Village of Northbrook Board of Trustees met July 28.
Here is the minutes provided by the board:
1. ROLL CALL
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
| Attendee Name | Title | Status | Arrived |
| Sandra Frum | Village President | Present | |
| Kathryn Ciesla | Trustee | Present | |
| Bob Israel | Trustee | Present | |
| Muriel Collison | Trustee | Present | |
| Heather Ross | Trustee | Present | |
| Johannah Hebl | Trustee | Present | |
| Dan Pepoon | Trustee | Present |
A. Board of Trustees - Regular Meeting - Jul 14, 2020 7:30 PM
RESULT: ACCEPTED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Dan Pepoon, Trustee
SECONDER: Heather Ross, Trustee
AYES: Frum, Ciesla, Israel, Collison, Ross, Hebl, Pepoon
4. PUBLIC COMMENT TIME
President Frum noted the public can make comments by emailing publiccomments@northbrook.il.us and email responses must be under 200 words.
5. MANAGER'S REPORT
Village Manager Rich Nahrstadt noted the fireworks celebration is presently scheduled for Labor Day weekend (September 7, 2020). The Village is currently in Phase 4 of the State of Illinois reopening plan, which limits the size of group gatherings. He expressed concern holding the fireworks celebration at Meadow Hill Park and questioned how the Village will keep the crowd socially distanced and safe. The surrounding towns have decided to cancel their firework celebration due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The fireworks contract with the Village requires a 30-day cancellation notice and he recommends the Village send a cancellation notice today (approximately $47,000.00 savings).
Trustee Hebl stated she supports cancelling the fireworks celebration to protect the public during the pandemic.
Trustee Ciesla asked the Board if they would like to move the fireworks celebration to another holiday, such as New Year’s Eve. However, she is in favor of canceling the fireworks celebration.
Mr. Nahrstadt commented the Village negotiated a pandemic rain date within the Fireworks contract. If the Village wanted to reschedule the fireworks celebration for a different date, they would need to negotiate another contract with the vendor.
President Frum stated she supports cancelling the fireworks celebration and the Board can further discuss a different date to host the fireworks celebration for the public.
Trustee Ross recommended the Village send out a public notice informing the public the fireworks celebration has been cancelled until further notice. President Frum responded they will use the social media platforms to inform the public.
Tom Poupard, Director of Development & Planning Services, discussed the Northbrook Strong Business Grant Program. The program had 26 qualified applicants that received a grant ranging from $127- $2,000.00 (average grant request $1,283.00). The data shows salons and retailers lost the most revenue during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Village will send notifications to all qualified applicants to request completed W-9 forms, before checks are issued. He recommended the Board discuss the remaining $217,000.00 grant funds. The Industrial & Commercial Development Committee suggested the remaining grant funds be disbursed to fitness facilities, dentist offices and other groups that did not receive grant funding.
President Frum requested the staff present options on what they recommend the remaining $217,000.00 grant funds be used for. Mr. Nahrstadt responded they will present the options at a future Board of Trustees meeting.
Director of Public Works Kelly Hamill discussed the water-main breaks. The end of May is the deadline for the second pressure zone and the staff is still operating the second tower. They have observed several breaks in the second zone (24 breaks within the last two months) and the Village is working hard to repair the breaks as soon as possible.
Trustee Hebl requested the staff provide the Board will a chart that shows the number of water-main breaks per month. She expressed concern with increased water-main breaks and would like to review the plan to prevent water-main breaks in the future. Mr. Hamill responded that the information will be part of the report when the Board reviews the updated Master Water Plan.
President Frum stated she noticed the positive increased water pressure at her residence.
Trustee Hebl noted several people are not wearing masks when entering businesses. She asked if the Police Department is receiving calls regarding people not wearing facemasks in businesses. In response Manager Nahrstadt commented the State recommended the Village use State and local authority to educate the public on the importance of wearing a facemask during the pandemic. The Police Department is working with businesses to stress the importance of wearing a facemask and encourages compliance voluntarily.
