April 2, 2012 - Village of Flossmoor, Illinois

MINUTES OF MAYOR BRAUN AND BOARD OF TRUSTEES ON APRIL 2, 2012 

THE VILLAGE OF FLOSSMOOR, ILLINOIS. 

VILLAGE HALL APRIL 2, 2012 7:30 PM 

Mayor Braun called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. 

Mayor Braun directed the village clerk to take roll. 

PRESENT: 

ALSO PRESENT: 

Trustees Crum, Hoag and Wilder 

Bridget Wachtel, Village Manager; Ed McCormick, Village Attorney; 

Patrick Finn, Asst. Village Manager; Scott Bordui, Finance Director; 

William Miller, Chief of Police; Chris Sewell, Fire Chief; George Peluso, 

Public Works Director; John Brunke, Asst. Public Works Director; 

Kimberly Richardson, Assistant to the Village Manager; Pamela Nixon, 

Village Clerk; 38 citizens 

APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING HELD ON MARCH 19, 2012 

Mayor Braun asked the Board if they had any changes or comments. 

Mayor Braun called for a motion to approve the minutes of the meeting held on March 19, 2012. 

Trustee Crum so moved, seconded by Trustee Wilder, and passed by a roll-call vote. 

AYES: Trustees Crum, Hoag, and Wilder 

ABSENT: Trustees Minga, Mitros and Williams 

NAYS: None 

CITIZENS PRESENT WISHING TO ADDRESS THE BOARD 

Non-Agenda Items: 

None 

BOARD OF TRUSTEES’ AGENDA ITEMS 

Mayor Braun referred to Item #1 on the Agenda-Presentation of Certificates of Completion for 

the Third Flossmoor Police Department Citizens Police Academy 

Chief Miller presented the third graduating class of the Citizens Police Academy and thanked 

each of them for coming out along with the officers who had participated. He introduced Officer 

John Schade, who coordinated this class and served as an instructor. 

Officer John Schade first thanked Chief Miller who created the Academy, and thanked George 

Peluso for making the building available for some of the classes, and he thanked his classmates, 

noting that he had learned from them the same as they’d learned from him. 

Officer Schade invited Mayor Braun to join him in the presentations. 

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Mayor Braun responded that he’s honored and thanked each participant for taking the class. 

Mayor Braun joined Officer Schade in presenting the Certificate of Completion to each of the 

following students: 

Joan Bramlette 

Mib Braun 

Sandy Cervany 

Rose Demko 

Dale G. Gervais 

Phillip Goens 

Kathy Klein 

Larry Kluger 

Gary Kulpa 

Ed Langefeld 

Kerry Marggraf 

Mike Marggraf 

Lisa McAlister 

Sue McCarthy 

Donald McKay 

Michelle Ressell 

Maurice Richardson 

Marilyn Rose 

Marv Schmidt 

Trish Schmidt 

Wendy Schweinfurth 

Lisbet O. Temple 

Mayor Braun thanked the Flossmoor Police Department. 

No vote was required. 

Mayor Braun referred to Item #2 on the Agenda-Consideration of an Ordinance Authorizing a 

Special Use for a Sports Court (1301 Amery Court – Shundrawn Thomas) 

Patrick Finn presented the request and recommendations as outlined. He stated that the petition 

is for a Special use Permit for a Sports Court. He described the subject property and the 

proposed improvements. 

Mr. Finn stated that at the close of the Public Hearing the Plan Commission voted to recommend 

approval of the request. He stated that the Plan Commission found the proposed improvement to 

be appropriate for the property and posed little, if any, potential for adverse impacts. 

Mr. Finn advised that Mr. Thomas was present to answer any questions. 

Mayor Braun asked Mr. Thomas if he had anything to add. 

Mr. Thomas responded that he had nothing to add. 

Mayor Braun asked if Trustees had any questions for Mr. Thomas or Mr. Finn. 

Trustee Crum made a motion to approve the Ordinance, Trustee Wilder seconded the motion, 

and passed by a roll-call vote. 

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AYES: 

ABSENT: 

NAYS: 

Trustees Crum, Hoag, Wilder and Mayor Braun 

Trustees Minga, Mitros and Williams 

None 

Mayor Braun referred to Item #3 on the Agenda-Consideration of an Ordinance Granting a 

Variation from the Requirements of Section 21-100.6.1.2 of the Flossmoor Zoning Ordinance 

(239 Hutchison Road – James O’Donnell) 

Patrick Finn presented the request and recommendations as outlined. He noted that this was an 

after-the-fact request. The petitioner argued that the topography of the rear yard is such that the 

patio and sun room are set at a higher elevation than the ground at the property line and to 

ensure adequate privacy for those two areas, the trellises that are immediately adjacent require 

additional height. He brought to the Board’s attention that in addition to the fence there were 

improvements to the property which encroached on to Park District Property, which is located 

within Homewood and outside of Flossmoor. He stated that the Park District has made Dr. 

