Village of Homer Glen

Transcription

1 Village of Homer Glen South Founders Crossing Homer Glen, Illinois August 14, 2012 Board of Trustees Board Meeting Village Board Room South Founders Crossing Homer Glen, IL

2 A. CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order on August 14, 2012 by Mayor Jim Daley at 7:40 p.m. in the Village Board Room, S. Founders Crossing, Homer Glen. B. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG C. ROLL CALL Present at 7:40 p.m. were Mayor Jim Daley, Trustees Mike Costa, Marcia DeVivo, Tedd Kagianas, Mary Niemiec, Margaret Sabo and George Yukich. All remained throughout the meeting. Also present on behalf of the Village were Village Clerk Gale Skrobuton, Village Manager Cameron Davis, Development Services Director Mike Salamowicz, Assistant to the Village Manager-Planning and Zoning Erin Venard, Finance Director John Sawyers and Village Attorney Cary Horvath. A quorum was established. D. AMENDMENTS TO THE AGENDA Trustee Yukich made a motion to move Agenda Item H-3 (Issue of General Obligation Bonds) to a Workshop item; second by Trustee Niemiec. The Mayor asked the Clerk to call the roll: Roll Call Vote: Ayes: (6) Trustees Costa, DeVivo, Kagianas, Niemiec Sabo and Yukich Nays: (0) None Abstained: (0) None The Mayor did not vote. Motion Carried. Mayor Daley thanked everyone for attending the meeting. The Mayor stated that it was important for residents of Homer Glen to be aware of the bond issue and have an opportunity to ask questions and voice their concerns. The Mayor stated that an open discussion on the bonds would be held at tonight s meeting. He then asked the Board to table Agenda Item H-3 (Issue of General Obligation Bonds) to the next Regular Board meeting on Tuesday, August 28 th. Manager Davis stated that he had contacted Homer Junior High School and the August 28 th Board meeting will be held in the school cafeteria. Mayor Daley stated that he wanted to make sure that everyone who wanted to participate in the Board meeting could participate. The larger school space will make that possible. Trustee Costa made a motion to table Agenda Item H-3 to the next regular Village Board meeting on August 28 th Village Board, and move the location of the meeting Homer Junior High School, S. Bell Road, at 7:00 p.m.; second by Trustee Yukich. Trustee Niemiec clarified that the Village Board will only be discussing Agenda Item H-3, and will not be voting on this item at tonight s meeting. The Mayor asked the Clerk to call the roll: Roll Call Vote: Ayes: (6) Trustees Costa, DeVivo, Kagianas, Niemiec Sabo and Yukich Nays: (0) None Abstained: (0) None Village of Homer Glen Page 1 of 11

3 The Mayor did not vote. Motion Carried. Village Attorney Horvath stated that the location for tonight s Village Board Meeting could have been e changed as it would have created a violation of the Open Meetings Act. E. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - NONE F. REPORTS AND COMMUNICATIONS FROM MAYOR AND OTHER OFFICERS 1. Mayor Daley reported:. The Mayor reported that a recent Crain s Chicago Business article on foreclosures highlighted the Village of Homer Glen as one of the very few municipalities that has been able to get through the recession with relatively low foreclosure rates. Homer Glen was even cited as having the lowest rate of lender owned homes, per 1,000 mortgageble properties, in the south suburbs. The Village of Homer Glen was included in other low foreclosure communities including Elmhurst, Lake Forest, Libertyville, Downers Grove and Wilmette.. Mayor Daley announced that Farmer Earl s Garden Patch Farms and Orchard, located at West 159 th Street, will be featured on the August 26 th edition of Channel 7 s 190 North. This is a unique opportunity for Garden Patch Farms since 190 North usually highlights restaurants and concerts in the Chicagoland area. Garden Patch offers a seasonal U Pick option that lets customers pay $5.00 to browse the 28 acre property for fresh vegetables, fruits and other produce and hand-select and purchase their finds.. The Mayor congratulated: - The Homer Lady Fire 10U softball team for winning first place in the Orland Youth Association s Lightning All-Star Tournament. - The Homer 10U Mustangs baseball team for finishing their regular season with a 14-1 record and winning the championship.. The Mayor congratulated Village of Homer Glen staff members Scott Chance who is celebrating his 5 th employment anniversary with the Village and Village Manager Davis for completing his first year of service to the Village.. The Mayor announced that The Dance Studio, S. Bell Road, will hold their official ribbon cutting on Monday, September 10 th at 2:00 p.m. Mayor Daley congratulated owner Marianne Kyler for expanding her successful business in Homer Glen. Mayor Daley noted the photos along the wall in the Village Board Room that show the ribbon cutting of the numerous businesses that recently opened their doors in Homer Glen. The Mayor welcomed the Village s business partners and encouraged everyone to Shop Homer Glen.. Mayor Daley commented that approval of the Bond ordinance will allow the Village to move forward with funding important public improvement projects that the Village Board has discussed and worked toward completion for many years. The proposed Ordinance No calls for the Village of Homer Glen to move forward with selling $25,000, in bonds. These bonds will be paid for by committing the Village s existing 1% Home Rule Sales Tax receipts. Approval of this ordinance will allow the Village to fund the following important objectives: (1) Purchase the American Lake Water/Illinois American Water Bedford Park water transmission line. This would be accomplished with intergovernmental partners Bolingbrook, Lemont, Woodridge and Romeoville. This transmission line brings Lake Michigan water to Homer Glen and other communities. The purchase of the transmission line is the first step in fulfilling the promise the Village made to the residents of Homer Glen to Village of Homer Glen Page 2 of 11

