Minutes of November 22, 2005
Barrington Area Council of Governments Executive Board
at the Village Offices of Tower Lakes.
Members present were K. Darch, Barrington; R. G. Abboud, Barrington Hills; S. Gifford, Deer Park; K. Richardson, Lake Barrington; D. Nelson, Cuba Township; G. Dawson, Barrington Township; F. Munao, South Barrington; and L. Kuskowski, Tower Lakes. Member absent: North Barrington. Staff present were: J. Agnoletti and L. Peterson. Others present: J. Tansor.
The Board meeting was called to order by Chairperson Munao at 8:14 P.M.
Minutes
Kuskowski moved and Gifford seconded the motion to approve the Minutes of the October 25, 2005 meeting. Darch indicated that under the "Group Medical Insurance Presentation…" item, the acronym "IRMA" should be replaced with "IPBC". Kuskwoski questioned the wording "Adjournment of Executive Board Meeting". Agnoletti explained the wording indicated the adjournment of the regular BACOG Board Meeting not executive session. Approval of minutes, with Darch's correction, carried unanimously by voice vote.
Natural Gas Costs and Assistance Programs for Winter 2006
Jim Tansor, Regional Community Relations Director, NICOR, gave an update on the pipeline work in the Cuba Township area. He indicated natural gas prices are the highest ever seen and explained the variables that affect the cost of natural gas. He distributed and explained options for people who need assistance with their heating bills this winter season. Abboud raised the need to ask legislators to work on energy policy.
Treasurer's Report
Gifford moved and Darch seconded the motion to approve the November 22, 2005 Treasurer's Report. Motion passed unanimously by roll call vote.
Annual Audit-Acceptance
Motion to accept the Audit Report for year ending June 30, 2005 passed unanimously by roll call vote after a motion by Nelson and second by Gifford.
Public Comment/Community Reports
No comments or reports.
Draft Letter re Middle School Liaison Officer
The draft letter was distributed with the packet. Darch noted it was a good letter. The board consented that Agnoletti could send the letter to CUSD 220 with no revisions.
Legislative Committee Recommendation: BACOG 2005-06 Legislative Platform
Dawson moved and Abboud seconded the motion to accept the draft BACOG 2006 Legislative Platform for consideration by the member boards and to report status at the January BACOG Board Meeting. Agnoletti will complete explanation of priority item #7 and have Darch review it. Motion passed unanimously by voice vote.
Health and Life Insurance Options
Agnoletti reviewed the work done by Kosner and Wareye and mentioned they have begun meeting with BACOG members. Darch reported the Intergovernmental Public Benefit Cooperative (IPBC), a municipal insurance cooperative which Barrington belongs to, will allow BACOG members to join Barrington's insurance group. An intergovernmental agreement would be a provision of this arrangement. The IPBC needs much more of the same information provided to Kosner for further examination. Abboud suggested BACOG create its own health insurance pool by soliciting area health providers like notably Advocate Good Shepherd. Discussion was held on forming an insurance pool. Dawson will research this option.
Community Drug Prevention Coalition (CDPC) Request for Contribution
Agnoletti reported the CDPC will be sending a survey to parents of CUSD 220 middle school and high school students on their perceptions on drug, alcohol and tobacco use by area youth. The total projected cost for the survey is estimated at $6,500; the Village of Barrington is contributing $1,000 and Advocate Good Shepherd is contributing $1,500 towards the costs. The CDPC is hoping to get at least 15 contributors to donate $250 or supply donations. Gifford moved and Abboud seconded the motion for BACOG to contribute $250 towards the CDPC parent survey and that the funds will be taken from the Support for Projects and Committees budget line item. Motion passed unanimously by roll call vote.
Presidents' and Supervisors' Reports
Barrington: Darch reported the village has a contract to purchase the Citgo property as part of a TIF project. The Cook Street Plaza parking garage is set to open in December; Francesca's Restaurant will open in March. Construction of the Shops at Flint Creek has begun at the old Carlson Craft plant. Darch spoke of the Veteran's Day ceremony and the upcoming Pearl Harbor Day ceremony at Memorial Park. Several students from the BACOG area received a Medal of Honor from the Cook County Sheriff. BACOG staff will forward a copy of the program provided by Darch to the villages with students who were honored.
