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Archive for the ‘Audio Recordings’ Category

May Village Board meeting recordings released

Posted in Accidents, Audio Recordings, Building Department, Commercial Horse Boarding, Crime, Financial Reports, Heritage and Environs Committee, Horse Boarding, Legal Expenses, Police Pension Board, Police Reports, Politics, Public Safety, Road construction, Roads & Bridges Committee, Roads and Bridges, Taxes, VBHPD, Village Attorney, Village Board, Village Code, Zoning Board on June 7, 2016| Leave a Comment »

Audio recordings from the May 23rd monthly meeting of the Village Board of Trustees are available for review on the Village website.  To access the menu of edited recordings by agenda topic, click here.

Two residents made public comments at the beginning of the two hour and fifteen minute meeting.  Both comments were related to the board’s agenda item to discuss the Target Shooting Ordinance, and those can be heard here.

The Finance report lasted over half an hour, with few noteworthy actions or revelations to report.  Most of the banter seemed to be from some members of the board who like to hear themselves talk.  A perfect example of this was Trustee Gohl’s questioning of a legal bill for ten (10) dollars.

To improve productivity during future financial discussions, it was suggested that trustees provide questions on specific invoices via email to the village treasurer in advance of the meetings so that immediate answers can be provided regarding the nature of specific invoices.  The recording of the full finance report can be heard here.

The Roads & Bridges report revealed that the Cuba Road Bridge reconstruction project is not only delayed, but it is now over budget.  Dan Strahan, Village Engineer, of Gewalt Hamilton introduced an amendment to the original resolution for the cost overrun, but when asked how much it was going to be, Strahan did not have an immediate answer for the trustees he sought approval from. 

When asked what caused the increase in costs, Strahan stated it was due to the improper relocation of utility lines that led to the delays in construction (which we’ve reported on previously).  Strahan was questioned, primarily by Trustee Konicek-Hannigan, as to who was responsible for the misplaced utility lines. 

The engineer indicated that AT&T, Comcast, ComEd and Nicor determine the location of the new lines based on the plans for the new bridge.  However it brings into question why Gewalt Hamilton did not inspect that the work was properly done last fall before Cuba Road was closed and the existing bridge removed.   It also makes one wonder how all four utilities followed the engineering plans and somehow put their lines in the wrong place.

It was only with the assistance of the village clerk and others present was it was then determined that Village’s share of the bridge cost overrun will be over $23,000 (IDOT is funding 80% of the costs of the bridge reconstruction).  Given little choice, considering the bridge must be completed, the board approved the resolution, with only Trustee Gohl voting no, and Trustee Harrington abstaining.  The recording of this discussion can be heard here.

Trustees then approved the 2016 Roads Program (heard here) with the addition of a portion of River Road slated for next year, as a result of lower asphalt prices available this year.

 Also, a draft of a request for proposal for engineering services (seen here) was distributed by President McLaughlin for review by the board.  Once comments and changes have been submitted, it will be sent out for bid later this year.  Considering we may be facing another bridge issue on Old Hart Road, perhaps emphasis on bridge projects related to utility relocation expertise should be placed as a high qualification.

The discussion of the Target Shooting Ordinance revealed there are a total of five permits currently active in the Village.  One is held by the Barrington Hills Country Club for limited skeet shooting and four have been issued to private residences — one of which seems to have become a problem with some neighbors.  That discussion can be heard here.

The Building & Zoning report revealed that a new proposed text amendment to horse boarding codes was submitted in May.  President McLaughlin described what he hoped the process would be for review by various Village bodies as can be heard here.

Attorney Patrick Bond informed the board that the Cook County State’s Attorney determined that their budget process did not violate the Open Meetings Act as a member of the prior administration had alleged.  Bond’s comments can be heard here, and he indicated that another complaint, presumably from the same source, was forthcoming.

The meeting ended with President McLaughlin making re-appointments to the Heritage & Environs Committee, and an update on improving the Village’s website using outside professional resources.  The administration report can be heard here.

