Village of Elwood Village Board met Sept. 1.
Here are the minutes provided by the board:
The Regular Meeting of the Village Board of Trustees, Village of Elwood, at 7:00 PM, was called to order by Village President Doug Jenco.
Role Call
Present: Village Board President Doug Jenco, Village Board Trustees: Ron Schmidt, Jodie Bertucci, Michael Varman, Darryl Lab, and Kendy Elberson
Also, Present: Village Administrator/Village Clerk Julie Friebele, Police Chief Fred Hayes, Director of Public Works Larry Lohmar, and Attorney Jordan Kielian
Not Present: Village Board Trustee: Tricia Maas
The Meeting Opened with the Pledge to the Flag
Presentations and Public Hearings
No presentations or public hearings were held.
Public Comments – Pertaining to Agenda Items
Members of the audience did not have public comments pertaining to agenda items.
Consent Agenda
A motion was made by Trustee Bertucci to approve the Consent Agenda as follows:
Presentation of Minutes – August 11, 2021
Presentation of Closed Session Minutes – August 11, 2021 (Not for Release)
Presentation of Bills – Paid Invoice Report July 27, 2021 through August 10, 2021 in the amount of $28,573.11.
Presentation of Bills – Paid Invoice Report August 12, 2021 through August 23, 2021 in the amount of $326,657.68.
Presentation of Bills – Unpaid Invoice Report in the amount of $205,274.50.
Trustee Schmidt seconded the motion. A vote was called: Trustee Lab – yes, Trustee Varman – yes, Trustee Elberson – yes, Trustee Bertucci – yes, Trustee Schmidt – yes. The motion carried.
REPORTS & COMMUNICATIONS FROM VILLAGE OFFICIALS
Administration – Village Administrator Julie Friebele
July 2021 Financial Report
The July 2021 Financial Report prepared by Finance Director Robbie Day was presented to the Village Board for review. The report represents the Village of Elwood’s year to date revenues, expenses, and end of the month fund cash balances.
An Ordinance Levying and Extending a Special Tax in the Village of Elwood Special Service Area 1 for Tax Year 2021 In 2003 the Village adopted Ordinance No. 738 establishing Special Service Area Number 1 (SSA) and the tax rate of method set forth in Ordinance No. 735. Due to the development the Village incurs additional expenses. The annual SSA ordinance contains a special tax roll and report which provides for the special tax to be levied and extended within the area on a basis that provides a rational relationship between the amount of the tax levied against each lot, block, tract, and parcel of land in the SSA. The special services generally consist of law enforcement, street and streetscape maintenance, storm water management, and administration expenses. The law enforcement services are necessary to meet the increased demand resulting from the development. The public streets are maintained, and the retention and or detention areas that are integral to the storm water management system within the SSA. Taxesfortax year 2021 shall be leviedandextended inthe SSA and shall become a lien upon the property as provided by law within theSSA in the amount of $1,031,684 as set forth in the 2021 tax year special tax roll. Such taxes shall be in addition to all other taxes levied upon the property, shall be billed directly by the Village, shall be due thirty (30) days after mailing and, ifnot paid,shall beforeclosed as provided by law. A motion was made by Trustee Lab to adopt an Ordinance Levying and Extending a Special Tax in the Village of Elwood Special Service Area 1 for Tax Year 2021. Trustee Elberson seconded the motion. A vote was called: Trustee Lab – yes, Trustee Varman – yes, Trustee Elberson – yes, Trustee Bertucci – yes, Trustee Schmidt – yes. The motion carried.
