HOMER TOWNSHIP BOARD MEETING MINUTES

Transcription

1 HOMER TOWNSHIP BOARD MEETING MINUTES STATE OF ILLINOIS MONTHLY BUSINESS Will County, ss. AND PLANNING MEETING Town of Homer April 7 th, 2014 APPROVED MAY 2014 THE BOARD OF TOWN TRUSTEES met at the Homer Township Old Town Hall, Cedar Rd. Lockport, IL on April 7 th, Meeting began at 7:30pm with the Pledge, and ended at 10:06pm. PRESENT: Pam Meyers Supervisor Linsey Sowa Town Clerk Ed Kalas John Kruczek Vicki Bozen Christina Neitzke Township Supervisor Pam Meyers and Linsey Sowa Township Clerk conducted the Meeting of Township Board where the following official business was transacted. The meeting was called to order at 7:30pm by Supervisor Meyers with the pledge to the flag. Also present was Attorney Sramek and Commissioner DeVivo. 1. Call to order 2. Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America 3. Roll Call 4. Matters from the Public: A. Motion by trustee Kruczek, second by Kalas to amend the agenda by moving item 10 A (Status Report CDBG 2012 Phase Three Water Main Replacement) to 4 A agenda position. ALL-YES, Motion Carries. Status Report CDBG 2012 Phase Three Water Main Replacement: Amendment Addendum to Oct. 1, 2012 CDBG contract with Will County to increase the grant award from $200,000 to $245,000 and extend the Performance period. Jim Gorecki from the Lockport Heights Sanitary District explained that the dollar amount of the grant from the county was increased. Gorecki said that when the Sanitary /District met at County, they explained that bids came in much higher than predicted, and the project will need to be scaled back for the year, County will take $45,000 from the 2013 project and allocate it to 2012 improvements can be completed as it was engineered. From now on a base project as well as alternatives will be put out to bid moving forward. This way the scope of work can be determined once the bids come in based off of the cost. Gorecki did say that this will likely change the 10 year timeline for the project, as the improvements may have to be split up even smaller, so that the district can continue the improvement program without borrowing any funds.

2 B. Public Hearing: 1) Motion by Supervisor Meyers, Second by Neitzke to enter Public Hearing to consider Homer Township 2014 Community Development Block Grant Application for Lockport Heights Subdivision Phase V Water Main Replacement Program. ALL-YES, Motion Carries. 2) Public Hearing participation and input. i. Paul St. Aubyn, PE; AECOM Water representing Lockport Heights Sanitary District explained that this year 38 water services and 1,300 feet of water main are in the project plans. The request in funds from county if $450,000. ii. Jim Gorecki of the Lockport Heights Sanitary District stated that County will pick up the engineering costs of $72,000, and that this will subsidize for those in the district who do not qualify for CDBG funding. Gorecki also spoke about Will County s strict water main requirements compared to other counties. Will County requires copper piping while many other allow plastic, which would be a great cost savings. 3) Motion to close Public Hearing by Supervisor Meyers, Second by Kalas. ALL-YES, Motion Carries. 4) Motion to approve Homer Township 2014 Community Development Block Grant Application for Lockport Heights Subdivision Water Main Replacement Phase V by Bozen, Second by Kalas. ALL-YES, Motion Carries. 5. Accounting: A. March, 2014 accounts payable/receivable B. Motion by Kruczek, Second by Neitzke to approve payment of March, 2014 bills from the following funds as presented. ALL-YES, Motion Carries. 1) Equipment & Building 2) Founders Crossing Bonds 3) Founders Crossing Operating Fund 4) General Assistance 5) Open Space 6) Open Space Bond 7) Park 8) Park Developer Contributions 9) Road and Bridge 10) Town C. Requests for funding contributions 1) Application from CASA of Will County, Inc reviewed by Township Board 3/10/14. a) Rita Facchina, CASA Executive Director commented that she was grateful for the board s generosity in previous years, and hopes they will continue to provide assistance to the organization in the future. Facchina spoke of a few examples of the type of cases that CASA handles, and answered questions, b) Motion by Neitzke, Second by Bozen to make a $500 contribution to CASA of Will County, Inc. ALL-YES, Motion Carries. 2) Application from Senior Services Center of Will County reviewed by Township Board 3/10/14 a) A presenter is scheduled for May 12, 2014 Board meeting. 6. Plan Commission: Chairman Tom Fijan

