Lisle Township

Committed to the Service of our Residents

 

LISLE TOWNSHIP

DUPAGE COUNTY, ILLINOIS

 

MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL TOWN MEETING OF APRIL 10, 2007

 

CALL TO ORDER:  Township Clerk Richard Tarulis called the Annual Meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. at the Lisle Township Road District garage, 4719 Indiana Avenue, Lisle, IL.

 

1.         Election of Moderator:  Motion by Mike Dow to nominate Mike Prueter as the Moderator of the Annual  Meeting.  Second by Sam Smith.  There were no other nominations.  Voice vote, all in favor, motion passed.

 

            Clerk Tarulis administered the Oath of Office to Mike Prueter.

 

            Motion by Chuck Clarke to set the Moderator’s salary at zero.  Second by Vito Modica.  Voice vote, all   in favor, motion passed.

 

2.            Appointment of Sergeant-at-Arms and Parliamentarian:  Mr. Prueter appointed John Trowbridge as the Sergeant at Arms, and Rick Tarulis as the Parliamentarian, for the Annual Meeting.

 

3.            Approval of April 11, 2006 Annual Town Meeting Minutes:  Motion by Terry Kalina to approve the April 11, 2006, Annual Town Meeting minutes.  Second by Doug Krause.  Voice vote, all in favor, motion passed.

 

4.         Report from Township Clerk:  Township Clerk Tarulis read the financial statements for the past fiscal year, including beginning balance, income, expenses and ending balance for each Township and Road District fund.

 

5.         Public Comments on Refuse and Recycling Programs:  Moderator Prueter noted that the vast majority of the residents in attendance were present to discuss the garbage and recycling issues, and asked for consensus to change the order of the agenda to allow public comments on these issues at this time, in order to accommodate those people.  There was no objection.  Mr. Prueter introduced Pete Boonstra and Rich Vander Molen from Allied Waste.  They described the company programs and the changes that were made this year.  In general, the program costs were going up, recycling contamination (mixed-in garbage) was increasing, and revenue was going down.  Some people were copying garbage stickers on colored paper.  The company sent out brochures, then door hangers, to advise residents of the changes.  The new program is intended to correct several problems:  cleaner recycling, less injury to drivers, less fly-dumping, and less garbage floating around the neighborhoods.

 

            Numerous residents made comments, as follows: 

 

            The advertised price of the program is $14.95*, with an asterick.  The asterick is for a fuel surcharge and environmental fee, so the price is not $14.95.

 

            The company is charging a penalty for payment by check, and calling it an admin fee.

 

            Some families do not use $14 in stickers in 6 months under the old program.

 

            Some families are using small containers, and placing an extra bag of garbage on top of the can or next to it.

 

            The Township should contract with waste haulers, including Waste Management and Crown also.  Township Supervisor Clarke noted that about 3 years ago the Township was preparing to go out to bid for garbage service, and the phone rang off the hook with people who didn’t want to change anything.

 

            The Lisle Township residents’ fuel surcharge is over 13%.  Some towns and vendors are only being charged 7 – 9%.

 

            There is a senior discount - $11.95 per month – but only the 32 gal. size can is available.

 

            The Township should contract with the cities and villages to join their programs.  Township Supervisor Clarke said that the cities and villages are not interested in joint programs with the Township.  The unincorporated areas are spread out around the Township. 

 

            Some residents never received any mailing or other notice about changes in the program.

 

            Some residents who called the company were told different answers to their questions each time they called. 

 

            The Village of Downers Grove is rebidding its sticker program.  Why can’t unincorporated areas continue to use stickers?

 

            The program cannot begin on May 1 unless all the details are worked out.

 

            The new program will be approximately 400% increase for a senior or single person who doesn’t put out much garbage.

 

            The program should be based on volume.

 

            There is not enough room for a 65 gal. can in a 1-car garage.

 

            The company should refuse to take recycling that has garbage in it.  Mr. Boonstra said then they get phone calls complaining the material wasn’t picked up, and people can easily pull the garbage out, then the company makes a special trip for one house. 

 

            Mr. Vander Molen said about 82% of the cost of the program is driving the trucks down the street, whether they pick up anything or not.  There are separate garbage and recycling trucks, which cost the same to operate.  Recycling program is not free, but is built into the garbage stickers and tote fees.

 

            Mr. Prueter thanked Mr. Boonstra and Mr. Vander Molen for attending the meeting.

