Village of Kenilworth Board of Trustees met May 20.
Here is the minutes provided by the board:
CALL TO ORDER
Village President Ann Potter called to order the regular meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Village of Kenilworth in the Kenilworth Village Hall, Kenilworth, Illinois at 7:31 p.m. on May 20, 2019.
ROLL CALL
President Potter requested that the Village Manager call the roll:
Trustees:
Trustee Scott Lien Present
Trustee Pete Shadek Present
Trustee Alison Winslow Present
Trustee Cecily Kaz Present
Trustee Jeff Bedwell Present
Trustee James McClamroch, Jr. Present
President Ann Potter Present
A quorum was present.
Others Recorded as in Attendance:
Village Officials and Staff:
Pat Garvey Village Treasurer
Patrick Brennan Village Manager
David Miller Police Chief
Susan Criezis Community Development Director
Hart Passman Village Attorney
Alannah Doak Management Analyst
Chris Strom Management Analyst
Others, signing in:
| Peter Kelly | Liz Kaiser |
| Debbie Knowles | [Unreadable] |
| Dan Schermerhorn | Justin Mohr |
| Kay Alexander | Evan Luksik |
| Greg Kirrish | Chick Evans |
| Eileen Madigan | Carol Schulz |
| Julie Garnson | Michael Goode |
| Emily D’Souza | Lois Stanley |
| David Joyce | Vince Dina |
| [Unreadable] | Jonathan Dempsey |
| Richard Simonds | Beverly Kirk |
| Eric Miller | Ron Cope |
| Vivian Vahlberg | Michael Corbert |
| John Gottschal | Keanne Keiser |
| Louis Keiser | Laura Divecchio |
| Andy Divecchio | MK Martigan |
| Rick Cooper | Vicki Thompson |
| Pete Driscoll | Cary Johnson |
| Gwen Summers Yant | Agnes Prindiville |
| Fouad Egbani | Jennifer Weaver |
| Crystal LeRoy | Jennifer Swain |
| Marjorie Zander | John [Unreadable] |
President Potter requested that the Trustees consider the Village Board Minutes from March 18, 2019 and April 15, 2019, in addition to the Committee of the Whole Minutes from April 8, 2019. Upon review, Trustee Winslow offered a motion to approve the minutes of the Village Board meeting and Trustee Shadek seconded the motion. Upon a voice vote, President Potter declared that the minutes were approved, by voice vote, without dissent.
AGENDA ITEM III: Village President’s Report:
President Potter presented Community Development Director Susan Criezis with a proclamation expressing appreciation for her 18 year service to the Village, and congratulating her upon her retirement. Ms. Criezis’ family was also in attendance.
President Potter addressed the group and explained that later in the agenda a public hearing would occur to take comments regarding the proposed TIF district. She directed the audience toward the Speaker Cards and explained the rules for public comment.
AGENDA ITEM IV: Approval of the Warrants
President Potter asked the Chairman of the Finance Committee, Trustee Shadek to present the warrants.
Trustee Shadek, reported he had reviewed all bills as presented in the monthly packet. Trustee Shadek stated that all of the requested payments and those listed for ratification were in order and that he recommended the Board authorize the warrant list.
Trustee Shadek offered a motion and Trustee McClamroch seconded the motion to approve the Class A warrants in the amount of $689,173.73 and Class B warrants in the amount of $180,524.73, as presented.
A roll call vote was taken as follows:
For: Lien, Shadek, Winslow, Kaz, Bedwell, McClamroch Opposed: None
The roll call tally was six votes in favor and none opposed. President Potter declared the motion passed.
AGENDA ITEM V: Regular Scheduled Business Items for Omnibus Vote
President Potter stated that Items 1 – 3 were presented for omnibus vote. She asked if the Trustees wished to remove any of the items from the omnibus list for further discussion. Upon hearing no such request, she read the following into the record:
1. Adoption of a Resolution Authorizing the Execution of a Contract with Schroeder & Schroeder of Skokie, Illinois for the 2019 Sidewalk Replacement Project in the Amount not to Exceed $26,000
2. Adoption of a Resolution Awarding the 2019 Asphalt Patching Contract to Chicagoland Paving Contractors of Lake Zurich, Illinois in the Estimated Amount of $40,000
3. Adoption of a Resolution Approving a Final Plat of Subdivision for the Weaver’s Green Bay Subdivision (642-644 Green Bay Road) as Recommended by the Plan Commission
President Potter opened the floor to a motion regarding omnibus items and Trustee McClamroch offered a motion to approve the omnibus items as presented in the Board Packet. Trustee Lien seconded the motion.
A roll call vote was taken as follows:
For: Lien, Shadek, Winslow, Kaz, Bedwell, McClamroch
Against: None
The roll call tally was six votes in favor and none opposed. President Potter declared the motion passed.
