NEW FENCING ORDINANCE OKAYED

After observing a moment of silence for 8-year-old Evan Rohrer, the Glenview boy killed while playing at an open construction site last weekend, Village Board President Nancy Firfer moved quickly to a discussion of new rules for fencing around building sites – so quickly that the author of proposed modifications, Development Director Mary Bak, was not on hand to explain them.  Bak rushed to the Board room while the Trustees waited nearly two minutes.

Her proposal, drafted with advice from the Police Chief, Village Attorney and staff, requires a six-foot chain link fence around all construction sites until the new building is approved for occupancy by the Village.  Also, builders must post "no trespassing" signs and may – in the case of large construction sites – be required to hire a licensed guard to patrol when work is not underway.

The fine for violations was raised from a minimum of $25 to $500 a day with a maximum of $1,000.  What's more, the Village can now shut down construction sites that don't comply or fence them and charge the developer.

Bak conceded enforcement would be difficult.  "We're going to do our best, but I don't think we'll be 100 percent able to enforce it unless we get a lot of help from the community."  She was asked to come back to the Board's next meeting, August 15, to discuss ways of improving enforcement.

NANCY'S HOT SEAT

Two members of the public spoke – scolding the Board for failing to enforce an existing ordinance because large developers,  like Warren James,  objected to it.  Al McAndrew urged the Trustees to take immediate action.

Roy Huffman said he had attended several Board meetings since the Trustees voted to put off enforcement at large construction sites.  He claimed to have called Bak's office half a dozen times to see what was going to be done. "I was told nothing until this terrible tragedy happened, and now it's your concern.  If you'd just enforced the ordinance and not given the big builders a break by suspending it for them for seven months, maybe this would not have happened."

Trustee Donna Pappo responded by proposing that the Board act immediately rather than waiting the usual two weeks for a second vote to approve the ordinance, but Trustee Kent Fuller felt the ordinance needed fine tuning.  "I don't think two weeks makes that much difference," he said, "and I think we should be careful."

Fuller feared that the Board might approve regulations that were not completely workable and, in so doing, create new problems, but Trustee Rachel Cook was ready to go.  She moved to change the rules so the ordinance could be approved on a first vote.  Pappo and Trustee John Crawford joined her in the effort to act quickly, but Fuller and Trustee Larry Carlson did not. 

Four votes were needed for the rule change.  Trustee John Patton was absent, and President Firfer was ready to drop the matter when Trustee John Crawford spoke up.

"I thought the Village President could vote to make it four," he said. "That's correct," said Pappo.  "I'm pretty sure."  Village Attorney Jeff Randall spent nearly two minutes checking local ordinance and concluded that Firfer should, in fact, vote.

At a meeting in June, the Board's President found herself in a similar situation – able to break a tie on whether to require fencing of large construction sites.  She had expressed doubts at that time, leading to a delay.  In coverage of Evan Rohrer's death, the Chicago Tribune made note of that.  With the Trib's Lisa Black and Channel 5 covering Tuesday's meeting, Firfer replied: "So I can vote.  Um, I'm gonna' vote yes."

GIVE THEM  AN INCH. . .

In the wake of Tuesday's vote, neigbors of Optima at Glenview and Waukegan Roads decided to measure the fence around that construction site.  Our old and new ordinances require six feet of chain link.  In some places the Optima fence is only five-foot-seven.

. . .BUT THEY CAN'T HAVE A MILE

The Village Board has approved a moratorium on construction of new homes or additions in existing neighborhoods pending approval of a new law governing those activities.  Trustee Larry Carlson proposed an exemption for individuals or families building a home where they intend to live, provided the square footage of that house is no greater than 30 percent of a lot that's less than 15,000 square feet  – no more than 25 percent of a lot that's 15,000 square feet or greater.

The Plan Commission and Zoning Board are moving toward a similar restriction but have yet to agree on the numbers.

