Board of Trustees Meeting Notes

Tuesday, June 6, 2023

Present: President Ford and Trustees Clayton, Eastmond, Hollander and Smith

Absent: Trustees Dikin and Jamerson

Village Engineer’s Report:  Village Engineer Carissa Smith informed the Trustees that Lake County will be resurfacing Riverwoods Road in 2025 and that the County will include resurfacing the bike path as part of the project.  In the meantime, the Village will patch the bike path as needed.

Lexington Homes Development of the Federal Life Property: The meeting to discuss the proposal from Lexington Homes has been postponed until June 20th starting at 6:30 PM to accommodate all visitors wishing to address the Board and Lexington representatives. 

Discussion on the Proposal under Review by the Deerfield Plan Commission for the Baxter Property:  President Ford asked Village Attorney Bruce Huvard to research issues related to a commercial development such as that proposed by Bridge Industrial on the Baxter property.  Mr. Huvard related that California and New Jersey lead the country in establishing strict criteria regarding the siting of warehouses.  The negative impact of particulates on human health is indisputable.  The variety of commercial users makes it difficult to predict the actual impact on the community.  However, many times the impact is greater than original estimates predicted.    

Visitors Wishing to Address the Board.  Residents of the Thorngate Subdivision thanked the Board for its support to this point.  However, they stated that more active Board support was needed, including financial support.  They stressed that industrial use of the Baxter property would affect the entire Village, not just Thorngate.  Bruce Huvard stated that he had read the reports developed by the consultants contracted by Thorngate, and that the reports were very thorough.  Because of the applicability of the reports to the Village as a whole, they could possibly be financed using Village funds.  Trustee Hollander stated that the Village has been involved behind the scenes.  However, it may appear to be at a slower pace than desired by some Thorngate residents.  [RPC NOTE:  Bridge Industrial withdrew its petition to Deerfield on Wednesday, June 7, 2023.  However, it has since requested a meeting with Lake County’s Planning, Building and Development Department to discuss an unincorporated development on the Baxter site.]

Discussion of Construction of a Pathway to the Woodland Preserve Demonstration Center:   Trustee Clayton reported that he and former Trustee Haber had discussed possible ways to enhance usage of the Woodland Preserve Demonstration Center at the intersection of Riverwoods, Saunders and Deerfield Roads. One of their ideas was to build exercise stations along a path. Estimates for the stations will be obtained after the playground is installed at the Village Hall campus.  In the meantime, the Trustees voted to obtain an estimate for the cost to construct a path from the Riverwoods police station parking lot to the Demonstration Center.

Land Use and Roads Report:  Trustee Hollander reported that he met with representatives from Wolters Kluwer who have placed their Lake-Cook Road property on the market.  He stated that Wolters Kluwer has a very heightened awareness of ecological responsibility. Their preference when selling the property would be the development of single-family homes on the site. 

Board of Trustees Meeting Notes

Tuesday, February 7, 2023

Present: President Ford and Trustees Clayton, Dikin, Eastmond, Hollander 

Not Present: Trustees Haber and Jamerson

Thorntons:  Director of Community Services Russ Kraly announced that Thorntons Gas Station officially opened on February 3rd..

Lexington Homes: Village Attorney Bruce Huvard informed the Board that Lexington Homes will be presenting a revised proposal for the Federal Life property soon.  Depending on the date of receipt, the proposal may be available for review at the next meeting of the Plan Commission on March 2nd.

Deerfield Road Expansion:   The County is expected to present its latest proposal related to the widening of Deerfield Road by Friday, February 10th. Acquisition of property will commence in 2024 followed by the relocation of utilities. The road widening is expected to start in 2026.  Trustee Hollander suggested that the Village Ecologist be engaged in the planning process from the beginning. The County will need easements from approximately 42 properties for the project.  After a resident addressed the Board regarding the need to understand the acquisition process, the Board concurred that a town hall meeting should be held to inform residents about the process and answer their questions.

