Village of Buffalo Grove - Manager Briefing

To: Village President and Board of Trustees
From: Office of the Village Manager
Subject: Manager's Briefing
Date: May 17, 2002
Briefing #: 02-09

UPCOMING MEETINGS/EVENTS

SATURDAY MAY 18TH, 2002

Board of Fire and Police Comm conducting written examination for Firefighter/Paramedic, Buffalo Grove High School
Bike Rodeo, 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Busch Grove Skate Park
William Balling and Ghida Neukirch leave for ICSC in Nevada. Ms. Neukirch returning on May 24, 2002, Mr. Balling returning on May 28, 2002.

MONDAY MAY 20TH , 2002

Village Board Meeting, 7:30 p.m., Village Hall Council Chambers
Chamber Board Meeting, 12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. Location to be announced

TUESDAY MAY 21ST , 2002

Zoning Board of Appeals, 7:30 p.m., Village Hall Council Chambers

THURSDAY MAY 23RD , 2002

Commission for Residents with Disabilities Speaker, 7:30 p.m. Village Hall Council Chambers

MONDAY JUNE 3RD 2002

Village Board Meeting, 7:30 p.m., Village Hall Council Chambers
Chamber Executive Board Meeting 12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. location to be announced
Filming of the Arboretum Club for an AT&T Commercial

TUESDAY JUNE 4TH, 2002

BG Area Chamber of Commerce Luncheon, 11:30 a.m., Grove Banquets at Schwaben Center
Staff Meeting, 9:30 a.m., Village Hall Lower Level Conference Rm.
Fire and Police Commission, 7:30 p.m., Buffalo Grove Police Department

WEDNESDAY JUNE 5TH, 2002

Plan Commission, 7:30 p.m., Village Hall Council Chambers
Emergency Services Disaster Commission, 9:00 a.m., Lower Level Conference Rm.

THURSDAY JUNE 6TH, 2002

2nd Annual Building & Zoning/Fire Prevention Bureau Organizational Development Meeting, 1:00 p.m. at the Wyndham Garden Hotel
Rotary Village Green Concert Series Kick Off, 7:00 p.m. Rotary Village Green
Regional Cable Group, 7:00 p.m., Elk Grove Village Council Chambers

MONDAY JUNE 10TH , 2002

Arts Commission, 7:00 p.m., Upper Level Conference Rm.

TUESDAY JUNE 11TH, 2002

BG Networkers, Open House, 7:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. at the chamber office
Village Buffalo Grove Days Committee, 7:00 p.m., Village Hall Council Chambers
Chamber Buffalo Grove Days Commission, 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at Village Grill & Tavern

WEDNESDAY JUNE 12TH , 2002

SWANCC, 6:00 p.m., Adam's Mark Hotel, Northbrook (Milwaukee Ave)
NWMC, 7:30 p.m., Adam's Mark Hotel, Northbrook (Milwaukee Ave)

THURSDAY JUNE 13TH, 2002

Business After Hours , 5:00 p.m to 7:00 p.m. at Tri*Star Wireless, 1505 W. Dundee Road

COMMISSION INFORMATION

Arts Commission
1. Fine Arts Festival Update
Businesses continue to be contacted regarding sponsorship opportunities. Although businesses are looking forward to the community program, they have indicated that financial participation is either unlikely or not feasible due to the economy.

2. Fine Arts Festival; Promotion

Media Plan: Amdur Productions has been working diligently on the Media Plan for the upcoming festival. The following organizations have commit to trade-outs for the BG Invitational, i.e. they will run advertisements of the festival, in return for publicity the weekend of the event, and on promotional material:

WBBM Radio - $20,000
CLTV - $18,000
Daily Herald - $10,000

Paid advertising will include WFMT Radio, Chicago Tribune, Sun Times, Chicago Parent, JUF News, Buffalo Grove Town Center Theatres, and streetscape Banners on Lake Cook Road and Rt. 83. The Village will utilize our communication methods to promote the Invitational: marquee, web site, channel 6, summer newsletter, posters, etc.

