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Barrington Township -- Board of Trustees

League of Women Voters Palatine Area
Barrington Township Board of Directors Observer Report
 
Observed by:           Laura Davis
Date:  October 8, 2019                                          Meeting Length:  about 27 minutes
 
Meeting Name: Barrington Township Board meeting
Meeting are streamed/archived at:  not streamed
 
Public participation (# in attendance other than staff/board):  only myself
Public Participation remarks            No
 
Presentation/discussion by elected officials, staff, and/or administrators:
BACOG:  Discussion about BACOG membership and the new mayor in N. Barrington who expressed concern about BACOG membership cost. It was agreed to reduce the annual fee for N. Barrington from $28,000 year to $20,000 for one year.

BACOG will be offering water testing kits for private wells, for residents of BACOG membership communities.

The intergovernmental agreement with Cuba Township to plow Bolen Drive in Barrington will be renewed.

The Board Meeting
:
Board members absent: all present
 
General Observations:
Meetings start of time. Adequate space. Extra chairs were set out for visitors.
Media coverage: none
 
Illinois Open Meeting Act requirements:                     
Discussion from clerk who participated in training about Roberts Rules of order
 
Discussions of interest:
Upcoming trustee meeting on October 17 where speaker will talk about  legalizing marijuana.
Comments from the Assessor regarding the need for residents’ addresses to be updated after people move.  Cook County tax bills are not forwarded if someone moves. The bill goes to the address as listed.

League of Women Voters Palatine Area
Barrington Township Board of Directors Observer Report
Observed by:           Laura Davis
Date:  September 10, 2019                                              Meeting Length:  27 minutes
 
Meeting Name: Barrington Township Board meeting
Meeting are streamed/archived at:  not streamed
 
Public participation (# in attendance other than staff/board):  only myself
Public Participation remarks            No
 
Presentation/discussion by elected officials, staff, and/or administrators:
                       
Hoffman Estates  development proposal at Higgins Road and Old Sutton Road, is discussing a TIF for the commercial development side.  The opinion of the Barrington Township is to support the TIF.  The area affected is in the School District boundaries of District 300. Follow up Hoffman Estates hearing is October 21 at 6:50pm.
 
The Board Meeting:
Board members absent: all present
 
General Observations:
Meetings start of time. Adequate space. Extra chairs were set out for visitors.
Media coverage: none
 
Illinois Open Meeting Act requirements:                     
Requirements were met
 
Discussions of interest:
Comment about a meeting that Commissioner Kevin Morrison and a state’s attorney offered for seniors dealing with phone scams that Com. Morrison was proactive and did a “nice job”.

Observer Report for Barrington Township Board Meeting
Tuesday, October 9, 2018

Board meeting began at 7:05PM. All trustees, except Rob Collins, were in attendance.

Unincorporated area update: Waiting for grant money from Cook County. Expect it in 2 weeks and the work can start. Estimate to finish the project in 3 weeks.
Tentative start is Oct. 22.

Barrington Area Legislative breakfast,Wednesday, Oct 3. Amy and Dan attended.Four legislators were in attendance and the event was well attended.

Trustees agreed to sign an intergovernmental agreement with Cuba Township to plow Boland Drive in South Barrington (off of Bartlett Road and south of Penny Rd — 6 homes). The intergovernmental agreement is for 3 years. The bid for Cuba Township to plow Boland Drive is $4500/year. Prior cost to plow was per plow. The new contract is estimated to cut the cost in half from the prior year. Amy mentioned that the S. Barrington mayor may pursue S. Barrington incorporating the road.

BACOG annual dinner is Friday, October 26, at Onion Pub.

New contract assessor agreement has to run for the legislative term. Jackie is the contract assessor. New law requires all checks from the township need to be signed by the supervisor and signed/“attested to” by the clerk.

Interesting note: Pace ridership has increased since last year. Amy attributes it to increased publicity on the website.
Submitted by Laura Davis 10.9.18

Observer Report for Barrington Township Board Meeting
Tuesday, September 11, 2018

 
Board meeting at 7PM.  All trustees, except Fritz Gohl, were in attendance. The contractor representing the company doing the work in the unincorporated area was speaking about the project.
 
Main events:   A vote was finalized to fix the road flooding problems in the unincorporated areas of College Street. I understood the cost to be $188,000 and $120,000 will be granted from Cook County. The contract was approved and the time estimate for the project is 6 weeks.  One trustee mentioned that he had driven by the College street area over Labor Day and the streets were underwater and not passable.  Amy asked about tree removal or perhaps tree death, and the contractor suggested that if the trees are knocked down and then replaced, it could be put in the next budget cycle.
 
