Village of Flossmoor Board of Trustees met Dec. 2.
Here is the minutes provided by the board:
Mayor Braun called the meeting to order 7:33 pm.
In the absence of the Village Clerk, Mayor Braun asked the Village Manager to take roll.
PRESENT: Mayor Braun, Trustees Bradley-Scott, Driscoll, Hoag, Kimmons, Mitros, and Williams
ALSO PRESENT: Bridget Wachtel, Village Manager; Allison Matson, Assistant Village Manager; Kathi Orr, Village Attorney; Tod Kamleiter, Chief of Police; John Brunke, Public Works Director; Scott Bordui, Finance Director, Chris Sewell, Fire Chief; Keith Damm,
Assistant Fire Chief; 9 Citizens present.
APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON NOVEMBER 18, 2019
Mayor Braun asked the Board if they had any changes or comments. Trustee Hoag so moved, seconded by Trustee Kimmons, and passed by a voice vote.
AYES: Trustees Bradley-Scott, Driscoll, Hoag, Kimmons, Mitros, and Williams
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
NAYS: None
CITIZENS WISHING TO ADDRESS THE BOARD:
There were no citizens wishing to address the board therefore Mayor Braun referenced that he wished to begin the Regular Board Meeting Agenda Items but would do so out of order and begin with Agenda Item 7.
BOARD OF TRUSTEES AGENDA ITEMS:
Mayor Braun referred to Agenda Item # 7: Consideration of the Acquisition of a Sculpture to the Flossmoor Rotational Sculpture Art Program (“Mount” by Terry Karpowicz)
Allison Matson, Assistant Village Manager and Nancy Burrows, Chair of the Public Art Commission, approached the Board. Agenda Items 7 and 8 are intertwined in that staff is proposing the acquisition of the sculpture that will be displayed at Ballantrae Park necessitating a license agreement with the Park District.
Ms. Burrows spoke to the proposed sculpture, “Mount” by Terry Karpowicz. The artist has previously featured a piece in Flossmoor and his sculpture was one of the first featured in the art program. He was originally inspired by working at an art gallery and being involved in a sculpture installation which turned his career path to sculpting. His work is defined by the tension at the point of contact. The sculpture in question is made of stainless steel and wood and is meant to be placed outdoors. It is a larger sculpture, coming in at over eight feet tall. The intended placement is at Ballantrae Park and an honorarium of $3,000 would be paid to the artist.
Mayor Braun noted his pleasure in the placement of the sculpture in the Ballantrae Park area as it represents a good expansion of the art program. Trustee Williams remarked on how pleased she is to see the sculpture finding a home in the Ballantrae community. Trustee Mitros has some concerns about the safety of displaying the sculpture given the top heavy nature of the piece. Ms. Burrows assured Trustee
Mitros that the artist’s specialty is this type of kinetic relationship that displays a piece that should be unstable but is in fact secure. Trustees Kimmons, Hoag, and Bradley-Scott all expressed their appreciation
to the committee for bringing the Village unique pieces for the community to enjoy.
Ms. Matson informed the Board that Public Works has confirmed that they will not need to wait until the spring to pour the concrete and therefore weather depending, they will look for potential dates for the installation of the piece.
Mayor Braun asked the Board if they had any questions and as there were none, he called for a motion to authorize the Village Manager to enter into a contract for the acquisition of “Mount” by Terry Karpowicz to the rotational sculpture program. Trustee Williams so moved, seconded by Trustee Mitros and passed by roll call vote.
AYES: Trustees Bradley-Scott, Driscoll, Hoag, Kimmons, Mitros, and Williams
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
NAYS: None
Mayor Braun referred to Agenda Item # 8: Consideration of a Resolution Authorizing a License Agreement between the Village of Flossmoor and the Homewood-Flossmoor Park District
Mayor Braun asked the Board if they had any questions and as there were none, he called for a motion to approve the Resolution Authorizing a License Agreement between the Village of Flossmoor and the Homewood-Flossmoor Park District, as presented. Trustee Williams so moved, seconded by Trustee Mitros and passed by roll call vote.
