Village of Bolingbrook Mayor and Board of Trustees met July 14.
Here is the minutes provided by the board:
CALL TO ORDER:
The Regular Meeting of the Mayor and Board of Trustees of the Village of Bolingbrook was called to order at the hour of 8:00 p.m., in Bolingbrook, Illinois, by Mayor Roger C. Claar.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
Mayor Roger C. Claar requested Bolingbrook Battalion Chief Dan Graff and longtime Bolingbrook resident to lead the pledge to the Flag. Mayor Claar explained that Dan Graff attended the meeting to see the swearing in of a new Battalion Chief. This individual will be replacing him, as it will be Dan's last day on Wednesday, July 15th as an employee of the
Village of Bolingbrook:
Dan shared that he has been a full-time employee of the Village for 29 years. He started as a paid on-call firefighter in 1989. He added that his father George Graff also retired as a Battalion Chief. He was one of the original six that worked for the Bolingbrook Fire Department. George Graff started working for the Village in 1973 and was a resident since the early sixties. Dan indicated that it has been a true honor to be a part of the organization, serve the residents in community and work alongside all of the individuals within the organization. He currently teaches at the College of DuPage.
ROLL CALL:
Village Clerk, Carol S. Penning, called the roll:
Present were: Mayor Roger C. Claar, Trustees Maria A. Zarate, Michael T. Lawler, Mary Alexander Basta, Michael J. Carpanzano, Sheldon L. Watts and Robert M. Jaskiewicz
Also present were:
Village Clerk - Carol S. Penning, Village Attorney - Burt Odelson, Public Safety Director - Ken Teppel, Finance Director - Rosa Cojulun, Director of Public Services & Development - Lucas Rickelman, Deputy Police Chief - Michael Rampa and Deputy Fire Chief - Trinidad Garza
Absent: None
JOURNAL OF PROCEEDINGS:
Motion Basta, second Lawler to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of June 23, 2020 as submitted by the Village Clerk.
Voice vote. Motion carried.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA/ADDITIONS:
Mayor Claar requested that the order of the Ordinance be changed so that the following Ordinance would be discussed last.
Ordinance 19-093 - Amending Chapters 2, 3, 13 and 19 of the Municipal Code Regarding Administration of the Executive Department- (For Discussion Only):
Burt Odelson, Village Attorney indicated that he had no additions or deletions for the agenda.
Motion Carpanzano, second Watts to approve the agenda as amended. Voice vote. Motion carried.
APPROVAL OF APPOINTMENTS - BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS: None
PRESENTATIONS: None
PROCLAMATIONS: None
PUBLIC HEARING: None
REPORTS OF OFFICERS:
PROMOTIONS/SWEARING IN:
MAYOR CLAAR ADMINISTERED THE OATH OF OFFICE TO THE FOLLOWING
INDIVIDUALS:
Fire Department:
Appointments:
Joseph Fagan - Battalion Chief
Mark Buettner - Lieutenant
Mayor Claar provided background information on both individuals. Joseph Fagan and Mark Buettner introduced their family members.
Members of the Fire and Police Board that were in attendance: Chair Major Jones, Vice-Chair Gretchen Schroeter, Talat Rashid, Prim Lalvani, Sandra Baldassano and Ray Macri
Also present were:
Public Safety Director Ken Teppel and Deputy Fire Chief Trinidad Garza
Mayor Claar provided details on the duties of the Fire and Police Board. He indicated that they are a board, which follows the rules and guidelines of the Illinois State Statutes. The Mayor appoints members of the Fire and Police Board with the approval of the Village Board.
The Fire and Police Board interviews prospective firefighters and police officers. They conduct the testing and make sure the physical agility and written tests are taken. In addition, they conduct interviews of all applicants and establish a hiring list. That list is good for two years and then they start the process over again. It is a very tedious and time demanding job. He thanked each of the members of the Fire and Police Board for their service. 2 Bd. Min. 07.14.20
PUBLIC COMMENTS REGARDING ITEMS BEFORE THE BOARD THIS EVENING:
Bolingbrook resident, David Startek, who resides on Bethel Avenue, which faces east of the new Kings Road extension had a specific question regarding the inconsistency of the speed limit. He shared that north of Hassert Boulevard the speed limit is 30 miles per hour and south of Hassert Boulevard the speed limit is 40 miles per hour.