"The usual suspects" spoke – Richard Feit on behalf of Citizens'Action for Proportionality and builder Bernie Schmidt who argued that big is good.  "I think moratoriums are an overreaction," he said.  "I don't think this is a serious thing. . .Teardowns represent a small, tiny, minute fraction of all the houses in Glenview," he said.  "I really don't see a big problem with the houses.  I live in one myself, and I enjoy that, and I see the benefit to the community by bringing more families with children, with higher incomes to the Village."  

Jim Murray, who lives on Dewes Street, urged passage of the moratorium, explaining that on narrow lots, homes built by Mr. Schmidt and others extend deep into the yard creating a "canyon effect" in the neighborhood.  "A lot of people come into this community.  They want the biggest thing they can get," he said.  "They don't care if they go back 80 feet on a lot and their neighbors have no sunlight, have no privacy in their backyard, and it's a serious issue.  If you don't impose a moratorium, you risk harm to people who have been here and are paying taxes."

Henley Street resident Mark Vogel noted Schmidt is about to build his seventh house on the block.  Vogel invited the Board to visit his backyard and observe the enormous home built next door.  "I don't know how the people will get from their garage to their backyard," he said of the narrow space between his house and the new neighbors'.

Support for the moratorium was unanimous.  After the vote, President Firfer thanked her political allies – Plan Commission Chair Tim Doron and Zoning Board Chair Ty Laurie. 

"I think we all recognize that this is not a simple problem.  It's a lot more complicated, and the more you get into it, the more complicated it can become, and I think they're doing an outstanding job of working through the issue, and I'm confident that when we have a resolution that comes back from them, it will be one that hopefully will be very workable and make a difference and will control in a way that works for the community.  We appreciate that, and I think we all want to say thank you and keep it up.  We want you to take the time to do it right."

She said nothing to dozens of citizens who did much of the research and brought all of the pressure for the ordinance that's finally taking shape.  The moratorium will apply for 60 days.

COST UNDERRUNS AT THE GLEN

Redevelopment Director Don Owen reports two more cases of significant cost savings at the Glen.  One contract for the intersection of Patriot Boulevard and West Lake was awarded at $3.2 million.  Consultants had projected that cost at $4.2 million.  In addition, Glenview will pay $281,455 to move 70,000 cubic yards of dirt to build berms along Chestnut and Patriot.   The expected cost was $500,000.

COST OVERRUNS AT THE GLEN

Glenview hired Chicago-based Mesirow Stein to help us with land sales at the Glen and is paying the company $11 million for its services, but at Tuesday's meeting, Owen proposed hiring another consultant – Northern Realty –  to help us negotiate sale of the mixed use retail center or MURC.

Owen explained that Mesirow Stein has no expertise in dealing with restaurants and movie theaters. Without proper advice, he said developers "could take us to the cleaners."

Trustee Cook said she understood the need for expertise, but questioned who should pay for it.  "We did contract with Mesirow Stein . . .We have paid for the expertise of financial advisors, and if they don't have the depth, then they should find it as part of their contract."

Trustee Pappo agreed, noting that Stein is paid incentive fees based on land sales.  If we hire Northern Realty  to help us get top dollar for the MURC, she pointed out that Stein would benefit.

Owen insisted Stein was not obliged to provide the service, and President Firfer and Trustee Fuller claimed Glenview had no idea it would be dealing with theaters and restaurants when it contracted with Stein.

The Trustees voted to approve a 90-day contract with Northern Realty but asked Village Attorney Randall to review our agreement with Mesirow Stein.

Editor's note:  The earliest plans for GNAS called for a sports, leisure and entertainment complex, someone must have realized that leisure and entertainment might involve theaters and restaurants when Mesirow Stein was hired.  We also note that Stein is in partnership with Northern Realty as developers of Deerfield Village Center, a complex that will feature retail and restaurants.

A DOUBLE DIP?

In the waning moments of Tuesday's Board meeting, Trustee Pappo put her foot down.  The Centennial Commission had billed the Village for $360 worth of books given to a group of visitors from Ireland, but Pappo pointed out that the Village paid for printing of those books.  "I have no quarrel with us giving them away.  We paid for them.  They're sitting there.  Give them away, but I don't see why we're being charged for them again."