4 work toward taking over the water system. This ordinance creates the ability to raise money through the sale of bonds. Illinois American Water does not want the five communities to purchase this transmission line and are fighting back with phone calls and mailers that mislead the residents of Homer Glen. (2) Village s portion of the upcoming 159 th Street improvements. The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) has provided the Village with the Village s portion of the total cost of the multi-use path, street lighting, intersection lighting and traffic signal upgrades for this project. The total Village cost, with median upgrades will be approximately $2.5 million. Approval of the ordinance will provide the Village with the financial means necessary to pay for these important improvements. With over $70 million in State and Federal upgrades planned for 159 th Street, just within the boundaries of Homer Glen, this business corridor is going to transform itself into an even bigger sales tax generating asset for the Village of Homer Glen. (3) Public improvements in the nine (9) unfinished non-letter-of-credit subdivisions. No Letters of Credit exist to help pay to complete the roads, sidewalks, lighting, etc. in nine Homer Glen unfinished subdivisions. As a result, these subdivisions remain unfinished. The Village Board has completed a master review of all nine (9) unfinished subdivisions and has discovered that the unfinished public improvements in these subdivisions will cost over $6 million to complete. The Board has not yet determined what improvements will be completed and what will be left undone, but we do know that money will be needed to finish some of these subdivisions. The Mayor stated that, in his opinion, the unfinished residential subdivisions in Homer Glen are affecting everyone s property values. These hundreds of vacant residential lots are not contributing like they should be to the needed tax base diversification of our community. (4) Fiddyment Creek Sanitary Sewer Installation. The far west side of the Village of Homer Glen does not have adequate sanitary sewer service. Approval of this bond ordinance will help to make this sanitary sewer line a reality. By extending the sanitary service lines to the west end of 159 th Street, Homer Glen will be ensuring that this area becomes commercially developable; thus insuring added tax based diversification for everyone in the community. Mayor Daley stated that all expenditures of the bond proceeds will need to be approved by the Village Board. 2. Trustees: a. Trustee Costa reported that. Homer Harvest Days will be held on Saturday, September 8 th from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday, September 9 th from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Trantina Farm, 151 st Street east of Gougar Road. Admission and parking are free. Many activities are planned including: hay rides, pony rides, children s crafts and games, live music, food vendors and many demonstrators. Additional information is available at Anyone who would like to volunteer to help at the festival can sign up on the website or call the Homer Township Administration Building at b. Trustee Yukich reported:. Trustee Yukich thanked the residents for attending tonight s meeting and urged everyone to ask questions about any of the issues being discussed by the Village Board.. Trustee Yukich noted that school will be starting soon and asked everyone to be alert to the students and school buses. c. Trustee Sabo reported:. Homer Harvest Days Village of Homer Glen Page 3 of 11