An Ordinance Authorizing the Execution of a Development and Special Use Agreement
Pursuant to a Bond Refinance and Special Use Agreement dated December 9, 2020, the Village and CenterPoint refunded and reissued the series 2010B Bond (the 2021 Bond) and by doing so reduced the Village’s bond debt in the amount of $2.4 million. CenterPoint is the 2021 General Obligation Bond owner with a current Principal amount of approximately $4.2 million. CenterPoint filed an application with the Village to issue a Special Use Permit for Planned Unit Development to allow dray storage and 5-high stacking and storage of containers, trailer beds, and chassis on the property generally located at the Northwest corner of the intersection of Noel and Patterson Roads. CenterPoint shall pay a one-time payment Special Use fee to the Village in the form of a credit to payments on the 2021 Bond in the total amount equal to the outstanding principal and interest due on the 2021 bond of approximately $4.2 million. CenterPoint will cooperate with the Village and our Bond Counsel to coordinate the redemption of the 2021 Bond releasing the Village’s 2021 Bond debt and obligation to levy any taxes with respect to the 2021 Bond. This agreement is contingent upon the adoption of the Ordinance Approving a Special Use for the Planned Unit Development known as Container Yard No. 5 (CY5). A motion was made by Trustee Elberson to adopt an Ordinance Authorizing the Execution of a Development and Special Use Agreement. Trustee Lab seconded the motion. A vote was called: Trustee Lab – yes, Trustee Varman – yes, Trustee Elberson – yes, Trustee Bertucci – yes, Trustee Schmidt – yes. The motion carried.
An Ordinance Approving a Special Use for Planned Unit Development to Allow a Container/Dray Storage Facility and for Certain Exceptions to the Elwood Zoning Ordinance With Respect Thereto
On August 24, 2021, the Planning & Zoning Commission held a public hearing regarding the Land Use Application and an Application for a Special Use Permit submitted by CenterPoint Joliet Terminal Railroad LLC for the issuance of a Special Use Permit for a Planned Unit Development in the I-3 Zoning District to provide for the use of a Container Storage Facility and a Chassis / Dray Storage Facility allowing stacking of Containers, trailer beds and chassis up to five (5) high. The property consists of approximately 123.965 acres generally located: at the Northwest corner of the intersection of Noel and Patterson Roads, Elwood, IL.
The Plan Commission recommended approval of the issuance of a Special Use Permit for the Planned Unit Development Property consisting of approximately 123.97 acres described in the Application, which is already annexed to the Village. The recommendation is made to include the conditions set forth below and any other conditions set forth in the Commission Record.
The Plan Commission recommended a Special Use for a Container and Dray Storage Facility, with Container Storage up to five (5) high as an allowable Special Use in conjunction with the Planned Unit Development and makes the following findings:
1. The Special Use/PUD (“Special Use”) for a Dray Storage Facility with Cargo Storage Container Stacking up to five (5) high are permitted through the Planned Unit Development will be compatible with the existing development and will not impede the normal and orderly development and improvement of surrounding property.
2. The Facility will be sized adequately to support the proposed uses.
3. The Storage Areas will be of adequate size for the particular use and properly located, and the entrance and exit drives will be laid out so as to prevent traffic hazards and nuisances.
4. In all respects, the Special Use will not be significantly or materially detrimental to the health, safety and welfare of the public or injurious to other property or improvements in the neighborhood, nor will it diminish or impair property values in the surrounding area.
5. That buffering and screening will be provided in conformance with the Preliminary Landscape Plan. The Plan Commission recommends the approval of a Special Use Permit for a Planned Unit Development and has considered the purpose of a Planned Unit Development as set forth in the Village Zoning Ordinance. The PUD is recommended in conformance with the Application of Centerpoint Joliet Terminal Railroad LLC. The Plan Commission finds that the PUD meets the standards for a Planned Unit Development as set forth in the Zoning Ordinance.
The exceptions to the Ordinance requested are warranted, and will not have a negative effect. After hearing testimony and other evidence, the Plan Commission makes the following findings of fact in support of its finding that the proposed Planned Unit Development meets the public interest and otherwise conforms with the Zoning Ordinance:
The PUD Plan proposed is consistent with the stated purpose of the Planned Unit Development Regulations and meets the standards for a Planned Unit Development as set forth in the Village Zoning Ordinance in that:
A. The Plan allows the project to develop in conformance with the proposed Concept Plan to provide flexibility to react to market conditions.
B. The Plan will promote the public good.
C. The Plan meets or exceeds the requirements and standards of the Planned Unit Development regulations. D. The Plan departs from the zoning and subdivision regulations to the extent set forth in the Application and the departures are deemed in the public interest to further the Planned Unit Development purpose. E. The proposed project will be adequately provided with utilities and the processes for controlling traffic as set forth in the Application and the testimony.
