Jeff Hansen

The meeting addressed several key items, including public comments concerning noise pollution from gas-powered leaf blowers, with residents urging an extension of the existing ban and consistency with regional community regulations. The order of business was adjusted to address the Consent Agenda first, which included approving an amendment to the Chief of Police's employment agreement and changes to the electronic attendance policy. The Board received an annual informational update from the Lake Bluff Open Lands Association (LBOLA) detailing 2025 restoration activities and future collaborative plans. Warrant reports and the November 2025 Financial Report were approved. Additionally, the Board authorized the execution of a construction contract for the 2026 Sanitary Sewer Lining Project at a cost below budget, and approved an engineering services agreement for Phase One of the West Scranton Avenue drainage project, necessitated by expanded scope requirements.

The meeting included a public comment time segment. Key discussions centered on two public hearings concerning property subdivisions and variation requests for 1750/1776 Shore Acres Drive and 0 Blodgett Avenue, involving lot size, width, and frontage regulations. The Board also engaged in a discussion regarding the draft modeling of the R-5 Zoning District, focusing on potential redevelopment scenarios, housing diversity, parking, and neighborhood context. Staff and Commissioner reports were also presented.

The agenda for the meeting included the introduction of new Lake Bluff Volunteer Firefighters recognized for completing their probationary training. Key financial matters were considered, specifically the Warrant Reports for the period of January 13 through January 26, 2026, and the December 2025 Financial Report. Informational reports were scheduled from the Lake Bluff 250th Celebration Committee and regarding the Green Bay Road Reconstruction Project. Action items included a resolution approving the purchase of network switches with Interdev, LLC. Discussions from the prior meeting, such as the status of regional gas-powered leaf blower bans, were noted as pending further reporting.

The Architectural Board of Review (ABR) meeting addressed several key items. The primary focus was the Design Review of Exterior Alterations for 97, 101, 102, & 104 Skokie Valley Road, specifically concerning window replacements and address signage updates; this was unanimously approved after clarification regarding the retention of the original brick façade and the planned installation of minimal window treatments. A separate item, the Fire Sprinkler Exemption Request for the same properties, was continued to the next meeting date. The board also received reports and detailed analysis regarding the sprinkler exemption request, highlighting hazards such as high-piled storage and a paint spray booth in specific buildings, and noting the potential impact of the pending IDOT right-of-way expansion on the properties.

Key discussions included honoring Fire Department Member Jerry L. Kluchka for 40 years of public service. The Board also approved sign exemption requests and design review for Zeigler Auto Group regarding facility modifications and new signage for Pagani luxury cars. A significant portion of the meeting involved the second reading and approval of an Ordinance adopting civil immigration enforcement regulations and amending the Municipal Code to restrict the use of Village property for such enforcement, affirming community values of respect and dignity. Financial matters addressed included approval of the Warrant Report for expenditures totaling $498,046.05, the second reading and approval of the Ordinance levying property taxes for Fiscal Year 2026, and an Ordinance abating 2025 property taxes for General Obligation Debt Series 2019 Bonds. Infrastructure updates covered the hiring of Clarke Mosquito Control for abatement services, progress on the FY2026 Capital Improvement Program including street resurfacing and the Green Bay Road reconstruction, and approval of a Change Order for the West Scranton Avenue Viaduct Project (Deep Tunnel Project) which moves the completion date ahead of schedule. Other approvals included a Change Order for window replacement at Village Hall and a Change Order for generator replacement at the Public Safety Building, as well as a settlement agreement resolving building code violations at 1010 Green Bay Road.