Grundy Reporter

Channahon Village Board Committee of the Whole met Feb. 19.

Here is the agenda provided by the Committee:

Village President Missey Moorman Schumacher called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. with Trustees Greco, Host, Perinar, McMillin and Slocum present. Trustee Scaggs was absent.

Also present were Village Administrator Thomas Durkin, Director of Community Development and Information Systems Mike Petrick, Finance Director Heather Wagonblott, Director of Public Works Ed Dolezal, Chief of Police Shane Casey, Village Attorney Jean Kenol and Village Clerk Kristin Hall.

VP Moorman Schumacher informed everyone present that anyone who speaks at the meeting shall be deemed to have given his/her consent to the recording of their likeness and speech. This meeting is being recorded.

VILLAGE PRESIDENT

Presentation – Channahon Fire Protection District, Chief Petrakis Chief Petrakis thanked Village officials for allowing him time to present a slide show and discuss what is going on in the Fire Department, what’s on the horizon and how the Village and the Fire Department collaborate and work together. He reported the Fire Department’s progress and response times. He stated that the number of calls has increased 20% since 2012, with a total of 1,389 calls for 2017, averaging 4 calls per day and 90% of those calls being Emergency Medical Services related. He stated the average calls per day have increased in the first quarter of 2018 to 7 calls per day. He stated communication with the Village has drastically improved since Mayor Schumacher has been Village President. He shared the Fire Department’s perspective on how they view the Village. He explained that education of fire safety is so important and explained the many things they do to educate the residents. He stated they are looking to regrade the Fire District’s ISO rating. He also stated that the doors are always open for any residents or Village Officials.

VP Moorman Schumacher stated that she believes we are all in this together, citing the Safest City Award the Village received, while focused on crime and the Police Department it really is about all the government entities that provide services to the residents. She stated that after a conference in Maryland with FEMA she pushed to have the Fire Department and Police Department cross-trained to provide the best service to the residents.

Durkin asked Chief Petrakis to explain the ISO rating to the public and how it could affect them.

Chief Petrakis stated that ISO is the Insurance Services Office; they look at three components of the Fire District – Water Supply, Communications and Fire Suppression. He stated the Fire District recently went through a regrade, in 2016, and they were able to improve that from a 4 to a 3 grade. He stated in this case, the lower the grade, the better. He stated when business owners or homeowners renew their insurance policies they can go back to their insurance company and say with this reduction in the ISO ratings what is going to be the cost savings. He encouraged residents to reach out to their insurance companies to see if there are any savings.

ADMINISTRATION DEPARTMENT

Discussion – An Ordinance Approving Addendum No. 3 to an Intergovernmental Cooperative Planning and Boundary Agreement between the City of Joliet and the Village of Channahon Durkin stated in August of 1989, the Village of Channahon and the City of Joliet entered into an intergovernmental cooperative and boundary agreement establishing ultimate locations for municipal boundaries based on current incorporated properties, geography, physical barriers and ability to serve with utilities. He stated on February 2, 1999, the First Amendment to this agreement was passed by both municipalities, which resulted in a slight boundary change along the south side of U.S. Route 6, east of I-55. He further stated that a Second Amendment was passed in June 2009, which extended the term of the original agreement by an additional 20 years, expiring in June of 2029. He stated that a Third Amendment is being requested to amend the proposed boundary line south of Bluff Road, east of I-55. He stated that significant development has occurred in this area over the last few years, making it more logical that the property at the southeast corner of I-55 and Bluff Road, should it be developed in the future, be under the Village of Channahon jurisdiction rather than the City of Joliet or Will County. He stated that the City of Joliet approved this amendment at their January 16, 2018 City Council meeting. He is requesting a waive of second read and approval.

Discussion – A Resolution Approving the Intergovernmental Agreement with Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning Durkin stated in June of 2017, the Village of Channahon applied for a grant through the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP) Local Technical Assistance Program for the assistance in the update of our comprehensive plan. He stated the Village was successful in being awarded that grant; Channahon is one of three communities to receive the grant in Will County. He stated the CMAP board approved a contract with Houseal Lavigne Associates, for the Village of Channahon Comprehensive Plan for a total, not-to-exceed $135,376. He stated the Village is responsible for 15% of the cost, or an amount of $20,306 and that amount is currently budgeted in the FY2017/2018 Budget. He is requesting approval.

