(From the Daily Herald)
Turning page on board discord
Antioch trustee says let’s stop, read a book
By Corrinne Hess
chess@dailyherald.com
Posted Thursday, June 28, 2007
Development paralyzed by infighting, board meetings lasting four, sometimes five hours, and top administrators resigning plague Antioch’s village board these days.
Trustee Scott Pierce thinks he has a solution: Take a year off and read a book.
Pierce has drafted a 1,014-word letter to fellow trustees asking that all hot-button issues be put on hold for a year. He also recommends reading “The Art of Getting Along,” a book by Wilfred Peterson published in 1949, and highlighted a section called “Wanted, Calm Men.”
The letter will be read during Monday’s village board meeting in Pierce’s absence.
“I’m hoping everyone will step back, take a breath and realize we need to put Antioch first,” he said. “A lot of residents have come to me and said they are upset by all of the fighting that has gone on. I’m trying to respond in a grown-up fashion.”
Infighting long has existed on the village board but escalated after the April 17 election when incumbents Barbara Porch and Mary Turner lost their seats.
There was a swing in the power pendulum when incumbent Larry Hanson and newcomers Dennis Crosby and Michael Wolczyz were sworn in May 7. Meetings now run three to four times longer than in the past.
Some of the issues Pierce wants to put on hold include changing the way committees are established and how the village attorney is paid. Recently, board members asked that both issues be studied.
Instead, Pierce said, development along Route 173, the aquatic center and finances should be the focus.
Crosby and Hanson said changes proposed for how the village operates will allow for greater transparency and shouldn’t be put on hold.
“Scott is always very thoughtful about these things, but I don’t share his opinion,” Crosby said. “They’ve had their way for a number of years. We’re not trying to shove anything down their throat, just trying to do what make sense.”
Said Hanson: “I’m going to keep the course I was elected to do — that was change. If they don’t agree and we don’t agree, that is healthy.”
Trustee Bob McCarty said he didn’t want to comment without seeing the letter, and other board members could not be reached for comment Wednesday.
Tension on the village board peaked during the April campaign when Hanson filed a complaint alleging identity theft by Pierce after Pierce purchased www.lmhanson.com to promote Hanson’s opponents.
The complaint was thrown out by the Lake County state’s attorney’s office.
Pierce said that experience has shown him taking the high road is a better choice.
“We are all so angry with each other,” he said. “There are so many things I could say about Taso (Maravelas, former Antioch mayor), Larry Hanson or Bob Caulfield. I could dish out a lot — and I know they could, too — but we need to move forward.”
Thursday, June 28, 2007
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
Rolling Meadows Impact Fee Increase Passes
Last night the City of Rolling Meadows voted on a proposed impact fee increase. The ordinance passed on a vote of 6-0-1. Alderman Tom Rooney, who had expressed concern for the fee increase was out of town for the vote. The Contributions per dwelling unit are based on a $135,000/acre land value. This is a mirror of the impact fee increase passed by the Village of Palatine last year. I worked with Mayor Ken Nelson on the proposal and expressed our opposition to itl. Thankfully the City did not vote to pass an increase exceeding Palatine's fee structure. The complete ordinance with the break down will be available to members of the Legislative South Committee at tomorrows meeting.
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
Village to Offer Sewer Service
(from the Daily Herald)
By Madhu Krishnamurthy
mkrishnamurthy@dailyherald.com
Posted Saturday, June 23, 2007
Wynstone homeowners can flush all they want once Lake Zurich extends sewer service to relieve the North Barrington subdivision’s overburdened septic system.
The deal also benefits Lake Zurich, which hopes to collect $804,000 in up-front connection fees and roughly $270,000 in annual revenue from Wynstone.
The sewer line and connections would be paid for by Wynstone, but no construction date has been set.
The Lake Zurich village board authorized staff to draft the agreement to be approved at a later date.
Lake Zurich has been in talks with Wynstone’s homeowners association for several years on the issue. The subdivision and golf course off Route 12 has an on-site sewage treatment plant. Treated water runs through a spray irrigation system and is applied to the golf course instead of discharged into a lake, stream or other water body.
Over the years, capacity has not kept up with the waste. That’s problematic during the rainy season when the ground already is soggy, Lake Zurich public works director Dave Heyden said.
“They can’t discharge onto the golf course, which then basically exceeds their capacity and they have to end up hauling it off site,” Heyden said.
Lake Zurich has never been keen on granting requests for sewer service from individual neighborhoods outside its boundaries, though it has deals with the villages of Hawthorn Woods and Kildeer to provide service to select properties.
Wynstone’s request to divert its excess sewage to Lake Zurich’s system is the first such appeal to be granted.
That’s because the golf course community lies within Lake Zurich’s Facility Planning Area, even though 40 percent of the subdivision is in North Barrington. Lake Zurich had factored the subdivision into future planning for its sewer system.
Wynstone would be allowed to discharge 100,000 gallons per day into Lake Zurich’s system. The village has plenty of capacity to absorb that, and possibly future discharges from Mount St. Joseph, a residential home for developmentally disabled women which also uses a septic system, Heyden said.
However, some village officials said they are concerned the Wynstone deal sets a precedent and would force Lake Zurich to provide service to areas outside its boundaries yet within its planning area.
“I don’t think this action places us at any greater risk than we already have,” Village President John Tolomei said.
By Madhu Krishnamurthy
mkrishnamurthy@dailyherald.com
Posted Saturday, June 23, 2007
Wynstone homeowners can flush all they want once Lake Zurich extends sewer service to relieve the North Barrington subdivision’s overburdened septic system.
The deal also benefits Lake Zurich, which hopes to collect $804,000 in up-front connection fees and roughly $270,000 in annual revenue from Wynstone.
The sewer line and connections would be paid for by Wynstone, but no construction date has been set.
The Lake Zurich village board authorized staff to draft the agreement to be approved at a later date.
