. He noted there are a number of architects in the Village who could assist in this project, rather than going out for other consultants.

The Mayor said this study would be in place for next year’s budget, and he would like to see the evaluation carried out. He noted recent bills have included many items for repairs that should probably be addressed.

Deputy Manager Jerry Sprecher noted, as an example, that the boilers are 55 years old.

Commissioner Schnell agreed that decisions have to be made to determine what the needs are. She is in favor of the idea of having the citizens involved in this project.

The Mayor asked whether this would also include the Police and Fire Departments. Manager McCurdy said it would.

Commissioner Gilbert said that perhaps Mr. Tatterson would like to join that group.

Village Attorney Blondin mentioned that there would be a brief meeting following the Workshop to canvass and certify the election results from last Tuesday. That meeting will be followed by an Executive Session.

Dr. Gordon Goodman then addressed the issue of the recent successful referendum to increase the size of the Village Council from five to seven members. He said that the participation in the election was substantial which pleased him. More votes were cast in the Village election than the Park District election. He credited the newspapers for picking up on his recommendation, and the Village Manager for providing the public with information on the referendum.

The Mayor said that the expansion of the Council goes back to TCD II . It was agreed that when the population reached 50,000 it would make sense to expand the size of the Council.

Dr. Goodman said the next challenge is to set up a caucus between now and December to identify and encourage people to run for the four offices that will be up for election. The Council and community need to focus on generating a good set of candidates.

The Mayor said the Council cannot participate in that aspect.

Dr. Goodman said they need to have a caucus in the Village. He said they need a candidate encouragement campaign.

Dr. Goodman then addressed the March 22 meeting of the Zoning Board of Appeals concerning property in the west branch of the head waters of St. Joe Creek. He said according to the presentation received from the staff and the developer, it involves a very large portion of the property which is unbuildable and includes flood plain. This is in the area where the Village recently bought flood plain land near 59th and Brookbank. He said the area has not received property attention in terms of storm sewers, etc.

Dr. Goodman said the hearing was unusual in that the Chairman congratulated people for coming out. There were 30-40 people in attendance. Dr. Goodman said the residents already have problems with flooding and packed storm sewers and expressed concerns about having seven more homes built in the area.

Dr. Goodman said the Council would receive a favorable recommendation from the Zoning Board of Appeals; however, he said the Village Council and the Plan Commission have to be sure to do their jobs and make sure that development does not take place in such a way that it violates any Village standards or endangers neighboring residents. Dr. Goodman said he explained to the petitioner’s attorney that if there is a large portion of the lot which will not be built upon, someone should manage and take charge of it. It is unlikely that a homeowners’ association will be formed, and that the residents will look to the Village or Park District to manage it. He said the Village already owns a parcel in this area which it rents to the Park District, and the Park District has land that is deeded to it by the owner. Dr. Goodman said that it is important that before this subject comes to the Plan Commission there be serious discussion as to what is the best use for this location. He said it has been the Village’s tradition to look to the developer to improve the property. This might be in the public interest for the Village to use public funds to improve this property. He noted that the Zoning Board of Appeals said that it has to recommend approval.

The Mayor said he received numerous calls from the residents and has had Bob Jungwirth look at the site in terms of the stormwater problems. There were also concerns expressed about the traffic situation.

Commissioner Sisul asked how much of the five acres is flood plain. The Mayor answered there were two acres.

Dr. Goodman said that residents in the area enjoy foxes, coyotes, etc. He said he earlier tried to encourage the Village Manager and Park District administration to acquire the property, as well as to solve the drainage and traffic problems. He would like to see the Village acquire some of the land to be used for recreation and public access, to prevent it from being built upon.

Mr. Tatterson said he attended an EPA meeting last week regarding oil traveling down St. Joe’s Creek. He would like to see the Village take a more proactive role in solving this problem. The oil kills the vegetation and the onset of warmer weather creates odors in the area.

Manager McCurdy said the Village has worked closely with the State Fire Marshall’s Office, the Illinois EPA and the US EPA . The Illinois EPA didn’t feel they had the capacity to handle the project. That is why the Village became involved with the US EPA and the Fire Marshall’s office. The US EPA has expertise in this area and will try to identify the source of the leak. The intent is to do this as unobtrusively as possible. He said that the source of the leak has not yet been found. The Manager said that a contractor has been retained who specializes in finding hazardous underground situations. Divers and cameras will be used to further survey the situation. The Manager said that it appears that the oil is old weathered oil which is biodegraded to a large extent. He said at this point the experts do not think it constitutes a serious health hazard.

Commissioner Gilbert asked how many staff people are involved. The Manager said he, several fire fighters and fire management personnel, Public Works and Code Services, and at least a half dozen others with federal and state agencies are involved.

Mr. Tatterson said that the Fire Department is doing a great job, and the impression he has is that they are the people doing the most work.

COUNCIL MEMBERS

Commissioner McConnell said there are still openings in the Study Circles for the Community Dialogue Project, and they should call 1-800-3ADVOCATE.

The Mayor encouraged everyone to turn in their census forms. Federal dollars are allocated based on the information received from these forms.

Commissioner Schnell moved to adjourn to Executive Session under Section 2©(11) of the Open Meetings Act to discuss pending litigation. Commissioner Sisul seconded.

VOTE :YEA:Commissioners Schnell, Sisul, McConnell, Gilbert, Mayor Krajewski NAY :None

The Mayor declared the Motion to adjourn carried.

The Workshop meeting was adjourned at 9:05 p.m.

April K. Holden Village Clerk tmh/