Sangamon Sun

Village of Channahon Committee of the Whole met Nov. 5.

Here is the minutes provided by the committee:

Village President Moorman Schumacher called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. with Trustees Greco, Host, McMillin, Perinar, Scaggs and Slocum present.

Also present were Village Administrator Tom Durkin, Director of Community Development and Information Systems Mike Petrick, Chief of Police Shane Casey, Finance Director Heather Wagonblott, Village Attorney David Silverman and Village Clerk Kristin Hall.

VP Moorman Schumacher informed everyone present that anyone who speaks at the meeting shall be deemed to have given his/her consent to the recording of their likeness and speech. This meeting is being recorded.

VILLAGE PRESIDENT

Presentation – The Log Cabin Quilt Guild of Minooka

Rhonda Nelson and Mary Ann Feiertag of the Log Cabin Quilt Guild of Minooka, thanked the Board for having them and presented them with 16 quilts. She stated the sizes were written on the bags and they made smaller ones for babies and larger ones for adults. She also stated they have all been washed and laundered. She further stated if we need more, to contact them and they could supply a few more.

VP Moorman Schumacher asked if a couple of the quilts could be displayed in the lobby to show off their hard work. She stated that with the holidays and needy families, that is a wonderful gift to be able to give them. She thanked the Log Cabin Quilt Guild of Minooka.

Discussion – Michael Morman with the Channahon Environmental Collaborative

VP Moorman Schumacher stated this item will be tabled until further notice.

ADMINISTRATION DEPARTMENT

Discussion – An Ordinance Providing for the Design Standards of Small Wireless Facilities within the Village of Channahon – 1st Read

Durkin stated on July 16, 2018 the Village Board passed Ordinance 1938 which provides for the regulation of and application for Small Wireless Facilities should they be located within the Rights-of-way within the Village. He stated the attached ordinance is a companion ordinance that establishes minimum design standards for these facilities pursuant to the Small Wireless Facilities Deployment Act. He also stated the ordinance spells out design standards for utility pole and wireless support structures in addition to small wireless facilities. He further stated the design standards are established for ground-mounted facilities, including the requirement for landscaping.

VP Moorman Schumacher stated this is because of legislation that was passed that said we can’t outlaw them but we can pass our own ordinances to regulate them.

Attorney Silverman stated this is really an interim ordinance. He stated there has been a Federal preemption of a lot of these regulations that goes into effect towards the end of the first quarter of next year. He also stated that the Illinois Municipal League is working on a model ordinance and when they come out with that, we will compare it against this ordinance. He further stated that collectively they thought it would be good to have something on the books now.

Durkin stated he would be looking for waive of second read and adoption.

Discussion – An Ordinance Amending the Village of Channahon Code of Ordinances with Respect to Massage Establishment – 1st Read

Durkin stated the attached ordinance provides for the establishment of a massage establishment license and the requirement of information to be submitted with an application for the licensing of such establishment. He stated the ordinance spells out procedures for the application, processing and issuing of said license. He also stated the ordinance details standards for issuance of a license along with inspection procedures and the process for suspension and/or revocation of a license in the event of any violation to the ordinance or the municipal code of the Village of Channahon. He further stated the ordinance also requires applicants, owner, therapist, etc. to fully adhere to applicable state and federal laws.

VP Moorman Schumacher asked the Attorney Silverman whether we can outlaw these establishments or do we have to allow for them in some fashion, but can regulate the licensing.

Attorney Silverman stated they are a legal business. He stated you couldn’t regulate the massage therapist that is preempted by the State, so the State controls that end of it. He also stated we can regulate the establishment. He further stated that many communities have done this.

VP Moorman Schumacher stated there are legitimate massage businesses, like Massage Envy.

Attorney Silverman stated that’s what you want to have. He stated this is intended to weed out those that aren’t legitimate.

Discussion – An Ordinance Regulating Burning in the Village of Channahon – 1st Read

Durkin stated earlier this year, the Village Board discussed possible changes to the municipal code regarding open burning, particularly with regarding to landscape waste, within the Village limits. He stated attached is an ordinance drafted by our Village attorney that includes many of the stipulations provided by Village staff during those initial discussions. He also stated this ordinance establishes a prohibition on outdoor burning except for some exceptions. He further stated exceptions include grills and recreations fires, small bonfires and the burning or landscape waste on private property with minimum distance requirements from nearby structures and vehicles. He stated the ordinance also prohibits the burning of excessively wet landscape waste and prohibits burning when the wind speed exceeds 10 mph. He also stated the ordinance requires all fires to be constantly attended until the fire is fully extinguished and that no burning will obstruct the visibility on public streets, sidewalks, roadways, railroad tracks or airfields.

Durkin stated he would be looking to waive second read and adopt this ordinance, as well as the previous ordinance regarding massage establishments.

Trustee Scaggs asked whether residents would be able to burn the leaves in the fall. Durkin stated yes you can do that, but there are prohibitions on when you can do it.

VP Moorman Schumacher stated it is supposed to be on private property, not in our storm sewers. She asked if the Police Department would be enforcing.

Trustee McMillin stated in the old part of town, they would bring them up on the pavement and melt a hole in the pavement.

Chief Casey stated we would be able to enforce that along with Code Enforcement. He stated if Code Enforcement happened to be off on a weekend or if we see it on one of our regular patrols, we would be able to enforce it.

Phyllis Henbeat, resident of Channahon, stated you can burn your leaves but sticks and limbs you’re not supposed to burn those.

VP Moorman Schumacher stated you can burn sticks or limbs. They are considered landscape waste.

Durkin stated landscape waste is defined in this ordinance. He stated grass, tree limbs, shrubbery cutting and other materials accumulated as a result of care for landscape. He further stated that only landscape waste that is generated onsite can be burned.