6. WARRANT LIST
A. Review and Approval of Payments to be Made
Trustee Ciesla Moved for the approval of class A & B Warrants dated July 1, 2020 - July 15, 2020 in the amount of $1,754,288.09.
RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Kathryn Ciesla, Trustee
SECONDER: Dan Pepoon, Trustee
AYES: Frum, Ciesla, Israel, Collison, Ross, Hebl, Pepoon
B. Review of Frontage Deposit List Dated July 14, 2020
Trustee Ciesla Moved for the approval of Frontage Deposit refunds totaling $7,500.00 dated July 14, 2020.
RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Kathryn Ciesla, Trustee
SECONDER: Dan Pepoon, Trustee
AYES: Frum, Ciesla, Israel, Collison, Ross, Hebl, Pepoon
7. PRESIDENT'S REPORT
A. RESOLUTION NO. 2020-90
A Resolution Recognizing Sergeant Matt Szymanski for Twenty Years of Service in the Police Department
President Frum recognized Sergeant Matt Szymanski for Twenty Years of Service in the Police Department and thanked him for his service.
Green Moment
Marilyn Fish, Board Member at Go Green Northbrook, discussed a virtual library program focused on plastic recycling in Lake Michigan. The link for more information on the program is located on the Northbrook Public Library web page. The data shows that only 9%-10% of plastic is recycled and there is a small market for recycled plastic. Every year eleven million pounds of plastic is found in Lake Michigan, which is from the landfills. The wind and rain carry plastics from the landfills into the nearby sewers and rivers. She recommended the public take action by reusing their plastics and implementing the four R's.
President Frum commented the Village is performing a sustainability study and encouraged the public to complete the survey on the Village’s home page.
RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Johannah Hebl, Trustee
SECONDER: Dan Pepoon, Trustee
AYES: Frum, Ciesla, Israel, Collison, Ross, Hebl, Pepoon
8. CONSENT AGENDA
Trustee Ciesla moved, seconded by Trustee Pepoon to remove agenda item 9 (F) and add item 10 (A) to the Consent Agenda. On voice vote, all were in favor.
RESULT: ADOPTED [6 TO 0]
MOVER: Kathryn Ciesla, Trustee
SECONDER: Dan Pepoon, Trustee
AYES: Ciesla, Israel, Collison, Ross, Hebl, Pepoon
ABSTAIN: Frum
A. RESOLUTION NO. 2020-91
A Resolution Authorizing an Agreement with IMS Infrastructure Management Services, LLC of Tempe, AZ for Roadway Assessment and GPS Data Collection
B. RESOLUTION NO. 2020-92
A Resolution Approving a Plat of Consolidation for 1975 Shermer Road (Docket No. PCD-19-15)
C. RESOLUTION NO. 2020-93
A Resolution Approving the Renewal of a Cybersecurity Training and Testing Subscription with KnowBe4
D. ORDINANCE NO. 2020-23
An Ordinance Amending the Northbrook Zoning Code (1988) Regarding Uses in the O-2 Limited Office District (Plan Commission Docket No. PCD-20-04)
E. ORDINANCE NO. 2020-24
An Ordinance Granting Approval of a Special Permit for a Specialty Medical Care Facility
F. ORDINANCE NO. 2020-25
An Ordinance Amending The Northbrook Municipal Code Concerning The Regulations of Light Spillage and Construction Noise
G. ORDINANCE NO. 2020-26
An Ordinance Granting Special Permit for a Gas Station, Yard, Setback, and Parking Variations, and Site Plan Approval
H. RESOLUTION NO. 2020-94
A Resolution Approving an Agreement for the 2020 Sidewalk Replacement Program with Schroeder & Schroeder Inc. of Skokie, Illinois
COMMITTEE REPORTS
9. FINANCE
10. PUBLIC WORKS
A. RESOLUTION NO. 2020-95
A Resolution Supporting the Community Solar Clearinghouse Solution (CS2) Program
Assistant to the Village Manager Madeline Farrell discussed a resolution supporting the Community Solar Clearinghouse Solution Program. The program will provide residents and small businesses access to community solar subscriptions. Furthermore, they will be able to claim a portion of the community solar development in the State of Illinois and receive a 20% on-bill credit. The availability of subscriptions is dependent on the supply, residents and communities. The public can sign up on the website.