5 Informational flyers detailing the activities and times for Homer Harvest Days are available at the Village Hall. There will be demonstrations that will take you back in time and let you experience how people used to live. A variety of activities and exhibits will be at this free event that you won t see at other festivals. d. Trustee Kagianas reported:. Trustee Kagianas commented that the proposed Bond sale will allow the Village of Homer Glen to control our own destiny and generate additional sales tax. Currently, all the vacant properties along the 159 th Street Commercial Corridor are paying an extremely low tax rate on real estate which represents a nominal financial input to Will County, our school districts, fire districts, etc. The Community and Economic Development Committee realizes that having these large unused parcels puts a heavy burden on the homeowners when it comes to shopping locally and tax based diversification. Since Homer Glen does not have a municipal property tax and depends solely on sales tax, developing the commercial property along the 159 th Street Corridor is very vital to the economic future of our community. The sanitary sewer line will make property along 159 th Street more developable. e. Trustee DeVivo reported:. The Parks and Recreation Committee will be meeting on Monday, August 27 th at 6:30 p.m. The Committee continues to work on updating the Parks and Recreation Comprehensive Plan and additional signage on the Trail System f. Trustee Niemiec gave a power point presentation which provided an overview of the Village s experience in addressing Illinois American Water s high water rates in Homer Glen and IAW s operational issues that have been uncovered by the Village s Sewer and Water Task Force. Trustee Niemiec explained why Homer Glen is looking at purchasing the American Lake Water Bedford Park Transmission Line along with the other four (4) municipalities that are members of the Northern Will County Joint Water Agency. The presentation included the information below.. A history of Illinois American Water s petitions to the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) for water and sewer rate increases and increases for quarterly infrastructure program allows Illinois American to do ongoing maintenance and work. Illinois American received a not-to-exceed 5% QIP surcharge (Qualifying Infrastructure Plant) from the ICC which allows them to add this notto-exceed 5% increase each year without petitioning the ICC unless it was to exceed 5%.. An explanation of the various fees that appear on the monthly bills to Homer Glen residents who are serviced by Illinois American Water.. A comparison of water rates between Homer Glen and a neighboring community who is similar to Homer Glen s demographics and size and are serviced by American Lake Water. Trustee Niemiec explained that the Northern Will County Joint Water Agency was established and consists of five (5) municipalities who are served by Illinois American Water. These communities include Homer Glen, Bolingbrook, Lemont, Woodridge and Romeoville. In 2011 Senate Bill 83 was passed in Springfield which allowed the Agency to incorporate. Trustee Niemiec explained that the Water Agency will reimburse the Villages for any legal and acquisition expenses if we are successful in a bid to acquire the transmission line. The Water Agency will then issue revenue bonds, not general obligation bonds that will be paid for by the sale of water to residents. Trustee Niemiec explained that the transmission line is run and governed by a corporate board comprised of representatives from each of the original five (5) communities. Each community has one vote regardless of the number of tap-ins. Homer Glen has approximately 6,000 dwellings that are served by Illinois American Water which represents 20.6% of the total cost of acquiring the transmission line. Village of Homer Glen Page 4 of 11

