MINUTES OF A BUDGET HEARING OF THE GURNEE VILLAGE BOARD
GURNEE MUNICIPAL BUILDING
MARCH 23, 1992
The Public Hearing was called to order at 7:00 p.m.
by Village Clerk Balliet.
Roll Call, Present: Yost, O'Brien, Rocheleau, Ratfelders,
Smith, Amaden
Absent: Welton
Other officials present: James T. Hayner, Village
Administrator
Yost moved, seconded by Ratfelders, to approve Trustee
Smith as President Pro-Tem.
All Aye. Motion Carried.
Jim Hayner reviewed the proposed FY 92-93 operating
budgets for the following: G.O. Bond Fund, Police Pension Fund;
Fire Pension Fund; and the Utility Reserve Fund. The estimated
revenues and proposed expenditures for each fund were presented
and are detailed on pages 192 through 218 respectively.
Since the expenditure in these funds are dictated
by either bond ordinance or state requirements, there was limited
discussion on these proposed budgets.
Yost moved, seconded by O'Brien, to adjourn the Public
Hearing.
The Public Hearing was adjourned at 7:25 p.m. by
Pro-Tem Trustee Smith.
All Aye. Motion Carried.
Norman C. Balliet
Village Clerk
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE GURNEE VILLAGE BOARD
GURNEE VILLAGE HALL
MARCH 23, 1992
The meeting was called to order at 7:30 p.m. by Village
Clerk Balliet.
Roll Call, Present: Yost, O'Brien, Rocheleau, Ratfelders,
Smith, Amaden
Absent: Welton
Other officials present: James T. Hayner, Village
Administrator
Barbara Rominski, Village Attorney
Jon Wildenberg, Assistant Village Administrator
Bud Reed, Village Engineer
Yost moved, seconded by Ratfelders, to approve Trustee
Smith as President Pro-Tem.
All Aye. Motion Carried.
Trustee Smith assumed the chair.
Trustee Smith led the meeting in saying the Pledge
of Allegiance.
The Village Administrator reported of the receipt
of notice of two tax appeals, each in excess of $100,000.00, by
Alra Labs and by the Wedgewood Creek Apartments and that the Warren
Township Assessor will monitor for the taxing bodies.
The Village Administrator reported of the notice
from Waste Management for the yard waste rate increase of $1.15
to a new rate of $9.64 per month, as allowed by the contract.
He noted that he is investigating an alternative program, but
that it is not yet ready for presentation.
Trustee Rocheleau asked if the yard waste service
could be extended later into the fall.
Amaden moved, seconded by Ratfelders, to approve
a six (6) month extension on recording of the Final Plat of the
Merit Club, as recommended by the Village Engineer.
All Aye. Motion Carried.
The Village Administrator explained the request to
rezone to C/0-1 the site of 5221 West Grand Avenue for proposed
use by the Lake County Chamber of Commerce and by the Lake County
Convention and Visitors Bureau.
From the audience was introduced Mr. Mike Foerster,
spokesperson of Great America, which owns said property. He explained
he views the site as an excellent site for the Chamber and Visitors
Bureau, given the attractions in Gurnee. They can have a no-rent
lease if they fix up the property. However, no structural modification
will be done to the exterior of the building. No major traffic
is anticipated; perhaps fifteen to twenty visitors daily. A vast
majority of their business is handled over the telephone. Very
few, if any, tourists are expected. Great America has agreed
to gate the drive during weekends when Great America is open.
A small three (3) foot by five (5) foot sign, low to the ground,
will be placed in front. Five employees will work on the site
at one time. The facility is designed for people who want to
contact the Chamber of Commerce. In reference to the well and
septic, Great America is working with the Lake County Health Department.
The floor was opened for audience questions.
Ms. Candy McEvilla, of 937 Elsie, asked the Board
to investigate and review the minutes of the public hearings and
the annexation agreement in reference to Great America as to original
statements made at that time in the early 1970's in reference
to commercial development near Great America. She requested that
the Village Board delay consideration of the present request until
after such review.
The Village Administrator asked if she had requested
copies of the minutes for review.