F. The project will be compatible with adjacent properties and the neighborhood through the use of landscaping and other matters as set forth in the Application and the evidence.
G. The project conforms with the intent and spirit of the Comprehensive Plan.
The Plan Commission has also considered all evidence presented at the Public Hearing and the factors and standards as set forth in the Village Zoning Ordinance to make the recommendations as set forth herein. The Plan Commission recommends the following conditions/requirements for the Special Use and Planned Unit Development:
1. Compliance with the conditions set forth in the PUD Ordinance and any other conditions required by the President and Board of Trustees.
2. The requested and recommended Exceptions to the Zoning Ordinance are as set forth on Exhibit “A” to the PUD ordinance are recommended for approval and should be complied with.
A motion was made by Trustee Lab to adopt an Ordinance Approving a Special Use for Planned Unit Development to Allow a Container/Dray Storage Facility and for Certain Exceptions to the Elwood Zoning Ordinance With Respect Thereto. Trustee Elberson seconded the motion. A vote was called: Trustee Lab – yes, Trustee Varman – yes, Trustee Elberson – yes, Trustee Bertucci – yes, Trustee Schmidt – yes. The motion carried.
A Resolution for Maintenance of Streets and Highways in the Amount of $9,000
Each year, the Village appropriates money from its Motor Fuel Tax (MFT) account for, the maintenance of streets and highways. In 2019 the Village adopted Resolution No. 2019-03 to appropriate money for rock salt and calcium chloride in the amount of $37,500. The purchase of the rock salt was in the amount of $46,317.04 which was $8,817.04 over the appropriated amount. To be in compliance with the Illinois Department of Transportation regarding the spending of the additional MFT funds the Village now must appropriate an additional $9,000. A motion was made by Trustee Varman to adopt a Resolution for Maintenance of Streets and Highways in the Amount of $9,000. Trustee Elberson seconded the motion. A vote was called: Trustee Lab – yes, Trustee Varman – yes, Trustee Elberson – yes, Trustee Bertucci – yes, Trustee Schmidt – yes. The motion carried.
Elwood Fire Protection District Request for a Reduction in Building Permit Fees
On June 2, 2021 the Village adopted Ordinance No. 1145 granting the Elwood Fire Protection District two (2) variances for an “Accessory Structure”. The building permit application was received and the building permit process was completed.
The building permit fees were calculated according to Village Code 160.11 Ordinance no. 1143 as follows:
• Building Permit Fee of 2% based on the cost of the project which is $2,073,000 = $41,460.00
• Certificate of Occupancy Fee $100
• Building Plan Review Fee (B&F Technical) $1,778.87
• Administrative Fee (B&F Technical) $3,324.80
• Misc. Commercial Inspection Fee (B&F Technical) $2,106.12
• Total permit fee billed in the amount of $48,769.79
Fire Chief Offerman requested a reduction in building permit fees.
Staff recommended to reduce the cost of the building permit fees by waiving the Village’s 2% fee in the amount of $41,460.00 and the Certificate of Occupancy Fee in the amount of $100. All other fees are billed directly to the Village on behalf of the Elwood Fire Protection District therefore should not be waived. A motion was made by Trustee Elberson to reduce the cost of the building permit fees by waiving the Village’s 2% fee in the amount of $41,460.00 and the Certificate of Occupancy Fee in the amount of $100. Trustee Lab seconded the motion. A vote was called: Trustee Lab – yes, Trustee Varman – yes, Trustee Elberson – yes, Trustee Bertucci – yes, Trustee Schmidt – yes. The motion carried.
Police Department – Chief Fred Hayes
During the Month of July 2021
The Elwood Police Department responded to 371 calls for service. For more details concerning the types of calls, residents can visit the Village of Elwood website.
