1978-01-09 - Village Board Committee of the Whole - Minutes f
SUMMARY OF COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE OF THE PRESIDENT AND BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF
THE VILLAGE OF BUFFALO GROVE HELD MONDAY, JANUARY 9, 1978, AT THE MUNICIPAL
BUILDING, 50 RAUPP BOULEVARD, BUFFALO GROVE, ILLINOIS.
President Fabish called the meeting to order at 7:35 P.M. Those present were
President Fabish; Trustees Rech, Marienthal , Keister, Stone. Absent were Trustees
Bogart and Mendenhall .
Also present were William Balling, Village Manager; William Raysa, Village Attorney;
Thomas Fennell , Director of Planning and Development; and William Sommer, Admin-
istrative Assistant.
1 ., Home Rule Committee Report
Members of the Home Rule Committee present for the report were Seymour Greene,
Rich Heinrich, Ron Izydorek, Sue Kenski, John Panella, and Jim Shirley. Trustees
Keister and Stone co-chaired the committee.
Trustee Keister reviewed the Home Rule Committee Report, dated January 9, 1978.
The committee came to the conclusion that home rule would be good for Buffalo
Grove, but left the decision with regard to timing to the Village Board. They
felt the powers of home rule would be a positive factor for the Village in the
areas of financial planning, establishing a Municipal Fire Department, Lake
Michigan water, Town Center development, industrial development, and in permitting
the Village to participate in home rule issues with neighboring municipalities.
President Fabish felt that home rule would be a good tool for the Village as long
as the powers were not abused. Trustee Keister stated that the committee discussed
this at length, and concluded that any governmental body can abuse its powers with
regard to non-referendum bond issues, but in looking at the Village's record, only
positive aspects were found. He noted that the Village's record of incurring debt
indicates that the Village is not even close to the statutory debt limitation, and
that there has been responsible management and planning for any debt incurred.
The committee felt that a responsive elected board would have to continue to be
responsive to the people who elect them.
President Fabish stated that if the Board decides to have home rule, the matter
of timing should be resolved. Should the Village wait until it reaches a popula-
tion of 25,000, at which time home rule status is automatic, or should a referendum
be held. He asked the Trustees to state their opinion.
Trustee Marienthal stated that he was not opposed to home rule, but he felt it
should be determined if the powers of home rule would be used within the next
two years. He felt if the powers would be needed, the Village should proceed
with a referendum.
Mr. Balling read a memo from Trustee Bogart which stated that he was in favor of
a referendum for home rule as soon as possible because he felt economic considera-
tions warrant it.
Discussion took place with regard to timing and cost of a referendum. The Clerk
was asked to prepare a report on the matter.
Mr. Shirley favored home rule and felt that the matter of timing should be
determined by the Board. He felt discussion of a referendum should be deferred
until the Board decides if it needs home rule powers now.
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COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
JANUARY 9, 1978
PAGE TWO
Trustee Stone felt the Board should determine if home rule powers are needed
before reaching the population of 25,000. He felt this decision should be made
soon.
Trustee Rech stated that she was not opposed to home rule. She noted that the
question is being considered at this time because of consideration of a
municipal fire department. She stated that other communities have had home
rule referenda because of a special issue in which home rule powers were needed.
She felt the 1980 census will show a population of 25,000. Mr. Heinrich stated
that the 1980 census would not be certified until 1981 .
Ms. Kenski felt that home rule powers are a tool that should be available to the
Village when it is needed. She was concerned that there would be a need for
these powers before the 1980 census would be certified. She encouraged the Board
to make the decision to go for a referendum.
Trustee Rech felt the Village could accomplish its goals, other than a municipal
fire department, through the bonding power presently available to it.
Mr. Heinrich felt a home rule referendum could be sold only if the need can be
shown to the people. He felt if there would be a need for home rule powers before
1981 , the Village should have a referendum.
Board acceptance of the Home Rule Committee report will be placed on the
February 6, 1978, agenda.
2. Executive Session
8:20 P.M. - The Board adjourned to executive session to discuss personnel .
9:35 P.M. - The Board returned to the council chamber.
3. Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 9:35 P.M.
Respectfu submitted,
erna L. ayton, i age Cl
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