Board of Trustees
The Village of Riverwoods is governed by a Mayor and a six member Board of Trustees. All are elected for four year staggered terms and the trustees serve without pay while the Mayor is salaried. The Board is the legislative body of the Village government. The administrative work is performed under the direction of the Mayor, who is elected to serve a four year term. Village Board meetings are held at 8:00pm on the first and third Tuesdays of each month. All meetings are open to the public and your are cordially invited to attend and participate.
Village Board of Trustees Meeting Notes
Summary of ordinances, resolutions, and non-routine matters considered by the Board of Trustees from the meeting minutes of December 18, January 2 and 15 and February 5. Read the entirety of these minutes or view the video of the actual Board of Trustee meetings on the Village of Riverwoods website at www.riverwoods-il.net/Government/Videos/.
February 5
Police Report
Chief Dayno provided the Board with the Police Department activity since the January 15, 2013 Board of Trustees meeting. There were two 911 hang ups, four abandoned automobiles, 26 accidents, 19 alarms, four complaints about animals, one assault, 16 fire department assists, one other agency assist, one burglary, three well-being checks, three driving complaints, two DUIs, nine lockouts, 14 motorist assists, 13 suspicious circumstances, one unwanted subject, six crime prevention notices and 12 case reports. There were 96 traffic stops with 83 citations issued to 55 people.
There are currently 14 houses on the House Watch list that are checked regularly.
Chief Dayno stated there was one residential burglary in Thorngate. There have been a number of burglaries in other, nearby communities.
The department conducted compliance checks for tobacco and neither of the establishments that sell tobacco were cited.
Fire Department Report
Battalion Chief Duane Christenson from the Lincolnshire-Riverwoods Fire Department presented the call volume for the LRFPD District including mutual aid to the DBFD District for the month of January. There were 31 calls including 18 EMS calls, five fire calls, seven auto accidents and one other call. There were 36 calls year to date.
Christenson stated there was a carbon monoxide leak that was detected by ADT. The monitoring service called both the department and woke the resident and the department found there was an elevated level of carbon monoxide. The department will get a $5,000 donation because of the call.
Request for donation for Deerfield High School after party
Mayor Kaplan stated the Village donated $1,000 for the Deerfield High School after party last year. The Board approved the donation of $1,000 for this year's Deerfield High School after party.
Approval of new squad car purchase from Highland Park Ford for $25,355
Mayor Kaplan noted the Village budgeted for this purchase in 2013. Trustee Haber made a motion and the Board voted to authorize the purchase of a new squad car from Highland Park Ford in an amount not to exceed $25,355.
Request for donation from Al Maciareillo for St. Baldricks
Mayor Kaplan noted the Village donated $1,500 last year. Trustee Chamberlain said that she would support the donation this year, but would like to include this donation in a discussion setting parameters for donations. The request was approved.
Old Business
Proposed Ordinance 13-02-02 adopting and approving a Tax Increment Redevelopment Plan and Project in the Village of Riverwoods, Illinois
Village Attorney Huvard stated that this Ordinance would approve the redevelopment plan. Trustee Svatik made a motion for Second Reading and adoption of the Ordinance. The Board voted in favor.
Trustee Jamerson noted the Village could approve or not approve the development plan using TIF dollars. Trustee Jamerson questioned whether a previous application approved for a gas station on the TIF site by the Village would set a precedent for future applicants to gain approval for a similar use. Trustee Norris noted that a gas station is a special use. Each use or owner would have to get special use approval. Mr. Siegel explained the purpose of the TIF is to provide financing. A TIF is not a land-use decision. Trustee Chamberlain stated some developers or businesses would not be interested in using the land without a TIF. She asked if having a TIF available might give the Village greater flexibility determining what might be developed at that corner and Mr. Huvard stated he believes it would.
Proposed Ordinance 13-02-03 designating the Milwaukee/Deerfield Redevelopment Project Area in the Village of Riverwoods pursuant to the Tax Increment Allocation Redevelopment Act
The Board voted in favor.
Proposed ordinance 13-02-04 adopting Tax Increment Allocation Financing respecting the Milwaukee/Deerfield Redevelopment Project Area in the Village of Riverwoods, Illinois
Trustee Jamerson made a motion for Second Reading and adoption. Trustee Norris seconded the motion. The Board voted in favor.
