Village of Mettawa

ROADS & TRAILS COMMITTEE

MAPLE ROOM OF THE HILTON GARDEN INN

26225 N. RIVERWOODS BLVD, METTAWA, ILLINOIS

THURSDAY MARCH 11, 2010

5:30 P.M

A. CALL TO ORDER

B.        CALL OF THE ROLL:  Chairman Armstrong, Members Brennan and Tindall

C.       APPROVAL OF MINUTES:  FEBRUARY 11, 2010

D.        REVIEW OF 2009-2010 PLOWING COSTS COMPARED TO 2008-2009

E.        REVIEW OF MOWING BIDS FOR RECOMMENDATION THE BOARD ON MARCH 16, 2010

F.         STATUS OF TREE CUTTING

G.        BUDGET FOR NEXT FISCAL YEAR

H.        ADJOURNMENT

________________________

Cathy Nelson, Village Clerk

Rt.66Veterans

This is a new store to get more donations for Vets who are homeless and otherwise in need of help. The store contact number 847-360-0678 is the one to use to arrange for a pick-up of your items, or you can email them at rt66vets@aol.com . They will leave a tax-deduction slip for your use for your 2010 taxes.

This is a good way to help others with items you no longer need, and a good cause for those who have protected us and our way of life.

26225 N. RIVERWOODS ROAD, METTAWA, ILLINOIS

A.     CALL TO ORDER

Mayor Ray called the meeting to order at 9:00 A.M.

B.     ROLL CALL

Upon a call of the roll, the following were:

Present:  Trustees Armstrong, Brennan, Falbe, Maier, Nicholson, and Mayor Ray

Absent:   Trustee Tindall

Mayor Ray declared a quorum present.

Also in attendance: Village Attorney, John Zimmermann of the Law Firm of Raysa & Zimmermann, LLC; Donald Joseph, guest facilitator; and Cathy Nelson, Village Clerk.

C.     INTRODUCTION OF FACILITATOR AND PLANNING SESSION

Mayor Ray introduced the guest facilitator, Donald Joseph, who conducted this Strategic Planning Session.  The Mayor gave the audience biographical information on Mr. Joseph who is a resident of Mettawa and then turned the meeting over to him.

Mr. Joseph made his opening remarks regarding the purpose of the meeting, the definition of “volunteer” and stated that it takes a long time to come up with a good strategic plan, and that resident input is very important.

Mr. Joseph then went thru the slides outlining the meeting process including:

1. Village Government Model
2. Village Mission Statement Draft
3. A comparative map of the surrounding areas.
4. Planning Process:

a.      Village 2012 Goals

b.      Action

The facilitator then presented and described activities for audience who were instructed to put goals and ideas on paper.  These were then separated into five categories of goals:  Financial, Character, Environment, Infrastructure, and Land Use.  After discussing the Financial category and assembling the goals and ideas into high to low priorities, the audience “broke-out” to discuss the Character, Environment, Infrastructure, and Land Use categories at tables where they prioritized the goals as was done earlier with the Financial category.  These ideas were then presented to the entire audience and discussion ensued.

Mayor Ray and Mr. Joseph stated that these working ideas were in line with the 2025
Comprehensive Plan and that they would be organized and made available for further discussion and development by the Village and Board.

Mayor Ray asked for comments on the meeting and the consensus was that the meeting was positive and a good starting point for getting input from residents on the Village’s future.

Mayor Ray thanked everyone for attending.

D.     EXECUTIVE SESSION

It was moved by Trustee Maier, seconded by Trustee Nicholson that the meeting recessed to Executive Session for the purpose of discussing probable and imminent litigation as well as pending litigation.

Upon a call of the roll, the following voted:

Aye:       Trustees Armstrong, Brennan, Falbe, Maier, Nicholson, and Mayor Ray

Nay:       None

Mayor Ray declared the motion carried and the meeting recessed to Executive Session at 11:55 A.M.

E.      CALL TO ORDER ? RECONVENE

Mayor reconvened and called to order the public portion of the meeting.

F.      ROLL CALL

Upon a call of the roll, the following were:

Present:  Trustees Armstrong, Brennan, Falbe, Maier, Nicholson, and Mayor Ray

Absent:   Trustee Tindall

Mayor Ray declared a quorum present.

G.     ADJOURNMENT

With no further business to conduct, it was moved by Trustee Nicholson, seconded by Trustee Maier, that the meeting by adjourned.

Aye:       Trustees Armstrong, Brennan, Falbe, Maier, Nicholson, and Mayor Ray

Nay:       None

Mayor Ray declared the motion carried and the meeting adjourned at 12:40 P.M.

Cathy Nelson, Village Clerk

MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE MAYOR AND THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE VILLAGE OF METTAWA, ILLINOIS, HELD AT THE HOUR OF 7:30 P.M. ON TUESDAY JANUARY 19, 2010 IN THE COTTONWOOD ROOM OF THE HILTON GARDEN INN HOTEL, 26225 N. RIVERWOODS ROAD, METTAWA, ILLINOIS

A. CALL TO ORDER

Mayor Ray called the meeting to order at 7:30 P.M.

