This page presents historical perspective on the Village of Wilmette’s Neighborhood Storage Project, a stormwater improvement project that began construction in April 2020. This project has been called the largest infrastructure project in Village history. Reports, presented below in reverse chronological order, were compiled from League of Women Voters of Wilmette Observer Reports between March 2018 and April 2020. Information on the League’s 2014 study on Stormwater Improvements can also be found on this page. Following the commencement of construction on Phase 1 on April 6, 2020, we shifted stormwater coverage to our regular Observer Reports of village governments involved in the project. The Village also posts updates on the Village of Wilmette Stormwater Improvement Project web page and the project team’s website. You may also subscribe here to receive Village of Wilmette e-newsletters on the project.
background
On April 6, 2020, the Village began construction on Phase 1 of what the Village has called its largest infrastructure project in history: The Neighborhood Storage Project. The Neighborhood Storage Project (sometimes called the Westside Neighborhood Storage Project) is a stormwater improvement project to address overland flooding issues west of Ridge Road. This multi-year, multi-phase project calls for underground stormwater storage reservoirs at three Wilmette Park District parks and additional storm sewers. Phase 1 construction in 2020 was at and around Community Playfields; Phase 2 is planned for 2021 and will be at and around Hibbard Park; Phase 3 is planned for 2022 and will be at and around Thornwood Park. Phase 1 also involved Wilmette Public School District property at Highcrest Middle School for construction access and a storm sewer.
The Village Board made the decision to pursue the Neighborhood Storage Project on April 17, 2018, following five years of study and a public education campaign. That decision kicked off almost two additional years of engineering design and planning, preliminary Phase 1A sewer work, financial planning, implementation of a new stormwater utility fee, intergovernmental cooperation with the Wilmette Park District and Wilmette Public School District 39, contract negotiations and approvals, community engagement and much other work to get to the point where Phase 1 construction could start on April 6, 2020. The Village Board Trustees met remotely as a Committee-of-the-Whole on March 31, 2020, in the midst of the COVID-19 crisis, and, by consensus, gave direction to staff to continue with Phase 1 as planned, after a presentation from staff and much questioning by, and discussion among, Trustees.
Because the Village of Wilmette, the Wilmette Park District and Wilmette Public School District 39 are three separate governmental entities, intergovernmental cooperation and legal arrangements (e.g., intergovernmental agreements and easements) setting forth the terms of the Village’s use of Park District and District 39 property were necessary for the project to be implemented. The terms of such legal arrangements were approved by the Village Board, the Park Board and the District 39 Board of Education on March 9 and 10, 2020.
We expect further actions from the Village Board on this multi-year, multi-phase project, including approval of bond issuances, refinement/adjustment of the stormwater utility fees, adoption of a stormwater utility fee credit program, and Phase 2 and 3 engineering design and construction contract approvals. We may also see action from the Park Board on whether to implement related improvements in the affected parks, as contemplated by the Park District’s Intergovernmental Agreement with the Village. Please continue to consult our Observer Reports and the Village of Wilmette stormwater page for up-to-date information.
The Village Board made the decision to pursue the Neighborhood Storage Project on April 17, 2018, following five years of study and a public education campaign. That decision kicked off almost two additional years of engineering design and planning, preliminary Phase 1A sewer work, financial planning, implementation of a new stormwater utility fee, intergovernmental cooperation with the Wilmette Park District and Wilmette Public School District 39, contract negotiations and approvals, community engagement and much other work to get to the point where Phase 1 construction could start on April 6, 2020. The Village Board Trustees met remotely as a Committee-of-the-Whole on March 31, 2020, in the midst of the COVID-19 crisis, and, by consensus, gave direction to staff to continue with Phase 1 as planned, after a presentation from staff and much questioning by, and discussion among, Trustees.
Because the Village of Wilmette, the Wilmette Park District and Wilmette Public School District 39 are three separate governmental entities, intergovernmental cooperation and legal arrangements (e.g., intergovernmental agreements and easements) setting forth the terms of the Village’s use of Park District and District 39 property were necessary for the project to be implemented. The terms of such legal arrangements were approved by the Village Board, the Park Board and the District 39 Board of Education on March 9 and 10, 2020.
We expect further actions from the Village Board on this multi-year, multi-phase project, including approval of bond issuances, refinement/adjustment of the stormwater utility fees, adoption of a stormwater utility fee credit program, and Phase 2 and 3 engineering design and construction contract approvals. We may also see action from the Park Board on whether to implement related improvements in the affected parks, as contemplated by the Park District’s Intergovernmental Agreement with the Village. Please continue to consult our Observer Reports and the Village of Wilmette stormwater page for up-to-date information.
previous Developments in reverse chronological order
March 10, 2020: The Village Board at its regular meeting approved the following agreements:
March 9, 2020: At a special meeting of the Board of Education for Wilmette Public Schools D. 39, the D. 39 BoE approved the Intergovernmental Agreements between the Village and D. 39, discussed above. See VB meeting packet information above for the agreements.
March 9, 2020: After a 2-½ hour discussion at its regular meeting, the Board of Park Commissioners for the Wilmette Park District approved the proposed Intergovernmental Agreement between the Village and the Park District. See VB meeting packet information above for that agreement. Click here to see the video of the discussion from the meeting, starting at minute 1:22.
- $12.75M Phase 1 Construction Contract with Berger Excavating Contractors, Inc (Berger). The contract amount increased from what was presented at the Feb. 25 VB meeting to cover additional drainage ($250K) as negotiated with the Park District, an early completion bonus ($75K) and a 2.5% contingency ($311K). The approved contract includes additional storm sewers for the “optimized” plan, some to be constructed in 2020 and some in 2021. Optimization with additional storm sewers is expected to improve the protection of vulnerable structures in a 10-year storm from 71% to 98%. Staff says that the construction of additional storm sewers over 2020 and 2021 eliminates the possibility of constructing Hunter Rd. and Washington Ave. storm sewers while school is in session.
- $1.2M contract with Christopher B. Burke Engineering Ltd. (“CBBEL”) for Phase 1 construction oversight services.
- Easement Agreement between the Village and private homeowners to allow a storm sewer connection through a driveway at 2432 Meadow for compensation of $180K.
- Intergovernmental Agreement between the Village and Wilmette Public School District 39 (D.39) for a temporary easement to allow construction access through the Highcrest Middle School (HMS) parking lot to the Community Playfield construction site.
- Intergovernmental Agreement between the Village and D. 39 for a permanent easement to allow a storm sewer at HMS.
- Intergovernmental Agreement between the Village the Wilmette Park District setting for the terms for the construction, operation and maintenance of underground storm water reservoirs and other ancillary improvements at Community Playfields (2020), Hibbard Park (2021) and Thornwood Park (2022).
March 9, 2020: At a special meeting of the Board of Education for Wilmette Public Schools D. 39, the D. 39 BoE approved the Intergovernmental Agreements between the Village and D. 39, discussed above. See VB meeting packet information above for the agreements.
March 9, 2020: After a 2-½ hour discussion at its regular meeting, the Board of Park Commissioners for the Wilmette Park District approved the proposed Intergovernmental Agreement between the Village and the Park District. See VB meeting packet information above for that agreement. Click here to see the video of the discussion from the meeting, starting at minute 1:22.
Village Board Hears Update on Stormwater Project; District 39 BoE Discusses Intergovernmental Agreement
February 25, 2020: The Village Board at its regular meeting received an update from staff and heard public comment on the Neighborhood Stormwater Project. The update included staff recommendations on actions to be taken at the VB’s March 10 meeting. Staff recommends the VB to take the actions on March 10 so construction on Phase 1 at Community Playfields can begin in early April 2020. Expected voting items on March 10, according to the February 25 presentation:
Staff also presented an updated budget on the project, which now stands at $65.3M for the overall project, assuming optimization. To see the February 25 project update from the Village website, click here. To see the February 25, 2020, meeting packet information with more detail on the voting items discussed above, click here. Village Staff also announced an Open House on the Neighborhood Storage Project Phase 1 construction at Community Playfields for March 19, 2020, 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm, Public Works Facility, 711 Laramie Ave. For video of the project update, public comment and response to public comment from that meeting, click here and view minutes 9:33 to 53:00.
February 24, 2020: The Board of Education for Wilmette Public Schools D. 39 reviewed and discussed the proposed Intergovernmental Agreements between the Village and D. 39, discussed above, at its regular meeting, but tabled votes on the agreements until a special meeting it will have at the same time as its March 9 committee-of-the-whole meeting. That BoE meeting review and discussion came after BoE members directed the administration to seek four revisions to an earlier draft agreement at their committee-of-the-whole meeting on February 10. D.39 Supt. Cremascoli at the BoE meeting noted that the new agreements address those requested revisions, and identified the requested revisions as: 1) separating what was then one intergovernmental agreement involving both easements into two separate agreements, one for the temporary easement and one for the permanent easement; 2) including language regarding a process in which D. 39 is protected from any unforeseen expenses due to the project if things go wrong, asking specifically for a mediation process; 3) providing a clear description of the background check requirements for flaggers who will help to ensure safe passage for students at specific points; and 4) consideration of mutually agreed upon improvements to the Highcrest north parking lot during the reconstruction phase. To see February 24 meeting packet information on the agreements, click here and here. To view video of the February 24 BoE discussion on the agreements, click here, and view minutes 37:24 to 59:40.
February 11, 2020: The Village Board received an update on the Neighborhood Storage Project as it stood then, and also heard a staff presentation and public comment on and discussed potential Stormwater Fee Credits for non-residential and multi-family properties. Stormwater Fee Credit decision points to be made include: 1) whether to offer a detention credit for Metropolitan Water Reclamation District compliant properties (MWRD Credit) and, if so, the amount of that credit; 2) whether to offer a credit for properties owned by 501(c)(3) organizations and used for institutional purposes (501(c)(3)/Institutional Use credit) and, if so, the amount of that credit; and 3) whether to have a maximum credit for entities that may be eligible for both the MWRD credit and the 501(c)(3)/Institutional Use Credit. Trustees had a number of questions for staff that arose during the discussion of the credits. We understand that the credit program may be voted on at the March 10 VB meeting. See here for Stormwater Fee Credit materials from the February 11 meeting packet. To see video from that meeting on the potential Stormwater Fee Credits, click here and watch from hour 1:26:33 until hour 3:30:10.
February 9, 2020: The Board of Park Commissioners for the Wilmette Park District discussed the proposed Intergovernmental Agreement between the Village and the Park District at its regular meeting, and identified some concerns with the plans for Community Playfields. The concerns identified centered around making sure the Community Playfields remain playable after the reservoir tanks are installed there and that drainage at the fields is improved. We understand the Village and Park District engineers have since been addressing these concerns and we expect to hear how these concerns have been addressed at the next Park Board meeting on March 9, when the Park Board is expected to vote on the agreement. Click here and here to see packet information from that meeting related to that agreement. Click here to view video of that Park Board meeting discussion, starting at minute 22:17.
Village Board to Hear Update on Stormwater Project and Consider Stormwater Fee Credits for Non-Single Family Residential Properties
Feb. 11, 2020: In anticipation of major Village Board votes on the Neighborhood Stormwater Project at its February 25, 2020, meeting, Village staff will update the VB on the project at its February 11, 2020, meeting. See HERE for an excerpt from the February 11 VB meeting packet on the stormwater project update.