Lake Zurich has been in talks with Wynstone’s homeowners association for several years on the issue. The subdivision and golf course off Route 12 has an on-site sewage treatment plant. Treated water runs through a spray irrigation system and is applied to the golf course instead of discharged into a lake, stream or other water body.
Over the years, capacity has not kept up with the waste. That’s problematic during the rainy season when the ground already is soggy, Lake Zurich public works director Dave Heyden said.
“They can’t discharge onto the golf course, which then basically exceeds their capacity and they have to end up hauling it off site,” Heyden said.
Lake Zurich has never been keen on granting requests for sewer service from individual neighborhoods outside its boundaries, though it has deals with the villages of Hawthorn Woods and Kildeer to provide service to select properties.
Wynstone’s request to divert its excess sewage to Lake Zurich’s system is the first such appeal to be granted.
That’s because the golf course community lies within Lake Zurich’s Facility Planning Area, even though 40 percent of the subdivision is in North Barrington. Lake Zurich had factored the subdivision into future planning for its sewer system.
Wynstone would be allowed to discharge 100,000 gallons per day into Lake Zurich’s system. The village has plenty of capacity to absorb that, and possibly future discharges from Mount St. Joseph, a residential home for developmentally disabled women which also uses a septic system, Heyden said.
However, some village officials said they are concerned the Wynstone deal sets a precedent and would force Lake Zurich to provide service to areas outside its boundaries yet within its planning area.
“I don’t think this action places us at any greater risk than we already have,” Village President John Tolomei said.
Springfield Update
I apologize that is has been a few days since my last post. I was at a charity golf outing yesterday for RANWC's Helping Our Heroes. The event was well attended. Congrats too all of the RANWC members and staff that worked to make the event a success.
Please find below the latest updates from the IAR Government Affairs team on the issues in Springfield.
Both tempers and temperatures continue to heat up in the Capital city. While summer has begun the SPRING session of the Illinois General Assembly continues with no end in sight. This week there was some movement on the State budget as the Governor and legislative leaders agreed to craft a one-month budget this weekend to avoid a shutdown of State operations. This decision was reached in a meeting held after the Senate and House members had adjourned for the week. This action is necessary to be acted upon next week since the new fiscal year for the State begins July 1st. While the avoidance of a State shutdown is obviously important this action may just ensure that the legislature will meet throughout the month of July.
- The Senate did take action on a non-binding resolution on Wednesday afternoon this week (SR 258) voting 33-19-2 to reject the version of the new State budget earlier approved by the House of Representatives. While the House had approved their version of the State budget (contained in Senate Bill 1132) on May 30th a parliamentary procedure has stalled the bill and prevented the Senate from acting on it. Due to concern about electric rates and the failure of any legislative resolution to that issue, a motion was filed to reconsider the vote by which the budget bill was approved by the House. This motion put the budget bill in limbo- while approved by the House it cannot be acted upon until officially reported to the Senate which cannot happen until the sponsor’s motion is voted upon or withdrawn. SR 258, sponsored by Appropriations Chairman Senator Donne Trotter, cites specific “shortfalls” of the House budget bill. The vote in favor signals rejection of Senate Bill 1132. This is the second time this session that a non-binding resolution has been used in lieu of a vote on substantive legislation. You will recall that the House used this maneuver to reject the Governor’s proposed Gross Receipts Tax (GRT). Shortly after the heated debate and vote on the Senate Resolution, the Senate abruptly adjourned until next week.
- The House convened on Wednesday AFTER the Senate had voted on SR 258 and adjourned for the week. The Senate debate on the non-binding resolution was heard by many of the House members and, needless to say, was not well received. Many members of the House stood on the House floor both Wednesday and Thursday to denounce the Senate action and to point to specific comments made by Senators in their debate on the non-binding resolution.
- No action occurred this week on either of the bills of concern from our recent Calls to Action- Senate Bill 1674 (the predatory lending/4050 bill) or Senate Bill 572 (RTA real estate transfer tax). You can get information on these bills by clicking on the direct link to the Action Center which has both issues posted: http://www.votervoice.net/Core.aspx?AID=251&
- On Wednesday the House adopted another amendment to Senate Bill 17, the legislation to address the assessment of wooded acreage. House Amendment #2 redrafts the assessment provisions by creating additional definitions to clarify what would qualify as wooded acreage, creating a transition assessment and stipulating that after October 1, 2007 if the ownership interests or beneficial interests change by more than 50% from those interests as they existed on October 1, 2007 then the property would not longer qualify to receive the preferential assessment treatment of the wooded acreage. The bill is pending final action in the House. The Senate would also have to act to concur with the House amendment to this legislation prior to it being sent to the Governor for his consideration.
- On Wednesday the Governor signed into law House Bill 426, the legislation that will move the primary date in Illinois from the third Tuesday of March to the first Tuesday in February. Public Act 95-0006 will add Illinois to the list of states that are moving primary dates. At least 22 states have scheduled or are considering scheduling their primary on February 5 in 2008 leading to the primary date to be called “Super Duper Tuesday”. This legislation, pushed by the Democratic party to help Senator Barack Obama’s presidential bid, received overwhelming support in the House and Senate this spring.
- The IAR Action Center also has a tracking of many key issues that have been considered this year. Click on the link listed as “Hot State Issues- Status Report”.
The House and the Senate will reconvene Tuesday, June 26, 2007.
For more information, contact Greg St. Aubin, Director of IAR Governmental Affairs, gstaubin@iar.org, or Julie Sullivan, Assistant Director, Legislative and Political Affairs, jsullivan@iar.org.
Contact information for members of the House and Senate, notice of committee hearings, text of legislation and roll call votes are all available on the Illinois General Assembly’s Web site, www.ilga.gov.
Please find below the latest updates from the IAR Government Affairs team on the issues in Springfield.