O’Donnell that they are aware of improvements made without their consent and advised him that 

they have the right to remove them at any time. He added that this has no bearing on the 

Variation as requested. 

Mr. Finn continued that at the close of the Public Hearing, the ZBA voted to recommend that the 

variation be granted subject to the condition that the height of the fence, measured from grade, 

would be no more than seven feet. This condition and approval is incorporated in the draft 

Ordinance and it should be noted that the petitioner has already reduce the height to 7 ft. He 

stated that while there already is compliance to the condition it is appropriate to have it 

memorialized in the approving ordinance. . 

Dr. O’Donnell were present to answer any questions. 

Mayor Braun asked if either of them would like to add to Mr. Finn’s presentation. 

Dr. O’Donnell responded that as noted the fence has been reduced and that the trellises were of 

an equal height and plantings are on either side, so the neighbors can enjoy them as well. 

Mayor Braun asked if the neighbors had complained. 

Dr. O’Donnell responded that the arboreta are equally attractive on both sides. 

Mayor Braun called for a motion to approve the Variation. Trustee Crum so moved, seconded 

by Trustee Wilder, and passed by a roll-call vote. 

AYES: Trustees Crum, Hoag, Wilder and Mayor Braun 


NAYS: None 

Mayor Braun referred to Item #4 on the Agenda-Public Hearing on the Fiscal Year 2013 Budget 

for the Village of Flossmoor 

The Public Hearing Opened at 7:50 p.m. 

Mayor Braun reported that this is the opportunity for anyone to respond to the Fiscal Year 2013 

budget and asked if anyone wished to comment. 

There were none. 

Mayor Braun closed the Public Hearing at 7:52 p.m. 

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Mayor Braun referred to Item #5 on the Agenda-Adoption of the Village of Flossmoor Budget for 

Fiscal Year 2013 

Bridget presented the request as outlined. Bridget pointed out that the budget preparation and 

adoption process highlights a notable achievement: In 2006 the Village said to the voters that 

we had hoped with some good financial planning that the referendum monies would sustain our 

operations through fiscal year 2012, and that looks to be the case. She pointed out that this has 

been achieved without major cuts in service. She stated that this is the result of of good financial 

planning by Staff and this Village Board. She thanked all involved, especially to staff for their 

hard work in preparing this budget. 

Mayor Braun called for a motion to approve the Budget. Trustee Wilder so moved, seconded by 

Trustee Crum, and passed by a roll-call vote. 



NAYS: None 

Mayor Braun referred to Item #6 on the Agenda-Discussion of a Resolution Authorizing the 

Payment of Wages and Salaries for Fiscal Year 2013 

Bridget presented the annual housekeeping item that is considered every year with the annual 

budget. It authorizes payment of Wages and Salaries in accordance with the Budget just 

approved. 

Mayor Braun called for a motion to approve the Resolution. Trustee Crum so moved, seconded 

by Trustee Wilder, and passed by a roll-call vote. 



NAYS: None 

Mayor Braun referred to Item #7 on the Agenda-Discussion of Fund Balance Policy and 

Working Cash Fund 

Scott Bordui presented the discussion as outlined. He presented three perspectives for 

consideration: Auditor Perspective, Village Cash Flow Management Perspective and Rating 

Agency Perspective. The perspective is the Rating Agency Perspective. He explained each 

perspective the Village has historically followed and their effects on the Fund balance policy. 

Scott also discussed raising the balance in the Working Cash Fund. In addition, Scott made a 

recommendation to direct staff to prepare a revised Fund Balance Policy for the General Fund 

based on 33% and to direct Ed to prepare an ordinance which transfers $100,000 of the fund 

balance in the General Fund to the Working Cash Fund. 

Discussion ensued. 

The Board indicated that given the nature of the policy discussion it would be appropriate to 

have input from all Trustees. The Board agreed on Direction to continue the discussion when the 

full Board is present. 

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Mayor Braun referred to Item #8 on the Agenda-Consideration of an Ordinance Amending 

Chapter 13, Article III of the Flossmoor Municipal Code (Water and Sewer Rates) 

Scott Bordui presented the Changes in Water & Sewer Rates as discussed at the March 19, 2012 

Village Board meeting. At that meeting, the Board had directed Ed to prepare an Ordinance 

which is presented tonight for approval. 

