VILLAGE OF BARRINGTON HILLS
Minutes of the Regular Meeting June 25, 2007
President Abboud called the Regular Meeting to order at 6:35 pm. Roll Call.
Robert G. Abboud, President Marty & Elizabeth Robins, residents
Fritz H. Gohl, Pro-Tem Pam Cools, resident
Walter E. Smithe, Trustee Kathy Soeder, resident
Julie McKevitt, Trustee Linda Fox, resident
Steven E. Knoop, Trustee Karan Afseth, Virchow Krause
George L. Schueppert, Trustee Karen Duffy, resident
Beth Mallen, Trustee Tom Schimpf, resident
George Lynch, Village Attorney Dr. Soter, resident
Robert Kosin, Director of Administration
Michael N. Murphy, Police Chief
Elaine Ramesh, Village Clerk
Trustee Smithe motioned to adjourn to Executive Session to discuss legal matters at 6:36 pm. Trustee McKevitt seconded. Roll Call.
Ayes: 7 (Mallen, Schueppert, Knoop, McKevitt, Smithe, Gohl, Abboud)
Nays: 0
Absent: 0
Meeting Adjourned
EXECUTIVE SESSION
PUBLIC SESSION
President Abboud called the Public Session to order at 8:22 pm.
Village Board Meeting
June 25, 2007 – page 2
MINUTES
Trustee Schueppert motioned to approve the minutes of the Regular Meeting of May 21, 2007 with a correction. Trustee Mallen seconded. All present said aye except Trustee Knoop, who abstained.
Motion Approved
Trustee Schueppert motioned to approve the minutes of the Executive Session of May 21, 2007 with a correction. Trustee Gohl seconded. All present said aye, except Trustee Knoop, who abstained.
Motion Approved
Trustee Mallen motioned to approve the minutes of the Special Meeting of May 16, 2007. Trustee Schueppert seconded. All present said aye, except Trustee Smithe, who abstained.
Motion Approved
Trustee Mallen motioned to approve destruction of the audio recording of the executive session of the Village Board meeting of September 26, 2005. The minutes of this executive session had previously been approved. Trustee Knoop seconded. All present said aye; except Trustees Smithe and Schueppert who voted against the motion.
Motion Approved
President Abboud presented a plaque and certificate of appreciation to Robert Shirley in recognition of 18 years of service to the Village as Building Inspector. During his tenure, he completed more than 1000 inspections.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
President Abboud opened a thirty-five minute session for public comments at 8:23 pm.
Resident Linda Fox provided copies of her research into alternative technologies to cell towers to the Trustees for their review and spoke about the proposed cell tower at Bateman Rd. Ms. Fox is currently a member of the Communications Committee. President Abboud asked her if she would transfer from the Communications Committee to the Technology Committee to assist with cell tower-related issues.
As there were no further remarks, the public comments session ended at 8:27 pm.
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June 25, 2007 – page 3
FINANCE – Walter E. Smithe
Treasurer’s Report – Trustee Smithe presented the Treasurer’s report for the month of May, 2007. Trustee Smithe motioned to accept the Treasurer’s report as presented. Trustee Gohl seconded. Roll Call.
Ayes: 7 (Mallen, Schueppert, Knoop, McKevitt, Smithe, Gohl, Abboud)
Nays: 0
Absent: 0
Motion Approved
Police Pension Board Report –Trustee Smithe motioned to accept the financial report of the Police Pension Board through May, 2007 and the summary of activity for the year-to-date as presented. Trustee Mallen seconded. The Finance Committee will consider whether it is advisable for the Village Board to recommend to the Police Pension Board that the Police Pension fund be independently audited. All present said aye.
Motion Approved
Presentation of Bills – Trustee Smithe motioned to approve the payment of the bills for the month of June to date of $338,927.22. Trustee Mallen seconded. Roll Call.
Ayes: 7 (Mallen, Schueppert, Knoop, McKevitt, Smithe, Gohl, Abboud)
Nays: 0
Absent: 0
Motion Approved
Overtime Reports – Trustee Smithe motioned to approve $6,586.20 in overtime expenses for May 1, through 15, 2007 and $19,166.73 for May 16, through 31, 2007. The reasons for the overtime expenses were discussed. Trustee Schueppert seconded. Roll Call.