Both tempers and temperatures continue to heat up in the Capital city. While summer has begun the SPRING session of the Illinois General Assembly continues with no end in sight. This week there was some movement on the State budget as the Governor and legislative leaders agreed to craft a one-month budget this weekend to avoid a shutdown of State operations. This decision was reached in a meeting held after the Senate and House members had adjourned for the week. This action is necessary to be acted upon next week since the new fiscal year for the State begins July 1st. While the avoidance of a State shutdown is obviously important this action may just ensure that the legislature will meet throughout the month of July.
- The Senate did take action on a non-binding resolution on Wednesday afternoon this week (SR 258) voting 33-19-2 to reject the version of the new State budget earlier approved by the House of Representatives. While the House had approved their version of the State budget (contained in Senate Bill 1132) on May 30th a parliamentary procedure has stalled the bill and prevented the Senate from acting on it. Due to concern about electric rates and the failure of any legislative resolution to that issue, a motion was filed to reconsider the vote by which the budget bill was approved by the House. This motion put the budget bill in limbo- while approved by the House it cannot be acted upon until officially reported to the Senate which cannot happen until the sponsor’s motion is voted upon or withdrawn. SR 258, sponsored by Appropriations Chairman Senator Donne Trotter, cites specific “shortfalls” of the House budget bill. The vote in favor signals rejection of Senate Bill 1132. This is the second time this session that a non-binding resolution has been used in lieu of a vote on substantive legislation. You will recall that the House used this maneuver to reject the Governor’s proposed Gross Receipts Tax (GRT). Shortly after the heated debate and vote on the Senate Resolution, the Senate abruptly adjourned until next week.
- The House convened on Wednesday AFTER the Senate had voted on SR 258 and adjourned for the week. The Senate debate on the non-binding resolution was heard by many of the House members and, needless to say, was not well received. Many members of the House stood on the House floor both Wednesday and Thursday to denounce the Senate action and to point to specific comments made by Senators in their debate on the non-binding resolution.
- No action occurred this week on either of the bills of concern from our recent Calls to Action- Senate Bill 1674 (the predatory lending/4050 bill) or Senate Bill 572 (RTA real estate transfer tax). You can get information on these bills by clicking on the direct link to the Action Center which has both issues posted: http://www.votervoice.net/Core.aspx?AID=251&
- On Wednesday the House adopted another amendment to Senate Bill 17, the legislation to address the assessment of wooded acreage. House Amendment #2 redrafts the assessment provisions by creating additional definitions to clarify what would qualify as wooded acreage, creating a transition assessment and stipulating that after October 1, 2007 if the ownership interests or beneficial interests change by more than 50% from those interests as they existed on October 1, 2007 then the property would not longer qualify to receive the preferential assessment treatment of the wooded acreage. The bill is pending final action in the House. The Senate would also have to act to concur with the House amendment to this legislation prior to it being sent to the Governor for his consideration.
- On Wednesday the Governor signed into law House Bill 426, the legislation that will move the primary date in Illinois from the third Tuesday of March to the first Tuesday in February. Public Act 95-0006 will add Illinois to the list of states that are moving primary dates. At least 22 states have scheduled or are considering scheduling their primary on February 5 in 2008 leading to the primary date to be called “Super Duper Tuesday”. This legislation, pushed by the Democratic party to help Senator Barack Obama’s presidential bid, received overwhelming support in the House and Senate this spring.
- The IAR Action Center also has a tracking of many key issues that have been considered this year. Click on the link listed as “Hot State Issues- Status Report”.
The House and the Senate will reconvene Tuesday, June 26, 2007.
For more information, contact Greg St. Aubin, Director of IAR Governmental Affairs, gstaubin@iar.org, or Julie Sullivan, Assistant Director, Legislative and Political Affairs, jsullivan@iar.org.
Contact information for members of the House and Senate, notice of committee hearings, text of legislation and roll call votes are all available on the Illinois General Assembly’s Web site, www.ilga.gov.
Thursday, June 21, 2007
State Legislation Updates
Here are updates from the IAR Government Affairs team.
--Senate Bill 1674 contains a predatory lending initiative of Attorney General Lisa Madigan (formerly contained in House Bill 1478) that will require mortgage brokers to follow certain standards in the making of mortgage loans and provides that it is a violation of the Consumer Fraud Act for mortgage brokers alone (not other bankers) to make certain kinds of loans such as stated income and ARMs unless the borrower meets extraordinary standards. This provision goes way beyond the federal guideline it is designed to emulate which only applies to sub-prime borrowers. The IAR is concerned that this proposal will reduce the availability and affordability of mortgage loans in Illinois. The bill also seeks to codify into law provisions similar to rules recently proposed by the IDFPR to reestablish the Predatory Lending Database Program (a.k.a. 4050). The IAR is OPPOSED to placing pending rules into statute as it reduces the ability of the Department to deal with problems as they arise and forestalls incorporating the suggestions made by numerous parties in comments on the rules. The IAR is also concerned that this legislation makes the Program permanent rather than a pilot program.
Finally, the IAR questions restarting this program on a Cook County wide basis when issues such as the supply of qualified counselors and the security of borrowers’ personal data have not been addressed.
--Senate Bill 572 as amended by House Amendment #2 includes language that grants the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) the authority to impose a real estate transfer tax of $3 per $1,000 within the city of Chicago WITHOUT VOTER APPROVAL. The IAR STRONGLY OPPOSES this proposal that would give the statutory authority to levy a real estate transfer tax to a special taxing district governed by an APPOINTED Board. Without an elected and responsive entity a taxpayer has no way to voice their objection to this tax- clearly this is taxation without representation! We also object to the fact that this is ANOTHER LAYER OF TAXING authority on property owners in Chicago where a very high home rule municipal real estate transfer tax is already in place ($7.50 per $1,000 paid by the buyer) in addition to the State and county real estate transfer tax (combined $1.50 per $1,000 on the seller.