Barrington Area Legislative breakfast is Wednesday, Oct 3. Amy and Dan will attend.
 
Hoffman Estates redevelopment project- the update is that the judge who is managing the lawsuit, wants all parties to get together and create a consensus argument. It seems that several homeowners signed on to sue the developer, but the grievances or what they are asking for, is not consistent. Also, it was mentioned that one homeowner has dropped out of the suit.
 
TOI Fall Conference (Townships of Illinois) will be Nov. 12-13, 2018, in Springfield, IL.
 
Barrington Township wants to hire an assessor (Shannon Molena) for 20 hours/week.
 
Item of interest:  School District 220 is putting together an advisory committee regarding a referendum on the April 29th ballot requesting money for projects at the schools involving increased security and redoing the Middle Schools.
 
Meeting adjourned 7:32
 
Submitted by Laura Davis   9.14.18

Observer Report for Barrington Township Board Meeting
Tuesday, May 8, 2018
 
Board meeting at 7PM.  All trustees, except Robert Nykaza, were in attendance. I was the only observer.
 
Recap of the Library trustees’ rejection of village of  Barrington’s plan to cut through the Barrington library parking lot to realign roads.  The library trustees’ reason had to do with safety.   Barrington has funding from state and federal. Suggestion is that the village will use the money for the underpass and reroute the road through the underpass.
 
The two township cemeteries will be open for Memorial Day, May 28, 8:15 for trustees to attend.  Some damage has occurred at the cemeteries with headstones falling over and one sign destroyed.  The current landscaping person, Victor, has restored the headstones which must be positioned on grass (not dirt), at a cost which I did not hear. Repair of the sign is about $285.
 
Recent BACOG report includes current Senate bills.  Deer Park is rejoining BACOG (new mayor decided).
 
Discussion of reauthorizing the agent on the IMRF (IL Municipal Retirement Fund) to be Amy Nykaza (former supervisor, Gene Dawson, was still listed).  Who is on the plan from Barrington Township? I heard 3 people— (maybe Jackie, Amy and Gene) not clear.
 
New trustee is on the Barrington Countryside Fire District.  Meeting is 3rd Monday/month. Next May 21.
 
Discussion from Assessors office.  New multiplier from state- 2.9084. Goal is to get rid of outliers. Due to new multipliers, tax bills may be delayed to Sept/Oct. Mention that the Republican party has a candidate to run in the upcoming election for County Assessor.
 
Trustee Gohl brought up about a vacant lot on Summit in Barrington that has a lot of fill. Concern is that others will dump on the lot which may contribute to increased flooding.  Comment is that it needs to be referred to the county.
 
Next meeting anticipates bid for the ongoing unincorporated area that has serious flooding.
 
Meeting adjourned  7:37
 
Submitted by Laura Davis   5.8.18

Tuesday, April 10, 2018
 
The meeting started at 7pm with the Annual Town Hall meeting. All trustees, but Fritz Gohl, were in attendance. I was the only observer. The annual town hall meeting is an annual event. Minutes were approved and meeting adjourned at 7:32.
 
The board of directors meeting followed the annual meeting.
Town Fund:  $34,208.88     General Assistance Fund:  $960     Total funds:  $35,168.88
 
Budget was approved.
 
Discussion about the unincorporated project:  Manhart will present their final report at the next meeting. The Township’s contribution to the project is 25%.  The Cook County grant is for $120,000 and Cook County has already reimbursed the county $10,000.  The plan will be to have a meeting with the homeowners and a presentation by Manhart.  The upgrade is on township easement property, but some equipment may be on private property.
 
BACOG Day is Wednesday, April 25. Barrington Township is part of BACOG
 
The Township has signed an intergovernmental agreement with Palatine Township for 2017-2019 for road maintenance and plowing for Barrington Township unincorporated roads, except for Bolen Drive which is too far out.  The pricing is very similar to the previous agreement. The charge is per truck per hour.
 
Meeting adjourned 8:00
 
Notes from before the meeting: 
Jackie Stephens is now a full-time employee of the township and contracted for assessor duties.
 
General Assistance serviced about 1-5 people per year. The longest length of time is 1 year and participants have to be actively looking for a job. The Angel Fund, which is supported by donations, is used for folks that need help, such as paying heating bills or rent.  Other resources include St. Annes, Willow Creek, and DHS offices for different counties.
 