6.            Discussion of New Township Building Plans:  Supervisor Clarke reported that the food pantry is out of storage space in the new building, and there is not enough room for good circulation of the people who use the food pantry, and no air-lock at the building entrance so the room can’t be kept warm in winter or cool in summer.  The Township must begin to plan for expansion or moving already.  He then described the problems with the current building that the Assessor is in, including foundation cracks, leaking roof and windows, and poor access from the parking lot.  The Township is looking at alternatives, and it seems repairing the Assessor building would be throwing good money after bad.  Mr. Clarke introduced John Smykowski from NWS Architects.  He has made a preliminary site plan and building plan, based on the information available at this time.  Mr. Smykowski showed the plans and answered questions.

 

            Mr. Torr Potterton read a letter.  He is a 40-year resident, and served on the Town Board for 16 years, retiring 2 years ago.  He noticed a story about a possible new building in the last Township newsletter, and has serious concerns and numerous questions.  The new building for the Supervisor’s staff and food pantry is only 3 years old.  The building was designed for the current use and should be adequate for more time than this.  Before demolishing the Assessor’s building, questions must be answered regarding possible expansion of the new building, future space needs, voting space needs, costs, financing, and remodeling the Assessor’s office.  He noted that the cost of a new building would be the largest Township expense in history.

 

            Supervisor Clarke noted that all plan options do not include a tax increase.  The Township was able to save up and then pay cash for the new Supervisor’s building, and has begun to save for future building needs, whichever option is chosen.

 

7.         Report from Highway Commissioner:  Highway Commissioner Dow thanked everyone for attending, and said the Highway Department was glad to host the meeting in their garage.  Mr. Dow reported that the Road District finances are in good order and on budget.  Mr. Dow also introduced the staff of the Road District, and thanked them for their hard work for the Township.

 

            A question was asked about curbs that are only 4 years old cracking.  Mr. Dow said he will check into it, he hadn’t heard.  A resident noted that since the white stripes have been painted on some roads, the traffic has speeded up.  Mr. Dow said his department cooperates with the Sheriff to set speed traps, and uses radar signs to inform drivers of their speed.

 

            Mr. Dow advised that the Road District has one surplus truck, which may be traded-in or sold.

 

8.         Report from Assessor:  Assessor John Trowbridge gave a report on the current status of his office.  The staff has been doing an excellent job.  This year is a quadrennial reassessment year, which means substantial updates to all property assessments.  Everyone is invited to call the assessor’s office if they have any questions regarding their assessment. 

 

            Property and tax information for realtors, appraisers, owners and the public is available at www.lisletownshipassessor.com 24/7.

 

            Mr. Trowbridge advised that his office also has surplus equipment, including old computers.

 

9.         Report from Township Supervisor:  Supervisor Clarke thanked everyone for attending the meeting.  The food pantry and other programs are all busy and serving more and more residents each year, including the transportation program, and senior and youth programs.

 

Mr. Clarke then thanked the staff, Highway Commissioner Dow, Assessor Trowbridge, and the Town Trustees for their good work. 

 

10.       Sale of Surplus Property:  Motion by Terry Kalina to approve a resolution to authorize the sale of the surplus property as presented.  Second by Patti Voras.  Voice vote, all in favor, motion passed.

 

11.       Public Comments from Registered Voters of Lisle Township:  Mr. Gene Olszanowski made a motion to revise the agenda to authorize an advisory referendum at the next election.   Rick Tarulis explained that under the Township Code, a 3/5 majority of the voters in attendance must approve any change in the agenda.  Moderator Prueter called for a voice vote.  The votes were approximately 20 yes, and 100 no.  Motion failed.

 

            Ms. Judith Bralewski (sp?) noted that her home does not get brush pickup because it is on a county road.  Mr. Dow said the Road District does not pickup on county roads because the traffic is heavier and faster than township roads, and it’s not safe.

 

            Moderator Prueter commended the Township officials for doing a good job.

 

12.       Set Next Annual Town Meeting Date:  Motion by Torr Potterton to set the next annual town meeting for 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, April 8, 2008, at the Township building.  Second by Doug Krause.  Voice vote, all in favor, motion passed.

 

13.            Adjourn:  Motion to adjourn by Bob Klaeren.  Second by Mike Costello.  Voice vote, all in favor, motion passed.  Meeting adjourned at approximately 8:45 p.m.

 

 

                                                                        Respectfully Submitted,

 

                                                        /s/ Richard J. Tarulis

 

                                                                        Richard J. Tarulis

                                                                        Township Clerk