VP Moorman Schumacher stated this is a yearlong project, they are not anticipating being done until March 2019. She stated that inter-agency partnership and residential participation – from students to senior citizens are encouraged to participate.

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT & INFORMATION SYSTEMS

Discussion – Ridgeline Property Group

• An Ordinance Approving an Annexation Agreement with Ridgeline Property Group

• An Ordinance Annexing Certain Property

• An Ordinance Amending the Zoning of Certain Property to I-1 and Granting a Special Use Permit for a Planned Unit Development

• Plat of Subdivision – Lion Subdivision (Ridgeline Property Group) Petrick stated this item is on the agenda for Public Hearing. He asked the Board whether they wanted him to discuss it now or in Public Hearing.

Board Direction was to discuss at Public Hearing. Discussion – A Resolution Entering into an Agreement with BRT Outdoor, LLC for the installation of a Village Monument Sign Petrick stated that changes were made late Friday to the legal agreement wording, which the Village Attorney has not yet reviewed so he is recommending that the Board table this item after discussing it. He went on to state this is for a brick monument sign with digital advertising, similar to those in Joliet and Bolingbrook. He stated that BRT Outdoor contacted the Village, regarding the installation of the monument sign at the southwest corner of Ridge Road and U.S. Route 6. He stated the sign will be constructed in the right-of-way and will be fully landscaped and maintained by BRT Outdoor. He also stated that it will be constructed of material to match the wall/sign built near the Thorntons location. He stated the way the agreement is written the Village will have rights to utilize the sign for Village advertising purposes for the first three years. He stated that after the three years, the Village may choose to continue utilizing the space or convert this advertising to an annual payment. He also stated regardless of selection, the Village will continue to have rights to use the sign for emergency or civil defense purposes. He stated that the payment to the Village would begin at $6,000 and escalate by 10% every 5 years. He also stated that the agreement is currently written as a 30-year term. He stated that Rod Hursh from BRT Outdoors was here and showed some depictions of what the sign would look like.

VP Moorman Schumacher asked after the first three years, the Village has the option to continue using the sign in lieu of payment

Petrick stated as the contract is written, it would be the Village’s option to continue to use the advertising slot in lieu of payment or the Village could take the payment and then purchase slots as needed. He stated that there is also a stipulation that the Village has full control to take over the sign for any emergency situation, like weather emergencies or Amber Alerts.

Trustee Slocum asked where they came up with 30-years for the contract.

Rod Hursh, representative from BRT Outdoors, stated that is part of their business model. He stated they like to have the signs in continuing operation. He stated the renewing of contracts every few years is a problem from a revenue-generating standpoint. He stated the longer terms are what we as municipalities ask for. He stated in other communities, the sign has been described as an additional amenity to the Village, because it does allow the Village to communicate with the population to promote special events, the website, Fire Safety and for hiring.

VP Moorman Schumacher asked how long the contract is with City of Lockport.

Mr. Hursh stated the City of Lockport agreement is for 25 years.

Trustee Perinar asked if they sell advertising to other businesses and would the Village get revenue from that.

Mr. Hursh stated that is how we are able to provide the sign at no cost to the Village; they generate revenue off the advertising space. He stated that the signs have proven to keep the tax dollars and business local.

Trustee Slocum asked it’s a 16-foot pedestal and an 8-foot sign and one is located in Lockport of the same size.

Mr. Hursh stated yes, the one in Lockport is the same size and other sizes are available depending on the intersection and the ability to read. He stated in Bolingbrook the Mayor actually requested to increase the size because it was too small to be read.

Durkin asked if they did any type of limitation, distance wise, of who can advertise on the sign.

Mr. Hursh stated that proven history has been that local businesses utilize the advertising. He stated that those are the people that see the sign because they live here. There are typically no limitations on who can advertise.

Petrick stated that there is a clause in the agreement that prohibits certain types of advertising to be on the sign.

Zachary Smith, resident of Channahon, asked if the sign lights would dim as the sun went down. He is concerned because the stoplight on U.S. Route 6, in front of the High School, lights his house up green at night.

Mr. Hursh stated the sign during the day will operate at 5,000 nits and at night it drops to 300 nits, so the signs are not designed to be glaring at night, they are designed to be glowing at night.

Trustee Slocum asked Petrick if we were positive that this sign would not impact development on that corner.

Petrick stated you can never anticipate what a future owner would want. He stated the closest they can do is to make sure there were no sight line obstructions and the commercial viability wouldn’t be affected.