B.     CALL OF THE ROLL

Upon a call of the roll, the following members were:

Present:   Trustees Armstrong, Brennan, Falbe, Maier, Nicholson and Tindall; and Mayor Ray

Absent:   None

Mayor Ray declared a quorum present.

Also present:   Deputy Treasurer David Fairman, Village Attorneys John Zimmermann from the firm of Raysa & Zimmermann LLC; Scott Anderson, representative of the firm of James Anderson Co., Village Engineers, Court Reporter Joseph Malarkey and Cathy Nelson, Village Clerk.

C.         APPROVAL OF MINUTES

1.         Regular Village Board Meeting, December 15, 2009

It was moved by Trustee Falbe, seconded by Trustee Nicholson to approve the Minutes of the Regular Village Board Meeting, December 15, 2009

Upon a call of the roll, the following voted:

Aye:    Trustees Armstrong, Brennan, Falbe, Maier, Nicholson and Tindall

Nay:    None

Mayor Ray declared the motion carried and the Minutes approved.

2.         Special Village Board Meeting, January 12, 2010

It was moved by Trustee Falbe, seconded by Trustee Maier to approve the  Minutes of the Special Village Board Meeting, January 12, 2010

Upon a call of the roll, the following voted:

Aye:    Trustees Armstrong, Brennan, Falbe, Maier, Nicholson and Tindall

Nay:    None

Mayor Ray declared the motion carried and the Minutes approved.

It was then moved by Trustee Nicholson, seconded by Trustee Maier to ratify the  action taken at the Special Village Board Meeting January 12, 2010.

Upon a call of the roll, the following voted:

Aye:    Trustees Armstrong, Brennan, Falbe, Maier, Nicholson and Tindall

Nay:    None

Mayor Ray declared the motion carried and the Minutes approved.

D.     APPROVAL OF BILLS

1.      Bills submitted for payment

Trustee Maier presented bills in the total amount of $100,940.69, along with a Debt Service invoice from Special Service Area Number Two in the amount of $557,656.26; and moved that they be approved and paid.  Trustee Armstrong seconded the motion.

Discussion ensued regarding the snow plowing and salting charges and Trustee Nicholson requested the Roads and Trails committee look into the standards for the County for when they plow and salt.

Upon a call of the Roll, the following voted:

Aye:    Trustees Armstrong, Brennan, Falbe, Maier, Nicholson and Tindall

Nay:    None

Mayor Ray declared the motion carried.

2.      Other bills paid by the Village Treasurer in anticipation of this meeting.

No bills were submitted for payment.

E.      TREASURER’S REPORT

1.      Monthly Report – December 2009

It was moved by Trustee Tindall and seconded by Trustee Maier that the Board acknowledge receipt of the Monthly Report for December, 2009 and place it on file.

After a call of the roll, the following voted:

Aye:  Trustees Armstrong, Brennan, Falbe, Maier, Nicholson and Tindall

Nay:    None

Mayor Ray declared the motion carried and the two reports are received and will be placed on file.

F.         PUBLIC HEARINGS

1.       Considering the Establishment of Special Service Area Number Ten  (Nektosha Hof)

Mayor Ray called the hearing to order and upon a call of the roll, the following  were:

Present:     Trustees Armstrong, Brennan, Falbe, Maier, Nicholson, Tindall and Mayor Ray

Absent:     None

The Mayor declared a quorum present.

Trustee Falbe recused himself from this hearing

Also in attendance:  Village Attorney, John Zimmermann of the law firm of  Raysa & Zimmermann, LLC,  Court Reporter Joseph Melarkey, Village   Engineer, Scott Anderson of the Firm of James Anderson & Co.; and Village  Clerk, Cathy Nelson

Mayor Ray stated that notice of this hearing regarding Special Service Area Number Ten was published by the Daily Herald on December 30, 2009, pursuant  to the statute. Notice as also sent to the owners of record; and that all Testimony will be given under oath.

Mr. Zimmermann and Mr. Anderson were sworn in by the court reporter.

Mr. Anderson and Mr. Zimmermann presented Exhibits A, B & C and explained  the purpose of establishing the Area to provide special municipal services,   including construction of street pavement and the issuing of Bonds to pay for said  services.

A brief discussion ensued.

With no members of the public wishing to be heard, Mayor Ray declared the  Public Hearing on Special Service Area Number Ten closed.

2.         Considering the Establishment of Special Service Area Number Eleven (Nektosha  Hof)

Mayor Ray called the hearing to order and upon a call of the roll, the following  were:

Present:     Trustees Armstrong, Brennan, Falbe, Maier, Nicholson, Tindall  and Mayor Ray

Absent:     None

The Mayor declared a quorum present.

