Village of Homer Glen. Board Meeting

Transcription

1 Village of Homer Glen South Founders Crossing Homer Glen, Illinois November 9, 2010 Board of Trustees Board Meeting Village Council Chamber South Founders Crossing Homer Glen, IL

2 A. CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order on November 9, 2010 by Mayor James Daley at 7:30 p.m. in the Village Council Chamber South Founders Crossing, Homer Glen. B. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG C. ROLL CALL Present at 7:30 p.m. were Mayor James Daley, Trustees Mike Costa, Russell Knaack, Mary Niemiec, Margaret Sabo, Laurel Ward and George Yukich. All remained present throughout the meeting. Also present on behalf of the Village were Village Clerk Gale Skrobuton, Village Manager Gary Holmes, Community Development Director Ed Cage, Development Services Director Mike Salamowicz, Assistant to the Village Manager Heather Parker and Village Attorney Cary Horvath. A quorum was established. D. APPROVAL OF AMENDMENTS TO AGENDA Trustee Sabo asked that Digital Billboards be added to OLD BUSINESS. E. PRESENTATION Snow Removal Mike DeVivo, Homer Township Highway Commissioner. Highway Commissioner Mike DeVivo stated the Highway Department is getting ready for the winter season. He noted that the department has been trimming trees near the roadway for access for the snow plows. Unfortunately, the Highway Department lost the services of the previous tree trimmer and residents have been complaining about how the trees were recently trimmed. Commissioner DeVivo assured the Board that this issue is being addressed and improvements will be made.. Plow routes are being increased from 12 to 14 and will help the department to be more efficient.. Salt has been ordered for the salt dome and will be delivered within the week. With the supply on hand, there should be enough for the season. Commissioner DeVivo noted he would like to meet with the Board and set up some type of policy for salting the roads.. Brush pick-up normally ends on November 1 st, but with the continued warm weather the department is trying to assist residents as long as they can with cleaning up the yards. Mayor Daley stated that the Village is currently working with a couple subdivisions to get the final lift on the streets and complete the punch lists. He asked Commissioner DeVivo to work with the Village Manager and Mike Salamowicz on getting the list of these subdivisions. Trustee Sabo noted that the Highway Department has ordered a new and more powerful tree chipper, and commented that she was surprised to find out that they have been taking care of branches or trees that do not come from our residents. Trustee Sabo questioned why local professionals and others are bringing in entire loads of branches and trees for the Highway Department to chip. Commissioner DeVivo stated that the Department started picking up the branches in storm emergencies and he expanded it as much as he could to eliminate as much burning as possible. Unfortunately, some people have used this service to assist their hired landscapers and local professionals in bringing in brush from foreign locations. It is also not uncommon for someone to cut down an entire tree and put it out on the street for pick-up. Mayor Daley asked if there is any use for the chips. 1 of 11