Mayor Claar indicated that Mr. Startek raises a valid point and that the speed limit should be consistent. He directed Director of Public Services Lucas Rickelman to meet with David Startek to discuss his request and come up with a resolution.
BILL APPROVAL:
Motion Watts, second Jaskiewicz to approve expenditures submitted as Bill Listing A - Payables in the amount of $510,897.18. Bill Listing B - Pre-Paids in the amount of $3,635,198.54, totaling $4,146,095.72. (Copies were made available in the Finance Department and the Village Clerk's Office.)
ROLL CALL:
Yea 6 Zarate, Lawler, Basta, Watts, Carpanzano, Jaskiewicz
Nay 0 None
Absent 0 None
Motion carried.
MOTIONS:
MOTION TO AMEND THE START TIME FOR THE JULY 28, 2020 REGULAR BOARD MEETING FROM 8:00 P.M. TO 7:00 P.M.
Motion Lawler, second Basta to accept a motion to amend the start time for the July 28, 2020 regular board meeting from 8:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
The Village has published a number (4) of Public Hearings and Annexations, which are going to add to the agenda for the July 28th meeting. There will also be a number of business items.
Therefore, the staff has requested the starting time be moved to 7:00 p.m.
ROLL CALL:
Yea 6 Zarate, Lawler, Watts, Basta, Carpanzano, Jaskiewicz
Nay 0 None
Absent 0 None
Motion carried.
RESOLUTONS: None
ORDINANCES:
ORDINANCE 20-026
PROVIDING FOR THE ISSUANCE OF NOT TO EXCEED $52,500,000 GENERAL OBLIGATION REFUNDING BONDS IN ONE OR MORE SERIES OF THE VILLAGE OF BOLINGBROOK, WILL AND DUPAGE COUNTIES, ILLINOIS, AND PROVIDING FOR THE LEVY AND COLLECTION OF A DIRECT ANNUAL TAX FOR THE PAYMENT OF THE PRINCIPAL OF AND INTEREST ON SAID BONDS - SUBJECT TO ATTORNEY APPROVAL
Motion Basta, second Watts to pass an ordinance providing for the issuance of not to exceed $52,500,000 general obligation refunding bonds in one or more Series of the Village of Bolingbrook, Will and DuPage Counties, Illinois, and providing for the Levy and collection of a direct annual tax for the payment of the principal of and interest on said bonds - subject to Attorney Approval.
This Ordinance authorizes the issuance of up to $52,500,000.00 General Obligation Bonds to refinance portions of existing 2013 and 2014 G.O. issued bonds. There is no new debt being issued. Additionally, the Village is authorizing the use of $8 million from fund balances in the Westside Regional Stormwater Fund ($5 million) and General Corporate Fund ($3 million) to pay down debt. These funds come from the sale of vacant land around the Golf Course, lots in Americana Estates and stormwater contributions. The present value savings of the refinancing was estimated at 7.825% and the savings would be $9,936,136.00. The Village's current outstanding debt (principal) is $284,225,000.00. After the refinance, the Village's outstanding debt will be reduced to $249,795,000.00. This is a long-term debt reduction of $34,430,000.00. Provided the municipal market stays stable, the closing should occur in early September 2020. This Ordinance is being passed subject to attorney approval so the Village can make sure all of the parameters mentioned above are met when the bonds go to market.