You can get information on these bills by clicking on the direct link to the Action Center which has both issues posted: http://www.votervoice.net/Core.aspx?AID=251&
--Senate Bill 1674 contains a predatory lending initiative of Attorney General Lisa Madigan (formerly contained in House Bill 1478) that will require mortgage brokers to follow certain standards in the making of mortgage loans and provides that it is a violation of the Consumer Fraud Act for mortgage brokers alone (not other bankers) to make certain kinds of loans such as stated income and ARMs unless the borrower meets extraordinary standards. This provision goes way beyond the federal guideline it is designed to emulate which only applies to sub-prime borrowers. The IAR is concerned that this proposal will reduce the availability and affordability of mortgage loans in Illinois. The bill also seeks to codify into law provisions similar to rules recently proposed by the IDFPR to reestablish the Predatory Lending Database Program (a.k.a. 4050). The IAR is OPPOSED to placing pending rules into statute as it reduces the ability of the Department to deal with problems as they arise and forestalls incorporating the suggestions made by numerous parties in comments on the rules. The IAR is also concerned that this legislation makes the Program permanent rather than a pilot program.
Finally, the IAR questions restarting this program on a Cook County wide basis when issues such as the supply of qualified counselors and the security of borrowers’ personal data have not been addressed.
--Senate Bill 572 as amended by House Amendment #2 includes language that grants the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) the authority to impose a real estate transfer tax of $3 per $1,000 within the city of Chicago WITHOUT VOTER APPROVAL. The IAR STRONGLY OPPOSES this proposal that would give the statutory authority to levy a real estate transfer tax to a special taxing district governed by an APPOINTED Board. Without an elected and responsive entity a taxpayer has no way to voice their objection to this tax- clearly this is taxation without representation! We also object to the fact that this is ANOTHER LAYER OF TAXING authority on property owners in Chicago where a very high home rule municipal real estate transfer tax is already in place ($7.50 per $1,000 paid by the buyer) in addition to the State and county real estate transfer tax (combined $1.50 per $1,000 on the seller.
You can get information on these bills by clicking on the direct link to the Action Center which has both issues posted: http://www.votervoice.net/Core.aspx?AID=251&
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
Village holds off on downtown rules
(from the Daily Herald June 19, 2007)
New restrictions for development may be addressed at a meeting in the future
By Sheila
Ahernsahern@dailyherald.com
Posted Tuesday, June 19, 2007
The Arlington Heights village board shelved a list of new rules for future downtown development at a board meeting on Monday.
“I don’t like the idea of closing options that might lead to vacant space,” said Village President Arlene Mulder. “These may need a little more time for discussion.”
The proposed rules — which would affect future development — included setting height restrictions on new buildings and only allowing restaurants and shops on the first floor of buildings along Campbell Street.
The only change the board approved on Monday was to officially rename the Central Business District to Downtown.
Trustee Norm Breyer said the downtown was developing nicely and didn’t need any additional rules.
“Our downtown is successful with the formula currently in place,” Breyer said. “If it ain’t broke, why fix it?”
The proposed rules came from a downtown master plan taskforce report which the board conceptually approved in January.
The report updated a 1987 plan and had 19 authors who represented residents, village planners, trustees and business owners. The group met 30 times over two years.
Trustee John Scaletta was on the task force. He said the intention of the report is to plan for the future, not kick out current tenants.
“Retailers want to be around other retailers,” said Scaletta, who is the director of operations for the Arlington Theater. “I need other retailers around me. We have a strong downtown but we need to be stronger.”
Arlington Heights resident Pat Guyer lives in the 200 block of West Campbell Street and is against the changes.
“The market should decide what opens on Campbell and not the government,” Guyer said.
Leana Kozorari’s family has owned several store fronts along South Evergreen since 1931. Kozorari’s most reliable tenants have been “service tenants” such as a barber, a dry cleaner and a dentist, she said.
“Retailers are the least stable,” she said. “Many retailers are just hoping and dreaming and trying to get their financing together.”
The board only removed the proposed downtown development rules from Monday’s agenda. No vote was taken. The board could discuss the rules again at a future board meeting.
New restrictions for development may be addressed at a meeting in the future
By Sheila
Ahernsahern@dailyherald.com
Posted Tuesday, June 19, 2007
The Arlington Heights village board shelved a list of new rules for future downtown development at a board meeting on Monday.
“I don’t like the idea of closing options that might lead to vacant space,” said Village President Arlene Mulder. “These may need a little more time for discussion.”
The proposed rules — which would affect future development — included setting height restrictions on new buildings and only allowing restaurants and shops on the first floor of buildings along Campbell Street.
The only change the board approved on Monday was to officially rename the Central Business District to Downtown.
Trustee Norm Breyer said the downtown was developing nicely and didn’t need any additional rules.
“Our downtown is successful with the formula currently in place,” Breyer said. “If it ain’t broke, why fix it?”
The proposed rules came from a downtown master plan taskforce report which the board conceptually approved in January.
The report updated a 1987 plan and had 19 authors who represented residents, village planners, trustees and business owners. The group met 30 times over two years.
Trustee John Scaletta was on the task force. He said the intention of the report is to plan for the future, not kick out current tenants.
“Retailers want to be around other retailers,” said Scaletta, who is the director of operations for the Arlington Theater. “I need other retailers around me. We have a strong downtown but we need to be stronger.”
Arlington Heights resident Pat Guyer lives in the 200 block of West Campbell Street and is against the changes.
“The market should decide what opens on Campbell and not the government,” Guyer said.
Leana Kozorari’s family has owned several store fronts along South Evergreen since 1931. Kozorari’s most reliable tenants have been “service tenants” such as a barber, a dry cleaner and a dentist, she said.
“Retailers are the least stable,” she said. “Many retailers are just hoping and dreaming and trying to get their financing together.”
The board only removed the proposed downtown development rules from Monday’s agenda. No vote was taken. The board could discuss the rules again at a future board meeting.