Submitted by Laura Davis   4.10.18
`Observer Report for Barrington Township Board Meeting
Tuesday, March 13, 2018
 
The meeting began with an introduction to Matthew Hower, the trustee candidate for the Barrington Countryside Fire Protection District. Matt has no fire experience, but works with a company called Flame Guard. He said he has gone to some of the trustee meetings, and has prior experience in investing. Matt was the only candidate and approved.
 
In attendance for the business meeting were Supervisor Amy Nykaza, clerk Bob Alberding, Trustees Dan Fitzgerald, Fritz Gohl,  Bob Nykaza, Rob Collins, and Assessor Jackie Stephens. Minutes were approved
Town Fund:  $31,595.44     General Assistance Fund:  $950     Total funds  $32,555.44
2018-19 Tentative Budget:  Total estimate for revenue:           $489,725
                                              Total estimate for expenses:         $549,101      

Notes from discussion: Administrative expenses such as legal fees, website remain the same.  Salaries moved a little. No case worker cost. Part of the food pantry salary stays in the GA fund (not move to town fund).   Building improvements budgeted for increase due to outside painting needed and equipment rental.  Trustee confirmed that revenue is from property tax. Additionally question confirmed that $15,000 is included for the continued unincorporated study. Amy also stated that future improvements will come from  Hoffman Estates TIFs.

Total budget estimate:   Town Fund  revenues:             $476,125   Expenses:  $521,806
                                      General Assist. revenues:        $  13,600   Expenses:  $  27,295
                                         
Charity grant distribution:   3 new charities requested funds this year. 3 charities did not attend the meeting to request. 
                                                     Results:                          Asked             Approved
Access to Care                                                                      $1,297             $1,000
Barrington Area Council on Aging                                    $25,000            $20,000
Barrington Youth &Family Services                                  $20,000             $ 7,000
Career Place                                                                          $2,500              $2,000
Catholic Charities-Senior Services                                       $2,000               $  500
Center for Enriched Living (new)(adult day care in HE)                              $1,000
Children’s Advocacy Center                                                $1,500                 $ 500
Community Social Service (part of township services)                                  $ 100
Eckert Center (Elgin) — did not show                                $5,000               $1,000
            Mental Health services -10 clients in Barrington
Gigi’s Playhouse   (new)                                                    $10,000               $1000
Journey Care                                                                        $5000                $3000
Journeys: The Road Home                                                   $1000               $ 500
Little City/Countryside                                                        $5000               $2000
Nizara ?         - did not show                                               $7000             $  0
PACE  — township service                                                                        $10,000
Smart Farm  — no show                                                     $500               $ 500
The Build Team — new                                                      $3000             $1000
Approval of Total Health and Social Services till Feb 28, 2019.   Jackie works with the agencies. The township refers folks to these services.  Total grants $57,000 which is $750 less than last year.
 
Reports:  BACOG monthly report. Mention that Jenny is leaving.  Her part time position is open. She will be missed.  Metropolitan Planning Council report on “Drinking Water” was distributed. A guide for local officials and community leaders regarding conserving and protecting fresh water supplies and distribution.
 
Supervisor Reports:   Dog Park in Deer Park, Cuba March, is scratched.

Township Clerk’s meeting will be held Thursday, May 3 at Chessies in Barrington, 6:30 to 9pm. Dinner function with 30-40 clerks expected to attend. Clerk Robert Alberding is VP township clerk organization (I think). Speakers from Cook county and state.

Clerk Alberding then mentioned the recent article in Tribune regarding townships and stated that the Barrington township that evening demonstrated the value of townships by the grant distribution to the agencies. He then glanced at me as if the comments were to educate me about townships!
 
Unincorporated area:  Amy attended the recent College Street homeowners association meeting. Recent estimate to pave Cook street between Cornel and the school is $80,000. Four miles of unincorporated roads exist in Barrington Township. Last paving was Boland street in S. Barrington.
 
Assessors report:  Reassessments will be due in June. There were 95 senior freezes in one month. Sale information is now online
 
BACOG meeting review by Rob. Comment:  “Committee for everything”. BACOG office is in B. Hills administration building.  Inexpensive rent.
 