Trustee Falbe recused himself from this hearing

Also in attendance:  Village Attorney, John Zimmermann of the law firm of   Raysa & Zimmermann, LLC,  Court Reporter Joseph Malarkey, Village Engineer,   Scott Anderson of the Firm of James Anderson & Co.; and Village Clerk, Cathy Nelson

Mayor Ray stated that notice of this hearing regarding Special Service Area   Number Eleven was published by the Daily Herald on December 30, 2009,   pursuant to the statute. Notice as also sent to the owners of        record; and that all   Testimony will be given under oath

Mr. Zimmermann and Mr. Anderson were sworn in by the court reporter.

Mr. Zimmermann and Mr. Anderson presented Exhibit A, a map of Special  Service Area Number Eleven, and the Public Notice explaining the purposed  establishment of the Area to provide special municipal services to the Area and  the tax to support those services.

A brief discussion ensued

With no members of the public wishing to be heard, Mayor Ray declared the  Public Hearing on Special Service Area Number Eleven closed.

G…   COMMUNICATIONS AND PETITIONS FROM THE PUBLIC

1.      Citizens to be heard on items not listed elsewhere on this agenda:   None

2.     Written communications of citizens to be read:   None.

H.     COMMISSION AND COMMITTEE REPORTS

1.      Building Committee:  No report.

2.      Finance committee

a.      Oasis Sales Taxes:   No report.

b.      Lys – Nektosha Hof – Billing issue:  This item was tabled by acclamation.

c.      An Agreement for Professional Municipal Bookkeeping Services

It was moved by Trustee Maier, seconded by Trustee Armstrong to concur with the Finance Committees recommendation on the Contract for Municipal Bookkeeping Services.

Trustee Maier stated that the payment to Rita Tavakoli had increased to                                          $2,000.00 per month as she needed to pay for insurance.

Trustee Tindall requested additional bonding to cover bank funds and the  Finance Committee agreed to come back at the next Board meeting with  recommendations.

Mayor Ray charged Deputy Treasurer Fairman and Ms. Tavakoli to  document their actions so that a manual could be developed.

After further discussion and call of the roll, the following voted:

Aye:  Trustees Armstrong, Falbe, Maier, Nicholson and Tindall

Nay:  Trustee Brennan

Mayor Ray declared the motion carried.

3.         Parks and Recreation Committee:  There is no report

4.         Roads and Trails Committee

Trustee Armstrong delivered the recommendation of his Committee regarding the removal of dead trees and moved that the Village Board concur with the recommendation. Trustee Tindall- seconded the motion .

After brief discussion and a call of the roll, the following voted:

Aye:  Trustees Armstrong, Brennan, Falbe, Maier, Nicholson and Tindall

Nay:  None

Mayor Ray declared the motion carried

5.         Architectural Review Board:  There is no report

6.         Plan Commission:  There is no report

7.         Safety and Security Commission:  There is no report

8.         Zoning Board of Appeals:  The committees last filed report will be heard in the  February Board meeting.

9.         Building Code Board of Appeals:  There is no report

I.          BUSINESS FROM THE BOARD FOR DISCUSSION, CONSIDERATION AND, IF SO DETERMINED, ACTION UPON:

1.         Mayor’s Report

a.          Appointment of  Deputy Treasurer:  Rita Tavakoli

It was moved by Trustee Armstrong, seconded by Trustee Maier to remove from the table the December 15, 2009 motion to advise and consent to Mayor Ray’s appointment of  Rita Tavakoli as Village Deputy Treasurer of Mettawa.

Upon a call of the roll, the following voted:

Aye:  Trustees Armstrong Falbe, Maier, Nicholson and Tindall

Nay:  Trustee Brennan

Mayor Ray declared the motion carried

With no further discussion on the motion to advise  and consent to the Mayor’s appointment of Rita Tavakoli as Deputy Treasurer of the village the following voted:

Aye:  Trustees Armstrong, Falbe, Maier, Nicholson, and Tindall

Nay:  Trustee Brennan

Mayor Ray declared the motion carried and that effective January 1, 2010 Rita Tavakoli will be the new Deputy Treasurer for the village

b.         Strategic Planning – Mission Statement

Mayor Ray distributed a summary of the Mission/Vision Statement suggestions for discussion  by the Board

After discussion, Trustee Tindall requested that the following statement be read  into the board meeting notes:

“Although I agree with Mayor Ray that is may be time to get input from Mettawa  residents with respect to the Vision Statement, and for setting goals to achieve the Vision, I don’t approve of the process that has been employed.  The Mayor  initiated the process without bringing the idea to the Village Board for discussion  and approval.

The typical planning process for the Village is for the Village Board to ask the  Plan Commission to update the Comprehensive Plan.  Village residents are   invited to provide input to the Plan Commission.  A professional planner assists  with the planning. Since expenditure of funds is involved for either planning   process, a decision as to whether now be the time to update Village plans, and if  so which process should be employed, should have been made by the Village  Board.  The planning process must have the approval of at least four Board members, and should have the approval of all seven.  A date for the first meeting          should have been selected when all Village Board members could attend.

