The December 14, 2004 Board meeting was called to order by Supervisor Anderson at 7:30 p.m. at the Community Center. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited. Clerk Johansen called the roll with Supervisor Anderson and Trustees Manser, Gillen, and Judy present. Trustee Kupar was absent.
Reports:
Sheriff – Deputy Johnson: Deputy Johnson stated there was a fatal car accident in Virgil Township. We need to slow down in snowy weather. There were 44 damaged mailboxes in Fox Mill. Call the Sheriff when this happens. In April and May in Fox Mill and the surrounding area, there was a rash of graffiti on signs and in the tunnel under New LaFox Road. Highway Commissioner Gallucci cleaned them up. The Sheriff caught the perpetrator and charged him with 16 counts of felony defacement. There have been break-ins in garages. Purses were taken. This is a crime of opportunity. Keep your garage doors closed. D. Gillen asked did you catch the person that threw the park benches in the pond? Answer was no.
Highway Commissioner – Sam Gallucci: Commissioner Gallucci stated there was an accident at Beith and Town Hall Road. The Highway District installed Cross Traffic Does Not Stop signs, and two flashing yellow lights, to improve the safety of the intersection. The road crew installed plows and spreaders on all trucks for the winter season, installed snow plow markers on all snow routes, and plowed and salted on November 24th, 25th, 30, and December 1st. We used the new sodium-molasses material and it worked well. It was a heavy wet snow with trees falling across Beith and Campton Hills Road. The crew cut and chipped trees from storm damage on Hawkeye Drive in Oak Openings Subdivision, Beith, Campton Hills, and Wasco Roads, Colson Road in Kings Mill Subdivision, and Caribou Trail in Deer Run East Subdivision. Wood chips were dropped off to residents who requested them. The crew repaired mailboxes on Harvest Court and Ravine Drive (Windings Subdivision). The Kane County Sheriff’s Office inmate work crew program was brought in to pick up garbage in ditches along Anderson and Campton Hills Roads. These are non-violent crime individuals. He worked with the Sheriff to bring charges about defacing Township signs. His policy is to prosecute. On the north side of Campton Hills Road east of LaFox Road, the crew rebuilt the creek edge with rip-rap to prevent the road from slipping into the creek. Next we will install 387 feet of guard rail to prevent cars from slipping into the creek on a slippery day. It is a safety concern. The crew installed a Stop Ahead sign on Anderson Road, and Keep Right signs and Do Not Enter signs on Deer Run Drive, and a Curve and 40 mph speed limit sign on Campton Hills Road, and No Outlet signs on Wooley Road. The road crew checked all Stop signs in the Township on a weekly basis and replaced damaged or missing ones. They swept all small intersections on a weekly basis, and all road ditches were mowed for the season. The road crew continued to repair potholes with cold patch throughout the Township, and continued maintenance on Township vehicles and equipment. K. Judy asked regarding Campton Crossings, is there dumping into the pond? Answer was yes. He got calls about dumping into the retention pond but it’s out of the Road Department’s jurisdiction. He called the Water and Health Departments. It is silt and construction debris. The road crew is finding drug needles when they pick up debris along the roadways. He sent the road crew for training to recognize methadone drugs and paraphernalia. R. Manser thanked Commissioner Gallucci for his response to the accident at Beith and Town Hall Roads. He knows Commissioner Gallucci has taken the solution as far as he can. We need to put pressure on the County to install a Stop sign on Beith Road. Commissioner Gallucci stated the County Board would have to approve it after a traffic study and the County Engineer approves. Commissioner Gallucci added we are picking up two to three dead deer per week.
Assessor – Alan D. Rottmann: Assessor Rottmann stated the 2004 assessment year is done. He is beginning the 2005 assessment year. He is not anticipating any major reassessments this year.
Solid Waste District – Greg VanZandt: Chairman VanZandt stated the Solid Waste District is selecting a new waste hauler. This must be the low bidder, by law. He introduced a new Solid Waste District Board member, Anna Eiermann, from Westwood.
