1. 2. 3. The March 9, 2010 Board Meeting was called to order by Supervisor Kupar at 7:35 p.m. at the Community Center. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited. Clerk Johansen called the roll with Supervisor Kupar and Trustees Stutesman, Boissonnas, Lambe, and VanZandt present.
4. Reports:
Open Space Program – Announcement Supervisor Kupar: Supervisor Kupar stated today I want to announce the crowning achievement of the Campton Township open space program. We are pleased to announce the acquisition on Monday, March 1st. of Grey Willows Farm from the Lillian Fessenden – Grey Willows Farm Limited partnership. The farm consists of 208 acres and includes important habitats and features such as oak savannahs, old growth forests, wetlands, creeks and a pond. The Gray Willows Farm, located along Burlington and Corron Roads, represents one of the most significant purchases by Campton Township. With this purchase we are close to completing the acquisition phase of our open space program. I wish to thank all the people who have helped make the Campton Township Open Space Program such a big success. This could not have happened without the hundreds of hours of volunteer work from the Open Space Committees and the hundreds of hours of volunteer maintenance work from people who care about our community. These open spaces are being enjoyed today and should be visited by everyone. Tonight, I especially want to thank our Kane County Board Representative, Barbara Wojnicki, for keeping communication open between the principals of the Gray Willows Farm and Campton Township. This communication lasted over eleven years, and it is because of her dedication to preserving this pristine farm that this will be enjoyed for generations. Supervisor Kupar introduced Open Space Development Coordinator Shouba to make a slide presentation of Gray Willows Farm.
J. Shouba stated we think the Gray Willows name came from the Gray Willow Post Office that was near the farm in Campton Township from the 1860’s to the 1880’s. We believe that post office followed or replaced the Kings Mill Post Office of the same period. He showed slides of Gray Willows Farm beginning with a horned owl nest by the pond. A volunteer took him up in a Piper Cub airplane to take slides of the farm from the air. Gray Willows Farm fits all the criteria that is desirable for open space properties: it had a willing seller; the property is visible from two historic roads (Burlington and Corron); we save farmland with this purchase; it has a wetlands, savannas, and woodlands; Ferson Creek runs through it; it has a historic farmstead; and is contiguous to other open space. The property connects with Split Rail open space and Deer Run open space touches it. According to Jerry Johnson the Fessenden house was designed by the well known architects Frasier and Rafferty and is considered an important architectural landmark. It has a tennis court. There is an unoccupied farmhouse and a beautiful barn that is in excellent condition. It was the home of 26 race horses at one time. Mr. Fessenden invented the milk carton. There are 50 acres of farm fields, and a mature oak tree forest. These are mostly white oaks but also red oaks. The oak trees are at least 175 years old. They were there when the Indians were here.
Sheriff – Wasco Substation Community Policing: Absent.
Highway Commissioner – Sam Gallucci: Commissioner Gallucci’s report stated the road crew plowed and salted on 2/9, 2/10, 2/21, 2/24, and 2/25/2010; they widened all streets and intersections throughout Campton Township and the Village of Campton Hills; repaired damaged mailboxes and posts throughout Campton Township and the Village of Campton Hills; checked all stop signs in Campton Township and the Village of Campton Hills and replaced damaged or missing ones on a weekly basis; patrolled roads throughout the Village and Township for drainage problems, pot holes, and for culvert permits; repaired potholes with cold patch throughout the Township and Village; did cold patching on McDonald and Lenz Roads in the Village of Campton Hills in Plato Township; trimmed and removed trees on Campton Hills and Town Hall Roads, Trotter Lane, and Campton Woods Drive; and performed ongoing maintenance on township vehicles and equipment in house by staff. Motor fuel tax maps were revised to accommodate additional roads that have been dedicated to the Highway District in order to ensure proper motor fuel tax revenue to the District.
Assessor – Alan D. Rottmann: Assessor Rottmann stated we are working on the 2010 assessments. The County is done with 2009 tax rates. We hope to close our books by September first.
Solid Waste District – Barbara Boissonnas: Solid Waste District President Barbara Boissonnas stated we are visiting our recycling facility. Our website is getting several questions a month. We answer all questions. The website is being overhauled with drop down menus for free by Christian Boissonnas. The District took a hit today. Our new CD rate from the Bank of America dropped by 65% so that we will now only receive $68.00 a year and we have to pay an accountant to certify our figures. When we pay our insurance it comes to over $400.00 with an income of $68.00. The District is required to have one Trustee leave every year so we will need someone to help us in June. Former Trustees can come back.