VP Moorman Schumacher stated so if a person is running a landscape business they can’t bring their clients’ waste back to their property to burn. She stated you can burn what is generated on your own property, as long as it’s not excessively wet and not in the Right-of-Way.

Ms. Henbeat asked how many feet does it have to be away from other structures.

Durkin stated the ordinance states that it has to be a minimum of 50 feet away from any structure or vehicle.

Discussion – Ordinance Providing for the Regulation of Unattended Donation/Collection Boxes in the Village of Channahon – 1st Read

Durkin stated on February 15, 2016, the Village Board passed Ordinance 1830 which regulated the placement and use of donation boxes. He stated many of the existing donation boxes places in the community were/are not being regularly maintained and have become unsightly areas that contain overflowing deposits of discarded items or refuse. He also stated after passage of this ordinance, new case law emerged that rendered these types of ordinances as possibly unconstitutional. He further stated on May 12, 2016, on the advice of counsel and staff, the Village Board repealed Ordinance 1830. He stated the attached ordinance provides for a set of revised regulations that pertain to unattended donation/collection boxes that staff and the Village Attorney believes will be respective of case law and provide the Village with the necessary tools to properly administer their presence within the community. He stated the purpose of this ordinance is to establish regulations to promote the health, safety, and/or welfare of the public by providing minimum blight-related performance standards for the operation of unattended donation/collection boxes (UDCBs). He also stated this includes establishing criteria to ensure that material is not allowed to accumulate outside of the UDCBs, the UDCBs remain free of blight, UDCBs are maintained in sanitary conditions, and residents and/or users are fully informed of those who operate the UDCBs so that they can be contacted if there are any blight- related questions or concerns. He further stated the ordinance spells out the requirement to first obtain a permit prior to installation and the process for receiving such permit. He stated the ordinance also stipulates standards and requirements to be adhered to regarding location, physical attributes, maintenance and liability of and for these boxes. He also stated it spells out a removal process if the standards are not met.

Durkin stated this does require a public hearing with the Plan Commission, so we would not be looking for waive of second read but to remand to the Plan Commission for a hearing to amend our ordinance.

VP Moorman Schumacher stated the one on Pheasant Lane had some stuff sitting outside of it this past weekend. She stated she didn’t know if it was full or they just left it there and they do look terrible when they are not maintained.

Trustee McMillin asked if we sent a letter out to property owners about two weeks ago.

Petrick stated yes, we had notified the property owners that they are going to be responsible for the donation boxes on their property should things be left outside of it. He stated today we have issued our first ticket for that, so we are enforcing it.

Trustee Slocum asked if the property owners were being paid.

Petrick stated he did not know that. He stated the letter that went out a few weeks ago was really just to let the property owners know that this is on your property and to be sure you are keeping it up and not allowing dumping to occur on the site. He stated these new sets of ordinances will give us additional ability to license and regulate further.

Trustee Scaggs asked what is the ticket fee?

Petrick stated the ticket fee goes from $50 to $500, at our discretion. He stated typically we don’t for the max out the fine on the first offense. He stated we want compliance, not revenue.

Trustee McMillin stated asked if that can be a per day fee.

Petrick stated yes, at maximum we could issue a $500 ticket, every day. He stated the letters were the initial notice and the first ticket was just written today.

VP Moorman Schumacher stated they aren’t going anywhere. She stated we can’t get rid of them, by law it is a freedom of speech issue. She stated we are going to make sure they are attended and cleaned up.

Petrick stated even when we were working with the donation box companies, they have been cooperative to some extent but they don’t typically have their office in Channahon. He stated it usually takes them several days to come clean it up and then as soon as they drive away someone will deposit something else.

VP Moorman Schumacher stated the unmanned locations are usually the problem locations.

Durkin stated in all fairness, it is not all the donation box companies that are having them there. He stated sometimes people are putting things out there that shouldn’t be. He also stated it’s a constant battle to keep them maintained.

VP Moorman Schumacher asked the Village Attorney if we can require them to be screened like dumpsters.

Attorney Silverman stated he would look into that.

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT & INFORMATION SYSTEMS

Discussion – An Ordinance of the Village of Channahon, Will and Grundy Counties, State of Illinois to Amend a Special Use Permit for a Planned Unit Development at Certain Property (PIN 04-10-18-200-015-0000, 04-10-18-400-025-0000, 04-10-18-400-026-0000) (Ravine Woods Unit 3) – 1st Read