Barrington Hills: Abboud announced Chief Fred Clauser passed away. He commended Chief Clauser for his notable achievements and contributions to the village. Mike Murphy will be the new Chief of Police. He gave details on the service and reception. Road work continues and Cuba Township will be providing snow removal services for the village. A strategic plan to update the village hall has been launched. The comprehensive plan passed and copies will be forwarded to BACOG members.
Deer Park: Gifford reported the Vehe Farm renovation should be completed in February or March. Discussion was held on switching the venues for the February and April BACOG meetings. Staff will forward a revised schedule when the change is cofirmed. A study is underway to address increased traffic concerns on Deerpath Road. Abboud suggested BACOG hold a road summit. The village voted to move forward with its TIF study. Phase I, examining if the area along Rand Road south of the Deer Park Town Center qualifies for a TIF, was completed. The village will work on Phase II to put the plan together.
Lake Barrington: Richardson indicated the village is experiencing a great response rate from residents for its comprehensive plan update survey. A Comprehensive Plan Update Community Open House/Forum is being held on Dec. 3rd. Baxter Woodman did a road study and the village is speaking with Cuba Township regarding future road work. Richardson reported on the Honeybee Hills development and work with various environmental agencies and groups. He noted concern regarding the early voting law that passed at the end of the session that allows mobile ballot vans without checkpoints or second party supervision. Dawson indicated concern for the elimination of local election boards. Richardson mentioned BACOG members will be receiving invitations to the village's Holiday Luncheon.
Barrington Township: Dawson wished everyone a Happy Thanksgiving.
Cuba Township: Nelson wished everyone a Happy Thanksgiving and noted lots of people in the area need food for the holiday.
Tower Lakes: Kuskowski stated IDOT will reduce the speed on Rt. 59 from 55 to 50 mph. The village will continue encouraging a reduction to 45 mph.
South Barrington: No report.
Director's Report
Agnoletti reported the following:
- BACOG and its GIS Committee members received a 2005 Service Award from the Illinois Geographical Information Systems Association (ILGISA) for its innovation in GIS as a regional system and for its costs and training sharing. The award plaques will be given to GIS committee members at their next meeting.
- Staff is working with a local broker to look at office space. The Barrington Area Historical Society has plans for the 218 W. Main St. house and is not renewing the lease. Rental expense could increase by $150/month to accommodate staff needs. Discussion was held on options. Nelson will contact Health World Museum regarding open space in its facility.
- The Community Drug Prevention Coalition (CDPC) is meeting at 3:00 p.m. on December 6th at the Barrington Public Safety Building.
- Agnoletti participated in the IML Legislative Committee to develop a 2006 statewide platform. She also attended a meeting with other metropolitan area COG's on affordable housing legislation. The consensus was to go forward with a focus on zoning board powers and that hearings at the state level should only involve discrimination so the appeals board is not a super-zoning board.
- Agnoletti also went to Springfield and met up with other municipal organizations. A proposal for an affordable housing amendment bill for 2006 was supported but no one volunteered to sponsor the bill so it will be put before the new Local Government Caucus. She met with local legislators regarding veto session bills.
- The Poplar Creek Watershed Planning group has reconvened after 1-1/2 years after NIPC received a 319 grant. Poplar Creek runs through South Barrington and Barrington Hills. Agnoletti will represent BACOG at the meetings.
- Agnoletti has been deposed for the Duda disconnection lawsuit.
- Agnoletti has been providing and will provide BACOG input for village comprehensive plan updates.
- The ISGS is working with BACOG to drill monitoring wells. More wells will be drilled next summer/fall.
- The Planning Group has invited Lake County staff to make a presentation on the Rt. 12 Planning Corridor Council at its next meeting. People representing the road work part of the project have also been invited.
Adjournment of Executive Board Meeting
The Executive Board meeting was adjourned at 8:51 p.m. after a motion by Nelson and second by Dawson. Motion passed unanimously.
Respectfully submitted by:
Loretta Peterson |
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