3 Commissioner DeVivo commented that the chips are offered to the residents, but most people do not want them because branches and leaves are included. The Highway Department has been taking the chips to Homer Tree Service who takes them at no charge. Trustee Niemiec asked if the residents could be notified when tree trimming will occur. Commissioner DeVivo stated they would like to put out a newsletter next year notifying residents that the Highway Department will always be trimming trees in the parkway during the year and the only way to keep the Department from trimming them is for the residents to keep them trimmed. Trustee Niemiec suggested that a stand up-sign could be put at the subdivision entrance notifying residents when the trees will be trimmed. Mayor Daley suggested that the tree trimming schedule be put on the Homer Glen website. The Mayor clarified that the trees in the parkway are owned by the Village and commented that the Highway Department needs to do whatever is necessary to keep the streets safe in the winter. Trustee Niemiec commented that because we are a tree community the Village hired an arborist and if trees are not cut in a certain way they can end up dying. She questioned if the Village could be responsible for those trees in the right-of-way if they died. Commissioner DeVivo stated that he has called Village arborist Roger Ross when there were complaints from residents, and Mr. Ross has found no problems with the way the trees have been trimmed. Trustee Niemiec suggested that Commissioner DeVivo look at putting a communication policy in place to notify the residents two weeks before the trimming will take place, and if the tree is not trimmed by the resident within those two weeks, the Highway Department will be doing it. Trustee Sabo commented that she has met with Commissioner DeVivo and they both agree there should be more education on tree trimming. The shape of the trees that were cut has now changed and even though Roger Ross said the cutting was adequate, this does not address what has happened to the look of the tree. Trustee Sabo agreed that the residents should be notified when tree trimming will occur. She noted that the parkway is narrow on Golden Oak and does not allow for trees that spread, like maple trees. It is important to make residents aware of what types of trees should be planted. Trustee Ward stated she is encouraged that the Highway Department is looking at salt alternatives, and reminded residents that they cannot park on the streets when there is over 2 of snow. F. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - None G. REPORTS AND COMMUNICATIONS FROM MAYOR AND OTHER OFFICERS 1. Mayor Daley reported:. The Mayor expressed condolences to the family of Franklin Frank Dunn who passed away on October 25 th. Frank spent nearly thirty years of his life in public service as the Homer Township Highway Commissioner from On October 27 th the Homer-Lockport Tea Party hosted a political rally at the Megaplex in Homer Glen. There were between 1,500-1,600 people in attendance to witness speeches from the Governors of Louisiana, Mississippi and Virginia along with local officials. The Mayor thanked Lt. McKenzie, members of the EMA, Chief Building Official Baber, Chief Schofield, Deputy Chief Fonfara and Inspector Joey Jermainas for their assistance at the event. The Mayor read a report on the rally that he received from Chief Schofield which complimented the organizers on their professionalism. Chief Schofield s report also noted that there was an 2 of 11

4 extra alarm brush fire around 4:00 p.m. that started at 150 th and Parker and stopped at Golden Oak Drive. Orland Park, Lemont, Lockport, Northwest Homer, Mokena and New Lenox s fire departments assisted with putting out the fire. The Mayor noted that there were no unusual expenditures of public funds during this event since the auxiliary police and the EMA volunteers handled traffic control and set up the unified command post on site.. The LTHS school board reviewed the first plans for a new high school. The proposed school on Cedar Road will be three stories and will initially house 1,900 students. This project will require approval from the voters in April for the sale of $85 million in bonds. If the bond sale is approved, there would be no property tax increase because some current bonds are expected to retire soon and the debt would be extended. The district anticipates receipt of $20-$25 million in state construction grants and will hopefully be able to take advantage of the federal stimulus program s Build America Bonds.. McDonough & Associates will have Phase 2 of the sewer line project completed by the end of this year, which means that the sewer line, when constructed, will open commercial development along the 159 th Street Corridor. The Phase I plans for the 159 th Street improvements will be completed before the end of the year and the project should be shovel ready by We now have an excellent opportunity to finish the sewer project in conjunction with the completion of the 159 th Street improvements which will trigger economic development opportunities throughout the corridor.. Development Services Director Mike Salamowicz has been working with Scott s Landscaping and reported that replacement of the trees at Kingston and Stonebridge Parks will be completed this Friday. The trees donated from Teerling Nursery are expected to be planted no later than the end of this week. The Mayor thanked John Teerling for his generous donation of one elm tree and three maple trees for the Village parks.. The Mayor, Village Manager and Community Development Director will be attending the Community and Economic Development Committee s meeting on November 16 th to discuss marketing strategies for 159 th Street. The Village Manager recently met with members of the I-355 Corridor Consortium and the Will County Center for Economic Development. These groups have discussed various marketing strategies for the I-355 corridor and these ideas will be presented to the Committee.. Homer Glen native Ashley Bradarich, Miss Illinois USA 2010 will be handing over her crown to the next Miss Illinois at the end of this month. The Mayor thanked Ashley for representing Homer Glen with beauty, dignity and grace, and wished her well in all her future endeavors. 2. Trustees: a. Trustee Costa reported:. Plans for the June 2011 Festival are moving forward and information is being compiled.. Trustee Costa commented that the success and safety of the October 27 th Homer-Lockport Tea Party political rally was due to the Fire Department, Police Department and EMA, and thanked them for their professionalism. Trustee Costa noted there is a check list for Special Events which he did not feel the organizers of the event followed as strictly as they should have. The Public Services and Safety Committee is looking at the ordinance, procedures and application, and will present their recommendations to the Board at a future meeting. Trustee Costa stressed to anyone who wants to hold an event in the Village that there are separate and unique safety issues that need to be taken and the Village should be notified. b. Trustee Yukich reported: 3 of 11