Water Survey:  President Ford announced that resident surveys regarding the potential expansion of municipal water have been analyzed and the results will be presented to the Board at the next regular meeting on February 21.

Storm Water Drainage Survey:   The Village Engineer stated that grants are available for flood control projects.  In order to apply for any of these grants, the Village requires more data to identify areas of flooding and locations where water can be diverted. When completing the survey, residents are encouraged to include detailed information. 

Board of Trustees Meeting 

November 15, 2022

Present: President Ford and Trustees Clayton, Dikin, Eastmond, Haber, Hollander and Jamerson.

Village Attorney Report:  Village Attorney Bruce Huvard reported that Lexington Homes contacted him after the last Plan Commission meeting and stated that Lexington had heard the concerns of the residents and will revise its original plan.  Lexington will decrease the number of units and avoid construction in the woodland buffer zone. Lexington would not request modifications to the Woodland Protection Ordinance.  The revised plan would not be available in time for the next Plan Commission meeting on December 1.  Lexington asked if the Village was still interested in a townhome development including affordable housing on the site.  

Trustee Hollander replied that his personal opinion is that he is not in favor of changing the Woodland Protection Ordinance to accommodate the townhome development.  The concept of townhomes at that location seems acceptable.  He asked whether Lexington is still committed to adding an elevator in a unit if the buyer wants one.  Trustee Eastmond asked whether the property could be sold to a governmental entity to be used exclusively for water retention. Attorney Huvard responded that Federal Life could sell the property to a government body.  Trustee Jamerson stated that he has no problem with affordable housing in the development, and that affordable housing is not the same as Section 8 housing.

Village Ecologist Report:  Village Ecologist Steve Zimmerman is now working at a different ecological services company.  A new contract is being finalized which will allow Steve to continue in his role as the Village Ecologist.  Under the new arrangement, Steve will have the support of another ecologist within the firm to assist him with his responsibilities in the Village.  Steve summarized his activities in the Village so far this year, which included 6 ecological impact studies for new developments, 38 consultations, 43 cost-share applications, 160 tree removal applications and 7 woodland violations.  His additional focus will be working with the County to determine how the woodland can be maintained along Deerfield Road when it is widened.  An initial study indicated that 1,000 trees would be affected by the expansion. 

Trustee Jamerson asked if the cost-share program could be expanded to include the cost of native trees and shrubs when a homeowner does his own planting. Currently, planting requires a certified contractor.  Steve replied that this issue arose when the program was first developed, and that he would again evaluate the feasibility of this proposal. 

Plan Commission Report:  Plan Commission Chairperson Laurie Breitkopf stated that the Plan Commission held a meeting on November 10, 2022 to continue the hearing regarding a townhome development proposal from Lexington Homes.  The meeting was very well-attended with standing room overflow. Residents indicated that they were not in favor of modification of the Woodland Protection Ordinance to accommodate removal of the woodland buffer between the proposed development and Meadowlake homes. 

Visitors Wishing to Address the Board:  Meadowlake residents commented on the proposed Lexington Homes townhouse development on the Federal Life property.  Comments fell into four general categories:

1. The appropriateness of allowing townhomes in Riverwoods; a concern that the precedent could allow the construction of multi-unit housing in other parts of Riverwoods.

2. The question of why the Board would even consider the proposal.  If it is to raise tax revenue, why hasn’t the Board considered querying the residents to see if they would be amenable to a tax increase? 

3. Meadowlake has a very delicate ecosystem that can be critically impacted by a neighboring higher-density housing development, rendering Meadowlake even more vulnerable to flooding.  The Shoppes at Riverwoods being a case in point.  They have not been good partners. 

4. The appropriateness of dedicating a portion of the development for affordable housing (not low-income housing), with comments ranging from positive to negative. 

Board of Trustees Meeting Notes

October 25, 2022

Present: President Ford and Trustees Clayton (remote), Dikin, Eastmond, Haber and Jamerson.