6 Trustee Niemiec stated that acquiring the local distribution would really affect the residents of Homer Glen water bills. A feasibility study is currently being conducted by one of the Village s engineering firms that will look at the water distribution systems operation and management costs and whether or not it should be municipally run or contracted out. Once the study is completed the costs will be shared with the residents before any decision is made by the Board regarding a future possible purchase of the water distribution system.. Trustee Niemiec stated that the acquisition of the transmission line will not result in a property tax for Homer Glen. The current plan is to support the initial cost of acquisition through General Obligation Bonds paid through the existing 1% Home Rule sales tax. Trustee Niemiec stated that since 2004 the Village of Homer Glen has asked Illinois American Water for a master plan so we can join together and plan this community, but has yet to receive it. Other issues the Village of Homer Glen has experienced with Illinois American Water include: (1) Failure to inspect fire hydrants; (2) Back billing to residents; (3) Slow responses to main breaks but quick responses to water shut-offs; and (4) No accountability or transparency which is not required since they are a private company. Trustee Niemiec noted that Illinois American Water is a monopoly since there is no competition for water and sewer provision in Homer Glen. When a vital resource is owned by a monopoly, government is mandated to protect its residents, which is the reason why the five communities came together. Trustee Niemiec stated that acquiring the American Lake Water Transmission Line will: (1) Create a municipal partnership that protects the residents in the five communities; (2) Provide rate stability for residents and businesses; (3) Create a rate structure which would eliminate IAW costs that consumers now pay, including property tax, income tax, shareholder payments and other extensive marketing; (4) Provide options to promote economic development and rate relief that does not exist today; and (5) Allow the (5) communities to control the source of the water to our community and protect all our residents and businesses whether they are on Lake Michigan water and sewer or on well and septic. 3. Village Treasurer No Report 4. Village Clerk No Report 5. Village Attorney No Report 6. Task Force Chairperson(s) No Report 7. Public Safety Officials No Report 8. Village Manager Davis reported:. The Village of Homer Glen will be holding a free paper shredding and Recycling/Electronics drop-off event on Saturday, September 15 th at the Homer Jr. High and Hadley Middle School parking lots, S. Bell Road from 9 a.m. 1 p.m. Homer Glen residents can bring up to ten boxes of any paper documents they would like to have securely destroyed on-site by an information destruction professional. Information is available on the Village s website, Mayor Daley asked Bill Hofherr from George K. Baum & Company to explain how the proposed bond sale would work. Mr. Hofherr gave a presentation that addressed the following: 1. Misconceptions of how the bond will work.. The $25 million bond issue will be paid by the existing 1% Home Rule Sales Tax revenue and not with the property taxes. Village of Homer Glen Page 5 of 11

7 . Residents of Homer Glen who are on well and septic will remain on well and septic. There is no cost to the property owner and well owners will not be forced to connect to the water lines. 2. Benefits of pursuing the capital improvement project now as opposed to waiting.. Construction costs are at historic lows for new projects.. Interest rates are at historically low levels.. The Village has a very strong credit rating of AA/Stable by Standard and Poors, making borrowing money less expensive.. IDOT s 159 th Street improvement project is moving forward.. The Village of Homer Glen can secure its ability to continue to levy and collect the 1% Home Rule Sales Tax for the life of the Bonds. 3. Projects to be funded with the proposed $25 million bond issue estimated costs th Street Improvements - $2,583, Completion of Non-LOC Subdivisions - $6,454, Purchase of the American Lake Water/Bedford Park Water Transmission Line - $8,858, Extension of the Fiddyment Creek Sanitary Sewer Line - $6,090, How the projects can be funded without a property tax.. Leverage the existing 1% Home Rule Sales Tax and not impose any new taxes.. Debt will be structure to be paid from the existing 1% Home Rule Sales Tax.. 1% Home Rule Sales Tax is projected at $2.8 million for this fiscal year.. Current $2.4 million budgeted for capital projects will be used to pay debt service on the tax-exempt bond issue.. Capital projects will be funded from the bond proceeds. 5. How the excess 1% Home Rules Sales Tax revenues will be used.. Excess revenues will be kept in a fund and can be used to pay off bonds early when they are callable in seven years. Mayor Daley commented that the question of whether the Village of Homer Glen should remain a Home Rule community is on the November ballot. By pledging the existing 1% Home Rule Sales tax to these bonds, whether we retain Home Rule Status or not, the Village will not lose the ability to collect the existing 1% Home Rule Sales Tax until the bond is paid off. Mr. Hofherr stated that the annual protected debt service cost for principle and interest is $2.4 million starting in 2013 and is paid with the existing 1% Home Rule Sales Tax until 2025, unless paid off sooner. If the Village Board wishes to issue more than $25 million in bonds they have to approve it at a Village Board Meeting. A public hearing and notice in the local newspaper is required for the issuance of more bonds, as required by Village Ordinance. G. PUBLIC COMMENT 1. Bob Schmidt, West 159 th Street, asked the Board to let the people decide in what direction the Village is going to go in terms of water service. 2. John Kooi, Venetian Way, commented that he is not in favor of putting in the sewer line on 159 th Street and suggested that the Village spend the money on other things such as a new Village Hall instead of renting the current space. 3. Donald Bojak, Longview Drive, asked why the bond issue isn t on a referendum so the people can vote. He questioned how purchasing the water transmission line would benefit the residents who are on well and septic and asked how much it would cost if someone wanted to tap in. Village of Homer Glen Page 6 of 11