Also at the February 11 VB meeting, Village staff will give a presentation for VB discussion on potential credits to consider for non-residential and multi-family properties to use against the new Village stormwater fee imposed on properties in the Village. The Municipal Services Committee of the Village Board has met three times on this subject, most recently on January 28. The VB is to consider two potential credits for these properties: 1) up to a 50% credit for properties that comply with Metropolitan Water Reclamation District watershed management ordinances and 2) up to a 50% credit for properties that meet both 501(c)(3) ownership and institutional use requirements. A potential cap in total credits for any property is also to be discussed. At its January 28 meeting, the Municipal Services Committee informally agreed to recommend a cap on total credits, and informally agreed to advance the two potential credits for discussion by the whole VB. The 501(c)(3)/Institutional Use credit in particular generated much discussion among committee members on January 28 and comment from the public at that meeting and prior meetings. Some of the arguments in favor of the credit include concerns about non-profit organizations being able to shoulder the cost of the stormwater fee and noting the benefit of having these organizations in Wilmette. Some of the arguments against the credit include that this potential credit has nothing to do with the impact of these properties on the stormwater system, that credits should be used to incentivize less impact on the stormwater system, and concern about justifying a hardship exception for this one group (non-profits) and not for others. To see information from February 11’s meeting packet on these credits, click HERE.
February 25, 2020: The Village Board at its regular meeting received an update from staff and heard public comment on the Neighborhood Stormwater Project. The update included staff recommendations on actions to be taken at the VB’s March 10 meeting. Staff recommends the VB to take the actions on March 10 so construction on Phase 1 at Community Playfields can begin in early April 2020. Expected voting items on March 10, according to the February 25 presentation:
- $12.1M Phase 1 Construction Contract with Berger Excavating Contractors, Inc (Berger). As part of the construction contract approval, the VB will vote on whether to include additional storm sewers for the “optimized” plan and, if optimized, whether to construct the additional storm sewers all in 2020 or some in 2020 and some in 2021. Optimization with additional storm sewers is expected to improve the protection of vulnerable structures in a 10-year storm from 71% to 98%. Staff says that the construction of additional storm sewers over 2020 and 2021 eliminates the possibility of constructing Hunter Rd. and Washington Ave. storm sewers while school is in session. Staff recommends the VB accept the lowest Phase 1 bid with optimized storm sewers constructed over 2020 and 2021 from Berger for $12.1M. The lowest Phase 1 bid without optimization was $9M from Joel Kennedy Construction (JKC). The lowest Phase 1 bid with optimization and construction of the additional storm sewers all in 2020 was $12M from JKC.
- $1.2M contract with Christopher B. Burke Engineering Ltd. (“CBBEL”) for Phase 1 construction oversight services.
- Easement Agreement between the Village and private homeowners to allow a storm sewer connection through a driveway at 2432 Meadow for compensation of $180K.
- Intergovernmental Agreement between the Village and Wilmette Public School District 39 (D.39) for a temporary easement to allow construction access through the Highcrest Middle School (HMS) parking lot to the Community Playfield construction site.
- Intergovernmental Agreement between the Village and D. 39 for a permanent easement to allow a storm sewer at HMS.
- Intergovernmental Agreement between the Village the the Wilmette Park District setting for the terms for the construction, operation and maintenance of underground storm water reservoirs and other ancillary improvements at Community Playfields (2020), Hibbard Park (2021) and Thornwood Park (2022).
Staff also presented an updated budget on the project, which now stands at $65.3M for the overall project, assuming optimization. To see the February 25 project update from the Village website, click here. To see the February 25, 2020, meeting packet information with more detail on the voting items discussed above, click here. Village Staff also announced an Open House on the Neighborhood Storage Project Phase 1 construction at Community Playfields for March 19, 2020, 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm, Public Works Facility, 711 Laramie Ave. For video of the project update, public comment and response to public comment from that meeting, click here and view minutes 9:33 to 53:00.
February 24, 2020: The Board of Education for Wilmette Public Schools D. 39 reviewed and discussed the proposed Intergovernmental Agreements between the Village and D. 39, discussed above, at its regular meeting, but tabled votes on the agreements until a special meeting it will have at the same time as its March 9 committee-of-the-whole meeting. That BoE meeting review and discussion came after BoE members directed the administration to seek four revisions to an earlier draft agreement at their committee-of-the-whole meeting on February 10. D.39 Supt. Cremascoli at the BoE meeting noted that the new agreements address those requested revisions, and identified the requested revisions as: 1) separating what was then one intergovernmental agreement involving both easements into two separate agreements, one for the temporary easement and one for the permanent easement; 2) including language regarding a process in which D. 39 is protected from any unforeseen expenses due to the project if things go wrong, asking specifically for a mediation process; 3) providing a clear description of the background check requirements for flaggers who will help to ensure safe passage for students at specific points; and 4) consideration of mutually agreed upon improvements to the Highcrest north parking lot during the reconstruction phase. To see February 24 meeting packet information on the agreements, click here and here. To view video of the February 24 BoE discussion on the agreements, click here, and view minutes 37:24 to 59:40.
February 11, 2020: The Village Board received an update on the Neighborhood Storage Project as it stood then, and also heard a staff presentation and public comment on and discussed potential Stormwater Fee Credits for non-residential and multi-family properties. Stormwater Fee Credit decision points to be made include: 1) whether to offer a detention credit for Metropolitan Water Reclamation District compliant properties (MWRD Credit) and, if so, the amount of that credit; 2) whether to offer a credit for properties owned by 501(c)(3) organizations and used for institutional purposes (501(c)(3)/Institutional Use credit) and, if so, the amount of that credit; and 3) whether to have a maximum credit for entities that may be eligible for both the MWRD credit and the 501(c)(3)/Institutional Use Credit. Trustees had a number of questions for staff that arose during the discussion of the credits. We understand that the credit program may be voted on at the March 10 VB meeting. See here for Stormwater Fee Credit materials from the February 11 meeting packet. To see video from that meeting on the potential Stormwater Fee Credits, click here and watch from hour 1:26:33 until hour 3:30:10.
February 9, 2020: The Board of Park Commissioners for the Wilmette Park District discussed the proposed Intergovernmental Agreement between the Village and the Park District at its regular meeting, and identified some concerns with the plans for Community Playfields. The concerns identified centered around making sure the Community Playfields remain playable after the reservoir tanks are installed there and that drainage at the fields is improved. We understand the Village and Park District engineers have since been addressing these concerns and we expect to hear how these concerns have been addressed at the next Park Board meeting on March 9, when the Park Board is expected to vote on the agreement. Click here and here to see packet information from that meeting related to that agreement. Click here to view video of that Park Board meeting discussion, starting at minute 22:17.
Village Board to Hear Update on Stormwater Project and Consider Stormwater Fee Credits for Non-Single Family Residential Properties
Feb. 11, 2020: In anticipation of major Village Board votes on the Neighborhood Stormwater Project at its February 25, 2020, meeting, Village staff will update the VB on the project at its February 11, 2020, meeting. See HERE for an excerpt from the February 11 VB meeting packet on the stormwater project update.
Also at the February 11 VB meeting, Village staff will give a presentation for VB discussion on potential credits to consider for non-residential and multi-family properties to use against the new Village stormwater fee imposed on properties in the Village. The Municipal Services Committee of the Village Board has met three times on this subject, most recently on January 28. The VB is to consider two potential credits for these properties: 1) up to a 50% credit for properties that comply with Metropolitan Water Reclamation District watershed management ordinances and 2) up to a 50% credit for properties that meet both 501(c)(3) ownership and institutional use requirements. A potential cap in total credits for any property is also to be discussed. At its January 28 meeting, the Municipal Services Committee informally agreed to recommend a cap on total credits, and informally agreed to advance the two potential credits for discussion by the whole VB. The 501(c)(3)/Institutional Use credit in particular generated much discussion among committee members on January 28 and comment from the public at that meeting and prior meetings. Some of the arguments in favor of the credit include concerns about non-profit organizations being able to shoulder the cost of the stormwater fee and noting the benefit of having these organizations in Wilmette. Some of the arguments against the credit include that this potential credit has nothing to do with the impact of these properties on the stormwater system, that credits should be used to incentivize less impact on the stormwater system, and concern about justifying a hardship exception for this one group (non-profits) and not for others. To see information from February 11’s meeting packet on these credits, click HERE.
D39 Board of Ed Approves Memo of Understanding with Village
Dec 16, 2019: The Wilmette Public School District 39 Board of Education (BoE) at its regular meeting on December 16, 2019, approved an MoU with the Village committing the parties to work toward the development and finalization of an Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) to provide for easements sought by the Village as well as the ongoing full and safe operations of the school district. See here for the memorandum in the BoE meeting packet from Supt. Cremascoli supporting approval of the MoU and the text of the MoU. The memorandum in the packet indicates that the IGA will be considered for approval on February 24, 2020, or as soon as mutually agreeable terms may be reached. The easements sought by the Village from District 39 are a permanent easement for a stormwater sewer and a temporary easement for access to Community Playfield for construction and for restoration of District 39 property, both at Highcrest Middle School. Village construction at Community Playfield is expected to start April 2020.
December 10, 2019, Developments:
Village Board Adopts Ordinance Creating New Stormwater Utility Fee Starting January 1, 2020, and Resolution Delaying Collection for Commercial, Institutional and Multi-Family Residential Properties
At its December 10, 2019, meeting, the Village Board unanimously adopted an ordinance to put in place a new Stormwater Utility Fee starting January 1, 2020, which is expected to fund debt service expected to be issued to fund the Neighborhood Storage Project. The meeting packet information on the ordinance explains how the Stormwater Utility Fee structure will be based on impervious surface and how its implementation had been recommended partly because of the correlation between a property’s impervious surface and its impact on the storm sewer system. The meeting packet contained the following table detailing the rate structure that will be in place for single family residential parcels for 2020:
December 10, 2019, Developments:
Village Board Adopts Ordinance Creating New Stormwater Utility Fee Starting January 1, 2020, and Resolution Delaying Collection for Commercial, Institutional and Multi-Family Residential Properties
At its December 10, 2019, meeting, the Village Board unanimously adopted an ordinance to put in place a new Stormwater Utility Fee starting January 1, 2020, which is expected to fund debt service expected to be issued to fund the Neighborhood Storage Project. The meeting packet information on the ordinance explains how the Stormwater Utility Fee structure will be based on impervious surface and how its implementation had been recommended partly because of the correlation between a property’s impervious surface and its impact on the storm sewer system. The meeting packet contained the following table detailing the rate structure that will be in place for single family residential parcels for 2020:
Tier 1 |
Impervious Surface Sq. Ft. |
ERU Billed |
Fixed Fee |
Total Cost |
1 |
Less than 3000 sq. ft. |
.75 |
$40 |
$118 |
2 |
3000-4300 sq. ft. |
1.00 |
$40 |
$144 |
3 |
greater than 4300 sq. ft. |
1.40 |
$40 |
$186 |
The meeting packet information also noted that for non-single family residential parcels (i.e., multi-family parcels and commercial and institutional parcels), fees will also be based on impervious surface, but there will be no tier structure. Non-single family residential properties will be billed based on the amount of Equivalent Runoff Units (ERUs) of impervious surface. Each ERU is 3590 sq. ft. of impervious surface. The packet information indicates that the rates are expected to increase each year as additional debt is issued to complete the project and debt service increases, with the final rate increase expected to occur in 2026. No information is given in the packet about what the final rate level is expected to get to by 2026, though in a September 23 Village Board Committee-of-the-Whole meeting packet the preliminary annual rates for 2026 and beyond were slightly more than 3 times more than preliminary rates listed in that packet for 2020. See here for that Sept. 23 CoW packet. We understand that ultimate fee costs in years beyond 2020 will depend on project and debt service costs that have not yet been set. The ordinance provides that the Stormwater Utility Fee will be billed in equal quarterly installments on a common statement with charges for water usage, sewer user usage, the Solid Waste Collection Fee and the Water Meter Fee. Government-owned properties are exempt from the Stormwater Utility Fee.
