THE MILLION DOLLAR MISCALCULATION

Until now local officials have downplayed planning errors at The Glen, claiming they’ve been small and should not concern taxpayers. Now in an effort to secure more money for consultants who have worked with The Glen Redevelopment Office for years, Director Don Owen is coming clean.

In a memo to the trustees proposing an additional $1.06 million for engineering consultant Montgomery, Watson, Harza, Owen says the village did not anticipate such a long construction project. At first, he writes, Glenview figured on four years of work to build roads, sewers, water, utilities and other infrastructure. Now, heading into a seventh year, Owen says Glenview still needs the engineering company’s help.

"The original agreement was based on the village’s new infrastructure at The Glen being constructed with six construction contracts," Owen writes. "At present, the village has over 50 construction contracts. . .Montgomery, Watson, Harza’s original agreement was based on an estimate of approximately 350 record drawings for the original six contracts. There will now be close to 1,000 drawings."

Owen also blames a number of unanticipated developments: an Army Corp of Engineers’ requirement that new wetlands be created to replace those that were destroyed, a soil erosion plan required by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, site coordination and parking at the new middle school, the need to devise and build a system for managing storm water at the Home Depot/Costco site north of Willow Road and changes to main roads and utilities.

Editor’s note: The logical question is who’s to blame for all these miscalculations and failures to anticipate problems? The logical answer – Montgomery, Watson, Harza and Mesirow- Stein Development Services, the company hired at a cost of nearly $75,000 a month to help plan the project. Is either being held accountable for planning errors? Apparently not. At Tuesday night’s board meeting, the trustees are expected to award MWH its $1 million extension while giving Stein $116,480 to help us figure out how the financial end of redevelopment is going and how much incentive money we’ll have to give companies looking to locate at the Prairie Glen Corporate Campus.

A reading of recent minutes from village board meetings provides a shocking lack of details. An account, for example, of the debate over whether to impose a new sales tax never mentions the amount of the proposed levy. Reference was made to former Trustee John Crawford’s testimony in opposition to what the minutes called a "retailers’ occupation tax and service occupation tax." The minutes do not, however, provide any of the specific points Crawford made, nor do they detail specific concerns raised by Trustee Mike Guinane.

At that same meeting (November 18), 10 people testified in support of retaining the historic preservation ordinance, but no details are provided. Instead, the secretary simply lists those who spoke.

Editor’s note: Was this new approach to note-taking dictated by the village manager or the village attorney? If so, we have to ask why those officials prefer less precision and detail in the public record and what our elected officials will have to say about it.

You might think that Larry Carlson, who asked the voters to entrust him with leadership of a community facing many challenging problems, would be spending his spare time learning about urban development – finding out what creative solutions have worked elsewhere, corresponding with other suburban leaders and planning experts. So it comes as some surprise to find a fellow who sounds just like our Larry spending the equivalent of nearly two days (46 hours, 48 minutes and 22 seconds) between July 2001 and March 2003 in the online chat room called Home Theater Forum. The participant describes himself as Larry Carlson, a Glenview businessman and an HVAC contractor with an interest in DVD, LD and home theater equipment. He devoted a fair amount of time chatting about electronics but also shares local concerns with his fellow forum participants. On August 22, 2002 he wrote, "So my town got 6.5 inches of rain today in 9 hours. I’d like to figure out how many gallons of water fell on a town of 13.25 square miles. Can anyone tell me how to figure this out?"

Editor’s note: Maybe the guys at Mesirow-Stein could give Larry some help with that one.

Some Glenview residents are calling it a cautionary tale. Just before Christmas, the large new library built in south suburban Mokena was forced to close for nearly two weeks to make ends meet. The Chicago Tribune wrote: "Having lost its first bid for a tax rate increase last year, the Mokena Community Library will close because of financial problems, officials said. The district, which will try again in the March 16 election for a 9-cent tax rate increase, joins New Lenox and Matteson as area libraries that closed for periods of time this year to meet their budgets. . .While the larger building costs more to operate, money initially was available due to higher yields from the steady growth in the Mokena area's assessed valuation and state grants the library was awarded. But those two revenue sources aren't growing the way they once did."

A group of citizens organized to campaign for passage of a referendum to build two new swimming pools will dive into that job on Thursday, January 8, meeting at 7:30 p.m. in the Glenview Golf Course Café. Glenview Plan Commissioner Steve Bucklin, an unsuccessful candidate for park board, and Golf resident Mike Scholl will co-chair a panel of nine people pledged to work for passage of the tax hike. If approved on March 16, the referendum would make replacement of the 63-year-old Roosevelt Pool and the 40-year-old Flick Pool possible. The public is invited to attend Thursday’s meeting.

Faced with a $1.5 million budget gap this school year, the Glenview School District 34 Board may raise fees in 2004-2005, charging a few dollars more for books, extra-curricular activities, lockers and bus fees. In addition, the price of a hot lunch would rise ten cents, and groups renting school gyms would face a $10 hourly charge, up from $2. If approved, total fees would rise $1-$21 depending on a child’s grade level. The district has also identified $470,000 worth of spending cuts according to the Glenview Announcements.

