Agenda for 11-12-09 Board Meeting

VILLAGE OF ISLAND LAKE
LAKE AND MCHENRY COUNTIES
REGULAR BOARD MEETING AGENDA
LOCATION: 3720 GREENLEAF, ISLAND LAKE, IL 60042
November 12, 2009 7:30pm
Call to Order
Roll Call
Pledge of Allegiance – Lead by the Wauconda American Legion Post 911
Recognition of those serving our Country
Public Comment: The public is invited to make an issue oriented comment on any matter of
public concern. This part of the meeting is reserved for comments and is not an open question
and answer period but a time for members of the public to make statements. The public
comment may be no longer than 5 minutes in duration. Interrogation of village staff, the Mayor,
Trustees or consultants will not be allowed during this time. Personal comments or attacks,
impertinent, slanderous or profane remarks which are disruptive or impede the orderly conduct of
the meeting relative to village staff, elected officials or consultants is prohibited.

Items from the Mayor
Items from the Clerk, Trustees, Attorney, Engineer and Department Heads
Consent Agenda
1. Approval of Minutes – June 4, 2009, June 11, 2009, August 27, 2009, October 22,
2009, November 5, 2009
2. Accounts Payable
3. Committee & Department Reports
A. Finance and Administration
B. Intergovernmental Communication, Grants & Funding
C. Building, Zoning, Ordinance, Public Works & Water
D. Police and Public Safety
E. Parks, Recreation, Education & Community Events
F. Economic Development & Public Improvements

Agenda
1. Approval of SWALCO Ordinance Amendment to Change by-laws regarding Director and
Executive Committee – Trustee Mascillino
2. Approval to have the board meet only December 3rd and 10th for 2009 – Trustee Verciglio
3. Approval of Resolution for Federal Aid Urban Application – Trustee Verciglio
4. Approval to pay Rooney Consultants CDBG 2008 Invoice for $14,807.50 – Trustee
Verciglio
5. Approval to pay Elmwood Enterprise Pay Request No. 2 in the amount of $134,268.63 –
Trustee Verciglio
6. Discussion/Approval to waive the solicitation permit fees for the Fireworks Raffle
Committee – Trustee Verciglio
7. Approval of posting signs in the village for the Craft Fair on 11/21-11/22/09 – Donna
O’Malley
Adjournment to Executive Session to discuss matter of pending or probable
litigation, personnel, collective bargaining and the sale, lease and/or acquisition of
land.
Reconvene to Regular Session with Roll Call
Action on Executive Session
Adjournment 10 PM

Health Care Reform Passes (in House)

Last night, the health care reform bill passed in the House. The bill will still have to go through the U.S. Senate. Whether one is for or against health care reform in the U.S., this is a landmark achievement for President Obama. But—will it pass in the Senate?

This issue brings to light some familiar issues in Island Lake. The bill, first 1200 pages, 1600 pages and 2000 pages as of Friday morning...how many pages consisted of the actual bill that passed? Who can possibly read and comprehend the entire bill and what it encompasses in such a short time, even with support staff whose job it is to do just that? AND more importantly, how can our representatives be prepared to vote without fully knowing what's in the bill? If htey had to take a Quiz on the bill, would they pass? You might think I'm being a little dramatic...so be it, but I want my congressman to know what they are getting ME into. We all read the fine line before we sign a contract, right? Right???

That leads me to my own situation. On many occasions I have been asked to vote on something I simply have not read because I received it just moments before a vote. In some cases I might get something that was sent in email late Tuesday, by the time I have a chance to download it, it's Wednesday night, and I'm asked to vote on Thursday, thus, no opportunities to deliberate thoughts with myself or others, let alone with attorneys or subject matter experts. In most cases, I will vote Nay simply because I will not vote for something I did not have ample time to read. Unless there are meetings going on outside of the scheduled, posted Thursday night meetings, our board simply votes blindly, which I think is irresponsible and that is what I feel the U.S. House did lat night.

