1979-11-12 - Village Board Committee of the Whole - Minutes SUMMARY OF COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE HELD BY THE VILLAGE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF
THE VILLAGE OF BUFFALO GROVE ON MONDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 1979, AT THE MUNICIPAL
BUILDING, 50 RAUPP BOULEVARD, BUFFALO GROVE, ILLINOIS.
President Clayton called the meeting to order at 7:30 P.M.
Roll call indicated the following present: President Clayton; Trustees
Marienthal , Stone, O'Reilly, Hartstein, Kavitt. Trustee Gerschefske was
absent. Also present were William Balling, Village Manager; William Raysa,
Village Attorney; William Sommer, Assistant Village Manager; Gregory Boysen,
Director of Public Works; William Brimm, Finance Director; Carmen Molinaro,
Director of Golf Operations; and Paul Kochendorfer, Village Treasurer.
79/80 SNOW REMOVAL PLAN
Mr. Balling reviewed for the Board the Village of Buffalo Grove's 1979-80
Snow and Ice Control Program, published in pamphlet form, prepared by Public
Works, and distributed to the Board. This report is on file in its entirety
in the Clerk's office. He further stated that a draft supplemental report
was presented to the Chamber of Commerce last month reference snow removal
on the Dundee Road medians which will be discussed at a later date. He also
pointed out another problem involved with the snow removal program which relates
to the use of funds for the sidewalk snow removal experimental program. It
was felt that MFT tax funds could be used for this purpose but it now appears
that these funds cannot be used and that monies for this experimental program
would have to come out of another fund, probably the corporate fund. He
recommended that this funding fall into the scope of the fence barrier program -
two activities and an aggregate sum coming out of the corporate fund. The
original projected amount was $10,000 - $4,000 recently committed for the
sidewalk barrier leaving approximately $6,000 to run an experimental sidewalk
snow removal program. Alternatives being considered are making the service
less frequent or the service area smaller.
In response to a question from President Clayton, Mr. Boysen stated that
letters have been sent to all school principals to help assist in determining
which sidewalks should be plowed.
In response to a question from Trustee O'Reilly, Mr. Sommer stated in the
winter issue of the Newsletter it will be requested that residents keep
their own sidewalks free of snow.
Trustee O'Reilly asked if there was some way of piling snow in the middle of
the block instead of at the intersections. Mr. Balling stated that conditions
of this nature occurred last year because of the use of front loaders which
are used only in terms of excessive snow conditions and is not standard plowing
procedures. The difference is plowing the snow in or in lifting it in.
Currently front loaders are not included in the snow removal program.
Mr. Boysen stated that the request for a bid authorization for this program
will be presented at the next regular Board meeting.
GOLF OPERATIONS PROGRAM BUDGET
Mr. Balling gave a brief statement reference his letter to the Board dated
November 5, 1979, on the summary of programs for the fiscal year 1980 golf
operations budget identifying the four basic programs included which are
course operation, course maintenance, club house operations, and department
administration. The aggregate amount of these four programs equals $394,489.
COMMITTEE THE WHOLE
NOVEMBER 12, 1979
PAGE TWO
�..° This figure represents a slight growth in the actual dollars - some for fiscal
1979, but very little expansion in actual services. Requested are several
pieces of replacement equipment and some modification in authorized personnel -
the elimination of two part-time groundsmen and replacing them with a full-time
groundsman/mechanic.
Trustee Marienthal questioned what he felt was a rather large growth in the
full-time salaries. In reply Mr. Brimm stated there was an addition of a
full-time groundsman/mechanic, which eliminated two part-time groundsmen,
at a salary of $9,500. Also in 1980 we will have a full year with the assistant
golf pro, which last year was for nine months, resulting in $3,000 additional
dollars, plus the increase in the full-time salaries based on the salary
administration plan.
In response to a question from Trustee Marienthal , Mr. Brimm stated that
under capital expenditures the tables and chairs are a carry over from last
year and is basically just chairs, but will expand the seating for a few
additional tables.
Mr. Molinaro stated they have tried to hold residents ' rates exactly the same
as in 1979 and any increases felt that had to be made were made for non-resident
rates. Mr. Balling said three rates did grow for Buffalo Grove residents
which were the 9 hole week day, the junior and senior twilight and the driving
range.
In response to a question from Trustee O'Reilly reference rates raising at
other golf courses, Mr. Molinaro said as close as he can monitor rates
in this area are going up somewhere between 10 - 15% and he anticipates only
a 5% increase in our fees. He has not compiled actual figures for 1979, but
feels 15 - 20% of the golfers are Buffalo Grove residents.
