1961-10-05 - Village Board Regular Meeting - Minutes MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE PRESIDENT AND BOARD OF
TRUSTEES OF TIT; VILLAGE OF BUFFALO GROVE, COOK COUNTY, TTT.LINOIS,
HELD THURSDAY, OCTOBER 5TH, 1961, IN THE LOUISA LAY ALCOTT PUBLIC
SCHOOL IN BUFFALO GROVE, ILT•TNOIS.
The President called the meeting to order at approximately 8:20 P.M. On
roll call the follo.:ing were found present:
President Bunescu; Trustees Bochniak, Farrington, Huxhold, Weiskopf,
Gillen and Frank
Absent: None
The President asked the members of the Board if they had read the minutes
of the previous Board meeting and if there were any corrections. Trustee
Gillen stated that he had some corrections, and that although they may seem
minor now, we have no way of knowing at this time what may or may not be
important in the future, and therefore, he feels these corrections should be
made. On the first page it states that the meeting started at 8:00 o'clock,
whereas it actually started at 8:25. This may not be important, but it could
be, and he feels the correct time should be shown. On the next page on the
$1.00 transfer fee for vehicle licenses, it is true that Trustee Bochniak made
the motion, but he feels the minutes should show that Trustee Frank made the
suggestion. Also on the second page on the Easter Plan it states that a
L.. public hearing will be held after which the Master Plan will be adopted by
Ordinance. There should be added "and filed with the County Clerk".
Trustee Gillen further stated that in addition to these minor corrections,
there have been several places each week where it says "discussion followed".
He stated that true these may not be important discussions, but he thinks
the Village is entitled to a record of everything that is said, and would like
to suggest at this time that the Village investigate the hiring of a court
reporter to take the minutes of each meeting.
The President asked for the approval of the minutes. Trustee Frank requested
the Clerk to read the corrections. The Clerk read them. Trustee Gillen moved
that the minutes be approved as corrected. Trustee Bochniak seconded the motion.
On roll call the vote was as follow:
AYES: Trustees Bochniak, Huxhc1d - Weiskopf, Gillen, Frank
NAYS: None
ABSTAIN: Trustee Farrington
Trustee Gillen stated that he thinks that we should have a court re-,orter because
this is the only type of person who can take an accurate, verbatim account at
Board meetings, so that an accurate record of what is said at Board meetings will
be on file. He stated this is no reflection on the Village Clerk who is using
a manual typewriter, but that then we could get accurate and legible copies. He
stated he will check the prices and submit it to the Finance Committee. Trustee
Farrington stated that along the same lines possibly a tape recorder might be
looked into also. This would not eliminate all problems, but it might prove to
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be the best and cheapest. It was stated that tape recorders are used extensively
in other Villages. It was further stated that Wheeling has hired a court
�... reporter for every Board meeting at $15.00 a meeting. Trustee Gillen was directed
to find out the cost of a court reporter.
The Treasurer read his report covering the period from September 1 thru
September 30, 1961, showing cash in bank of $13,566.36 and motor fule tax
allotment of $11,248.40.
Trustee Bochniak read :warrant #44. Trustee Farrington moved that Warrant #44
in the amount of $1964.71 be approved for payment. Trustee Huxhold seconded
the motion. On roll call the vote was as follows:
AYES: Trustees Frank, Gillen, 'weiskopf, Huxhold, Farrington, Bochniak
NAYS: None
Chief Barnett read the Police Activities report for the month of September, 1961.
The President read the Fire Investigation Report ofilliam L. Breson, Chief,
which stated that trash is being burned in open container at 73 Bernard Drive,
the complainant being the Buffalo Grove Police Department.
Police Magistrate Bauer was not present, so there was no report.