Financial Report – Louise McKay: Township CPA McKay stated the 2010 bonds closed February 25th and the funds went to PMA for investment. In the February investment report we liquidated some 2008 B series bonds to have liquid funds for closing on Gray Willows. Regarding the tentative budget, the reason to amend the budget is the Gray Willows land purchase is over the 10% line item limit. Trustee stipends for the year will be prepared for issue on March 22nd.
Village of Campton Hills – Patsy Smith: Village of Campton Hills President Smith offered congratulations on Campton Township’s acquisition of Gray Willows. It is an outstanding purchase. The Village has an intergovernmental agreement with the Highway District to give it money from the state. The Village got notice today from the state that we will have to do more paperwork regarding shared revenue. We will adjust to it. It’s budget time at the Village. See our website. There will be a Public Hearing the first Tuesday in April. Campton Hills annexed 50 acres on the south side of Route 38. There are seven homes to develop. Each lot can’t be less then 1 ½ acres or more then 7 acres. The Village also had a request to annex by Bull Run, but they withdrew it. There was a petition for a gas station filed with the Village for the parcel adjacent to Campton Square, and we expect one for the parcel next to the Dairy Queen. There was a high speed chase through Campton Hills that began in Sycamore and ended in Elgin. No-one was hurt here although an officer was injured in Sycamore. In another incident a Campton Hills squad car was totaled in an accident where someone turned left in front of the squad car. The officer swerved, but the accident couldn’t be avoided.
Joint Environmental Resource Management Committee: Committee member J. Shouba stated the Committee looked at the plans for the Roger Brown parcel and made recommendations regarding wetlands, slope, trees, and the view from Route 64. The committee is working with consultants to analyze ordinances of the Village and suggested improvements, for example, a tree preservation ordinance.
5. Approval of Minutes:
a. Board Meeting February 9th, 2010: G. VanZandt moved the Board approve the minutes of February 9, 2010. T. Stutesman seconded the motion. R. Lambe stated the “e” was left off the end of her name in two places under New Business, item “e”, on page four. The Clerk stated he would correct the scriveners error. In a voice vote Supervisor Kupar and Trustees Stutesman, Boissonnas, Lambe, and VanZandt voted aye. The motion passed.
6. Citizens Comments: Former Supervisor Neal Anderson stated he commends the Board for the Gray Willows acquisition. That was always the number one goal for us to purchase. As past Supervisor he wanted to thank everyone who worked on open space for the township. Village of Campton Hills President Smith stated there was another subject she forgot to bring up earlier. When the Village was created there were a number of open space parcels never dedicated properly. These were Meadow Ridge Farm, the Woodside Creek open space parcel, the Fox Creek open space, and the big one, Fox Mill. In Fox Mill there was private open space that was transferred to the homeowners association, and public open space that is still owned by Fox Mill Limited Partnership. She understands Campton Township does not want to take over the public open space in Fox Mill but she requests a letter from Campton Township to that effect. The Forest Preserve has to accept property, or deny it. There are serious maintenance problems in the Fox Mill public open space that could create serious liability issues. This is a big problem. Could the Conservation Foundation help? We only have Kane County, the Village of Campton Hills, and Campton Township. These are the three public entities. The plat says it has to be deeded to Kane County, or it’s assigns.
7. Planning Commission: Lily Lake Planning Commission member Steve Zahn stated he is looking for locations to do a wind energy study. Can he use Poynor Park for wind measurements? This is to monitor the wind in order to create a map of wind flow. We need information about wind energy at low elevations. It’s temporary. We need it from Monday to Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. He will share the results with us. He has a few private land owners that are interested in this technology. J. Kupar stated if you want to use the parks for study just notify Administrator Glas. Plan Commission Chairman Morgan stated the wind measurements are from a thirty foot mast. He has a draft Comprehensive Land Use Plan from Lily Lake. Regarding the Roger Brown property, the Lily Lake Board reviewed it. Could Campton Township staff do a tree survey before they lay out lots because we have a lot of expertise on open space staff. We could save some trees. He mentioned the water model is required to be used.