Director of Community Services Report:  Director Russ Kraly reported that there is discussion about extending the water main for Thorntons gas station and whether funds  should come from Tax Increment Financing. Thorntons is waiting for a transformer from ComEd in order to move forward with its construction.

Information Items and Comments from the President:  President Kris Ford reported that Village Ecologist Steve Zimmerman has a new employer, Baxter & Woodman.  A letter of engagement was sent to his new employer. The Village is currently waiting for attorney approval from Baxter & Woodman in order to re-engage Steve.

Visitors Wishing to Address the Board: 

Lora Millman suggested that the Village enact an ordinance to prevent the burning of leaves in our community.

Chippewa Path and Indian Trail residents stated that they want to keep their wells and not switch to Lake Michigan water.

Meadowlake residents stated that Lexington Homes wants to cut down woodlands on the Federal Life site in order to construct a proposed townhome development. The residents commented that this action would negatively impact animal species, insects, and the balance of nature. They also stated that the proposed development’s location is too close to the Des Plaines River, and that there are possible flooding issues and zoning concerns.

Comments from the Board:  Trustee Dikin raised the need for maintenance of public roads. There is an overgrowth of buckthorn that can obstruct views on some of our major thoroughfares and intersections, creating dangerous conditions.

Board of Trustees Meeting 

August 16, 2022

Present: President Ford and Trustees Clayton, Dikin, Eastmond, Haber and Jamerson 

Absent: Trustee Hollander

Director of Community Services Report: Director of Community Services Russ Kraly reported that ComEd told Thorntons Gas Stations that Thorntons could not get a transformer installed at its under-construction Riverwoods gas station until 2024.  Director Kraly stated that Thorntons will have to install a natural gas generator.  Trustee Jamerson remarked that a natural gas generator of the size Thorntons requires is very inefficient and very expensive.  Trustee Jamerson will discuss the matter with Thorntons.

Village Attorney Report:  Village Attorney Bruce Huvard reported that Lexington Homes desires a hearing before the Plan Commission on October 6, 2022 regarding its proposed town home development on the Federal Life property.  Lexington will request tax increment financing for the development.

Information Items & Comments from the President:  Village President Kris Ford stated that the Village Ecologist will report to the Board of Trustees twice a year, in the spring and fall.  In addition, interim reports from the Village Ecologist to Trustee Eastmond will be shared with the Board.

Board of Trustees Meeting 

August 2, 2022

Present: President Ford and Trustees Clayton, Dikin, Eastmond, Hollander and Jamerson 

Absent: Trustee Haber

NEW BUSINESS:  Discussion of Planning Issues related Housing Density and Affordable Housing. Currently, Riverwoods has approximately 3,700 residents.  If the 37 acres along Milwaukee Avenue, the Wolters Kluwer property on Lake-Cook Road and the Federal Life property on Deerfield Road are developed with residential housing, the population could increase substantially.  Therefore, the Trustees determined that it is important to study the benefits and the obligations associated with an increased population. For example, population growth could increase property tax revenue, but also require additional police protection.  Due to the complexity of issues raised by potentially substantial additional residential development in the Village, the Trustees concluded that professional guidance would be helpful.  On August 11, the Plan Commission will continue the discussion of issues related to housing density and also will discuss affordable housing in the Village.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

Communications:  Trustee Dikin reported that the forms for the Village’s ecological cost-share programs have been computerized and are on the Village website, thus enabling residents to complete the forms via computer or cell phone. 

Building and Utilities/Storm Water:  Trustee Jamerson reported that construction has begun on the Thorntons gas station at the southeast corner of Milwaukee Avenue and Deerfield Road.

Woodlands/Ecology:  Trustee Eastmond reported that Village Ecologist Steve Zimmerman has completed 25 ecological consultations year-to-date and that $57,000 has been paid out for a variety of cost-share programs. Removal of invasive plants has been the leading cost-share request.  The Trustees decided to have Steve Zimmerman provide an in-person report to the Board twice a year, in the spring and fall.  