5 . The signs for What s the Rush are being placed throughout the Village.. The taping of one street in the Village will be completed and if it works, taping will also be done in other subdivisions. c. Trustee Ward reported:. The School Summit Steering Committee met prior to the LTHS School Board Meeting to discuss different options for referenda. The School Board has until January 18 or 19, 2011 to submit the ballot question to the County Clerk. The $85 million referenda entails maintaining a flat tax rate. Trustee Ward explained the school budget is comprised of nine different funds, including the Debt Service Fund that will be affected, but not the entire tax bill to the school district. This plan looks at restructuring some existing debt and adding this new debt. Residents will continue to pay the same amount in debt service to the high school. The flat tax rate, combined with the opportunity for State Grants and Federal Funding, make this an attractive referendum. The Community and Economic Development Committee is working on a school website to provide information to the voters once the School Board puts together their packet of information.. Congratulated and welcomed Wise Buys Resale and Consignment, a Homer Glen business, who relocated and expanded their business. Their new store is located at West 143 rd Street.. Homer Glen native Kyle Cogan received two Emmy Awards in the Chicago Midwest Emmy Awards Competition on November 6 th. He received one for his professional graphics work with TV station JBTV, and one for animation news, art direction and production in the college program. Kyle is currently attending Columbia University.. Trustee Ward commented on the passing of Franklin Dunn and how important he was to the start of the Village of Homer Glen when he was the Homer Township Highway Commissioner. Mr. Dunn also annexed his 100 acre farm into Homer Glen which helped establish our borders, stabilize our community and make it strong. His family came to Homer Township in 1861 and in 2006 his farm was certified as a centennial farm, being in the family for over 100 years. Trustee Ward commented that he will be missed and thanked him for the legacy of land he gave our community. d. Trustee Knaack reported:. The Homer Harvest Days Committee met last week and set the dates of Saturday and Sunday, September 10 & 11, 2011 for next year s event.. The deer mating season is underway in Homer Glen and could present a safety issue. Trustee Knaack asked residents not to speed, scan the road and slow down if they see a deer. The mating season will continue for the next several weeks. e. Trustee Niemiec reported:. The Sewer and Water Task Force will meet on Wednesday, November 17 th at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers.. The Community and Economic Development Committee will meet on Tuesday, November 16 th at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers. Trustee Niemiec asked the Mayor and Village Manager to share with the co-chairs of the CED Committee information about what they will be presenting at the meeting.. Trustee Niemiec commented that she concurs with Trustee Costa about the concern of advanced planning for community events. She requested that the Public Services and Safety 4 of 11