Ms. McEvilla replied she had not done so. She continued
by expressing her concern about traffic making a right turn onto
Elsie to go to Great America Parkway in order to go to the west
on Grand Avenue from this site.
Mr. Foerster said there is no prohibition on a left
turn out of the site to go west on Grand Avenue.
Ms. Carolyn Carlson, of 933 Elsie, expressed her
concerns about increased traffic on Elsie and on the safety of
the many small children in the area. She also asked if the Chamber
name would be changed to the Gurnee Chamber of Commerce since
it will not be located in Waukegan.
Mr. Foerster replied that any traffic problems would
be a police matter and that the name change would be investigated
by the Chamber of Commerce board of directors.
Ms. Gail Svendsen, of the Lake County Convention
and Visitors Bureau, said that most of the work of the Bureau
is done over the 800 telephone number. Should more visitors use
the facility, a move to another site would be required.
Mr. Chuck Isley, of the Chamber of Commerce, agreed.
Ms. Ruth Brunke, of 5062 Grand Avenue, expressed
her concern about maintaining the integrity of the residential
area along Grand Avenue. She would rather not have this nibbling
away of the residential area. She requested that this request
not be granted or at least postponed until after further investigation.
Trustee Ratfelders asked if the Village could investigate
the concern about left-hand turns from the property.
Assistant Village Administrator Wildenberg replied
that investigations have shown that left-hand turns from the site
can be done safely. This request had been considered by the Plan
Commission since this proposal is a low traffic generation.
Ms. Carlson said the Village must look at the concern
of safety for the children.
Ms. Brunke asked if all the Trustees know where the
site is located. She also asked how closely does the Village
follow the Comprehensive Plan.
The Village Administrator replied that around 97%-98%
of all rezonings are consistent with the Master Plan. The Village
Board and Commissions follow the plan.
Trustee Ratfelders said the move of the Lake County
Chamber of Commerce to Gurnee is beneficial. However, he noted
this area is fragile. He is concerned about the setting of a
precedent in rezoning.
Trustee Rocheleau said she has concerns about traffic,
sewer and water. She asked if this matter could be postponed
in order that research of the original Great America public hearings
could be reviewed.
The Village Administrator replied that the proposal
could be postponed, but that there is no certainty about what
the minutes say. He noted that Elsie is a public right-of-way
and is maintained with public funds. There is no guarantee that
traffic will not use it, although he considers it unlikely.
Ms. Svendsen said the operating hours will be 9 a.m.
to 5 p.m. on Monday through Friday and closed on weekends. She
noted that additional distribution of materials will be done at
Gurnee Mills and at Great America.
Trustee Amaden stated he had concerns about the safety
of the children on Elsie. He noted that the use of this property
will probably result in "good neighborliness."
Trustee Ratfelders restated his concerns about traffic
and the possible setting of a precedent of infringing on this
residential area.
The Village Administrator said this particular rezoning
does not have to have a "domino effect" on the area.
Court cases have upheld the refusal of further rezoning in an
area. He added that no one on the Village Board or staff has
any intent to change the tenor of the neighborhood. No other
requests have been presented before to change this property.
Ms. Brunke asked if the article of annexation of
Gurnee Highlands to the Village could be reviewed to see if there
are any covenants.
The Assistant Village Administrator said there is
nothing in the Great America annexation agreement to prohibit
rezoning of this parcel. Covenants are not placed on existing
platted subdivisions when they annex to the Village.
Trustee Yost added that no one on this Board intends
to rezone this residential area. He asked what the sign would
say.
Mr. Isley answered that it will say, "Waukegan-Lake
County Chamber of Commerce and Lake County Convention and Visitors
Bureau".
Amaden moved, seconded by Yost, to approve Village
Ordinance No. 92-29, which rezones the property located at 5221
West Grand Avenue from R-2, Single-Family Residential, to C/0-1
Restricted Office, as recommended by the Plan Commission, and
to publish in pamphlet form.
Roll Call, Aye: Yost, O'Brien, Smith, Amaden
Nay: Rocheleau and Ratfelders.
Absent: Welton. Motion Carried. 4-2
The Village Administrator reported that the Final
Plat for Rudd's Greenleaf Subdivision is a two-lot subdivision.