Police officers issued a total of 95 citations:
• Local Citations (O.V.) 3
• State Citations 101
• Overweight Violations (9)
• Monthly Total 104
• 2021 Year to Date Total 1249
Arrest Report Summary:
• Traffic Arrests 3
• Warrant Arrests 1
• Criminal 2
• Monthly Total 6
• Year to Date Total 107
TRAINING REPORT: ALL ONLINE CLASSES
OFFICER CLASS DATE Hours
Anthony Lohmar Incident Command ICS 300 7/12-14/2021 24
Anthony Lohmar Incident Command ICS 400 7/15-16/2021 16
Ken Jaburek Juvenile Delinquency Update 7/14/2021 8
Anthony Lohmar ALICE Instructor 7/21-22/2021 16
Total Training Hours: 64
Mayor Jenco commended Chief Hayes on how the Elwood Police Department handled the recent shooting and arrest in the Village of Elwood. It was outstanding police work, and we are proud of you and your team.
Public Works – Director of Public Works Larry Lohmar
Ditch Located Between Railroad Property and Laurel Road
Public Works installed a 12” pipe at the outlet of the ditch located between the railroad property and Laurel Road in an effort to help drain the area when heavy rains occur. We will seed and blanket the disturbed area. The Village cleaned up the area, but it is the homeowner's responsibility to keep it maintained.
Village Hall Emergency Generator
The Village is waiting on Caterpillar to schedule the start up.
Village Hall Roof
The materials are ordered to replace the Village Hall roof. We are waiting on delivery.
Village Hall Airconditioning
The Village has ongoing concerns with the airconditioning units and is in the process of getting bids to install new units for the Village Hall.
Public Works Building 3
Public Works repaired the wall that was blown in by the past storm.
Sweeper
The road sweeper is repaired and back in service. We will sweep the streets in preparation for Elwood Days.
Waste-water Treatment Plant (WWTP)
We had a power surge at our WWTP during the most recent storm that damaged the switch gear and a generator. The damage was repaired and are back up and running. During the repairs, it was brought to my attention that the parts for the gear are no longer available and we will be looking to upgrade the gear.
Village Administrator – Julie Friebele
American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA)
As part of ARPA, the Village of Elwood will receive $302,611.81 from the Coronavirus Local Fiscal Recovery Fund Allotment for Non-entitlement units of local government (NEU’s). On August 26th Finance Director Robbie Day and I attended a meeting to get a better understanding of the permitted uses of ARPA funds. Tim Gavin of Lauterbach & Amen confirmed that the Village will be able to utilize a portion of the funds to upgrade the air conditioning system, install HEPA air filtration system, and clean the vents at the Village Hall.
Elwood Community Days
Thank you to all of the volunteers & participants that participated in the Elwood Community Days event this year, without all of you an event such as this is impossible. The total expenses for the event were $32,187.64 and the revenues were $30,503.15; the total cost to the Village for a 3 day event was only $1,684.49!
Fall Clean-up Day
Monday, September 27th Waste Management will pick up “White Goods” such as refrigerators, water heaters, washers and dryers. They will also haul away up to four (4) tires that are removed from the rims.
Elwood Children’s Garden Presents Music in the Garden
Dixie Bandits, New Orleans at it’s finest.
Thursday, September 7th, 7:00 – 8:00 pm
Upcoming Village Meetings
Park Committee Meeting Wednesday, September 22nd 6:00 pm
Planning and Zoning Tuesday, September 28th 7:00 pm
Finance Committee Tuesday, September 28th 4:00 pm
Village Board Wednesday, October 6th 7:00 pm
Village President – Doug Jenco
• Thank you to Julie Friebele for her diligence in negotiating agreements to eliminate the Village’s 2010B/2021 Bond debt. That is a significant accomplishment and eliminates the Village’s bond debt of approximately $7,000,000.
• Thank you to our Trustees, Police and Public Works Departments, and all of the Village Staff. I am proud of all of you!
Other Business
No other business was discussed.
Public Comments
Members of the audience discussed the following:
• Creekside Drive – requesting additional police patrol regarding vehicles speeding, and caution signs.
Closed Session
Closed session was not conducted.
Adjournment
A motion was made by Trustee Bertucci to adjourn the meeting. Trustee Schmidt seconded the motion. The Village Board all voted in favor of the motion. The motion carried.
http://www.villageofelwood.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_09012021-641
Alerts Sign-up