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HomeMy WebLinkAbout04/25/2000 COW minutes MINUTES COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE APRIL 25, 2000 I. CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order at 7:30 p.m. by Mayor Gerald Farley. Present at the meeting were: Trustees Paul Hoefert, Dennis Prikkel and Michaele Skowron. Absent from the meeting were Trustees: Timothy Corcoran, Richard Lohrstorfer and Irvana Wilks. Staff members present included Village Manager Michael E. Janonis, Assistant Village Manager David Strahl, Deputy Public Works Director Sean Dorsey and Village Engineer Jeff Wulbecker. I1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Approval of Minutes from April 11, 2000. Minutes were deferred due to the limited number of Board members present. II1. CITIZENS TO BE HEARD None. IV. FLOOD CONTROL/STORMWATER MANAGEMENT PROJECT UPDATE Deputy Public Works Director Sean Dorsey stated that 13-14 of the proposed projects have been completed end the Village has expended some $15,9 million on the projects that have been slated for completion. He provided a summary of the projects underway for 2000 and beyond. Ramona Meyer, 203 East Berkshire, spoke. She stated that she is not supportive of the proposal for erosion control along Weller Creek. She stated that she chose her home due to the location of animals and trees and especially likes the muskrats and opossums that live in the areas of her yard abutting the Creek. She stated that she has had only one contact from any member of the Ad Hoc Committee and feels that other options should be considered besides creating a sterile environment as is proposed. Weller Creek U_Ddate Sean Domey provided an overview of the erosion problems that exist in the remaining areas that have not been improved along the Creek. He stated part of the problem that exists along the Creek is due to the poor soils and the fluctuating flows of water. The tree canopy has not allowed appropriate plantings to take hold and stabilize at the bank. He stated the Ad Hoc Committee has reviewed various techniques to stabilize the bank along with the Earth Tech representatives and a concept report was drafted in 1998 and presented to the Village Board. The Village has been the beneficiary of State funds for the assistance of completing this project in the last year and would anticipate applying for these funds in the future. Melcy Pond, Consultant for Earth Tech, spoke. She provided a summary and presentation of the existing conditions and proposed improvements along the areas of the Creek that are problematic. She stated that it is critical to look at the project globally through the entire reach of the Creek and not On an individual residential basis. She stated that there are landscaping allowances provided to homeowners to allow for private vegetation as long as it does not conflict with the improvements that are contemplated. She also stated that the plan includes replacement of existing fences and there is some need to acquire some right-of-way. She anticipates the west reach to be completed during the year 2000 and the east reach to be completed during 2001. Sean Dorsey stated the estimated cost is about $2.2 million and there are no property issues on the west reach. However, there is a need to establish a new right-of-way line on the east reach to set up the proper right-of-way easement and the need to acquire some property. Generel comments from Village Board members included the following items: There were some questions regarding monoslabs and a-jacks installations. There was also a question regarding the height of the retaining walls along the banks and the impact of the walls on adjoining properties. Ann Hudson, '111 West Berkshire, spoke. She has lost some of her property and is very happy that the Village is stepping forward and there is obviously a need to get something accomplished before additional property disappears. Ms. Moriarty, t4 West Hiawatha Trail, spoke. She was originally unhappy with the original proposals but has become satisfied with the overell project and how it is turning out in the long run. She is suggesting the Village Board consider changing Building Codes so that structures cannot be built so close to the Creek and clear limits be established for trees on private property so they do not conflict with the investment made on the Creek-bed. Sean Dorsey stated that it is critical that the tree canopy not be replicated after the improvements, therefore, there is a need for restrictions on structures and tree types. 2 Grace DeVito, 70'1 South Main, Chairperson of the Ad Hoc Committee, spoke. She complimented the Village and the Village staff on working well together in addressing the concerns over the loss of the trees. She further stressed the need to look at the overall project and not look at a piecemeal approach for solution. Georgia Malone, 605 South Elmhurst, spoke. She was concerned about the loss of the trees and she wants to plant additional trees on the bank so it does not look quite~as sterile as the anticipated appearance. She is concerned about the landscape allowance that has been established and would like the Village Board to consider compensation for loss of property due to the installation of retaining walls, etc. Sean Dorsey responded by stating that it is too early to tell exactly what will be necessary on the Malone property side depending on the slope that is installed and the retaining wall availability. He has been discussing the situation with individual property owners to minimize the impact, however, there will be the need for some compromise depending on the situation with the residents. Frankie Malone, 605 South Elmhurst, spoke. He suggested that the Board undertake additional studies and is concerned that this solution appears to be the only solution for the Creek improvements. Consensus of the Village Board was to move forward with the project as outlined and consider engineering proposal from Earth Tech at the next available meeting of the Village Board. Sean Dorsey stated that the solutions that have been engineered and installed have been supported through Illinois Department of Natural Resoumes as evidenced by some of the funding that has been received and further study would significantly delay the project. Revised Floodplain Maps and Levee 37 Update Village Engineer Jeff Wulbecker stated that FEMA has proposed the new flood maps. Several years ago, the Village hired a consultant to appeal the proposed maps. FEMA has concurred with the recommendations and reduced the floodway area from 84 to 6 affected properties. Staff and the consultant are still working to reduce homes in the floodway further and a number of appeals are still under review. Once the appeals are decided, the maps will be issued after six months. The Levee 37 discussion with the Army Corps of Engineers is currently underway and the project is slated to start sometime during 2002. He stated that the Value Engineering Study has been coordinated and vadous input has been provided to the Corps for consideration. 3 This item is for information purposes only. V. MANAGER'S REPORT Village Manager Janonis stated the Village will be providing testimony on April 27 about the train whistles at a Public Hearing in the area. Additional Public Hearing opportunities will be scheduled in the near future and the Village will provide information on those Hearings for public comment. The start of unlimited pick-up is scheduled from May 1-5. He also stated the Sister Cities Banquet is scheduled for May 17. VI. ANy OTHER BUSINESS Trustee Prikkel stated that he has noticed additional traffic on Emerson due to the construction on Route 83. Village Manager Janonis stated this is the first week of the detour. Staff is continuing to monitor the traffic restrictions and will make modifications as necessary as the project progresses VII. ADJOURNMENT No other business was transacted and the meeting was adjourned at 9:20 p.m. Respectfully submitted, DAVID STRAHL Assistant Village Manager DS/mc H:\GEN\CovAMinutes\042500 COW Minutes,doc 4