Trustee Slocum asked how this was going to help us; this is 30 years and it’s huge, what will the benefit be.

VP Moorman Schumacher stated the Village does receive requests for off-site advertisement from our local businesses.

Mr. Hursh stated it allows your local businesses to advertise, allows your local sales tax dollars to stay in town, it allows your local businesses to grow and it allows in generation of the revenue which all comes full circle. He stated it’s community benefit and information and that’s where the information and financial benefits come from.

Trustee Slocum asked what the rates will be for a slide.

Mr. Hursh stated they haven’t officially been set yet, there are special non-for profit rates that they offer. He stated he assumes the rate will be around $700 per 4-week period.

Trustee Slocum stated that Chief Petrakis just called us a unique community and if we put this up we will be just like everyone else. He thanked Mr. Hursh for the information.

Trustee Perinar ask if they had talked to anyone in the business sector in Channahon that had a strong interest in this.

Mr. Hursh stated we’ve had advertisers that are interested but they haven’t canvassed the area and the market but they know the market is developing and they are excited to come to town.

VP Moorman Schumacher asked Trustee McMillin, as a business owner, would off site advertising be helpful to his business.

Trustee McMillin stated that it would surely be beneficial to his business. He stated maybe they could get the stone from Minnesota like the sign at Navajo.

Trustee Slocum understood from the past that we were waiting for the comprehensive plan amendment to be completed before we dictated what a sign like this would look like or how the community image would be determined.

Durkin stated that our comprehensive plan is not going to be a branding plan but hopefully it will give us some direction in terms of Village identity.

VP Moorman Schumacher asked Mr. Hursh if there would be a willingness to limit the radius in which you accept advertisers so the Village can ensure they are local.

Mr. Hursh stated that it is something that can be discussed; it hasn’t been done in any other community.

Richard Buss, resident of Channahon, asked if there was a limit to how many slides one business can buy.

Mr. Hursh stated historically no business has done that, they have received requests to have a no compete placed on their category. He stated so if a business purchased 2 slides, they would close out that category, to keep space open for other types of advertisers. He stated there is nothing to prevent it from happening, though it’s never happened and is very unlikely.

Durkin expressed concerns regarding the non compete, giving examples on how it could potentially hurt local businesses. He stated that if local businesses don’t buy the advertising space, BRT Outdoors will go to other communities to find advertisers to fill the space and that’s why they are hesitant to put a limitation on the radius.

Sam Carlyle, resident of Channahon, asked if any other communities have complained about an increase of traffic incidents at intersections with a lighted advertisement sign.

Mr. Hursh stated it has not been an issue at any intersection, no reports of accidents due to being distracted. He stated that they maintain the 10-second static ad spot that IDOT recommends. He stated that the Village would have control of the sign to change/update as needed and take up the sign 100% for weather alerts, Amber Alerts or any other type of emergency.

Durkin stated this is not being adopted tonight so the Board can make changes or ask further questions.

Trustee Perinar asked where the Lockport sign was located.

Mr. Hursh stated it was located on 159th just east of I-355.

FINANCE DEPARTMENT

Discussion – A Resolution Authorizing the Dissolution of the Odor Alert Network, Fund 08 Wagonblott stated that in July 2009, Flint Hills Resources and the Illinois Attorney General’s Office settled a legal dispute over past environmental compliance issues. She stated as a result of this settlement, a check was issued to the Village of Channahon, specifically the Channahon Odor Alert Network. She stated the check in the amount of $50,000 was received and deposited into a special revenue fund created as Fund 08 – Odor Alert Network Fund. She stated the purpose of this fund was to utilize the monies to mitigate resident concern regarding odors that permeate from surrounding chemical facilities. She further states, that after several years of the funds existence, the original $50,000 deposit had been exhausted on expenses related to the Odor Alert Network. She is recommending the dissolution of the special revenue fund, Fund 08 – Odor Alert Network since revenues have not been received since May of 2016 and no further revenues are anticipated. She stated at this time, the General Fund (Fund 01) supports the expenses that are related to Fund 08.