At the same December 10 meeting, the Village Board passed a resolution delaying the start of collection of the 2020 fee for non-single family residential parcels (i.e., multi-family parcels and commercial and institutional parcels) to April 2020. That delay in collection will not reduce the 2020 annual fee for those parcels; the first bills to those parcels will be retroactive to January 1. The reason cited in the information packet for the delay is to consider a more extensive credits and incentive program for non-residential properties following concerns raised by non-residential properties regarding the financial impact of the Stormwater Utility Fee. See report below on the Municipal Services Committee’s consideration earlier on December 10 of an expanded credits and incentive program for non-residential properties.
To see the Stormwater Utility Fee ordinance and the resolution delaying collection for non-single family residential properties and a memorandum supporting both from the meeting packet, click here.
Village Board Approves $5.35M Contract to Pre-Purchase Pre-Cast Units for 2020 Phase 1 Neighborhood Storage Project Construction at Community Playfield
Also at its December 10, 2019, meeting, the Village Board voted unanimously to approve a contract not to exceed $5.35 million with StormTrap, LLC, Romeoville for the pre-purchase of pre-cast units for Phase 1 construction of the Neighborhood Storage Project at Community Playfield, which is expected to start April 2020. At its November 26, 2019, meeting, the Village Board had voted to waive the competitive bid process for the purpose of negotiating a contract with StormTrap for the pre-purchase of these pre-cast units, as described below. A memorandum in the December 10 meeting packet from Village engineering staff states that one of the most important design considerations for the project is the type of underground vault system to be utilized and that engineering consultants evaluated in depth 7 different detention systems and ultimately recommended StormTrap’s. Click here to see that memorandum, which includes more detail about why StormTrap’s vault system was recommended and the advantages for pre-purchasing the units.
Municipal Services Committee Considers Expanding Credits and Incentives Available for Non-Residential Properties
At its December 10, 2019, meeting, the Municipal Services Committee of the Village Board considered options for a more extensive credits and incentives program to alleviate the financial impact of the new Stormwater Utility Fee on certain non-residential properties. See here for memorandum on options from the information packet from that meeting. A new potential credit under consideration is for institutional use (defined under the Zoning Code--includes, among others, educational, place of worship, social club) by a 501(c)(3) organization (the “Institutional Use/501(c)(3) Credit”). The amount of any potential Institutional Use/501(c)(3) Credit is not yet determined; the memorandum on options from the information packet gives an example of a credit equal to 5% of the Stormwater Utility Fee, but it was made clear at the meeting that that was just an example, and that any such credit could be any other percentage of the Stormwater Utility Fee (e.g., 20%, 30%, 50%). A potential Institutional Use/501(c)(3) Credit differs from some of the other potential credits and incentives in that it has no bearing on a property’s impact on the storm sewer system (in fact some property that would be eligible for this credit has significant impervious surface) and is not available to residential customers, so if adopted could end up shifting costs even more to residential properties. One committee member noted at the meeting that residential properties will already bear 70% of the Stormwater Utility Fee burden without such an Institutional Use/501(c)(3) credit. The Institutional Use/501(c)(3) Credit, according to the meeting packet memo, “could be considered in recognition that institutional uses (as listed in the VIllage’s Zoning Code) when owned by a 501(c)(3) organization, provide a valuable service to the community and are not able to pass along the costs to customers in the same way other users are able to do so.” Another new potential credit is an education credit, which would be a per student credit (e.g., $5 or $10) for schools that include stormwater education in their curriculum. Other potential credits and incentives discussed for non-residential properties involve 1) an expansion to non-residential properties of a one-time incentive program available in the first draft of the incentive for residential properties only for certain stormwater best management practices or disconnections from the system, 2) allowing credits for MWRD compliant detention retroactively (the first draft only applied to implementation of future detention), and 3) a full discharge credit for all properties that can demonstrate zero impact on the storm sewer system (no change to original draft). The drafting of the potential incentives and credits program is still in the early stages but will move fast in the first quarter of 2020, so now is the time to learn more and give public comment.
Wilmette Public School District 39 Board of Education Holds Special Meeting with Village on Phase One of Project at Community Playfield on December 2, 2019
The Wilmette Public School District 39 Board of Education (BoE) held a special meeting on December 2, 2019, for a 2+ hour discussion of the Neighborhood Storage Project’s Phase One construction at Community Playfield, which will impact Highcrest Middle School (“HMS”), and the easements sought by the Village from District 39. Village President Bielinski, Assistant Village Manager Michael Braiman, Director of Engineering Brigitte Berger-Raish and representatives from Village engineering firms Christopher B. Burke Engineering, Ltd., and Baxter & Woodman, Inc , attended to give a presentation on the project, answer questions and address concerns. Click here to see the presentation slides. Next steps: the Village hopes to have a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in place with District 39 by the end of December, as a first step toward an intergovernmental agreement. District 39 Superintendent Cremascoli advised the Village that the Village should send a draft MoU to District 39 by December 5 so BoE members can review it at their December 9 committee-of-the-whole meeting. Approval of the MoU may get on the agenda for the BoE’s December 16 board meeting.
Village Board Votes to Waive Competitive Bids to Allow Negotiations with a Specific Vendor for Pre-Purchase of Pre-Cast Concrete Units for Phase One of Project at Community Playfield at November 26, 2019, Meeting
The Village Board voted at its November 26, 2019, meeting to approve waiving competitive bids to allow staff to negotiate with a specific vendor, StormTrap, Inc, for the pre-purchase of pre-cast concrete units for Phase 1 of the Neighborhood Storage Project at Community Playfield. The normalized system cost estimate with contingency for the StormTrap system is $9.8M. To see the meeting packet information on this action item, including information on all the vendors considered, click here.
Municipal Services Committee of Village Board Considers Stormwater Credit and Incentive Program at November 19 Meeting, to Discuss Further at its December 10 Meeting
The Village Board’s Municipal Services Committee (the “MSC”) reviewed a draft incentives and credits program manual prepared by Village staff at its November 19, 2019, meeting. According to the Village’s unofficial summary of that meeting: “There were numerous religious institutions and not-for-profit organizations that attended the meeting and expressed concern with the stormwater fee and lack of options to reduce fees. Staff was directed to revisit the opportunity for non-residential credits, specifically a credit for MWRD compliant detention that was installed in conjunction with development permits.” The MSC is expected to continue discussions on this program at its next meeting: December 10, 2019, 8 am. To see meeting packet material from the November 19 meeting, click here and here. To see the Village’s unofficial summary of that meeting, click here.
New Stormwater Utility Fee Ordinance Introduced at November 12 Village Board Meeting, to be Voted on at December 10 Village Board Meeting
Village Ordinance No. 2019-O-70, amending the Village Code (Chapter 26 – Sewer and Water Facilities) to provide for a new Stormwater Utility Fee, was introduced at the Village Board Meeting on November 12, 2019. This new fee is expected to raise the revenue for the potential $4M annual debt service payments that are ultimately expected to be due on debt expected to be issued to fund the Neighborhood Storage Project improvements. At the time of the November 12 meeting, it was expected that the Village Board would vote on adopting the ordinance at its November 26, 2019, meeting. That vote is now expected to take place at the Village Board meeting on December 10, 2019. To see the proposed ordinance and the memorandum from staff recommending the adoption of this ordinance, both from the November 12 meeting packet, click here. To see LWVW’s coverage of earlier VB discussions regarding development of the stormwater fee, scroll down.
Wilmette Public School District 39 Board of Education Members Hear Village Presentation on Project as it affects District 39 and Special BoE Meeting Scheduled for December 2, 2019
Village engineering staff and outside engineering consultants gave its first presentation to Wilmette Public School District 39 Board of Education (“BoE”) members on the Neighborhood Storage Project and how the project will affect District 39 at the BoE’s Facilities Committee meeting that was part of the Committee-of-the-Whole meeting on October 21, 2019. All BoE members were present at that meeting. The presentation focused on the project construction slated to begin April 2020 at Community Playfields, and how that construction will impact Highcrest Middle School. The presentation indicated that the construction is expected to last from April to November 2020. The presentation also indicated that the Village is seeking a temporary easement from District 39 for 2020 construction purposes, as well as a permanent easement for a 36” sewer pipe at Highcrest. The presentation noted that detailed plans for construction at the other two parks will be developed in the coming years and Village staff will arrange meetings as necessary to discuss construction impacts, including at Harper Elementary School. See here for a copy of the presentation material from the October 21 meeting. BoE members expressed at the meeting that they still had more questions and concerns, and that another meeting would be scheduled. Next Step: A Board of Education meeting on the project as it affects District 39 is now scheduled for December 2, 2019, 7 pm, at Highcrest Middle School. Village representatives are expected to be at that meeting.
Village Board Moves Closer to the Adoption of a Stormwater Utility Fee Starting January 1, 2020, at its September 23, 2019, Committee-of-the-Whole (COW) Meeting and Reaches Consensus on Four Major Policy Issues Related to the Stormwater Utility Fee
The Village Board Trustees at their COW on September 23, 2019, spent two hours hearing from, questioning and discussing a presentation from an outside consultant on a potential stormwater utility fee to fund the Neighborhood Storage Project. At that meeting, the Trustees reached consensus on four major policy issues related to implementing such a fee, moving closer to implementation of the fee. The timeline set forth at that COW for implementation of the storm water utility fee calls for 1) the introduction of the rate ordinance at the October 22, 2019, VB meeting, 2) the adoption of the rate ordinance at the November 12, 2019, VB meeting and 3) the fee’s being effective starting January 1, 2020. The four major policy decisions reached by consensus were:
Click here to see the presentation from the outside consultant that was in the information packet for the COW meeting. Click here to see a video of the COW meeting.
The Village expects to do a public education on the rollout of the stormwater fee this fall. In that regard, Wilmette residents should watch for mailings from the Village and for a dedicated page on the new fee on the Village’s website.
Village Board Approves $4.99M contract with DiMateo Brothers for Phase 1A of the Neighborhood Storage Project at its September 10, 2019, Meeting and Announces Open House on Phase 1A for September 19, 2019.
The Village Board approved, as part of its consent agenda, a contract, in an amount not to exceed $4,989,192, with DiMateo Brothers, Inc., Elk Grove Village, for Phase 1A of the Neighborhood Storage Project. Phase 1A of the project involves approximately 5700 linear feet of new relief storm sewers in the Village or County right-of-way. The memorandum concerning this contract in the information packet from that meeting says that Phase 1A construction is due to take place October 2019-June 2020. To view the memorandum from the information packet for that meeting, click here.
The Village will hold an open house on Phase 1A of the Neighborhood Storage Project on September 19, 2019, between 4-6pm, at the Village of Wilmette Public Works Training Room, 711 Laramie Avenue. Click here for more information on this open house.
Park District Director Brings Park Board Up to Date on Status of Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) between the Park District and the Village at Park Board’s September 9, 2019, Meeting.