Mayor Claar outlined what the debt originally provided for including the many improvements and projects for the residents of Bolingbrook as follows:
The debt provided for the west stormwater land acquisition, the stormwater around Arcadia Court, Hastert Boulevard from Weber Road to Essington Road, the Westside stormwater grading excavation, the Public Works building, the construction of Fire Stations Four and Five, Crossroads Parkway, Kings Road to 95th Street, Remington Boulevard extension, Veterans Parkway, Royce Road, Northeast Frontage Road traffic signals in numerous locations,
Historic Bolingbrook sidewalks and street lights that residents in the historic part of Bolingbrook requested, Fire Station Three renovations, Town Center improvements, the Citizens Utilities lagoon and stormwater where Meyer Park is now located, which used to be a lagoon with a sewage treatment plant, Janes Avenue improvements, Lily Cache Lane expanded to four lanes, the addition to the Police Department, the renovation of the Community Center and the King Road roundabout improvements. He mentioned that he listed just some of the bigger projects and that is why the debt was structured to provide for the infrastructure of Bolingbrook.
Mayor Claar added that it was designed to be paid down as we collected revenues off the stormwater plan, and we are doing exactly what we said we would do. He stated that he was extremely proud that the debt has been reduced from over 300 million down to 249 million and will continue to be reduced in future years.
Trustee Watts commented that it took Mayor Claar, the staff and the legal team a lot of time structuring this refinance. He added that the Mayor and the Board would take every opportunity to refinance the debt and find savings. This is another great example of that with over nine million dollars in savings. He thanked the Mayor and staff for their diligence in structuring the refinance.
4 Bd. Min. 07.14.20
ROLL CALL:
Yea 6 Zarate, Lawler, Watts, Basta, Carpanzano, Jaskiewicz
Nay 0 None
Absent 0 None
Motion carried.
ORDINANCE 20-027
AMENDING CHAPTER 13 OF THE MUNICIPAL CODE AND DECREASING CLASS "A" FROM THREE (3) TO TWO (2) AND INCREASING CLASS "D" FROM SEVENTEEN (17) TO EIGHTEEN (18)- HOLIDAY INN
Motion Jaskiewicz, second Basta to pass an ordinance amending Chapter 13 of the Municipal Code and decreasing class "A" from three (3) to two (2) and increasing class "D" from seventeen (17) to eighteen (18)- Holiday Inn.
Holiday Inn at 205 Remington Boulevard has had a Class "A" liquor license since they opened. Class "A" licenses are what are called "bar or tavern" licenses. The hotel has submitted a request to convert that license to a Class "D" (full service) license, which is what other hotels have. This Ordinance decreases the Class "A" liquor licenses from three (3) to two (2) and increases the Class "D" licenses from seventeen (17) to eighteen (18) to reflect the change.
ROLL CALL:
Yea 6 Zarate, Lawler, Watts, Basta, Carpanzano, Jaskiewicz
Nay 0 None
Absent 0 None
Motion carried.
ORDINANCE 20-028
AMENDING CHAPTER 13 OF THE MUNICIPAL CODE AND INCREASING CLASS "D-2" FROM TWENTY (20) TO TWENTY-ONE (21) - MANDY'S SOUL FOOD KITCHEN, LLC: Motion Watts, second Carpanzano to pass an ordinance amending Chapter 13 of the Municipal Code increasing class "D-2" from twenty (20) to twenty-One (21) - Mandy's Soul Food Kitchen, LLC.
Mandy's Soul Food Kitchen is relocating from the Indian Oaks Plaza on Route 53 to 151 E. Boughton Road. The restaurant has applied for a Class "D-2" liquor license. This license requires 60% food sales and is what most of the other restaurants have. This Ordinance increases the number of full service Class "D-2" licenses from twenty (20) to twenty-one (21) to accommodate the request.
ROLL CALL:
Yea 6 Zarate, Lawler, Watts, Basta, Carpanzano, Jaskiewicz
Nay 0 None
Absent 0 None
Motion carried.
ORDINANCE 19-093
AMENDING CHAPTERS 2, 3, 13 AND 19 OF THE MUNICIPAL CODE REGARDING ADMINISTRATION OF THE EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT - (FOR DISCUSSION ONLY):
This Ordinance would convert the Office of the Mayor from a full-time to a part-time position.