Standing Committee Reports
Building/Zoning – Trustee Jamerson presented the Building Department report. In January 2013, the Village issued 10 building permits for a total construction value of $239,912, generating fees of $2,830. The Village performed 15 inspections. In January 2012, the Village issued six building permits for a total construction value of $158,030, generating fees of $1425.
Roads/Bike Path/Parks Forestry/NSSRA – Trustee Chamberlain stated that Village Forester Stewart is looking into a name for the woodland restoration project. He is also working with RPC to potentially get contributions to defray the cost. He is thinking of possibly listing the contributors or benefactors on the back of one of the educational panels. Mr. Stewart is open to any suggestions for the signage.
January 15
Police Report
Chief Dayno provided the Board with the Police Department activity since the January 2, 2013 Board of Trustees meeting. There were one 911 hang up, 15 accidents, 15 alarms, three complaints about animals, 15 fire department assists, six other agency assists, one domestic dispute, five driving complaints, three DUIs, one fraudulent activity, one identity theft, two lockouts, three motorist assists, one solicitor complaint, six suspicious circumstances, 12 crime prevention notices and six case reports. There were 77 traffic stops with 82 citations issued to 55 people.
There are currently 15 houses on the House Watch list that are checked regularly.
Fire Department Report
Duane Christenson from the Lincolnshire-Riverwoods Fire Department presented the call volume for the LRFPD District including mutual aid to the DBFD District for the month of December 2012. There were 26 calls including 18 EMS calls, one fire call, three auto accidents and four other calls. There were 450 calls year to date.
Woodland restoration project plan and budget
Village Engineer Pat Glenn explained there have been a number of presentations and discussions about the woodland restoration project. At a prior meeting, the Trustees asked for a more formal budget and schedule for the project. The cost would be $159,485.70 including a contingency. The information is not much different than the last schematic plan. On the northeast portion of the property, there is a screening alternatives demonstration which shows how other plantings can be used to screen a property. The path was slightly adjusted. The open air shelter will be 36' in diameter, which appears to be the right size for the types of uses. Included in the budget is utility work for a drinking fountain, electricity for the structure and the path construction. Mr. Glenn noted that the Board is not being asked at this time to approve the $160,000 expenditure; rather the project is at the end of the design development portion and would need to move forward with construction and bid documents and put it out to bid. Mr. Huvard questioned how much more design would be needed before going out to bid. Mr. Glenn stated there would be a few thousand dollars more.
Mr. Glenn noted the Village Forester secured some grant money, which runs through June 2013. There is not a lot of time to complete the project within the requirements of the grant. Mr. Glenn put together a preliminary schedule with a bid opening on 2/11/13. The site restoration is on schedule to be completed by the June deadline.
Trustee Svatik questioned whether June 30, 2013 is a start date or an end date. Mr. Glenn stated it is the end date. Mr. Glenn noted the estimate does not include possible contributions from business partners. He suggested approving the Village's contribution, which may be lower if corporate sponsors contribute to the project.
Mr. Stewart discussed the site plan. Mr. Baranski asked if there would be a trail leading to the police station. Mr. Stewart explained people could use the facilities at the gas station or walk on their own to the police station. Trustee Koomjian noted the prices are coming in piecemeal. He would like to know the cost of the overall project. Mr. Stewart explained that the maintenance of the open air shelter would include re-staining the wood to seal it up. They may also have some litter pick up needed as well.
Bob Hammer with Baranski Hammer Architects explained that the shelter would be made from laminated lumber with prefinished steel connectors. The roof would be a prefinished standing seam roof metal which has a 50-year warranty. The information boards would be double sided corrugated plastic in a t-shaped stainless steel frame. He suggested possibly putting a sponsor name on the outside. There will be an octaganal-shaped table in the middle of the structure. Mr. Baranski asked about the cost of the structure. Mayor Pro Tem Norris noted the canopy would be approximately $67,000. Mr. Baranski questioned what the savings would be for a 30' structure instead of a 36” structure. Mr. Stewart explained this structure has a 4x12 pitched roof. The cost of the steel roof is $2,250. He noted the overall cost includes shipping.
Stuart Wein, resident of Oakhurst Lane, expressed concern about the screening. He questioned the location of the path, because it comes close to his street. Trustee Chamberlain noted they are trying to make the path more accessible. Otherwise, people would make their own paths.
Mr. Wein questioned the lack of parking. Trustee Chamberlain stated that they do not anticipate an issue because this is meant to be a walking destination. There are parking spaces at the police department. Mayor Pro Tem Norris does not believe there will be an issue. He also expressed concern about screening, noting Oakhurst residents would like as much privacy as possible.