Park District Director Steve Wilson gave an update on the status of the IGA, which was largely also contained in his written report to the Park Board that was contained in the packet for that meeting:
In August, both the Board of Park Commissioners and the Board of Village Trustees
passed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). As discussed at the meeting on
August 19, 2019, this MOU is a non-binding document. The purpose of the MOU was to provide the Village some confidence that the District had settled on final design concepts for each park so they can continue the design work via the hired engineers. Now that this has taken place, the focus shifts to the Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) which we hope to have finalized and approved by each governing board by the end of 2019. Each Commissioner was asked individually to provide to me, feedback on the content of the IGA. I will then synthesize the feedback and present it back to the Board for each commissioner’s individual approval. Once that is complete, our legal counsel will draft the IGA using the West Park IGA as the base document since it is for a similar project and between the same two parties. After the draft is complete, the Village’s legal counsel will review the document and make suggested edits. Once an agreed upon draft of the IGA is complete, each board will review it, discuss, make suggested edits if needed, and ultimately, if both entities agree on the terms in the IGA, approve the document prior to the end of 2019.
At that September 9, 2019, meeting, Director Wilson further noted that he hopes Park District legal counsel will have a first draft of the IGA to Village legal representatives by mid-October.
Village Board at its August 27, 2019, Unanimously Approves Resolution Regarding Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Park District concerning Stormwater Improvements at Three Park District Parks
The Village Board unanimously voted to approve a resolution approving the terms and authorizing the execution of an MoU between the Village and the Park District concerning stormwater improvements at Community Playfield, Hibbard Park and Thornwood Park. Click HERE for a copy of the meeting packet information related to this resolution, including the language of the resolution and the MoU. Some key points from the packet:
Park Board at August 19, 2019, Meeting Unanimously Approves Resolution Regarding Amended Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Village Regarding Stormwater Reservoir Footprints at Community Playfields, Hibbard Park and Thornwood Park
At the end of a special Park Board meeting involving 45 minutes of public input and one and a half hours of Commissioner discussion, the Park Board voted to approve a resolution approving and authorizing the execution of an amended MoU. The amended MoU changed the general footprint at the Community Playfields from what the Park Board by consensus identified at its July 8 meeting (see below on that July 8 meeting). The new footprint at CPF will involve a T-shaped gravity-fed reservoir that is expected to preserve the cottonwood grove there, as well as a second tank under and replacing an existing above-ground water detention area that Commissioners hope will dry out that area and allow more playing space. The amended MoU retained the general configurations picked at the July 8 meeting for Hibbard and Thornwood. To watch the August 19 meeting, click here. The Village Board will vote on the amended MoU at its regular meeting on August 27, 2019, at 7 pm (note the change in normal meeting time). The MoU is a non-binding agreement between the Village and Park District that the Village has indicated allows it to move forward with final engineering designs and plans, thereby beginning to incur substantial costs for the project. The Village and Park District remain committed to negotiating a binding intergovernmental agreement that will set forth the specific terms and conditions governing the project, particularly the installation and operation of the reservoirs.
Park Board on August 19, 2019, to Consider and Vote on a Resolution Approving a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Park District and Village Identifying Locations/Configurations of Stormwater Reservoir at each of Community Playfields, Hibbard Park and Thornwood Park.
Click HERE to see the agenda packet for this special Park Board meeting, including correspondence from the public, the MoU, and a memorandum from Park District Director Wilson to Park Board Commissioners responding to questions asked by Commissioners and attaching various items related to this action item. All are encouraged to read this packet in its entirety to understand various issues facing the Park Board on this action item.
At the August 12, 2019, Park Board meeting the Park Board heard over an hour of public comment, mostly on the location/configuration of the stormwater reservoir at Community Playfield and its impact on cottonwood trees there, with some commentary on the location/configuration of the reservoir at Thornwood. To view the video of this meeting click here.
August 2019 Preview: The Village stated after the July 8 Park Board meeting that it expects both the Village Board and Park Board to vote on approving a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at their August meetings identifying the expected location/configuration of the stormwater reservoir at each of the following three parks: Community Playfields, Hibbard Park and Thornwood Park. The Park Board at its July 8, 2019, meeting, identified its preferred locations/configurations for the 3 parks (scroll down for our Early July 2019 report). Since then, there has been much debate in the community regarding the Park Board’s preference with respect to Community Playfields (scroll down for our report on the July 23, 2019, Village Board meeting), and further consideration of that decision by the Park Board is expected. August meeting dates are:
August 12: Regular Meeting of the Park Board
August 19: Special Meeting of the Park Board (per Village, date of vote on MoU)
August 27: Regular Meeting of the Village Board
July 23, 2019: Village Board Approves Two Contracts Related to the Neighborhood Storage Improvement Project and Hears Public Complaints about Park Board Choice for Community Playfields
At its regular meeting on July 23, 2019, the Village Board approved as part of its Consent Agenda the following two Village contracts related to the project:
Stormwater Utility Implementation Contract. A $112,695 contract with an outside consultant, Raftelis, to move forward with the Village’s potential implementation of a new stormwater utility fee to fund the expected $4 million/year debt service associated with bonds expected to be issued with respect to the Neighborhood Storage Improvement Project. If a stormwater utility fee is to be implemented, next steps listed in the meeting packet material accompanying that contract include:
Sept 23: Raftelis presentation to the Village Board on key policy considerations
Nov 12: Village Board’s Introduction of ordinance implementing a stormwater utility
Nov 26: Village Board’s adoption of ordinance implementing a stormwater utility
To view the contract and meeting packet material accompanying that contract, click here.
To view information from the June 13, 2019, Village Board Committee of the Whole Meeting Packet on potential funding methods for the project, including a potential stormwater utility fee, click on: https://www.wilmette.com/download/agendas_and_minutes/committee_of_the_whole/packets/2019/06-13-19-Village-Board-Committee-of-the-Whole-Packet-Stormwater-Funding-Methods.pdf
Supplement No. 2 to Engineering Contract in Connection with Neighborhood Storage Improvement Project: A $686,552 supplement No. 2 to the Village’s engineering contract with Christopher B. Burke Engineering Ltd, which covers engineering services with respect to a) optimization in the preliminary (30%) design and b) phase 1A sewers. Meeting packet material accompanying the contract supplement indicates that the Village hopes to go out to bid on the phase 1A sewers in July or August 2019 with an award in September 2019 and construction to start in October 2019. For background about optimization, scroll down to see our report from February 4, 2019, Village Board meeting.. The Village Board approved the Village’s original contract with CBBEL in July 2018 (see below) and a supplement no. 1 was approved in April 2019 (see below) to take into account updated water survey standards and to design alternative options for each park to minimize tree loss.
To view the contract supplement and meeting packet material accompanying that supplement, click here.
At that July 23, 2019, the Village Board also heard many comments from the public complaining about the preference for the stormwater reservoir location at Community Playfields indicated by the Park Board by consensus at its July 8, 2019, meeting (scroll down for our report on that meeting). Public comment focused on saving the grove of cottonwood trees at Community Playfields. To see these public comments, view the meeting video, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VPuo-ld_ZHA&list=PLK04eNyGOBFB9X0c6BXYILwuFfI0umYjV, minutes 9:30 to 56:42. President Bob Bielinksi, in response to these public comments, noted, among other things: “We can’t force our way onto Park District property and build something that they don’t want in a place that they don’t want it.” See same video, 1:06:10 to 1:06:16. He also said: “The decision on how the Community Playfields will be utilized in the Village of Wilmette is the Park Board’s decision.” See same video, 1:06:38 to 1:06:45. Fpr President Bielinski’s full response to these public comments, including calling a representative from Chistopher B. Burke Engineering Ltd. to the podium to address some of the public statements made, see the meeting video, 56:43 to 1:07:31.
July 2019: Wilmette Board of Park Commissioners Identifies Preferred Locations within Three Parks for Underground Stormwater Reservoirs and Village Identifies Next Steps
At its regular meeting on July 8, 2019, the Park Board by consensus identified its preferred locations and configurations for the underground stormwater reservoirs to be installed at Community Playfield, Hibbard Park and Thornwood Park. The July Board Brief email from the Park Board to those signed up for monthly Park District newsletters (sign up for monthly newsletters at https://www.wilmettepark.org/) says the following about the locations:
Thornwood Park
The Board selected the option at Thornwood Park that calls for a deeper tank than the original design to minimize the impact on landscaping in the park, locating the tank largely under the existing baseball fields. This solution would require above-ground equipment to pump stormwater out of the tank due to its depth. To see the image presented at the June meeting that illustrates the selected option, please click here.
Hibbard Park
The option selected for Hibbard Park would also install a deeper tank requiring above-ground equipment to facilitate pumping stormwater out of the tank. This option was selected as it calls for a smaller footprint, preserving space for future development, should community needs require expanded facilities. To see the image presented at the June meeting that illustrates the selected option, please click here.
Community Playfield
The consensus for Community Playfields was to install a gravity-fed reservoir that would not require above-ground equipment. The tank would be located in the southeast portion of the park near Highcrest School, and would allow for the portion of the park that is currently surface stormwater detention to be turned into usable playfields for the community. The board recognized the impact this solution would have, as it requires removal of 31 eastern cottonwood trees, and agreed that a landscape plan will be developed to plant more trees than were lost, of better quality and species. To see the image presented at the June meeting that illustrates the selected option, please click here.
On the Village website reporting on the Park Board’s identification of preferred locations, the Village also indicated next steps in the project for July and August 2019:
For the complete text of the Village’s update, see:
https://www.wilmette.com/2019/07/09/park-district-board-identifies-preferred-locations-for-stormwater-reservoirs/
At the same December 10 meeting, the Village Board passed a resolution delaying the start of collection of the 2020 fee for non-single family residential parcels (i.e., multi-family parcels and commercial and institutional parcels) to April 2020. That delay in collection will not reduce the 2020 annual fee for those parcels; the first bills to those parcels will be retroactive to January 1. The reason cited in the information packet for the delay is to consider a more extensive credits and incentive program for non-residential properties following concerns raised by non-residential properties regarding the financial impact of the Stormwater Utility Fee. See report below on the Municipal Services Committee’s consideration earlier on December 10 of an expanded credits and incentive program for non-residential properties.
To see the Stormwater Utility Fee ordinance and the resolution delaying collection for non-single family residential properties and a memorandum supporting both from the meeting packet, click here.
Village Board Approves $5.35M Contract to Pre-Purchase Pre-Cast Units for 2020 Phase 1 Neighborhood Storage Project Construction at Community Playfield
Also at its December 10, 2019, meeting, the Village Board voted unanimously to approve a contract not to exceed $5.35 million with StormTrap, LLC, Romeoville for the pre-purchase of pre-cast units for Phase 1 construction of the Neighborhood Storage Project at Community Playfield, which is expected to start April 2020. At its November 26, 2019, meeting, the Village Board had voted to waive the competitive bid process for the purpose of negotiating a contract with StormTrap for the pre-purchase of these pre-cast units, as described below. A memorandum in the December 10 meeting packet from Village engineering staff states that one of the most important design considerations for the project is the type of underground vault system to be utilized and that engineering consultants evaluated in depth 7 different detention systems and ultimately recommended StormTrap’s. Click here to see that memorandum, which includes more detail about why StormTrap’s vault system was recommended and the advantages for pre-purchasing the units.