I know what it's like first hand to be up there to vote and I have not read or fully comprehended its content; maybe I have questions; maybe I feel alternatives should be considered and yet, so many times ordinances and other issues get passed by our board and the same has happened with our House. I know the House procedures are much more complex than local government, but to an extent...there is still the basic processes...read the proposed bills and become fully educated on them: ask pertinent questions; oppose portions you and your constituents do not agree with—vote Nay if you do not support the bill and Aye if you do, but at least know what is in the bill in its entirety. Remember the pork in the stimulus bill? That's how that stuff gets through—you stick it alongside in hopes no one catches it or gives in for the good of the whole bill.

I think it will be interesting to see what happens in the Senate with the bill that was passed. No doubt it will be a highly discussed topic and many Americans are counting on it passing while many Americans are counting on it not passing. With such division, what will happen?

Today's Daily Herald online stories:
House passes narrowly passes bill
Melissa Bean has no comments at this time

Contractor Registration Versus Business License

A few months ago talk was brewing among the Board, the Chamber of Commerce, and Mayor Herrmann about the possibility of requiring all businesses in Island Lake to pay an annual Business License fee. That was months ago. Fast-forward to today—the Board will be considering and voting on a registration fee for all contractors to legally provide their service to village consumers. While it is not unusual for villages to require registration of contractors, I ask what happened to requiring all businesses pay an annual licesne fee? Why is the Board only, at this time, considering a tax on contractors? Nearly all villages require a business license be paid annually, yet our village does not. However, my opinion is that we may headed down a slippery slope in requiring contractors to pay a registration fee and not non-contractor businesses.

You may ask, why would this be a slippery slope? Well, think about who may benefit from not requiring a business license fee of non-contractors? I will ask that you decide for yourself, but just be aware that there are a few elected officials on the village board (AND non-elected, appointed officals on village committees) who own their own non-contractor business out of Island Lake. Is the contractor registration fee an ethical conflict of interest given three elected board officials are entrepreneurs, (non-contractors), and will be deciding on the fate of annual registration fees which specifically excludes their own business?

For example, under a proposed contractor registration ordinance, XYZ Roofing company will have to pay an annual fee to the village in order to legally do business in the village. On the flipside, Insurance offices can operate without paying an annual fee simply because they are an insurance company and not a contractor. Home daycare services can operate without paying an annual fee and dental supply companies can continue to operate without paying a fee. And to go further without using elected officals' businesses as examples—think of the small businesses in Island Lake who will also continue to slide under the radar—auto repair, auto body, photographers, IT services, leather goods, Web designers, architects, and the list goes on.


I don't know—you decide—I just want all to be aware of the instances of possible double standards, if you will, of voting to require contractors to pay fees while non-contractor businesses get a literal free pass.

If the argument is that the contractor registration fee is put in place to protect the people from scams or being ripped off—what about all business operations in town? Even non-contractors can rip the public off or provide below par services.

Village to decide on whether to cooperate with Sanitary District and shut water services off

Last night at the village committee of the whole meeting, Ken Michaels of the Northern Moraine Wastewater Reclamation District (NMWRD) (the District) and Dave LaSueur (attorney for the District) were on hand to answer questions from the Board regarding their recent request to the village that water services be shut off for delinquent District customers of Island Lake. The District has made the same request of other villages it serves such as Lakemoor.


The District said it has the right to dig up the yards of its customers to unconnect sewer/sanitary service but would rather have the cooperation of the villages in shutting off water service to delinquent accounts. Currently, the District's practice is to try to collect from delinquents, but when they do not get a response, after about six months, the District puts a lien on the property. The District is asking the village of Island Lake (and Lakemoor) for their cooperation in shutting off water service after a lein and further attempts to collect the past due bills have been unsuccessful. Attorney Dave LeSueur explained that when water is shut off to a home, it most likely would render it uninhabitable. The District feels confident most shut-offs would occur on vacant, foreclosed homes.