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April Village Board meeting recordings available

Posted in Audio Recordings, Building Department, Equestrian Commission, Financial Reports, Heritage and Environs Committee, Land Use, Plan Commission, Police Pension Board, Police Reports, Road construction, Special Use Permits, VBHPD, Village Attorney, Village Board, Village Code, Zoning Board on May 13, 2016| Leave a Comment »

The April 25th meeting of the Board of Trustees took place with a minimum quorum of four members present.  Pro-Tem Hannigan was out of the country, and trustees Harrington and Gohl were absent, which seems to have become a pattern since Village records indicate Harrington and Gohl have each missed seven regular or special board meetings in the last twelve months.

Four people took part in public comments at the beginning of the meeting.  The first two comments were about horses or horse boarding, and the last two were regarding a septic system.  All four comments can be heard by clicking here.

Board members later affirmed decisions made by the Zoning Board of Appeals by unanimously approving a basketball court and new signage at Countryside School and a small addition to St. Mark’s Episcopal Church.

During the Plan Commission report, a member of Citizens for Conservation weighed in on whether or not to treat trees infested with Emerald Ash Borers.  Her comments can be heard here, however President McLaughlin made it clear more than once that the Village has never taken a position on whether or not to treat infested trees as the speaker implied.

At the end of the meeting, President McLaughlin made reappointments to the Zoning Board, Board of Health, Plan Commission and Equestrian Commission with the unanimous support of those present.  McLaughlin also appointed Village Clerk, Anna Paul, to become the new Village Open Meetings Act Officer.  Recordings of these appointments can be heard here.

The menu of edited recordings by agenda topic for the full meeting can be accessed here.

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March Village Board meeting recordings available

Posted in Audio Recordings, Building Department, Cuba Rd Bridge, Pension Funding, Police Reports, Politics, Public Safety, Road construction, Roads & Bridges Committee, Taxes, VBHPD, Village Attorney, Village Board, Village Code, Zoning Board on April 21, 2016| Leave a Comment »

Audio recordings from the March 30th meeting of the Board of Trustees have been posted to the Village Website. 

The meeting began with a public hearing for residents to have the opportunity to comment on the 2016 Appropriations Ordinance.  One resident commented, and the ordinance was later passed.   

The regular meeting began with the financial reports, and reviews or approvals by the board.  Peggy Hirsch, who is now the village treasurer, was invited to speak during this topic on the board’s agenda, and it appears she had things well in hand after a few short weeks on the job as can be heard here.

During the Roads and Bridges discussion, the board approved the replacement of all Village streetlights with energy-saving LED units by ComEd.  They also discussed new names for the Cuba Road Bridge once reconstruction is completed and agreed to decide on one at their April meeting.

During the Building & Zoning report, Trustee Konicek questioned why approval of the 2016 Zoning Map was placed on the agenda, since she apparently had not received all of the information from the Zoning Board she had requested of Bob Kosin at the February board meeting.  Due to this lack of follow up and the absence of time sensitivity for approval of the map, she did not make a motion for approval.

Trustee Harrington apparently did have some motivation to get the map approved, and he motioned to approved it which was seconded by Trustee Gohl.  After some brief discussion, Harrington then attempted to call the matter for a vote before all the trustees had an opportunity to fully participate in the dialog. 

When a vote was finally called by the president, Harrington’s motion didn’t pass.  The link to this discussion and vote can be accessed here.         

To access the menu of edited recordings by agenda topic, click here.

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February Village Board meeting recordings released

Posted in 220, Audio Recordings, BACOG, Building Department, Cook, County, Cuba Rd Bridge, Financial Reports, Heritage and Environs Committee, Land Use, LeCompte/Anderson Commercial Horse boarding amendment, McHenry, Plan Commission, Police Pension Board, Police Reports, Public Safety, Road construction, Roads & Bridges Committee, School Districts, VBHPD, Village Attorney, Village Board, Village Code, Zoning Board on March 9, 2016| Leave a Comment »

Audio recordings from the February 22nd meeting of the Board of Trustees have been posted to the Village website for review.  The entire meeting lasted just over an hour, and once again there were no public comments.