Items for Individual Vote
President Potter asked Village Manager to present each of the remaining items for individual vote. He explained the items as follows:
Agenda Item #4 – Acceptance of the Annual Financial Report for the Period January 1 through December 31, 2018
President Potter introduced Jennifer Martinson from Lauterbach and Amen to present the annual financial report. Ms. Martinson stated it was the unqualified position of the firm that the financial statements for 2018 present fairly, in all material respects, the respective financial position of the village. She said the unqualified opinion was the opinion all communities strive to achieve as it was the best opinion possible. Ms. Martinson provided the Village Board with an overview of the financial highlights for the year and offered to address any questions from the Village Board.
A number of questions were asked and answered regarding the Annual Financial Report and the Village’s finances. After all questions were addressed, President Potter opened the floor to a motion to accept the 2018 Annual Financial Report.
Upon completing the discussion, Trustee Shadek offered a motion to accept the Annual Financial Report for 2018. Trustee Lien seconded the motion.
A roll call vote was taken as follows:
For: Lien, Shadek, Winslow, Kaz, Bedwell, McClamroch Against: None
The roll call tally was six votes in favor and none opposed. President Potter declared the motion passed.
Agenda Item #5 – Conduct a Public Hearing Regarding a Proposed Green Bay Road Redevelopment Project Area
President Potter stated that the next item on the agenda was a public hearing in connection with the creation of the proposed Green Bay Road TIF District. She again directed potential speakers and others to the speaker cards and stated that the hearing had been properly noticed. President Potter requested that the Deputy Clerk call the roll.
The roll call was as follows:
Present: Lien, Shadek, Winslow, Kaz, Bedwell, McClamroch Absent: None
A quorum was declared present and President Potter declared the Public Hearing Open at 7:48 P.M. She asked the Village Manager to introduce the agenda item and the presenter. Manager Brennan provided a brief overview of the process to date and introduced Mr. Lee Brown of Teska Associates. Mr. Brown addressed the audience and explained that his firm had been retained as consultants to help the Village explore the potential for the Village to adopt a tax increment financing district in the business district in accordance with the Tax Increment Allocation Financing Act (TIF Act).
Mr. Brown used a PowerPoint deck to guide his presentation as he provided an overview of what tax increment financing is, how it works, common misperceptions, and explained eligibility report findings. He stated that the Green Bay Road redevelopment area met the criteria under the TIF Act as a Conservation Area. He explained the findings in detail, including that the 2017 certified equalized assessed valuation (EAV) for the proposed district was $12,778,709. Preliminary numbers for the 2018 tax year showed a reduction of 7.2% to $11,858,443, but that data was not yet certified by Cook County. Mr. Brown also presented the redevelopment plan, proposed budget, and the results of the Joint Review Board Meeting. The JRB meeting was held on both April 17th and May 8th. He stated that the JRB forwarded a recommendation that the Village Board adopt the ordinances creating a TIF District. The vote was five in favor, one opposed, and one abstaining.
Upon the conclusion of Mr. Brown’s presentation, President Potter opened the floor to questions from the Trustees. The questions related to how successful TIFs are managed, the anticipated mix of land uses within the redevelopment plan, potential for successful retail as it relates to neighboring business districts, and allowable uses of TIF revenue.
Mr. Brown addressed the questions and stated that the Village Board has been considering the conservative approach to a TIF District wherein the Village is hoping to seed some improvements in an effort to attract desired development. This is different than the approach that is often discussed when a developer drives the development of a TIF District. He stated that if the TIF does not make progress within seven years, the Village should consider the option of closing the TIF District unless market conditions dictate otherwise. Further, he explained that the redevelopment plan includes a mix of retail, office and residential uses which follows the intent of the 2008 Comprehensive Plan.
Upon conclusion of the questions, President Potter inquired if the Clerk received any written comments or objections. Deputy Village Clerk Brennan stated that an objection had been received in writing from Ms. Jocye by email. Next, she asked of staff had received any written comments or objections from any taxing district having property within the proposed redevelopment area. Manager Brennan stated that none had been received.
President Potter next opened the floor to comments from the public related to the proposed redevelopment plan. She reminded the audience about the speaker cards and began inviting members of the audience who had indicated a desire to address the Village Board an opportunity to do so. Nineteen persons submitted speaker cards with eighteen noting a desire to address the Village Board. Of the persons who spoke, seventeen expressed that they did not support the Village Board creating a TIF District, and one speaker expressed support.
From the persons expressing disapproval, a number of common themes were expressed. Those themes included:
Concern that, due to configuration, improvements to the business district would not be effective and taxpayers would pay the cost.
Lack of overall development plan for the business district
Concern over changes to the business district having a negative impact upon the character of the community
The process not being transparent, where a public referenda would be a better approach
Lack of support from New Trier High School District
Concern that a large development would occur without the residents having a voice in the process
Large number of current vacancies in the business district being an indication that attempts to improve the district would not be successful
The business district was fine as it is, no improvement is needed
Concern that residential properties will be taken by the Village for parking or other use without the consent of the owner.
Disbelief that the business district meets the TIF Act requirements
Feeling that the Joint Review Board vote should be weighted by the entities percentage of the overall tax bill.
Concern over people parking on the east side of Green Bay and safety impact if the business district would develop further.