Discussion – Ravine Woods Unit 3 Preliminary Plat

Petrick stated REO Funding Solutions III, LLC is the current owner of the property that was conceptually approved to be Unit 3 of the Ravine Woods subdivision. He stated this area is located at the east end of Ravine Woods Dr. and utilizes Ravine Wood Dr. as its only means of access. He also stated the preliminary plat as presented contains 51.279 acres, which will be converted to 72 lots for single family homes. He further stated the total gross density of the development is 1.40 units per acre which is less than the overall density of Ravine Woods’ original scope of development at 1.80 units per acre. He stated the Unit 3 area of Ravine Woods presents several natural features that make development more complex than some other areas of Channahon. He also stated the property is bounded to the south by a steep ravine, to the north by a lake and another steep ravine, and slopes through marsh land to the DuPage River on the east. He further stated throughout the site there are hills and wooded areas that increase the complexity of development. He stated the proposed preliminary plat deviates from the concept plan in the Annexation Agreement recorded on April 8, 2003. He also stated initial meetings with Village staff identified several changes that could improve the design of the subdivision unit over the originally approved concept. He further stated in conjunction with reviews by the Channahon Fire Protection District, Channahon School District 17 and Channahon Park District, several changes were suggested. He stated the original concept contained two dead-end cul-de- sac streets, which caused a number of issues with school bus and fire apparatus maneuvers. He also stated the proposal has now been redesigned into a single looping street orientation, which alleviates the concerns of the Fire Protection District and Channahon School District 17, whose vehicles would have encountered dead-ends under the original proposal. He stated originally, there was no dedicated park site required of this development. He also stated all necessary park donations were satisfied under the donation of lands that now comprise the Arroyo Trails development by the Channahon Park District. He further stated staff, as well as the Park District, has received numerous requests from residents for a traditional neighborhood park site to be added in the unit 3 development. He stated there are now 4 park lots indicated on this plat: 2 lots are currently owned by the park district (383 and 384) and two lots are to be dedicated: (381 and 383). Lot 381, which is adjacent to the lake lot 382 will be constructed by the Channahon Park District as a typical neighborhood park. He also stated lot 381 will also be used as an access point for the adjoining property on lot 382. He further stated lot 383 will be used for residents of Ravine Woods to access to the Arroyo Trails trail system. He stated to accommodate the requested redesign of the subdivision unit, there are additional cost constraints over the over the originally approved concept plan. He also stated this comes not only from the loss of saleable lot area due to park dedication, but also the increased pavement quantity now required, when compared to the cul-de-sac layout. He further stated to keep the project competitively priced, the number of residential lots was increased from 68 to 72. He stated to make room for four additional lots, and accommodate the loop-street design, one-third (24) of the residential lots decreased in lot width from 80 feet to 75 feet. He also stated staff examined plans for recently constructed homes in Ravine Woods and found that they would be able to be built on 75-foot lots, causing no significant changes to the housing types of the neighborhood. He further stated the 75-foot wide lots are scattered throughout the development and not concentrated in one location. He stated the side yard setbacks do not change and buildings will not be any closer together than they are in the rest of the subdivision. He also stated due to the difficulties of developing this area, which are mentioned above, the following ordinance modifications are being requested as part of the Planned Unit Development for Ravine Woods Unit 3:

 Section 156.056(G)(2) – Minimum Lot Width: Variance from 80 foot minimum lot width to 75 feet on one-third of the lots. Site layout was revised to accommodate requests from the School District and Fire Department to remove cul-de-sacs, resulting in narrower lots.

 Section 154.33(B)(1): - Block Length: Variance from 1,200 block length. Site layout was revised to accommodate requests from the School District and Fire Department to remove cul-de-sacs, resulting in continuous loop street through the site.

 Appendix B – Minimum Standards for Street Design: Variance from maximum gradient of 6% for a minor street. The existing topography is steep, particularly along the eastern portion of the property. Providing a 6% maximum gradient will be difficult and result in excessive modifications to natural terrain.

 Section 53 – Storm Water Detention: Section 53.03(B) specifically exempts the Barr/Vav Subdivision (currently referred to as Ravine Woods) from the requirements of the Will County Stormwater Management Ordinance. In addition the annexation agreement specifies detention is not required for the development if it is exempt from the county ordinance. This is to remain in place with this new P.U.D.

He stated as this is only in the preliminary plat stage, the development will need to proceed through the final plat process with detailed engineering plans before the development can be fully approved. He also stated currently there is no builder identified to ultimately construct the homes. He further stated staff has been made aware of construction traffic concerns, by the residents of Ravine Woods and staff will examine options for traffic calming on Ravine Woods Dr. He stated due to the topography challenges, there is no feasible route for a second access point to the development.

Staff Findings: Staff finds that:

 The loop-street layout of the site is superior to the previously approved concept layout containing cul-de-sacs

 The addition of lots for the Park District is to the benefit of the Ravine Woods development, beyond unit 3 alone.

 The reduction in lot width to 75-feet on 24 of the lots does not change the nature of the development or the character of homes which will be built.

 The requested ordinance modifications are reasonable, considering the topographical and hydrological challenges with this site.

He stated the Planning and Zoning Commission of the Village of Channahon held a public hearing on August 13, 2018. He also stated several residents were in attendance at that meeting. Most of the resident concerns were due to the increase in traffic, especially construction traffic, which would be created by this additional unit. He further stated another item of interest was the location of the neighborhood park. He stated some residents felt it would be better suited to be located nearer to the entrance of Unit 3, so those that live in the current units would not need to walk through the construction of the new unit to get to the park. He also stated the developer has contended that the park site is in a location desired by the Park District. He stated following the public hearing, the Planning & Zoning Commission voted 5-0 to recommend the change to the P.U.D. and to approve the revised preliminary plat. He also stated after the PZC recommendation, time was taken to explore any other alternatives for the site design. He further stated ultimately, no arrangement was found to be a more favorable situation and the developer requested to resume the approval process. He stated it should be noted that pursuant to the Annexation Agreement of 2003, the developer appears to have the right to develop the land in accordance with the preliminary concept (the cul-de-sac version). He also stated it is of benefit to the Village and the Residents of Ravine Woods to make these changes in concept form and make the necessary modifications to ordinance for the orderly development of the land.

Michael Morman, resident of Ravine Woods, stated there has been a lot of discussion about adding another access point on that property and there is really no way to gain access. He stated he believes that, since the developer retains the right to develop the original 2003 plan, the fact that they are willing to try and create something far safer, in a loop design which he is proponent of. He stated he does think it is a lot more thoughtful than their original plan.

Mary Lou Plonczynski, resident of Ravine Woods, stated she believes many of you were present, at least at the Board level, during the previous meeting where many of the residents expressed concerns about the construction traffic that would occur and the fact that we only have one road in and out of Ravine Woods. She stated given the previous concerns and the investigations that have been done so far and have reported back to the residents, she is wondering if anyone has even explored the option of putting in any temporary construction bridges so that the construction traffic would not have to all be diverted down Ravine Woods Drive. She stated there are temporary construction bridges that various utility companies use, including ComEd, when they have to go into delicate land and environmentally sensitive lands and those bridges are either removed when the work is done or some Villages have more recently explored purchasing those types of bridges as permanent structures. She stated she would like to know if anyone has explored that option.