Banners: Two draft designs of the Art Festival street banners have been submitted. There are a total of 80 banner placements through out the Village, but only one-quarter (20) of these will be printed for the art festival; the other banners will be the regular summer banners. The cost of the banners will be paid for by Amdur Productions.

3. Buffalo Grove Symphonic Band

Upcoming performances of the Buffalo Grove Symphonic Band:
1. ROTARY GREEN CONCERT PROGRAM, 6/27/02 at, 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.
2. BG INVITATIONAL FINE ART FESTIVAL, 7/28/02 at, 12:00 to 2:00 p.m.
3. LAWN CHAIR LYRICS CONCERT SERIES, 7/30/02 at, Park District. 7:00 to 8:30 pm.
4. BUFFALO GROVE DAYS, 8/31/02, at 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

VIP Reception: The VIP Reception for sponsors will be held on Thursday, 6/27/2002 (prior to the performance at the Rotary Green). The performance will begin at 7:00 p.m.; the reception would begin at 6:00 p.m. Pastabilities will serve as a major sponsor for the event. Dessert and soda will be purchased.

Symphonic Band's Premier Performance: Special thanks to everyone that attended the Symphonic Band's premier performance on 4/28/2002. VHS ($15.00 each) or DVD ($50.00) are available for sale so those interested can capture the event forever.

Symphonic Band's Webpage: Enhancements have been made to the Village's web site regarding the Buffalo Grove Symphonic Band. Photos of the band are included in the new photo gallery, as well as photos from the Band's premier performance on April 28, 2002 at Stevenson High School.

4. Design a Flag Contest
The Arts Commission received a late entry by a graphic artist for the Design a Flag Contest. The Commission agreed to send a thank you letter to the artist, and indicated that the designs may be used for future promotion. A "flag" will not be made for presentation on Flag Day in June.

Youth Commission
1. "Reuse a Shoe"
The Youth Commission is working to promote a Nike program called "Reuse A Shoe." The program is supported by SWANCC, and encourages people to donate their used athletic shoes to Nike. The program is designed to cut back on waste and help build rubberized surfaces and tracks for organizations that need them.

Commission on Residents with Disabilities

1. May 23, Speaker on Disabilities Benefits

On May 23 at 7 PM. the Buffalo Grove Commission for Residents with Disabilities will host Mary Ann Ehlert of the Ehlert Financial Group to present on issues concerning Government Disability Benefits. The presentation will take place at Buffalo Grove Village Hall at 50 Raupp Blvd and will include the following topics:
· SSA, SSI
· Medicaid, AABD, TANF, MANG, & KidCare
· Medicare
· HBWD Program
· QMB Buy-In
· Spenddown programs
· Legal Documents, specifically 15.1 and D4a trusts
· Guardianship issues, specifically Plenary, limited versus Powers of Attorney
· Family Communications, to include Life planning for today and the future, and the interaction of siblings versus parents
· The presentation will last approximately one hour with time following for questions.

COMMUNITY INFORMATION

Arts Commission Activities

1. Fine Arts Festival

Buffalo Grove Invitational Fine Art Festival Volunteers Needed: Those interested in volunteering the weekend of July 27 to 28 should contact Ghida S. Neukirch, Assistant Village Manager, at extension 2518. Volunteers are needed to help with the registration of artists, booth sitters, assisting with the awards breakfast, youth division, and other areas. To date, twenty-six residents have volunteered to assist the weekend of the festival.

2. Buffalo Grove Symphonic Band

Upcoming performances of the Buffalo Grove Symphonic Band:
1. ROTARY GREEN CONCERT PROGRAM, 6/27/02 at, 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.
2. BG INVITATIONAL FINE ART FESTIVAL, 7/28/02 at, 12:00 to 2:00 p.m.
3. LAWN CHAIR LYRICS CONCERT SERIES, 7/30/02 at, Park District. 7:00 to 8:30 pm.
4. BUFFALO GROVE DAYS, 8/31/02 , at 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

3. American Cancer Society Relay for Life
People interested in overnight fun, excitement, and an all around good time, all while fighting Cancer you may be interested in being on the Village Relay for Life Team, our team captain is Trustee Berman. Informational videos, pamphlets, and fund-raising materials are available. There will be music, food, contests, awards and prizes. Participation is one way to honor the courageous spirit of those battling cancer. This event does not require running and will be held from about 6pm on Friday June 21, through the morning on Saturday June 22 at 7am. It is not required to stay the whole evening. Please contact the Village Manager's Office for more information.

RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT

Brentwood Station
The foundation is in and they are currently working on the structure of the building.

Noah's Landing
The plan review comments were sent on May 1, 2002.

DEVELOPMENT ISSUES

Sale of Village Property to Avis Investments
The closing of the real estate parcel at 20145 North Buffalo Grove Road (the Village's land sold to Avis Investments) will take place on July 31, 2002. The law firm of Ray & Glick is representing Avis Investments, Inc.; the firm has ordered title and survey of the property.

Fifth Third Bank and Insignia Homes townhomes (Covington Office Plaza), Dundee Rd/Golfview Terrace
The petitioners have submitted site plans for a Plan Commission workshop on May 15.

Aldrich property, 16226 W. Aptakisic Rd
A petition for annexation was submitted on May 15. Discussion of the petition and the appropriate review process is scheduled for the May 20 Village Board meeting.

1st Equity Bank, 1330 Dundee Rd (Strathmore Square)
The property owner has submitted a site plan concerning re-use of the vacant restaurant for a bank. The request to approve the site plan as a minor change to the P.U.D. is scheduled for consideration by the Village Board on May 20,2002.

Prairie Center, SE corner of Prairie Rd/IL Route 22
The Commission expressed general support for the proposed uses. The Commission requested additional information on a number of issues: Confirmation that Lake County DOT will approve the full-access driveway as shown on the concept plan; evaluation of on-site traffic circulation to ensure safety for pedestrians, particularly people accessing the office building; documentation that parking for all the uses and vehicle stacking for the restaurant drive-through will be adequate; a tree preservation plan; and documentation that the stormwater management plan (underground vault storage) is feasible. The Commission noted that extensive discussion of building appearance issues would be deferred to a future workshop. Several commissioners commented that the gymnastics building is a large "box" that will require appropriate architectural elements to enhance its overall appearance. The Commission agreed that a detailed exterior design for the "fast-food" building may have to wait until a specific user is confirmed, but it is very important that this building present an attractive appearance from Route 22 as well as being compatible with the office and gymnastics buildings on the site. The developer has not requested a date for the second workshop.

NEW BUSINESS IN BUFFALO GROVE
Dundee Road Corridor

1. 1375 Dundee Rd.

L'Ermitage (formerly Crystal Banquets): Staff met with the owner, contractor and the architect on April 26, 2002. The revised plans were submitted on May 6, 2002.

2. The Plaza at Buffalo Grove

Big Apple Bagel: Construction has commenced.

3. Strathmore Square

Heavenly Massage: The fire protection drawings have been approved. A final ceiling inspection is scheduled for May 20, 2002, then a final inspection for the certificate of occupancy will be scheduled.

4. Plaza Verde East

Market Max Realty: A permit application was submitted on May 7, 2002. The plans are under review.

5. Cambridge Commons

Copper Mountain: 19 Dundee Rd., A permit application was submitted on May 9, 2002. A stop work order is in effect until the plans are reviewed and approved.

Lake Cook Corridor

1. Chase Plaza

Proposed Dominick's fuel center, (Lake Cook Rd/Arlington Hts. Rd): The public hearing was held on February 6. The Plan Commission voted 6 to 3 against recommending approval. Dominick's officials have requested the May 20 agenda for consideration of an ordinance by the Village Board.