Trustee Israel commented the program has been endorsed by several of the environmental groups.
He asked what the participant program costs are and exit date. Ms. Farrell responded there are no costs and customers can terminate the subscription with 30-day’s notice (penalty free).
Trustee Israel made a motion to approve a resolution supporting the Community Solar Clearinghouse Solution Program, seconded by Trustee Pepoon. On voice vote, all were in favor.
RESULT: ADOPTED [6 TO 0]
MOVER: Bob Israel, Trustee
SECONDER: Dan Pepoon, Trustee
AYES: Ciesla, Israel, Collison, Ross, Hebl, Pepoon
ABSTAIN: Frum
11. PLANNING/ZONING
A. ORDINANCE NO. 2020-27
An Ordinance Granting A Level III Design Review Permit For An Awning Sign And An Exterior Wall Sign At 1354A Shermer Road (Re/Max – The Jane Lee Team)
Trustee Hebl expressed concern with the sign size and requested clarification on the sign meeting the Zoning Code requirements. Michaela Kohlstedt, Deputy Director of Development and Planning
Services responded the sign did not meet the zoning code requirements and requested the applicant redesign the proposed signage.
Tom Poupard, Director of Development & Planning Services commented the sign is code compliant because it is less than 100 feet tall and the issue was regarding the property owner who was not in favor of the proposed signage by the applicant. However, the staff will be further reviewing the signage regulations in the Zoning Code.
Trustee Hebl requested the Board make an ordinance for the Downtown area. Ms. Kohlstedt responded the Village has an area requirement, where the sign cannot take over 5% of the tenant space wall area, which was why the sign was non-compliant.
President Frum noted all signage requests for the Downtown area must be approved by the Board.
Trustee Pepoon made a motion to approve an ordinance for Level III Design Review Permit for 1354A Shermer, seconded by Trustee Israel. On voice vote, all were in favor.
RESULT: ADOPTED [6 TO 0]
MOVER: Dan Pepoon, Trustee
SECONDER: Bob Israel, Trustee
AYES: Ciesla, Israel, Collison, Ross, Hebl, Pepoon
ABSTAIN: Frum
B. RESOLUTION NO. 2020-96
A Resolution Authorizing a Waiver for the Installation of Barbed Wire Fencing by Commonwealth Edison (1450 Skokie Boulevard)
Tom Poupard, Director of Development & Planning Services discussed a resolution authorizing barbed wire fencing at the Commonwealth Edison facility. The request for increased fence height will be reviewed by the Zoning Board of Appeals during a public hearing scheduled for August 24, 2020. The second request for barbed wire fencing requires the Board of Trustees approval, in accordance with section 17-47 of the Municipal Code. The Board asked if the fence height can be reduced to 7 feet tall around the entire property and the applicant responded that will not work.
However, the applicant will increase security measures on the property.
The applicant is proposing approval of a black fence design and they will maintain the existing landscaping on the property (north and south end of the property). In addition, landscaping will be added along the Skokie Blvd frontage and they will clean up areas around the property.
President Frum stated she is in favor of approving this resolution with a black fence.
Trustee Collison stated she is in favor of the black fence. She asked how the Village will insure the applicant maintains their property. Mr. Poupard responded if the applicant failed to maintain the fencing, landscape or outdoor storage, they will issue a property maintenance violation, site plan violation and zoning code violation.
Trustee Ciesla stated she is in favor of the black fence. She requested the trees on the south end of the property be removed and replaced before approving this request. Mr. Poupard responded they will require the applicant remove all dead vegetation from the property and replace the vegetation.
Trustee Israel commented he understands the applicants need for increased security measures.
Furthermore, he is in favor of the black fence and the proposed landscape design.
Trustee Ross stated she is in favor of the black fence and the proposed landscape design.
Trustee Hebl agrees with her fellow Trustees. She is in favor of the black fence and the proposed landscape design.