6 Committee consider a change in the Special Events Ordinance requiring Events Planners to meet with the Public Safety Committee prior to getting a Special Event permit. f. Trustee Sabo reported: ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE REPORT 151 st & Bell Road Beautification Project Although the landscaping for the first phase of the 151 st & Bell Road Beautification Project has been completed, we are looking forward to the sign identifying the project which will be installed in about a week. At the Environment Committee meeting of November 8 th, the Committee is recommending that the Homer Glen Lands Day Tree Planting Ceremony of 2010 and the Recognition of the 151 st & Bell Road project be postponed until next spring. At that time, trees will be showing their leaves, color will be apparent in the plant material, and the days will be longer. A maintenance plan is being developed by landscape designer, Marcia Stewart Pyziak, and when complete, will be shared with the Village Board. Tree and Landscape Sub-Committee The Environment Committee s Tree and Landscape Sub-Committee met with Community Development Director, Ed Cage, to review the present Tree Ordinance and to discuss meaningful additions and amendments. The Sub-Committee had prepared a draft in 2007 based on the current ordinance which addresses some of the following subjects and concerns: size of property affected; tree replacement; the Building Activity Area; inspections; tree protection; and tree guarantees. Further discussion of this draft and information resulting from research of other tree ordinances will take place at a meeting scheduled for December 15 th at 2:00 p.m. Comments are welcome. Earth Day/Arbor Day 2011 The Environment Committee s Earth Day/Arbor Day Group has scheduled a meeting for November 15 th at 7:00 p.m. to plan for the event in Earth Day/Arbor Day Chairman, Sue Steilen, and Trustee Sabo meet with Manager Gary Holmes to discuss the need to initiate early planning and mailings to participants, new ideas for next year, seeking sponsors, and increasing the budget. The expenses for 2010 came in under the budgeted amount because of sponsors contributing to the event. Digital Billboard Proposed Ordinance by Will County The Will County Land Use Committee meeting took place today, November 9 th, to continue discussing the proposed Digital Billboard Ordinance. We will be hearing the results of this meeting under Old Business. 3. Village Treasurer No Report 4. Village Clerk No Report 5. Village Manager No Report 6. Attorney No Report 7. Task Force Chairperson(s) No Report 8. Public Safety Officials No Report Homer Township Fire District Supervisor Joey Jeraminas stated that the application process for Special Events has to be addressed and discussed by the Public Services and Safety Committee. 5 of 11

7 H. PUBLIC COMMENT There was no Public Comment. I. LEGISLATION 1. Ordinance No An Ordinance Granting a Variance to Permit a Reduction of the Required First Floor Masonry materials for a Proposed Single Family Residence (HG V Saboe) Trustee Ward made a motion to approve Ordinance No ; second by Trustee Yukich. Community Development Director Ed Cage stated the applicant is requesting a variance from the exterior construction ordinance that would allow the use of cedar siding rather than masonry materials on a proposed detached garage for the property located at Stonecreek Court. The applicant has had an issue with matching the existing type of brick on the existing house as this type and size brick is no longer available. Rather than attempting to match a new brick to the existing brick size and color, the applicant desires to construct a more rural looking structure that matches the existing siding used on the existing residence. The main purpose of the proposed detached garage is to provide interior storage space for the applicant s boat; therefore, providing compliance with the Village s screening requirements. The applicant has obtained signed letters from his neighbors stating they have no issue with this type of detached garage. The Plan Commission discussed adding a driveway expansion to connect to the proposed detached garage. The applicant has added the proposed new driveway to their survey to illustrate that this is part of the overall project. The proposed detached garage complies with the accessory structure setbacks, height, size, and is well within the allowable lot coverage requirements. Trustee Knaack asked if the Village has a requirement that a detached garage has to have some type of drive-way going to it. Mr. Cage commented that he is not aware of any requirement, but the Plan Commission was concerned about creating ruts in the grassed area. The applicant s intent is for storage of a boat. Trustee Knaack asked if the drive-way is part of the application or is it part of a future plan. Mr. Cage stated that the drive-way issue came up at the Plan Commission, and the applicant stated that he would be willing to put in the drive-way next spring. Trustee Sabo noted that the applicant is thinking about permeable pavers or concrete, and asked if some consideration is given to concrete that it be the permeable type where rain can go through the concrete. Trustee Sabo also noted that the garage is rather close to the property line and asked the applicant to consider some greenery, shrubbery or screening that the adjacent property owner may benefit from. The Mayor asked the Clerk to call the Roll: Roll Call Vote: Ayes: (6) Trustees Costa, Knaack, Niemiec, Sabo, Ward and Yukich Nays: (0) None Abstain: (0) None Absent: (0) None The Mayor did not vote. Motion carried. 6 of 11