McHenry Road Corridor

1. Town Center

Belmont Village: The Revised plans for this project were submitted on May 15, 2002. The contractor plans to start site work within the next two weeks.
Cosmic Zone family entertainment center: The public hearing was held on May 1 by the Plan Commission. The Commission voted 6 to 0 to recommend approval of a special use in the B-5 District. A related public hearing was held concerning Zoning Ordinance text amendments to add "family entertainment center" as a special use in the B-5 District. This hearing included modification of the current B-2 and B-4 Districts to shift "amusement and recreation" uses from "permitted use" to "special use." The Commission noted that the Village's business license regulations (Chapter 5.12) would have to be modified to accommodate the game area (30 video games) proposed for the Cosmic Zone. The petitioner requests a closing time of 2:00 AM for Friday and Saturday nights. Chapter 5.40 requires a "retail" use to close at midnight if the building is within 80 feet of a residential property line. (The building is approximately 66 feet from the Town Place townhomes.) The Commission's polling concerning closing time indicated the following preferences for weekends: midnight: 1 Commissioner; 1:00 AM: 1 Commissioner; 2:00 AM: 4 Commissioners.

2. Grove Point Plaza

Taste of Tokyo: A certificate of occupancy was issued on April 1, 2002.
Jewel: Interior work is continuing. Currently the deli area is being worked on. The Exterior work has begun.

3. Waterford Point

Werchek Office Buildings: Revised plans need to be submitted and reviewed.
Guaranty Bank: Construction has begun.

Aptakisic Road Corridor

1. Shops at Aptakisic

Teriyaki Box: A permit was issued on May 7, 2002.

Miscellaneous

1. Buffalo Grove Shoppes

Puppy World: Recently completed the rough stage of construction, they are currently doing drywall.
Smokey's: Plan review comments to the self service coffee counter were sent on April 19, 2002, there has been no response to date.
T&J Nails: A permit application was submitted on May 2, 2002. The plans are under review.

2. 701 Eastwood

Able First Aid: Waiting for contractor information and Engineering Department approval. The owner is currently interviewing general contractors for this project.

3. 333 Lexington Dr

Long Grove Confectionery The final inspections are being done in stages.

4. 1380 Abbot Court

Corporate Building Systems: Final inspection scheduled for April 10, 2002.

5. Riverwalk North
The second workshop by the Plan Commission was completed on April 17. The developer provided information concerning amendment of the FEMA flood map, site plan revisions for additional parking for the hotel and more information concerning the market demand and school impact of the proposed residential use. The Commission noted that the next workshop would focus on traffic impact, variations requested by the developer and zoning issues (particularly for the residential use). The next workshop is tentatively scheduled for June 5.

6. 1010 Johnson Dr.

Vapor Bus International: The warehouse-remodeling permit was issued on April 16, 2002.

7. 1384 Abbott Ct.

Brooks-Allen: A certificate of occupancy was issued on May 15, 2002.

8. 1120 Lake Cook Rd

Premier Eye Care: The revised plans were submitted on May 14, 2002.

9. 421 Lexington

Team Mechanical: The permit application was submitted on May 2, 2002. The plans are under review.

10. 718 Buffalo Grove Rd.

Page Comm: The permit application was submitted on May 1, 2002. Plans are under review.

PUBLIC BUILDING CONSTRUCTION

Golf learning center dome
The public hearing was held by the Plan Commission on May 1. The Commission voted 6 to 1 to recommend approval of the amendment to the special use to allow 242 activity days in the facility and to allow the dome to remain in place year-round. The Fire Department recommends that the facility be closed for four consecutive months, and the Park District indicates that this condition can be met.

Arboretum Facilities

Troy Shannon verified that everything was satisfactory for public safety requirements.
The Phase I parking lot is operational.
All under slab plumbing has been completed.
Forms for the basement walls are near completion on top of the footings.
The mason contractors will likely be ready to mobilize before the end of June.
The landscapers continue planning.
Paint will soon be applied to the overhead doors, however warm weather is required for proper curing of the paint application.
Based on site access and control issues, it was determined that the construction entrance area will be maintained until the end of the primary golf season but removed before winter sets in.

Raupp Memorial Museum
Currently in the final stage of construction.