Petrick stated staff level has not explored that option because there is really no place for the bridge to connect to. He stated to the south there is the park district land, which has their plans moving forward with their construction project. He stated to the north and west you are outside of the Village of Channahon and you have to go through other people’s properties. He stated it really is a difficult place to develop even with putting in a bridge. He stated he didn’t know what the feasibility would be of a bridge being temporary over several years would be. He stated obviously this would not be able to all be built in one season. He further stated houses on 72 lots is going to take a few years to build out and he wasn’t sure of the feasibility of a temporary bridge for that amount of time or if it would be something the developer would even explore.

Mrs. Plonczynski stated she would request that be put as an action item for further exploration. She stated possibly lots that aren’t going to be built on until the end could be used. She also stated that it needs to be researched. She further stated she noticed recently that the trees on Ravine Woods Drive have been trimmed where as the trees in other parts of the subdivision have not been trimmed. She stated she was wondering if that is in preparation of this project.

Dolezal stated the recent trimming we did was at the request of the school district.

Mrs. Plonczynski stated she had previously shown the damage the construction trucks had done to some of the trees. She stated that even after the trimming the tree at the house next to hers, the sod truck came in and took a huge branch off the tree. She stated she thinks it’s prudent to think about the destruction that is going to happen in her neighborhood given the approval of this project.

Ed Siebert, resident of Ravine Woods, stated he did attend the public hearing and the major concern was secondary access to the unit. He stated he would like to propose the Board have the developer a stub connection, similar to what is in Phase 1 and 2 into the cornfield north of Phase 2. He stated it looks to him like it would be feasible to do that on lot 378 and that would give potential for a future secondary entrance into the new unit.

Petrick stated the park district owns the lake lots and the property to the north and west of Ravine Woods Unit 3 is under private ownership, outside of the Village of Channahon.

Mr. Siebert stated there are stub streets to the north in Phase 1 and Phase 2. He stated it looks to him that there is a potential to put a stub street on lot 378.

Durkin stated that is something we looked at after the last hearing as an option for another stub. He stated that does not guarantee anything because the property to the north has to develop.

Mr. Siebert stated he thinks it would be a good compromise for those people that had concerns about additional access to the proposed unit.

Durkin stated the park district would have to give up some property and some other things would need to be reconfigured. He stated that could be discussed again.

Trustee Slocum asked if the park district own all the way from Bell Road back to this area.

Petrick stated no they only own lot 382.

Trustee Slocum asked if the lake was part of Arroyo Trails.

Petrick stated no. The early plans of Arroyo Trails included this entire Unit 3 area of Ravine Woods, but the park district ultimately did not pursue ownership of it.

Mr. Siebert stated it looks like there are some future plans to develop that cornfield.

VP Moorman Schumacher stated she didn’t know if there were any plans since it is privately owned and outside of the Village. She stated she believes the owner has done some prairie restoration there, so she is not sure if he is planning on doing anything with it. She stated that is something that could be explored.

Mr. Siebert stated he would at least ask the Board to ask the developer to look into that and see if it was feasible.

Trustee Scaggs stated if another stub street is put in now, in the future it might be a second entrance if the property to the north developed but it wouldn’t alleviate any perceived problem right now.

Mr. Siebert stated he was not that concerned about the construction traffic but that was the big push from the public hearing for second entrance. He stated it’s obvious, due to the topography, that’s its not going to happen. He stated as a compromise, at least for future, there might be a chance for a second entrance.

VP Moorman Schumacher stated that is definitely something we can talk to the park district and the developer about.

Dominic Sanfilippo, resident of Ravine Woods, stated he’s not ignorant to the fact that this is going to go in here. He stated he would like to know what we could do to make it better for us. He stated we’ve talked about the sooner the development is completed, the better it will be. He stated by the time this park is in, his child will be able to drive there and he is 7 now. He also stated to make it better in the meantime would be better for all of us. He stated he would like to talk about things we can do as we’ve talked about everything we can’t do. He stated there was a speed sign up for a short time and he asked if there had been any kind of data on that. He stated he did think it is so much better, now that the construction traffic has stopped. It is like having a normal neighborhood again.

VP Moorman Schumacher asked Chief Casey if we had any traffic information from that speed sign.

Casey stated no, the location of the curve and some trees that were in the way obstructed the sign. He stated they could work with Public Works to install the sign in an area that was more advantageous to gather data and get some information from that. He stated he thinks with the construction season being over it would be in the spring before they did that.

Petrick stated the construction is mainly over with in that subdivision. He stated part of the request for that sign was for background data, with construction of only a couple of houses, there is not a significant amount of construction traffic. He stated the purpose of gathering the data now was to determine what it is like normally, as the construction traffic comes we can do a comparison, and that kind of gives you a formula to what to be able to outline what your solutions might be.

Trustee Slocum stated he thinks there big issue too is with the garbage and the upkeep of it.

Mr. Sanfilippo stated he agreed that speeds and garbage blowing through the area should be easy things to control. He stated obviously, we want it to be done. He stated he doesn’t want to forfeit his life so that it can be done. He stated it’s less than ideal with the layout with one access, but all he is asking for is some consideration for the residents.

Durkin stated Code Enforcement was providing weekly updates as to what was going on to the residents and we have continually monitored the activity in the area.

VP Moorman Schumacher stated we did met with the developer and discussed those things.

Mr. Sanfilippo stated it’s just unfortunate that time and time again it still continues. He stated hopefully that is part of the process moving forward, since it is the same landowner. He stated a lot of this stuff took the existing residents by surprise. He stated maybe the parts can all be set in place before this construction happens.

Trustee Scaggs asked when we hired that fulltime Code Enforcement Officer. Petrick stated he was hired at the end of last summer.

Trustee Scaggs stated that’s another thing to we have someone on full time, since the summer. He stated before that, maybe some things were missed and hoped this guy would be able to keep a closer eye on it.