8 4. Bob Miller, Longview Drive, voiced his concern that residents who are on well and septic would be paying a sales tax for something they are not using. 5. Bernie Kucharski, Long Run Drive, commented that he is in the 20% of the residents who are on well and septic. If the Village purchases the water transmission line and the 1% sales tax doesn t cover the bill he doesn t want to pay for it. Mr. Kucharski stated that he would like to see a special taxing district for the 80% of the people who are benefiting from Illinois American Water. 6. John Szela, Christina Street, voiced his opinion that the Village is not generating enough money from the existing 1% Home Rules Sales Tax to cover the capital improvements. He voiced his concern that the residents on well and septic will end up paying the bill. 7. Mike Smyth, Senior Manager of Field Services and Production for Illinois American Water Company, 1000 Internationale Drive, Woodridge, Illinois, commented that at this time no one knows what the pipeline will cost. He noted that other communities who have attempted to purchase a water pipeline have found that the cost is much higher than their original estimated cost. He asked what the Village of Homer Glen would do if the actual cost was three (3) or (4) times higher that the estimated $34 million. 8. Terry Elkins, Court Connection, noted that he has requested information from the Village on various issues but has not received a response. He questioned why the Village is not getting a Revenue Bond because he doesn t believe that the existing 1% sales tax will cover the payments. Manager Davis stated that the answers to Mr. Elkins questions are on the Village website, There are 16 pages of questions and answers that have been asked by Homer Glen residents during the past week and answered by Mayor Daley. 9. Connie Wojcik, Clydesdale Lane, commented that she cannot see how the purchase of the Illinois American Water transmission line is going to lower the water rates. She voiced her opinion that Homer Glen residents will be paying one way or another, either through taxes or even higher rates simply because of the economy. 10. Alex Sweis, Creekside Drive, asked: (1) Are there surrounding communities who have agreed to tap into the agreement for the purchase of Illinois American Water; (2) How long are the bonds locked in for; (3) How much of the Village s revenue does the 1% sales tax consist of; (4) What are the revenues from the 1% sales tax being used for; (5) Is there a website that provides further clarification on where the majority of the 1% sales tax goes to; and (6) Will the residents know how much of the 1% will go towards the purchase of Illinois American Water. 11. Don Hammond, West Oakwood Court, questioned if the Village of Homer Glen has done their due diligence on the amortization of the bond, and if the information can be shared with the residents. He stated that he has not seen a demonstration of what the Village is proposing will be a solution to the problem to the high rates. 12. Ed Czubernat, S. Abbott Road West, asked Illinois American Water where all the money went over the past 11 years that residents have been paying for the distribution of water. He asked if water rates would go down if the Village takes over the water company. Trustee Niemiec commented that the Village is still studying the distribution. Some of the documents that relate to the transmission line show that American Lake Water did send a least a $1 million profit to Illinois American Water last year. Trustee Niemiec stated that while the rate structure is based on the current rate of $1.29, until we see if the price is too high, we will not move forward with the purchase of the transmission line. If we did move forward with the purchase, as more people tap on, the structure and the business plan would lower the water rates. 13. Eric Wilson, S. Oak Trail, voiced his opinion that it is too premature to issue the bonds for the purchase of the water transmission line because the final costs are not known. He noted that the 1% Home Rule Sales Tax is currently being used for capital projects and questioned if that 1% will be Village of Homer Glen Page 7 of 11