Public Service Center
1. Material Storage Bins

The floor slabs have been poured and the forms have been removed.
The steel structure has been erected and spot welding continues.

2. Building

The under slab plumbing and electric conduit is completed.
Connection to the existing sanitary sewer is completed waiting for concrete to close the slab in the existing garage.
Concrete contractor is leveling the gravel and placing wire mesh to ready the floor slab for concrete.

3. Site

Curbs in the yard have been poured and the forms have been removed.
Forming for the curbs around the building will be completed May 15, 2002.
Work continues on the South Gate.

TRANSPORTATION/TRAFFIC
Shuttle Service

The new shuttle service is planned to start on June 10, 2002. The service will stop at Vance Publishing and Hewitt buildings in the Lincolnshire office park and Siemens and Morgan Stanley Dean Witter (MSDW) buildings in Buffalo Grove. The buses will link these sites in the morning and evening to the Deerfield Metra station. Please note the schedule is a work in progress and may be modified in terms of timed stops at the various corporate buildings.

The companies participating in supporting the service are holding informational meetings for their employees prior to June 10, 2002. Pace and Metra will visit the respective companies on assigned dates to explain the new service. The on-site employee meetings will run between 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM.

MANAGEMENT ISSUES
General

1. Heavenly Massage Grand Opening
Subject to a final inspection and certificate of occupancy, Heavenly Massage is planning their grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony on Saturday, June 29, 2002 from 3:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. The ribbon cutting will be held at 3:00 p.m. The business is located at Strathmore Square, NWC of Arlington Heights Road and Dundee Road. Mini-massages will be offered free of charge as part of the grand opening festivities; refreshments will also be served.

2. Smokey' Coffee Sales
The Village received an application from Smokey's located at the Buffalo Grove Shoppes, requesting a permit to allow coffee sales. No customer seating will be permitted in the business. No other stores sell coffee in the Shoppes or would operate during the same time frame. Permission has been granted for a 10' counter and coffee sales subject to a 6 month probationary period. The primary purpose of the probationary period is to determine if the increased use will negatively impact traffic patterns and parking availability.

Personnel

1. Written Exams for Firefighters
The Board of Fire and Police Commissioners will be conducting the written examination for Firefighter/Paramedic on Saturday, May 18, 2002 at BGHS.

2. MIS Analyst Position
The MIS and Human Resource Directors continue to work together in interviewing for the position of MIS Analyst/Programmer. Ron Shaw will be leaving the Village at the end of May.

3. Fire Inspection Position
The Deputy Fire Marshal and the Human Resources Director continue to recruit for the position of Fire Inspector. The position has been vacant since Bernard Arends left in March 2002.

Communication

1. Arboretum Commercial
June 3, 2002 has been confirmed for filming of the Arboretum Club for an AT&T commercial with a June 4th or 5th date set for actual in-studio production. The commercial may include aerial shots from a helicopter. June through August, voice over will focus 75-percent on the course, 25-percent on the clubhouse. October through November those numbers will reverse. Camera shots will focus on holes 4, 7, 8, 11 and 16.
Points to be covered in the ad may include:

100 different variety of trees
A New Spin on A Classic Course
If You Haven't Played Here Recently, Then You Haven't Played Here
Premier Golf Destination in the Northwest Suburbs
Golf Digest Gives the Arboretum 3 ½ stars
Great Dick Nugent-Designed Course at a Great Price

2. 1-800 Phone Number for Cable
Mr. Cavallaro reports that AT&T plans to institute a toll free number before June 1, 2002. It will be the same toll-free number everywhere. This is for marketing purposes so that all marketing materials have the same phone number.

Fire Department

1. Farewell to Fire Chief Thomas C. Allenspach
Members of the Buffalo Grove Fire Department, the Village of Buffalo Grove and friends and colleagues wished a fond farewell to Fire Chief Thomas C. Allenspach on Thursday May 16, 2002. Chief Allenspach retiref after 13 years of service to the Village of Buffalo Grove. During his tenure the Village and the Fire Department experienced an extraordinarily large amount of growth. Chief Allenspach was honored with a final salute upon his departure on Thursday. The members of the department and Village alike will miss him and wish he and Mary the best as they move into the next phase of their lives together.