Trustee Hartstein requested, for the benefit of the press and for general
information, that Mr. Molinaro discuss the procedure for reserving time,
deadlines, and exclusive play times for Buffalo Grove residents. Mr. Molinaro
explained that the basic program in 1979 has been the time between 10:00 A.M.
and 10:30 A.M. exclusive play for Buffalo Grove residents until the cut off
date of March 15th and then it is opened up on a first come - first serve
basis. What he is planning for 1980 is increasing that time 1/2 hour, from
9:30 A.M. to 10:30 A.M. providing an additional 1/2 hour available for Buffalo
Grove residents exclusive play. Also he is going to try to accommodate Buffalo
Grove residents who call before the 15th wanting an earlier time before
9:30 A.M. moving them to the top of the waiting list to try and facilitate more
Buffalo Grove residents playing at the golf course. He stated there will be
a press release soon on these programs.
Trustee Marienthal stated he feels Mr. Molinaro has done a dynamite job again
this year and hopes that we have as good a year next year. Trustee Kavitt
fully concurs with this statement and also feels that the Village should make
some efforts in the scheduling of Buffalo Grove Days next year to make sure
we have full access to the golf course.
ovol President Clayton stated based upon the remarks made by the Board that there
are no requested changes in the Golf Operations Program Budget and that formal
consideration of the budget would be on the November 19, 1979 agenda.
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COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
NOVEMBER 12, 1979
PAGE THREE .
Mr. Balling stated the 3rd of December will the appropriation public
hearing, December 17th the formal passage of the appropriation ordinance,
and that the tax abatement will be on the December 3rd agenda. The golf
course tax levy will be abated pursuant to the acquisition guidelines.
VILLAGE/PARK CONFERENCE - MILL CREEK PARK SITE
Trustee Kavit reviewed his memo of November $, 1979, and further stated
that when the Buffalo Grove Datsun was discussed he brought to the attention
of the Board the possibility of park development in the Mill Creek area. He
did not attempt to tie the approval of this development to park development
because he did not think that would be fair to Buffalo Grove Datsun. He
also feels there is a long term deficiency in park development in Mill Creek
and indicated that if he did not feel the Village was somewhat responsible,
he would not have this proposal before a Village forum but would have brought
his concerns before the Park District. His basic proposal is that the Village
take a certain sum of approximately $6,000 which should be allocated from
next year's budget and consider a contingent cash grant to the Park District
with three stipulations which are:
1 . Firm commitment from the Park District that the site will be developed.
2. Work on the site must begin within a two year date of the cash grant.
3. If the Park District defaults on their commitments, the monies will
revert back to the Village.
Trustee Hartstein stated that when this was discussed initially in connection
with Datsun there was a consideration that the staff would look into the
feasibility of what can and cannot be done with that particular property and
asked what, if anything, has been done in that regard. Mr. Balling stated
the problem is one that would require a study to identify alternatives; the
Park District is in receipt of a preliminary engineering proposal by Bill
Lindley and Sons, who specialize in this type of conversion of flood plain
lands into park lands, to do a topographic survey basically identifying the
existing characteristics, conditions on the site and the storm drainage system.
The Lindley plan would probably be the most direct route, so staff did very
little other than identify that it would take serious effort to identify all
of the existing problems.
In response to a question by Trustee Hartstein reference the Park District
making a commitment as proposed by Trustee Kavit relating to the development
of this park, Mr. John Ayres, President of the Park District Board, stated
that it is within our planning program and we feel the time element would fit
in. Mr. Ayres stated as far as development on the site they intend to
completely develop the whole area down to the stream with tiny tot play areas,
football , baseball and soccer fields. The size of the area is approximately
9 acres, with about 8 acres useable. There is already a fence up along
Arlington Heights Road for safety.
Paul Kochendorfer stated that he does not see where a Village obligation comes
into play here and wonders about the Village taking its monies and giving it
to another taxing body to spend on some of their functions.
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
NOVEMBER 12, 1979
PAGE FOUR
Trustee Kavitt stated, regarding the Datsun Dealership, that the Mill Creek
residents more or less have two car dealerships in their backyard, that the
Village is faced with a serious shortage of park land, and feels the Village
is somewhat responsible for the lack of that site being adequate.
Trustee O'Reilly suggested that the Mill Creek Residents organize and seek donations
and assistance elsewhere as they did in Lake County for the Twin Groves Park site.