AYES: Trustees Bradley-Scott, Driscoll, Hoag, Kimmons, Mitros, and Williams
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
NAYS: None
Having completed the discussion on Agenda Items 7 and 8, Mayor Braun referred to Agenda Item #1:
Discussion of Central Business District Roadway, Pedestrian, and Streetscape Geometric Alternatives and Improvements
John Brunke, Public Works Director addressed the Board and detailed that the Phase 1 Engineering for the Central Business District Roadway, Pedestrian, and Streetscape Improvements Project, which began earlier this year is progressing well. Analyzing the geometry of the existing traffic circle and select the best alternate for the reconfiguration of the intersection, were some of the top priorities. On November 4th, Administration from Public Works, Police, Fire, and Executive Staff met with Baxter & Woodman
Consulting Engineers to review and discuss the geometric alternates. Six alternates were developed and staff narrowed it down to three options for the Board to consider. Dan Schug from Baxter and Woodman
Consulting Engineers came to the meeting to answer the Board’s questions.
Mr. Schug said that the three purposes for this project were 1) Safety 2) Traffic Flow and 3) Beautification.
For this Board Meeting, only geometry will be discussed as it is paramount to finalize this prior to addressing the other issues. The intersection is not intuitive currently and there are several issues in play that make the intersection challenging. Given the large area of consideration, there are multiple options to consider and various potential changes that can be included for safety and beautification.
Several options were discussed including adding a “Kiss n’ Ride” for those who are dropping off people for the train. Trustee Mitros noted that he feared the options to consider would take away from the beauty and charm of downtown Flossmoor. There is an option to make the current temporary improvement permanent.
Back angle parking installed in the areas where there is currently angled parking is another option that would offer some safety benefits that could prevent accidents by eliminating blind spots. Trustee Mitros and Trustee Hoag both agreed that back-in parking would not work in downtown Flossmoor. Mr. Schug responded that with back-in parking the benefits are 1) the trunk is closest to the curb, 2) children and other passengers exit the car closest to the curb versus the street, and 3) pulling out of the space has more visibility for the driver. Trustee Bradley-Scott remarked that she supported back-in parking but was concerned that the community might need some education on how it works. Temporary measures have improved safety for the circle. Trustee Hoag commented that he believes the process of people trying to back into parking spaces might result in additional property accidents. Mr. Schug believes that the data will ultimately tell us that there will be a reduction in the severity of the accidents.
The central circle where pedestrians congregate is inherently unsafe, according to Mr. Schug and therefore none of the three options include a central park-like feature where people can congregate in the center island/round about. The Trustees brought various concerns to Mr. Schug’s attention including cars stacked at the Kiss-n-Ride, children crossing the crosswalk, and sightlines. Trustee Mitros expressed his concern that no matter what changes are made, the redesign will not eliminate the danger of drivers who are careless. He is concerned that these changes will put an undue stress on careful citizens and damage the beauty of downtown Flossmoor, while the danger of unsafe drivers remains. Trustee Hoag agreed with Trustee Mitros and believes that eliminating the center circle would be a tough change to make as it is historical and beloved. Trustee Driscoll also expressed his concern that the options presented that eliminated the current circle and replaced it with a different circle served no function.
Mayor Braun noted that the Village and the Board need to determine what the priority is for the Village and this project and Trustee Hoag said that the aesthetics of Flossmoor dictate that no matter what the solution will be, it needs to be inherently fitting to Flossmoor’s uniqueness and beauty. Trustee Williams remarked that there are ways to increase safety without dramatically altering the appearance and landscape of downtown Flossmoor.
Village Manager Wachtel asked Mr. Schug to address funding as well as what options would be available to the Village depending on the route they took with regards to safety improvements. Mr. Schug responded that in order to get federal monies, they will need to prove that they are increasing safety and decreasing preventable accidents. He would not recommend applying with Option 1 (least amount of improvements) as it would not be approved. There are other options available which he reviewed. The amount of funding available is dependent on improvements as well as how far along in the implementation the Village is with regards to the planning and construction. The cost for more improvements would be in the hundreds of thousands. For the bare minimum he recommends that the barriers along the parking be removed for snow removal as well as angled parking be altered as well as making the circle a pedestrian-free area.