Mr. Racette, Chairman, read the Plan Commission report, and also recommended
Mr. Derek Palmer as a member of the Plan Commission. The President requested
further information on the hiring of a planning consultant. Mr. Racette stated
this would be on a retainer fee or he would be hired by the hour to review
preliminary plats and whatever might come up that the Plan Commission could not
answer so that they would have someone to consult. The President stated that
reviewing of plats would be paid for out of the fee paid to the Village at the
time the plat is filed. Mr. Racette stated that at the next regular Plan
Commission meeting they will have a public hearing for the rezoning of the piece
of land for the well. Notice of the hearing was published today.
Trustee Farrington, Public Improvements Committee, asked the status of the Civic
Building Committee. Eugene Guihan stated that the Civic Building Committee is
at a temporary standstill; that in the last week or ten days there has been a
lack of enthusiasm on the part of the people who were to make contributions of
materiel ; that Mr. Ken Gill, the Superintendent of Schools has been contacted,
and that if the building complies with fire and plumbing codes, Mr. Gill will be
very happy to hold kindergarten there. Mr. Guihan stated that in view of what
has transpired, the local builders, contractors and suppliers have changed their
attitude and are non-committal, whereas prior to a week or ten days ago they
were greeting this project with enthusiasm. He stated that the Committee feels
the only way it can go ahead at this time is to have the Village supply the
money, $3,000.00, for this building. Trustee Farrington stated that the present
kindergarten classes are being held in wheeling. The though was given that if
this building was completed this Fall, before the next term, that if the building
complied with the school requirements, that the children might then be able to
go over here. If there are certain codes adhered to, this could be accomplished.
A discussion followed between Trustee Farrington and Mr. Guihan. Trustee
Farrington said there was a suggestion made that if the Village could see its
1... way clear to stand some of the cost, and then if the Village has its activities
there, etc., this cost could be given back to the Village. In response to
questions, Mr. Guihan stated th .t the building could be completed this Fall
with the Village's financial assistance; that the laborers enthusiasm has not
dwindled but that they are anxious to get started. Trustee Farrington stated
that unless there is some particular ugency the Public Improvement Committee
will meet with the Civic Building Association a week from tonight and they
could then discuss the plans, school requirements, etc., and perhaps get it
to the finance committee, but Trustee Farrington wanted it understood that it
is questionable at this time. Trustee Farrington requested that the Civic
Building Association have all their plans, materials donated, requirements, etc.
ready for the meeting next Thursday.
Trustee Farrington said he tried to reach John Schmalzer but could not, so he
does not know if the park has been reseeded or not. Trustee Frank said the
baseball diamond has not according to this afternoon. ✓'T'he President said -he-
w a letter about a month ago to Mr. Garbacz stating that this area must be
reseeded or fertilized this Fall.
In response to a question as to the whereabouts of the new P.A. system, it was
stated that it is in the process of having the microphones set up. 'There will
be 7 mikes, each with a push button.
The President read the report of the Public Safety Committee (Doc. No. 126),
�•..• covering its investigation of complaints directed at the Police Department.
Certain individual contacts are still to be made and certain criticisms
clarified by the Committee before a final report can be made.
Mr. Michael Hupfel, Director of Civil Defense, was not present and there was
no report.
The President announced that a meeting was had on September 28th between the
Village Board, representatives of the Buffalo Utility Company and attorneys
to discuss the Village's offer to purchase the facilities of the Buffalo Utility
Company. The President thereupon read his report of the meeting (Doc. No. 127).
Trustee Frank said he felt he should have the right to make a few comments. He
said that it seemed to him that the President was making the point that the
Village should buy the Utility Company for three reasons -- one to lower the
rate by 30% - two to allow for the future expansion of the Village by other
developers - and three for revenue to the Village. He said that regarding a
reducing of the rates that he has a letter from Paul D. Speer, financial con-
sultant, and that the concluding sentence of the letter says - we hope through
the sale of these bonds that we will be able to maintain the same rates-.