Jack Tindall, Trustee”

Mayor Ray stated that the Strategic Planning will not change the 2050 Comprehensive Plan.  Also, that the Board had been aware of this upcoming meeting for 60 days.  He requested that, in the future, objections not be raised at the last minute.

c.         Other Items not on the agenda:  Frontage Road Project

Mayor Ray updated the board on the proposed project and the note from the Lake  Forest City administrator.

2.         New Business

Mayor Ray and the Board of Trustees unanimously consented to take  a single Roll Call Vote on several items grouped together under “New  Business” for voting purposes under the designation “Omnibus Vote”:

It was moved by Trustee Tindall, seconded by Trustee Brennan that  Items “ a” thru “c”  under “New Business” be adopted:

a.      “An Ordinance Abating Certain Taxes Levied Pursuant to Ordinance No.  513 for the Year 2009”, being Ordinance No. 648 “

OMNIBUS VOTE

b.       “An Ordinance Abating Certain Taxes Levied Pursuant to Ordinance    No. 563 for the Year 2009”, being Ordinance No. 649

OMNIBUS VOTE

c.          “A Resolution setting Forth the Schedule of Regular Meetings of the  Mayor and Board of Trustees of the Village of Mettawa for Calendar  Year 2010-2011” being Resolution No. 10-2

After a call of the roll the following voted to approve items “a” thru “c” of   the Omnibus vote:

Aye:  Trustees Armstrong, Brennan, Falbe, Maier, Nicholson and Tindall

Nay:  None

Mayor Ray declared the motion to approve items “a” thru “c” of the  Omnibus vote carried.

d.         Consideration of Contract to cut dead trees on Village Roadways:

It was moved by Trustee Tindall, seconded by Trustee Brennan to let the contract for the cutting of dead trees on Village roadways to the low responsible bid from Dunlap Tree Service in the amount of $3,500.00

After brief discussion and a call of the roll, the following voted:

Aye:  Trustees Armstrong, Brennan, Falbe, Maier, Nicholson and Tindall

Nay:  None

Mayor Ray declared the motion carried

3.         Unfinished Business

a.         Consideration of an Agreement for Professional Municipal Bookkeeping

It was moved by Trustee Armstrong, seconded by Trustee Maier to approve the Finance Committees recommendations on the Contract for Municipal Bookkeeping Services.

After further discussion and call of the roll, the following voted:

Aye:  Trustees Armstrong, Falbe, Maier, Nicholson and Tindall

Nay:  Trustee Brennan

Mayor Ray declared the motion carried and the agreement approved.

b.         Audit Report for Fiscal 2006-2007

It was moved by Trustee Maier, seconded by Trustee Armstrong to  approve the Audit Report for Fiscal 2006-2007

After a call of the roll, the following voted:

Aye:  Trustees Armstrong, Brennan, Falbe, Maier, Nicholson and Tindall

Nay:  None

Mayor Ray declared the motion carried.

c.         Approval of Memorandum of Understanding:  W.W. Grainger, Inc; et al

It was moved be Trustee Tindall, seconded by Trustee Falbe to approve

The Memorandum of Understanding: W.W. Grainger, Inc; et al provided:

l) The Grainger roadway would be built no further south thuan shown on the plan presented;

2) The roadway would not be built until after 5 years from today; and

3) No eastbound traffic on the roadway would be allowed to turn left onto Riverwoods Road, except in emergencies.

Village Attorney explained the agreement and his conversations with Grainger. There was a discussion of turn options and Mr. Stratis  representing Costco stated that Costco, in his opinion, would have no               problem with the agreement.

After further discussion and upon a call of the roll, the following voted:

Aye:  Trustees Armstrong, Brennan, Falbe, Maier, Nicholson and Tindall

Nay:  None

Mayor Ray declared the motion carried

Mayor Ray and the Board of Trustees unanimously consented to take  a single Roll Call Vote on several items grouped together under “New  Business” for voting purposes under the designation “Omnibus Vote”:

It was moved by Trustee Maier, seconded by Trustee Nicholson that  Items “ d” and “e”  under “New Business” by approved as presented:

d.         “An Ordinance Establishing Special Service Area Number Ten”. (Nektosha Hof)”, being Ordinance No. 650

OMNIBUS VOTE

e.         “An Ordinance Establishing Special Service Area Number Eleven” (Nektosha Hof)”, being Ordinance No. 651

OMNIBUS VOTE

After a call of the roll, the following voted to approve items “d” and “e” of the   Omnibus Vote:

Aye:  Trustees Armstrong, Brennan, Falbe*, Maier, Nicholson and Tindall

Nay:  None

*Having abstained, the vote of Trustee Falbe was tallied with the prevailing side, in accordance with the Rules.

Mayor Ray declared the motion to approve items “d” and “e” of the Omnibus vote carried.

f.          An Ordinance Amending the Annual Budget for Fiscal 2008-2009

It was moved by Trustee Maier, seconded by Trustee Armstrong to approve “An Ordinance Amending the Annual Budget for Fiscal 2008- 2009”, being Ordinance No. 652.