Land Use and Roads:   Trustee Hollander was approached by a company that installs and manages electric vehicle charging stations about the installation of a Level II electric vehicle charging station at the Village Hall.  Trustee Holander will work with Trustee Jamerson to explore this potential project. 

Board of Trustees Meeting

July 19, 2022

Present: President Ford and Trustees Clayton, Eastmond, Haber, Hollander and Dikin

Absent: Trustee Jamerson

Village Engineer’s Report:  Plumbing and electrical plans for the Thorntons gas station are in review.  It is expected that groundbreaking will occur around August 1.  The Village Hall Campus path rehabilitation bid was approved.

Community Services Director’s Report: Final letters for hazardous tree removal were sent to residents who had yet to comply.

Village Ecologist’s Report:  President Ford indicated that there was no report. The RPC noted to the Board that there have been no reports from the Village Ecologist for many months.  President Ford said that Trustee Eastmond was receiving updated notes from Village Ecologist Steve Zimmerman. She suggested that those communications be added to the Board packet, and she will look into the issue of a regular Village Ecologist report to the Board.

NEW BUSINESS:

Village Attorney Bruce Huvard reported that there have been discussions regarding the potential development of the 37 acres on Milwaukee Avenue.  In addition, Attorney Huvard said Lexington Homes planned to apply for a hearing before the Plan Commission in September or October regarding a town home development on the Federal Life property.

The Board discussed the issue of potentially bringing municipal water to the Village’s southwest area.  The discussion focused on whether to provide an incentive (a free water quality test) to residents to fill out a survey on the issue.  The Board discussed whether such an incentive was necessary, and whether test results would be provided to the Village.  Village Attorney Huvard said that any test results would be anonymized, so the results for a particular home could not be identified. The Trustees decided not to provide an incentive in exchange for filling out a survey on municipal water.

Board of Trustees Meeting (Remote)

Tuesday, July 5, 2022

Present: President Ford and Trustees Clayton, Eastmond, Haber, Hollander and Jamerson 

Absent: Trustee Dikin

Village Attorney Report:  Village Attorney Bruce Huvard reported the closing of the sale to Thorntons Gas Stations of the property at the southeast corner of Deerfield Road and Milwaukee Avenue.

NEW BUSINESS:  In June, the residents of Meadowlake experienced two water main breaks within a 5-day period.  Repairs necessitated shutting down the system affecting the residents of Meadowlake, a dialysis center and businesses including the Poached Egg.  A two-phase plan has been developed to help prevent further disruptions.  The first phase consists of attaching an emergency water pipe extension to the system and adding valves.  This modification will allow more flexibility in maintaining the water supply in the event of future breaks and should be completed relatively soon.  The second phase involves replacing the entire water main along Chicory Lane, where the two breaks occurred. The Village anticipates that this phase will be completed during the Fall of 2022.  The Trustees voted to fund the initial phase up to $150,000.  The second phase will be discussed after cost estimates are available.  

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

Communications    Although Trustee Dikin could not attend the meeting, she provided a written progress report.   She is currently working on computerizing forms for the Village ecological cost-share program, enabling the forms to be completed and submitted by residents via computer or cell phone. 

Board of Trustees Meeting

February 15, 2022

Present: President Ford and Trustees Clayton, Dikin, Haber, Hollander and Jamerson.

Absent: Trustee Eastmond.

Director of Community Services Report:  Director of Community Services Russ Kraly reported that 27 properties have had hazardous trees removed to date, with removals remaining to be completed on 31 properties. The Village will remove 52 hazardous trees; it will obtain a second bid before moving forward. 

There is an interested buyer for the property at 1400 Saunders Road. Two-thirds of the property is wetlands. Two homes would be built on the non-wetlands portion of the property. The interested buyer asked the Village if it would like to receive a donation of the 5 acres of unbuildable wetlands. Trusteee Jamerson asked about maintenance. Trustee Clayton suggested that Village Ecologist Steve Zimmerman be consulted. Trustee Haber asked about accessibility to residents. He stated that if the Village won’t utilize the property, we shouldn’t accept it.

