Village of Carpentersville Illinois | Board Meeting 02-17-2015

The City of Carpentersville Illinois, Board of
Trustees Regular Board Meeting, February 17, 2015

The roll was called and the meeting was set to order. Soon after the invocation by the pastor was made, the meeting would begin with public comments.

Public Comment

Domenico D’Alessandro’s was the first to address the board. His comments concerned Kane County’s February 3, 2015, presentation on the Longmeadow Parkway. His concerns were many, so he commented only on salt spray. The Kane County engineers claimed that the environment was a priority and said that the impact would be negligible. He then read from a 1998 Canadian Transit Authority study that found exposure to the salt compromised soil structure, increased sediment runoff, and contaminated drinking water. As well, it inhibited water absorption and hindered vegetation and flower growth. Such damage harmed animal food sources and caused salty water sources, which causes salt toxicity. This also killed birds who can’t distinguish the seeds from salt crystals, which can cause death. And, salt in streambeds is lethal to trout. The engineer’s lack of concern showed a complete disregard to the City of Carpentersville and its residents. The damage could occur up to 600 feet from the roadway.

Gary Swick was second to address the board. He reiterated concerns over the Longmeadow Parkway. He realized the project was conceived years ago, but hoped the current Board would reconsider it. The original purpose was to reduce traffic, but that plan no longer exists. Other roads have been built and expanded. Driving is declining as job needs have changed and mass transit has increased. The project is not justified, violates voters’ needs, and came as a surprise to many. A toll bridge does not serve the public or cover maintenance needs and drivers avoid them.

Lastly, Michael Williams addressed the board. He did not believe the residents on Elm Avenue received equal protection under the law or proper police service. He thought the police needed to make a better presence in order to control crime and stop speeding vehicles. Mr. Pop observed the traffic and in a short time, wrote four tickets. He requested equal protection and more protection. He’s asked for such before, but nothing was ever done. He was tempted to file a lawsuit.

Consent Agenda

All items were passed with one motion. No one wished to remove an item for further review.

Reports of Manager, Officers, Committees and Staff

Ms. Schultz began by announcing that the next Park Commission meeting would take place on March 9, 2015. The topic would be the upcoming Arbor Day Celebration in the City of Carpentersville.

Mr. Humpfer advised that the next Audit and Finance Commission meeting would probably take place late February or March.

Ms. Teeter noted that the next Business Development Commission meeting would take place the next Tuesday.

Trustee Reports

Ms. Schultz was concerned about the impact the Long meadow Parkway project would have on the community. She acknowledged the points expressed earlier. She also spoke to IDOT. There was a Letter of Intent, but no money committal. The Governor’s first executive order was to freeze projects, but it’s not clear if the project was included. She encouraged the Board to carefully consider the project.

Ms. Teeter agreed that the Longmeadow project was not serving the intentions to which it was initially created.

President, Ritter read aloud an email from an out of town individual that complimented the City of Carpentersville for its efforts in keeping the roads clean and safe. The writer added that the City of Carpentersville had the cleanest streets in comparison to the surrounding areas.