Monday, June 18, 2007
Developer,village settle on tree fine
(from the Chicago Tribune Northwest Suburbs Community Briefing June 14, 2007)
SCHAUMBURG
Developer, village settle on tree fine
An Elk Grove Village developer and Schaumburg officials settled on a $12,600 fine for unauthorized tree removal after nearly three years of negotiations.George Gullo Development Corp. cut down 190 trees on 1.5 acres it owns at the southeast corner of Basswood and Remington Roads, and the company was fined $500 per tree that was 4 inches or larger in diameter, or $95,000, in September 2004.The fine was initially reduced to $19,000 because the property had not been developed, officials said."It's probable we would have allowed removal of many of the trees [during development]," said senior landscape planner Martha Dooley, "so we felt we could compromise on 20 percent of the fee."As to the discrepancy in tree numbers, Dooley said the initial count was live and dead stumps, and the most recent count, with an arborist hired by Gullo, was live stumps only."Over three years the site can change," Dooley said. "The grass is so tall we may have missed some [in the recent count]."The fine stayed at 20 percent of $500, or $100 per tree, in a deal approved by trustees Tuesday.Because the site remains undeveloped village officials also waived a requirement for replacement plantings.Company President Mario Gullo did not return calls seeking comment.Graydon Megan
SCHAUMBURG
Developer, village settle on tree fine
An Elk Grove Village developer and Schaumburg officials settled on a $12,600 fine for unauthorized tree removal after nearly three years of negotiations.George Gullo Development Corp. cut down 190 trees on 1.5 acres it owns at the southeast corner of Basswood and Remington Roads, and the company was fined $500 per tree that was 4 inches or larger in diameter, or $95,000, in September 2004.The fine was initially reduced to $19,000 because the property had not been developed, officials said."It's probable we would have allowed removal of many of the trees [during development]," said senior landscape planner Martha Dooley, "so we felt we could compromise on 20 percent of the fee."As to the discrepancy in tree numbers, Dooley said the initial count was live and dead stumps, and the most recent count, with an arborist hired by Gullo, was live stumps only."Over three years the site can change," Dooley said. "The grass is so tall we may have missed some [in the recent count]."The fine stayed at 20 percent of $500, or $100 per tree, in a deal approved by trustees Tuesday.Because the site remains undeveloped village officials also waived a requirement for replacement plantings.Company President Mario Gullo did not return calls seeking comment.Graydon Megan
Antioch fire district seeks to increase its taxing rate
(from the Daily Herald)
Antioch fire district seeks to increase its taxing rate
By Corrinne HessDaily Herald Staff Writer
Posted Wednesday, April 11, 2007
Just before state tax caps went into effect in the early 1990s, the Antioch Fire Protection District unwittingly lowered its tax rate.
Now, more than a decade later, district officials say they hope residents will allow an increase.
Antioch Township voters will be asked Tuesday if the district can raise the tax rate from 19.8 cents per $100,000 equalized value to 30 cents. The estimated increase of $350,000 will provide around-the-clock staffing at station one in downtown Antioch, officials said.
“Right now we have the lowest rate in Lake County,” said Lt. Chris Lienhardt. “We understand people don’t like the phrase ‘tax increase,’ but we’ve done our due diligence and are just asking for what is allowable under the cap.”
No organized opposition to the referendum has surfaced during the campaign.
State law permits fire protection districts to tax up to 30 cents per $100,000 of equalized assessed valuation. If the district was charging less, it must go to referendum.
A similar Antioch Fire Protection District proposal was rejected in 2005.
If approved, the owner of a $200,000 home will pay an extra $60 in the first year. Currently, that homeowner pays about $130 annually to the district.
The 90-member department is staffed by volunteers who are paid on call.
The district has three stations — the main station downtown and substations on Grass Lake Road, west of Route 59 and Deep Lake Road and Depot Street.
Currently, three people work at the two substations 12 hours a day, five days a week.
If the referendum is approved, Lienhardt said, the downtown station will be staffed and equipment also will be kept at the other two stations.
Lienhardt said the ultimate goal is to have all the stations staffed full time.
Structure fires in the district have decreased, but the number of calls are up. As of Tuesday, the department had 267 calls — 40 percent more than this time a year ago.
In 1990, the department had about 340 calls. It answered 898 calls last year.
“The fire department can only do so much,” Lienhardt said. “From the time the fire is discovered until the 911 call is placed, we can’t control what happens. All we have is response times.”
Lienhardt said the department meets the national average of six minutes for response times.
However, that time is from the station to the fire. With increased traffic and volunteers living in various parts of the township, it takes longer than desirable for them to get to the station, he said.
Antioch fire district seeks to increase its taxing rate
By Corrinne HessDaily Herald Staff Writer
Posted Wednesday, April 11, 2007
Just before state tax caps went into effect in the early 1990s, the Antioch Fire Protection District unwittingly lowered its tax rate.
Now, more than a decade later, district officials say they hope residents will allow an increase.
Antioch Township voters will be asked Tuesday if the district can raise the tax rate from 19.8 cents per $100,000 equalized value to 30 cents. The estimated increase of $350,000 will provide around-the-clock staffing at station one in downtown Antioch, officials said.
“Right now we have the lowest rate in Lake County,” said Lt. Chris Lienhardt. “We understand people don’t like the phrase ‘tax increase,’ but we’ve done our due diligence and are just asking for what is allowable under the cap.”
No organized opposition to the referendum has surfaced during the campaign.
State law permits fire protection districts to tax up to 30 cents per $100,000 of equalized assessed valuation. If the district was charging less, it must go to referendum.
A similar Antioch Fire Protection District proposal was rejected in 2005.
If approved, the owner of a $200,000 home will pay an extra $60 in the first year. Currently, that homeowner pays about $130 annually to the district.
The 90-member department is staffed by volunteers who are paid on call.
The district has three stations — the main station downtown and substations on Grass Lake Road, west of Route 59 and Deep Lake Road and Depot Street.
Currently, three people work at the two substations 12 hours a day, five days a week.
If the referendum is approved, Lienhardt said, the downtown station will be staffed and equipment also will be kept at the other two stations.
Lienhardt said the ultimate goal is to have all the stations staffed full time.