He noted there would be lighting in the shelter that could be set to go off at 10:00pm. Trustee Jamerson moved to direct the Village staff and consultants to complete the plans and budget for the Woodlands Restoration Project at the corner of Deerfield and Saunders Roads and the open air shelter that is to be built there, and to put the project out to bid.
January 2
Promotion Ceremony
Chief Dayno stated that Corporal Ron Shor was promoted to Sergeant, effective January 1, 2013. Sergeant Shor started with the Riverwoods Police Department in 2001 as a part-time officer. Once there was an opening for a full-time officer, he promptly applied. He was promoted to corporal and has done a great job as a corporal and filled in while the commander was out on injury leave. Village Clerk Ford then swore in Sergeant Shor. Sergeant Shor thanked the Board and Chief Dayno for the promotion. He sincerely appreciates it and will continue to work hard for the Village.
Police Report
Chief Dayno provided the Board with the Police Department activity since the December 18, 2012 Board of Trustees meeting. There were one 911 hang up, six accidents, 18 alarms, five complaints about animals, 15 fire department assists, six other agency assists, one death investigation, three driving complaints, four DUIs, three fingerprintings, one identity theft, two lockouts, four motorist assists, one noise complaint, five suspicious circumstances, five crime prevention notices and nine case reports. There were 41 traffic stops with 36 citations issued to 30 people.
There are currently 26 houses on the House Watch list that are checked regularly.
Approval of proposed agreement negotiated between the Village and the Fraternal Order of Police Lab or Council, 2013 to 2016
Village Attorney Huvard stated that the negotiations with the Fraternal Order of Police went well. He highlighted the significant changes between this contract and the last contract. From the Village's perspective, the issues they compromised are items that have already been granted in other agencies. Mr. Huvard noted that this four-year contract was ratified quickly by the union members.
Chief Dayno explained the department's same day off key policy. He noted two officers may not be on vacation at the same time. Chief Dayno explained that each officer works a 12-hour shift. If two officers that do not work the same shift want the same day off, he would allow it.
Trustee Chamberlain asked about the step system. Chief Dayno explained that an entry-level police officer starts at the low end of the pay schedule. Each year, on an officer's anniversary, they move up a step until they reach the maximum step, which is step seven.
The Board then approved the agreement between the Village and the Fraternal Order of Police Labor Council.
Standing Committee Reports
Building/Zoning – Trustee Jamerson presented highlights from the building report for the month of December, 2012. In December 2012, there were four permits issued with a total construction value of $22,738 generating fees of $600. In December 2011, there were 10 permits issued with a total construction value of $101,384 generating fees of $1225. In 2012, there were 136 permits issued with a total construction value of $4,394,618 generating fees of $41,654. In 2011, there were 132 permits issued with a total construction value of $2,532,315 generating fees of $40,033.
Finance/Soil & Water Conservation – Trustee Svatik is working on the Appropriations Ordinance for 2013, which is due at the end of March. He will attend the Chamber of Commerce meeting on Friday.
Roads/Bike Path/Parks Forestry/NSSRA – Trustee Chamberlain will be meeting with the RPC to discuss the new forestry program.
She wanted to ensure there is a good plan.
December 18
Police Report
Chief Dayno provided the Board with the Police Department activity since the December 4, 2012 Board of Trustees meeting. There were three 911 hang up, six accidents, nine alarms, two complaints about animals, 10 fire department assists, six other agency assists, one well-being check, one dispute, two driving complaints, three DUIs, three fingerprintings, one identity theft, one fraudulent activity, four lockouts, three motorist assists, one parking complaint, seven suspicious circumstances, two crime prevention notices and seven case reports. There were 95 traffic stops with 80 citations issued to 66 people.
There are currently 10 houses on the House Watch list that are checked regularly.
Chief Dayno reported his officers are all trained in rapid response to active shooters. It is the same training given to officers throughout the country. Prior to the Connecticut shooting, there were plans to do additional training. Chief Dayno has contacted the Montessori School to do training at their location.