8 2. Ordinance No An Ordinance Adopting and Approving the Amended and Restated Southwest Agency for Health Management Combined Agreement and By-Laws. Trustee Ward made a motion to approve Ordinance No ; second by Trustee Yukich. Village Manager Holmes reported that the Southwest Agency for Health Management (SWAHM) is an intergovernmental benefits pool organized to coordinate the administration of the health care benefits for officials and employees of its member municipalities. There are presently nine communities in the SWAHM pool. The Village is a participant in this pool because it provides medical, dental and life insurance benefits to our employees. The Village became a member of this pool effective January The amended and restated SWAHM Agreement and By-Laws replaces the combined Agreement and By-Laws adopted by the Village Board on October 28, 2008 when it authorized the membership in SWAHM. These amendments implemented changes in the organizational financial structure of SWAHM that more accurately reflect its current operations and financial commitments to its members. The ordinance also designates the Village Manager and the Finance Director, John Sawyers, as the alternate and delegate to the Board of Directors of SWAHM. The Mayor asked the Clerk to call the Roll: Roll Call Vote: Ayes: (6) Trustees Costa, Knaack, Niemiec, Sabo, Ward and Yukich Nays: (0) None Abstain: (0) None Absent: (0) None The Mayor did not vote. Motion carried. 3. Ordinance No An Ordinance Authorizing the Execution of a Pipeline Crossing Permit Agreement by and Between Aux Sable Liquid Products LP and the Village of Homer Glen. Trustee Knaack made a motion to approve Ordinance No ; second by Trustee Yukich. Development Services Director Mike Salamowicz reported that the development on the first phase of the Village s Community bike trail has finally begun and the majority of the trail will be located within the ComEd right-of-way. Between Parker Road and Bell Road the bike trail will also be constructed parallel to, and in some instances may cross the pipeline owned by Aux Sable Liquid Products. As part of the construction requirements they are requiring a permit from the Village. This is a no fee permit and is very similar to the type of agreement that was approved previously with Northern Border Pipeline Company. Trustee Knaack asked if any further agreements will be required. Mr. Salamowicz stated that at this point there are none. The Mayor asked the Clerk to call the Roll: Roll Call Vote: Ayes: (6) Trustees Costa, Knaack, Niemiec, Sabo, Ward and Yukich Nays: (0) None Abstain: (0) None Absent: (0) None The Mayor did not vote. Motion carried. 7 of 11

9 J. WORKSHOP ITEMS 1. Amendments to the Tree Preservation Ordinance. Community Development Director Ed Cage stated the existing ordinance was approved in March The Village staff has found that certain sections of the ordinance need to be updated and modified to make it more effective. Mr. Cage stated that he has met with the Tree and Landscape Sub-Committee to discuss some of the issues. The Sub-Committee will be meeting again in December to discuss what needs attention and they will be looking at the Tree Preservation ordinances of neighboring communities to determine what may make our ordinance more effective. Mr. Cage noted that if a resident is going to cut down a tree there should be a good reason for doing so. He asked for comments and suggestions from the Board. Trustee Knaack stated that he would like to have a really good understanding of the balance between protecting our trees and protecting the freedom of the landowners to use their property in the way they would like, and these could be two opposing factors. He asked if he could see copies of other community s tree preservation ordinances and asked the sub-committee if they could summarize these ordinances or put a table together for comparisons. Trustee Knaack stated that residents who live in wooded areas have constraints that others may not realize. Mayor Daley commented that trees are an important symbol for Homer Glen, but he also believes there is a fine line between over regulating people s property. Trustee Knaack suggested that consideration be given to Section 8-Performance Guarantee that requires one year for planting trees, and changing it to two years. Mayor Daley noted there may be a problem trying to get two-year enforcement when most trees are guaranteed for only one year. The ordinance could regulate that the individual has to replace a tree if it dies within two years at their own cost. Trustee Niemiec suggested that a cost analysis be done to show what the cost of this ordinance would be to the Village. If the Village is saying that the trees have to be replaced only if they are diseased or for other issues, we will have to send someone to the site to verify the condition of the tree. She would like to see the cost of enforcement and our capacity to implement and enforce the ordinance. Trustee Sabo noted that since members of the Board have not seen a draft or submitted their comments, they may think this is an extreme ordinance. The 2007 draft was written to address issues and problems that we, as a Village, have faced with our natural resource. It is not the intention of this ordinance to discourage any development, and it not the purpose of this ordinance to put a hardship on residents or on the Village. If we are going to have a Tree Preservation Ordinance we want it to be one that we can work with. The two-year guarantee is something that was in the 2007 draft, but we have since found that one of the Villages has researched a five-year guarantee, so the developer has to make sure the trees are planted correctly. One of the problems we had is that some of the trees are not planted correctly and are not taken care of during the time of construction. We need to ensure that directions are being followed and standards need to be set. Trustee Ward commented on the benefits of trees and why we would want this type of ordinance in place and make it effective. Trees add to property values and shoppers will spend 10-15% more in communities with trees. Trustee Ward stated she does concur with Trustee Knaack regarding how restrictive the Village gets. We have that core value in place that says we are here to provide balance and stability in the least restrictive manner. Trustee Ward suggested that we may want to look at the Hillsdale County ordinance that does not require a permit for properties less than five acres if there is already a valid certificate of occupancy. Part of our issue is with the vacant lots without homes and someone comes in and 8 of 11