After a call of the roll, the following voted:

Aye:  Trustees Armstrong, Brennan, Falbe, Maier, Nicholson and Tindall

Nay:  None

Mayor Ray declared the motion carried.

J.          EXECUTIVE SESSION:  None held

K.     ITEMS TO BE REFERRED

Correspondence from Banner Day Camp was referred to the Parks & Recreation Committee.

L.      FOR INFORMATION ONLY

Nothing was presented

M.     ADJOURNMENT

With no further business to discuss, Mayor Ray declared the meeting adjourned at 10:22 P.M.

__________________________

Cathy Nelson, Village Clerk

NOTICE

IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE APPLICABLE STATUTES OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS AND ORDINANCES OF THE VILLAGE OF METTAWA, NOTICE IS GIVEN HEREBY   THAT A MEETING OF THE   PARKS & RECREATION COMMITTEE  IS SCHEDULED TO BE HELD ON  TUESDAY MARCH 2, 2010 AT THE HOUR OF 7:30  P.M. IN THE COTTONWOOD ROOM  OF THE HILTON GARDEN INN HOTEL, 26225 N. RIVERWOODS BLVD., METTAWA, ILLINOIS,

AGENDA

Village of Mettawa

PARKS & RECREATION COMMITTEE

COTTONWOOD ROOM, HILTON GARDEN INN

26225 N. RIVERWOODS BLVD.

METTAWA, ILLINOIS

TUESDAY, MARCH  2, 2010

7:30 P.M

Agenda

A. CALL TO ORDER

B.        CALL OF THE ROLL:  Chairman Falbe

Members Armstrong and Tindall

C.       DISCUSSION WITH MOLA

D.        ITEMS DEEMED NECESSARY TO DISCUSS NOT ON AGENDA

G.        COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE PUBLIC

H.        ADJOURNMENT

Cathy Nelson, Village Clerk.

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

I, the undersigned, posted the above and foregoing 1 page Agenda (this page included) at each of the following locations on or before 5:00 p.m., February 28, 2010:

• In the entry to and lobby of the Hilton Garden Inn, 26225 N. Riverwoods Blvd., Mettawa, Illinois;
• Outside the Cottonwood Room of the Hilton Garden Inn, 26225 N. Riverwoods Blvd. Mettawa, Illinois
• On the Village of Mettawa official website.

_______________________

Cathy Nelson, Village Clerk

Mayor and Board of Trustees, Village of Mettawa

Special Meeting

Cottonwood Room — Hilton Garden Inn

26225 N. Riverwoods Boulevard, Mettawa, Illinois

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 3, 2010

7:00 P.M.

A.  CALL TO ORDER

B.  ROLL CALL

Mayor Ray

Trustee Armstrong                                                      Trustee Maier

Trustee Brennan                                                          Trustee Nicholson

Trustee Falbe                                                               Trustee Tindall

C.  A RESOLUTION TO PARTICIPATE IN THE STATE OF ILLINOIS JOINT PURCHASING PROGRAM

D.  EXECUTIVE SESSION

To consider the appointment of legal counsel for the Village [Section 2(c)(1)]

E.   CALL TO RECONVENE

F.   ROLL CALL

Mayor Ray

Trustee Armstrong                                                      Trustee Maier

Trustee Brennan                                                          Trustee Nicholson

Trustee Falbe                                                               Trustee Tindall

G.  ADJOURNMENT”

Cathy Nelson, Village Clerk

Q3 (Nov-Jan), 2009/10

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

Take heart, we have just recently passed the astrological midpoint between the winter solstice and the spring equinox.  And we are just now two months away from closing the first year of this new Board.  So let’s take a look at what happened in the Village over the past ninety cold and snowy days.

H1N1 Resident Support

Thanks to Jan Pink’s Safety and Security Committee’s research, we were able to send you updates and specific information about the Swine Flu. Information about precautions and availability to shots allowed our residents to be better informed with information directly from the County and CDC than what was available through other public media. If you did not receive these alerts, it is because we do not have your email address in our records. To add your name for these and other Village alerts, please send an email to me at: jray@mettawa.com . You can also make this request at www.mettawa.org. Remember, to save money we only send alerts via email.

Disaster Preparedness

Recently, I joined Chairman Pink for a free half-day disaster preparedness simulation hosted by a Lake-Cook County incident association that Mettawa recently joined. This event made it quite evident that often the most effective response to natural disasters, like an earthquake or the effects of nearby earthquakes, is a well-thought-out local response. We became aware of the recently renewed interest in the New Madrid Fault (NMF) due to the recent earthquake in Illinois about 40 miles from here. Why the New Madrid fault? Well between 1811 and 1812, four catastrophic earthquakes on the NMF seismic zone including parts of Illinois, with magnitude estimates greater than 7.0, occurred during a three-month period. If a reoccurrence of this activity happens, there is little evidence that it would immediately impact us like Haiti. However, there is concern for us because of the gas, communications and electrical facilities located in the critical earthquake area that would be greatly impacted. This is not meant to frighten you but to let you know your Board and Safety and Security committee will do research that can inform and prepare you for such an event or other disaster scenarios..

