Village of Northbrook Board of Trustees met Sept. 8.
Here is the minutes provided by the board:
IMPORTANT NOTICE: VILLAGE BOARD MEETING - VIA WEBEX VIDEO CONFERENCE CALL
1. ROLL CALL
| Attendee Name | Title | Status | Arrived |
| Sandra Frum | Village President | Present | |
| Kathryn Ciesla | Trustee | Present | |
| Bob Israel | Trustee | Present | |
| Muriel Collison | Trustee | Late | 7:35 PM |
| Heather Ross | Trustee | Present | |
| Johannah Hebl | Trustee | Present | |
| Dan Pepoon | Trustee | Present |
3. MINUTES APPROVAL
A. Board of Trustees - Regular Meeting - Aug 25, 2020 7:30 PM
RESULT: ACCEPTED [6 TO 0]
MOVER: Heather Ross, Trustee
SECONDER: Dan Pepoon, Trustee
AYES: Frum, Ciesla, Israel, Ross, Hebl, Pepoon
AWAY: Collison
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. The Board received no emails from the public.
5. MANAGER'S REPORT
Village Engineer Matt Farmer reported on the community rating the Village of Northbrook received. The CRS rating improved from a seven to six and residents will receive a 20% insurance reduction. Furthermore, the Village met with IDOT to discuss the plans for Dundee & Sanders. The hope to start the pedestrian improvements project this year. He noted if they do not receive an expedited permit, they plan on starting construction of the pedestrian crossing in spring 2021.
Assistant to the Village Manager, Madeline Farrell, discussed the Halloween Spooky Trail event, which is a partnership between the Village, Park District and Arts Commission. Residents and businesses can participate by decorating their porches, windows, yards, or storefronts. Winners will receive a gift card. The public can register for the event at nbparks.org and for more information visit northbrook.il.us/spookytrail. The sponsors will have giveaways at Village Hall and the Leisure Center. The event will be held on October 31, 2020 from 4-8pm. Furthermore, all participants are invited to donate a non-perishable food item to the food pantry at Village Hall.
Trustee Ciesla requested clarification on giving away candy to the public and trick-or-treating this year. Village Manager Rich Nahrstadt responded many municipalities are currently discussing how to handle Halloween trick-or-treating during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Village Manager Rich Nahrstadt asked if the Village Board wishes to establish Halloween trick-or-treating hours for the public.
President Frum stated the Village should not endorse Halloween trick-or-treating hours this year and she suggested putting safety information for trick-or-treating on the website.
Trustee Ciesla discussed an email she received from a group of neighbors who created a Halloween trick-or-treating plan. She recommends the Village create a printable flyer (pumpkin with mask illustration) for residents to put on their window to identify whether they are participating in trick-or treating this year. Furthermore, many of the schools are hosting Halloween events for families.
Trustee Israel stated the Village should provide safety guidelines to the public.
Trustee Collison agreed with her fellow Trustees and recommended they establish Halloween trick-or treating hours.
Trustee Ross commented establishing Halloween trick-or-treating hours might be considered endorsement and agrees with President Frum.
Trustee Hebl stated the Village should establish guidelines with hours to limit large groups trick-or treating during the pandemic.
Trustee Pepoon stated the Village should provide safety guidelines to the public.
President Frum commented the Village will create safety guidelines and establish Halloween trick-or treating hours. The public can send suggestions to Assistant to the Village Manager Madeline Farrell.
Trustee Ciesla requested an update on the winter plan for restaurants. Tom Poupard, Director of Development & Planning Services responded they have a meeting scheduled with the Chamber to discuss the winter plan for restaurants. They will evaluate solutions to help restaurants maintain dinning space and many business owners stated they want to continue using the tents system.
President Frum stated she will share information on dining solutions from restaurants in Chicago. She noted the summer grants program has funds left over, which can be used to help restaurants prepare for winter. She will bring this up again at the next meeting when more information from Chicago is available.
6. PRESIDENT'S REPORT
A. Appointment to Commission
President Frum commented the Village had an open position on the Zoning Board of Appeals. She made a motion to appoint A.C. Buehler to the Zoning Board of Appeals.