Relief is being asked in reference to curb and gutter because
of the area's cross section. A detention fee will be paid in
lieu of constructing a detention basin.
Yost moved, seconded by Ratfelders, to approve Village
Ordinance No. 92-30, which approves the Final Plat for Rudd's
Greenleaf Subdivision and to publish in pamphlet form.
Roll Call, Aye: Yost, O'Brien, Rocheleau, Ratfelders,
Smith, Amaden
Nay: None.
Absent: Welton Motion Carried.
The Village Administrator noted that the Final Plat
for the Northridge Plaza on the Centrum property is consistent
with the Annexation Agreement, plans and exhibits. Zoned C/B-2,
the property consists of ten (10) lots and one (1) outlot for
a detention area.
From the audience, Mr. John McClinden, developer,
said the water main concern to Quality Acres has been resolved.
He noted that most of the present oak trees will be saved. All
other items of concern have been resolved. Construction is hoped
to begin soon.
The Village Administrator noted that one building
permit has been received by the Village for the "Cracker
Barrel" restaurant and also that the Menard's home supply
is interested.
Yost moved, seconded by Amaden, to approve Village
Ordinance No. 92-31, which approves the Final Plat for the Northridge
Plaza on the Centrum Property and to publish in pamphlet form.
Roll Call, Aye: Yost, O'Brien, Rocheleau, Ratfelders,
Smith, Amaden
Nay: None.
Absent: Welton Motion Carried.
The Village Administrator noted that another Village
ordinance is needed to approve two additional technical items
to amend the Special Service Area No. 1 Bond sales. The first
is to provide that the bonds be in the minimum denomination amount
of $100,000.00 each, as requested by Allstate, the purchaser of
the bonds. The second is the designation of LaSalle National
Bank as the Trustee responsible to collect tax revenue and pay
debt service in order that the Village does not have to handle
the funds. The bond counsel, Chapman and Cutler, recommend this
procedure.
Yost moved, seconded by Amaden, to approve Village
Ordinance No. 92-32, which amends the ordinance for the bond sale
for the Special Service Area No. 1, as recommended by Chapman
and Cutler, and to publish in pamphlet form.
Roll Call, Aye: Yost, O'Brien, Rocheleau, Ratfelders,
Smith, Amaden
Nay: None.
Absent: Welton Motion Carried.
The Village Administrator reported that Final Plats
for two blocks of Gurnee Mills are consistent with the Gurnee
Mills agreement. The areas in question have full improvements.
From the audience, Mr. Howard Patschke, representative
of Gurnee Mills, said these plats are very select modifications.
All is in compliance with Village requirements.
Rocheleau moved, seconded by O'Brien, to approve
Village Ordinance No. 92-33, which approve the Final Plats for
the Second Resubdivision of Block "M" and the First
Resubdivision of Block "D" and "E" of Gurnee
Mills and to publish in pamphlet form.
Roll Call, Aye: Yost, O'Brien, Rocheleau, Ratfelders,
Smith, Amaden
Nay: None.
Absent: Welton Motion Carried.
The Village Administrator reported the Final Plat
for Cambridge Unit One at Gurnee consists of single-family houses
on seventeen (17) acres on Hunt Club Road, zoned R-3. Required
are full improvements. The proposal will provide a second exit
for Cambridge at Heatherridge. All is in order and all agreements
are in order.
From the audience, Mr. John Scappin, engineer for
Cambridge, said a model area will be provided. Expected soon
is the application for construction permits in the next few weeks.
The double impact fee for the Woodland Schools has been agreed.
Trustee Yost asked if outlot 1 is a detention area.
Mr. Scappin replied yes.
Trustee Amaden asked if there are any problems with
drainage at the southwest corner at Heatherridge.
The Village Engineer answered no.
Trustee Amaden asked if traffic could use the roads
to go from Hunt Club Road to Route 21 through Heatherridge.
The Village Engineer said yes,since this proposal
provides a third access to Heatherridge. However, it is doubtful
if traffic would use this roundabout route.
Yost moved, seconded by Rocheleau, to approve Village
Ordinance No. 92-34, which approves the Final Plat for Cambridge
Unit One at Gurnee and to publish in pamphlet form.