Municipal Services Committee Considers Expanding Credits and Incentives Available for Non-Residential Properties
At its December 10, 2019, meeting, the Municipal Services Committee of the Village Board considered options for a more extensive credits and incentives program to alleviate the financial impact of the new Stormwater Utility Fee on certain non-residential properties. See here for memorandum on options from the information packet from that meeting. A new potential credit under consideration is for institutional use (defined under the Zoning Code--includes, among others, educational, place of worship, social club) by a 501(c)(3) organization (the “Institutional Use/501(c)(3) Credit”). The amount of any potential Institutional Use/501(c)(3) Credit is not yet determined; the memorandum on options from the information packet gives an example of a credit equal to 5% of the Stormwater Utility Fee, but it was made clear at the meeting that that was just an example, and that any such credit could be any other percentage of the Stormwater Utility Fee (e.g., 20%, 30%, 50%). A potential Institutional Use/501(c)(3) Credit differs from some of the other potential credits and incentives in that it has no bearing on a property’s impact on the storm sewer system (in fact some property that would be eligible for this credit has significant impervious surface) and is not available to residential customers, so if adopted could end up shifting costs even more to residential properties. One committee member noted at the meeting that residential properties will already bear 70% of the Stormwater Utility Fee burden without such an Institutional Use/501(c)(3) credit. The Institutional Use/501(c)(3) Credit, according to the meeting packet memo, “could be considered in recognition that institutional uses (as listed in the VIllage’s Zoning Code) when owned by a 501(c)(3) organization, provide a valuable service to the community and are not able to pass along the costs to customers in the same way other users are able to do so.” Another new potential credit is an education credit, which would be a per student credit (e.g., $5 or $10) for schools that include stormwater education in their curriculum. Other potential credits and incentives discussed for non-residential properties involve 1) an expansion to non-residential properties of a one-time incentive program available in the first draft of the incentive for residential properties only for certain stormwater best management practices or disconnections from the system, 2) allowing credits for MWRD compliant detention retroactively (the first draft only applied to implementation of future detention), and 3) a full discharge credit for all properties that can demonstrate zero impact on the storm sewer system (no change to original draft). The drafting of the potential incentives and credits program is still in the early stages but will move fast in the first quarter of 2020, so now is the time to learn more and give public comment.
Wilmette Public School District 39 Board of Education Holds Special Meeting with Village on Phase One of Project at Community Playfield on December 2, 2019
The Wilmette Public School District 39 Board of Education (BoE) held a special meeting on December 2, 2019, for a 2+ hour discussion of the Neighborhood Storage Project’s Phase One construction at Community Playfield, which will impact Highcrest Middle School (“HMS”), and the easements sought by the Village from District 39. Village President Bielinski, Assistant Village Manager Michael Braiman, Director of Engineering Brigitte Berger-Raish and representatives from Village engineering firms Christopher B. Burke Engineering, Ltd., and Baxter & Woodman, Inc , attended to give a presentation on the project, answer questions and address concerns. Click here to see the presentation slides. Next steps: the Village hopes to have a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in place with District 39 by the end of December, as a first step toward an intergovernmental agreement. District 39 Superintendent Cremascoli advised the Village that the Village should send a draft MoU to District 39 by December 5 so BoE members can review it at their December 9 committee-of-the-whole meeting. Approval of the MoU may get on the agenda for the BoE’s December 16 board meeting.
Village Board Votes to Waive Competitive Bids to Allow Negotiations with a Specific Vendor for Pre-Purchase of Pre-Cast Concrete Units for Phase One of Project at Community Playfield at November 26, 2019, Meeting
The Village Board voted at its November 26, 2019, meeting to approve waiving competitive bids to allow staff to negotiate with a specific vendor, StormTrap, Inc, for the pre-purchase of pre-cast concrete units for Phase 1 of the Neighborhood Storage Project at Community Playfield. The normalized system cost estimate with contingency for the StormTrap system is $9.8M. To see the meeting packet information on this action item, including information on all the vendors considered, click here.
Municipal Services Committee of Village Board Considers Stormwater Credit and Incentive Program at November 19 Meeting, to Discuss Further at its December 10 Meeting
The Village Board’s Municipal Services Committee (the “MSC”) reviewed a draft incentives and credits program manual prepared by Village staff at its November 19, 2019, meeting. According to the Village’s unofficial summary of that meeting: “There were numerous religious institutions and not-for-profit organizations that attended the meeting and expressed concern with the stormwater fee and lack of options to reduce fees. Staff was directed to revisit the opportunity for non-residential credits, specifically a credit for MWRD compliant detention that was installed in conjunction with development permits.” The MSC is expected to continue discussions on this program at its next meeting: December 10, 2019, 8 am. To see meeting packet material from the November 19 meeting, click here and here. To see the Village’s unofficial summary of that meeting, click here.
New Stormwater Utility Fee Ordinance Introduced at November 12 Village Board Meeting, to be Voted on at December 10 Village Board Meeting
Village Ordinance No. 2019-O-70, amending the Village Code (Chapter 26 – Sewer and Water Facilities) to provide for a new Stormwater Utility Fee, was introduced at the Village Board Meeting on November 12, 2019. This new fee is expected to raise the revenue for the potential $4M annual debt service payments that are ultimately expected to be due on debt expected to be issued to fund the Neighborhood Storage Project improvements. At the time of the November 12 meeting, it was expected that the Village Board would vote on adopting the ordinance at its November 26, 2019, meeting. That vote is now expected to take place at the Village Board meeting on December 10, 2019. To see the proposed ordinance and the memorandum from staff recommending the adoption of this ordinance, both from the November 12 meeting packet, click here. To see LWVW’s coverage of earlier VB discussions regarding development of the stormwater fee, scroll down.
Wilmette Public School District 39 Board of Education Members Hear Village Presentation on Project as it affects District 39 and Special BoE Meeting Scheduled for December 2, 2019
Village engineering staff and outside engineering consultants gave its first presentation to Wilmette Public School District 39 Board of Education (“BoE”) members on the Neighborhood Storage Project and how the project will affect District 39 at the BoE’s Facilities Committee meeting that was part of the Committee-of-the-Whole meeting on October 21, 2019. All BoE members were present at that meeting. The presentation focused on the project construction slated to begin April 2020 at Community Playfields, and how that construction will impact Highcrest Middle School. The presentation indicated that the construction is expected to last from April to November 2020. The presentation also indicated that the Village is seeking a temporary easement from District 39 for 2020 construction purposes, as well as a permanent easement for a 36” sewer pipe at Highcrest. The presentation noted that detailed plans for construction at the other two parks will be developed in the coming years and Village staff will arrange meetings as necessary to discuss construction impacts, including at Harper Elementary School. See here for a copy of the presentation material from the October 21 meeting. BoE members expressed at the meeting that they still had more questions and concerns, and that another meeting would be scheduled. Next Step: A Board of Education meeting on the project as it affects District 39 is now scheduled for December 2, 2019, 7 pm, at Highcrest Middle School. Village representatives are expected to be at that meeting.
Village Board Moves Closer to the Adoption of a Stormwater Utility Fee Starting January 1, 2020, at its September 23, 2019, Committee-of-the-Whole (COW) Meeting and Reaches Consensus on Four Major Policy Issues Related to the Stormwater Utility Fee
The Village Board Trustees at their COW on September 23, 2019, spent two hours hearing from, questioning and discussing a presentation from an outside consultant on a potential stormwater utility fee to fund the Neighborhood Storage Project. At that meeting, the Trustees reached consensus on four major policy issues related to implementing such a fee, moving closer to implementation of the fee. The timeline set forth at that COW for implementation of the storm water utility fee calls for 1) the introduction of the rate ordinance at the October 22, 2019, VB meeting, 2) the adoption of the rate ordinance at the November 12, 2019, VB meeting and 3) the fee’s being effective starting January 1, 2020. The four major policy decisions reached by consensus were:
- A single-family residential rate structure comprised of a fixed fee per account plus a fee dependent on which of three tiers of impervious surface area the residence falls within;
- Multi-family properties charged in the same manner as commercial properties (no tiers, pay per impervious square foot);
- A non-residential credit program (for projects above and beyond Village and MWRD requirements) and a one-time residential incentive program to be developed; and
- Exemptions from the fee for tax-capped entities (i.e., Wilmette Public School District 39, Avoca Public School District 37, Wilmette Park District, Wilmette Public Library District).
Click here to see the presentation from the outside consultant that was in the information packet for the COW meeting. Click here to see a video of the COW meeting.
The Village expects to do a public education on the rollout of the stormwater fee this fall. In that regard, Wilmette residents should watch for mailings from the Village and for a dedicated page on the new fee on the Village’s website.
Village Board Approves $4.99M contract with DiMateo Brothers for Phase 1A of the Neighborhood Storage Project at its September 10, 2019, Meeting and Announces Open House on Phase 1A for September 19, 2019.
The Village Board approved, as part of its consent agenda, a contract, in an amount not to exceed $4,989,192, with DiMateo Brothers, Inc., Elk Grove Village, for Phase 1A of the Neighborhood Storage Project. Phase 1A of the project involves approximately 5700 linear feet of new relief storm sewers in the Village or County right-of-way. The memorandum concerning this contract in the information packet from that meeting says that Phase 1A construction is due to take place October 2019-June 2020. To view the memorandum from the information packet for that meeting, click here.
The Village will hold an open house on Phase 1A of the Neighborhood Storage Project on September 19, 2019, between 4-6pm, at the Village of Wilmette Public Works Training Room, 711 Laramie Avenue. Click here for more information on this open house.
Park District Director Brings Park Board Up to Date on Status of Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) between the Park District and the Village at Park Board’s September 9, 2019, Meeting.
Park District Director Steve Wilson gave an update on the status of the IGA, which was largely also contained in his written report to the Park Board that was contained in the packet for that meeting:
In August, both the Board of Park Commissioners and the Board of Village Trustees
passed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). As discussed at the meeting on
August 19, 2019, this MOU is a non-binding document. The purpose of the MOU was to provide the Village some confidence that the District had settled on final design concepts for each park so they can continue the design work via the hired engineers. Now that this has taken place, the focus shifts to the Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) which we hope to have finalized and approved by each governing board by the end of 2019. Each Commissioner was asked individually to provide to me, feedback on the content of the IGA. I will then synthesize the feedback and present it back to the Board for each commissioner’s individual approval. Once that is complete, our legal counsel will draft the IGA using the West Park IGA as the base document since it is for a similar project and between the same two parties. After the draft is complete, the Village’s legal counsel will review the document and make suggested edits. Once an agreed upon draft of the IGA is complete, each board will review it, discuss, make suggested edits if needed, and ultimately, if both entities agree on the terms in the IGA, approve the document prior to the end of 2019.
At that September 9, 2019, meeting, Director Wilson further noted that he hopes Park District legal counsel will have a first draft of the IGA to Village legal representatives by mid-October.
Village Board at its August 27, 2019, Unanimously Approves Resolution Regarding Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Park District concerning Stormwater Improvements at Three Park District Parks
The Village Board unanimously voted to approve a resolution approving the terms and authorizing the execution of an MoU between the Village and the Park District concerning stormwater improvements at Community Playfield, Hibbard Park and Thornwood Park. Click HERE for a copy of the meeting packet information related to this resolution, including the language of the resolution and the MoU. Some key points from the packet:
- The MoU is nonbinding, though is intended to give the Village some level of assurance that it can begin to incur substantial engineering design costs based upon the agreed upon locations of the reservoirs.
- Both parties are expected to work toward a future Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) setting forth final project terms and conditions.
- Reservoir footprints are conceptual and may change during final engineering.
- Details such as the locations of pump station equipment, access roads, final restoration plan (i.e., what the parks will look like after installation) will continue to be discussed with the Park District and confirmed in a future IGA.