Consultants Reports: Village Attorney Bruce Huvard reported that he will review the traffic memo he received today from the proposed developer of the 37 acres on Milwaukee Avenue. Also, Thorntons is in the process of submitting documents to Lake County.

Information Items and Comments from the President: Village President Kris Ford said the Village is planning a Clean Up Day and community gathering event in the spring, in partnership with the Riverwoods Preservation Council.

Board of Trustees Meeting

February 1, 2022

Present: President Ford and Trustees Clayton, Dikin, Eastmond, Haber, and Hollander.

Absent: Trustee Jamerson.

Committee Reports

Land Use and Roads: Trustee Hollander updated the Board on recent interest in development of the 37 acres on the east side of Milwaukee Avenue south of Deerfield Road. A developer is considering construction of a last-mile warehouse or cross-docking distribution center and a possible light manufacturing facility on the site. The developer does not yet have a specific user for the site.

The developer just learned that the proposed development will not generate sufficient traffic to warrant a stoplight on Milwaukee Avenue. This means traffic from the site will require full access onto and from Deerfield Road west of the Elevate (former Brentwood) nursing home and across from the Federal Life property. The developer estimates there will be fewer than 1000 trucks per day exiting onto Deerfield Road.  The developer did not have details as to the types or number of trucks and other vehicles that would result from the potential uses, nor did the developer know what percentage of trucks and other vehicles would turn right or left onto Deerfield Road at various times of the day or night.. If the developer cannot obtain access onto Deerfield Road, the distribution center will not be a viable project.

The Trustees commented that they require details as to what type of development is planned for the site so they can examine the traffic, lighting and environmental implications. The Board will not pass a broad zoning ordinance allowing the developer to build whatever it wants on the site.

Board of Trustees Meeting

January 4. 2022

Present: President Ford and Trustees Clayton, Eastmond, Haber, Hollander, and Jamerson 

Absent: Trustee Dikin

Directory of Community Services Report:  Director of Community Services Russ Kraly reported that residents have been notified by mail to remove or trim trees marked hazardous near roads.  Many residents have questions regarding the letters.  All questions are being handled by Kristin Steward of Urban Forest Management and Village Engineer Pat Glenn.

Village Attorney Report:  

Federal Life Development:  Village Attorney Bruce Huvard reported that Village representatives met with Lexington Homes to discuss a potential town home development on the Federal Life property.  Issues of particular importance include the configuration of the town homes within the development to allow for maximum green space and the inclusion of affordable housing units.  The amount of green space will depend on the County’s requirement for compensatory storm water storage on the site.  

37-acre parcel on Milwaukee Avenue south of Deerfield Road:  Village Attorney Huvard also reported that a potential developer of the 37-acre parcel on Milwaukee Avenue has expressed interest in annexation of the unincorporated portion of the property into Riverwoods. 

Plan Commission Report:  Plan Commission Chairperson Laurie Breitkopf added to the Village Attorney’s report that the Village asked Lexington Homes to contact a non-profit affordable housing management organization to discuss the inclusion of affordable housing units in the proposed development on the Federal Life property. 

Information Items and Comments from the President:  Village President Kris Ford stated that the Village water infrastructure plan committee will meet again in January to discuss the possibility of installing water mains in the portions of the Village not currently served by municipal water.

Committee Reports

Woodlands / Ecology:  Trustee Eastmond reported that he recently received a suggestion from one of the residents for Riverwoods to apply to become a “Dark Sky Community.” [RPC Note: A Dark Sky Community “preserves the night sky through implementation and enforcement of a quality outdoor lighting ordinance, dark sky education and citizen support for dark skies.] Village Attorney Huvard commented that many of the outdoor lighting guidelines from the Dark Skies International organization were incorporated into the Riverwoods outdoor lighting ordinance when it was developed.  Trustee Jamerson commented that enforcing the ordinance has been problematic.  Trustee Eastmond will research the application process further. 

