H O M E R T O W N S H I P BOARD MEETING MINUTES

Transcription

1 STATE OF ILLINOIS Will County, ss. Town of Homer Page 1 of 6 H O M E R T O W N S H I P BOARD MEETING MINUTES MONTHLY BUSINESS AND PLANNING MEETING September 17, 2018 FINAL APPROVED 10/15/18 THE BOARD OF TOWN TRUSTEES met at the Homer Township Old Town Hall, Cedar Road, Lockport, IL on August 13, Meeting began at 7:00 pm with the Pledge of Allegiance and ended at 7:54pm. PRESENT: Pam Meyers Supervisor Linsey Sowa Clerk Tom Fijan Trustee Ed Kalas Trustee George Offord Trustee ABSENT: John Kruczek Trustee ****************************************************************************************** Supervisor Pam Meyers and Clerk Linsey Sowa conducted the Meeting of Township Board where the following official business was transacted. The meeting was called to order at 7:00 pm by Supervisor Meyers with the Pledge to the flag. Also present was Attorney Sramek, Assessor Szynkowski 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. none 5. Accounting A. August 2018 account payables and receivables 1. Motion by Trustee Fijan, Second by Trustee Offord to approve, per discussion, August 2018 account payables and receivables. ROLL CALL- ALL, Yes. Motion Carries. a. Supervisor Meyers stated that that the bills here have been revised from those that were scanned to Trustees earlier in the week. The Raise Rite billing discrepancy was removed from the list of bills until issue can be resolved. B. Requests for funding contributions 1. Supervisor Meyers reported that the township as received an application for funding to offset expenditures provided to Homer Township residents from St. Colletta s of Illinois-CILA Program requesting $5780 to purchase and replace windows at the Douglas Parkway CILA home of 6 residents. This is a first-time request of the Township. 2. Motion by Trustee Offord to deny the request, second by Trustee Fijan.,ALL-YES, Motion Carries. 6. Highway Commissioner Mike DeVivo Report: A. Commissioner DeVivo stated he was hoping to open Parker road last week, but when they came out and measured for the guard rails, more custom pieces needed to be made. DeVivo stated it will be

2 Page 2 of 6 opened until Wednesday, but it is unsafe to open with that large of drop off. Devivo added that after this it may be closed temporarily for landscaping- which was supposed to happen during construction, but now construction is behind. Landscape will only take a few hours- and we will not close it during rush hour or during school hours. DeVivo also stated that they have not received salt pricing yet, as the State of Illinois is late in getting the numbers out. Devivo informed that the Road District is down two employees as two are leaving. He stated that neither had health insurance. Devivo also stated that because of budget constraints he is not in a hurry to replace them. DeVivo stated the district will be looking for seasonal help, and those two men who are leaving may come back to work seasonally for the department. DeVivo said he feels it is getting to be too costly for benefits. Supervisor Meyers reminded Commissioner DeVivo to please let administration office know of these retirements or those quitting so we can put through any necessary reports. 7. Assessor Karen Szynkowski Report: Assessor Szynkowski stated that board of review is doing hearings soon, and she will likely report on it more next month. Szynkowski stated that Homer Township get a multiplier of only 2%, many other Townships got closer to 8 or 9%. This was because they were so far off in estimates, Homer Township s estimates were closer to County s, hence the smaller multiplier than in other Townships. Szynkowski stated that many other Townships will be seeing a marked increase in their tax bills. 8. Clerk Linsey Sowa Report A. Minutes: (Note: Approved Township minutes available online at 1. Motion by Trustee Kalas, second by Trustee Offord to approve July 9, 2018 and August 13, 2018 Regular Board Meeting Minutes. ALL-YES Motion Carries. B. Elections: 1. Clerk Sowa reported the last day to register in person and in order to be eligible to vote in the November Election is Tuesday October (in-person or any mail-in registration is not available during the 27 days preceding the election) 2. Last Day to register online and in order to be eligible to vote in the November Election is Sunday October 21, 2018.( Online registration is not available during the 15 days preceding the election) 3. Registration reopens the second day following an election. If you missed either of the registration deadlines mentioned above, you may be eligible for Grace Period Registration and Voting or Same Day Registration at your Polling Place on Election Day. 4. Reminder- polling paces within Homer Township have changed- please check your newest voters ID card, or online prior to election day to ensure you have the most current polling place for your precinct. C. Record Management 1. Clerk Sowa stated that destruction of DUPLICATE/ NON-Record Documents (legally defined as extra copies of documents preserved solely for convenience or records and material not filed as evidence as administrative activity or for the informational content thereof) to take place at Township Office in October. A Local company in Mokena has provided the most reasonable price per box for destruction and has met insurance and destruction certification requirements. They will perform an onsite destruction and charges will be based on total number of boxes shredded- there is no minimum or base fee. 2. Clerk Sowa also added that Trustees are welcome to bring in expired Board Packets for destruction. Clerk will notify board members when the destruction is scheduled. D. FOIA Tracker 1. Tracker has been provided for August requests 9. Supervisor Pam Meyers Report A. Status Report Administration: 1. IDOT offer to Extend Temporary Construction Easement: a. Supervisor Meyers reported that IDOT has submitted an offer in the amount of $15,900 to extend the Temporary Construction Easement for a period of 3 years at the Township Hall location on Cedar Road. Supervisor Meyers stated that the previous agreement was for $20,000. They submitted a new appraisal for this amount. According to the letter they have