The Chairman of the Centennial Commission, Jim Smirles, is a close politial pal to Board President Firfer who seemed rattled by the charge:   "It certainly, I, y'know,  we, we, we, y'know it's, it's not, uh the big picture, you, we certainly don't have to pay it if, y'know, we can, we can just ..."

Coming to her verbal rescue, Pappo summarized.  "If we already paid for the printing, we're paying twice for the same books."

Recovering her presidential composure, Firfer replied, "I think we ought to check on that."

ANOTHER DELAY FOR HISTORY

Firfer was expected to announce appointments to Glenview's Historic Preservation Committee – a panel established nearly two years ago,  but with her political ally, Trustee John Patton Jr., absent, Firfer pulled the subject from this week's agenda.  Observers say she feared a defeat by political opponents who may object to some nominees.  Several lack background in history, architecture or related fields.

The Preservation Committee is supposed to conduct an ongoing survey of Glenview, recommending buildings that should be designated as landmarks, nominating them for the National Register of Historic Places and advising their owners.   The ordinance specifies seven people be appointed, but critics found 10 resumes in this week's packet, raising the prospect that Firfer is rewarding her supporters before the next election in April of 2001.

FULLER DOES BATTLE FOR DEVELOPER

Trustee Fuller, a prominent member of the New Church that recently sold  wooded land in central Glenview to Ferris Homes tried, once more, to spare Ferris the full expense of lining an old sewer that will serve 14 new homes they plan to build.  The developer had argued that the Village was taking unfair advantage – getting a "windfall," since Glenview would eventually have to reline or replace the sewer using tax dollars.   Trustee Carlson dismissed that argument, saying simply, "Thank you for the windfall."  Only Fuller seemed sympathetic.  On Tuesday he proposed that Glenview split the $60,000 bill with Ferris, but no other Trustees shared his generous sentiment, and local ordinance specifies that developers pay the entire cost when it is their project that's creating the need.

THE RICH GET RICHER

Residents of one of Glenview's wealthiest subdivisions, Glen Ayre Park,  asked the Village Board to help them with the costs of new landscaping for the half-acre strip of land that serves as an entry to their neighborhood off Glenview Road.  The total for that work is $54,000.   The homeowners reportedly spend $6,000 a year to maintain the area which is public property. 

The Trustees were cool to the idea, suggesting that it would set a costly precedent, but they agreed to consider paying for a curb to protect the land. 

A TREE GROWS IN GLENVIEW

A local tree was recognized as one of  Illinois' oldest and largest in a competition sponsored by the American Public Works Association and the Municipal Foresters' association.  Glenview received a certificate naming the historic elm located in the 700-block of Wagner Road, south of Glenview Road.  The tree is believed to be more than 250 years old, and legend has it the Potawatomi Indians held their council meetings under its branches. 

The award was sent to Village President Firfer, who displayed it at Tuesday's Board meeting, but the real honor belongs to Homer and Liz Mason who have tended the elm faithfully for more than 30 years.   Before 1969,  the Masons lived across the street from the tree, but they loved it so much that they bought the home that came with it.

Over the years, they've trimmed, fertilized and sprayed the elm which is 82 feet tall and spreads 98 feet over their front lawn.  They also water it, but the Masons think it must "drink" from an underground stream since an elm that size needs 200 gallons of water a day.

When busloads of school kids arrive each year for a look at the lovely old tree, Liz goes out with a handful of index cards and gives them "a spiel."  She tells the children that this tree may have been brought by English settlers, and that it might have served as a valuable landmark for the pioneers.  She explains that when Wagner Road was built, engineers made it curve to avoid damaging the tree, and she remembers when four or five men would come and spend a day trimming the old elm.  Years later, their sons and grandsons would climb into its branches to do the same job.  She tells of tourists who come to measure the tree and explains that she planted a carpet of pachysandra around the base to prevent folks from taking  pieces of souvenir bark.