Trustee Williams suggested the Board regroup after some further considerations on Option 1. The Board tasked Mr. Schug with revisiting the options, particularly Option 1, to evaluate what else can be done. The Board thanked Mr. Schug for his consideration and his time.
No vote was necessary.
Mayor Braun referred to Agenda Item # 2: Consideration of the Approval of Budget Amendments to the Fiscal Year 19-20 Budget
Scott Bordui, Finance Director addressed the Board and noted that while preparing the 2019 Tax Levy Ordinance for the December 2, 2019 Village Board meeting, it came to his attention that budget amendments for the library are needed in order for the Tax Levy Ordinance to be in line with the FY 19-20 budget. As such, he asked for a motion to approve the budget amendments as submitted by the Library. Mayor Braun asked if this was housekeeping for the Village because the Library had already approved the amendment.
Scott answered that was correct.
Mayor Braun asked the Board if they had any questions. He called for a motion to approve the budget amendments to the FY19-20 budget, as presented. Trustee Williams so moved, seconded by Trustee Mitros and passed by roll call vote.
AYES: Trustees Bradley-Scott, Driscoll, Hoag, Kimmons, Mitros, and Williams
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
NAYS: None
Mayor Braun referred to Agenda Item # 3: Consideration of an Ordinance for the Levy and Assessment of Taxes for the Fiscal Year Beginning May 1, 2019 and Ending April 30, 2020 of the Village of Flossmoor, County of Cook, State of Illinois
Scott Bordui, Finance Director, asked the Board to approve the 2019 tax levy ordinance which was to reflect the estimate that the Village Board approved on November 4.
Mayor Braun asked the Board if they had any questions and as there were none he called for a motion to approve the ordinance for the levy and assessment of taxes for the fiscal year beginning May 1, 2019 and ending April 30, 2020 of the Village of Flossmoor, County of Cook, State of Illinois, as presented. Trustee Mitros so moved, seconded by Trustee Kimmons and passed by roll call vote.
AYES: Trustees Bradley-Scott, Driscoll, Hoag, Kimmons, Mitros, and Williams
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
NAYS: None
Mayor Braun referred to Agenda Item # 4: Consideration of a Resolution Directing the Cook County Clerk for Reduction of the 2019 Tax Levy in the Event Tax Cap Limitations are Exceeded by the Village of Flossmoor, County of Cook, State of Illinois
Mr. Bordui explained that absent Village direction, if the tax cap is exceeded, Cook County reduces all tax levy lines proportionately. The strategy that the Village uses is to direct the County how to reduce the tax levy. The effect of the County’s approach would be to reduce the levy further below the ceilings lines. The levy directs the County to reduce the levy in the three non-ceiling lines.
Mayor Braun asked the Board if they had any questions and as there were none, he called for a motion to approve the Resolution Directing the Cook County Clerk for Reduction of the 2019 Tax Levy in the Event Tax Cap Limitations are Exceeded by the Village of Flossmoor, County of Cook, State of Illinois, as presented.
Trustee Williams so moved, seconded by Trustee Bradley-Scott and passed by roll call vote.
AYES: Trustees Bradley-Scott, Driscoll, Hoag, Kimmons, Mitros, and Williams
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
NAYS: None
Mayor Braun referred to Agenda Item # 5: Presentation of Strategic Plan Update (Second Quarter FY 2020)
Mayor Braun called for a motion to table this discussion. Trustee Driscoll so moved, seconded by Trustee Williams and passed by roll call vote.