The Roads & Bridges report reiterated the “utility conflicts” that were discussed in the committee’s February meeting regarding the Cuba Road Bridge project, however it was disclosed that even ComEd and Nicor’s corrected utility locations were still in conflict with the bridge location and had to be moved again.  Those interested in the bridge replacement status can listen here.

The deteriorating condition of Brinker Road was also discussed as it relates to Cook County’s inaction to repair, or even schedule repairs or resurfacing, was also discussed.  That discussion can be heard here.

Unfortunately, since Brinker is a county road, neither the Village, nor Cuba Township which repairs our Village roads, can take any interim measures to improve conditions on Brinker.

Approval of the 2016 Zoning Map was tabled due to changes to commercial horse boarding codes and the fact the trustees did not have the opportunity to review recordings or the transcript from the February ZBA meeting.  That discussion can and vote can be heard here.

Trustee Gohl’s Health, Environment, Buildings and Grounds report was, to say the least, interesting.

He expressed his concerns that the Heritage and Environs Committee (the “ad hoc committee” as he initially referred to them) was getting the “horse, or the cart ahead of the horse” by putting sample paint “splatches” around Village Hall for suggestions of new interior paint colors to improve the appearance.  Gohl was anxious about the costs of repainting the interior, among other improvements to the look of Village Hall.

This topic has been on the public agendas of this committee for six months now.  Even though Gohl (who is the designated board liaison to the Heritage and Environs Committee) hasn’t attended one of their meetings since October, this planned facelift of Village Hall should have come as no surprise to anyone.  The recording of Gohl’s report can be heard here.

During the Administration report, lifesaving awards were presented to police officers Gary Deutschle and Sabas Parada by President McLaughlin and Chief Richard Semelsberger.  The officers were recognized for their quick action in January responding to a 911 call for a woman who overdosed on heroin (see Barrington Hills police use Narcan to prevent overdose death).

The board also voted to appoint Peggy Hirsch, a resident of Barrington Hills, to fill the vacant position of Village Treasurer.  Ms. Hirsch has extensive accounting experience and is a CPA, and she will be working on a part time basis.

The menu of edited recordings by agenda topics for the entire meeting can be accessed here.

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January Village Board meeting recordings released

Posted in 220, Audio Recordings, BCFPD, Building Department, Cuba Rd Bridge, Finance Committee, Financial Reports, Heritage and Environs Committee, Land Disconnection, Land Use, Longmeadow Parkway, Pension Funding, Police Pension Board, Police Reports, Public Safety, Road construction, Roads & Bridges Committee, School Districts, VBHPD, Village Attorney, Village Board, Village Code, Zoning Board on February 10, 2016| 6 Comments »

Audio recordings from the January 25th regular monthly meeting of the Village Board have been posted to the Village website.  President Pro-Tem Colleen Konicek Hannigan chaired most of the two-hour meeting which, for the second month in a row, had no comments from the public.

Trustee Bryan Croll’s finance report was the longest of those covered, and his item regarding pension obligation bonds was deferred until later in the meeting so that President McLaughlin could be present for the discussion.

During the Bills For Approval report, Trustee Gohl had a list of rather obscure questions on certain invoices, which Village Clerk Anna Paul addressed quite well.  At one point, he asked even the police chief for an explanation of a bill related to a zoning inspection.

We must compliment Ms. Paul, since she seemed to be extremely prepared to provide answers regarding Bills For Approval, as well as detailed background for most other items on the agenda that evening.  This is a refreshing change since Bob Kosin, Village Administrator, seems to always need to be coaxed so speak up on such matters.

Trustee Croll also reviewed expenses for 2015, compared to those of the prior fiscal year, and mentioned reductions in many areas.  It should be noted that many of these cost reductions can be attributed to measures taken by the Board prior to his election, but his summary can be heard here.