Structure fires in the district have decreased, but the number of calls are up. As of Tuesday, the department had 267 calls — 40 percent more than this time a year ago.
In 1990, the department had about 340 calls. It answered 898 calls last year.
“The fire department can only do so much,” Lienhardt said. “From the time the fire is discovered until the 911 call is placed, we can’t control what happens. All we have is response times.”
Lienhardt said the department meets the national average of six minutes for response times.
However, that time is from the station to the fire. With increased traffic and volunteers living in various parts of the township, it takes longer than desirable for them to get to the station, he said.
3 Townships Take Up TIFs
(from the Daily Herald)
Three townships take up TIFs
By Jason KingDaily Herald Staff Writer
Posted Friday, April 13, 2007
Voters in three north Lake County townships will weigh in on using special taxing districts to develop farmland in those areas.
The advisory referendum on Tuesday's ballot in Avon, Warren and Lake Villa townships is designed to gauge resident interest in what can be a controversial issue.
"We all agreed that we should get a consensus from voters, so when villages want to do this we can point to the outcome of this vote," said Lake Villa Township Supervisor Dan Venturi. "It's something our villages and municipalities can use to judge what their residents like."
Officials in the townships say the referendum question stems from the flap over a tax increment financing district debated as part of Lindenhurst's upscale retail and residential Village Green project at the northwest corner of routes 132 and 45.
That TIF proposal was dropped after residents and three school districts complained loudly. It was replaced by a sales tax district, approved as part of the Village Green development project last month.
Special taxing districts can be a hot button issue when it comes to residential development.
Typically used to foster redevelopment of blighted areas, some villages are considering using TIFs to bring mixed residential and commercial development to town.
"TIF districts were not created to put housing on virgin farmland," Warren Township Supervisor Suzanne Simpson said.
They are designed to freeze property tax collections in a designated geographic area for up to 23 years. During the district's life, taxes continue to rise, but the difference between the frozen level and what's paid to local taxing bodies funds improvements within the district.
Illinois permitted the use of TIF districts in 1977. The theory being businesses and developers will not sink money into deteriorating areas of a community. A TIF district allows an area to be redeveloped by using dollars generated by new and old businesses.
Despite being a nonbinding referendum, Simpson said it is a question elected officials would be wise not to ignore.
"If you ignore it you do so at your political peril," she said. "It's sort of like a benchmark for future growth in these areas."
Three townships take up TIFs
By Jason KingDaily Herald Staff Writer
Posted Friday, April 13, 2007
Voters in three north Lake County townships will weigh in on using special taxing districts to develop farmland in those areas.
The advisory referendum on Tuesday's ballot in Avon, Warren and Lake Villa townships is designed to gauge resident interest in what can be a controversial issue.
"We all agreed that we should get a consensus from voters, so when villages want to do this we can point to the outcome of this vote," said Lake Villa Township Supervisor Dan Venturi. "It's something our villages and municipalities can use to judge what their residents like."
Officials in the townships say the referendum question stems from the flap over a tax increment financing district debated as part of Lindenhurst's upscale retail and residential Village Green project at the northwest corner of routes 132 and 45.
That TIF proposal was dropped after residents and three school districts complained loudly. It was replaced by a sales tax district, approved as part of the Village Green development project last month.
Special taxing districts can be a hot button issue when it comes to residential development.
Typically used to foster redevelopment of blighted areas, some villages are considering using TIFs to bring mixed residential and commercial development to town.
"TIF districts were not created to put housing on virgin farmland," Warren Township Supervisor Suzanne Simpson said.
They are designed to freeze property tax collections in a designated geographic area for up to 23 years. During the district's life, taxes continue to rise, but the difference between the frozen level and what's paid to local taxing bodies funds improvements within the district.
Illinois permitted the use of TIF districts in 1977. The theory being businesses and developers will not sink money into deteriorating areas of a community. A TIF district allows an area to be redeveloped by using dollars generated by new and old businesses.
Despite being a nonbinding referendum, Simpson said it is a question elected officials would be wise not to ignore.
"If you ignore it you do so at your political peril," she said. "It's sort of like a benchmark for future growth in these areas."
IAR Advocacy Program Hard At Work!!!
As most of you know, the Illinois Association of REALTORS introduced the Advocacy Program. The Advocacy Initiative provides additional fuel to the GAD program by providing funding for media and public awareness campaigns concerning local ordinances and ballot issues that clearly demonstrate that REALTORS are integral members of the community.
The Advocacy Program has already been instrumental on key issues in Illinois.
The following are projects that were funded by the new IAR Advocacy Program:
Issue/Project: Campaign to Oppose Proposed Gross Receipts Tax(GRT)
The Advocacy Program undertook several activities to oppose the Governor’s proposal. Using an economic consulting firm, two studies were completed which showed the GRT’s effects on: 1)the cost of newly-constructed housing; and 2) the state’s economy, particularly construction employment. Also funded by Advocacy was the promotion and distribution of the studies’ findings to the media and state legislators. IAR contributed $50,000 to the paid media campaign of the business groups’ coalition as well as the costs of the GRT Lobby Day on April 18th.
Status: The Illinois House rejected the proposal on May 10th.
Issue/Project: Campaign to Oppose Proposed Increase in the State Transfer Tax (SB 445 and HB 728)
Both bills proposed to increase the state transfer tax in a graduated basis with higher rates(up to $10 per thousand) applicable to properties with a sales price over $500,000. A separate bill in the House would have all allowed non-home rule municipalities to impose a transfer tax. (Currently, in Illinois, only home rule units may impose a transfer tax after approval in a referendum.) Funds were used to send a postcard to 60,000 homeowners in 8 targeted Senate districts; the piece requested homeowners to contact their legislators and urge a NO vote on these bills and other transfer tax-related bills.