NOTICE OF HEARING

January 11, 2018 - 7:30pm - Village Hall

Tree and Woodland Protection Ordinances

The Riverwoods Plan Commission will hold a public hearing on January 11, 2018 to consider amendments to the Riverwoods Tree and Woodland Protection Ordinances. The hearing will be held at 7:30 pm in the Riverwoods Village Hall (300 Portwine Road).

Among other changes, the proposed amendments:

1. Incorporate provisions regulating the removal of trees by requiring a permit for trees over a certain height and size;

2. Restrict the removal of specified native trees, with certain exceptions;

3. Establish baseline maps to delineate the boundaries of protected woodland on each property in the Village;

4. Prohibit the removal of protected woodland without a permit;

5. Prohibit any removal of protected woodland over prescribed limits;

6. Modify, delete and add defined terms regarding woodland protection; and

7. Establish penalties for violations and circumstances in which implementation of an ecological mitigation plan is allowed or required.

Please attend the hearing to make your questions, comments, support or opposition known.

NOTICE OF HEARING

January 11, 2018 - 7:30pm - Village Hall

Tree and Woodland Protection Ordinances

The Riverwoods Plan Commission will hold a public hearing on January 11, 2018 to consider amendments to the Riverwoods Tree and Woodland Protection Ordinances. The hearing will be held at 7:30 pm in the Riverwoods Village Hall (300 Portwine Road).

Among other changes, the proposed amendments:

1. Incorporate provisions regulating the removal of trees by requiring a permit for trees over a certain height and size;

2. Restrict the removal of specified native trees, with certain exceptions;

3. Establish baseline maps to delineate the boundaries of protected woodland on each property in the Village;

4. Prohibit the removal of protected woodland without a permit;

5. Prohibit any removal of protected woodland over prescribed limits;

6. Modify, delete and add defined terms regarding woodland protection; and

7. Establish penalties for violations and circumstances in which implementation of an ecological mitigation plan is allowed or required.

Please attend the hearing to make your questions, comments, support or opposition known.

Board of Trustees Meeting Notes

December 19, 2017

Present: Mayor Norris and Trustees Chamberlain, Ford, Goldstein, Hollander and Jamerson.

Absent: Trustee Haber.

Village Attorney’s Report: Village Attorney Bruce Huvard has been working on consolidation of the Village’s Woodland and Tree Ordinances. Attorney Huvard stated that the Plan Commission will hold a public hearing on this issue on January 11, 2018. Because these Ordinances potentially affect all Village residents, the Village will soon send a Village-wide mailing about the Ordinances and the Jan. 11th Plan Commission hearing.

Information Items & Comments from the President: 

Status on LDOT- Deerfield Road Planning: Trustee Hollander reported that he met with Lake County representatives today and the County shared information which will be presented at the January 25th Stakeholder Involvement Group (SIG) Meeting. County representatives will meet separately before the SIG meeting with the Riverwoods Preservation Council (RPC). Trustee Hollander stated that everyone at the meeting felt optimistic about the road planning process. The Village expects to hold public meetings after the Jan. 25th SIG meeting. The County told the Village that there is no foregone conclusion as to what will be done to Deerfield Road.

[RPC Note: Residents are encouraged to attend the January 25th SIG meeting, which will be held at the Riverwoods Village Hall from 6 – 8 PM. Although residents may not have the opportunity to speak at the meeting, they will receive important information about potential expansion of Deerfield Road through the Village and potential improvements to the Milwaukee Avenue/Deerfield Road intersection.]

Action Items:

New Business - An Ordinance Amending and Restating Chapter 6 Of Title 9 of the Riverwoods Village Code (Consolidation of Tree Ordinance and Woodland Ordinance): Village Attorney Bruce Huvard discussed consolidation of the Tree and Woodland Ordinances. The current Tree Ordinance provides that “you lose a tree, you replace a tree”. He has questioned whether there should be a fine or other penalty when the Ordinance is violated and has tried to differentiate between “desirable” and “undesirable” trees. 