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During the Attorney’s Report, it was learned that Barrington District 220 is seeking amendments to zoning restrictions set forth in an intergovernmental agreement (IGA) from 2004 for their recently acquired property in Barrington Hills, between Hart and Old Hart Roads (a map can be viewed here).  This, despite the fact that the district was aware of the zoning limits when they acquired the property, and they have no near-term plans for its use.

According to Village Attorney Patrick Bond’s report, the district wishes to have the ability to use the property for, “school purposes and elementary and high school use, related facilities. Elementary, middle and high school parks, playgrounds, athletic fields, athletic facilities, school related parking for school uses (not to include the storage of busses, trucks, maintenance vehicles or commercial vehicles) and administrative offices.”

Bond went on to say that such changes to the IGA would require changes to our existing Village Code, and that the district asked if Barrington Hills would consider the annexation of the property into the Village of Barrington.  As one might expect, our board members were not receptive to any changes to the IGA without any input first from adjacent property owners on Old Hart Road.

The link to the full District 220 land use discussion recording can be accessed here.

President McLaughlin joined the meeting shortly after the attorney’s report, and discussion began on the deferred topic of the Police Pension Obligation Bond (PPOB) from the finance section of the meeting. 

(It should be noted that last year the PPOB initiative was all but dismissed as an option, due to rising interest rates, but Trustee Croll had requested it be included on the January agenda so that he could make a statement on the matter.)

Croll began the discussion by reading a long prepared statement (heard here) that included the word “I” dozens of times, thus underscoring the fact he is the only member of the Finance Committee he was reporting on.  Given the considerable number of financial professionals we have living in the Village, perhaps this committee should be expanded to three members in the future in order to provide discussion and consensus. 

Additionally, his statement included many references to detailed financials, and was somewhat difficult to follow without a copy, which was not provided to his fellow board members for review in advance, nor even distributed before he read it at the meeting.

When, at one point during his discourse, President McLaughlin courteously asked him to repeat a statement, Croll indignantly retorted, “It can wait.”  Thinking better of it, Croll repeated the sentence.  When he was finished, McLaughlin thanked Croll for his accommodation, explaining he didn’t have a copy of the report to follow along with, to which Croll responded, “You can take notes.”

McLaughlin then provided a very candid perspective on the missed opportunity for residents to fully fund pensions for our police officers over two years ago at extremely favorable bond rates, as can be heard here.  The Board then unanimously voted down pursuing bonds to fund the police pension. 

Later, during the administration report, McLaughlin reviewed some of the recent activities of other taxing bodies, including the Barrington Countryside Fire Protection District which is looking at switching its 911 dispatch services and possibly considering a third fire station.  McLaughlin encouraged residents to get involved in these issues, or at least stay informed on developments, as can be heard here.

To access the full menu of edited recordings by topic from the entire meeting, click here.

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December 22nd Special Village Board meeting recordings released

Posted in Audio Recordings, Taxes, Village Board on January 7, 2016| 2 Comments »

tax reductionRecordings from the special Village Board meeting held on December 22nd to approve an amended levy ordinance are available for review on the Village website.

A levy amount of $6,187.485 was approved by four board members present for the meeting.  This compares to a $6,452,005 levy for the prior year and represents a reduction of $264,520 or approximately 4.1%.

The entire meeting lasted less than five minutes.  To access the menu of edited audio recordings by agenda topic, click here.

A copy of the approved levy ordinance can be viewed and downloaded here.

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2015 Year in review

Posted in 2015 Elections, Audio Recordings, BH Polo Club, Building Department, Commercial Horse Boarding, Conflict of interest, Deception, Equestrian Commission, Ethics, FRVPC, Horse Boarding, Land Use, LeCompte/Anderson Commercial Horse boarding amendment, Legal Expenses, One Barrington Hills, OP/Ed, Politics, Riding Club of Barrington Hills, SOS Party, Special Use Permits, Topics Of Interest, Village Board, Village Code, Zoning Board on December 31, 2015| 2 Comments »

2015CollageReview

 

The Observer takes a look back at another year gone by, as we present the ten most frequently read news stories and editorials for 2015.  Click on any title to read and revisit stories from this past year.