Trustee McMillin stated part of the problem is when you have these guys slapping up houses is, they bring in 6 truckloads of dirt and they dump 4 of them in the street and then try and back the 5th one over the curb and it gets stuck. He stated he took a ride with Dolezal and they were dropping dirt over the inlets in the curb.

Mr. Sanfilippo stated anyone that goes there can see the things we see everyday.

Trustee McMillin stated to call in when you see that type of activity going on. He stated when we witnessed it firsthand; he doesn’t think anyone called it in that day. He stated no one really seemed to be too upset about it. He asked Mr. Sanfilippo to give him three things that would fix it for him.

Mr. Sanfilippo stated he would like to see the speed slowed down, some type of volume control for the amount of construction that is happening at one time and then just enforcing the basic codes, as far as garbage and trash. He stated heavy equipment is parked on lots for weeks, dumpsters showing up on properties for weeks, stones as big as your fist in the streets, and not getting flat tires. He stated he could give a whole list of things if he could go back through his e- mail.

Chris Ulm, resident of Ravine Woods, stated he moved into Ravine Woods in 2005. He stated he doesn’t know how the quantity of homes in Unit 2 compare to that in Unit 2.

Petrick stated it is probably very similar.

Mr. Ulm stated there was a lot of construction that he’s seen in Phase 2 for sure in the 13 years that he has been there. He stated it progresses and it all ends up just fine and you get your neighborhood. He stated one thing he keeps hearing, and he doesn’t want to get into a fight with his neighbors, is traffic calming. He stated they might not know it, but they do not want speed bumps. He also stated speed bumps will drop more dirt off of those trucks and these guys don’t care about how loud it is as they plow over it. He further stated for them it will turn into how fast can you get your car going before the next speed bump. It is not a safety thing.

VP Moorman Schumacher stated you bring up a good point, when Knapp Street bridge was under construction, we had rumble strips there to slow traffic down and that was the chief complaint from Indian Trails North was the noise.

Mr. Ulm stated he thinks that just calling it in when you see it, is the best traffic calming. He stated they will get the word after they get tickets.

VP Moorman Schumacher stated she would add to that to call when it’s happening. She stated when it is after the fact, or somebody doesn’t read the e-mail immediately, there is a non- emergency number to call dispatch and they will send somebody out right away. She stated that immediate action is important so we can be there while it’s happening.

Trustee Slocum stated he talked to Dolezal the other day regarding a couple of other streets. He stated we put in a couple street signs, a few years ago, that kind of got lost because of the cost of the signs and a couple Board Members not being in favor of them, but there is some cheaper technology out there that we can put up some flashing signs to show that they are speeding. He stated that could be something we could look into doing. He stated that he thinks they work, the one on Bell Road has been successful as well as the one on Navajo Road. He stated maybe we could move the one on Navajo Road and put it somewhere else.

VP Moorman Schumacher stated people start not seeing them when they have been there for a long time. She stated with the technological advances, they have come down significantly in price and they are more efficient and portable.

Mr. Morman stated he had looked at doing an acquisition of that land. He stated when he spoke to REO Solutions they had stated this is just a strict plat for them to turn around and resell it. He understood that Meadowbrook was not proceeding forward on that property. He also stated their biggest issue when they had looked at it was the overall infrastructure costs. He stated so anything that goes in there, they have it listed at $1.7 or $1.8 million right now on that property and the overall infrastructure costs was going to be astronomical because of the drop in the grade.

Petrick stated that item is a first read tonight and we don’t intend on waiving second read.

Discussion – Website Design and Development

Petrick stated on August 8, 2018, Village of Channahon staff issued a request for proposals for website design and development. He stated the Village received a total of eight (8) response proposals. He also stated staff evaluated the qualifications, references, and overall fit for the Village of Channahon, as well as the proposed scope and pricing submitted. He stated based on those evaluations, staff recommends CivicPlus as the top qualified vendor to redesign and host the Village website. He also stated CivicPlus was chosen to be the most qualified vendor for this project based on their experience, references, and features offered. He further stated CivicPlus is a leading national provider of municipal websites and software, and is able to scale with the Village as its technology requirements grow. He stated the current FY2018-2019 budget includes $30,000 for this project. He also stated the cost for development, data migration, and the first year of hosting as proposed by CivicPlus is $22,530. He stated this cost ranked as the 3rd most affordable of the 8 proposals reviewed. He further stated the two lower cost options both utilize WordPress as site language/architecture, which is what the Village of Channahon’s website currently uses. He stated staff recommends moving away from WordPress, as multiple 3rd party add-ons and plugins are required for the full desired functionality. He also stated this often causes instability and less than desirable performance from the website. He stated the least expensive proposal did not include hosting, which was required in the RFP. He also stated annual services (Year 2 and beyond) will be $4,850. He stated annual services include site hosting and security, software maintenance including service patches and system enhancements, 24/7 technical support and access to the CivicPlus Community, as well as an account manager. He stated annual services are subject to a cumulative annual 5% technology fee increase beginning Year 3. He also stated included with annual services is a site redesign every 4 years to keep the appearance current with evolving trends. He further stated as was outlined in the RFP, the Village is seeking to update its website in order to enhance the user experience, simplify content management, and provide better access to information and customer service to the community. He stated high standards for design quality and visual appeal are also required. He also stated the Village is also looking for the vendor to host the website in a secure data center, rather than a third-party site host as is utilized today. He further stated the current site hosting contract will expire in February 2019. He stated the proposal includes enterprise-level hosting with monitoring and continuous system updates. He also stated the Village will receive secure hosting, disaster recovery, and 24/7/365 maintenance and support. He stated the current website does not have maintenance or support, thus when problems arise staff is required to troubleshoot or contract with third-party vendors to troubleshoot, which leads to unexpected costs and downtime. CivicPlus also offers encryption of sensitive data and identity verification with an SSL Certificate which will protect user information (emails, names, addresses, online payment information, etc.).