9 sufficient for the entire 13 years of planned capital improvements. Mr. Wilson asked if a master plan was in place that is available for the residents to look at. Trustee Niemiec clarified, if the Joint Water Agency is successful in acquiring the Transmission Line, that amount of money will be paid back to Homer Glen. The money will be rolled into the revenue bonds for the Water Agency and the revenue bonds will be paid by the sale of water. 14. Greg Grimm, Bruce Road, questioned why the Village would have a bond issue when we don t even know if we can secure the water transmission line or how much it is going to cost. Mr. Grimm suggested that the Village secure a Line of Credit, find out from the courts what the actual cost will be to purchase the water company and then go to referendum and get the bonds to cover the water issue. 15. Frank Bujan, Hidden Valley Drive, stated that he agrees with the Village s idea of purchasing the water transmission line, but, in his opinion, the Village is underestimating the cost for eminent domain. He voiced his concern that this is too big of an issue for the Village Board to decide on and it should be put on a referendum so the residents can decide. 16. Steve Brown, Maramel Drive, thanked the Mayor for allowing him to speak at the last Board meeting about getting a group of residents together to discuss issues facing the Village. Mr. Brown asked if the information about the meetings of this group could be posted on the Village website. Village Manager Davis suggested that Mr. Brown might consider running a notice in the local newspaper or sending out s to residents who are interested in attending one of his meetings. The Village would be happy to make Village Hall available for his meetings. 17. Ed Weiss, W. Sandstone Drive, questioned why the Village was going to spend $6 million for the public improvements in the subdivisions that did not have a Letter of Credit. He asked how much it would cost to make the improvements for each lot. Mr. Weiss voiced his concern that the residents of Homer Glen are paying for the improvements that were never made and suggested that the Village go after these developers for the money to make the improvements. Manager Davis stated that the public improvements are to the entire subdivision whether there are empty lots or not. One of the subdivisions has one home and others have a significant number of completed homes with some empty lots. As an example, some detention facilities are not built to Village standards and need to be worked on in order to service both the people that live in the homes in the subdivision and the vacant lots. Mayor Daley commented that the Village is looking into who owns the lots and what types of legal remedies the Village has to recover money. The Mayor noted that the Village Board has not made any decisions as to what extent these public improvements will be done. Mr. Weiss asked why the Village is spending money for the community bike trails/walking paths, Heroes Trail System, calling it a community improvement. He said paths were a waste of money. The Mayor stated that the trails are paid for with some Village money and with money obtained from the government and they are paid for and built as an amenity to the community. Finance Director John Sawyers presented a brief illustration of the 1% Home Rules Sales Tax since its inception on July 1, 2009 and projected through fiscal year July 1, 2009 to fiscal year ending April 2010 the total 1% Home Rule Sales Tax collected was $1,182,836.. Fiscal year ending in April 2011 which was our first full year, the total 1% Home Rule Revenue collected was $2,380,000.. Fiscal year ending in April 2012 we had a 12% growth which showed the Home Rule Sales Tax at $2,670, Home Rule Sales Tax revenue is projected at $2,873,811 for the current year. Village of Homer Glen Page 8 of 11

10 Mr. Sawyers compared the Village s Home Rule Sales Tax to the surpluses for respective periods.. Year ending April 2010: Sales Tax Collected: $1,182,000. Surplus of $1,184,036.. Year ending April 2011: Sales Tax Collected: $2,380,000. Surplus of $2,666,872. The Home Rule Sales Tax made it possible for the Village to transfer out $1.4 million to the Capital Project Funds.. Year ending April 2012: Sales Tax Collected: $2,670,506.Surplus of $3,265,656. The Village of Homer Glen was able to transfer out $2.3 million to the Capital Project Funds. Mr. Sawyers explained that the Village intends to transfer out funds to the Capital Project Funds for April 2013 unless the Village Board approves the bond issue, which effectively advances the funding mechanism for the capital projects. He noted that the Village does not use the Home Rule Sales Tax to fund Village operations, but instead the Home Rule Sales revenue is transferred out to Capital Project Funds. The Mayor and Village Trustees answered random questions from the residents pertaining to the following: (1) Bond issue; (2) Purchase of the Lake American Water/Bedford Park Water Transmission Line; (3) Home Rule and (4) Proposed capital improvement projects. Trustee Costa made a motion to recess the Village Board Meeting; second by Trustee Yukich. Voice Vote: All Ayes: (6) Trustees Costa, DeVivo, Kagianas, Niemiec, Sabo and Yukich Nays: (0) None The Mayor did not vote. Motion Carried. The Board recessed at 10:25 p.m. Trustee Costa made a motion to reconvene the Village Board Meeting; second by Trustee Yukich. The Mayor asked the Clerk to call the Roll: Roll Call Vote: Ayes: (6) Trustees Costa, DeVivo, Kagianas, Niemiec, Sabo and Yukich. Nays: (0) Abstained: (0) None The Mayor did not vote. Motion Carried. The Board reconvened the meeting at 10:42 p.m. H. LEGISLATION AND ACTION ITEMS 1. Resolution No A Resolution Providing for a Referendum by the Electors of the Village of Homer Glen, Will and Cook Counties, Illinois, Concerning Whether the Village of Homer Glen Shall Continue to be a Home Rule Unit of Local Government. Trustee Yukich made a motion to approve Resolution No ; second by Trustee Kagianas. Trustee Niemiec noted that this resolution includes a change in the initial language presented to the Village Board for the question as to whether the Village of Homer Glen shall continue to be a Home Rule Unit of Government. She stated that she was pleased to see that the question was more easily stated and would now require a Yes vote to continue with Home Rule. Trustee Niemiec asked the Village Attorney to clarify the change in the language. Village of Homer Glen Page 9 of 11