Park Board at August 19, 2019, Meeting Unanimously Approves Resolution Regarding Amended Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Village Regarding Stormwater Reservoir Footprints at Community Playfields, Hibbard Park and Thornwood Park
At the end of a special Park Board meeting involving 45 minutes of public input and one and a half hours of Commissioner discussion, the Park Board voted to approve a resolution approving and authorizing the execution of an amended MoU. The amended MoU changed the general footprint at the Community Playfields from what the Park Board by consensus identified at its July 8 meeting (see below on that July 8 meeting). The new footprint at CPF will involve a T-shaped gravity-fed reservoir that is expected to preserve the cottonwood grove there, as well as a second tank under and replacing an existing above-ground water detention area that Commissioners hope will dry out that area and allow more playing space. The amended MoU retained the general configurations picked at the July 8 meeting for Hibbard and Thornwood. To watch the August 19 meeting, click here. The Village Board will vote on the amended MoU at its regular meeting on August 27, 2019, at 7 pm (note the change in normal meeting time). The MoU is a non-binding agreement between the Village and Park District that the Village has indicated allows it to move forward with final engineering designs and plans, thereby beginning to incur substantial costs for the project. The Village and Park District remain committed to negotiating a binding intergovernmental agreement that will set forth the specific terms and conditions governing the project, particularly the installation and operation of the reservoirs.
Park Board on August 19, 2019, to Consider and Vote on a Resolution Approving a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Park District and Village Identifying Locations/Configurations of Stormwater Reservoir at each of Community Playfields, Hibbard Park and Thornwood Park.
Click HERE to see the agenda packet for this special Park Board meeting, including correspondence from the public, the MoU, and a memorandum from Park District Director Wilson to Park Board Commissioners responding to questions asked by Commissioners and attaching various items related to this action item. All are encouraged to read this packet in its entirety to understand various issues facing the Park Board on this action item.
At the August 12, 2019, Park Board meeting the Park Board heard over an hour of public comment, mostly on the location/configuration of the stormwater reservoir at Community Playfield and its impact on cottonwood trees there, with some commentary on the location/configuration of the reservoir at Thornwood. To view the video of this meeting click here.
August 2019 Preview: The Village stated after the July 8 Park Board meeting that it expects both the Village Board and Park Board to vote on approving a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at their August meetings identifying the expected location/configuration of the stormwater reservoir at each of the following three parks: Community Playfields, Hibbard Park and Thornwood Park. The Park Board at its July 8, 2019, meeting, identified its preferred locations/configurations for the 3 parks (scroll down for our Early July 2019 report). Since then, there has been much debate in the community regarding the Park Board’s preference with respect to Community Playfields (scroll down for our report on the July 23, 2019, Village Board meeting), and further consideration of that decision by the Park Board is expected. August meeting dates are:
August 12: Regular Meeting of the Park Board
August 19: Special Meeting of the Park Board (per Village, date of vote on MoU)
August 27: Regular Meeting of the Village Board
July 23, 2019: Village Board Approves Two Contracts Related to the Neighborhood Storage Improvement Project and Hears Public Complaints about Park Board Choice for Community Playfields
At its regular meeting on July 23, 2019, the Village Board approved as part of its Consent Agenda the following two Village contracts related to the project:
Stormwater Utility Implementation Contract. A $112,695 contract with an outside consultant, Raftelis, to move forward with the Village’s potential implementation of a new stormwater utility fee to fund the expected $4 million/year debt service associated with bonds expected to be issued with respect to the Neighborhood Storage Improvement Project. If a stormwater utility fee is to be implemented, next steps listed in the meeting packet material accompanying that contract include:
Sept 23: Raftelis presentation to the Village Board on key policy considerations
Nov 12: Village Board’s Introduction of ordinance implementing a stormwater utility
Nov 26: Village Board’s adoption of ordinance implementing a stormwater utility
To view the contract and meeting packet material accompanying that contract, click here.
To view information from the June 13, 2019, Village Board Committee of the Whole Meeting Packet on potential funding methods for the project, including a potential stormwater utility fee, click on: https://www.wilmette.com/download/agendas_and_minutes/committee_of_the_whole/packets/2019/06-13-19-Village-Board-Committee-of-the-Whole-Packet-Stormwater-Funding-Methods.pdf
Supplement No. 2 to Engineering Contract in Connection with Neighborhood Storage Improvement Project: A $686,552 supplement No. 2 to the Village’s engineering contract with Christopher B. Burke Engineering Ltd, which covers engineering services with respect to a) optimization in the preliminary (30%) design and b) phase 1A sewers. Meeting packet material accompanying the contract supplement indicates that the Village hopes to go out to bid on the phase 1A sewers in July or August 2019 with an award in September 2019 and construction to start in October 2019. For background about optimization, scroll down to see our report from February 4, 2019, Village Board meeting.. The Village Board approved the Village’s original contract with CBBEL in July 2018 (see below) and a supplement no. 1 was approved in April 2019 (see below) to take into account updated water survey standards and to design alternative options for each park to minimize tree loss.
To view the contract supplement and meeting packet material accompanying that supplement, click here.
At that July 23, 2019, the Village Board also heard many comments from the public complaining about the preference for the stormwater reservoir location at Community Playfields indicated by the Park Board by consensus at its July 8, 2019, meeting (scroll down for our report on that meeting). Public comment focused on saving the grove of cottonwood trees at Community Playfields. To see these public comments, view the meeting video, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VPuo-ld_ZHA&list=PLK04eNyGOBFB9X0c6BXYILwuFfI0umYjV, minutes 9:30 to 56:42. President Bob Bielinksi, in response to these public comments, noted, among other things: “We can’t force our way onto Park District property and build something that they don’t want in a place that they don’t want it.” See same video, 1:06:10 to 1:06:16. He also said: “The decision on how the Community Playfields will be utilized in the Village of Wilmette is the Park Board’s decision.” See same video, 1:06:38 to 1:06:45. Fpr President Bielinski’s full response to these public comments, including calling a representative from Chistopher B. Burke Engineering Ltd. to the podium to address some of the public statements made, see the meeting video, 56:43 to 1:07:31.
July 2019: Wilmette Board of Park Commissioners Identifies Preferred Locations within Three Parks for Underground Stormwater Reservoirs and Village Identifies Next Steps
At its regular meeting on July 8, 2019, the Park Board by consensus identified its preferred locations and configurations for the underground stormwater reservoirs to be installed at Community Playfield, Hibbard Park and Thornwood Park. The July Board Brief email from the Park Board to those signed up for monthly Park District newsletters (sign up for monthly newsletters at https://www.wilmettepark.org/) says the following about the locations:
Thornwood Park
The Board selected the option at Thornwood Park that calls for a deeper tank than the original design to minimize the impact on landscaping in the park, locating the tank largely under the existing baseball fields. This solution would require above-ground equipment to pump stormwater out of the tank due to its depth. To see the image presented at the June meeting that illustrates the selected option, please click here.
Hibbard Park
The option selected for Hibbard Park would also install a deeper tank requiring above-ground equipment to facilitate pumping stormwater out of the tank. This option was selected as it calls for a smaller footprint, preserving space for future development, should community needs require expanded facilities. To see the image presented at the June meeting that illustrates the selected option, please click here.
Community Playfield
The consensus for Community Playfields was to install a gravity-fed reservoir that would not require above-ground equipment. The tank would be located in the southeast portion of the park near Highcrest School, and would allow for the portion of the park that is currently surface stormwater detention to be turned into usable playfields for the community. The board recognized the impact this solution would have, as it requires removal of 31 eastern cottonwood trees, and agreed that a landscape plan will be developed to plant more trees than were lost, of better quality and species. To see the image presented at the June meeting that illustrates the selected option, please click here.
On the Village website reporting on the Park Board’s identification of preferred locations, the Village also indicated next steps in the project for July and August 2019:
- July 23, 2019: Village Board to consider an amendment to the engineering design contract to cover costs associated with optimizing the storm sewers to provide stormwater relief to more homeowners. See update below from February 4, 2019, Village Board meeting when the Village Board heard about and supported optimizing the project to protect 98% of vulnerable homes west of Ridge Avenue in a 10-year storm, compared to the base plan protecting 71% of such vulnerable homes. Projected costs for the optimized project as of the time of that meeting were $68,2 million, compared to the base plan of $52.4 million, both in 2018 dollars.
- August 12, 2019: Park Board tentatively scheduled to consider and vote on Memorandum of Understanding concerning the location of the underground reservoirs.
- August 27, 2019: Village Board to consider and vote on Memorandum of Understanding concerning the location of underground reservoirs
For the complete text of the Village’s update, see:
https://www.wilmette.com/2019/07/09/park-district-board-identifies-preferred-locations-for-stormwater-reservoirs/
To view video of the discussion of Park Board Commissioners from the July 8, 2019, Park Board meeting, when the Park Board reached consensus on the locations of the reservoirs, see:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F_SeACRRLP0&list=PLK04eNyGOBFBDIH6sdk6_BidxtipIDwaf&index=2&t=0s.
The discussion on the stormwater project starts at minute 48:33.
The discussion on Thornwood Park starts at minute 49:07.
The discussion on Hibbard Park starts at hour 1:00.
The discussion on Community Playfields starts at hour 1:13:25.
For the excerpt relating to the reservoir location options from that Park Board meeting’s agenda packet, click HERE.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F_SeACRRLP0&list=PLK04eNyGOBFBDIH6sdk6_BidxtipIDwaf&index=2&t=0s.
The discussion on the stormwater project starts at minute 48:33.
The discussion on Thornwood Park starts at minute 49:07.
The discussion on Hibbard Park starts at hour 1:00.
The discussion on Community Playfields starts at hour 1:13:25.
For the excerpt relating to the reservoir location options from that Park Board meeting’s agenda packet, click HERE.
Wilmette Board of Park Commissioners to Hear Presentation on Feasible Underground Reservoir Locations at Three Parks at its June 10, 2019, Meeting and Village Board Committee of Whole to Discuss Stormwater Utility Fee Feasibility Study on June 13, 2019
In an update on its website, the Village of Wilmette states: “The Wilmette Park Board will continue its discussion of the Village’s stormwater improvement project at its Monday, June 10th meeting at 7:30pm in the Village Hall Council Chambers. Baxter & Woodman will make a presentation regarding the feasible underground reservoir locations at Community Playfield, Hibbard Park, and Thornwood Park followed by questions and discussion from the Park Board.”
Click below to see information material for that meeting from the Village website:
https://www.wilmette.com/village-services/stormwater-improvement-project/stormwater-improvement-project-update-june-2019/
Click below to see the Park District Director’s report on the stormwater project and the memorandum from Baxter & Woodman on vault alternative attached to that report, both from the Park Board’s information packet for its June 10, 2019 meeting:
6.10.19 Stormwater Report
The Village of Wilmette also announced in an e-news update that “The Village Board will hold a Committee of the Whole meeting on Thursday, June 13 at 7 p.m. to review the findings of the Stormwater Utility Fee Feasibility Study conducted by Raftelis. The purpose of the study is to identify methods to fund the Village's stormwater improvements, known as the Neighborhood Storage Improvement Project.” Click below to see information material for that meeting:
https://www.wilmette.com/download/agendas_and_minutes/committee_of_the_whole/packets/2019/06-13-19-Village-Board-Committee-of-the-Whole-Packet-Stormwater-Funding-Methods.pdf
Wilmette Board of Park Commissioners Holds Public Hearing and Park District Staff Holds Meeting to Get Public Input on Stormwater Project as it relates to Thornwood Park—May 2019
The Park Board held a public hearing on May 13, 2019, and Park District staff held a meeting at Thornwood Park on May 22, 2019, in each case to receive public input on the Village stormwater improvement project as it relates to Thornwood Park.