Discussion – An Ordinance Establishing an Administrative Procedure for Assessing and Determining Claims under PSEBA Wagonblott stated the Illinois Government Finance Officers Association (IGFOA) sent out a notification in September 2017 as a follow up to an IML Board of Directors meeting where PSEBA topics were discussed. She stated the PSEBA was enacted in 1997 and serves an important role in protecting the well-being of public safety officers who have suffered extreme injury or death in the line of duty. She stated that the intent of the legislation aligns with the goals of all municipalities; to do what is right for severely or fatally injured employees. She stated that unfortunately, determinations on eligibility of PSEBA benefits have been loosened due to the lack of a clear definition of a “catastrophic injury”. She stated that the unclear definition has led to a frequent abuse of the system, which is costly to municipalities. She stated that the IML stated that ‘during a review of case law on this topic by IML staff, the concept was developed to utilize recent court decisions as an avenue for establishing administrative procedures for assessing PSEBA claims, while simultaneously establishing a definition of “catastrophic injury”. She stated that IML sent a sample ordinance, which has been reviewed and amended by the Village Attorney.

Discussion – Amendment of the Village Ordinance Relating to Video Gaming Terminal Fee Wagonblott stated this item will be on the next board meeting’s agenda. She stated that a few months ago, ordinances were brought before the Board and the recommendation was for village staff to go back and do a little more research and adjust the video fee gaming terminal schedule. She stated the ordinance proposed to increase the video game terminal fee from $100 to $125 beginning January 1, 2019 through January 1, 2021 and then an additional $25 increase beginning January 1, 2022, making the fee $150.

POLICE DEPARTMENT

Chief of Police Shane Casey stated he had no formal items.

PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT

Director of Public Works Ed Dolezal stated he had no formal items.

COMMUNICATIONS

PUBLIC COMMENT

Zachary Smith, resident of Channahon, expressed concerns about warehouses coming into town. He specifically asked if they would be contributing to the building and widening the roads and is the Village prepared for that.

VP Moorman Schumacher stated the Village has determined areas of land where those types of buildings are appropriate. She stated that the Village’s thinking is to keep them close to the highway to get the trucks on and off as quickly as possible and keep them out of our residential areas. She stated they are contributing there is about $10 million in infrastructure improvements at I-55 and U.S. Route 6 and about $4 million in infrastructure improvements at I-55 and Bluff Road to help accommodate the truck traffic and make the area developable. She stated that all of that is on the backs of the industry going in there.

Mr. Smith stated that he sees more of Channahon getting surrounded by warehouses and industry. He stated that we are starting to look more like Joliet and that he moved out of Joliet to come here.

VP Moorman Schumacher stated the Village is working to improve the roads here and making the improvements we can to help accommodate the truck traffic because we can’t stop them from using our state roads through the community.

Richard Buss, resident of east side of I-55 in Channahon, stated he moved to Channahon for the small town feel. He stated that he moved here from Romeoville. His concern is look what happened to Romeoville in terms of increases in crime after all the warehouses were built. He is concerned that if more warehouses are built on the east side of I-55, what will be done to keep the trucks off of the residential roads?

VP Moorman Schumacher stated that once the stoplight is constructed at the frontage road there will be signage at Pilot, to not allow left turns. She stated that there will be a back entrance to the frontage road from Pilot that will direct them to the light so they will be able to turn left to get back on the highway. She stated that the trucks are not supposed to be on residential streets, so she encouraged him to call the police when he sees them.

Mr. Buss also asked about another warehouse potentially going in on the east side of Pilot.

VP Moorman Schumacher stated that is the last piece of land in that area and it’s significantly smaller. She stated it is a proposed 440,000 square foot building and they would be recapturing money from them for the light at the frontage road and costs of extending the water main. Durkin stated without the development the need for the infrastructure wouldn’t be there. He stated that the Village Board has found ways for the development to contribute to those improvements. He stated economic development is one of the Village’s goals, the Village wants to diversify the tax base so they don’t have to go to the residents every time there is a need to pay for or provide a service.

EXECUTIVE SESSION

Purchase or Lease of Real Estate Trustee Slocum made a motion to open Executive Session at 7:49 p.m. for Purchase or Lease of Real Estate. Seconded by Trustee Perinar. 

ROLL CALL AYES: Greco, Host, Perinar, McMillin and Slocum.

NAYS: NONE

MOTION CARRIED

Trustee Slocum made a motion to close Executive Session at 7:59 p.m. for Purchase or Lease of Real Estate. Seconded by Trustee Greco.

ROLL CALL AYES: Greco, Host, Perinar, McMillin and Slocum.

NAYS: NONE

MOTION CARRIED

The Committee of the Whole was adjourned at 7:59 p.m.

http://files.channahon.org/public/BOARD_MTG/Minutes/2018/2018.2.19%20Comm%20Minutes.pdf