Following this event, we added a new tab on the Village web-site: “Emergency Contacts” that will be refined over the next few months with additional information. Additionally, the S&S Committee will produce a document for each resident of critical information for residents to know as our part of “preparedness” for a disaster we hope we never see.

Snow Plowing RFP/Salt Purchase

This year we put the Village Snow plowing out for Bid. This action was managed by Trustee Armstrong’s Roads and Trails Committee supported by Trustee Maier’s Finance Committee. This action and the ultimate vendor selection are expected to generate a savings to the Village for this service. Separately, the Village purchased salt and has worked with the Vendor for inventory of our salt at a Lake Bluff municipal facility. This salt inventory is controlled by a “chit” sign-out sheet so we can carefully manage our inventory.

Cutting of dead trees

You may see a crew working throughout the Village taking down dead trees that are either on Village easement property or that run the risk of falling on Village roads. Most of these trees are concentrated on Little St. Marys Rd.

Trails

Lastly this committee is in the early stages of extending two existing trails in the Village. We expect this year the trail on Old School Road will likely be extended all the way to St. Marys allowing Westside residents to more easily access the Forest Preserve trails. The second trail extension is likely to extend the trail on Bradley south. More details on these later.

RFP for Legal Counsel

Trustee Maier’s Finance Committee initiated a bid process at my request for our Village Counsel position. This is being done to find a better contract structure for better controlling our legal fees. We hope to have a two-part contract: 1) fixed price for general Village business and 2) a fixed hourly fee schedule for other variable work. The process has yielded responses from some new firms which will be interviewed soon by the Board.

New Deputy Treasurer

It was my pleasure to recently appoint resident Rita Tavakoli as our new Deputy Treasurer reporting to Tom Lys, Village treasurer and the Finance committee. Rita has had many years of experience in large company corporate finance management in several countries. While she is learning the ropes on municipal finance, we altered our contract with the previous Deputy Treasurer to a per-hour consulting role as backup to Rita and the Village. We expect to see some new developments in the reporting and trending of the Village financials so that we keep our overhead low with an increase in resident services.

Costco

You have either received an email from me or read in the papers that we resolved the two law suits surrounding the land sale of property for Costco. Shortly after we resolved these law suits, we closed and completed the sale of the 17 acres near the corner of Rt. 60 and Riverwoods. As part of the settlement and contract amendments to come out of these negotiations, the Board was able to work out terms to improve the berm height and landscaping on the Riverwoods Road Costco site. Improvement to traffic movement was also negotiated as was landscaping screening for three residents who front Riverwoods Rd. We also insisted that the Costco facility be at least Silver-level LEED certified. Among other conditions the Village received a refund on our legal fees for this suit. While the residents who contributed to the suit will receive a return of their contributions to the lawsuit, no one on the board will be allowed to take any refund. Costco is hoping to have their store open in November of this year. See PR release at: http://mettawa.org/category/news/

I would like to hear from you on your desire to attend a town hall meeting on this topic. We don’t want to spend the Village money for the meeting if attendance would be low. If however, you would want to see the details of this situation aired in a town hall meeting, please send me an email or letter of your interest.

JAWA annexation for water to Mettawa

There was a recent opportunity for me to formally request of the Central Lake County Joint Action Water Agency (JAWA) to annex the Village of Mettawa into their water district. If approved by the County, your Board will have the ability, if approved for budget, to extend Lake Michigan water service to all Village residents. Some 30-40% of residents are already receiving this water. While this non-obligation request is the right thing for your Board to pursue, it is an involved decision process: the cost to run water lines throughout the balance of the Village and to determine the value of this service to residents who have already spent thousands to install a deep-well for their properties. We anticipate a decision on our annexation request from the County within the next ninety days following a capacity study they are conducting.

Strategic Planning

Thirty-eight residents recently met with the Board at the Hilton Hotel to take the first step in developing a Strategic Plan for the Village. While the Village Board has ultimate responsibility for developing and approving a Strategic plan for the Village, we wanted residents to participate in the process early-on to provide their input.  You can see the results of this effort under “News” on the Village web-site. We wish to thank resident Don Joseph for facilitating this well-received meeting.

90-day Reviews with Board and Staff

A new process of sitting with each Board, committee chair and staff to review communications and working style each ninety-days was installed by me to help us work better as a team as we serve you, the residents.

HSBC Detention Pond Retrofit

Working closely with both HSBC and the Lake County Stormwater Management team, we were able to agree on a retrofit design for the detention pond at the NE corner of Bradley and Riverwoods Blvd. The retrofit, which is partially completed, is being redone to improve both the storm water infiltration function as well as the natural beauty of the pond. This project should be completed in early spring with final contouring and plantings. This retrofit is being funded primarily by HSBC to help improve the beauty and water management of your Village.