Open Space Committee – Judy Hines: Chairwomen Hines stated work is beginning on the Headwaters, and at the Hired Man’s House on the Corron Farm.
Park and Recreation Committee – Jim Giase: Jim Giase was absent. Township Administrator Glas gave the report. She stated the girls softball team is asking for a sharing of costs with the Township because of additional costs for field #1 and field #6. Field #6 needs to be re-graded and new turf put down. It’s a shared field. Boys in the fall, and girls in the spring. R. Manser stated he is still troubled about spending Township money to maintain baseball fields. N. Anderson stated maybe the leagues need to talk about this at their meetings. Administrator Glas stated this is not an agenda item that requires action. It’s just a report.
Supervisor – Neal Anderson: Supervisor Anderson stated he was graciously awarded the Conservation Hero Award which is a huge reflection on Campton Township’s grass roots Open Space program. We will close on one more property, and then look at one more, and then the money will be gone. We deposited our OLT grant check of $771,500.00 for the Headwaters. There was one EA case, and we will be giving Toys to Tots for nine families. The Elgin – South Elgin boundary agreement has been agreed to. There is a copy here for all to see. He introduced Patsy Smith of Preserve Campton. Patsy Smith stated Elgin is trying to get the annexation done close to the holidays so people don’t have time to deal with it. We want to see they follow their own ordinances. It is necessary to have legal representation and expert opinion at the Public Hearing in January, in order to have the legal ability to challenge the later steps they take to implement the annexation. Preserve Campton has hired an attorney and land planner to represent it at the Public Hearing in January. Elgin is preparing a plan that could put seven houses on two acres – the same amount of land her single home is on. She asked the homeowners present to donate $100.00 to the Preserve Campton legal fund. Elgin is counting on our apathy and the season. N. Anderson stated Elgin City Manager Dave Dorgan is resigning. He has been a major player in the Elgin expansion. K. Judy asked has there been a petition filed for this annexation? Answer was there were six petitions for annexation, as well as rezoning, that were filed. N. Anderson stated later on our agenda is the question of whether to hire legal council regarding the proposed Elgin annexation.
Approval of Minutes:
Board Meeting October 12, 2004: R. Manser moved the Board table approval of Old Business in the minutes of the Board meeting of October 12, 2004. K. Judy seconded the motion. In a voice vote Supervisor Anderson and Trustees Manser, Gillen, and Judy voted aye. Trustee Kupar was absent. The motion passed.
Public Hearing November 4, 2004: R. Manser moved the Board approve the minutes of the Public Hearing of November 4, 2004. N. Anderson seconded the motion. In a voice vote Supervisor Anderson and Trustees Manser, Gillen, and Judy voted aye. Trustee Kupar was absent. The motion passed.
Public Hearing November 9, 2004: R. Manser moved the Board approve the minutes of the Public Hearing of November 9, 2004. D. Gillen seconded the motion. In a voice vote Supervisor Anderson and Trustees Manser, Gillen, and Judy voted aye. Trustee Kupar was absent. The motion passed.
Board Meeting November 9, 2004: D. Gillen moved the Board approve the minutes of the Board meeting of November 9, 2004. R. Manser seconded the motion. In a voice vote Supervisor Anderson and Trustees Manser, Gillen, and Judy voted aye. Trustee Kupar was absent. The motion passed.
Citizens Comments: None.