VP Moorman Schumacher stated she did receive a comment from a resident, who said to make it easier to pay your water bill online.

Petrick stated there are a lot of things we would be able to start integrating, for example, sign-ups for garage sales. He stated those are the types of things we could start looking at once we have a more secure site.

Trustee Scaggs stated if we updated after the 4 years we wouldn’t have to start from the ground up?

Petrick stated no, it would more or less be an appearance refresh. He stated there is an annual fee for hosting the site along with support, which is $4,850 and in year 4 we get a brand-new site without having to pay an additional $22,530.

Trustee Slocum stated he noticed that some of them have pop-up ads. He asked if there was any way to get away from that.

Petrick stated there is no paid advertising on the site. He stated if you wanted to have an urgent pop-up for the Village, like pet tags are available this month, we could do that but there is nothing saying that we have to.

FINANCE DEPARTMENT

Presentation – April 30, 2018 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report by Miller Cooper

Wagonblott invited Betsy Allen, from Miller Cooper, to give a brief overview of the audit process.

Betsy Allen, representative from Miller Cooper, provided a brief overview of the audit process. She thanked Wagonblott and her staff, for making the audit process go very smooth again this year.

VP Moorman Schumacher stated she and Wagonblott have talked about the segregation of duties and since then have hired two new people in the Finance Department.

Wagonblott thanked Miller Cooper for the great job and being so easy to work with.

Discussion – Municipal Compliance Report – Channahon Police Pension Fund Discussion – May 1, 2018 Channahon Police Pension Fund Actuarial Report Discussion – Police Pension 2018 Tax Levy Demand Letter

Wagonblott stated these items co-mingle. She stated she will briefly go through the Municipal Compliance Report requirement. In May of 2008, House Bill 5088 was approved and required the Police Pension Funds to provide the Village Board with a Municipal Compliance Report. She stated that the purpose of this report is such that the Police Pension Board certifies to the Village Board the condition of the Pension Fund and at the end of its most recent fiscal year, the Compliance Report along with the Actuarial Report and the Tax Levy Demand Letter should be presented to the Village Board, each year. She stated the Channahon Police Pension Board retained an outside accounting firm to prepare the report, which is attached for your review. She also stated that Actuarial Report is also attached in addition to the Police Pension Tax Levy Demand Letter. She further stated the Municipal Compliance Report, was approved by the Pension Board at a Special Meeting held on October 29, 2018 and it summarizes the Actuarial Report into a smaller, condensed version stating the actual position of the Police Pension Fund. She also stated that as of fiscal year as of April 30, 2018, cash and investments totaling almost $8.9 million. In the preceding year this figure was $7.8 million, so the cash and investments increased about 13%, or over $1 million from the prior year to the current year. She further stated this was due to the property tax levy additions, as well as contributions from the Police Pension participants. She stated the statutory municipal contributions is only $548,531 and the recommended municipal contribution is $639,616 and that amount ties us into the actuarial report which is the other document presented this evening. She also stated Foster and Foster is the consultant who was engaged to prepare the Actuarial Report for the Police Pension Fund. She stated the funding valuation was performed to determine whether the assets and contributions are sufficient to provide the described benefits and to develop the appropriate funding requirements for the applicable plan year. She further stated the actual valuation was approved by the Channahon Police Pension Board on October 19, 2018 and the valuation itself was conducted in accordance with generally accepted Actuarial principles and practices including the applicable Actuarial standards and practices as issued by the Actuarial Standards Board and reflects laws and regulations issued to date pursuant to the provisions of Article 3 of the Pension Code, as well as applicable Federal laws and regulations. She directed the board to the notice that the recommended Village contribution is not much higher than the prior year contribution. She stated the prior year contribution was $636,304, which was levied by the Village Board on behalf of the Police Pension Fund and this is only $3,312 less than the current contribution that the Channahon Police Pension Fund is submitting in the Tax Levy Demand Letter. She stated the Actuarial Report for this levy year 2018 is $639,616. She stated that State Law recommends that the pension fund be 90% funded by the year 2040, so the amounts that are recommended by the Actuarial Report is keeping us on target with that goal..

Trustee Host asked when the last time a valuation was done like this. Wagonblott stated they are done annually.

POLICE DEPARTMENT

Discussion – An Ordinance Amending the Dangerous Dogs Ordinance of the Channahon Code of Ordinances to include a Provision Requiring Compliance with Restrictions Imposed by a Finding of a Dangerous Dog

Casey stated back in July of this year, we changed the Animal Ordinance to allow more participation of the animal owner to participate in any finding of a vicious dog. He stated they have had the new ordinance in place for a few months now and there is one deficiency. He stated this is housecleaning that will separate the vicious dog from the dangerous dog. He stated he would be looking to waive second read.

PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT

Discussion – 2018 Shoulder Maintenance Program Contract Change Order

Dolezal stated this change order represents final quantity adjustments resulting in a net increase of $764.43 to the original contract cost of $32,460, thus resulting in a new contract value of $33,224.43.

Discussion – Pump Replacement for Ravine Woods Lift Station (Revised)

Dolezal stated at the October 1, 2018 Board meeting, the replacement of a failed pump in the Ravine Woods Sanitary Pump Station was approved in the amount of $10,807.46. He stated as it turns out, although the quote indicated the pump would run on 230 volts, the pump was only available in a 460-volt configuration. He also stated a different pump was selected as described in the attached quote. He further stated the budget for replacing a pump in the Hunters Crossing Pump Station is $10,500; the intention is to defer that replacement to partially offset this expense.

Trustee Greco asked how they quoted the wrong pump.

Dolezal it was the right pump, but it wasn’t configured properly. He stated most motors you can choose by just moving some wire internally and that wasn’t possible with this one.