HSBC and Grainger Open Houses

Many residents were able to join in the two special opportunities to join in tours and presentations of how these two company facilities were awarded GOLD-level LEED certification for “green-building” sustainability.  These two events were eye-opening to know the cost and effort these two Companies expended to ensure the Village’s natural environment was preserved and sustained. We were surprised to learn that HSBC even offers a full-service branch bank with an ATM at their facility on Riverwoods Blvd. These two events were scheduled and managed by resident Holly Hirsch, who is a member of the US Green Building Council. For more information on HSBC branch bank on Riverwoods go to: http://www.us.hsbc.com/1/2/!ut/p/c1/04_SB8K8xLLM9MSSzPy8xBz9CP0os3gDd-NQv1BDg2AXA3cP_2AX9xAnAwgAykeC5MOC_LycPfxcDRwNg80tTI0NYPL4dft55Oem6hfkRpQDAPQM78A!/dl2/d1/L0lDU0lKSWdrbUNTUS9JUFJBQUlpQ2dBek15cXpHWUEhIS9ZQkpKMU5BMU5JNTAtNUY4OXchIS83XzBHM1VOVTEwU0QwR0hPU0RITDYxMDAwMDAwL0tfX19fMi9zYS5jbWRfZGV0YWlscw!!/?PC_7_0G3UNU10SD0GHOSDHL61000000_srno=1

Joint Traffic Study with Lake Forest and Green Oaks

The Board has approved participation in a joint traffic study as a first step in exploring the possibilities of joining the east-side Oasis access road to Field Drive in Lake Forest. There is a belief that this linkage access would limit some transient traffic on Bradley Rd. This could allow for trucks and car traffic to turn east on the Oasis access road north of the Bradley Bridge, and access Field Drive and ultimately south to Rt. 60.

Clear Communications

We have been working for several months to allow installation of wireless antenna on the top of the CDW building. These small-profile antennas, when installed, will be shielded from view with a low “stealth” façade above the current roof. You may have seen “Clear” advertisements on TV of late. They are the service provider who will operate these antennas. When the work is completed (<90 days) this wireless service will finally offer a high-speed wireless communication service to residents in the Village who do not have, can’t get or don’t want cable or other slower-speed communication service.

Census

With the U.S. Census process beginning, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) advises people to be cooperative, but cautious, so as not to become a victim of fraud or identity theft. See more on this topic under “News” on the Village web-site.

FYI……

• Roundabout to be constructed at Everett and Riverwoods Rd.

We have been told that Lake County will begin the construction of a new roundabout this spring/summer with an expected completion of November, 2010.

• Soil and Water Conservation District of Lake County

Save water and your water bill with a “Rain Barrel” which are for sale…visit www.lakeSWCD.org of call 847-223-1056

• Native Plant Sale

Choose from more than 60 varieties of flowers and grasses that thrive in local garden conditions and provide native wildlife habitat. Proceeds benefit Lake County Forest Preserves “EnviroPatrol” program.

May 8^th….9am-3pm; May 9^th….10am-3pm at Independence Grove Libertyville. www.independencegrove.org

• LC Forest Preserves buy Mettawa parcel on Everett Rd.

A 5-acre purchase was approved in January which will offer a continuation of high-quality woodlands and expands LCFP’s opportunity to extend a trail along Everett Rd. This was the Kindy property. Mr. Kindy was one of the village founding Trustees. His Widow was previously the owner of the property.

• The Grainger Foundation awards $500,000 for restoration.

Only weeks after Grainger Woods was honored with one of Illinois’ most coveted environmental distinctions, officials with the Preservation Foundation of the Lake County Forest Preserves announced that they will add new luster to the site, thanks to a $500,000 donation from The Grainger Foundation.

The donation will in part fund a comprehensive ecological restoration of the 308-acre Grainger Woods Conservation Preserve. Late last month, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) designated a 169-acre portion of the site as an Illinois Nature Preserve, a status conferred only on the state’s most ecologically sensitive public lands.

Grainger Woods was formed from 257 acres of land donated to the Lake County Forest Preserves by W.W. Grainger, Inc., in 1996. For more information: http://www.lcfpd.org/preserves/index.cfm?fuseaction=home.view&object_id=188&type=P

New Residents

We wish to welcome three new residents to Mettawa and hope they enjoy their new homes.

• Carey and Sangston Woodruff moved to a home on Westwoods
• Mr. and Mrs. James Howatt moved to a new home on Meadowoods
• Moon and Eunju Do moved to their new home on Trail Drive

Village Board – next quarter

Your Board is already busy with those activities that need management during the last quarter of the Village fiscal year which ends at the end of April. We will be taking some action on the following list, to name a few:

• New fiscal year budget and two-year proforma
• RFP for Roadway edge cutting – - twice this year.
• Plans to celebrate Mettawa’s 50-year anniversary
• Completion of the Village Strategic Plan
• Two new trail extensions

We invite you to attend our Village Board meetings to see what this Board is doing for you, the resident, and our Village.  We meet every third Tuesday of the month at the Hilton Hotel at 7:30pm.