January 26th Village Board meeting recordings released

The top read story of the year came early with our reporting of an unfortunate scene during the January Village Board meeting when a former Trustee resorted to profanity with tensions mounting before the 2015 elections.

Horse boarding rules already facing legal challenge

It came as no surprise to most residents that within days after some Trustees voted to override the veto of the highly controversial LeCompte/Anderson Horse Boarding amendment that a lawsuit was filed against the Village, as this news article from March reports. 

“Don’t be deceived” – Part Five

In the weeks leading up to the April 2015 election, we ran a series of five articles titled “Don’t be deceived” dispelling rumors and falsehoods being published by the SOS party candidates during the campaign.  The fifth was the most read.

We’ve Been Clubbed by Commercial Horse Boarding

The play on words in the title of this January editorial was the only light-hearted item about it as we pointed out the obvious and blatant conflicts of interests that a majority of members of our Zoning and Village Boards had when it came to legislating anything related to horse boarding codes.

Croll, Maison and Cecola win seats on Barrington Hills Board

The title of this article speaks for itself, and it was read by hundreds of relieved residents.

Barrington Hills candidates debate horse-boarding solutions, veto

Early on in the 2015 campaign for three seats on our Village Board, the controversy over horse boarding was employed as a wedge to divide the electorate.  This February 4 Daily Herald article is one well read example.  

Homeowners sue Barrington Hills after tree dispute bars them from moving in

This May 2015 story ultimately pointed out some shortcomings in our code, as well as the uneven enforcement of them by our (now former) Code Enforcement Officer.  Lessons were learned and corrective action was taken.

Polo politicking – SOS Party style

Political operatives supporting one trustee slate attempted in March to persuade would-be voters that if their candidates lost the election it would mean the end of public polo matches in Barrington Hills.  This editorial pointed out their underestimation of the intelligence of residents. 

Board votes to settle suit, void Commercial Horse Boarding amendment

Our October article reporting the actions of the Village Board regarding the flawed LeCompte/Anderson Horse Boarding amendment was well read and garnered quite a number of reader comments.

Too many signs

A former Village President was fond of saying the reason there are no signs reading “Welcome to Barrington Hills” on roads leading into the Village was because people passing through knew the borders instantly by seeing the sprawling estates.  Last April, no one really noticed the estates, just the over-abundance of political campaign signs.

**It should be noted that a recently published article titled “2015 Shining Star Awards” would likely have made this year’s top read list considering it has been shared by 119 Facebook users already, but it was only published on December 22nd.  Perhaps it will make our 2016 list.

-The Observer

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December 17th Village Board meeting recordings available

Posted in Accidents, Audio Recordings, Board of Health, Building Department, Crime, Cuba Rd Bridge, Financial Reports, Insurance Committee, Police Reports, Public Safety, Road construction, Roads & Bridges Committee, Roads and Bridges, Taxes, VBHPD, Village Attorney, Village Board, Zoning Board on December 30, 2015| Leave a Comment »

Audio recordings from the regular December meeting of the Board of Trustees are posted to the Village website for review.

There were no comments from the public, and the meeting lasted only about an hour.  It appears from listening to the full unedited recording that the Levy Ordinance draft was being finalized as the trustees were meeting, since it was voted on toward the end of the session. 

Perhaps this last-minute preparation is due to the recent change in the treasurer position and this caused a special December 22nd meeting to approve an amended levy.  We’ll know more when those recordings are released.

To access the menu of edited recording segments based on the agenda items, click here.

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December 8th Village Board meeting recordings posted

Posted in Audio Recordings, Financial Reports, Taxes, Village Board on December 18, 2015| Leave a Comment »

Recordings from the December 8th special meeting of the Board of Trustees have been posted to the Village website.