Regarding the protected woodland concept, since 2005 the Village’s Woodland Protection Ordinance states that a property owner must not remove more than 30% of woodland (as defined in the Ordinance) on his/her property. Attorney Huvard has suggested a new limitation on the minimum woodland to be protected. He also discussed the idea of an ecological mitigation plan whereby the property owner would implement very specific steps to correct a woodland violation or other situation covered by the Ordinance. The concept behind the changes is that paying a fine does not restore a woodland. 

Trustee Jamerson suggested that the Plan Commission, which will be discussing and holding a hearing on this subject, consider recommending a change in the protected tree size from 2” diameter at 8’ chest height to 1 ½” diameter at 6’ chest height in the definition of when a property owner must obtain a permit for tree removal. He also suggested that people with different-sized properties should not be treated differently in terms of how much woodland can be removed. Trustee Chamberlain suggested that when the Plan Commission considers the Ordinance, it should discuss the goals and reasons behind the proposed changes to the Ordinances. A motion was passed to refer the draft ordinance to the Plan Commission.

Next Board Meeting:  The next Board of Trustees meeting will be held on January 9, 2018, at 7:30 pm.

RPC's Board of Trustees Meeting Notes

November 21, 2017

Present:  Mayor Norris and Trustees Chamberlain, Ford, Goldstein, Hollander and Jamerson.  

Absent: Trustee Haber.

Plan Commission Report:  Plan Commission Chair David Niedelman stated that the potential developer of the 37 acres along Milwaukee Avenue south of Deerfield Road is not moving quickly in providing a revised proposal to the Commission. The Mayor intends to schedule a joint meeting of the Board of Trustees and Plan Commission to discuss the status of the 37 acres. 

At the January 11, 2018 Plan Commission meeting, the Commission will discuss the application of Dogtopia to establish a dog day care facility in the former Flame Restaurant in Colonial Court.

Village Attorney Report: Village Attorney Bruce Huvard stated that the Board is working on consolidation of the Village’s Woodland and Tree Ordinances.

Deerfield Road Project:  Trustee Hollander recommended that discussion of this topic at Board meetings be put on hold until the first Board meeting in February, which is after the next Stakeholder Involvement Group meeting on January 25, 2018. There are no new developments at this time. A staff meeting regarding the Project is scheduled for December 19.

[RPC Note: Residents are encouraged to attend the January 25 meeting, which will be held at the Riverwoods Village Hall from 6 – 8 PM. Although residents may not have the opportunity to speak at the meeting, they will receive important information about potential expansion of Deerfield Road through the Village and potential improvements to the Milwaukee Avenue/Deerfield Road intersection.]

Visitors Wishing to Address the Board: A resident and his young daughter asked about the status of the proposed Village Campus Plan. The daughter stated that she would like to participate in a community garden as part of the Campus Plan. Mayor Norris said he intends to schedule a public meeting in January or February to discuss the proposed Plan.

[RPC Note: The Village Campus Plan is the RPC’s proposal for Village-owned properties surrounding Village Hall. It is a long-range plan to be implemented in stages, encompassing wetland protection, woodland restoration, educational areas tied to Village programs, pathways, picnic areas, public gathering spaces, and nature recreation zones for all ages and abilities. The Plan is supported by Wolters Kluwer, Lake County Forest Preserve District, Ryerson’s Brushwood Center and the Morton Arboretum. Zone 1 of the Plan has been completed, and Zone 1A has been partially completed. At the October 3, 2017 Board of Trustees meeting, RPC President Mike Clayton provided an updated 10-year cost estimate for Zones 2 and 4. He requested that the Board approve Zone 2 (Year 1) and Zone 4 (Year 1).]

Next Board Meeting:  The next Board of Trustees meeting will be held on December 18, 2017, at 7:30 pm.

****

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Amazon will remember your selection, and then every eligible purchase you make at smile.amazon.com will result in a donation to the RPC.