AYES: Trustees Bradley-Scott, Driscoll, Hoag, Kimmons, Mitros, and Williams
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
NAYS: None
Mayor Braun referred to Agenda Item # 6: Consideration of the Replacement of the Fire Department Mobile
Data Terminals
Keith Damm, Assistant Fire Chief, asked the Board to approve the purchase of HP Getac K120 12.5” Tablets and the appropriate accessories for a total of $64,968 through the Sourcewell joint purchasing contract, which is held by CDW-G. Of the total costs for the project $57,500 is to be charged to the Capital Equipment Fund and $10,853 is to be charged to the Hendrickson Paramedic Equipment Fund. Mr. Damm also requested the approval to amend the Hendrickson Equipment Fund budgeted amount from $4,000 to $14,853 to account for this expenditure. There is sufficient fund balance in the fund to account for this amendment. Mr. Damm explained that the Hendrickson Equipment Fund is a fund made up of a donation from the estate of the resident for the purpose of paramedic equipment, which has been used to purchase an ambulance for the department. The $10,853 to be charged in this purchase is to cover the cost of MDTs for the ambulance.
Mayor Braun asked the Board if they had any questions and as there were none, he called for a motion to approve the purchase of the mobile data terminals and accessories from CDW-G in the amount of $64,698, and a budget amendment for the Hendrickson Equipment Fund in the amount of $10,853. Trustee Mitros so moved, seconded by Trustee Driscoll and passed by roll call vote.
AYES: Trustees Bradley-Scott, Driscoll, Hoag, Kimmons, Mitros, and Williams
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
NAYS: None
Mayor Braun referred to Agenda Item # 9: Designation of Board Meetings for 2020
Mayor Braun referred to the list of proposed Village Board regular meetings for 2020. He called for a motion to approve the designated Village Board meeting dates for 2020 as presented. Trustee Kimmons so moved, seconded by Trustee Driscoll and passed by roll call vote.
AYES: Trustees Bradley-Scott, Driscoll, Hoag, Kimmons, Mitros, and Williams
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
NAYS: None
Mayor Braun referred to Agenda Item # 10: Consideration of a Motion to Approve Tag Days for Misericordia on Friday and Saturday, April 24 and 25, 2020
Mayor Braun asked for a motion to Approve Tag Days for Misericordia on Friday and Saturday, April 24 and 25, 2020. Trustee Mitros so moved, seconded by Trustee Williams and passed by roll call vote.
AYES: Trustees Bradley-Scott, Driscoll, Hoag, Kimmons, Mitros, and Williams
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
NAYS: None
Mayor Braun referred to the Finance Committee. Trustee Mitros presented the bills to be paid and made a motion to approve hand checks in the amount of $1,115.28 and invoices in the amount of $707,171.72 for a total for $708,287.00. Seconded by Trustee Williams and passed by roll call vote.
AYES: Trustees Bradley-Scott, Driscoll, Hoag, Kimmons, Mitros, and Williams
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
NAYS: None
OTHER BUSINESS:
Mayor Braun noted that Winter Fest is to be held this Saturday with Police Chief Kamleiter reading stories at the Library, children’s arts and crafts and finally Santa leading a parade to the park to light the tree.
Village Manager Wachtel mentioned that thanks to Assistant Village Manager Matson, Flossmoor will be in receipt of a grant for its Census outreach program in the amount of $22,000. One minute videos and door to door outreach will be utilized to broadcast to the community the importance of this effort. The Community Relations Commission will be supporting this outreach on Martin Luther King Day.
Mayor Braun referred to Agenda Item # 11: A Motion to go into Executive Session to Discuss the Employment of Specific Individuals, Property Acquisition, and Litigation
Mayor Braun called for a motion to enter into Executive Session to discuss the employment of specific individuals. Trustee Driscoll so moved, seconded by Trustee Kimmons and passed by roll call vote.
AYES: Trustees Bradley-Scott, Driscoll, Hoag, Kimmons, Mitros, and Williams
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
NAYS: None
The Board entered into Executive Session at 9:25pm.
The regular Board Meeting resumed at 9:45pm.
Mayor Braun noted that one item he forgot to mention in other business was the issue of cannabis. He passed out an article for the Board to refer to when speaking with the community.
Mayor Braun called for a motion to adjourn the meeting. Trustee Mitros so moved, seconded by Trustee Bradley Scott and passed by roll call vote.
AYES: Trustees Bradley-Scott, Driscoll, Hoag, Kimmons, Mitros, and Williams
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
NAYS: None
The meeting adjourned at 9:48pm.
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