One resident made remarks during public comment, and those can be heard here.

The balance of the hour-long meeting was devoted to discussing and approving the preliminary 2016 Village budget, which can be viewed here.  The recording of those discussions can be accessed here.

The menu of edited recordings by agenda topic from the entire meeting can be found here.

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November Village Board meeting recordings available

Posted in 220, Audio Recordings, BACOG, Board of Education, Board of Health, Building Department, Cook, County, Cuba Rd Bridge, Ethics, Finance Committee, Financial Reports, Heritage and Environs Committee, Insurance Committee, Land Disconnection, Land Use, Pension Funding, Plan Commission, Police Pension Board, Police Reports, Politics, Public Safety, Road construction, Roads and Bridges, School Districts, Special Use Permits, Taxes, VBHPD, Village Attorney, Village Board, Village Code, Zoning Board on December 8, 2015| 4 Comments »

The Village has recently posted recordings from the November 19th meeting of the Board of Trustees. 

The entire public meeting lasted just under three and a half hours.  Those who attended the meeting or listen to the entire recordings will likely recognize the reason for the unnecessarily drawn-out discussions.

Six residents made public comments at the beginning of the meeting, with five of them speaking their minds on the topic of the Police Pension Obligation Bond that was on the agenda.  Unfortunately, they, and others in attendance, were in for an initial disappointment.

When the bond topic did come up on the agenda during Trustee Bryan Croll’s finance report, he refused to make a motion to consider it, stating he had no new information as can be heard here.  That seemed rather arrogant on Croll’s part considering other members of the board, including two who are full-time financial fund managers, have also been researching the topic and might have had information to add to the discussion. 

The Village Attorney was then asked if any member of the Board of Trustees could move for discussion of a topic, and not solely the Trustee assigned to the Finance Committee.  Attorney Mary Dickson began reviewing our codes, however it appears from the recordings, residents attending the meeting had already departed by the time a decision was made later during the evening. 

When it was confirmed that any board member could make the motion, Croll then decided he would make it after all, as can be heard here.

Forty-five minutes of discussion by the Trustees then followed, with Croll stating a number of times he had not been prepared to discuss the matter that evening, despite the fact that the issue has been before both the Finance Committee and the Board of Trustees for months.  Ultimately, yet another motion to table consideration of the issue was approved.

Unfortunately, the matter may be moot at this point since interest rates have inched up since the concept was first floated before the board nearly two years ago. 

Considering that the Federal Reserve Chairman is likely to announce an interest rate hike soon, this proposition is not nearly as financially beneficial as it once was, and it is a shame some board members dragged this out, due to what seems like political reasons  and foregoing the financial interests of the taxpayers who voted for them.

Later in the meeting, there were more productive discussions, and in most cases, votes were taken to decide various issues.

For example, by a unanimous vote, the Village Code which had required residents to purchase and display vehicle stickers was abolished.  That  discussion and vote can be heard here.  Also repealed was the very old code language requiring each homeowner to have landline telephone services. 

Though many readers may be scratching their heads over this one, landline service was actually required by the Village by code up until this vote.  In fact, in order to obtain an occupancy permit for a newly constructed home, proof of a landline telephone account was required.  That discussion and vote can be heard here.

Trustees also approved a new agreement with our unionized police force, which brings added benefits to the Village, as well as to sworn officers.  Chief Semelsberger seemed pleased with the new agreement, as can be heard here. 

Semelsberger also reported his satisfaction with the consolidation of 911 services to QuadCom which occurred over a month ago.  He can be heard expressing his experiences thus far by clicking here.

It was reported during the administration portion of the meeting that the Village of Barrington has expressed an interest in annexing the property recently purchased by District 220 off Hart Road which is currently located in Barrington Hills (Lot 5 as depicted in a map seen here).  We have some reservations on this matter, as do some of our Trustees it would seem, and the link to that discussion can be accessed here.

To access the menu of the complete recordings from the meeting, click here.

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