What does this mean to Island Lake residents? Well, if agreed upon by the village, it could be a first step in fixing a broken relationship with the District, who if you recall de-annexed from the village under former Mayor Tom Hyde. It could also mean that if you or your neighbor could have their water shut-off leading to the possibility that the home would become uninhabitable. If you are behind (very behind) in sewer payments, and have not made arrangements with the District to make payments, your water can be shut off, even if you are paying your water bill on time.

Prior to shut off, a homeowner would be notified by the District and would be eligible for a hearing before the Sanitary District. 

The village does not have to be concerned with loss of Water revenue because as the District explained, they would be required to pay the village for lost revenues for the duration of the shut-off. The loss in revenue would be paid currently and regularly, versus in arrears when the District collects their past due amounts.

Trustee Saville said he felt the District was asking the village to be their "hit man." Trustee Saville also asked the District why they do not just get a court order to force the village to shut off the water. Trustee Ponio wanted to know what the percentage of delinquent District customers was in relation to delinquent Island Lake Water customers (that figure was unknown as of last night). Trustee Rabattini wanted to be sure that the District acted consistently with all residents and did not play favorites. Truste Mascillino said she felt the Water Superintendent would need to give his opinion on how he thinks this would affect the Water department operations.

The District will be drawing up a draft Intergovernmental Agreement for the Board to review and consider. If you are for or against this, now is the time to contact your village represenatives and let them know how you feel, as an official vote will be forthcoming.

November 5 meeting is available @ CBGIL

http://www.cbgil.com/meetings.html

Agenda for Committee Meeting Thursday November 5 2009

Agenda for Thursday November 5 2009


Call to order
 
Roll call

Special presentation by students of District 118 for CPFS program

Public Comment:  The public is invited to make an issue oriented comment on any matter of public concern.  This part of the meeting is reserved for comments and is not an open question and answer period but a time for members of the public to make statements.  The public comment may be no longer than 5 minutes in duration.  Interrogation of village staff the, the Mayor, Trustees or consultants will not be allowed during this time.  Personal comments or attacks, impertinent, slanderous or profane remarks which are disruptive or impede the orderly conduct of the meeting relative to village staff, elected officials or consultants is not prohibited.

Items from the Clerk, Trustees, Attorney, Engineer and Department Heads

Agenda Items:

1.        Discussion and fact finding regarding Northern Moraine Sanitary District – Trustee Saville
2.        Discussion of Snow Removal Ordinance – Trustee Verciglio
3.        Discussion of Contractor Registration Ordinance – Trustee Verciglio
4.        Discussion of December Board Meeting Dates – Trustee Verciglio        
5.        Discussion on Timing of Ordinance Changes – Trustee Verciglio
6.        Discussion of Resolution Requesting the Designation of Burnett Road in the Village of Island Lake as a Federal Aid Urban Route – Trustee Verciglio
7.        Discussion on a consensus of the board for the craft faire signs. – Trustee O’Malley



Adjournment

                     

Adjournment to Executive Session

·        Personnel
·        Land sale and/or acquisition
·        Litigation

Adjournment from Executive Session                  

Did you get your property tax bill?

Did you get your property tax bill yet? Was it shocking? If you think your property taxes have been inaccurately assessed, you are not alone. With the housing market in a slump and home values plummeting, taxes should be going down, not up.

There is help! Tom Cosgray, a property tax evaluator has dedicated this past year to reducing his own taxes and now he is offering the same help to you. He has saved himself thousands in his own property taxes and says he has found discrepencies throughout the year on others' tax assessments. The deadline to get your paperwork in to appeal your tax bill is November 20th.

His services are for McHenry County only! If you live in the Nunda Township portion of Island Lake, it can't hurt to call him and see what he can do for you. He only charges if he saves you money, but the savings potential over the next few years could well be worth his fees, if any.

Tom Cosgray
Property Tax Evaluation and Services
815-382-4026
email: mot4410@comcast.net
4410 Crystal Lake Avenue
Crystal Lake, IL 60014

Be a good neighbor...shovel your sidewalks!