Discussion – A Resolution to Enter into an Agreement with A & R Logistics Inc. for Wastewater Disposal

Dolezal stated A & R Logistics is a trucking company located on Tabler Road. He stated they do generate some wastewater when they wash their trucks. He also stated they are looking for somewhere to take that. He stated we do have some agreements in place to take wastewater that have provided some wastewater analysis that are similar. He stated they are looking at providing the Village with lab analysis of this exact facility. He would like to approve this tonight contingent on the Public Works Director’s approval of the lab analysis results.

VP Moorman Schumacher asked if we were to build a Wastewater Treatment Facility out west would they hook on there then.

Dolezal stated yes, the sewer would have to be available to them. He stated they don’t generate the amount of wastewater to have them be able to fund a sewer to them. He stated they would bring it to a wastewater plant if they were still trucking it to our existing plant at that time.

Discussion – Southfield Church – Improvement Completion Guarantee Reduction Request

Dolezal stated in accordance with Subdivision and Development Regulations, the developer has requested a reduction to the improvement completion guarantee for improvements associated with Step 1 (Site Grading, Erosion & Sediment Controls, and Underground). He stated the reduced amount would equal the maximum allowable reduction to 20% of original guarantee amount. He also stated staff has inspected improvements and confirms they are not less than 95% complete.

Discussion – Purchase of Rock Salt for 2018-2019 Winter Season

Dolezal stated earlier in the year we had put in a requisition to be part of the bulk rock salt purchase. He stated the results of their bidding process has come in and the price is $66.52/per ton for salt. He also stated 1,800 tons with a guarantee that we would purchase 80% of that. He further stated we had budgeted $99,000 this year and that is enough to guarantee our 80% this year and a little more if needed. He stated he is looking for a motion to buy our salt from Cargo, not to exceed our budgeted amount of $99,000.

Trustee Greco asked if there was any salt left from last year. Dolezal stated we do.

Trustee Scaggs asked what was the price per ton last year. Dolezal stated approximately $53 per ton.

VP Moorman Schumacher stated that is a big jump, but not a bad as a few years back where it was $109/per ton, due to a shortage.

COMMUNICATIONS

PUBLIC COMMENT

Noé Perez, 24063 S. Burr Rd., Channahon, stated he was here today to talk about some safety issues and concerns that have been going on at an address in his neighborhood. He stated the address is 2431 S. Burr Rd. He stated this has been going on for 5 years and he believes there is a lot of drug activity at that address. He stated there has been a situation where grandsons of the owner have moved in and a lot of elements have followed them. He stated he sees constant drug deals in front of his home. He stated there are several neighbors that can attest to this. He stated they have kids that play in the cul-de-sac and they have come out and found used condoms in the gutter, along with other drug paraphernalia. He stated he has talked with Chief Casey and he would like to say, that he greatly appreciates the Channahon Police Department, they have been a complete blessing along with Trustee Greco. He stated some of the things he would like to bring up are the fact when they come and purchase these drugs out of this house and once the purchase is made, they exit the neighborhood fairly rapidly. He stated that have nearly hit his State vehicle multiple times. He stated that he used to play hockey with the neighborhood kids, which has since ceased for fear of one of kids being hit. He stated another thing he would like to discuss is that the neighbor and owner of the house, is aware of this and they have tried to address this with him on multiple occasions and it’s been met pretty aggressively. He stated he at times had to have an officer dispatched for threats. He stated again, the Channahon Police Department has always been spot on and he thanked them for their performance. He stated it is hard to rest at night, he is on 24 hour on call, he works for the State and blessed that he has a job, he oversees 900 miles of laneway. He stated when he gets called he is not allowed to say that he can’t make it. He stated his job is to serve and protect. He stated it is sometimes very difficult to leave and do this when he know that 20-feet from his back stoop there are 3-4 people out there doing drugs. He stated he is leaving his loved ones and family while this is occurring. He stated this is become too often and this homeowner has given them a refuge, a place where they are comfortable to not only come and purchase these drugs but also a place to use them. He stated the homeowner has completely encompassed the back deck with screens and walls, so that they can’t be seen but you can certainly smell it. He stated there are a lot of times where he would like to utilize his backyard but he opens his backdoor and can smell nothing but marijuana. He stated this is a problem and there has been a lot of underage drinking as well. He stated there have been times when people have come to purchase these drugs and have ended up in his driveway. He stated the scary thing is that his home resembles theirs and they both own red pickup trucks. He stated they’ve come to his home on several occasions wanting to buy drugs. He stated that he’s talked to the Police Department regarding that and that they have a plan in place if that occurs. He stated it’s happened too many times, once it too many and it’s happened more than once. He stated he has some neighbors that are so uncomfortable that they’ve come to him and stated that they have purchased firearms. He stated these neighbors are not trained and nor familiar with these firearms. He stated to him that is a very dangerous and scary situation. He stated if they don’t understand the firearm and respect it and aren’t properly trained that could be a very scary situation. He stated that bullets travel through drywall and that terrifies him. He stated he has loved ones along with everyone in the community; who also have loved ones. He thanked the neighbors who made an effort to come, to support this and made an effort to be here after long days of working midnights. He stated that some of the other neighbors could not be here because they are at the High School coaching some of the athletic programs right now and some aren’t here because they are working midnights right now. He stated they used to do a block party, and that was a great time, 3-4 of the neighbors have come to me and stated that they do not want to participate in the block party if this element is going to be there. He stated with all due respect to them and everyone on this block, we cannot segregate or separate. He stated that a large percent of them said they didn’t want to be a part of it, so we have now ceased the block party. He stated that breaks his heart because that is a tradition that they had done for quite a few years and it was a great time. He stated the elements that are coming to the neighborhood are not recognized. He stated we recognize who lives there, but these are people that don’t belong here. He stated we had a neighbor here three weeks ago who stepped away to help another neighbor, while he was away someone walked into his garage and attempted to enter his home. He stated that this neighbor has 3 babies and thankfully a pitbull. He stated the intruder heard the dog and exited abruptly. He stated now there are people going into garages, we have cars being broken into, we are finding drug paraphernalia – and its more than just marijuana, people nearly hitting State vehicles and people blowing stop signs, which Trustee Greco can attest to. He stated he is hoping that something can be done; it’s been 5 years that we have not felt comfortable. He stated he doesn’t see it changing; there is a delivery and then the traffic ramps up, you’ll see 6-8 exchanges in a day. He stated he cannot say enough about Chief Casey and the Police Department. He stated these kids are getting smart, they are now traveling through backyards at night. He stated they are now doing these drug exchanges at different parts of the neighborhood. He stated he is hoping that something can be done, it’s been 5 years of wondering if it’s going to be my house next, my family next. He stated these kids have no regard for the law and they have no respect and no remorse. He stated what concerns him the most is what happens when someone wants to take and possibly there are shots fired; there are a lot of kids in this neighborhood and a lot of good people. He’s hoping that something can be done; an outside resource or several officers or whatever plan could be put in place he’d like to lay his head down at night and know that this element is being dealt with aggressively. He stated this is a great community, he’s been here 17 years and a lot of these names are familiar. He stated that his sons have wrestled with Trustee McMillin’s sons. He stated he is not moving and he is not going to turn his back to this because once you turn your back it will start to grow. He appreciated the Board hearing him tonight and hopes that we can have this element eliminated from our community. He stated we do our part, some of the neighbors have bought expensive security systems. He hopes that we can all come together to make this a safer place to live. He thanked Chief Casey for his time and Trustee Greco for all of his support.