Ayes: 7 (Mallen, Schueppert, Knoop, McKevitt, Smithe, Gohl, Abboud)
Nays: 0
Absent: 0
Motion Approved
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June 25, 2007 – page 4
Stub Year Audit – The annual financial report for the eight month period May 1 – December 31, 2006 prepared by Virchow Krause, was presented to the Board for review. The Finance Committee met to review the audit prior to its presentation to the Board; and spent a great deal of time going over the details of the report. Karan Afseth of Virchow Krause described the highlights of the report and answered the Trustees’ questions. Virchow Krause provided an unqualified opinion of the stub year audit, which is the highest assurance that the accounting firm can give of the audit. Ms. Afseth also informed the Trustees that there are new auditing standards, which specify that additional items must be reported in the future. The assessed valuations in the report show that Cook County/Barrington Hills residents are most heavily taxed. President Abboud commended Virchow Krause on the audit and also thanked the Finance Committee for their diligent review of the audit.
Trustee Mallen motioned to accept the Virchow Krause audit report of the Village’s financial statements for the period of May 1, – December 31, 2006. Trustee Schueppert seconded the motion. All present said aye.
Motion Approved
ROADS AND BRIDGES – Julie McKevitt
Monthly Report – Trustee McKevitt indicated that Cook County began the Bateman Rd. resurfacing project; that a no passing zone had been instituted on Brinker Rd.; that roadside mowing will begin shortly; and that she is still looking into the process for obtaining a uniform speed limit on all Cook County roads running through the Village. In addition, she continues to review traffic flow issues at the intersection of Plum Tree & Cuba Rds. The contracts for the previously approved road repair and striping projects have been signed and insurance certifications have been received from the contractors. The work is to be done in July and August. The Village may not receive distribution of their portion of tax revenues from the counties until September or October. The Trustees discussed the budgeting difficulty created by the late payment of tax revenues in light of the anticipated road project bills. The Village Treasurer will be asked to look into the reason that transfer of the tax revenue to the Village from the counties occurs so late in the year.
Equestrian Commission - Trustee McKevitt reported that there was no meeting of the Equestrian Commission in June. She also noted that John Hart, one of the Commission members, had passed away. A plaque honoring John Hart’s service to the Village will be prepared.
Village Board Meeting
June 25, 2007 – page 5
PLANNING – Steven E. Knoop
Monthly Report – Trustee Knoop reported that at the most recent meeting, the Plan Commission determined that it would be useful to have Teska Associates evaluate and update the 2005 Comprehensive Plan Amendment and requested authorization from the Trustees to engage Teska Associates for that purpose. Trustee Mallen motioned to authorize the Planning Commission to engage Teska Associates to review the Village’s 2005 Comprehensive Plan for a fee of up to $5,000.00. Trustee McKevitt seconded. All present said aye.
Motion Approved
Development Committee – Trustee Knoop reported that the Committee sent out a letter to the owners of 15 or more acres of land, to offer them assistance in perpetuating the Village’s open-space environment. Trustee Knoop also reported that David Buckley is stepping down as Chair of the Committee, although he will remain on the Committee.
PUBLIC SAFETY – Fritz H. Gohl
Monthly Report – Trustee Gohl deferred to Chief Murphy who presented the Police Report for activity in the month of May, 2007. Chief Murphy received a certificate of appreciation from the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement.
Personal Property Disposal Ordinance – Trustee Gohl motioned to approve Ordinance 07-13 regarding authorization of disposal of personal property. Trustee Smithe seconded. The items, including color monitors and computer keyboards formerly used by the Police Department, will be auctioned on e-Bay. Roll Call.
Ayes: 7 (Mallen, Schueppert, Knoop, McKevitt, Smithe, Gohl, Abboud)
Nays: 0
Absent: 0
Ordinance 07-13 Approved
Village Board Meeting
June 25, 2007 – page 6
Target Shooting – The Village Attorney provided a draft of an amendment to the Village’s target shooting ordinance for the Trustees’ review. Residents Tom Schimpf, Dr. Soter and Mary Robins each made some remarks about the proposed amendment. Suggested modifications included potential day and date restrictions, notifications to the Police Department and/or neighbors prior to shooting, requirement for the target shooting permit holder to take a firearm safety class; restrictions on the type of weapons which could be used for target shooting; a prohibition against drinking while shooting, minimum lot size requirement and also notification of neighbors prior to submission of the target shooting permit application.