Planning Commission:
a. County Wide Landscaping: Rezoning Request from F to F1 and F2: Jim Morgan, Chairman of the Plan Commission stated the applicant applied for one of the ten uses allowed by F-2 zoning. According to Phil Bus, if F-2 zoning is approved he will only be allowed to use the one he applied for. This is Horticultural Services. To use any of the other nine, he will have to make a new application and start over. William Beith stated he lives across the street from the property and sees no problems. Karen Beith stated County Wide Landscaping keeps its property nice. Chuck Reed stated this property is physically high and the back does not look good. That is a problem for the adjacent open space. N. Anderson asked what about silt from excavation of trees. John Thornhill speaking for the applicant, Brian Larsen, stated the direction of water is to the south and west away from the open space. The applicant was not aware he was in violation of zoning until 2002 and then he applied for rezoning to cure the violations. D. Gillen stated she saw a thick file of violations. J. Thornhill stated it is a thin file. Chuck Reed stated if the Board wants to approve, add stipulations that require landscaping along the open space boundary and requirements for any building that is built. D. Gillen stated we should table this and find out the violations for next months meeting. Should we go see the file? If not, do we want to approve spot zoning? D. Gillen moved the Board table County Wide Landscaping rezoning request from F to F1 and F2. R. Manser seconded the motion, for discussion. N. Anderson stated in the mean time lets see what stipulations would solve the problem and appoint Township Administrator Glas to get the violation file. In a voice vote Supervisor Anderson and Trustees Gillen and Judy voted aye. Trustee Manser voted no. Trustee Kupar was absent. The motion passed.
8. New Business – Presentation and Discussion for Action: D. Gillen moved the Board move Agenda items 8.f. and 8.i. up ahead of Agenda item 8.a. R. Manser seconded the motion. In a voice vote Supervisor Anderson and Trustees Manser, Gillen, and Judy voted aye. Trustee Kupar was absent. The motion passed.
f. Review and Act Upon Eagle Scout Project – Keith Kaplan: Keith Kaplan stated he is seeking approval from the Board for his Eagle Scout project which is to paint the milk house on the Corron Farm Open Space. The project is in three stages. First he will scrape old paint off the milk house. Second he will prime the milk house. Third he will finish coat the milk house. Drop cloths will be used in all three stages so paint chips and paint droppings do not get in the soil. R. Manser asked do you need materials from the Township? Keith referred the Board to page six of his proposal which listed material donations. Pittsburgh Paints and Home Depot have donated the paint. He is waiting to hear back from Lowes on other materials. R. Manser moved the Board authorize Mr. Kaplan to proceed with his Eagle Scout project to paint the milk house on the Corron Farm with cost reimbursement not to exceed $100.00. K. Judy seconded the motion. On a roll call vote Supervisor Anderson and Trustees Manser, Gillen, and Judy voted aye. Trustee Kupar was absent. The motion passed.
i. Review and Act Upon Proposal for Religious Retreat – Gathering the Living Stone; location off Campton Hills Road: Rave Dyer stated we are a not for profit Christian organization that works with children and young couples. Mark VanKirkhoff with Kane County asked them to come to the Board first because they have not purchased the property yet. It is 6.2 acres of land. They want to renovate the barn and demolish the stable and pig sty. They will keep the two homes. They contemplate 150 to 200 students. D. Gillen stated it would be a lot of traffic. Answer was it would be used in the summertime for youth. In the winter it would be used for church groups. K. Judy asked how much parking would there be? Answer was 40 to 50 spaces. D. Gillen asked does this require rezoning? Answer was yes, it would be special use in an agricultural area. R. Manser stated this doesn’t seem consistent with what is in the area. It is similar to the County Wide Landscaping discussion with the added problem of more parking. N. Anderson stated it might be a good idea to talk with the neighbors. Is this a summer camp? Answer was yes, it is a weekend activity. Tom Mahaffey speaking for Gathering the Living Stone stated we would have to move the access road west to make for a safe alignment. D. Gillen stated this would be another spot zoning change she would be reluctant to look at. K. Judy stated here the issue is traffic and parking. N. Anderson stated let’s talk to the residents. Sharon O’Brien stated this seems like a good use as an alternative to row houses. D. Gillen stated the zoning is one house per four acre estates. Anna Eireman asked what about noise? With young people it would be noisy. Rosie Norman stated Christian camps can get noisy. Plus how much more building would be allowed on that property? Barb Venhorst stated her concern is water issues. What about well and septic. N. Anderson stated this was for information only. You are free to do what you want. You may see our Plan Commission if you wish.