As to the second point -- revenue to the Village -- profits of the Utility Company
cannot be used for general operation of the Village. If excessive revenue is
found, it must be used to retire the bonds or lower the rates. In regard to
the third point that the Utility Company's ownership of the facilities eliminates
L-' other developers -- there is on file at the Illinois Commerce Commission a
standard set of rules which apply to the Buffalo Utility Company as well as to
other Utility companies. It is called the Main Extension Rule and it sets up
and provides for the exact manner in which anyone using the Utility Company
would be required to act. The Buffalo Utility Company has a request on file
to install another well and pumping facilities and storage facilities. This
expansion will make it easier for any developer coming into the Village. The
Utility Company is also making plans for additional sewage facilities. He
stated that the Village does not have the money to provide for this expansion.
At least $200,000.00 will be needed to expand the company. It would be
impossible to sell the required number of bonds to purchase the Utility Company
and to expand it. A $500,000.00 sale price would virtually mean $575,000.00
in bonds which would have to be sold and, according to Paul Speer, it would be
impossible for the Village to sell that number of bonds. He stated further
that the Board has also lightly passed over the fact that it is absolutely
illegal to buy this Utility Company because of the fact that he is one of the
principal stockholders and an elected trustee of the Village, so that the
Utility Company could not enter into a contract to sell to the Village. He
stated further that it was very clearly brought out in the campaign that he was
a stockholder of the Buffalo Utility Company and still he was re—elected. He
stated further that the other six members of the Board are members of the
Homeowners Party and that in checking over literature from the last campaign
he can find nothing in their platform about buying the Utility Company, nor
can he find any discussion in the minutes about buying the Utility Company,
nor has he ever been at a Board meeting where buying the Utility Company was
discussed. He further stated that he cannot understand why this matter has
never been taken to the people and why the people do not have a chance to vote
on it.
Trustee Bochniak called Trustee Frank the biggest liar we have here, bar none.
He went on to say that there are members sitting on this Board who still stand
for the things they stood for in 1959. In reply to Trustee Frank's statement
that villages couldn't use the surplus funds coming from the Utility Company
to be put back in the coffers of the Village, he stated that under the law
whenever there is a surplus over and above the amount required for expenses,
etc., that amount can be put into the Village coffers. He read from the
municipal financial records of the State of Illinois for 1959, pointing out
that in it are 2$ municipalities in the northern part of the State of Illinois
with populations of from 1000 to 4000; that 20 of these villages in 1959
realized a profit on the running of these utilities. The report shows the total
revenue received, deduct operating expenses, bonds, interest and other expenses,
and they still came out with a profit that goes into the village coffers. 8
showed a loss because of the other expenses they put on. The villages would
have to be contacted and a more thorough study made to determine these other
expenses. Trustee Bochniak further stated that even tho the Utility Company
is subject to the ICC that things could go on under the table which would not
benefit the Village. He also stated that if the Village owned the Utility
Company developers would be required to deed the lines to the Village.
The President said he would like to add that Mr. Speer said that to buy the
Utility Company for the asking price of $500,000.00 and in addition to float
the additional bonds for a $200,000.00 expansion program was out of reach of
the Village; but to buy the Utility for $300,000.00 and to float $200,000.00
additional bonds with the anticipation of retiring that with ;„200,000.00 from
tap on fees would be feasible. Trustee Frank said the impression he got from
fir. Speer is that it would be financially impossible because of the number of
customers. Trustee Frank further stated that the municipal financial report
does not mention whether any of the to:.ns realizing a profit are rapidly
developing towns or whether they are old static towns; that it does not
mention if these facilities were built 75 years ago at a lesser cost, or if
there is an adequate supply of water. He mentioned adjoining towns with
municipally owned systems and with strict prinkling regulations in summer
to conserve their water supply, and mentioned Desplaines which buys some of
its water from two outside privately owned facilities.
The lengthy discussion continued. Amortization of the lines and who owns
them was hurtled back and forth. Trustee Frank stated that the developer has
a considerable land investment and must be assured that the facilities of
the Utility Company will be expanded to permit development. He does not feel
that the Village can afford this expansion program. The President stated
that this expansion program would be handled with the issuing of bonds.