3 asked us to accept, counter, or deny. 1. Motion to counter the IDOT offer to $20,000by Trustee Offord, second by Trustee Kalas. ALL-YES, Motion Carries. 2. Township Website: a. Supervisor Meyers reported that Clerk and staff input have made draft recommendations toward structure and content of new website. Supervisor is reviewing and upon completion, a meeting with IT representatives and staff will be scheduled 3. Will County CDBG Program-Homer Township/Lockport Heights Sanitary District a. Pending: Awaiting formal award notification from Will County. If funding is awarded the project will be put out to bid. 4. Upgrading of Administration Center phone system: a. Supervisor Meyers reported that along with the Assessor and staff she has begun exploration of the cost and feasibility of upgrading the Administration Center s obsolete phone system- all are meeting with various providers/contractors for details and estimates. 5. Supervisor Meyers provided board with TOIRMA monthly newsletter FAQ s regarding coverage. Of particular note is the item addressing employees using personal vehicles and advising that an IGA should be executed whenever the township is going to help another municipal entity with work using equipment or employees. B. Status Report Facilities/ Property Management 1. Senior Housing Facility a. All rents and leases are current with no vacant units to date. b. Supervisor Meyers reported that Contractor completed window replacement program for this year. c. IAW has completed the lowering of the water valves protruding in the driveways presenting a potential trip hazard. d. Supervisor Meyers reported that Contractor completed sidewalk repairs. Invoice for $2,310 received identified addresses that did not match our location and the original estimate of $1,500. We will resolve the discrepancy. 2. Culver Park Pond/IEPA Retrofit grant project: a. Supervisor Meyers stated that Trustee Kalas reported damages to the park and filed police report. b. HR Green, Inc. Project Engineer Logan Gilbertsen has reported to Supervisor Meyers that the project is going well: 1. The turf grass first sprayed resulted with 95% dead; 2 nd application applied this week. 2. The coir logs are all onsite and will be installed. 3. All of the rock fishing steps were installed. Meyers added that a resident expressed concerns about the rocks being low, and a concern regarding the mulch- especially because the water is low. HR Green replied that rocks had to be placed where they were. If there are storm events rocks will not be accessible, but if they started with them higher there would be a safety issue. They have brought the mulch path up higher too due to concerns. 4. Mulch for paths is onsite and installation beginning. 5. Project on schedule expecting the seeding and blanket to occur soon. 6. The scheduled planting plugs will not be installed until Spring at the recommendation of the contractor, Conservation Land Stewardship. 7. Park sign has been designed and draft provided. Logos will be inserted per IEPA specs. 3. Morris Park: a. FINALLY, the irrigation systems have been made operational. Most repairs are completed and the contractor will provide a report to our insurer for the portions of Page 3 of 6