Riverwoods Community Center Report
Resident Marguerite Welter has spoken with a number of Trustees concerning a proposed community center. She suggests the Village develop a clear charter of what the community wants. She believes a task force should be formed to look at both current and long term needs. Based on the Village's demographics, a survey could then be taken and focus groups formed in order to determine what is feasible. Ms. Welter noted that a needs assessment typically looks at what is needed for the entire community, not just one building. She believes the Village needs to have a clear direction to determine the scope of what needs to be done. Trustee Koomjian questioned who Ms. Welter would recommend to provide the leadership. Ms. Welter would agree to take it on, but noted there are a number of other resources as well. There are also a number of notfor-profit organizations that can assist with a smaller project.
Mr. Huvard stated the police department site does not have build-out potential. The main land parcels in the Village that are available include the former police building and the seven acres. Mr. Huvard questioned what firm would be most appropriate for only those sites. Ms. Welter suggested developing a list of questions to ask residents about their needs, wants and desires. Mr. Ford questioned the transportation to the location of the former police building , and suggested looking into the feasibility of connecting a bike path on Portwine Road with the bike path that will be constructed on Deerfield Road. Mr. Glenn does not believe a bike path on Portwine Road would be viable, due to cost. Trustee Chamberlain believes the Board should gather demographics on the residents prior to getting their needs. She believes the Village should then look to the community and find what needs and services they would like. Mayor Kaplan noted the Village has census data from 2010.
Mr. Huvard stated that if you ask people about their needs, in general, they would mention things like roads. Trustee Norris believes the Board needs to determine what question they want answered first. Trustee Koomjian believes the focus should be on activities rather than a building.
Trustee Norris summarized that the Board will determine what questions they need answered. Ms. Welter suggested putting together a sub-group to identify the process, and then bring recommendations to the Board. Trustee Jamerson asked about the length of time for the process. Ms. Welter explained the hardest part will be to determine the charter. She believes the process could be completed within six months. Trustee Chamberlain believes the Board needs to be realistic because the Board is going to change in a few months. This Board may go in one direction but the new Board may want to go in another direction. Ms. Welter suggested including the new members in the task force.
Proposed resolution consenting to the sale and transfer of substantially all of the assets of Lakeshore Wast e Services, Inc. to Lakeshore Recycling Systems, LLC.
The Board moved to consent to the sale and transfer and agree to the merger.
Authorization for a transfer from the General Fund to the Police Fund
The Board voted to transfer up to $800,000 to the Police Fund to alleviate any deficit in 2012 due to operating deficits.
JULIE locating contra ct amendment G4S does this economically for the Village because they do the locating for the toll way. They are requesting a 2% increase. Since 2003, no one has hit any Village utilities. The Board voted in favor of a ninth amendment to the locating services contract.
Gewalt Hamilton rate increase request for 2013 Village Engineer Glenn stated the last rate adjustment was in 2008. The adjustment requested is less than the CPI over the past four years. The proposed adjustment shows a 20% discount to the Village over the standard rates. Mr. Glenn represented that his rates are comparable with competing engineering firms. The Board voted to approve the rate adjustment.
Forestry Program – discussion
Village Forester Chuck Stewart updated the Board on the status of the woodlands restoration project at Deerfield and Saunders Roads. Mr. Stewart stated the goal is to create an educational tool so residents can understand how to manage their woodlands. They received a grant from Illinois Department of Natural Resources to plant various species of oak trees, a rain garden, a bio swale and a seasonal pond. The proposed shelter will have eight educational boards. Mr. Stewart noted there will be an opportunity for selfguided tours. The grant includes time for management and administration of that portion of the project. The construction items include the educational shelter, the path system through the site, an accessible drinking fountain, bicycle racks and an electric line. These are not included in the grant.
Mr. Stewart noted there would be two access points, one off the county walkway and one south of the police station property. The path system will go either into the shelter or around it. The facility will have a gutter system that will create a rain garden similar to a residence. The shelter will be open.
Trustee Chamberlain stated that to maintain the character of Riverwoods, the woodlands need to be managed. Most of the lots within the village are 1-2 acres, so people need to know how to manage their woodlands. This would be a demonstration on how people can do that. This would also be an entrance to the Village. Trustee Chamberlain believes it is important to communicate to the residents why the Village is doing this. The more the Village can communicate, the more residents will understand and welcome the program. Once the Village gets a budget together, she suggested staking out the area and informing residents about it.
Mr. Stewart noted that he has ordered 200 types of oak seedlings for the Arbor Day event. He wants to make them available to kids to plant a seedling at the location. The seedlings will also be available for kids to take one home if they plant one. Mr. Stewart would be donating the seedlings, so it would be at no cost to the Village.