RESULT: APPROVED [6 TO 0]
MOVER: Bob Israel, Trustee
SECONDER: Muriel Collison, Trustee
AYES: Frum, Israel, Collison, Ross, Hebl, Pepoon
AWAY: Ciesla
B. GREEN MOMENT
John Albrecht, Go Green Northbrook board member, discussed the green projects in Northbrook. In the past 12-years, only three builders participated in the Green Building Initiative. He noted many green programs for builders to participate in that are available in Northbrook. Furthermore, his goal is to increase the number of green projects in Northbrook.
7. WARRANT LIST
A. Review and Approval of Payments to be Made
Trustee Ciesla Moved for the approval of class A & B Warrants dated August 16, 2020 - August 31, 2020 in the amount of $2,107,853.23.
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 August 30, 2020
Trustee Ciesla Moved for the approval of Frontage Deposit refunds totaling $15,200.00 dated August 30, 2020.
RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Kathryn Ciesla, Trustee
SECONDER: Dan Pepoon, Trustee
AYES: Frum, Ciesla, Israel, Collison, Ross, Hebl, Pepoon
8. CONSENT AGENDA
President Frum stated she was moving consent item 8 (B) from the consent agenda to Public Works Committee for discussion.
RESULT: ADOPTED [6 TO 0]
MOVER: Bob Israel, Trustee
SECONDER: Dan Pepoon, Trustee
AYES: Ciesla, Israel, Collison, Ross, Hebl, Pepoon
ABSTAIN: Frum
A. RESOLUTION NO. 2020-110
A Resolution Authorizing the Renewal of an Agreement for Roof Maintenance Services with Prate Roofing and Installations, LLC. of Wauconda, Illinois
B. RESOLUTION NO. 2020-111
A Resolution Authorizing the Execution of an Intergovernmental Agreement between the Village of Northbrook and the Illinois State Comptroller for the Local Debt Recovery Program
C. RESOLUTION NO. 2020-112
A Resolution Authorizing the Village Manager to Execute an Intergovernmental and Subrecipient Agreement for Coronavirus Relief Funds with Cook County
D. ORDINANCE NO. 2020-30
An Ordinance to Amend the Annual Fee Ordinance to Reduce Liquor License Classes A and G for Marcello's and Hel's Kitchen
COMMITTEE REPORTS
9. FINANCE
10. PUBLIC WORKS
A. RESOLUTION NO. 2020-113
A Resolution Authorizing a Contract with Chicagoland Paving Contractors Inc. of Lake Zurich, Illinois for the Fiscal Year 2020/21 Crestwood Place Parking Lot Improvements Project
Director of Public Works Kelly Hamill discussed the Crestwood Place parking lot improvements. He noted the Village owns and maintains the senior housing facility. In addition, the property is managed by the Senior Services Commission and property improvements are being funded by the Senior Housing Fund.
RESULT: ADOPTED [6 TO 0]
MOVER: Bob Israel, Trustee
SECONDER: Muriel Collison, Trustee
AYES: Ciesla, Israel, Collison, Ross, Hebl, Pepoon
ABSTAIN: Frum
B. RESOLUTION NO.
A Resolution Authorizing an Agreement for the Installation, Maintenance, and Removal of Holiday Lighting in the Village's Central Business District
Assistant Public Works Director Matt Morrison discussed an agreement for installation, maintenance and removal of holiday lighting in Northbrook for two winter seasons. The Village received four proposals and Kinnucan Tree Company had the best proposal.
Trustee Hebl commented many residents provided negative feedback regarding the use of bright white lighting for the holidays and suggested using warm white lighting. She expressed concern regarding the removal process of holiday lighting. In the past, vendors have left debris around the Village when removing the holiday lighting.
Mr. Morrison noted the contract states warm white lighting only. Furthermore, they will insure the vendor cleans up all debris during the removal process of holiday lighting.
Trustee Collison commented she wants to research festive lighting ideas and find out what other communities are doing for holiday lighting. She suggested using colored lighting in the Village and public parks this holiday season.
Trustee Ciesla suggested the Board explore vibrant lighting options and pricing. She expressed concern regarding the quote for lighting installation.
Village Manager Nahrstadt noted the budget for holiday lighting was lowered due to the COVID-19 budget cuts. The goal is to use warm holiday lighting year around for the winter and summer nights.