2. Fire Department Promotions
Chief Tim Sashko announced the promotions of the following personnel as the changing of the staff of the department takes place in relation to Chief Allenspach's retirement.

Captain Dan Pearson will assume the position of Deputy Chief of Support Services
Lieutenant Larry Swieca will assume the position of Battalion Chief of the EMS/Administrative Division
Lieutenant Brian Barna will assume the position of Shift Commander/Battalion Chief of the Gold Shift

Each of these positions is appointed from the office of the Fire Chief based on testing and performance criteria that the candidates were rated on.

Firefighter/Paramedic William Wagner will be promoted to Lieutenant William Wagner
Firefighter/Paramedic Doug Postma will be promoted to Lieutenant Doug Postma

Each of these positions is based on the candidate's position on the promotional eligibility roster, which is under the direction of the Board of Fire and Police Commissioners. The promotional ceremonies will take place on Tuesday May 28th at 7:00 p.m. at the Fire Department Headquarters.

3. Metra Train Disaster Drill
Buffalo Grove Fire Department will be participating in a Metra Train Disaster Drill being coordinated by the Wheeling Fire Department on Saturday May 18th. Over 20 departments will cover staging, trauma assessment, transportation and related tactical needs as it relates to a commuter train accident.

Police

1. Annual Citizen Survey
Responses to the police department's Annual Citizen Survey are still trickling in. As of today's date, the Police Department has received 816 responses, which is the greatest number of response ever received.

2. Crime Prevention/Community Relations Unit starts foot patrol
The Crime Prevention/Community Relations Unit will be starting a "foot patrol" on Thursday, May 23, 2002 from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. Corporals Heer and Haisley will be walking in various neighborhoods, parks, etc., every Thursday evening throughout the summer.

3. Citizen's Police Academy
The 10th session of the police department's Citizen Police Academy will be graduating on Tuesday, May 28, 2002.

4. Senior's "Mini Law Enforcement Academy"
The Buffalo Grove Park District and the Crime Prevention/Community Relations Unit will be conducting a Senior Citizen "Mini Law Enforcement Academy," which will begin on June 18, 2002 at the Alcott Center. The academy is 6 weeks long and will be held on Tuesday mornings from 9:30 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. All classes will be at the Alcott Center.

5. The Bike Rodeo
The Buffalo Grove Police Department is sponsoring a Bike Rodeo at the Busch Grove Skate Park, 1000 N. Buffalo Grove Road, on Saturday, May 18, 2002 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. (Rain Date: Saturday, June 1, 2002) This is a bicycle skills course designed by the Illinois Secretary of State's office that takes approximately 15 minutes to complete. There will also be free give-a-ways for rodeo participants. Children can go through the course at any time during the day and stay to watch others participate, or return at 3:30 p.m. for the awards presentations. The final give-a-way for a new bicycle will also be conducted at 3:30 p.m.

6. Buckle Up Buffalo Grove Week
In recognition of Buckle Up Buffalo Grove week, motorists are reminded that buckling their safety belt is the most effective measure they can take to protect themselves in a crash and urges them to make it a habit during Buckle Up Buffalo Grove week, May 20 - 27, 2002. Buffalo Grove Police Officers will be stepping up enforcement of seat belt and child safety seat violations during this week. This is in conjunction with the latest National Operation ABC Mobilization: America Buckles Up Children and the "Click It or Ticket" program.

7. Buffalo Grove Police Department Special Traffic Enforcement Program (S.T.E.P)
The Buffalo Grove Police Department's Traffic Unit will be conducting special traffic enforcement in several areas throughout the Village from May 20-24 2002. The goal of this program is to increase the safety on area roadways by educating the motoring public of unsafe driving practices and violations of traffic laws. The police department will identify areas where violations such as: speeding, speeding in school zones, disobeying red lights or traffic crashes repeatedly occur.