"We consider ourselves guardians and hope that whoever comes after us will treat it with respect," says Liz.  "It is a tree for all of Glenview."

READERS WRITE ABOUT EVAN ROHRER

SB: "Who lets an 8-year-old child play at a construction site?!!?  Of course, the parents will sue (and win) because it couldn't be "their" responsibility to watch their own child, fence or no fence!  I don't mean to sound callous. This was a terrible tragedy, and my heart goes out to the family and friends of the child.  Maybe, just maybe, it will take something like this to begin to make people realize "we" are responsible for our own actions or "non action" as in this case."  

Ib Jorgenson agrees: "I think we are forgetting who really is responsible for this tragedy.  The parent's did not supervise their son. Why would they let him play on a construction site at dinner time – and by himself?"

And JR took note of news coverage confirming that family members knew where Evan was: "According to the boy's  Aunt, the kids  were playing over there all the time.  End of story.  It's the parents' fault.  We can't ask government to protect us from all the the dangers in this world.   Do you know where your kids are ?  If not, why not?"     

Mrs. R blames Village Management: "Paul McCarthy is the CEO of this Village.  Our Planning Director, Mary Bak, works for him.  If she or one of her employees in the building and zoning office exempted New England Builders from erecting a fence on all sides of the construction site, there is a day of reckoning coming, and the person who should be sitting in the hot seat is Paul McCarthy."

SB says: "I have great sympathy for the parents of Evan Rohrer.  I cannot even imagine the sadness of their loss.  I wish the Trustees would spend less time talking and more time acting.  Let's not try to fix the blame, let's fix the problem so this never happens again."

AG wonders: "No matter what dollar amount or new ordinances are established,  it won't bring Evan Rohrer back, and the parents will always have that horrible loss to deal with. Maybe as time softens the pain, there can be something in remembrance of Evan – a tree planted in a park, or a park named after him."

The Watch Replies: As we reported this week, a memorial has been established at the Grove.  Two hand-made mosaics that decorate tanks in the new wetland greenhouse will honor him.  One features a clan of turtles – animals Evan loved.  If you'd like to contribute, make checks payable to the Grove, 1421 Milwaukee Avenue, Glenview, IL  60025.  For more information, call 299-6096.

On learning of Evan's fondness for the Grove, DC writes: "What a kid!!, we love the Grove too!!  To think he was so aware at the tender age of 8.   I did not understand what a gem it was until I was out of college.  We will surely contribute and say prayers for the family."

ABOUT WILDLIFE – LIVING AND DEAD

FS warns: "Regarding the idea of catching skunks, squirrels, etc. in Hav-A-Hart traps, I vaguely recall that it's illegal to release such trapped animals in nature preserves.  If true, that leaves most of us with no good options."

The Watch Replies: You're right, FS.  The county bans release of trapped animals in the Forest Preserves unless they've been certified healthy by a veterinarian.  Judy Roseman, Glenview's animal control officer, says the fine for breaking that law is steep, and life in a new place can be hard for animals who are disoriented and sometimes picked on by critters already living there.  Sadly, she recommends that a professional be called to trap and destroy animals that cause trouble.

There are, however, things you can do before resorting to that measure. Make your home less attractive to racoons, skunks and the like by sealing any holes that allow them access to a garage or attic.  Cover garbage cans tightly, and don't feed pets outside.

Roseman says most wild animals are no threat to humans.  Growing populations of foxes and coyotes in Glenview will actually help to keep the rodent population down.  You should, however, be careful with small pets.  Don't leave them outside, unattended, since coyotes may consider them lunch, and never try to feed wild animals.  "They see your hand as an extension of the food.  That's how people get bitten," says Roseman.

If you see an animal that appears to be sick or injured, you can contact Officer Judy at 729-5000, extension 3005.  You can also call that number to report road kill. 