The change would be effective with the Consolidated Election in April of 2021. The salary for part-time Mayor would be $35,000.00 a year and would include the duties of Alcohol and Tobacco Commissioner. Trustee salary would be $16,625.00 and the Clerk salary would be $24,000.00. The Clerk's position will be a part-time elected position. All salaries would be adjustable annually based on the consumer price index (CPI). The Ordinance will also reestablish the Village Administrator position and formalize the Deputy Mayor position with a
5% stipend over the Trustee salary. Note: Terms and conditions of office cannot be changed during the current term of office and changes must be approved at least one hundred-eighty days (180) prior to an election.
Mayor Claar reiterated the overall reasons for this ordinance. He also added that the Mayor and Village Clerk will be required a minimum of six hours per week presence at Village Hall.
Mayor Claar added that the next position, the clerk will not be a village employee other than the position of part-time elected clerk.
Mayor Claar shared that a new reorganization plan of the administration below that of the Mayor and Board has been presented to the trustees. The details of that plan will be released later in the week for general public consumption. There will be the establishment of coadministrators which is a unique solution, but was well received by the trustees. The reorganization will take place the first of August.
QUESTIONS FROM AUDIENCE/PRESS:
TRUSTEE COMMENTS AND REPORTS:
TRUSTEE ZARA TE
Provided details for the following event: In Lieu of our Annual "Christmas in July" Event, Heart Haven OutReach (H2O) presents the "ANYTIME GOLF TOURNAMENT" at the Bolingbrook Golf Club. H2O's Annual Fundraiser "Give the Gift of Hope to Teens". Learn more and register at https://hearthavenoutreach.org/golf/. Local teens are struggling with feelings of hopelessness and they need to be reminded, now more than ever, that they are lovable, capable and worthwhile. Your support through this golf event gives H2O the ability to create safe places for teens to build relationships, find support, and have fun while feeling cared for and valued. Please join H2O for a BBQ Celebration and Golf Awards on the evening of Thursday, September 3rd at the Bolingbrook Golf Club.
Shared information on Census 2020 - Bolingbrook Counts. Today, more than ever before, we need to count everyone living in the Village of Bolingbrook in order to ensure that our community receives critical resources and accurate representation. Regardless of your legal status, your religion, how many are in your family, or who is part of it, we all count in Bolingbrook! It only takes a few minutes to fill out the census. Visit: my2020census.gov or call (844) 330-2020 as they are available from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. seven days a week. She then shared this important information in Spanish.
TRUSTEE LAWLER
Reiterated that this is construction season. Residents can see the roads that are under construction for this summer on the Village's website. Please be advised that street resurfacing work on Boughton Road between Kings Road and Naperville Plainfield Road has started. The work will be completed within two to three weeks. There will be occasional lane closures during normal work hours (Monday through Friday) while Boughton Road is being resurfaced. After work hours there will not be any lane closures and Boughton Road will be open. We encourage motorists to take an alternate route if possible and/or allow extra time to travel through this area.
Shared that tomorrow night starts the first, in a series of concerts sponsored the Village of Bolingbrook. Last week we completed the first six concerts that were sponsored by the Bolingbrook Park District. We continue to practice social distancing behavior. The Hill is marked off indicating proper separation and spacing. We request that you keep your distance in between other parties. This has worked out well. Last week, we had a good sized crowd and residents wore face coverings. The concerts always start at 7:30 p.m. and go until 9:00 p.m. You can gather on the Hill, there are chairs provided or you can bring your own chairs.
There will be food and beverages available.
TRUSTEE BASTA
Shared that there is an urgent need for blood donations. There are several blpod drives coming up over the next few weeks as follow:
August 1: Knights of Columbus Council 11092 is hosting a drive at Bolingbrook Fire Department (Station 5) - Details: https://donate.illinois.versiti.org
August 14: Mobile Drive at the Fountaindale Public Library in Bolingbrook - Details: https://donate.illinois.versiti.org
August 28: The American Red Cross and the Community Service Council will be hosting a Bolingbrook community blood drive. This will be their second blood drive from 10:00 a. m. to 3:00 p.m.