Discussed at the Thursday night ordinance meeting, but not recommended for an ordinance, was a request by a resident that the village create an ordinance that would require residents to shovel sidewalks in front of their homes in 2" of snow or more or be fined. The issue is about child safety. When the snow is on the ground for long periods, children (and adults) tend to walk in the street; with the curvy, hilly, and unlit roads—and add high snow mounds, the potential for a car to hit a pedestrian walking in the street is high. Sidewalks can become slippery if not shoveled.

This ordinance is not out of the ordinary. Many villages and towns have similar ordinances. The state of Illinois does provide a good neighbor law that would exempt a home owner from being liable if someone were to slip and fall on a sidewalk they shoveled, so long as their intent was to clear the sidewalk for others in the spirit of being a good neighbor. Nearby towns such as Gurnee, Des Plaines and Round Lake have ordinances on the books that require sidewalks be shoveled.

The Ordinance committee and others present could not find a viable solution for enforcement of such an ordinance. Citing many obstacles, the PW Director and committee Chair felt that requiring residents to shovel sidewalks would be difficult to enforce, and just as challenging, how to ensure sidewalks are shoveled when residents do not comply. With staff short-handed in the Public Works department, and any contractor hired to shovel sidewalks on behalf of the village would require paying prevailing wage, the committee was just at a loss to come up with a way to make the ordinance enforceable, village-wide.

The recommendation by the committee was that the resident create a committee and begin an awareness campaign. So in the spirit of getting the word out, please be sensitive to the needs of the community this winter and know that when it snows, the kids and others are counting on those sidewalks to be cleared.

Someone reminded me of growing up in Chicago; we just naturally cleared the sidewalks; it was a given. I don't know if we did it because we were required or because we all used the sidewalks and it was just an unwritten law—but we did it. It's like the unwritten but well known sport of clearing out your parking spot and placing a chair in it when your going out—making claim to the spot...it's yours! Do not remove the chair or table or whatever was put there to claim the space! You violators know who you are!

November Watercooler

Contractor Registration Requirements Discussed

This past Thursday night, the Ordinance Committee met (3 person committee consists of: Don Verciglio,  Donna O'Malley and Don Saville [Saville was not present]). During the meeting, a few potential ordinances were discussed, but one in particular was discussed and the committee will present it to the entire board at the next Committee of the Whole meeting, November 5.

The committee feels the village should begin requiring registration for all contractors who work for hire in the village. This would consist of an annual contractor fee ($25 for general; $50 for steel and mason) in which the village would keep a list and post on the village website. The registration would require proof of insurance/liability and bond. This would apply to any and all contractors who wish to work for hire in the village.

This means if you hire a contractor to roof your home, in order for your permit to be approved, your contractor must be registered with the village. It was discussed and confirmed that if you have a friend do your roof or you do it yourself, this would not apply.

In knowing that your contractor is registered with the village, you at least know up front that they at minimum have liability insurance and are bonded. This does cut some of the legwork out for homeowners, but I would caution one from mistaking this as an insurance policy that your contractor is on the up and up or will perform at the highest standards. It is not the same as a Better Business Bureau membership or approval.

The ordinance chair will present this to the Board for consideration next Thursday.

Island Lake Residents will have to pay to Recycle…Like it or not

written and posted by guest blogger DixieCharm

Island Lake Residents will have to pay to Recycle…Like it or not

You can ask Trustee Verciglio, Macilino, and O’Malley personally why they decided to raise your garbage rates for no apparent reason…NONE whatsoever. And then you can also ask your

Image via Wikipedia

mayor why she broke the tie to make it official.

At last night’s meeting, O’Malley motioned to revisit extending the current garbage service which will result in an increase for certain individuals. She had originally voted against it, but personally, I think the wolves came to her door. When asked why she was bringing it up again, she said after further consideration and in speaking with residents, she realized it made sense. She blamed the fact that she should have tabled the discussion rather than voting no last week on her inexperience. Yet, she couldn’t really give a substantive reason for the change of heart. Watch the meeting; judge for yourself.