ABOUT GLENVIEW AND THE GLEN

MH is "starting to get a little concerned that the Village of Glenview will become a suburb of the Glen.  I understand the opportunities that such a large expanse of land brings, but one of the reasons I live where I do (Dewes Street near Harlem) is the proximity of services within walking distance: library, post office, Dominick's, train and not the least of course, The Dairy Bar.  Nearly every service in the Village has or is considering moving into the Glen and closing their current locations.  If The Dairy Bar moves, I'm out of here!" 

"While the Village is trying to promote more residences in downtown Glenview, I wonder if those considering moving there know that in the not-too-distant future they will have to travel, and by car not foot, farther north to conduct much of their business.  They will, however, still have their choice of dry cleaners within walking distance.   Perhaps the land vacated by those buildings can be the protected land which seems to have been lost at the Glen."

Walter wonders:  "We took a drive through the Glen area last weekend and were surprised to see the appearance of the Kimball homes – mostly all frame, very little brick!  They almost look prefab.  I understand that most sell for over $500,000. Cambridge houses in Gurnee for $200,000 have a better appearance - - at least the front of the house is brick on all their homes."

ABOUT JON LEVERENZ'  PRAISE FOR TRUSTEE PATTON

NLD writes: "Jon must not have attended or watched the meeting where Patton acted like a 2-year-old,  bickering with a fellow Trustee and being very accusatory about an issue.   That was totally unnecessary.  From what I have seen of his egotistical comments and actions, I will do everything in my power to get him off the Board next election."

ABOUT TEARDOWNS AND MORATORIA

Zcloser answers: Aopener's claim that our zoning laws allow an enormous house on a half acre lot.  "I'll respond to Aopener, this time a little more slowly, so he/she can follow this: While current zoning may allow for a 12,000-square foot home on a half acre lot, has anyone ever seen such a home on such a lot in Glenview?  I don't think so. (Am I going too fast for you, Aopener?) 

"Let's be realistic and use a little common sense, which is obviously not so common. A moratorium of any type on teardowns or remodeling is unfair and punitive to several groups, namely architects, builders, developers, lenders, and eventually the homeowner.  In essence, this puts them out of business,  and how fair is that?  (Still with me, Aopener?)  If you want to change the types of homes that are being built, it should be done through zoning laws and strict enforcement of those laws.  If it's found that current zoning laws, or their enforcement, aren't working, then change the laws and enforce them, but don't put people out of business or hamstring them.

"A moratorium is ‘management by crisis’ –  listening only to the constant complaining of the same people over and over again (i.e. Feit, Morrison, Thiele, CAP, etc.).  Don't these people have enough going on in their lives?  They seem to spend so much of their time spouting this extremist rhetoric?

"I hope that they are happy with their moratorium ‘victory,’ but I am sure that this will come back to haunt especially Trustees Pappo and Cook.  Rather than allowing both the Zoning and Plan Commissions to complete their processes (in whatever time it took), they pushed this through,  and the other Trustees simply caved into the pressure. In my opinion, they all showed an incredible lack of leadership and vision.

"In one of the Star Trek movies, Spock sacrificed his life to save the lives of many others and with his last breath, uttered the words, ‘The needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few.’ Well, that didn't happen last night and that's unfortunate, for Henley, Dewes, and Chatham (i.e. the ‘few’) do not represent the entire Village (i.e. the ‘many').  I am sure that many will work tirelessly to make sure that, come next election, all of Glenview remembers what has happened and who is responsible.

"While this has become the era of ‘lack of accountability,’ those responsible for this irresponsible act will be accountable, somehow, someway.  The most ironic fact is that I am not a builder, architect, lender, developer, nor pending teardown person.  I'm just a simple homeowner so completely baffled, disappointed, and now embarrassed by what's been happening in Glenview this past year, as well as with who's responsible for bringing our local government down."


YOUR TURN

What's on your mind? Drop us a line by e-mail at GlenviewWatch@aol.com or the old-fashioned way. We're at 3537 Maple Leaf Drive, Glenview, IL 60025. Thanks for reading. Dean Schott and Sandy Hausman, Co-Editors of The Watch.

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