******

The Riverwoods Preservation Council (RPC) has focused its reporting on those portions of the Board of Trustees meetings that pertain to issues of an environmental nature or that have impact on our natural environment. For additional information covered by the Board, we urge residents to view the Board meeting videos on the Village website (www.riverwoods.gov), found in the left column on the home page under "Meetings & Agendas/BOT Meeting Videos".

RPC's Board of Trustees Meeting Notes

November 7, 2017

Present:  Mayor Norris and Trustees Chamberlain, Goldstein, Haber, Hollander and Jamerson.  

Absent: Trustee Ford.

Plan Commission Report:  The Plan Commission decided not to address the Campus Plan until the Board of Trustees is closer to decisions on the Plan. 

[RPC Note: The Village Campus Plan is the RPC’s proposal for Village-owned properties surrounding Village Hall. It is a long-range plan to be implemented in stages, encompassing wetland protection, woodland restoration, educational areas tied to Village programs, pathways, picnic areas, public gathering spaces, and nature recreation zones for all ages and abilities. The Plan is supported by Wolters Kluwer, Lake County Forest Preserve District, Ryerson’s Brushwood Center and the Morton Arboretum. Zone 1 of the Plan has been completed, and Zone 1A has been partially completed. At the October 3, 2017 Board of Trustees meeting, RPC President Mike Clayton provided an updated 10-year cost estimate for Zones 2 and 4. He requested that the Board approve Zone 2 (Year 1) and Zone 4 (Year 1).]

37 Acres South of Milwaukee Avenue and Deerfield Road:  The developer of the 37 acres (32 of which is unincorporated) near the southeast corner of Milwaukee Avenue and Deerfield Road has issued revised plans that incorporate only some of the changes requested by the Village.  The developer will be asked to further minimize the amount of asphalt and concrete, to furnish renderings of what the project will look like, and to state the differences between the three types of buildings in the proposed plan.  The Village would like to hold a joint meeting/workshop of the Board of Trustees and the Plan Commission during the last week of November regarding the proposed project.

Deerfield Road Project:  The next meeting of the Stakeholders' Involvement Group considering Lake County's proposal to improve Deerfield Road will be held at the Riverwoods Village Hall on January 25 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm. 

[RPC Note: Residents are encouraged to attend the January 25 meeting. Although residents may not have the opportunity to speak at the meeting, they will receive important information about potential expansion of Deerfield Road through the Village and potential improvements to the Milwaukee Avenue/Deerfield Road intersection.]

320 Portwine Road:  The temporary Village Hall at 320 Portwine Road is to be demolished and the area turned into a parking lot. This project will not occur in 2017.  The project must be designed, engineered and put out to bid. The Board concluded that the house demolition and construction of the parking lot should be coordinated.

Tree Preservation Ordinance:  The Board was not ready to consider second reading of amendments to the Tree Ordinance. This action was postponed.  Amendments to the ordinance would provide for individualized ecological restoration plans.

Woodland Ordinance:  The Board was not ready to consider second reading of the ordinance establishing requirements for a woodland removal permit. This action was postponed.  Amendments to the ordinance would help clarify regulations regarding preservation of area woodlands.

Next Board Meeting:  The next Board of Trustees meeting will be held on November 21, 2017, at 7:30 pm.

*****

If you purchase through Amazon, you may now also contribute to the RPC, for free!  The AmazonSmile Foundation will donate 0.5% of the purchase price from your eligible AmazonSmile purchases to non-profit organizations such as the Riverwoods Preservation Council.  Simply click on this link, respond “yes” to supporting Riverwoods Preservation Council and begin shopping: https://smile.amazon.com/ch/56-2597107  

Amazon will remember your selection, and then every eligible purchase you make at smile.amazon.com will result in a donation to the RPC.

******

The Riverwoods Preservation Council (RPC) has focused its reporting on those portions of the Board of Trustees meetings that pertain to issues of an environmental nature or that have impact on our natural environment. For additional information covered by the Board, we urge residents to view the Board meeting videos on the Village website (www.riverwoods.gov), found in the left column on the home page under "Meetings & Agendas/BOT Meeting Videos".