D. Committee of the Whole

APPROVED VILLAGE OF LAKE ZURICH SPECIAL COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE WITH HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATIONS JANUARY 21, 2009 The meeting was called to order by Mayor Tolomei at 7:04 p.m. Present –Mayor Tolomei, Trustee Tom Poynton (Countryside East), Trustee Craig Taylor (Woodlands), Trustee Branding (Lakeview), Teri Pytel (Orchards), Rich Sustich (Lake Property Owners Association), Donna Mazurkiewicz (Concord Village condo/townhomes), Larry Scheck (Old Mill Grove), Sandy Dickerhofe (LZ Pines), Jeff Halen (Willow Ponds), Judy Thode (Robertson Southshore Neighborhood), Jerry Bloomer, Sandy Point, Yolanda Strutzel and Tony Tinaglia (Wicklow Villas). Staff present –Police Chief Finlon. GENERAL DISCUSSION WITH HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATIONS AND REPRESENTATIVES ABOUT VARIOUS ISSUES: Mayor Tolomei said the intent of the meeting was to allow the representatives of the homeowners associations to have an opportunity to raise and discuss issues related to their neighborhoods or the Village. He asked the residents to introduce themselves and to bring up any issues for Police Chief Finlon first. Donna Mazurkiewicz, Concord Village, said they are having problems with people speeding on June Terrace and asked if the road could be striped. Police Chief Finlon responded to her concerns and suggested she attend the CPAC meeting and bring up those issues. Jerry Bloomer, Sandy Point, said they have a problem with a dead tree that is posing a safety hazard. Police Chief Finlon responded to his concerns and suggested staff follow up on this. A brief question and answer period followed. Police Chief Finlon gave some general safety recommendations to the residents. He reminded them to lock their cars and hide their valuables in the trunk if possible to avoid break-ins, take precautions against identity theft, and to call police if solicitors come to your door if they are not registered and have proper identification. Judy Thode brought up an issue for her neighbor regarding his water main. Mayor Tolomei suggested he contact Public Works Director/Engineer Heyden. DOWNTOWN UPDATE Mayor Tolomei provided an update on the downtown revitalization. He said the form-based regulations are now a part of the Village Code and briefly explained how the regulations will facilitate the review and approval process for the new development. Progress has been made with the proposed development agreement between Equity Services Group (ESG) developer David Smith and the Village. The tentative schedule is to approve the design work this year and break ground in June 2010. Mayor Tolomei pointed out that there is no agreement between the Special Committee of the Whole Minutes, January 21, 2009 2 developer and the Village yet, and the initial development would only pertain to certain defined blocks which he showed on the map. Mayor Tolomei said Mr. Smith no longer has an interest in the Nestlerest property. Questions were posed about the status of the Somerset Townhomes and related litigation. Mayor Tolomei provided as much background and current information as he felt he was able to at this time. He said the former developer, McCaffery Interests, LaSalle Bank, and the Village are involved in litigation. A review of the proposed development plan and the status of the TIF District followed with Mayor Tolomei answering questions. A brief update of new retail development followed. UPDATE ON CN ACQUISITION OF EJ & E RAILROAD: Mayor Tolomei provided an update on the action taken by the Village, residents, and organized opposition to the proposed purchase of the EJ&E Railroad by the Canadian National Railroad and the recent approval of the Surface Transportation Board (STB) and the action taken by the courts to allow the sale to proceed. He reiterated his commitment to continue opposing the sale and the after effects. He asked residents to continue the pressure by remaining involved and by contacting their elected federal officials. Mayor Tolomei suggested a “grass-roots” campaign be formed to address safety and noise concerns. He said Trustee Johnson has done an excellent job researching the issue and organizing opposition and suggested residents contact him. ADJOURNMENT: Mayor Tolomei thanked the residents for coming to the meeting and said he would schedule another homeowners meeting. MOTION made by Trustee Branding, seconded by Trustee Poynton, to adjourn the meeting. The meeting was adjourned at 9:05 p.m. Submitted by: Approved: 2/2/09