Status: None of the legislative proposals advanced out of chamber of origin. However, on May 30th, a new proposal was introduced in the Illinois House which would impose a new transfer tax of $3 per thousand in the City of Chicago with revenues earmarked for the CTA & RTA. The status of this proposal is still pending in the House. Advocacy funds were used to send out a Call-To-Action to all members on this issue, urging members to contact their state legislators and request a NO vote. As of June 12th, over 5,000 e-mails have been sent to legislators from REALTORS on this proposal.
Issue/Project: Various Informational Brochures for Members and the Public
Topics of completed brochures: Carbon Monoxide Detectors, Special Service Areas and Zoning. With these, a total of 361,000 brochures have been distributed to date.
Upcoming brochures: “Buying a Condo” piece for home purchasers; an informational brochure on property tax exemptions and how to appeal property taxes; and IAR will obtain and customize two of NAR’s Mortgage/Subprime informational brochures for free distribution to members.
All brochures are free to the membership!!!!!
The Advocacy Program has already been instrumental on key issues in Illinois.
The following are projects that were funded by the new IAR Advocacy Program:
Issue/Project: Campaign to Oppose Proposed Gross Receipts Tax(GRT)
The Advocacy Program undertook several activities to oppose the Governor’s proposal. Using an economic consulting firm, two studies were completed which showed the GRT’s effects on: 1)the cost of newly-constructed housing; and 2) the state’s economy, particularly construction employment. Also funded by Advocacy was the promotion and distribution of the studies’ findings to the media and state legislators. IAR contributed $50,000 to the paid media campaign of the business groups’ coalition as well as the costs of the GRT Lobby Day on April 18th.
Status: The Illinois House rejected the proposal on May 10th.
Issue/Project: Campaign to Oppose Proposed Increase in the State Transfer Tax (SB 445 and HB 728)
Both bills proposed to increase the state transfer tax in a graduated basis with higher rates(up to $10 per thousand) applicable to properties with a sales price over $500,000. A separate bill in the House would have all allowed non-home rule municipalities to impose a transfer tax. (Currently, in Illinois, only home rule units may impose a transfer tax after approval in a referendum.) Funds were used to send a postcard to 60,000 homeowners in 8 targeted Senate districts; the piece requested homeowners to contact their legislators and urge a NO vote on these bills and other transfer tax-related bills.
Status: None of the legislative proposals advanced out of chamber of origin. However, on May 30th, a new proposal was introduced in the Illinois House which would impose a new transfer tax of $3 per thousand in the City of Chicago with revenues earmarked for the CTA & RTA. The status of this proposal is still pending in the House. Advocacy funds were used to send out a Call-To-Action to all members on this issue, urging members to contact their state legislators and request a NO vote. As of June 12th, over 5,000 e-mails have been sent to legislators from REALTORS on this proposal.
Issue/Project: Various Informational Brochures for Members and the Public
Topics of completed brochures: Carbon Monoxide Detectors, Special Service Areas and Zoning. With these, a total of 361,000 brochures have been distributed to date.
Upcoming brochures: “Buying a Condo” piece for home purchasers; an informational brochure on property tax exemptions and how to appeal property taxes; and IAR will obtain and customize two of NAR’s Mortgage/Subprime informational brochures for free distribution to members.
All brochures are free to the membership!!!!!
Friday, June 15, 2007
Madigan Indicates Support for Real Estate Transfer Tax
In today's Chicago Tribune, Speaker Madigan indicated that he may support a real estate transfer tax. Please see the story below. What are your thoughts on this?
CTA and Blagojevich talk possible funding
Governor hints he's open to options for state aid
By Jon Hilkevitch and Ray Long
Tribune staff reporters
June 14, 2007
Gov. Rod Blagojevich signaled he may be ready to address the transit funding crisis facing the Chicago area by meeting Wednesday with the Chicago Transit Authority's top two officials.The positive development prompted the CTA board to postpone a vote on a contingency plan of service cuts and fare increases, to be implemented in mid-September if no new state transit funding is provided. The board did approve the elimination of 27 administrative positions, part of $18.1 million in previously announced cost savings.The governor's invitation to meet came after Blagojevich made it clear his spending priorities are expanding health care and improving education. The governor provided no new transit funding in his proposed state budget, and he threatened to veto a regional sales-tax increase to help fund the CTA, Metra and Pace, which face a combined $226 million operating deficit for 2007.Blagojevich's meeting in Springfield included CTA Chairwoman Carole Brown, CTA President Ron Huberman and the legislative leadership -- House Speaker Michael Madigan, House Minority Leader Tom Cross, Senate President Emil Jones and Senate Minority Leader Frank Watson.Brown and Huberman made a presentation detailing the transit agency's approximately $100 million operating shortfall and offered some partial self-help solutions such as reforming the CTA's employee pension fund and paring administrative costs.Deputy Gov. Sheila Nix said after the meeting that Blagojevich wants to give $100 million to the CTA to help stave off service cuts and proposed closing "corporate loopholes" to raise the money.But House Speaker Michael Madigan (D-Chicago) said Blagojevich's proposal relies on ideas that lawmakers have rejected.Nix said the governor is open to other possibilities.Madigan said he would support the regional sales tax increase and a real estate transfer tax in Chicago that transit agency officials have proposed but does not expect to call the legislation for a vote in the House as long as the governor stands by his pledge to veto the measure.While no immediate breakthrough was expected, CTA officials were encouraged."They [Brown and Huberman] thought it was a good meeting. The fact there was a meeting was a good thing," said Carl Lingenfelter, Brown's chief of staff.Without about $100 million in new funding, Huberman has said the CTA will be forced to eliminate service on 63 bus routes, suspend the Purple Line/Evanston Express and Yellow Line rail routes and raise fares to as high as $3.25 per ride.Brown and Huberman made it clear during the meeting Wednesday that they weren't looking for a short-term bailout, officials said. They stressed that even larger public subsidies would be needed next year and beyond if the state failed to address structural budget issues.The CTA board met after it concluded the last of four public hearings on the planned service cuts and fare increases.About 120 people testified, many blaming the CTA's problems on poor management and on rude bus drivers and train operators.CTA rider Rudolph Ochoa complained that he could not afford the proposed fare increase in the monthly pass."I wish you would wake up and smell the Folger's," Ochoa told the board.