Trustee Pepoon requested clarification on the different fence heights on the property. Mr. Poupard responded there is an electrical safety issue regarding the electrical wires above the fence.
Trustee Pepoon stated he is in favor of the black fence and the proposed landscape design. Trustee Collison made a motion to approve a resolution authorizing barbed wire fencing at the Commonwealth Edison facility, seconded by Trustee Pepoon. On voice vote, all were in favor.
RESULT: ADOPTED [6 TO 0]
MOVER: Muriel Collison, Trustee
SECONDER: Dan Pepoon, Trustee
AYES: Ciesla, Israel, Collison, Ross, Hebl, Pepoon
ABSTAIN: Frum
C. PRELIMINARY REVIEW - ZONING & DEVELOPMENT APPLICATIONS
12. COMMUNITY
13. PUBLIC SAFETY
A. ORDINANCE NO. 2020-28
An Ordinance Authorizing the Purchase of a Replacement Ambulance from Foster Coach Sales Inc. and Disposal of a Surplus Ambulance
Fire Chief Carlson discussed an ordinance authorizing the purchase of a replacement ambulance and disposal of a surplus ambulance. He noted the current ambulance is over 10-years old.
Trustee Hebl noted the new ambulance will cost the village $350,000.00, which is a high cost due to the lift feature to prevent injury. She requested clarification on the replacement schedule and mileage. Furthermore, she asked if ambulances are being used more due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The ambulance has only 86,000 miles and they agreed to replace ambulances when they reach 100,000 miles. She requested the Board approve this item under the contingency the ambulance will be purchased in several months.
Chief Carlson expressed concern pushing back the purchase of the ambulance due to issues with the motor.
Trustee Hebl asked how many miles are put on a reserve ambulance year-to-date. Chief Carlson responded 1,000-2,000 miles per year.
Trustee Hebl stated she would like to delay the purchase of the ambulance to save the Village money.
President Frum stated she is not in favor of delaying the purchase of the ambulance.
Trustee Ciesla asked how often the two reserve ambulances are being used at the same time. Chief Carlson responded approximately three times per year.
President Frum commented the replacement schedule will be available when they review the CIP.
Village Manager Nahrstadt commented the Village is trying to move away from the International model ambulance features.
Trustee Ciesla stated she is in favor of purchasing the ambulance.
Trustee Israel agrees with Trustee Ciesla and they will review the Ambulance Policy.
Trustee Collison stated she is in favor of purchasing the ambulance.
Trustee Ross stated she would like to wait to purchase the ambulance but is not opposed to making the purchase early.
Trustee Pepoon stated he does not want the Village using old ambulances with mechanical issues, which puts the public’s life at risk. He is in favor of purchasing the ambulance.
Trustee Hebl stated she is not trying to jeopardize the safety of the public and her comments were towards a reserve ambulance. However, she is in favor of purchasing the ambulance and revisiting the CIP.
Trustee Hebl made a motion to approve an ordinance authorizing the purchase of a replacement ambulance and disposal of a surplus ambulance, seconded by Trustee Ciesla. On voice vote, all were in favor.
RESULT: ADOPTED [6 TO 0] MOVER: Johannah Hebl, Trustee SECONDER: Kathryn Ciesla, Trustee AYES: Ciesla, Israel, Collison, Ross, Hebl, Pepoon ABSTAIN: Frum
14. LEGISLATION AND COMMUNICATION
15. REMARKS FOR THE GOOD OF THE ORDER
Trustee Ciesla asked if the Census is still active. President Frum responded the Census is still active.
The public was encourage to complete the Census.
16. CLOSED SESSION
Trustee Ciesla moved, seconded by Trustee Pepoon to go into closed session under sections 2(c) 1 - personnel; 2 (c) 14 - Investigation and 2 (c) 21 - review of closed session minutes. On voice vote, all were in favor.
17. ADJOURN
Trustee Ciesla moved, second by Trustee Pepoon to adjourn the meeting at 8:50 p.m. On voice vote, all were in favor.
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