A further discussion followed on the bond issue. A discussion followed on the
cost of litigation. Trustee Frank stated that Hoffman Estates and Norridge
are now involved in litigation and suggested that the Board wait for the
outcome of these cases. Trustee Farrington stated that for most of the Board
this is old stuff rehashed and suggested that the matter be dropped. He
said that if in the future a bond issue is needed, wiii1 be a ;ns !l to
He said that when that time came it would only require a
petition by a small majority to put it to a vote. The President and the Board
agreed to open the meeting for 15 minutes for audience participation. Discussion
followed, including questions regarding petitioning the ICC to lower the rates.
Following the discussion the President stated that the Board definitely planned
a series of open meetings for the public devoted strictly to the subject of
purchasing the Utility Company.
The President then read proposed Ordinance No. 0-61-23, which is an ordinance
adopting the Comprehensive "Village Plan" and "Official Village lap". The
Plan Commission recommended the adoption of the Comprehensive Village Plan
and Official Village Map, stating that all of its members were in favor of it
except one.
Trustee Bochniak moved that Ordinance No. 0-61-23, being an ordinance adopting
the Comprehensive "Village Plan" and "Official Village hap" be approved.
Trustee Huxhold seconded the motion. On roll call the vote was as follows:
AYES: Trustees Bochniak, Farrington, Huxhold, Teiskopf, Gillen, Frank
NAYS: None
Trustee Frank moved that the Village hire a full time policeman. Trustee
Gillen seconded the motion. The President stated that the Finance Committee
had previously stated that the Village is not in a position to hire one. Trustee
Frank said he felt the Village needs a full time policeman in order to get
adequate coverage during the day when the reserves are not on duty.
Trustee Huxhold moved that this be given to the Safety Committee for review
and then to the Finance Committee. Trustee '3eiskopf seconded the motion.
On roll call the vote was as follows:
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A' S: Trustees Gillen, 'Jeiskopf, Huxhold
1... MAYS: Trustees Frank, Farrington, Bochniak
AYE: President Bunescu
Trustee Farrington recommended that the originator of the motion be included
in the Safety Committee's meeting. The individual who made the motion was
invited to attend the meeting.
Trustee Farrington asked if all the street signs are up and if the parking
signs have been posted at Buffalo Bill's. The President stated that he has
written to the County and called them and they said that the matter of posting
the parallel parking signs at Buffalo Bill's would be taken under consideration.
It was stated that a letter had been written to Skokie Asphalt and Paving Co.
about the gravel in the streets. They sent someone to look at the condition
of the streets but couldn't find the gravel. They are willing to sweep up this
debris if someone will point it out. A guess was made that perhaps the heavy
rains had swept it off the streets.
In response to Chief Barnett's request as to the Police Department's jurisdiction
on Buffalo Grove Road and the radius of their jurisdiction, Trustee Farrington
suggested that this be taken up with the attorney and clarified by him.
Chief Barnett brought up the question of street parties and recommended that
these be discouraged since the Village did not have liability insurance
covering the streets.
Chief Barnett requested that he be relieved of his duties as Village Forester
and suggested that the Board find someone with more knowledge of trees than
he has. Yrs. Smart was asked to put a note in the paper calling for a volunteer.
Trustee Frank mentioned that the audit report shows that in 1960 the Village
received $109.50 for dog licenses and in 1961 the Village received only $37.50.
He said the purpose of the dog license was to insure each dog having its rabies
shot and feels that something should be done about this. Chief Barnett said
that the Cook County Rabies Control volunteered to bring their staff out to the
Village and they agreed to canvas the Village. This was done and upon completion
of this list it was to be turned over to the Village. The list was completed
but unfortunately no one seems to know what happened to it. Chief Barnett will
try to get a duplicate list from the County.
In response to questions from Trustee Gillen, Mr. Guihan stated that he has
been soliciting materials for the Civic Building since the middle of July;
that certain contractors had not given a definite answer but -were enthusiastic
toward the project, however, now they have cooled off and he has been unable
to get any committments from them; that he still has firm committments on the
labor.