The Village alone should have the responsibility of improving utilities in the business district, not be done through a TIF District
Disbelief that the EAV was actually dropping in the proposed TIF District when so many residents are reporting a significant increase in EAV on their homes.
The EAV test does not look at the natural increase of EAV over time, should assume a 2% annual growth factor
Target of both retail businesses and residential being successful in the current economic environment was not likely.
Feeling that financials are overstated
Not liking the concept of diverting the incremental increase to the Village and taking those funds away from other taxing bodies.
Included in the summary comments are those from residents who asked that a representative read in their opinion during the public hearing.
Upon providing all those present with an opportunity to address the Village Board, President Potter opened the floor to a motion to close the Public Hearing. Trustee Lien offered a motion to close the public hearing and Trustee McClamroch offered a second to the motion. Upon a voice vote, President Potter declared the public hearing closed at 10:49 P.M.
AGENDA ITEM VII. COMMITTEE REPORTS
Building, Planning, and Zoning
Trustee Winslow stated that the Committee had been reviewing the Village Code as it pertained to tree regulations and specifically the replacement of Heritage Trees. She stated that comparison of fees with local communities did not indicate a need to change the Village fees. However, she stated that the Committee would be exploring options to incentivize those removing Heritage Trees to replace the tree with similar large canopy trees. The Committee felt that some had skirted the regulations by using tall bushes as credit for replacement and therefore reducing the overall tree canopy in the Village.
Finance
Trustee Shadek stated there was no update to offer.
Public Safety
Trustee McClamroch complimented the Chief on his work related to addressing and resolving traffic flow problems on Abbotsford Road. He stated that the last Public Safety Committee also discussed the upcoming beach season and safety.
Public Works
Trustee Lien stated that there was nothing to report at this time.
AGENDA ITEM VIII. REPORT FROM STAFF Police Chief
Police Chief Miller stated that he had nothing to report.
Village Manager
Village Manager Brennan stated that, in light of the late hour, there was nothing time sensitive to report at this time.
AGENDA ITEM IX. BUSINESS FROM THE PUBLIC
No members of the public came forward to address the Village Board.
ADJOURN – Sine Die
With no further business, Trustee McClamroch offered a motion to adjourn the meeting and Trustee Kaz seconded to adjourn the meeting. The meeting was concluded by voice vote at 10:46 p.m.
I. Oath of Office for Newly Elected Officials
President Potter individually invited Trustee Winslow and Trustee Shadek to the dais to recite their Oath of Office for the position of Village Trustee. Each recited their oath and signed the necessary documents for the Village Clerk. Trustee Ransford was unable to attend the meeting due to a family emergency out of state. He had asked that his apologies were conveyed to the group in attendance.
CALL TO ORDER
ROLL CALL
Village President Ann Potter called to order the regular meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Village of Kenilworth in the Kenilworth Village Hall, Kenilworth, Illinois at 10:55 p.m. on May 20, 2019.
ROLL CALL
President Potter requested that the Village Manager call the roll:
Trustees:
Trustee Scott Lien Present
Trustee Pete Shadek Present
Trustee Alison Winslow Present
Trustee Cecily Kaz Present
Trustee Jeff Bedwell Present
Trustee Tim Ransford Absent
President Ann Potter Present
A quorum was present.
Others Recorded as in Attendance:
Village Officials and Staff:
Pat Garvey Village Treasurer
James McClamroch, Jr. Former Village Trustee
Patrick Brennan Village Manager
David Miller Police Chief
Susan Criezis Community Development Director
Hart Passman Village Attorney
Alannah Doak Management Analyst
Chris Strom Management Analyst
Others, signing in as Village Residents: None
AGENDA ITEM III: Village President’s Report:
President Potter asked former Trustee James McClamroch to step up to the dais. She thanked him for his many years of volunteer service to the Village, being willing to resume his duties as a Village Trustee to fill an unexpected vacancy, and for providing the Village Board with his unique insight and perspective during a very important time for the Village. Upon completing her remarks, she presented him with a token of appreciation.
AGENDA ITEM IV: Regular Scheduled Business
Items for Consideration by Individual Vote
1. Appointment of Trustees to Board Committees as Follows:
Building, Planning and Zoning
o Alison Winslow – Chair
o Cecily Kaz
o Jeff Bedwell
Finance
o Pete Shadek – Chair
o Scott Lien
o Tim Ransford
Public Safety
o Cecily Kaz – Chair
o Alison Winslow
o Tim Ransford
Public Works
o Scott Lien – Chair
o Pete Shadek
o Jeff Bedwell
President Potter stated that she intended to appoint Trustees to serve on the Board Committees as outlined in the agenda. She opened the floor to a motion to concur with the appointments. Trustee Shadek offered a motion to concur with the appointments and Trustee Lien seconded the motion.
Upon a voice vote, President Potter declared that the motion passed unanimously.
ADJOURN
With no further business, Trustee Shadek offered a motion to adjourn the meeting and Trustee Winslow seconded to adjourn the meeting. The meeting was concluded by voice vote at 10:59 p.m.
https://www.vokil.org/DocumentCenter/View/2646/052019-Village-Board-Meeting-Minutes
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