Village Board Approves Supplement to Contract with Christopher B. Burke Engineering, Ltd. (“CBBEL”) to Take into Account Updated Water Survey Standards and to Consider Alternative Layouts to Minimize Tree Loss—April 2019
The Village Board approved at its April 23, 2019, meeting a supplement to its contract with Christopher B. Burke Engineering, Ltd. (“CBBEL”) for project design to 1) take into account updated Illinois State Water Survey standards, which have increased rainfall depths for a 10-year storm (the project is designed for protection against a 10-year storm) and 2) consider alternatives to configurations for underground storage at the parks to minimize tree loss. Click below for Item 3.22 from Village Board’s information packet for that meeting regarding this contract supplement:
Item 3.22 from the April 23, 2019 Board Packet
Wilmette Board of Park Commissioners Holds Public Hearing and Park District Staff Holds Meeting to Get Public Input on Stormwater Project as it relates to Hibbard Park and Community Recreation Center (“CRC”)—April 2019
The Park Board held a public hearing on April 8, 2019, and Park District staff held a meeting at Hibbard Park on April 24, 2019, in each case to receive public input on the Village stormwater improvement project as it relates to Hibbard Park and the CRC. The Park Board heard a presentation from Woodhouse Tinucci Architects and Christopher B. Burke Engineering, Ltd., on a site plan analysis at Hibbard Park that identifies potential reservoir locations at that park and also potential locations for a new CRC in the event a future Park Board decides to build a new CRC. Click below to see links on the Village website to the April 8, 2019, meeting presentation and a Hibbard Park Tree Survey and Hibbard Park Tree Map.
https://www.wilmette.com/village-services/stormwater-improvement-project/stormwater-improvement-project-update-april-2019/.
Wilmette Board of Park Commissioners Holds Public Hearing and Park District Staff Holds Meeting to Get Public Input on Stormwater Project as it relates to Community Playfields (“CPF”) and Receives Environmental Analysis and Permitting Memoranda--March and April 2019
The Park Board held a public hearing on March 11, 2019, and Park District staff held a meeting at CPF on April 3, 2019, in each case to receive public input on the Village stormwater improvement project as it relates to CPF. The Park Board also received memoranda from the Village and Christopher B. Burke Engineering, Ltd., summarizing CBBEL’s environmental analysis and permitting processes with respect to the project. Click below for a link to these memoranda:
https://www.wilmette.com/download/engineering_and_public_works/M_West-Side-Neighborhood-Storage-Project-Underground-Storage-Permitting_022519.pdf
In an update on its website, the Village of Wilmette states: “The Wilmette Park Board will continue its discussion of the Village’s stormwater improvement project at its Monday, June 10th meeting at 7:30pm in the Village Hall Council Chambers. Baxter & Woodman will make a presentation regarding the feasible underground reservoir locations at Community Playfield, Hibbard Park, and Thornwood Park followed by questions and discussion from the Park Board.”
Click below to see information material for that meeting from the Village website:
https://www.wilmette.com/village-services/stormwater-improvement-project/stormwater-improvement-project-update-june-2019/
Click below to see the Park District Director’s report on the stormwater project and the memorandum from Baxter & Woodman on vault alternative attached to that report, both from the Park Board’s information packet for its June 10, 2019 meeting:
6.10.19 Stormwater Report
The Village of Wilmette also announced in an e-news update that “The Village Board will hold a Committee of the Whole meeting on Thursday, June 13 at 7 p.m. to review the findings of the Stormwater Utility Fee Feasibility Study conducted by Raftelis. The purpose of the study is to identify methods to fund the Village's stormwater improvements, known as the Neighborhood Storage Improvement Project.” Click below to see information material for that meeting:
https://www.wilmette.com/download/agendas_and_minutes/committee_of_the_whole/packets/2019/06-13-19-Village-Board-Committee-of-the-Whole-Packet-Stormwater-Funding-Methods.pdf
Wilmette Board of Park Commissioners Holds Public Hearing and Park District Staff Holds Meeting to Get Public Input on Stormwater Project as it relates to Thornwood Park—May 2019
The Park Board held a public hearing on May 13, 2019, and Park District staff held a meeting at Thornwood Park on May 22, 2019, in each case to receive public input on the Village stormwater improvement project as it relates to Thornwood Park.
Village Board Approves Supplement to Contract with Christopher B. Burke Engineering, Ltd. (“CBBEL”) to Take into Account Updated Water Survey Standards and to Consider Alternative Layouts to Minimize Tree Loss—April 2019
The Village Board approved at its April 23, 2019, meeting a supplement to its contract with Christopher B. Burke Engineering, Ltd. (“CBBEL”) for project design to 1) take into account updated Illinois State Water Survey standards, which have increased rainfall depths for a 10-year storm (the project is designed for protection against a 10-year storm) and 2) consider alternatives to configurations for underground storage at the parks to minimize tree loss. Click below for Item 3.22 from Village Board’s information packet for that meeting regarding this contract supplement:
Item 3.22 from the April 23, 2019 Board Packet
Wilmette Board of Park Commissioners Holds Public Hearing and Park District Staff Holds Meeting to Get Public Input on Stormwater Project as it relates to Hibbard Park and Community Recreation Center (“CRC”)—April 2019
The Park Board held a public hearing on April 8, 2019, and Park District staff held a meeting at Hibbard Park on April 24, 2019, in each case to receive public input on the Village stormwater improvement project as it relates to Hibbard Park and the CRC. The Park Board heard a presentation from Woodhouse Tinucci Architects and Christopher B. Burke Engineering, Ltd., on a site plan analysis at Hibbard Park that identifies potential reservoir locations at that park and also potential locations for a new CRC in the event a future Park Board decides to build a new CRC. Click below to see links on the Village website to the April 8, 2019, meeting presentation and a Hibbard Park Tree Survey and Hibbard Park Tree Map.
https://www.wilmette.com/village-services/stormwater-improvement-project/stormwater-improvement-project-update-april-2019/.
Wilmette Board of Park Commissioners Holds Public Hearing and Park District Staff Holds Meeting to Get Public Input on Stormwater Project as it relates to Community Playfields (“CPF”) and Receives Environmental Analysis and Permitting Memoranda--March and April 2019
The Park Board held a public hearing on March 11, 2019, and Park District staff held a meeting at CPF on April 3, 2019, in each case to receive public input on the Village stormwater improvement project as it relates to CPF. The Park Board also received memoranda from the Village and Christopher B. Burke Engineering, Ltd., summarizing CBBEL’s environmental analysis and permitting processes with respect to the project. Click below for a link to these memoranda:
https://www.wilmette.com/download/engineering_and_public_works/M_West-Side-Neighborhood-Storage-Project-Underground-Storage-Permitting_022519.pdf
Park District Announces Public Input Meetings on Village Stormwater Project - Early 2019
The Park District is soliciting input from the public on the impact of the Village Stormwater Project on three parks. For a schedule of six public input sessions during March through May, 2019, please click HERE.
The Park District is soliciting input from the public on the impact of the Village Stormwater Project on three parks. For a schedule of six public input sessions during March through May, 2019, please click HERE.
Village Board Selects Community Playfield over Centennial Park and Supports Optimization of Project—February 4, 2019
At a meeting of the Village Board on February 4, 2019, the Village Board heard a presentation from Christopher B. Burke Engineering, Ltd. (“CBBEL”), on 1) the choice between Community Playfield and Centennial Park as one of the locations for an underground storage reservoir and 2) optimizing the project to protect more homes than originally expected in the base plan scenario from April 2018. At that February 4, 2019, meeting, the Village Board selected Community Playfield over Centennial Park and supported optimizing the project to protect 98% of vulnerable homes west of Ridge Avenue in a 10-year storm, compared to the base plan protecting 71% of such vulnerable homes. Projected costs for the optimized project total $68.2 million, compared to the base plan of $52.4 million, both in 2018 dollars and both using Community Playfield over Centennial Park. Optimizing the project will result in larger underground storage reservoirs and additional storm sewers. Next steps were noted in the CBBEL presentation: 1) continue discussions with Park District, 2) proceed with 30% design, and 3) target fall 2019 bid for Phase 1A sewers. Click on link below to see the CBBEL presentation:
https://www.wilmette.com/download/engineering_and_public_works/Wilmette-West-Side-Neighborhood-Storage_CommvsCent_Optimization_COW02042019.pdf
LWV-Wilmette Public Statements to Park Board on its Consideration of Village Stormwater Project—September and December 2018
At a meeting of the Village Board on February 4, 2019, the Village Board heard a presentation from Christopher B. Burke Engineering, Ltd. (“CBBEL”), on 1) the choice between Community Playfield and Centennial Park as one of the locations for an underground storage reservoir and 2) optimizing the project to protect more homes than originally expected in the base plan scenario from April 2018. At that February 4, 2019, meeting, the Village Board selected Community Playfield over Centennial Park and supported optimizing the project to protect 98% of vulnerable homes west of Ridge Avenue in a 10-year storm, compared to the base plan protecting 71% of such vulnerable homes. Projected costs for the optimized project total $68.2 million, compared to the base plan of $52.4 million, both in 2018 dollars and both using Community Playfield over Centennial Park. Optimizing the project will result in larger underground storage reservoirs and additional storm sewers. Next steps were noted in the CBBEL presentation: 1) continue discussions with Park District, 2) proceed with 30% design, and 3) target fall 2019 bid for Phase 1A sewers. Click on link below to see the CBBEL presentation:
https://www.wilmette.com/download/engineering_and_public_works/Wilmette-West-Side-Neighborhood-Storage_CommvsCent_Optimization_COW02042019.pdf
LWV-Wilmette Public Statements to Park Board on its Consideration of Village Stormwater Project—September and December 2018
The LWV-Wilmette has submitted two public statements regrading the Park District's consideration of the Village Stormwater Project. Those public statements can be found here:
Public Comment at Park Board Meeting on September 12, 2018
Email to Park Board Commissioners on December 8, 2018
Public Comment at Park Board Meeting on September 12, 2018
Email to Park Board Commissioners on December 8, 2018
Wilmette Board of Park Commissioners Holds Committee-of-Whole Meeting on Village Stormwater Project—November 2018
The Park Board held a committee-of-the-whole meeting on November 19, 2018, to discuss the Village’s stormwater project. Click below to see Park District Director Wilson’s memorandum to the Park Commissioners regarding the project that was contained in the information packet for that meeting.
https://documentcloud.adobe.com/link/track?uri=urn%3Aaaid%3Ascds%3AUS%3A97c5f365-5bc2-45bf-be56-b1b414276620
At this meeting, Park Commissioners heard a presentation on the choice between Community Playfield and Centennial. Park Commissioners all indicated a preference for Community Playfield. Click on the link below to see the PowerPoint presentation made to the Park Commissioners at this meeting:
https://www.wilmette.com/download/purchasing/bids_and_rfps/closed_bids/west_side_neighborhood_storage_project/Wilmette-West-Side-Neighborhood-Storage_CommunityvsCentennial_PD11192018.pdf
Village Board Approves Contracts for Preliminary Engineering and Design Services Associated with the Stormwater Project and for a Stormwater Funding Feasibility Study—July 2018
At its July 24 regular meeting, the Village Board approved a contract with Christopher B. Burke Engineering, Ltd., to provide engineering and design services associated with the stormwater improvement project for an amount not to exceed $1,102,582. The contract includes preliminary engineering (30% design) for all three storage facilities as well as design and bidding services with respect to the first phase of the project. The Village Board also approved at this meeting a contract with Raftelis to provide a stormwater feasibility study in an amount not to exceed $72,093. Click on the link below for information from the meeting packet (items 3.12 and 3.13) with respect to these contracts.