Meeting adjourned  8:27
 
Submitted by Laura Davis   3.16.18
Tuesday, February 13, 2018
 
The meeting began with presentations from 13 charities requesting grants from the township.  The charities ranged from very local, such as Dawson Builders (which builds or refurbishes living quarters for extreme hardship cases and only works on donations) to Gigi’s Playhouse, which is a gym for children with Down’s Syndrome and is planning international growth. Three charities did not show.  Decisions on grants will be made at the next meeting.
 
 In attendance for the business meeting were Supervisor Amy Nykaza, clerk Bob Alberding, Trustees Dan Fitzgerald, Fritz Gohl, Bob Nykaza and trustee.
Town Fund:  $36,423.03     General Assistance Fund:  $525     Total funds $36,948.03  
 
Most of the time was on the continued discussion regarding the unincorporated area (referred to as Princeton Division) which have flooding problems. The township’s concern is public safety.  Sounds like the grant from Cook County is $125,000 which the township has to meet with 25% match. The board approved an amendment not to exceed $16,000 for Manhart Consulting to survey the unincorporated area in the township “right of way”.  This option will require more piping, but will cut back on landscaping.The neighbors now seem to be on board.  One trustee commented that this request is another $15,000 on top of the $25,000 which the township has spent over the last 4 years.  He also said that he could not have supported the plan with “everyone pushing back”.   The township has had bids for this project in the last 4 years.
 
The board discussed the annual township audit and separating the auditors from the accountants.  Evens, Marshall, Peat are the accountants.  GW&Assoc. PC recommended for the auditors. Estimated cost $5500
 
Board discussed moving more account activity to Barrington Bank. The current relationship with BMO/Harris requires Amy having to “chase” things she needs.
 
Amy and Fritz attended and recapped the emergency management roundtable. Very worthwhile.
 
Some discussion on Cuba Marsh and the dog park. BACOG is asking Lake County to reserve space at Cuba Marsh and wants the Barrington Township to sign on as supporters. Comments on BACOG monthly report and Fire Dept. with Keith Hansen, board leader. BACOG meeting will be Feb 27. 
 
There was a chamber of commerce meeting that was very good and sold out.
 
Meeting adjourned 8:35
 
Submitted by Laura Davis   2.13.18
Observer Report for Barrington Township Board Meeting
Tuesday, January 9, 2018
 
The meeting started at 7:02pm.  In attendance, Supervisor Amy Nykaza, clerk Bob Alberding, Trustees Dan Fitzgerald, Fritz Gohl and Bob Nykaza and assessor, Jackie.
 
Total funds $30,101.07          
  • Bill approved to be paid was for $3200 for plowing — 2 times plus salt, and mainly for unincorporated Bolen Drive (?) in South Barrington.  

On the cemeteries managed by the township, Supervisor Amy hired her daughter (appointed position) to be a cemetery trustee. This seems to be a seasonal position and I don’t know what it involves.
 
Most of the time was on the continued discussion regarding the unincorporated area (College streets) which have flooding problems. The township’s concern is public safety.  The grant from Cook County (I believe it was for $10,000) was approved for unincorporated improvements.  Supervisor Amy asked the board to approve an additional $15,900 for Manhart Consulting to survey the 3rd option in the unincorporated area to address flooding. Almost all of the neighbors approve the township’s action except for one homeowner at Harvard and Division, who owns 2 lots and is not impacted by the flooding, but would be impacted by the remedy.
 
This program was started years ago, but the scope of the work has changed. The township’s new option is to place the water diversion pipes in the township easement on the reluctant homeowner’s property, and would require the removal of some trees.  The trustees appear reluctant to take actions that would antagonize this homeowner, but would relieve flooding on the street and the other neighbors.   There is also work with Cook County to take over the wetlands area in the College street area, and turn them over to Citizens for Conservation (CFC), in order to restore the wetlands to healthy habitat, and decrease the flooding.
 
The township received money from a TIF distribution, over $27,000. It was referenced from Hoffman Estates.  Amy recommended using the money to pay Manhart for the consulting.
The board approved $1000.00 for Manhart to cover initial consulting.  A public hearing will then be planned to share with the neighborhood and before more money is approved for continued consulting.
 
Mention of BACOG meeting, Jan 31 in morning, at Barrington Public Safety Building. BACOG had no meeting last month, so no update on School District 220 or 300 regarding HE development.  Barrington area Chamber of Commerce Economic Summit is planned for Feb.7 at Barrington’s White House. $40 for BACOG member and township will pay for trustees.
Countryside Fireside District has a retiring person whose resume is being considered for a fire district trustee.
 