She understands the need for Twin Groves was entirely different, but they received
in excess of $30,000 worth of services plus a matched 50% funding with a federal
grant. She also feels it is a bad precedent to start using tax dollars for another
taxing body.
Trustee Kavitt said the Mill Creek Residents have attempted to go through the
motions regarding these suggestions, but feels it is very difficult to procure
this type of funding. They do have access to land fill and certain other items
which would be beneficial to the park site, but what has to be done on this site
is more of an engineering job and does not feel people can be asked to donate this
type of service.
In response to a question from Trustee Hartstein that if this money is not forthcoming
from the Village what are the plans of the park district in proceeding, Mr. Ayres
stated that they still intend to pursue the development of the park site, that this
site is a priority item, and that the first monies available from development
donations will be utilized there.
Trustee Marienthal questioned whether the $6,000 expenditure was intended to be
over and above what the cost will be to the Village to put in the sidewalk on
Dundee Road. He also stated that one of the major contributors to the problem at
that particular site is that Arlington Heights has said in no uncertain terms that
they were not about to help even though some of the residents are in the Buffalo
Grove Park District. Mr. Ayres stated that Arlington Heights is going to assist
servicewise, not moneywise and not from an engineering standpoint.
Trustee Kavitt said this park would benefit a portion of the Northgate Subdivision
and Frenchman 's Cove in Arlington Heights and is looking into the possibility of
these Arlington Heights residents to expend some energies to motivate the Village
of Arlington Heights to take some favorable action on the Mill Creek site.
Trustee O'Reilly stated that she asked that the sidewalk be considered at budget
time.
Trustee Kavitt requested that his proposal not be considered at the meeting tonight,
but also be considered at budget time. Due to the excessive paper work at that time
he felt it would be appropriate to be brought up for discussion this evening. .
Trustee Hartstein suggested that this item possibly be a joint project between
the two villages in terms of trying to obtain cooperation between Arlington Heights
and Buffalo Grove which would help set this project in motion so the park district
could proceed and be able to serve both communities at the earliest possible time.
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
NOVEMBER 12, 1979
PAGE FIVE
In response to a question from Trustee Marienthal , Mr. Raysa stated that according
to the rules of the municipal tax levies the general rule is that money derived from
municipal tax levies are to be used for the citizens for the betterment of the
health, safety and welfare of the citizens of the Village of Buffalo Grove and that
any time you expend funds for another taxing body which is not coterminous with the
Village you could be in effect saying you are expending funds on non-village
residents. Mr. Raysa has reservations using Village funds for another taxing body.
President Clayton asked Trustee Kavitt if he would like to have a polling taken
on this subject. Trustee Kavitt stated not at this time as he would like to have
the whole board present when a poll is taken and that he will bring the subject up
again at budget discussing time.
Trustee Stone stated he did not know what the procedure was at the time this property
was given to the park district, but the procedure now is that the park district
looks at it, assesses it, and then decides on whether or not they are going to
accept it. He feels someone must have looked at this site previously and accepted
it; therefore, he does not feel that the Village can bear the entire responsibility
for the condition of the property. Also he feels that it is park district business ,
is not the Village's business , and requested a polling of the Board.
In response to a question from President Clayton regarding parlimentary procedure
when one Trustee requests a polling and one Trustee does not want a polling,
Mr. Raysa stated the decision is up to the Village President. President Clayton
deferred the polling since it was Trustee Kavitt's request that this subject be
placed on the agenda and the Board will have the opportunity for motion and decision
at the time of the budget discussions.
In response to a question from Trustee Marienthal , Trustee Kavitt said he does not
intend to have any further discussion on the matter unless some new developments
happen between now and budget time.
Trustee Marienthal said he would have liked to see a polling this evening.
A Mill Creek resident in the audience stated that the residents in the area are
wholeheartedly behind Mr. Kavitt 's proposal .
President Clayton requested that this item be placed on the agenda the first week
in January.
KHELM PROPERTY
Mr. Larry Freedman of Ash, Anos , Harris and Freedman and Wally Lawrence, architect,
introduced themselves to the Board.