The gist is this: The new contract will require certain homes to have a recycling bin at a beginning cost of $1.25 per month. Doesn’t seem like much, but that’s $15 per year, and your bill promises to go up 5% in the first year, then approximately 3% each year thereafter until the contract expires in 2015. If I did the math correctly, you will pay approximately $90 to rent a bin you aren’t even required to use, but must take. Your recycled goods go in the bin (IF you decide to recycle). The bins make it easier for Waste Management to pick up more of your recycles. Keep in mind that your garbage is recycled whether you separate the trash yourself or not. This just makes the process easier on the garbage company and saves them money in labor and workman’s comp (per statement from SWALCO while addressing the board).

The village could have tried to negotiate the new contract by insisting on a lesser increase in our bills, or no increase at all or requiring the bins be free of charge since the village residents were doing a service for the garbage company, but apparently, SOME of your trustees feel it’s no big deal to pass this cost onto you. Hard times only fall on some of us, I guess. This kind of leadership reminds me of my college days while being initiated into my sorority…”Thank you, may I have another, please” referring to the needless paddling I received just because they could.

Trustee Saville gave several reasons why it was a bad idea to charge residents for a bin that the garbage company should have provided free of charge. Trustee Ponio and Trustee Rabattini offered great insight as to why they feel the village should not require the residents to pay a company to make its job easier with no benefit to residents. However, as he stated, Saville knew he was wasting his time trying to convince the rest of the board to reconsider their position.

Trustee Saville crunched the numbers and figured if only the single family homes were counted, the new contract would cost the village $42,000 and up per year (passed onto you, the resident!) But, that dollar figure will be inflated because there are more than just single family units that will be charged the new bin fee. This cost is for helping the garbage company do what it already does: recycle your garbage and make a profit from it. The board just decided to add $42,000 + to their (Waste Management’s) bottom line.

Rabattini wanted to know when the last time Island Lake went out for a bid for garbage service. When Rabattini asked Hermann, (who has been a clerk for 4 years and a trustee for 8 years), if she recalls it being done, Hermann told her that she wasn’t going to tell her. It wasn’t that Debbie didn’t know the answer to the question; she stated “I just didn’t feel like answering it.”

So, what is the purpose of the recycling bin? The village does not require recycling, yet they are going to require you to rent a recycling bin each year. You don’t have a choice! You MUST rent the bin whether you recycle or not. And you MUST receive your garbage service from the village. Oh, but wait…only certain homes will be held to this new policy. Multi-family homes (apartment complexes, for example) and commercial facilities will not be subject to the new requirement.

Why did they decide to make you spend more money? Makes one think what the kick back is, and by “one” I mean, this one…but don’t ask Debbie because she just might not tell you!

10-22-09 Meeting Available @ CBGIL

http://www.cbgil.com/meetings.html

Bill Sheet for October 2009 Available @ CBGIL

http://www.cbgil.com/html/village_budget.html

District 118 Petition Challenged

The Daily Herald reports today on the District 118 petition to force the school board to go to referendum to sell $16.9 million to offset payroll and state funding. Trustee Mary Schor led the fight to force the school board to let the voters decide on the next election ballot. The 430-page objection claims many of the signatures obtained are of unregistered voters or out of district voters.

Click the link below to read the full story

http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=330101

Government in Secrecy: A Chicago Tribune Investigation (Island Lake is one of the featured governments)

Over the last year or so, The Chicago Tribune has been conducting its own investigations into government corruption—not only in the Blago administration— but statewide governments are included in their research. Today, a Tribune article focusses on the roadblocks that our own elected officals encounter when trying to access public records.

 

"Public bodies have gotten comfortable with an unenforceable law and have gotten very good at roadblocks, making it brutally difficult to give access to information that the public is entitled to or board members are entitled to," said Attorney General Lisa Madigan's deputy chief of staff, Cara Smith.

 

These roadblocks did play a part in the new FOIA changes that will go into effect January 1. Currently, the law is virtually unenforceable, but with the changes to the FOIA law, it will be difficult for government to hide records from the public, and if they do, they can be fined. The new FOIA law gives the Attorney General the authority to enforce the law and hold violators accountable.