A discussion followed on the fee to be paid the attorney for handling the
proposed law suit against the Utility Company; money for a full time police-
man; the financial condition of the Village; how additional funds could be
acquired; the cost and design of the Municipal Building; the proposed Fun
Fair to raise money for the building. Discussion went on about the size
and design of the building. In_ response to a question as to why the people
who had been willing to donate materials would not now commit themselves,
Trustee Frank stated he could probably supply the answer; at the close of
• the meeting between the Utility Company and the Trustees, the President
made a statement to the effect that if the Utility sale was not consummated
the Village would be uncooperative on many points. An exchange followed
between Trustee Frank and members of the Board as to the manner in which
this statement was made. Trustee Frank stated that since the builders plan
their operations several months ahead of time, he had to call in the sub-
contractors and tell them they would be going on a limited building program.
These contractors are not now inclined to donate materials to an area from
which they will receive mi$ no business. Discussion continued on the building.
The President read a letter from the Plan Commission recommending Derek
Palmer aB a member. The President thereupon appointed Derek Palmer as a
member of the Plan Commission. Trustee Farrington moved that he be appointed.
Trustee Gillen seconded the motion. Trustee Frank stated that he notices that
all appointments made to committees are from members of the Homeowners Party.
The President hotly denied this. He said the meeting dates of committees
were published and the public invited; that these committees were enlarged
..0 from the people who show up at the meetings and show an active interest in
the committee. He went on to recite the small number of people who have shown
up at committee meetings. Trustee Gillen announced that the Public Relations
Committee meets on the 4th Thursday of every month and asked for people to
assist this committee.
The roll was called and the vote was as follows:
AYES: Trustees Gillen, Tteiskopf, Bochniak, Farrington, Huxhold
NAYS: Trustee Frank
The President read the resignation of Jack A. Lane from the Building Code
Committee. The President commended Mr. Lane on the good work he had done.
Trustee Farrington moved that the resignation be accepted. Trustee Huxhold
seconded the motion. On roll call the vote was as follows:
AYES: Trustees Bochniak, Farrington, Huxhold, ','eiskopf, Gillen and Frank
NAYS: None
The President read a letter from F & D Builders, dated August 21, 1961
(Doc. No. 128) protesting the $100.00 building permit fees.
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It was remarked that there are two lights out on Buffalo Grove Road, and
the question was asked if we are getting the service out of the Public
Service Company. It was commented that there are excessive lights on
Buffalo Grove Road between Bernard Drive and St. `ary's Parkway and the
suggestion was made that some of these be removed.
Trustee Gillen stated the the small telephone directory will be distributed
soon; that this directory contains information as to committee meetings,
clerk's hours, etc. on the inside cover. He stated that additional books
could be purchased for 140 each which could be given to residents moving in.
Trustee Gillen moved that the Board authorize the sum of $21.00 to be spent
for 150 publications of the telephone directory. Trustee Bochniak seconded
the motion. On roll call the vote was as follows:
J! S: Trustees Weiskopf, Gillen, Huxhold, Farrington, Bochniak
NAYS: Trustee Frank
Trustee Bochniak moved that the meeting adjourn. Trustee Gillen seconded the
motion and it was unanimously carried.
Village Clerk
Correction by President Bunescu: Page 3-second paragraph.
The President did not write a letter to Mr. Garbacz, but rather he received
a copy of a letter written by John Schmalzer to Mr. Garbacz.
Correction by Trustee Gillen: Page 5 — second paragraph:
(Line corrected has been stricken).
Trustee Gillen stated he does not think Trustee Farrington means this the way
it is written. He said he thinks what he wanted to say is that the Board
should be given credit for assuming that these bonds would not be put on the
market if they were not saleable. If the price was too high the Village could
not afford the bond issue and then a bond issue would not be forthcoming.
( /' ,e/