10 clear cuts the property because they think it will make it more attractive to sell. Trustee Ward stated she would be more comfortable looking at an ordinance that is less burdensome to our existing homeowners. She suggested that the ordinance list the five steps that Village Arborist Roger Ross recommended to protect existing trees when development occurs. Trustee Sabo reminded the Board that Roger Ross was involved in drafting the 2007 ordinance and many of his ideas are included. There is information in the ordinance about tree protection and the building activity areas. The Mayor recommended that the Board review the proposed amendments and direct any questions or suggestions to the Village Manager or Mike Salamowicz. K. OLD BUSINESS 1. Digital Billboards Mayor Daley stated that the Village did follow-up with a letter to Mr. Weigel, Chairman of the Will County Land Use and Development Committee, objecting to the proposed draft Advertising Sign/Billboard Ordinance and how it relates to our Lighting Ordinance. The Mayor read the letter into the record. The letter included the Village s concern over the proposed language that permits the swapping out of existing static billboards and a ratio to dynamic billboards within a specific radius and without a special use permit. The Village formally requested that Will County table this item at the November 9 th Land Use and Development Committee meeting. Mayor Daley noted that it is his understanding that Mr. Wiegel acknowledged that he had a copy of this letter but it was not given to all the members at today s meeting of the Land Use and Development Committee Trustee Sabo commented that Homer Glen should be heard on its position and its assistance in attempting to interject some common sense into this proposed ordinance. The concern is with the brightness of these TV billboards, input from the public is very necessary, and these digital billboards create a safety issue. Trustee Sabo noted that texting and talking on a cell phone is against the law, and asked how we can tell people not to look at the billboard. Community Development Director Ed Cage stated that Debra Norvil attended today s meeting on behalf of the Village. Mr. Cage noted that the item was tabled by Will County. Trustee Sabo stated that Will County did vote to allow the 250 nits for brightness, whereas, the Village s ordinance only allows for 150 nits. Mr. Cage stated that Will County voted on sections of the Ordinance, but not in its entirety. Mayor Daley stated that it is his understanding that the radius of what Will County was talking about for the swap out has been discussed anywhere from five to ten miles, and there was discussion today to 15 miles, but the issue was not resolved. Trustee Knaack stated that his biggest concern is the radius of area for replacement, because they can take billboards down from rural areas and put billboards along 159 th Street without permits or approval on the part of the Village. Trustee Knaack stated he would like to see it less than one mile. Mr. Cage stated that one of the major concerns is the swapping out radio and it is very disturbing to find out that Will County is talking about 15 miles. A representative from one of the billboard companies had mentioned 159 th Street is a very desirable corridor due to its proximity to I-355 and the average daily traffic. The other area of concern is that the Will County Land Use and 9 of 11