Assessor gave update regarding phone calls on new tax plan and people wanting to pay property taxes early. She also stated the IL homeowner exemption went from $7000 to $10,000 and senior from $5000 to $8000.
 
Barrington Township has accounts in 2 banks- Barrington Bank and BMO/Harris.
 
 
Submitted by Laura Davis   1.15.18
Wednesday, November 8, 2017
 
The meeting started at 7:02pm and lasted about 50 minutes.  In attendance, Supervisor Amy Nykaza, clerk Bob Alberding, Trustees Dan Fitzgerald, Fritz Gohl and Bob Nykaza.
 
Town Fund                                          $36,761.42
General Assistance Fund (GA)          $     525.00
Total                                                    $37,286.42                 
 
Nancy Schrum (?) from the consultant environmental engineering firm was giving an update on the unincorporated area in Barrington that suffers flooding and drainage problems.  The grant from Cook County for the flood remediation plan,  is still available.  A suggestion was made to acquire a lot (from Plan A) in the neighborhood, which would allow drainage pipes to be passed through the lot and out of the tree line. Also, there was discussion to acquire the wetlands, in the neighborhood, and then transfer to Citizens for Conversation (CFC).  The wetlands is about 8 acres and CFC may work to improve the quality of the wetlands.  There was discussion regarding the push back from the neighborhood. The goal is to get the work done as amicably as possible and work with the neighbors.
Comment:  Nancy is moving to Baltimore at the end of the month.  Bruce from the firm will take over as the contact.
 
Tentative levy discussion:
  • Last year Town Fund   $408,016.
  • The Levy increase was 1.98%.
  • This year the request is 1%. Proposed to $412,096
Trustee Fitzgerald voted no on the proposed town fund.
Discussion regarding a possible bill in Springfield to freeze property tax for 2 years.
General Fund discussion was to stay at $1500 or $413,596 which is a .50cent increase per house in township.   Amy expressed concern with increased cost associated with paving in the unincorporated areas. Mention of costs with cemeteries (2) which includes lawn maintenance and fence repair.
 
BACOG meeting, I believe, Jan 31 in morning, at Barrington Public Safety Building. Need to follow-up on this.
 
Hoffman Estates redevelopment project and lawsuit.  D220 is joining the lawsuit. A hearing is scheduled on Thursday, Nov 16, at the Daley Center. Residents in the S. Barrington Regency neighborhood are plaintiffs in the suit.
 
Supervisor report stated that the 3rd firehouse is planned for a lot off of Dundee by the Early Learning Center. Desire to keep the zoning as residential with special interest.
PACE bus ridership is down- 1060 to 785. Impacted by # of passengers and # of trips. One passenger with lots of trips, who stops, impacts total number. The township price from PACE is great ($2.00 per ride) and coordinated by BACOG. Residents need is for discounted RTA passes.
 
Discussion regarding the agreement with Palatine township for unincorporated road coverage and possibly asking for quotes from other places (Cuba Township).
Submitted by Laura Davis
September 12, 2017 Board Meeting
Highlights of this meeting:
• Previous to this meeting a Board meeting was held at 6PM to discuss an alteration to Princeton north of the intersection of Princeton and Division in Barrington.  Several homeowners were in attendance. There will be a public hearing on September 19 at the Barrington Village Hall to respond to their petition.
• Nancy Schumm gave an update on the Hoffman Estates Redevelopment Project. The Village of Hoffman Estates asked for a 45 day extension to respond to the law suit that was filled. The Board approved $1000 to a special fund toward this suit against the Village of Hoffman Estates.
Tuesday, August 8, 2017
The meeting started at 7:02pm and lasted about 40 minutes. Commissioner Amy Nykaza, 2 trustees, Town clerk and Assessor were in attendance. Two trustees were missing. A lot of the conversation was around an unincorporated area in Barrington that suffers severe flooding. A plan has been presented, money has been secured from Cook County, and the township would be required to contribute 25% to cover the cost. A public hearing is tentatively planned for
August 23 and there is some concern that residents will be unhappy. The consultant stated that the plan to relieve flooding should be framed as a public safety issue.

There was discussion regarding upcoming meetings. The township has contributed $1000 to the legal fight against the Hoffman Estates planned development at Higgins and Rte 59. Some discussion about property tax appeals and brief comments about Cook County Assessor Berrios and his defense of the current property tax assessment.

Submitted by Laura Davis and Nancy Mitzen
Website by League of Women Voters of the Palatine Area