VP Moorman Schumacher stated thank you Mr. Perez and appreciates that he is a very eloquent spokesperson and she appreciates all of the neighbors coming here tonight. She stated we are all aware of the opiate and drug epidemic going on not just here. She stated that when she sees things going on next door that shouldn’t be, she calls dispatch even at 3 or 4 in the morning. She understand his plight and that we are limited by the law. The neighborhood is working with Chief Casey and the police department and she appreciates everyone’s willingness to do that and help come up with a plan. She stated there is no Board action that we can take in regard to that. She knows that the Police Department is working up there. She stated that his concerns are concerns of all of us. She stated we have all raised kids here and now grandkids and it is a huge concern for all of us.

Mr. Perez stated if there is anything the Board needs from him or any of the other concerned people, they are happy to do their part.

Chief Casey stated they have done some interdictions up there and they have gotten small quantities of marijuana out of vehicles. He stated they haven’t been able to get anyone to turn on who they are getting the drugs from and it is very difficult to get into someone’s home. He stated they have used tactics known to him to try and get closer to the home, but it is very difficult. He did state that there are people coming out of that home that possess a medical marijuana card. He stated that the odor of marijuana emanating from that backyard could be legal. He thinks that the police presence would have a hard time proving anything.

Mr. Perez stated we do our part, we know the car descriptions and the plates that are coming in and we’ve shared that with the Police Department.

VP Moorman Schumacher encouraged Mr. Perez to call 9-1-1 because the best time for them to be there is when it is happening.

Mr. Siebert, resident of Ravine Woods, asked if there had been any arrests of any individuals on the property.

Mr. Perez stated there have been multiple arrests. He stated again how much he appreciated the Police Department for keeping in communication and Trustee Greco how quickly he stepped up and looked into this.

Mr. Siebert asked in regards to medical marijuana are there any requirements for people that have those cards register with the city.

Casey stated the card is issued to a person, so if they are in a private residence they are able to consume cannabis, either smoking or edibles.

Mr. Perez stated he knows that the homeowner has stepped away, so with that he can guarantee the activity will ramp up. He stated they are very predictable and very bold.

Trustee Greco stated that the family dynamic is not the greatest.

Mr. Perez stated he is aware that the homeowner is away and believes the situation will become a free for all. He asked what point does it have to come to? Does someone need to get hurt?

Casey stated it is very frustrating for him as well. He stated he knows what’s going on but unfortunately it’s not what you know but what you can prove.

Mr. Siebert asked what can you do?

Casey stated it is what we are doing. He stated showing up and stopping cars, if we have a legal reason to stop the car. He stated the canine has been up there a couple times, if they have a legal reason to search the car.

Mr. Siebert expressed his concern that when you let type of activity go on for 5 years.

Casey stated we don’t let it go on.

Mr. Perez stated the homeowner is aware there is a problem but he turns a blind eye to it.

VP Moorman Schumacher encouraged the residents to keep in contact with our Police Department.

Karen Smith, resident of Channon Drive, stated that she came here tonight to thank the Board, not just the present Board, but past Board Members that have come and served and have really not got the recognition they deserved. She stated in regard to the donation boxes or clothing bins her suggestion would be to classify them as a vending machine. She stated that people do resell the items placed in the box and therefore she feels that it would fall under a vendor license permit and each box would have to have a tag and a permit that goes for $50 each. She stated that if one broke down and they bring another one in it would be another $50. She thinks it may cut down on them having so many in the area. She stated she would like the Board to consider, if they have to be put in fencing that they not be allowed to deface with graffiti. She stated her business is not allowed to have vandalism shown, she would have to clean it up, therefore if they are allowed to have fencing put up, they are not allowed to advertise. She stated she doesn’t want to be discriminated against; she has to have a license so she feels they should have a license as well.

Attorney Silverman stated that they would take a look at that.

EXECUTIVE SESSION

The Committee of the Whole was adjourned at 7:34 p.m.

http://files.channahon.org/public/BOARD_MTG/Minutes/2018/2018.11.05%20Comm%20Minutes.pdf