CTA and Blagojevich talk possible funding
Governor hints he's open to options for state aid
By Jon Hilkevitch and Ray Long
Tribune staff reporters
June 14, 2007
Gov. Rod Blagojevich signaled he may be ready to address the transit funding crisis facing the Chicago area by meeting Wednesday with the Chicago Transit Authority's top two officials.The positive development prompted the CTA board to postpone a vote on a contingency plan of service cuts and fare increases, to be implemented in mid-September if no new state transit funding is provided. The board did approve the elimination of 27 administrative positions, part of $18.1 million in previously announced cost savings.The governor's invitation to meet came after Blagojevich made it clear his spending priorities are expanding health care and improving education. The governor provided no new transit funding in his proposed state budget, and he threatened to veto a regional sales-tax increase to help fund the CTA, Metra and Pace, which face a combined $226 million operating deficit for 2007.Blagojevich's meeting in Springfield included CTA Chairwoman Carole Brown, CTA President Ron Huberman and the legislative leadership -- House Speaker Michael Madigan, House Minority Leader Tom Cross, Senate President Emil Jones and Senate Minority Leader Frank Watson.Brown and Huberman made a presentation detailing the transit agency's approximately $100 million operating shortfall and offered some partial self-help solutions such as reforming the CTA's employee pension fund and paring administrative costs.Deputy Gov. Sheila Nix said after the meeting that Blagojevich wants to give $100 million to the CTA to help stave off service cuts and proposed closing "corporate loopholes" to raise the money.But House Speaker Michael Madigan (D-Chicago) said Blagojevich's proposal relies on ideas that lawmakers have rejected.Nix said the governor is open to other possibilities.Madigan said he would support the regional sales tax increase and a real estate transfer tax in Chicago that transit agency officials have proposed but does not expect to call the legislation for a vote in the House as long as the governor stands by his pledge to veto the measure.While no immediate breakthrough was expected, CTA officials were encouraged."They [Brown and Huberman] thought it was a good meeting. The fact there was a meeting was a good thing," said Carl Lingenfelter, Brown's chief of staff.Without about $100 million in new funding, Huberman has said the CTA will be forced to eliminate service on 63 bus routes, suspend the Purple Line/Evanston Express and Yellow Line rail routes and raise fares to as high as $3.25 per ride.Brown and Huberman made it clear during the meeting Wednesday that they weren't looking for a short-term bailout, officials said. They stressed that even larger public subsidies would be needed next year and beyond if the state failed to address structural budget issues.The CTA board met after it concluded the last of four public hearings on the planned service cuts and fare increases.About 120 people testified, many blaming the CTA's problems on poor management and on rude bus drivers and train operators.CTA rider Rudolph Ochoa complained that he could not afford the proposed fare increase in the monthly pass."I wish you would wake up and smell the Folger's," Ochoa told the board.
Legislative (North & South) + RPAC Meeting Schedule
We are quickly approaching the end of the month, which means RANWC political meetings. Please find the schedule for our committee meetings below.
Legislative North Committee Meeting
06/21/07 9:00am Libertyville RANWC Satellite Office
Legislative South Committee Meeting
06/28/07 9:30am Arlington Heights RANWC Office
RPAC Trustee Meeting
06/28/07 10:30am Arlington Heights RANWC Office
As always if you have any issues or agenda items please let me know in advance so that can put them on the agenda. Please contact me with any questions via email or phone.
Legislative North Committee Meeting
06/21/07 9:00am Libertyville RANWC Satellite Office
Legislative South Committee Meeting
06/28/07 9:30am Arlington Heights RANWC Office
RPAC Trustee Meeting
06/28/07 10:30am Arlington Heights RANWC Office
As always if you have any issues or agenda items please let me know in advance so that can put them on the agenda. Please contact me with any questions via email or phone.
Thursday, June 14, 2007
1st Legislative Breakfast a Success!!!
Coffee brewing, a buffet of fresh fruit, danish, bagels, juice, political buzz filling the room…this describes the atmosphere at the first RANWC Legislative Breakfast.
I am pleased to report that our first Legislative Breakfast was well attended and our members left with full stomachs and a better knowledge of the current issues in Springfield.
State Senator Matt Murphy was the guest speaker at the breakfast. Murphy, a Freshman Senator was endorsed by the Chicago Tribune, Daily Herald, and Governor Jim Edgar just to name a few. The Senator reported on legislation such the Gross Receipts Tax, Predatory Lending Bill, Transfer Tax, and Tax on LLCs..
RANWC members had the opportunity to direct questions to the Senator, pose for pictures and of course partake in the catered breakfast. All free of charge.
The General Assembly is now in overtime session in Springfield. I am working with the staffs of several Senators and Representatives on potential dates for our next Legislative Breakfast. As soon as we have the date and time in place I will notify you all directly via email. I hope that you are able be part of our next Legislative Breakfast.
I am pleased to report that our first Legislative Breakfast was well attended and our members left with full stomachs and a better knowledge of the current issues in Springfield.
State Senator Matt Murphy was the guest speaker at the breakfast. Murphy, a Freshman Senator was endorsed by the Chicago Tribune, Daily Herald, and Governor Jim Edgar just to name a few. The Senator reported on legislation such the Gross Receipts Tax, Predatory Lending Bill, Transfer Tax, and Tax on LLCs..
RANWC members had the opportunity to direct questions to the Senator, pose for pictures and of course partake in the catered breakfast. All free of charge.
The General Assembly is now in overtime session in Springfield. I am working with the staffs of several Senators and Representatives on potential dates for our next Legislative Breakfast. As soon as we have the date and time in place I will notify you all directly via email. I hope that you are able be part of our next Legislative Breakfast.
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Members meet with Senator Murphy after Legislative Breakfast