Trustee Ciesla noted Amazon sells holiday lighting that changes color. The vendor contract ends in January and the Village is requesting yearly holiday lighting maintenance. She anticipates the vendor will increase their services cost for yearly maintenance. She suggested the Village staff focus on making the Downtown area more attractive for the public to help business owners in the Village succeed during the pandemic. Furthermore, she requested the vendor provide two proposals for colored holiday lighting and non-colored holiday lighting maintenance for a year.
President Frum noted the Board agreed to the holiday lighting budget cut for this year.
Village Manager Nahrstadt commented he will work with staff to create more holiday lighting options. The matter was deferred to a future meeting.
11. PLANNING/ZONING
A. A Review of the Plan Commission Recommendation to Grant a Special Permit for a Specialty Medical Care Facility for ERC and Insight at 4201 Lake Cook Road
Deputy Director of Development and Planning Services Michaela Kohlstedt presented the Plan Commission’s recommendation to grant a Special Permit for a specialty medical facility for ERC and Insight at 4201 Lake Cook Road. The restricted covenant will need to be amended to add the new use category. She noted the age of patient population was not previously discussed. The Plan Commission conducted a public hearing and many members of the public commented. The public stated the use was not appropriate, the location is close to a school and expressed concern regarding safety.
The Plan Commission requested additional information from the applicant and suggested conditions, which included items such as periodic staff reviews of the facility, and a condition restricting the patient age to 10 thru 18. Furthermore, they recommend approval of the application with the listed conditions. However, the applicant submitted a request to change the age restriction (age restriction applicable to patients without eating disorders). The public hearing is closed, and the Plan Commission did not discuss the request to modify the age restriction condition.
The applicant submitted a letter to the Board of Trustees to request no age restriction imposed on eating disorder patients. The original approved ordinance does not have an age restriction.
Village Attorney Steve Elrod noted the applicant agrees with every condition except the age restriction. The Board previously agreed to not include an age restriction in the enforcement agreement. In addition, the applicant never included an age restriction in the material submitted to the Village.
Trustee Ross asked if the applicant agrees to an age restriction for anxiety & mood treatment. Ms. Kohlstedt responded that is correct.
Trustee Ciesla asked why the Plan Commission established an age restriction. Ms. Kohlstedt responded the Plan Commission established an age restriction based on the term “adolescent”, which was used in the applicant’s application submitted in 2018.
Trustee Ciesla asked if a patient is a danger to themselves or others, are they transported to a hospital. Furthermore, she requested information on the types of patients they treat.
Trustee Israel asked if they will agree to the age restriction if increased to 26 years of age.
Trustee Hebl asked if they treat patients with a history of aggression towards others and receive patient referrals. Furthermore, she requested feedback from the applicant regarding an age restriction.
Pam Thalman, 4160 Phyllis Road, Northbrook, stated the applicant is not trustworthy and their facility operations are a safety hazard in the community. She noted 24 residents signed a petition to prohibit the facility’s operations in their neighborhood.
Tom Moffitt, Attorney with the Stahl Cowen law firm representing the applicant (Eating Recovery Center, LLC), stated they do not accept patients who are a danger to themselves or others. The facility does not accept children with a history of violence, acute suicidal issues and other mental illnesses. The age restriction imposed by the Plan Commission is unnecessary. Furthermore, the applicant operates several other eating recovery center locations with adult treatment programs.
Dr. Anne O’Melia noted they receive patient referrals and perform patient assessments. They perform a complete admissions process before accepting new patients and communicate with the patient’s doctor. In addition, the facility does not treat patients who present a danger to themselves or others.
Trustee Hebl asked how they accommodate the various age groups and what age restriction they would like. Dr. O’Melia responded they currently provide treatment for adolescents and would like to be able to treat adults in the future if need be. The facility does not treat different age groups together; they are separated for specialized treatment catered to their developmental need.
Trustee Israel read the previously submitted application to the Village. The application the applicant submitted stated they will provide treatment to adolescents. He asked if the applicant would agree to an age restriction of 2 to 26 years of age. Attorney Moffitt responded no. Currently, there is no age restriction for eating disorder treatment. The applicant would like to offer adult eating disorder treatment at the Lake Cook location, because it is offered at other locations.
Trustee Israel asked if they agree that their program would remain for adolescent treatment only. Attorney Moffitt responded he does not agree with that statement. The applicant would like to reserve the right to treat adults and they were never prohibited to treating adults.