Provided important information on the Village of Boling brook's cooling centers. First of which is the Bolingbrook Community Center 201 Canterbury Lane, two at the Promenade as follows: building 400 behind Barnes and Noble, as well as building 700 across from Rock Bottom and at Bolingbrook Fire Station number four. Lastly, she indicated that back by popular demand, is that Coffee with the Chiefs will be returning on August 4th. Please stay tuned for more details on locations and times.
TRUSTEE WATTS
Shared information from the Bolingbrook STEM Association. They will be offering a summer break STEM camp. It will be virtual. It will take place Monday, July 20th through Friday, July 24th. The STEM camp will be one full week, one-hour session per day. Students will learn about Python. They will learn HTML, the basic concepts on the front end of creating a website.
This will be for ages nine to eighteen. It will be published soon on the Bolingbrook STEM Association Facebook page. Please look up Bolingbrook STEM Association or the website@bolingbrookstem.org.
Trojan Football and Cheer are offering three training camps every Wednesday and Friday in July from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. They will be exercising safety guidelines and all participants must sign a COVID waiver. Please email BBtrojans@gmail.com for more information. Lastly, shared information on the Will County's new free electronic drop-off program location in Bolingbrook. That location is 301 Recreation Drive here in Bolingbrook. It is held on the first and third Tuesdays from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. They do have some COVID requirements. Participants must remain in their vehicles at all times and you will be asked to show an ID by holding it to the window for staff to see. All electronic items are accepted. They can be broken or obsolete, but they ask that you please remove batteries before dropping off the items.
TRUSTEE CARPANZANO
Shared that the Street Market at the Promenade Bolingbrook had to take a week off due to some weather issues, but they are back every Thursday from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. There is not an official concert series, but there will be live music going on while you browse the Street Market. There aren't any chairs set up, but you can definitely bring your own if you want. They are encouraging social distancing and face coverings. The Street Market will run through September 3rd. The music will play acoustically from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. He provided information on the mobile food pantry, which will be held at the Bolingbrook Church tomorrow, July 15th from 10:00 a.m. to 11 :30 a.m. They are located at 301 E. Boughton Road. He congratulated the new Fire Department appointments and sent out a big congratulations on a well-served career to retiring Battalion Chief Dan Graff.
TRUSTEE JASKIEWICZ
Shared that the all the food pantries in Bolingbrook need help, support and donations. This would include, DuPage Township, the mobile pantries, etc. They all could use food, monetary donations and volunteers - whatever service you could provide to help those in need in our community.
Provided information on the August 22nd Bolingbrook Chamber of Commerce's Annual Taste of Bolingbrook. It was scheduled for August 8th , but they decided to delay ii and move it to later in the month. It is now scheduled for August 22nd at the Promenade. It is always a good lime. We know our restaurants have struggled during this period of time over the last three to four months. He encouraged residents to get out and support the restaurants by buying tickets, eating at their locations and attend this fun event.
Mayor Claar pointed out that a question came up on Facebook and the information shared was incorrect. It was in reference to the need to issue more General Obligation Bonds. He stated that the Village will not be issuing more bonds for the debt to pay for the water lines when the lawsuit against Illinois American is completed.
He specifically said that our General Obligation Bonds, which are the full faith and credit of the Village of Bolingbrook; the water fund is based on Revenue Bonds and on the water usage, not on the full faith and credit of the assessed valuation of individual homeowners.
Therefore, those are Revenue Bonds and those bonds will be issued by the Northern Illinois Water Agency, which is a combination of Lemont, Woodridge, Romeoville, Homer Glen and Bolingbrook. Mayor Claar restated that the Village will not need to issue any more General Obligation Bonds.
8 Bd. Min. 07.14.20
EXECUTIVE SESSION: None
ADJOURNMENT:
Motion Basta, second Lawler to adjourn the meeting.
Voice vote. Motion carried and meeting adjourned at 8:43 p.m.
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