8. Old Business –
a. Town Hall Foundation Bid Proposals – DLA: Arlene Vespa of DLA Architects stated these figures are revised from the ones e-mailed with the letter. One of the bidders faxed a change in numbers and this reflects that. This to repair and replace the failing foundation at Town Hall. We had a mandatory pre-bid meeting where they were required to be at the site and review it. We had good interest. Six contractors bidded. The three lowest bidders were in the same range. The next tier is almost twice. She expected that. The next bid is quite a bit higher. They are all seeing the same thing. Some bids are coming in 20% to 25% less because the contractors are seeking work in this market. Some may be doing it at cost. The lowest base bid is Carmichael. Other bids are irregular in that they didn’t include builders risk insurance. They are willing to provide risk insurance and not increase cost. The next lowest bid is Tonyan. Next down is Driessen the lowest regular bid. She called on references. Regarding Carmichael there was difficulty getting product timely to the site but the finished product was good. For installation on the elevator (subs) there was difficulty getting it to pass. For Tonyan references were good. For Driessen references were good. We have the option to waive irregularities if we want. We are in for permit with Kane County and the Elburn Fire Department. The permits are not a problem. J. Kupar asked who do you recommend? Answer was Driessen because of irregularities in the other bids. Do the base bid and alternate one – the north wall and the south wall wrapping around the west end. J. Kupar stated at a minimum we have to do the base bid because of the condition of the foundation. Per Arlene Vespa the shoring under the floor needs to be monitored. C. Boissonnas stated it doesn’t make sense to do half the job and have to come back in a year or two and do the rest for a higher price. Kane County Board Representative Barbara Wojnicki stated there is three million of requests for Riverboat grants and one million of funds available. G. VanZandt stated let’s go with Driessen. T. Stutesman asked do we have staff that can put visqueen and vapor barrier down under Town Hall? J. Kupar stated we have only $50,000 for this. We have to get that north wall fixed at a minimum. I will meet with Driessen and see if we can get some economies of scale. Arlene Vespa stated the schedule is begin construction May 17th. The building will need to be vacated during construction. T. Stutesman moved the Board table this for staff to talk to the top three bidders Carmichael, Tonyan, and Driessen to see if we can get closer to the budgeted amount. The motion was seconded by G. VanZandt. In a voice vote Supervisor Kupar and Trustees Stutesman, Boissonnas, Lambe, and VanZandt voted aye. The motion passed.
b. Farm License Agreements: Attorney Kathleen Judy stated this is to update the Board on her legal work involving licenses that the township previously granted to Campton Historic Agricultural Lands, and other potential farmed properties to be considered under a Township-run Farm Program. Jerry Johnson, Executive Director of C.H.A.L. (Campton Historic Agricultural Lands), has agreed to terminate all outstanding leases with C.H.A.L. with the exception of 2009 planting season revenue still to be paid by the farmer from the west hayfield due to corn not being harvested to date. Open space properties previously farmed under C.H.A.L. included bean, corn, and hay crops. In addition to properties under C.H.A.L. licenses, there was another property farmed under a past license, and it is anticipated another property will be added in the future (50 to 60 acres at Gray Willows). She and Ken Johnson have been negotiating terms of the license contracts with the farmers who have all agreed to a $150.00 per acre rate. If we enter into these contracts, the anticipated revenue in 2010-2011 is $52,650.00, which according to Township C.P.A. McKay will be permissible under the 5% bond private use rule. We are finalizing the details at this time and it is our recommendation that the Supervisor enter into these contracts on or before March 31, 2010. Two separate contracts are included here with the first being annual for row cropping, and the second being for three years for hay farming which is perennial. With hay there are no pesticides or insecticides.
i. Authorize Execution of Annual License Agreement: T. Stutesman moved the Board authorize the Supervisor to enter into the Campton Township Licensing Agreements for Farming Use of Land. C. Boissonnas seconded the motion. In a roll call vote Supervisor Kupar and Trustees Stutesman, Boissonnas, Lambe, and VanZandt voted aye. The motion passed.
ii. Authorize Execution of 3 Year License Agreement: G. VanZandt moved the Board authorize the Supervisor to enter into the Campton Township License Agreement for Farming Use of Land. The motion was seconded by C. Boissonnas. In a roll call vote Supervisor Kupar and Trustees Stutesman, Boissonnas, Lambe, and VanZandt voted aye. The motion passed.
9. New Business – Presentation and Discussion for Action:
a. Proposed Audit for Fiscal Year 2009-2010 – Sikich Accountants: C. Boissonnas moved Campton Township hire Sikich Certified Public Accountants to do the annual audit for F.I. 2009-2010. T. Stutesman seconded the motion. Township C.P.A. McKay stated Sikich came back with the same price as last year. In a roll call vote Supervisor Kupar and Trustees Stutesman, Boissonnas, Lambe, and VanZandt voted aye. The motion passed.
b. Adopt Joint Environmental Resources Management Committee Mission Statement: The mission statement said: the Village of Campton Hills and Campton Township Joint Environmental Resources Management Committee will advise and assist the two governmental bodies in the protection, conservation, and wise use of our environmental resources. The Committee will provide accurate and comprehensive natural resource information so that the governing bodies and planners can make informed decisions. Our actions will be based on the following fundamental objectives:
· Produce and maintain a living document called the Green Infrastructure Map that contains current planning-level natural resource information;
· Promote water conservation and groundwater recharge in order to protect our groundwater supply for future generations, recognizing that our residents do not have access to Lake Michigan water;
· Ensure that environmentally sensitive areas are identified and protected by endorsing reliable and thorough investigations before development is considered;
· Provide guidance to the respective Plan Commissions and Trustees regarding impacts to natural resources, wildlife and the environment;
· Educate stakeholders and promote awareness of local and shared environmental and energy issues by encouraging public involvement and by partnering with public and private organizations within and outside our communities;
· Promote the preservation of open space for recreational and conservation purposes.