D. Gillen moved the Board move Agenda items 8.h. and 8.k. up ahead of Agenda item 8.a. R. Manser seconded the motion. On a voice vote Supervisor Anderson and Trustees Manser, Gillen, and Judy voted aye. Trustee Kupar was absent. The motion passed.
h. Review and Act Upon Appointments to Committees – Supervisor: R. Manser moved the Board appoint Chuck Reed and Rose Norman to the Park and Recreational Committee. D. Gillen seconded the motion. On a voice vote Supervisor Anderson and Trustees Manser, Gillen, and Judy voted aye. Trustee Kupar was absent. The motion passed. D. Gillen moved the Board appoint Anna Eiermann to the Solid Waste Committee. R. Manser seconded the motion. On a voice vote Supervisor Anderson and Trustees Manser, Gillen, and Judy voted aye. Trustee Kupar was absent. The motion passed.
k. Review and Act Upon Library Service Survey Results: Andrea Koppenhoffer reported the survey results stating Campton residents would not support a library referendum. Dianna Brown of the St. Charles Library District stated she agrees. Supervisor Anderson dismissed the Library Committee with the thanks of the Board. R. Manser moved the Board accept the Library Survey Report and congratulate the committee on its efforts. The motion was seconded by D. Gillen. On a voice vote, Supervisor Anderson and Trustees Manser, Gillen, and Judy voted aye. Trustee Kupar was absent. The motion passed.
a. Review and Act Upon Award of Contract for Architectural Services for the Stabilization of White House at the Corron Farm Project – Dahlquist and Lutzow Architects, Ltd. and/or Jim Morgan: Township Administrator Glas stated we need direction to go with a contract which is a set amount, or continue to go with time and material for architectural services to stabilize the White House at Corron Farm. R. Manser moved the Board approve time and material up to $5000.00 for Dahlquist and Lutzow architectural services to stabilize the White House at Corron Farm. The motion was seconded by D. Gillen. On a roll call vote Supervisor Anderson and Trustees Manser, Gillen, and Judy voted aye. Trustee Kupar was absent. The motion passed.
b. Review and Act Upon Request for Land Cash for Corron Estates Subdivision: R. Manser asked were does this money go? Township Administrator Glas stated for development and management of open space in Campton Township. R. Manser moved the Board approve the Resolution requesting the release of $72,625.00 from the County of Kane to the Township of Campton for the development and management of open space within the Township of Campton. The motion was seconded by K. Judy. On a roll call vote Supervisor Anderson and Trustees Manser, Gillen, and Judy voted aye. Trustee Kupar was absent. The Resolution passed.
c. Review and Act Upon Road District Levy Ordinance 04-03R: D. Gillen moved the Board approve the Campton Township Road District Tax Levy Ordinance No. 04-03R. The motion was seconded by R. Manser. On a roll call vote Supervisor Anderson and Trustees Manser, Gillen, and Judy voted aye. Trustee Kupar was absent. The Ordinance passed.
d. Review and Act Upon Town Fund Levy Ordinance 04-04T: D. Gillen moved the Board approve the Campton Township Tax Levy Ordinance No. 04-04T. The motion was seconded by R. Manser. On a roll call vote Supervisor Anderson and Trustees Manser, Gillen, and Judy voted aye. Trustee Kupar was absent. The Ordinance passed.
e. Review and Act Upon Setting Monthly Board Meeting Dates for 2005: D. Gillen moved the Board approve setting the monthly meeting dates for 2005 as presented. R. Manser seconded the motion. In a voice vote Supervisor Anderson and Trustees Manser, Gillen, and Judy voted aye. Trustee Kupar was absent. The motion passed.