11 Village Attorney Horvath stated that originally the question regarding Home Rule was worded in such a way that a No vote meant Yes and a Yes vote meant No. The language change to the resolution was submitted to the State Board of Elections for their review and they agreed that the proposed language has been utilized in the past and it avoids voter confusion. Manager Davis stated that the exact wording for the Home Rule Referendum will be highlighted on the Village s website. The Mayor asked the Clerk to call the Roll: Roll Call Vote: Ayes: (6) Trustees Costa, DeVivo, Kagianas, Niemiec Sabo and Yukich Nays: (0) None Abstained: (0) None The Mayor did not vote. Motion Carried. 2. Ordinance No An Ordinance Amending Ordinance No (Approved June 14, 2011) Entitled Outdoor Lighting in the Village of Homer Glen. Trustee Sabo made a motion to approve Ordinance No ; second by Trustee Yukich. Trustee Kagianas stated that he is pleased to see that this ordinance takes steps to ease some of the burdens the lighting ordinance has placed on recent Homer Glen s developments. Trustee Sabo stated that the motion does not say specifically what is being amended and noted that, in her opinion, it is very important that the changes be included in the motion. Trustee Sabo asked if identifying what sections of the ordinance were being amended could be part of the motion. Attorney Horvath stated that the motion could be amended to include: Ordinance No Amending Ordinance No Entitled Outdoor Lighting in the Village of Homer Glen by striking Section The maximum to minimum light level ratio shall not exceed 15:1. Trustee Sabo amended her motion to include what is being amended and what Section of Ordinance No that is being amended; Trustee Yukich amended his second. Trustee Sabo stated that the Lighting Ordinance was adopted on December 18, She asked if the date that the Lighting Ordinance was first passed could be included in the motion amending the ordinance instead of June 24, 2011 when it was previously amended. Manager Davis stated that we are in the process of codifying our ordinances and, when completed, the code book will reflect the original adoption date of all ordinances and subsequent revision dates. Trustee Sabo clarified that the Environment Committee had been reviewing the Lighting Ordinance and had suggested that Section be removed in order to make it easier for development. The Mayor asked the Clerk to call the Roll: Roll Call Vote: Ayes: (6) Trustees Costa, DeVivo, Kagianas, Niemiec, Sabo and Yukich. Nays: (0) Abstained: (0) None The Mayor did not vote. Motion Carried. Village of Homer Glen Page 10 of 11

12 3. Ordinance No An Ordinance Providing for the Issue of Not-To-Exceed $50,000, General Obligation Home Rule Sales Tax Bonds of the Village of Homer Glen, Will and Cook Counties, Illinois, and for the Levy of a Direct Annual Tax Sufficient to Pay the Principal and Interest on Said Bonds and to Sell Bonds in an Amount Not-To-Exceed $25,000, This item was moved to a Workshop Item. I. WORKSHOP ITEMS Mayor Daley asked the Village Board if discussion of Ordinance No could be removed from the agenda and placed on the agenda for the next Village Board meeting. The Village Board concurred that discussion could be placed on the next Board agenda. J. OLD BUSINESS There was no Old Business K. NEW BUSINESS There was no New Business. L. ADJOURNMENT Trustee Sabo made a motion to adjourn the meeting; second by Trustee Yukich. Voice Vote: All in favor: (6) Trustees Costa, DeVivo, Kagianas, Niemiec, Sabo and Yukich Nays: (0) None Motion carried. The meeting was adjourned at 10:56 p.m. Gale Skrobuton, Village Clerk Approved at the Board of Trustees Meeting dated September 25, 2012 Village of Homer Glen Page 11 of 11