Mr. Freedman stated that are here to seek guidance from the Board to determine what
they would like to see developed on this piece of property; he has talked to staff
but has not proceeded further until there is some concensus of the Board at an
informal meeting as to exactly what the Board is looking for on this property. He
�./ then discussed the previous activity regarding this property. In February of
1979 with the prior Board there was some discussion on developing the portion of
the property falling south of Busch Road as industrial with the remainder of the
property which would include the section north of Busch Road falling on both sides
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
NOVEMBER 12, 1979
PAGE SIX
of the right of way as multi-family. There was some delay in preparing the petition
on that basis, primarily because there was some question about getting neighboring
properties to possibly join in the annexation. At the request of staff inquiries
were made which were met with no response from the neighboring property owners.
Ultimately a petition was filed. Discussions with Mr. Delaney and Mr. Balling
indicated a strong preference from this Board for an increase in the industrial
allocation and they have advised staff that they are prepared to immediately
increase the section they have as industrial all the way up to the right of way
line. Nothing has been done to alter the layout of the multi-family because
market studies have not been done and at this point are only talking about the
concept of multi-family. It may not be the type of multi-family shown previously
as the configuration may change or the density may change, but are looking for a
land use concept from the Board at this time. Mr. Freedman stated that they can
represent that they have a contract to sell that part of the original industrial
lying south of Busch Road and that contract has been extended and presently has
a proposed closing date of the end of the year, if they can achieve an annexation
and zoning by then, if not, he does not know if the contract can be extended. They
do have one industrial user that is interested in this site.
Various aspects of this site were then discussed by the Board such as buffering
between the site and the school property, Busch Road being extended, the market-
ability of the entire property being industrial , industrial revenue bonds, annexation
of surrounding property, multi-family development, the Village's Master Plan, and
office/research possibly being more compatible around the school property.
In response to a question from Trustee Hartstein regarding if industrial revenue
bonds were made available as an incentive to proceed with industrial development
of the property, Mr. Freedman stated that this obviously would be a factor and
would certainly have an impact. He stated he is not sure it would have enough of
an impact economically if it is determined there is not a market there, but
obviously would improve the situation and would have to be taken into account and
analyzed.
Trustee O'Reilly asked staff the status of the property to the east with Mr. Balling
stating there has been no active contacts in the past several months; that it is
mostly under one ownership; and there has been some very preliminary discussions
with a real estate man with nothing coming of it. He further stated that through
the VAGA conferences it has become clear that Lincolshire is making concerted
efforts to annex that property and pull it into their sphere of influence, but
there has been no private activities occurring since the fall or winter of 1978.
Trustee Hartstein requested that Mr. Freedman explore the impact industrial
revenue bonds might have in terms of greater industrial type use for the entire
property with some type of extensive buffering for the residential . He has concerns
about what is next to the school and above having a residential area that may be,
in fact, an island into itself.
Mr. Freedman stated the primary reason for not agreeing immediately to developing
N./ the entire parcel industrial is that they just have not received the response from
the market standpoint, but that if the market were there economically, it might
justify the expense of whatever the buffering would entail so that it could be
developed industrial .
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COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
NOVEMBER 12, 1979
PAGE SEVEN
President Clayton stated that via our zoning ordinance the Village is fairly
well protected from any heavy industrial uses.
Mr. Balling stated reference the property to the west that a separate report
will be forthcoming later this week under separate cover; that the staff did
attend a conference hosted by the Lake County Highway Department to explore the
final row configuration for Weiland Road realignment; and at that time a repre-
sentative from Brunswick Pension Trust was present and offered a concept master
plan for the balance of their property there. At the present time it is not in
form suitable for petition and it is not intended to petition, but only to relate
to the impacts of alternative s-curve alignments on Weiland Road. This concept
did carry a substantial allocation of industrial land in the alternative. At this
time it does not stand as a zoning petition.
Mr. Freedman stated that he felt he had received enough direction from the Board
and that he would return to his people for further discussion.
President Clayton stated the feeling of the Board is that they would like to see
more industrial on this property.
PROPERTY ASSESSMENTS
Trustee Marienthal said the November 8th issue of the Vernon Town Crier list new
property assessments in Lake County and wanted residents to be aware that they
have 20 days from that date to file any complaints they may have regarding the
assessments. He asked that the press to announce that extra copies of this
publication are available at the Village Hall and that any type of objections
have to be made by November 28th. Trustee Hartstein stated that this publication
includes reassessments and first full time assessments as well as new property
assessments.
ADJOURNMENT
Moved by Hartstein, seconded by O'Reilly to adjourn to executive session to
discuss personnel . Motion was unanimously approved by voice vote. Time: 9:00 P.M.
&;0?-41-eCi -
Carol M. Hennenfent, Deputy V' lage Clerk