T. Stutesman moved the Board adopt the Joint Environmental Resources Management Committee Mission Statement. R. Lambe seconded the motion. In a voice vote Supervisor Kupar and Trustees Stutesman, Boissonnas, Lambe, and VanZandt voted aye. The motion passed.
c. Proposed Tentative Town Budget FY 10-11: G. VanZandt moved the Board approve the Campton Township General Town Fund Tentative Budget and Appropriation Ordinance NO. 10-1T. The motion was seconded by C. Boissonnas. In a roll call vote Supervisor Kupar and Trustees Stutesman, Boissonnas, Lambe, and VanZandt voted aye. The Tentative Ordinance passed.
d. Proposed Tentative Road Budget FY 10-11: T. Stutesman moved the Board approve the Campton Township Road and Bridge Fund Tentative Budget and Appropriation Ordinance NO. 10-1R. R. Lambe seconded the motion. In a roll call vote Supervisor Kupar and Trustees Stutesman, Boissonnas, Lambe, and VanZandt voted aye. The Tentative Ordinance passed.
e. Proposed Amendment to Town Budget FY 09-10: R. Lambe moved the Board approve the Campton Township General Town Fund Amended Budget and Appropriation Ordinance NO. 09-1T. T. Stutesman seconded the motion. In a roll call vote Supervisor Kupar and Trustees Stutesman, Boissonnas, Lambe, and VanZandt voted aye. The motion passed.
f. Set Public Hearings for Proposed Budget April 8th, 2010, 7:00 p.m.: T. Stutesman moved the Board set April 8, 2010 beginning at 7:00 p.m. for Public Hearings on the proposed Town Budget FY 10-11; proposed Road Budget FY 10-11; and the proposed Amendment to the Town Budget FY 09-10. G. VanZandt seconded the motion. In a voice vote Supervisor Kupar and Trustees Stutesman, Boissonnas, Lambe, and VanZandt voted aye. The motion passed.
10. Claims and Demands for Payment:
a. Town Fund: G. Van Zandt moved the Board approve the claims and demands on the Town Fund. T. Stutesman seconded the motion. In a roll call vote Supervisor Kupar and Trustees Stutesman, Boissonnas, Lambe, and VanZandt voted aye. The motion passed.
b. Open Space Fund: T. Stutesman moved the Board approve the claims and demands on the Open Space Fund. C. Boissonnas seconded the motion. In a roll call vote Supervisor Kupar and Trustees Stutesman, Boissonnas, Lambe, and VanZandt voted aye. The motion passed.
c. Park and Recreational Fund: Nothing.
11. Executive Session – Review Executive Session minutes; Land Acquisition; Review Whether to Open Executive Session minutes; Review Whether to Destroy Audio Tape Minutes Older then 18 Months: R. Lambe moved the Board go into Executive Session for the purpose of reviewing Executive Session minutes, land acquisition, reviewing whether to open Executive Session minutes, and reviewing whether to destroy audio tape minutes older then 18 months. The motion was seconded by T. Stutesman. In a roll call vote Supervisor Kupar and Trustees Stutesman, Boissonnas, Lambe, and VanZandt voted aye. Executive Session began at 9:45 p.m.
12. New Business Continued – Supervisor Kupar reconvened the regular session at 10:00 p.m.
g. Review and Act Upon Approve Executive Session Minutes: T. Stutesman moved the Board approve the Executive Session minutes of February 9, 2010. R. Lambe seconded the motion. In a roll call vote Supervisor Kupar and Trustees Stutesman, Boissonnas, Lambe, and VanZandt voted aye. The motion passed.
h. Review and Act Upon Approve Whether to Open Executive Session Minutes: No Action.
i. Review and Act Upon Whether to Destroy Audio Tape Minutes Older then 18 Months: R. Lambe moved that Executive Session audio tape minutes older then 18 months be destroyed. T. Stutesman seconded the motion. In a roll call vote Supervisor Kupar and Trustees Stutesman, Boissonnas, Lambe, and VanZandt voted aye. The motion passed.
13. Adjournment: G. VanZandt moved the meeting be adjourned. R. Lambe seconded the motion. In a voice vote Supervisor Kupar and Trustees Stutesman, Boissonnas, Lambe, and VanZandt voted aye. The motion passed and the meeting adjourned at 10:05 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Richard Johansen
Clerk