President Abboud indicated that it may be advisable for the Public Safety Committee to hold public hearings on the matter; and then provide a recommendation or ordinance proposal to the Village Board, after discussion with range officers.
BUILDING AND ZONING – George L. Schueppert
Building Permit Report – Trustee Schueppert reported that eleven building permits had been issued during the month of May, 2007. They included permits for four additions, three alterations, two demolitions and one accessory building. Trustee Schueppert discussed some of the complaints which he had recently received from residents regarding matters such as new construction homes in violation of setback requirements and/or in violation of floor area ratio requirements, as well as complaints about the clearing of large oak trees from a property.
ZBA Report – Trustee Schueppert reported that at their most recent meeting, the ZBA continued to work on a draft PCS ordinance. Additionally, he reported that a draft tree preservation ordinance will be considered at the next ZBA meeting, and that three applications for variances were continued to July.
Village Board Meeting
June 25, 2007 – page 7
INSURANCE – George L. Schueppert
Monthly Report – Trustee Schueppert reminded the Board that he should be informed of any documents related to the Village’s insurance. The Healthcare Committee will meet to vote on switching from Great West to Blue Cross/ Blue Shield as health care insurance provider. Trustee Schueppert reported that when Great West learned of the Village’s proposed provider switch, it reduced their previous quote. However, Blue Cross/Blue Shield significantly made a lower quote, so an even more competitive price was obtained. It is anticipated that the new coverage will be effective on July 1st if it is approved.
Trustee Schueppert motioned that the Village engage Blue Cross/Blue Shield effective July 1, as the provider of the Village employees’ health care plan, contingent upon the approval of the employees’ Healthcare Committee. Trustee Smithe seconded. Roll Call.
Ayes: 7 (Mallen, Schueppert, Knoop, McKevitt, Smithe, Gohl, Abboud)
Nays: 0
Absent: 0
Motion Approved
HEALTH, BUILDINGS & GROUNDS, ENVIRONMENT – Beth Mallen
Strategic Plan for Village Building – Trustee Mallen reported that lock up renovations in the Police Department is still in review by DOC. The canopy is to start after the Commemorative Celebration of June 30th. Delivery of new furniture is expected shortly.
Com Ed may eventually need to dig up the primary service feed power line to the Village Hall because there is a recurring circuit failure.
McHenry County Draft Open Burning Ordinance - Trustee Mallen informed the Board that public meetings for comment on McHenry County’s draft open burning ordinance have been scheduled in June and July. The Health Committee will be notified, and the information about the public meetings will be posted on the Village’s website.
Garbage Collection – The Village continues to explore the feasibility of having a sole provider for garbage collection in the Village. Talks with Groot to date have not resulted in an indication of cost savings for residents if Groot were to be selected as the Village’s sole provider.
ATTORNEY – George Lynch
Attorney Lynch stated that matters of litigation had been addressed in Executive Session.
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June 25, 2007 – page 8
ADMINISTRATION – Robert G. Abboud
50th Year Commemoration Resolution – Trustee Mallen motioned approval of Resolution 07-11, a proclamation for the 50th year anniversary with certain corrections. Trustee McKevitt seconded. All present said aye.
Resolution 07-11 Approved
Trustee Gohl motioned to accept President Abboud’s nomination of Linda Fox to the Technology Committee. Trustee Mallen seconded the motion. All present said aye.
Motion Approved
Trustee Mallen motioned to accept President Abboud’s nomination of Dr. Pam Cools to the Communications Committee. Trustee Gohl seconded. All present said aye.
Motion Approved
Communications Committee – The Committee will change their meeting dates from the fourth Monday of the month to the third Monday of the month at 5:30 pm. The next four meetings will be held on the third Monday of the month as special meetings. Trustee Mallen encouraged the Trustees to attend the Civil War encampment, which will be held this Saturday.
Trustee Schueppert motioned to adjourn the Public Session at 10:22 pm. Trustee Mallen seconded. All present said aye.
Meeting Adjourned
Approved ________________