John Burke

The special Finance Committee meeting centered on discussing recommendations for contingency accounting procedures and the 2018 update to the Core and Elective Services analysis. Key discussion points included addressing concerns about lobbyist expenses related to securing an Amtrak stop and federal funding for a pedestrian underpass, which led to scheduling an executive session for fact-finding on personnel matters related to those expenses. Four immediate recommendations were proposed regarding contingency management: expanding distribution of the monthly contingency report, re-educating departments on submitting contingency request forms prior to expense incurrence, adopting a policy for City Council acknowledgment of third-party payments made through intermediaries, and directing the Audit Committee to review contingency account administration during the FY 2018 audit. Committee members also discussed setting annual dollar limits per payee for contingency expenditures and the need for clearer communication regarding opportunities for public comment on the Core and Elective Services analysis.

Key discussions included the approval of the minutes from the March 19th finance committee meeting. The committee then addressed the second reading of an update to the water rate ordinance, recommending a 1.5% increase, which received final approval following a query regarding water sales outside the city limits (less than 3%). Attention shifted to code amendments concerning the disposal of city property, involving tightening procedures, value thresholds for council involvement, and addressing perceptions of unfair advantage for city employees purchasing assets; the committee decided to observe the transparency of upcoming auctions before further restriction. Finally, the committee reviewed and recommended approval for landfill disposal fees, favoring the provider that offered a lower rate, saving the city approximately $50,000 annually. There was also an update regarding the rollout of new recycling carts, including resident requests for smaller sizes and the timeline for discontinuing the use of old recycling bins by September.

The meeting of the Lake Forest Building Review Board primarily focused on the consideration of a request for the demolition of an existing residence at 350 Everett Road and the construction of a replacement residence, along with associated site and landscape plans, presented by the owners, Fran and David Dorfman. The presentation detailed significant revisions to address previous board concerns, including redesigning the exterior to embrace a more authentic English country style through material changes (face brick as primary material, reduced stucco accents, cedar shingle roof), lowering the roof pitch, pushing back the garage appendage, and adding architectural details like brick insets, dormers, and garden walls to enhance integration with the streetscape and historic character. Staff recommended approval for both the demolition and the replacement structure, noting positive findings regarding the demolition request and the petitioner's adherence to residential design guidelines in the revised proposal, especially concerning roof form and material.

The meeting commenced with board member introductions and a roll call confirming a quorum. The Chairman outlined the board's goal to preserve the unique character of Lake Forest while respecting property owners' needs. Key agenda items included the consideration of amendments to Chapter 9 of the City Code regarding architectural and site design review procedures, transitioning the review approach from quasi-judicial to legislative as recommended by the City Attorney following a recent Illinois decision. Additionally, the board reviewed a new petition for signage and awnings for a new real estate office, 'at properties,' located at 600 Northwestern Avenue. The petitioner discussed adjustments to the proposed signage height and awning design to align with board expectations, specifically regarding awning projection and letter height on the valance. Staff noted concerns about the overall signage volume in context with other downtown businesses.

The Finance Committee meeting included the approval of the minutes from the November 14, 2022, finance committee meeting. A significant portion of the meeting involved the Finance Director providing the second annual report on the city's grant program, detailing awards, strategies, and progress since its initiation in 2021, including collaboration with The Ferguson Group and Caresoft Technology. Recommendations were made regarding future grant pursuits in 2023, emphasizing priority projects from the five-year Capital Improvement Plan (CIP). Furthermore, the committee reviewed proposed redesigns for the Flash Report, aiming to convert it into an OpenGov story with enhanced visual appeal, restricted metrics to primary funds (eight key funds accounting for 86% of expenses), and the introduction of color-coding (green, yellow, red) for budget tracking. Recommendations also included eliminating data on vehicle stickers, pump versus meter statistics, direct debit statistics, and fee waivers from the monthly Flash Report, instead reporting fee waivers quarterly.