 

Click the link(s) below to go to the featured story.

 

If those seeking transparency in Island Lake government thought our situation was unique, this story certainly blows that theory out of the water. Secrecy, non-transparent government and insolence is rampant among local government in Illinois, but hopefully the FOIA law will change most, if not all secrecy.

 

 

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/chi-board-politics-monoct20,0,7297678.story

 

 

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/chi-board-politics-sidebar-20-oct20,0,3734630.story

 

 

 

 

REVISED Agenda for 10-22-09 Board Meeting

VILLAGE OF ISLAND LAKE

LAKE AND MCHENRY COUNTIES


REGULAR BOARD MEETING AGENDA
LOCATION: 3720 GREENLEAF, ISLAND LAKE, IL 60042

October 22, 2009 7:30 pm

Call to Order

Roll Call

Special Presentation by Students of District 118 for CPFS program

Public Comment: The public is invited to make an issue oriented comment on any matter of public concern not otherwise on the agenda. The public comment may be no longer than 5 minutes in duration. Interrogation of the village staff, Mayor or Trustees will not be allowed during this time, nor will any comment from the Trustees. Personal criticism against village staff or elected officials is not permitted.

Items from the Mayor

Items from the Clerk, Trustees, Attorney, Engineer and Department Heads

Agenda Items:

1. Approval of Memorandum of Understanding between Village of Island Lake &

    Sheltering Oaks to provide emergency shelter. – Trustee Mascillino

2. Motion to reconsider Waste Mgmt contract extension as previously presented. – Trustee O’Malley  

3.  Motion to Approve contract extension with Waste Mgmt as previously presented on October 8, 2009  – Trustee O’Malley

3. Approval of signs for the Wauconda American Legion 911 Post Casino Night -  November 12, 2009 thru November 15, 2009 – Trustee Verciglio       

Adjournment to Executive Session
· Pending or probable litigation
· Personnel
· Sale, lease and/or acquisition of land.

Reconvene to Regular Session with Roll Call

Action on Executive Session

Adjournment at 10:00pm

The Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act STILL unfunded...

Many of you who know me know that one issue that I am especially passionate about is the safety of children. I have experience and knowledge in this area that helps fuel my passion for the safety of our children from safety in play all the way to safety at home.

Image via Wikipedia

One disappointing issue going on over on Capitol Hill is the lack of funding for the Adam Walsh bill. Some may be familiar with this child; his father is John Walsh, activist and host of TVs, America's Most Wanted. John Walsh worked very hard to get this bill passed but has been disappointed in the lack of funding from Congress. John didn't simply want a bill bearing his child's name, he wanted a bill that would take action. He has been asking the public to urge their senators and congressman to FUND this bill and I am asking you to help. Below is a sample letter you can copy/paste into an email and send to your representative. You will find the links to the representatives of Island Lake below. Please take three minutes to send this letter.

******************************************************************************
Dear [Senator/Congressman/or Congresswoman]:

I am sure you share my belief that we must do everything in our power to help protect our children from sexual predators in our communities. That is why I am asking for your help today.

I am extremely concerned about how we track registered sex offenders in our country. According to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, an estimated 100,000 sex offenders are unaccounted for and not living where they are registered. Because law enforcement agencies are too underfunded and overwhelmed to track them, these dangerous predators are free to roam undetected from state to state, targeting and re-offending more innocent children.

The Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act was signed into law in 2006. Supporters of the law acknowledge there are adjustments that should be made to the law, but they are adamant, as am I, that the basic purpose and spirit of Adam's act must be upheld. The act calls for a National Sex Offender Registry, which is critical to the safety of our children.

I implore you to reexamine this law with fellow lawmakers, reauthorize it and see that it is fully funded. I realize our country's current economic crisis will not make this charge an easy one, but what could be more urgent and of greater importance than the safety and well-being of our children?

Sincerely,
(your name here)

************************************************************************************

State Representatives for Island Lake

Senator Burris
Senator Durbin
Congresswoman Melissa Bean