Biff Thiele sends anniversary wishes: "Congratulations on your 200th issue. What a breath of fresh air it has been this past four years. I hope all those readers out there realize that you have been producing this at your own expense. Most readers are using computers today, but I know you still are printing issues each week at your cost, not to mention the time you spend tracking down stories and editing. I'm amazed you have time for anything else. This community really owes you a debt of gratitude. Good luck in the fifth year."

The Watch replies: Thousands of people in this village also contribute time and energy on a voluntary basis to make Glenview a better place. It has been our pleasure to play a part in making village government more responsive to residents, and we look forward to the year ahead. It will be an important one as we choose a new village manager and prepare for a big election in 2005. (The village president’s job and three seats on the board will be up for grabs.)

Reaction to Glenview’s ban on holiday decorations is still coming in. Former Trustee John Crawford laid the blame on Village Attorney Jeff Randall and his boss: "This whole mess can be attributed to a vindictive village manager, his subservient village attorney and a village president who lets them do as they please. Local firemen incurred Village Manager Paul McCarthy’s wrath by forcing their request for a union all the way to an election, despite lawyer Jeff Randall’s use of every delaying tactic in the book. The pro-union firemen lost by one vote, and this year it’s payback time. McCarthy and Randall seized the chance to get even with these uppity firemen by making them take down their holiday decorations. (Randall’s opinion that permitting a menorah or Christmas decoration would lead to granting a request to display a Nazi symbol on public property is about the silliest legal opinion he has rendered.) Unfortunately the village president does not think for himself and refused to step in.  No wonder the board has rewarded McCarthy so munificently – sending him into retirement with a generous pension and bonus. I still recall what Carlson said when I protested plans to buy a pricey SUV for the manager. Larry told me that he was in favor of giving him anything he wanted. I just hope one term is enough for Larry and that he does not subject himself to further ignominy by continuing in a position for which he is not qualified and which he has in effect turned over to a vindictive village manager and a village attorney whose principal aim is to please the village manager."

Local resident BL thinks the village was right to make local firemen take a Christmas tree and Santa Claus down: "I am distressed by the implicit assumption that it is appropriate for public servants to openly celebrate their religious holidays at work. Have you ever considered that some firefighters might not be Christian or that other village employees may not be Christian? As a non-Christian, I appreciate neutrality in public buildings. That includes our schools, our Village Hall, our parks and yes, even our fire stations. Glenview is a multi-cultural city. We have Christians, Jews, Buddhists, Hindus and Muslims living in the community. We even have atheists. I appreciate my children not having to say Christian prayers before the start of their school day like I did. I also appreciate their not bringing home myriad Christmas projects that they will never use, like holiday wreaths and Santas. I don't object to white lights, icicles, snowflakes or ice sculptures as decorations in public places. They add a festive and gay touch to the season and look beautiful when there's snow, but Christmas trees, Santas and Christmas wreaths are not secular symbols and they do not belong in government buildings. People who are not Christian do not decorate their homes with trees, Santas (aka Saint Nicholas) or wreaths. People are free to celebrate their holidays where it is appropriate -- in their homes. They may decorate them to their heart's content, out in the open. No one in city government is interfering with an individual's right to do so or celebrate their religion or not as they see fit. Please focus on the important issues with our political representatives, such as how they spend our money the other 11 months of the year. Let's talk about how the village planners and representatives ruined the neighborhoods surrounding The Glen by keeping up the ugly security fencing formerly required by the Navy and parking enormous homes close to the property lines of long-time residents, and provided limited access points for the streets neighboring The Glen. Let's talk about the lack of affordable senior housing in the community. How about that ghost town known as downtown Glenview? Speaking of the fire stations, have you taken a look at the new fire station going up across the street from Wagner Farm? How much is the public spending for that huge new barn with vaulted roof and decorative lannon stone trim? You have done a thorough job of watching the proceedings of our elected officials. Let's stay with the important stuff."

But J.C. was not pleased about the ban and wrote to Village President Larry Carlson: "As a citizen of Glenview for over 23 years I have always been proud of our village, that is until the recent Glenview Road firehouse Christmas lights, tree, icicles and Santa Claus debacle. I have never been so embarrassed and disappointed in our village officials and you Mr. Carlson in particular. It was my understanding that you were elected to represent all of the citizens of Glenview not just a misguided few who have no other agenda but to spend their time looking for places to cause trouble. I fully understand the separation of church and state but I fail to see how a tree, lights and a Santa Claus can be considered a violation of church and state or the Constitution. What's next for these zealots, complaining about religious decorations in our own yards? It's about time you stood up for the majority of Glenview residents who elected you and tell the person or persons who complained that first of all a Menorah is in fact a religious symbol, but a tree, lights and a Santa Claus is not. The firefighters of the Glenview Road station risk their lives to protect our homes and lives every day. They live in the station and should be allowed to have a tree, lights and a Santa Claus if they want. If no one in the firehouse objects or is offended, why should an outside source be allowed to object? Don't these men and women deserve more from our city administration than an edict from you and a memo from the fire chief? As for the village attorney, perhaps he should spend his valuable time looking for ways to protect our spiritual freedom and less time worrying about hate groups. Over the past days since this foolish move was made public in the papers, I have spoken to many other Glenview neighbors and friends, and they share my feelings. Maybe a recall is in order if you haven't got the backbone to handle a simple public relations problem like this. I am looking forward to your comments. Since you in the past have been prone to set forth your thoughts in letter form to the general population of Glenview, now is the time for another written explanation of your actions!"