g. Review and Act Upon Kane County Historical Society – Jan Siers: Jan Siers was absent. Township Administrator Glas stated the Kane County Historical Society is looking for collaboration with Campton Township to help in displaying items and staffing a museum at the Corron Farm in Campton Township. R. Manser moved the Board approve Campton Township working in collaboration with the Kane County Historical Society to store and display items and assist in staffing a museum at the Corron Farm in the future. The motion was seconded by D. Gillen. On a voice vote Supervisor Anderson and Trustees Manser, Gillen, and Judy voted aye. Trustee Kupar was absent. The motion passed.
j. Review and Act Upon Hiring Legal Counsel for the Proposed Elgin Annexation: Supervisor Anderson stated he doesn’t have authority to talk to an attorney about the proposed Elgin annexation without Board authorization. What does the Board think about the Township hiring legal counsel. K. Judy stated we don’t have any jurisdiction. The Supervisor can speak for us as well as an attorney. Patsy Smith stated Preserve Campton’s attorney says we need expert testimony to speak for us. She doesn’t think this is Township attorney Noble’s area of expertise. An outside attorney would be desirable. R. Manser stated he doesn’t agree with Kathy on not hiring legal council. We would be penny wise and pound foolish not to do that. He would entertain a contract with an attorney who specializes in this area but we shouldn’t limit it to just an attorney in case we need expert testimony. K. Judy stated she doesn’t disagree we should have legal advise, just that the Supervisor should represent us, not a lawyer. Barb Wojnicki stated Patsy is saying an attorney should look at the proposed annexation so that we know Elgin is dotting their i’s and crossing their t’s. Supervisor Anderson stated Township Attorney Noble gave him the name of an attorney in Wheaton who is an expert in this area. Barb Wojnicki stated this could affect our open space so money spent on an attorney is money well spent. K. Judy asked where is the money for this coming from? Supervisor Anderson stated a third could come from open space grant money. R. Manser moved the Board give Supervisor Anderson authority to spend up to $5000.00 in professional fees regarding the proposed Elgin annexation. The motion was seconded by D. Gillen. In a roll call vote Supervisor Anderson and Trustees Manser, Gillen, and Judy voted aye. Trustee Kupar was absent. The motion passed.
Old Business – Presentation and Discussion for Action: Nothing.
Claims and Demands for Payment:
Town Fund: D. Gillen moved the Board approve the claims and demands on the Town Fund. R. Manser seconded the motion. On a roll call vote Supervisor Anderson and Trustees Manser, Gillen, and Judy voted aye. Trustee Kupar was absent. The motion passed.
Open Space Fund: D. Gillen moved the Board approve the claims and demands on the Open Space Fund. R. Manser seconded the motion. On a roll call vote Supervisor Anderson and Trustees Manser, Gillen, and Judy voted aye. Trustee Kupar was absent. The motion passed.
Park and Recreational Fund: - None.
Executive Session – Land Acquisition, Personnel, and Executive Session Minutes: R. Manser moved the Board go into Executive Session for the purpose of land acquisition, personnel, and Executive Session minutes, and include County Board Representative Barb Wojnicki and Open Space Committee Chairwoman Judy Hines. D. Gillen seconded the motion. On a roll call vote Supervisor Anderson and Trustees Manser, Gillen, and Judy voted aye. Trustee Kupar was absent. The motion passed at 10:30 p.m.
Act Upon Executive Session Minutes: Supervisor Anderson reconvened the regular session. R. Manser moved the Board keep all Executive Session minutes closed. K. Judy seconded the motion. On a roll call vote Supervisor Anderson and Trustees Manser, Gillen, and Judy voted aye. Trustee Kupar was absent. The motion passed.
Adjournment: K. Judy moved the Board adjourn the meeting. D. Gillen seconded the motion. In a voice vote Supervisor Anderson and Trustees Manser, Gillen, and Judy voted aye. Trustee Kupar was absent. The motion passed and the meeting adjourned at 11:00 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Richard Johansen
Clerk