Village of Buffalo Grove Committee of the Whole Met March 1.
Here is the minutes provided by the committee:
CALL TO ORDER
President Sussman called the meeting to order at 7:30 P.M. This meeting is being conducted in person as well as via audio and video conferencing.
ROLL CALL
Roll call indicated the following present via audio/video conferencing: President Sussman, Trustees Ottenheimer, Weidenfeld, Johnson, Smith and Pike. Trustee Stein was physically present at Village Hall.
Also present via audio/video conferencing were: Dane Bragg, Village Manager; Patrick Brankin, Village Attorney; Jenny Maltas, Deputy Village Manager; Chris Stilling, Deputy Village Manager; Evan Michel, Management Analyst; Mike Skibbe, Director of Public Works; Nicole Woods, Deputy Community Development Director; Rati Akash, Village Planner; Darren Monico, Village Engineer; and Brett Robinson, Administrative Service Director; Fire Chief Baker; Police Chief Casstevens.
The Committee of the Whole Meeting consisted of staff reports and Board discussion on the following topics.
SWANCC FEES
Mr. Stilling reviewed the staff recommendation that the Village Board increase the SWANCC fee by $.50 per month, details of which are contained in his memo to the Board of February 25, 2021. Board discussion followed, with Board members suggesting that, going forward, residents would prefer that there be smaller incremental increases of perhaps $.05 per month each year rather than $.50 per month at one time.
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT SOFTWARE
Rati Akash and Nicole Woods reviewed the agreement that the Village entered into with BSA Community Development software solution to streamline, assist, and automate the Department’s service of permitting, licensing, code enforcement and planning and zoning, details of which are contained in the memo from Rati Akash to the Board of February 23, 2021.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT UPDATE
Mr. Michel reviewed a PowerPoint presentation outlining the Community Engagement Committee’s efforts to develop and implement strategies to engage residents in Village priorities, details of which are contained in his memo to Mr. Bragg of February 22, 2021. Nicole Woods also commented on the initiatives of the committee. Board members thanked staff members for the outstanding job that has been done on this project.
VIDEO GAMING LICENSE FEES
Mr. Stilling reviewed the fees for video gaming license fees for the upcoming renewal period, details of which are contained in his memo of February 25, 2021 to Mr. Bragg. After Board discussion, it was determined that, since video gaming facilities are now open and fully operational, the consensus is that there is no reason to decrease fees.
2021 SUMMER EVENTS
Mr. Bragg reviewed the staff planning and recommendations for the 2021 Summer Events, such as Farmer’s Market, 4th of July fireworks, Buffalo Grove Band concerts, and Buffalo Grove Days, details of which are contained in his memo to the Board of February 25, 2021.
The Board agreed that the mode of operation used for the Farmer’s Market in 2020 was very successful, so that event may continue in 2021 using the same model as was used in 2020.
Howard Green, director of the Buffalo Grove Symphonic Band, noted that this would have been the 20th anniversary for the band and they were planning to have several events to commemorate that anniversary, so the band is very disappointed. Mr. Green stated that the band practices in school facilities, and since they are a 70+ member group, with social distancing requirements, it is impossible to get together to practice. Mr. Green is contemplating small ensemble groups to meet in member homes to rehearse, and that is a possibility to offer some musical enjoyment to residents this summer.
The Board discussed the Fireworks, noting the possibility of having a drive-through show utilizing various parking areas surrounding the Village campus, or possibly moving the fireworks to Labor Day weekend
The next discussion revolved around Buffalo Grove Days. Mr. Skibbe provided an overview of staff’s conversations with the co-chairs. It is clear that a full-fledged festival is not feasible, but there is the possibility of having a festival that is reduced in size, and also the option of totally postponing the event until 2022. There is the possibility of a carnival in a more spread-out area, along with food trucks. Entertainment with restrictions is also a possibility. Paulette Greenberg, Buffalo Grove Days Co-Chair, reported on what she has found out from other communities; some are going ahead with their events 100%, while others are cancelling 100%. Committee members are agreeable to a three-day carnival and food trucks. Karen Danenberg commented that there would be no walk-around entertainment or dance groups, but there could be one band on the main stage each night, but everything would have to be very modified. Mr. Springman commented on the safety issues and wondered whether or not people are ready to go out in crowds again. Board discussion on all the possibilities ensued, with the determination that no money be put out for deposits at this time, and that we wait until at least the March 15, 2021 Board Meeting to make any decisions.
Mr. Bragg stated that staff will work on some of the possibilities mentioned and bring a report back to the Board for the March 15, 2021 meeting.
QUESTIONS FROM THE AUDIENCE
President Sussman reviewed the parameters to be followed by speakers and asked if there were any questions from the audience on items not on tonight’s agenda; there were no such questions.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Moved by Johnson, seconded by Weidenfeld, to adjourn the Committee of the Whole Meeting and move to Executive Session to discuss Section 2(C)(5) of the Illinois Open Meetings Act: the Purchase or Lease of Real Property for the use of the Public Body, including meetings held for the purpose of discussing whether a particular parcel should be acquired. Upon roll call, Trustees voted as follows:
AYES: 6 – Stein, Ottenheimer, Weidenfeld, Johnson, Smith, Pike
NAYS: 0 – None
Motion declared carried
The Board moved to Executive Session from 9:54 P.M. until 10:59 P.M.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 9:54 P.M.
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