3 A. Status Report: Chairman Fijan reported that the commission will meet on Wednesday with the goal of reviewing and approving minutes from the meetings of previous commission meetings, as many have never been approved and submitted to the Clerk. B. Notice of Village of Homer Glen Public Hearing on April 21, 2014 at S. Founders Crossing, Homer Glen, IL for case number HG-1406-MS, development review of Homer Township Road District zoning change application for proposed addition to District s main garage. 7. Highway Commissioner Mike DeVivo Report: A. Ending fiscal year budgetary Line Item Transfers. Commissioner DeVvivo reported that he had not anticipated the opportunity to purchase an analyzer which allows for diagnostic testing on the trucks. This has been something that has not been able to be acquired previously, as few of them are available. Also, many additional wear blades were needed on the plows this year due to the frequency and intensity of winter weather conditions this season. The transfer will help cover these unanticipated costs. B. Motion to approve Road District Line Item Transfer by Supervisor Meyers, Second by Kalas. ALL, YES, Motion Carries. C. Development plans for proposed addition to District s main garage. Commissioner DeVivo reported that he is beginning to have plans created for the addition of four bays to the garage. Commissioner DeVivo plans to do this work without borrowing funds, and feels that the addition will save the department money in the long run, as storage space will no longer need to be rented, and the additional space and amenities will allow for more truck maintenance and repairs to be completed on site. Commissioner DeVivo commented that with this construction being done, he is also working with the Village on a zoning change he is considering. Commissioner DeVivo also commented that he is going to be charged a permit fee by the Village, which he finds to be excessive, as 24,000 plus of our residents also reside within the boundaries of Homer Glen, and why should the Highway Department have to use the same residents tax dollars to pay another governmental entity 8. Assessor Karen Szynkowski Report- Assessor Szynkowski was absent. 9. Clerk Linsey Sowa Report A. Minutes: (Note: Approved Township minutes available online at: 1) Motion by Bozen, Second by Kruczek to approve March 10, 2014 Regular Board Meeting minutes. ALL-YES, Motion Carries. Note: No Executive Session due to malfunction of tape recorder. B. Status Report New Committee appointments: 1) Chairmen should contact Clerk with committee s annual meeting schedule; members Open Meetings Act Certificate of completion; meeting Agendas for posting and approved Minutes. 10. Supervisor Pam Meyers Report A. Status Report CDBG 2012 Phase Three Water Main Replacement: This agenda item was moved by a motion to item 4A on the agenda B. Status Report Senior Housing: 1) Occupancy Status: a) Completing restoration of vacant unit and scheduling showing appointments. b) Four unit vacancies imminent for assorted reasons (health/change in life circumstances). C. Status Report Town Hall:

4 1) Staff working with F H Paschen to arrange permitting, secure contractor documentation and schedule work. D. Status Report Grant Applications: 1) CDBG 2014-once approved by Town Board Supervisor will work with Lockport Heights & AECOM to make presentation and attend Will County Public Hearing. 2) Upland Design and administrators continue to prepare IDNR OSLAD grant application documents for proposed development of Sendra Park. a) Motion to approve State of Illinois, IDNR, OSLAD/LWCF project application DOC- 3 Resolution of Authorization by Kruczek, Second by Kalas. ALL- YES, Motion Carries. E. Status Report Homer Township Fire Protection District Board: 1) Supervisor Meyers reminded the board that as she was researching information regarding the Township Board s role in the Fire District, it became known to her that the board is responsible for setting the bond amount for the Fire Board Members. Meyers stated that she was concerned that if the township board set the bond too low and an incident occurred that the board may then be a party to liability. Meyers stated that TOIRAM informed her general rule of thumb is that the bond amount at minimum should cover the dollar amount that passes through the department s hands. Attorney Sramek asked if Supervisor Meyers knew how much money goes through the district annually and how much the cost of the bond will change in relation to the dollar amount that one is seeking coverage for. Supervisor Meyers stated that she requested information from the District, including how much bonds were set for other fire officials and no return correspondence was received. Meyers reiterated her concern regarding the Township becoming a party to any litigation the district might face if an issue occurred. Supervisor Meyers also reported that the State does allow for a blanket insurance policy for the districts, and perhaps this should be looked into. 2) Motion by Bozen to set the dollar amount of the Fire District Bond to cover no less than the amount of all monies in the custody and control of the Fire Protection Board of s, Second by Kruczek. ALL- YES, Motion Carries. F. Status Report Facilities Management: 1) Supervisor Meyers reported that Annual Fire Inspection of Township Properties was completed for After meeting with Chief Tutko and Inspector Jeraminas it was agreed that the annual fire alarm inspections were up to date for 2013 and new inspections will be performed in May to be in compliance for ) Regarding Township s policy or position with respect to the new Concealed Carry laws and firearm possession on Township property, the matter was referred to Attorney Sramek for review. Attorney Sramek reported that statutes regarding conceal carry do not have language specific to Townships included in the public body statutes. Attorney Sramek reminded that statutes can have varying interpretations, but he does not foresee an issue based on the current statutory language, with the Township prohibiting the carrying of firearms on Township owned properties such as open space and parks. Clerk Sowa inquired about how the policy would read in regards to the Senior Housing and Trantina Rental units. Attorney Sramek stated that there may be an issue in trying to prohibit the carrying of firearms in the rental units based on the first amendment. Neitzke asked if we could require renters to disclose if they have firearms in the units. Attorney Sramek and supervisor Meyers to work on a resolution for review at the next meeting which will prohibit conceal and carry at the administration office, Old Town Hall, sports fields, parks, and Open Space properties. 3) Pending Usage Policies for Township Facilities and Organizations: a) Supervisor preparing draft documents modifying and developing procedures/ordinances covering maintenance, fees, enforcement and governing general use of ALL township structures and properties used by various organizations and the public for Board review. G. Status Report Office Administration:

5 1) Supervisor Meyers reported that she is working with staff in preparation of required reports, end of/new fiscal year accounting and preparation of FY tentative budget. Supervisor requests Committee Chairs to provide any adjustments to budget required by their committees or related projects ASAP. 2) Supervisor Meyers reported that staff is working with Park & Recreation Chairman Kalas and sports organizations to complete all requirements, documentation and contractual services in order to facilitate opening season for priority use of township s sports facilities. 3) Supervisor Meyers reported that she and Clerk Sowa, Assessor Szynkowski, Commissioner DeVivo, and staff on Annual Audit outreach for verification documents and request to review internal documents has begun. Auditors scheduled in-house work at administrative office to begin on May 5, ) Supervisor Meyers commented on Administrative procedures regarding compliance with Prevailing Wage laws; Internal Revenue laws; liability insurance requirements and Township policies regarding all Township proposals, contracts, leases, etc. revealed the need for improvement of enforcement and recordkeeping. An internal audit of current contractual agreement documents was performed. Supervisor has developed new intake forms, revised internal controls and reorganized staff work duties. 5) Supervisor continues to revamp office staff job responsibilities and physical layout of office. H. Status Report Maintenance Department: 1) Supervisor continues to conduct employment application verification of references/background information and remaining applicant interviews are scheduled for next week. 2) Seasonal summer employment applications and returning applicants are currently being evaluated along with background and driving record checks. I. Status Report Annual Employee Salary Review: 1) Motion by Kruczek, Second by Bozen to table consideration of employee annual salary review until the May 12, 2014 meeting. ALL-YES, Motion Carries. 11. Township Committee Reports (Action/Motion may be requested): A. EVENTS COMMITTEE: Chairman, Clerk Linsey Sowa 1) Status Report 2014 Homer Harvest Days: Clerk Sowa reported that the committee will meet to continue planning for 2014 event on Wednesday. 2) Status Report 2014 Community Festival & Parade: Clerk Sowa reported that she and Supervisor Meyers will meet with the event Co-Chair from the Village George Yukich and Village Staff regarding a process for the sales of wristbands, beer tickets, and cash drawers, start up cash, etc next week. Clerk Sowa will provide a copy of the process to board members. B. MILITARY COMMITTEE: Chairman, Assessor Karen Szynkowski 1) Status Report: Annual schedule of committee meetings. 2) Pending: Cooperative project with Homer Glen Foundation for Veteran s Memorial Tribute on township property (Healing Garden and additional property at Founders Crossings) per conceptual idea of developing the tribute at this site without specifics as approved by Town Board on Sept. 10, Homer Glen Foundation President Laurel Ward working with design professionals to develop various conceptual plans to be presented to the Board.