4 Page 4 of 6 repairs that date back to the original lightning strikes. Additional repairs that are not covered by insurance are at the expense of Homer Township. More importantly, for the first time in over a year we have an operational system that has mechanisms/valves installed for future maintenance and can be properly shut down and winterized to avoid future damage. 4. Yangas Park a. Supervisor Meyers stated the damage/vandalism done to the tennis courts has been reported to insurance. Proposals for repair from JOC program are being prepared. 5. Paul Farm Parcel a. Supervisor Meyers reported resident Karen Perez has advised the Township of additional dead trees in the forested area adjacent to her property. Upon staff investigation there were 3 large/old pine trees that were dead that could impose a safety hazard. b. Staff solicited proposals and two were submitted 1. Motion by Fijan, Second by Kalas to accept the lowest bid, submitted by Homer Tree Service in the amount of $1,800. ALL-YES, Motion Carries. 6. Purdy Farm Parcel a. Supervisor Meyers reported that the Township received an UNSOLICITED proposal from Tim McNamara to extend the agricultural lease by two years, until 3/31/2021. Attorney Sramek advised that he does not feel it would be prudent for the township to accept this request for an extension. While it is not required, it has been the policy of the board to go out to bid for leases. 1. Motion by Trustee Kalas, second by Trustee Offord to deny the request. ALL- YES, Motion Carries. 7. Trantina Farm Parcel a. Supervisor Meyers reported that The Board approved native plant prescribed burn project will be scheduled this fall subject to weather conditions. The IEPA permit is secured, Homer Environmental will provide the burn plan and advance notice which will enable us to provide applicable neighbors notice of the event. 8. All Properties a. Supervisor Meyers stated the maintenance staff has undergone several changes as they adapt to the direction of our new foreman, weather conditions and several mowing equipment failures/repairs that have at times taken our main mowers out of operation for extended timeframes. Overall the crew has performed well and continue to take on additional work projects. We have one seasonal laborer remaining at this time. 10. TOWNSHIP LIAISON REPORTS A. Homer Glen Area Chamber of Commerce Representative Lynn McGary- no report B. Military & Veteran Affairs Liaison Representative Karen Szynkowski. Szynkowski stated that Beth Rodgers from the Village of Homer Glen asked her to team up with Village for Veterans Day November 11- including the VFW, VFW Ladies Aux, American Legion, Village of Homer Glen and Konows- a flyer will be available soon. Szynkowski invited Board Members to attend. Meyers reminded that normally this is when we are in Springfield- so not all of us will be able to do this. Szynkowski commented that this event is in lieu of the normal events the VFW and Legion would host. Szynkowski also reported that members of the Ladies VFW Aux. went to the Fisher house at Hines Hospital last weekend,and served meals. Szynkowski also reported the campaign for Wreaths Across America has begun- Now is the time to order the wreaths and the Township representatives have partnered individually in the past with operation Care. Operation Care sends

5 Page 5 of 6 packages to all active duty service members year round. They send out just before Christmas at least three thousand packages. Szynkowski also stated that the Township will once again partner with Meijer and the local first responders in December for Heroes Helping Heroes. 11. TOWNSHIP COMMITTEE REPORTS A. Events, Chairman Linsey Sowa 1. Halloween Party a. Clerk Sowa thanked Township Board Members for agreeing to co-sponsor a party this year with the Homer Township Public Library b. Sowa stated the Party to be held at the Library from 6pm-7:30pm on Tuesday October Movie in the Park a. Unfortunately, due to weather the Movie in the Park was cancelled. 1. Clerk Sowa stated that library representatives have confirmed that per licensing the entities have up to one year to re-schedule showing of the film 2. Township and Library to re-schedule for Spring Clerk Sowa stated she is exploring options for the Township to show more movies in the future. B. Homer Fest & Parade, Chairman Ed Kalas 1. Status report: Trustee Kalas reported plans to re-locate to Heritage Park are in place. There was a motion from the committee to not have an IGA any longer and that the Village will take on liability and finances but Township would allow facility use, volunteers. Supervisor Meyers stated that she spoke with Mayor who agreed that it was premature to put this on the agendamore work and research needs to be done. Meyers also stated that Kalas never asked for anything on the agenda, and therefore nothing was placed on this agenda. Meyers also added that there was nothing on the committee s agenda regarding a motion to change the IGA- so that was done within violation of the open meetings act. Trustee Kalas stated that he was fine simply just reporting on the advisory motion. C. Open Space Planning & Operations, Chairman Tom Fijan 1. Status Report: Trustee Fijan reported that work has begun on the grainery. D. Parks & Recreation Chairmen Ed Kalas and John Kruczek 1. Trustee Kalas commented that Andrew from HAC participated in public comment at the last committee meeting- requesting replacement of backstops and fencing. Trustee Kalas stated that he requested HAC get three proposals. Supervisor Meyers stated that she had spoken with Andrew as well, and advised that the Township would need to seek the proposals. Meyers stated that HAC would be willing to put funds towards the project as well. E. Senior Citizen & Special Needs Advocacy, Chairman George Offord 1. Status report: October 2, 2018 will be the next meeting Trustee Offord stated, not October 11 as was posted on the agenda for tonight s meeting. This meeting will be held in order to get input from representatives of the Special Needs Community. 12. New Business: A. Notice of Will County request for Map Amendment from R-1 to C-4 of property located at Archer Ave., Lockport, IL; PIN for the purpose of developing property for a plumbing company commercial use. The Public Hearing is scheduled for Oct. 2, 2018 at 6:30 p.m. at 302 N. Chicago St., Joliet, IL. Board members had no objections or concerns at this time. B. Supervisor Meyers stated that she received IDOT Preconstruction Notice for 1.3 miles of tree removal, selective clearing, grubbing and tree pruning along US 6 from Haas Road to Spring

6 Meadows Drive in the Village of Homer Glen. Questions are to be directed to Area Construction Supervisor, Michael Denne at (847) Old Business: A. Township Officials of Illinois Annual Education Conference registration and reservations 14. Adjournment: Motion by Trustee Kalas, second by Trustee Fijan to adjourn at 7:54pm. ALL- YES, Motion Carries. Page 6 of 6