11 Development Committee recognized a letter of concern from Romeoville, but not the letter from Homer Glen. Mayor Daley stated he will call Land Use Chairman Weigel and ask to meet with him, the Village Manager and Ed Cage to discuss how this could dramatically affect Homer Glen s future, as much of our boundary area is not incorporated at this time and is open to this swap of signs. Trustee Ward clarified that nothing has been approved by the Will County Board, and asked if they were aware of our objection to the 250 nits, since the letter only mentions the swapping out. Mr. Cage stated the issue of illumination of the proposed billboards has been covered extensively at a number of meetings. When the Village sent the letter to Will County Land Use in April, the issue of over-illumination and how it would relate to the Village of Homer Glen s Lighting Ordinance was raised and Will County staff made some modifications to the draft ordinance. There was a meeting held on October 28 th when the Land Use Committee and the billboard companies measured the nit levels of the digital billboards and static billboards. Our letter did not mention our objection to the 250 nits due to the relatively quick turnaround time and Mr. Cage stated he would have to defer the subject of the nits levels to more of an expert. He did not want to go on record until he had the facts on the levels and this issue will be followed-up by the Village. This issue has been discussed a number of times at the meetings and County Board Member Kathleen Konicki has also mentioned it extensively. Trustee Knaack commented that he appreciates Debra Norvil attending these meetings, but since this issue involves more than lighting, someone from staff should also attend these meetings and represent Homer Glen. He voiced his concern that there isn t a loophole in this ordinance that would allow the billboard companies to put 20 static billboards in rural areas in the County and then a month later say they were going to take them down and put 10 dynamic billboards in Homer Glen. While he is not suggesting this will happen, he wants to be certain this possibility does not exist. Mayor Daley stated the Village will contact Mr. Weigel and explain the situation of our boundary agreement, and that a portion of the agreement is in an unincorporated area, a portion is within the incorporated area, and our concerns for the future of Homer Glen. Trustee Sabo stated that Will County conducted research, surveyed and measured the brightness that came from static billboards and digital billboards and this information was completely ignored. The data collected clearly showed that all the static billboards were under 100 nits, the digital billboards were in the range of 180 nits, and what was approved was much brighter than what was studied. Trustee Sabo voiced her concern that Homer Glen was criticized by a billboard company for our position on 150 nits. Billboard companies are being allowed to have a bigger voice at the meetings and opposition comments are clearly being discouraged. Trustee Sabo commented that communication is very important, and it would be tragic if this ordinance was allowed to go through. She recommended that Will County contact all municipalities to make them aware of this proposed ordinance. Mr. Cage reported that he forwarded our letter to Romeoville and Lockport. Trustee Sabo suggested that when the Village meets with Mr. Weigel, and also invite Mr. Paddock, head of Land Use to attend the meeting. She commented that any municipality having an input be allowed to be heard and given the same opportunities that the billboard companies are allowed to have at these meetings and be respected for their input. Mayor Daley asked Village Manager Holmes to set up a meeting date. 10 of 11

12 Trustee Niemiec suggested that New Lenox be contacted to make certain they are aware of this proposed ordinance. 2. PARC Grant Trustee Knaack stated that he has been working with staff regarding the PARC Grant available through IDOT for park construction and they concluded that a grant application should be pursued for Glenview Walk Estates. An application had previously been submitted through an OSLAD Grant which is almost identical to the PARC Grant. Mr. Cage stated that the OSLAD Grant application was not successful and the PARC grant is a fairly similar process and the Village will be able to turn around an application within a very quick time frame to meet the deadline. We have already published for a legal notice of a Public Hearing at the next Board Meeting. 3. Homer Harvest Days Budget Trustee Knaack stated the Homer Harvest Days Committee would like to start making arrangements and planning for entertainment and activities for next year s festival. He requested that the budget be brought before the Board for approval. L. NEW BUSINESS There was no New Business M. ADJOURNMENT Trustee Sabo made a motion to adjourn the meeting; second by Trustee Yukich. Voice Vote: All Ayes: (6) Trustees Costa, Knaack, Niemiec, Sabo, Ward and Yukich Nays: (0) None Motion carried: The meeting was adjourned at 9:16 p.m. Respectfully Submitted, Gale Skrobuton, Village Clerk Approved at the Board of Trustees Meeting dated November 23, of 11