Carl Caudill of Reno, Nevada also sent word to Carlson: "It was with utter astonishment I watched the story tonight on Fox News of your community banning the fire department's Christmas lights, tree and Santa image. Unbelievable! Had someone told me just a few years ago such insanity would happen in this country, I would have called them a liar. I do not know about you or the rest of your politically-correct cronies in government, but I am an American. I served in Vietnam. I served my community for 31 years as a police officer. I raised my family and celebrated Christmas every year with all the things you now find ‘offensive’ because someone complained. A Christmas tree? Lights? Santa? Unreal! I can only imagine what you teach the youth in your values project and Character Counts programs. Probably how to meld with the rest of the commune and obey the edicts of the gulag."

Wisconsin resident John Bredican wrote: "I can’t believe the firehouse was ordered to take down its tree lights and Santa because it offended someone. What has any of these got to do with religious beliefs? I think you are going too far with this kind of thinking. What ever happened to the rights of an American citizen. What next? I hope that way of thinking never comes here. "

Glenview resident PG kept it short: "Off with their heads! Or better yet, vote the cretins out of office they so ineptly fill."

Ib Jorgensen can’t understand all the fuss: "Last time I looked, 82 percent of Glenview residents were Christian, so what is the problem? Merry Christmas Glenview Fire Department."

Debby Rubenstein, co-founder of the Wagner Farm Rescue Fund, was upset to discover a meatloaf recipe below the picture of a cow on Wagner Farm’s 2004 calendar: "Our organization was created due to the controversial decision made two years ago by the Glenview Park District to cull Bart the Bull and four other cows from Wagner Farm. Instead of merely opposing the situation, we spent an extensive amount of time and personal money not only in purchasing these animals and sending them to sanctuary but forming and maintaining this organization so that there is a humane alternative to selling animals for slaughter and supporting the modern slaughterhouse industry, which is notorious among animal welfare groups for inhumane animal treatment. Our efforts have been essential for maintaining an exemplary and humane farm environment and livestock policy which is sensitive to the contemporary farm animal rights movement and a credit to the community of Glenview. Wagner Farm Rescue Fund remains strong and firm in its commitment to the welfare of the Wagner Farm animals -_ not only in the purchase of them, but in the promotion of humane treatment and living conditions for them while they are still at Wagner Farm, which only serves to enhance a positive image of the farm. We hope a picture of a Holstein cow in conjunction with a meat loaf recipe on the 2004 Wagner Farm calendar was an oversight rather than an intent to offend, as all those who truly are interested in the overall image that the farm promotes, in both its marketing and actual practices, would recognize that it is in the best interests of all concerned to promote Wagner Farm in a manner that is sensitive to the public concerns that have already been brought to attention."

MJ is glad to see stores putting limits on the sales of air and bb guns: "My question is where are the parents? Shouldn't it ultimately be their responsibility to watch what their kids are purchasing? These guns are not cheap, unless of course, you just hand your kid money to keep him occupied and out of your hair. Hands off parenting is everywhere. I’m glad my Northbrook parents cared what I was up to. And yes, they were exceptions even 20 years ago."

John Ranz and Terry Wodder start the new year resolving to get a new library for Glenview at a reasonable price: "The library board is starring a gift horse in the mouth. Let's hope they don't blink. By simply adding on to their existing facility, like Northbrook did 5 years ago, they can save $15 million or more, roughly the cost of the 2 new pools the park district wants for Roosevelt and Flick parks. Thanks to the decision by the village board to acquire EPCO Paint & Glass, the library will have enough room to expand with a second story over covered parking. And to ring in the New Year with a bang, the village board should immediately reopen negotiations with the post office to relocate to The Glen. Three for the price of one new library. What a novel idea. Spend less for more. However, the wheel only gets greased if it squeaks. Make it your New Year's resolution to contact Mark Grant and Larry Carlson to demand that this common sense, low- cost compromise plan be implemented without delay. Last time we looked this was still a nation of the people, by the people, and for the people. So get off that easy chair, call, write, fax, or e-mail these guys, and let them know who's in charge."

YOUR TURN: Write to glenviewwatch@aol.com or 3537 Maple Leaf Drive, Glenview, IL 60025. If you haven’t already done so, please consider making a contribution to support The Watch. Non-deductible checks should be payable to Glenview Watch. Thanks for your support and for reading. Dean Schott and Sandy Hausman, Co-Editors.

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