6 3) Proposal from Homer Glen Foundation President Laurel Ward to connect the Healing Garden and the proposed Veteran Memorial Tribute property with the planned Village of Homer Glen Heroes Trail being developed along ComEd easement property. 4) Motion in favor of connection to the Hero s Trail pending final plan review by Kruczek, Second by Kalas. ALL-YES, Motion Carries. C. OPEN SPACE PLANNING & OPERATIONS: Chairman, Supervisor Pam Meyers 1) Status Report: Committee met 3/13/14 and adopted annual schedule of committee meetings to take place on 2 nd Thursday of each month. 2) Committee plans to resume investigation of Farmhouse restoration plans and solicitation of proposals or budgetary amounts for future projects. 3) Open Space properties agricultural leases are executed with updated insurance policies. 4) Pending: Board approved plan to install air conditioning at rental unit in spring. D. PARK & RECREATION COMMITTEE: Chairmen, s Ed Kalas and John Kruczek 1) Status Report Sendra Park: Based upon input received at the Public Hearing and the consensus approval from the Town Board in March, Upland Design amended the conceptual design to remove the baseball field/backstop 2) Status Report Yangas Park: Working with F H Paschen to secure contractor documentation and schedule work to begin on Board approved proposal and spending limits to restore volleyball area/nets. E. SENIOR COMMITTEE: Chairman, Vicki Bozen 1) Status Report: 1. Annual schedule of committee meetings. 2. Monthly newsletter 3. Committee met on 4/3/14 and agreed to revise procedures and develop policies concerning the funding and management of bus trips, luncheons and other senior events. Budgets will be amended and the Township will relieve previous volunteers from various management functions. 12. New Business: A. Invitation to participate at Tri County SRA annual golf outing June 26, Old Business (Action/Motion may be requested): A. Status Report: Appointment to the Homer Township Fire Protection District Board for the term May 1, i. Notice of call for applicants was published with submissions due by 3/17/14. ii. Timely application for reappointment was received by Mark Lobes in compliance with appointment eligibility requirements. iii. Motion by Bozen, Second by Supervisor Meyers to approve the appointment of Mark Lobes to the Homer Township Fire Protection District Board of s for the term May 1, 2014 through all-yes, Motion Carries. a) Said appointment is contingent upon said trustee before entering the duties of office, shall take an oath and enter into bond approved by Homer Township. B. Reminder: Homer Township Annual meeting April 8, 2014 at 7:00pm, Township Hall, Cedar Road, Lockport, IL.

7 14. Executive Session: Motion by Kruczek, Second by Bozen to enter closed executive session at 9:40pm permissible by Open Meetings Act, 5 ILCS 120/2 to discuss matters pertaining to permitted Exceptions Item(s) C-11 Litigation and C-1 Employment. A. Call to Order B. Roll Call C. Motion to adjourn Executive Session and return to regular meeting by Kruczek, Second by Bozen at 10pm. 15. Action taken after Executive Session A. None 16. Motion by Kruczek, second by Bozen, for Adjournment at 10pm. ALL- YES, Motion Carries. NEXT SCHEDULED MEETING HOMER TOWN BOARD REGULAR BUSINESS/PLANNING Date: May 12, 2014 at 7:30 p.m. Locations: Township Hall, S. Cedar Rd, Lockport, IL 60491