Roll Call, Aye: Yost, O'Brien, Rocheleau, Ratfelders,
Smith, Amaden
Nay: None.
Absent: Welton Motion Carried.
The Village Administrator said the Village Engineer
recommends the annual update of the Official Zoning Map of the
Village of Gurnee, which reflects the zoning changes of the last
twelve (12) months.
Amaden moved, seconded by Ratfelders, to approve
Village No. 92-35, which approves the signing and publishing of
the Official Zoning Map of the Village of Gurnee and to publish
in pamphlet form.
Roll Call, Aye: Yost, O'Brien, Rocheleau, Ratfelders,
Smith, Amaden
Nay: None.
Absent: Welton Motion Carried.
The Village Administrator said the Village Engineer
would explain the proposed contract for the Aerial Photograph.
The Village Engineer said he recommends the awarding
the contract for the Aerial Photography to Geonex in the amount
of $183,982.00, which is about $120,000.00 below the second lowest
bid. He noted, however, that the Village must have the proper
language in the contract to meet the specifications. This project
will provide the same data base for all Village functions. This
project is a long-term investment. Some of the costs of this
contract can be recouped by the sale of the data to the development
community.
Trustee Ratfelders said the Village Engineer has
provided a good recommendation and noted the need for strong language
in the contract.
The Village Administrator recommended that this project
be completed in two (2) years instead of the originally proposed
three (3) years.
The Village Engineer recommends approval of the contract,
which will be returned for the next regular meeting for execution.
Rocheleau moved, seconded by O'Brien, to approve
the awarding of the contract for Aerial Photography to Geonex
in the low-bid amount of $183,982.00, as recommended by the Village
Engineer.
Roll Call, Aye: Yost, O'Brien, Rocheleau, Ratfelders,
Smith, Amaden
Nay: None.
Absent: Welton Motion Carried.
Rocheleau moved, seconded by Amaden, to approve the
contract for the 1992 street sweeping program with Elgin-Wayne
Disposal for a twice-per-month service in the amount of $1,160.00
per sweep, as recommended by the Director of Public Works.
Roll Call, Aye: Yost, O'Brien, Rocheleau, Ratfelders,
Smith, Amaden
Nay: None.
Absent: Welton Motion Carried.
The Village Engineer explained the report, dated
March 18, 1992, in reference to the Work Directive No. 1 at the
Cemetery Road Pump Station project. This additional cost is needed
to correct a drainage situation from overflow from the tank to
reroute the flow to Cemetery Road. The cost is for time and materials.
Baxter and Woodman will supervise the work.
Yost moved, seconded by Rocheleau, to approve the
Work Directive No.1 for the Cemetery Road Pump Station project
to cover additional work required for drainage, as recommended
by the Village Engineer.
Roll Call, Aye: Yost, O'Brien, Rocheleau, Ratfelders,
Smith, Amaden
Nay: None.
Absent: Welton Motion Carried.
Yost moved, seconded by Rocheleau, to approve the
General Bills, for the period ending March 23, 1992, in the amount
of $614,204.87, per listing, as recommended by the Village Administrator.
Roll Call, Aye: Yost, O'Brien, Rocheleau, Ratfelders,
Smith, Amaden
Nay: None.
Absent: Welton Motion Carried.
The Village Administrator reported an ordinance is
ready to accept a twenty (20) foot wide water and sewer easement
from Mr. Katris on the northwest corner of Dilleys Road and Route
132 in order to allow the Tollway Authority facility to tie into
the Village sanitary sewer and water lines.
Amaden moved, seconded by Yost, to approve Village
Ordinance No. 92-36, which accepts a utility easement from Mr.
Katris along Grand Avenue, west of Dilleys Road, and to publish
in pamphlet form.
Roll Call, Aye: Yost, O'Brien, Rocheleau, Ratfelders,
Smith, Amaden
Nay: None.
Absent: Welton Motion Carried.
The Village Administrator announced the next meeting
will be on April 6, 1992, with a budget hearing beginning at 6:30
p.m.
Rocheleau moved, seconded by Ratfelders, to adjourn
the meeting.
All Aye. Motion Carried.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:09 p.m. by President
Pro-Tem Smith.
Norman C. Balliet
Village Clerk