Dr. O’Melia stated she agrees with Attorney Moffitt's comments. They want to continue treating children and adolescents. If the demand changes, they want to be able to treat adults.
Trustee Collison asked if they have a parking agreement with the childcare facility. Tom Moffitt, Attorney and Dr. O’Melia stated no they do not have a relationship with the childcare facility.
Trustee Ciesla stated there is no reason for the Village to add an age restriction and the applicant brings a great need for mental health services to the community. Furthermore, the applicant paid all fines owed to the Village.
Trustee Israel stated he is in favor of an age restriction and noted the applicant has not been honest with the Village.
Trustee Ross concurs with Trustee Ciesla
Trustee Hebl stated the applicant could present their request to remove the age restriction to the Plan Commission. However, she is in favor of establishing a broader age restriction.
Trustee Pepoon stated the age matter was never an issue in the past and does not see a need for an age restriction.
Trustee Collison stated the age restriction matter was not properly addressed at the Plan Commission and they should schedule a public hearing.
President Frum asked if the applicant goes before the Plan Commission, is a re-notification needed. Village Attorney Mr. Elrod responded that decision is up to the Village Board. The Board of Trustees can request that the Plan Commission conduct another public hearing.
President Frum stated she is not in favor of an age restriction.
Trustee Ciesla commented there is no rational reason to send the applicant back to the Plan Commission. The Board should not be involved in their operation practices because they are licensed medical professionals in the State of Illinois. There is a stigma when addressing mental health issues and her goal is to remove the stigma. Furthermore, there is a great need for mental health services in the community.
Trustee Israel concurs with Trustee Ciesla and will not be implementing an age restriction.
Trustee Collison concurs with Trustee Israel and supports mental health services in the community. She expressed concern regarding the applicant’s conflicting information presented to the Village and votes no to the applicant’s request.
Trustee Ross stated she is in favor of granting the applicant’s special permit request. She noted the Plan Commission’s record of the public hearing is very confusing and a Commission Member brought up the age restriction at the end of the public hearing. Furthermore, mental health services are greatly needed in the community.
Trustee Hebl stated she is in favor of granting the applicant’s special permit request. There are many individuals who need mental health services and others who have undiagnosed mental health illnesses.
Trustee Pepoon stated mental health services are greatly needed in the community and votes yes to the request.
The Board agreed to amend the age restriction.
Trustee Ciesla made a motion to direct staff to draft the documents as stated by Attorney Elrod, seconded by Trustee Hebl. On voice vote, all were in favor.
B. PRELIMINARY REVIEW - ZONING & DEVELOPMENT APPLICATIONS
1. A Preliminary Review of 310 Anthony Trail for Special Permit - Open Sales Lot for Large Truck Sales
Senior Planner Swati Pandey discussed the preliminary review of 310 Anthony Trail for a Special Permit for an open sales lot. The property is zoned I-1 Restricted Industrial and the comprehensive plan stipulates: General Industrial, Warehouse and Office. The building is multi tenant industrial with multiple auto uses. The property owner received a Special Permit for an auto repair facility and outdoor storage of vehicles in 2018. Furthermore, the current tenant applicant (KMM Truck Sales, LLC) is requesting approval of a truck sales office with storage of five trucks on designated parking spots in the parking lot. The proposed hours of operation are Monday to Friday, 11:00 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Trustee Collison stated she is in favor of approving the request.
Trustee Ciesla asked if they are selling cabs with trailers. Ms. Pandey responded the applicant would be selling tractor-trailers online, which are purchased from automobile auctions.
Trustee Ciesla stated the Village will benefit from the sales tax and she is in favor of approving the request.
Trustee Israel concurs with Trustee Ciesla.
Trustee Ross stated she is in favor of approving the request.
Trustee Hebl stated she is in favor of approving the request.
Trustee Pepoon stated he is in favor of approving the request.
President Frum stated they would send the approved applicants request to the Plan Commission.
12. COMMUNITY
13. PUBLIC SAFETY
14. LEGISLATION AND COMMUNICATION
15. REMARKS FOR THE GOOD OF THE ORDER
16. CLOSED SESSION
Trustee Collison moved, seconded by Trustee Israel to go into closed session under sections 2(c) 1 - personnel and to discuss minutes; On voice vote, all were in favor.
17. ADJOURN
President Frum adjourned the meeting at 9:32 p.m.
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