The four-hour meeting began with eleven public comments from residents and guests.
The fourth person to speak, who is a member of the Board of Health, had some choice words for the trustee liaison to that board, as well as comments regarding the conflict of interest on the part of some on the Village Board when it came to their refusal to recuse themselves from voting on the Anderson amendment and about voting irregularities in the 2013 election when former residents voted in Barrington Hills. Those comments can be found here.
A few other speakers also shared concerns over conflicts of members of both boards, as well as a variety of other topics. As always we encourage readers to listen to recordings of all who came to participate.
Notable items discussed and approved by the board after comment include:
- Discussion of financial opportunities presented by current low interest rates to finance escalating long-term pension obligations compared to a higher rate of return on pension investments resulting in a decreased future costs to taxpayers
- Denial of yet another month’s payment to Patrick Bond, temporary Special Counsel, led by Trustees Harrington and Messer, despite Bond providing significant legal advice throughout the meeting (specifically as it relates to the three horse boarding amendments voted down by the Zoning Board)
- Roads & Bridges meetings will now be held monthly and be open to the public with agendas posted in advance of the meetings
- A vote to submit an application for membership to QuadCom for enhanced 911 services based on a feasibility study and public meetings prior to a Village Board decision to migrate 911 services to keep pace with future increases manpower, technology needs and associated costs, while retaining staff at Village Hall for non-emergency calls was tabled. President McLaughlin and others trustees felt that more resident involvement and communication needed to take place before a final decision is made by the board. That discussion can be heard here for those unfamiliar with this subject.
- An amended special use permit for a polo field and indoor arena located at 170 Old Sutton Rd was unanimously approved, after Board discussion which followed the recusal and exit from the MacArthur Room of Trustee Messer, whose firm represented the applicant
- Discussion and vote, per Village Code, had to occur for closure on the Drury, Hammond and Elders (sic) horse boarding text amendment proposals dismissed by the Zoning Board, and we recommend readers listen to this recording segment beginning here
- Further explanation of what CMAP is attempting to do with regard to regional transportation was provided by Bob Kosin during the Plan Commission report and can be heard here, and
- A two to five partisan vote not to appoint Bond Dickson as permanent counsel to the Village Board as can be heard here
Many other topics were discussed during the meeting, and we recommend readers consult the original agenda for guidance on where to find those discussions in the recordings.