Mayor Braun called for a motion to approve the Ordinance. Trustee Wilder so moved, seconded 

by Trustee Hoag, and passed by a roll-call vote. 



NAYS: None 

Mayor Braun referred to Item #9 on the Agenda-Discussion of the Municipal Aggregation 

Program and the Plan of Operation and Governance 

Kimberly reported that Flossmoor voters passed the March 20 Referendum on Electric 

Aggregation by an 85%. With that she presented the Flossmoor Electrical Aggregation Program 

update as outlined. There were four items Kimberly presented to the Board to consider, first, 

would the Village accept the civic contribution from the winning bidder, does the Board agree to 

an early termination fee to residents who choose leave the program after the initial opt-out 

period, and will the Board giver the Village Manger authorization to execute the contract 

without further Board action, and does the Board accept the proposed Plan of Operation and 

Governance? 

Discussion ensued regarding the civic contribution. The contribution would be given to the 

Village annually for the length of the agreement. 

Scott responded that the civic contribution to the Village will not impact resident savings from 

his discussion with David Hoover of Northern Illinois Municipal Electric Collaborative last 

year. Ed added that if the Village doesn’t take the contribution, you’re not covering your own 

administrative costs going forward, so you’re adding a load without the revenue side of the 

equation. He added that if we decide not to take it, it won’t go toward a resident savings, but 

would be put into the supplier’s pockets. 

Discussion ensued. 

The Board agreed on Direction to accept the contribution; no termination fee; and to authorize 

the Village Manager to enter into a contract. 

Mayor Braun called for a motion to adapt the Plan of Operation and Governance. Trustee 

Crum so moved, seconded by Trustee Wilder, and passed by a roll-call vote. 



NAYS: None 

Mayor Braun referred to Item #10 on the Agenda-Discussion of Agreement for Extension to 

Contract for Services between Kurtz Paramedic Services and the Village of Flossmoor 

Chief Sewell presented recommendation for Kurtz Paramedic Services to continue providing 

contract firefighter/paramedic services to the Village with the recommendation that the renewal 

reflect a 3.35% decrease over our existing contract. Chief Sewell summarized the current 

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contract and proposed changes. Chief Sewell made the recommendation that the Board approve 

the contract extension for FY12-13 including the shift commander option. 

Mayor Braun called for a motion to approve the extended contract between Kurtz Paramedic 

Services and Village of Flossmoor. Trustee Crum so moved, seconded by Trustee Wilder, and 

passed by a roll-call vote. 



NAYS: None 

REPORTS OF COMMITTEES, COMMISSIONS AND BOARDS 

Finance Committee: Trustee Wilder presented bills for payment on behalf of Trustee Williams. 

Mayor Braun asked the Board if they had any questions or comments. 

Mayor Braun called for a motion approving the payment of bills totaling $157,574.66. Trustee 

Wilder so moved, seconded by Trustee Crum and passed by a roll-call vote. 



NAYS: None 

OTHER BUSINESS 

Mayor Braun asked if there was any other business. 

Trustee Wilder reported that there had been property damage in Ballantrae and asked Chief 

Miller for an update. 

Chief Miller responded there would be a timetable for cleanup and repair. 

Trustee Crum gave a progress update on cleanup/repair of 749 Elm. 

Ed responded that 10 residents appeared in Local Court regarding this property. 

Trustee Hoag inquired about the recently adopted Cook County Vacant Building Ordinance. He 

stated that Mr. Thomas had suggested that it would be appropriate for the Village to adopt the 

ordinance. Mayor Braun reported that staff had looked at the then draft Ordinance back in 

January. Pat Finn provided a brief summary of staffs’ conclusions from that review. 

Discussion ensued. Mr. Finn stated that he would provide a report as part of the next Manager’s 

Report. 

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Mayor Braun referred to Item #11 on the Agenda-A Motion to go into Executive Session to 

Discuss Employment of Specific Individuals, Property Acquisition and Litigation, Trustee Crum 

so moved, seconded by Trustee Wilder, and passed by a roll-call vote. 



NAYS: None 

The Board went into Executive Session at 9:07 p.m. 

The Board returned to Open Session at 9:19 p.m. 

Mayor Braun called for a motion to adjourn the meeting. Trustee Hoag so moved seconded by 

Trustee Crum and passed by a roll-call vote. 

The Board adjourned at 9:19 p.m. 

Respectfully submitted, 

Pamela S. Nixon 

Pamela Nixon 

Village Clerk 

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April 2, 2012 - Village of Flossmoor, Illinois

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