With the U.S. Census process beginning, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) advises people to be cooperative, but cautious, so as not to become a victim of fraud or identity theft. The first phase of the 2010 U.S. Census is under way as workers have begun verifying the addresses of households across the country. Eventually, more than 140,000 U.S. Census workers will count every person in the United   States and will gather information about every person living at each address including name, age, gender, race, and other relevant data.

The big question is – how do you tell the difference between a U.S. Census worker and a con artist? BBB offers the following advice:

• If a U.S. Census worker knocks on your door, they will have a badge, a handheld device, a Census Bureau canvas bag, and a confidentiality notice. Ask to see their identification and their badge before answering their questions.  However, you should never invite anyone you don’t know into your home.
• Census workers are currently only knocking on doors to verify address information.
• Do not give your Social Security number, credit card or banking information to anyone, even if they claim they need it for the U.S. Census.

REMEMBER, NO MATTER WHAT THEY ASK, YOU REALLY ONLY NEED TO TELL THEM HOW MANY PEOPLE LIVE AT YOUR  ADDRESS.

• While the Census Bureau might ask for basic financial information, such as a salary range, YOU DON’T HAVE TO ANSWER ANYTHING AT ALL ABOUT YOUR FINANCIAL SITUATION.
• The Census Bureau will not ask for Social Security, bank account, or credit card numbers, nor will employees solicit donations.  Any one asking for that information is NOT with the Census Bureau.
• AND REMEMBER, THE CENSUS BUREAU HAS DECIDED NOT TO WORK WITH ACORN ON GATHERING THIS INFORMATION..  No Acorn worker should approach you saying he/she is with the Census Bureau.
• Eventually, Census workers may contact you by telephone, mail, or in person at home. However, the  Census Bureau will not contact you by Email, so be on the lookout for Email scams impersonating the Census.

Never click on a link or open any attachments in an Email that are supposedly from the U.S. Census Bureau.

For more information see this verification link on Snoops.com http://www.snopes.com/fraud/identity/census.asp

Resident Don Joseph graciously volunteered his time to facilitate the three-hour meeting and did an outstanding job of keeping people involved and interested in the process. Those who participated said they really enjoyed the exercises that provided an opportunity to discuss with neighbors “goal” ideas. The Village Board will further evaluate and prioritize these ideas as part of the strategic plan they hope to complete by the end of April, 2010. There were many positive comments from residents to hold this kind of meeting again as they enjoyed the opportunity to meet their neighbors and discuss important issues about our Village. The Board and I really appreciated the participation and enthusiasm shown by all attendees in helping us take the first steps in preparing this important Village document.

The goals COW 1-23-10 __Strategic Planning Goals-FINAL are those that were identified in the meeting and copied from resident input sheets. First, ideas were generated at random by category; then Don used a process to rank the goals for each category so that priorities could be identified. Finally, the last exercise was to identify some “actions” ideas for each category’s top1-2 goal ideas. Some of these goal ideas are repetitious or very close in content, but they represent each resident’s input.

The Board will now evaluate and prioritize these goal ideas as they develop the overall detail of the Strategic Plan.

In the meantime, you are welcome to send me your thoughts about the Village residents’ goal ideas.

Village of Mettawa, IL announces conclusion of law-suits surrounding proposed Costco on Riverwoods Road.

Mettawa, Feb 11, 2010:   Village of Mettawa Mayor Jess Ray announced today that two lawsuits which delayed development of a proposed Costco store on Village-owned property at the southwest corner of   I-94 and Route 60 have been resolved.  One lawsuit was dismissed with prejudice by Judge Mitchell Hoffman and was not appealed; the other was settled today by all parties, including the Village.  The resolution of these lawsuits concludes a nearly two year, emotionally charged debate in the Village regarding use of Village lands for a Costco store.

Upon taking office in May 2009, the newly elected Mayor, Jess Ray, and the Board inherited this land management issue. Their goal was to resolve this issue in a manner that would be beneficial for the Village residents, while recognizing that there was already a signed legal contract with Costco, negotiated by the previous Mayor and Board.

Additional legal counsel was hired to review the law suits and previously signed contract with Costco. It was determined following this review that portions of the existing Costco contract should be re-negotiated to give the Village a more positive outcome if the close was to happen. The Board began working with Costco to amend the sales agreement, resulting in improved contract terms for the Village and its residents.

Both Costco and the Village invested many months in legal proceedings and negotiations to bring the two resident lawsuits to conclusion. The Village prevailed on one lawsuit; several concessions were made on the other lawsuit which will better protect Village residents while still clearing the way for the Village-Costco sales contract to proceed. Costco anticipates that they will open their store in November of 2010.  The Costco store is expected to generate over a million dollars annually in sales tax revenue to the Village.

According to Mayor Jess Ray, “While nearly half of our residents were opposed to additional commercial development in Mettawa and strongly disagreed with the way the 22-acre land parcel had been previously managed, the Village had to deal with the duality of a previously signed sales contract with Costco while achieving the best possible outcome for Village residents. Under the circumstances, I believe we have reached a balanced conclusion.  We look forward to Costco’s presence in the Village as a good corporate citizen and partner in preserving the great character and attributes of our Village.”