Items 3.12 and 3.13 from 7/24/2018
Wilmette Board of Park Commissioners Holds Committee-of-Whole Meeting on Village Stormwater Project—November 2018
The Park Board held a committee-of-the-whole meeting on November 19, 2018, to discuss the Village’s stormwater project. Click below to see Park District Director Wilson’s memorandum to the Park Commissioners regarding the project that was contained in the information packet for that meeting.
https://documentcloud.adobe.com/link/track?uri=urn%3Aaaid%3Ascds%3AUS%3A97c5f365-5bc2-45bf-be56-b1b414276620
At this meeting, Park Commissioners heard a presentation on the choice between Community Playfield and Centennial. Park Commissioners all indicated a preference for Community Playfield. Click on the link below to see the PowerPoint presentation made to the Park Commissioners at this meeting:
https://www.wilmette.com/download/purchasing/bids_and_rfps/closed_bids/west_side_neighborhood_storage_project/Wilmette-West-Side-Neighborhood-Storage_CommunityvsCentennial_PD11192018.pdf
Village Board Approves Contracts for Preliminary Engineering and Design Services Associated with the Stormwater Project and for a Stormwater Funding Feasibility Study—July 2018
At its July 24 regular meeting, the Village Board approved a contract with Christopher B. Burke Engineering, Ltd., to provide engineering and design services associated with the stormwater improvement project for an amount not to exceed $1,102,582. The contract includes preliminary engineering (30% design) for all three storage facilities as well as design and bidding services with respect to the first phase of the project. The Village Board also approved at this meeting a contract with Raftelis to provide a stormwater feasibility study in an amount not to exceed $72,093. Click on the link below for information from the meeting packet (items 3.12 and 3.13) with respect to these contracts.
Items 3.12 and 3.13 from 7/24/2018
Stormwater Decision Made - April 2018
Following five years of study, and an intensive public education campaign, the Wilmette Board of Trustees voted Tuesday, April 17, 2018 to pursue a stormwater improvement project to address flooding issues for residents who live west of Ridge Road. Click HERE to see the complete Observer Report of the board meeting.
Ultimately, the majority of the Board of Trustees voted to proceed with Neighborhood Storage improvements at an estimated cost of $48-55 million. While this was the most affordable option under consideration, it was also the option that could be completed in the shortest amount of time thereby providing more immediate flood relief to many Wilmette homeowners.
As part of this determination, the Village Board added three cost-effective components to the stormwater improvement plan which include:
The Village's goal is to be ready to commence work on the first neighborhood storage project at Community Playfield or Centennial Park by fall 2019.
The Village thanks the hundreds of residents who participated in the ongoing discussion about stormwater management over the years and, more importantly, in recent months, as the Board and staff worked to identify the most cost-effective solution.
Residents can find a more detailed description of the "Neighborhood Storage" solution at www.wilmettestormwater.com/potential-improvements.
Proposal details, many related resources and feedback portals can be found on the Village's Stormwater Action Plan website at https://www.wilmette.com/village-services/stormwater-management/ ; https://www.wilmettestormwater.com/path-to-a-decision
Ultimately, the majority of the Board of Trustees voted to proceed with Neighborhood Storage improvements at an estimated cost of $48-55 million. While this was the most affordable option under consideration, it was also the option that could be completed in the shortest amount of time thereby providing more immediate flood relief to many Wilmette homeowners.
As part of this determination, the Village Board added three cost-effective components to the stormwater improvement plan which include:
- A commitment to green infrastructure
- Upsizing of two relief sewers to provide flexibility to and options for potential future sewer expansion
- A commitment to study the effectiveness of the improvements upon completion and identify additional projects as appropriate
The Village's goal is to be ready to commence work on the first neighborhood storage project at Community Playfield or Centennial Park by fall 2019.
The Village thanks the hundreds of residents who participated in the ongoing discussion about stormwater management over the years and, more importantly, in recent months, as the Board and staff worked to identify the most cost-effective solution.
Residents can find a more detailed description of the "Neighborhood Storage" solution at www.wilmettestormwater.com/potential-improvements.
Proposal details, many related resources and feedback portals can be found on the Village's Stormwater Action Plan website at https://www.wilmette.com/village-services/stormwater-management/ ; https://www.wilmettestormwater.com/path-to-a-decision
Village Stormwater Action Plan Update - March 2018
As the Village of Wilmette nears the end of a multi-year study of stormwater improvement planning, the Village Board is considering three options to mitigate stormwater issues in Wilmette neighborhoods west of Ridge Avenue. On March 13th, 4-7 pm at Village Hall, the Village is hosting the second of two Open Houses to answer resident questions.
On April 17th at 7:00 pm, , the Village Board will hold a special meeting to vote on the final plan. Proposal details, many related resources and feedback portals can be found on the Village's Stormwater Action Plan website at https://www.wilmette.com/village-services/stormwater-management/ ; https://www.wilmettestormwater.com/path-to-a-decision
https://www.wilmettestormwater.com/provide-feeback
Members, please inform yourselves on this issue: review the information, attend the Open House, and understand how your home, your street, and your water bill may be affected. Please encourage your neighbors to educate themselves.
As the Village of Wilmette nears the end of a multi-year study of stormwater improvement planning, the Village Board is considering three options to mitigate stormwater issues in Wilmette neighborhoods west of Ridge Avenue. On March 13th, 4-7 pm at Village Hall, the Village is hosting the second of two Open Houses to answer resident questions.
On April 17th at 7:00 pm, , the Village Board will hold a special meeting to vote on the final plan. Proposal details, many related resources and feedback portals can be found on the Village's Stormwater Action Plan website at https://www.wilmette.com/village-services/stormwater-management/ ; https://www.wilmettestormwater.com/path-to-a-decision
https://www.wilmettestormwater.com/provide-feeback
Members, please inform yourselves on this issue: review the information, attend the Open House, and understand how your home, your street, and your water bill may be affected. Please encourage your neighbors to educate themselves.
Stormwater Management in Wilmette - Earlier History
October 20, 2016 Village Board Discussion
The Wilmette Village Board has been meeting to discuss Village-wide capital improvements including streets, facilities and sewers.
In October the Board met as a Committee of the Whole to discuss the proposed $77 million storm water project. They reached a consensus to include funding in the 2017 Budget for a value engineering study. The study will validate the results of the recommended project and to determine if there are lower cost alternatives. Results of this new study are expected in spring of 2017. Additional public meetings will be held at that time to determine whether or not to proceed with the project.
The Wilmette Village Board has been meeting to discuss Village-wide capital improvements including streets, facilities and sewers.
In October the Board met as a Committee of the Whole to discuss the proposed $77 million storm water project. They reached a consensus to include funding in the 2017 Budget for a value engineering study. The study will validate the results of the recommended project and to determine if there are lower cost alternatives. Results of this new study are expected in spring of 2017. Additional public meetings will be held at that time to determine whether or not to proceed with the project.
LWV Stormwater Study Report, May 2014
The LWV Wilmette Stormwater Study grew out of the Board planning session in June, 2013. Then on June 18, Wilmette, in cooperation with other North Shore leagues, presented a community meeting on stormwater. Attendance was robust, an indication that this issue is a high priority with Village residents. The presenters included representatives of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District, the Center for Neighborhood Technology (CNT), the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, and the Illinois Coastal Management Program.
During the summer of 2013, several League members attended a field trip to the Deep Tunnel Project and met with the CNT and the Natural Resources Defense Council. These agencies shared a wealth of information and helped to give direction to the upcoming study.
By September, 2013, the League study group was formed: Joanne Aggens, Nancy Canafax, Georgia Gebhardt, Trudy Gibbs, Joel Kurzman and Lali Watt. The study group researched the topic from September-December and developed a set of consensus questions. Group members attended the Lake Michigan LWV annual meeting in Kenosha, the Winnetka Deep Tunnel community meetings and the meeting of the Northwest Municipal Conference Watershed Planning Council. Brigitte Berger, Wilmette Village engineer, met with the group numerous times to give background information and to answer questions.
On February 11, 2014, the study questions and the research related to them was presented by the study group. The program was attended by a sizable group of Wilmette League members and members from neighboring Leagues.
During the summer of 2013, several League members attended a field trip to the Deep Tunnel Project and met with the CNT and the Natural Resources Defense Council. These agencies shared a wealth of information and helped to give direction to the upcoming study.
By September, 2013, the League study group was formed: Joanne Aggens, Nancy Canafax, Georgia Gebhardt, Trudy Gibbs, Joel Kurzman and Lali Watt. The study group researched the topic from September-December and developed a set of consensus questions. Group members attended the Lake Michigan LWV annual meeting in Kenosha, the Winnetka Deep Tunnel community meetings and the meeting of the Northwest Municipal Conference Watershed Planning Council. Brigitte Berger, Wilmette Village engineer, met with the group numerous times to give background information and to answer questions.
On February 11, 2014, the study questions and the research related to them was presented by the study group. The program was attended by a sizable group of Wilmette League members and members from neighboring Leagues.
The presentation covered:
A consensus was reached to form the basis of a new position for use by the Wilmette League to advocate on matters related to Village stormwater policy.
Thanks to Dorothy Speidel recording the session. Below are the notes and CONSENSUS RESULTS.
25 people gathered for the Consensus meeting held at the Wilmette Public Library. There were a few guests but an overwhelming majority of attendees were Wilmette League members.
Georgia Gebhardt, as chairman of the Stormwater Study Committee, welcomed all and thanked the rest of the Committee members: Joanne Aggens, Nancy Canafax, Trudy Gibbs, Joel Kurzman, and Lali Watt. Questions were asked and answered during the presentations.
There were 100 pages of presentation materials. Presentation materials are available upon request.
Georgia presented:
Objectives of the Study included:
Georgia went on to discuss:
Lali Watt presented:
Nancy Canafax presented:
Intense rainfall: some neighborhoods experience backups in both systems.
Challenges in Addressing Stormwater Flooding in Wilmette:
Trudy Gibbs presented:
CONSENSUS QUESTIONS: WILMETTE STORMWATER STUDY
Gail Thomason facilitated discussion:
1. Should the Village create more incentives for property owners to execute plans to retain larger amounts of stormwater on their properties? YES
2. Should there be a sewer/stormwater fee assessed proportionate to the amount of the impervious surface of a property with a way to adjust the fee for mitigating factors (such as a rain garden or retention device)? (Now the sewer fee is based on water usage.) YES
It was suggested that property owners would have to appeal to the Village to get credit for good practices.
3. Should the Village of Wilmette set up a process (including a reporting mechanism) with neighboring villages and other governmental entities in the same watershed to seek common solutions? The purpose of this process is to seek common solutions that protect each entity's interests. YES
4. Should a Wilmette Comprehensive Stormwater Plan include target measures for success including, but not limited to, such things as a reduction in percentage of basements flooded, an increase in pervious surfaces and/or improvement in runoff water quality? YES
5. A representative cross section of property owners (including business and residential owners and flooded and non-flooded properties) should have an active involvement in every stage of the development of the Village of Wilmette Stormwater Master Plan. YES
6. Should LWV Wilmette create an Action Committee to advocate for the adopted consensus positions? YES
- An introduction to how stormwater is managed in Wilmette -- where our water goes; why stormwater has become more problematic as we experience more frequent, intense storms; and why we need to consider watersheds not just village boundaries when we talk about stormwater issues.
- A review of the regulatory codes and ordinances within our community as well as those from external entities that impact how stormwater is managed in Wilmette
- Established and emerging best practices for stormwater management, followed by a discussion of how best to plan an educational component for our findings.
A consensus was reached to form the basis of a new position for use by the Wilmette League to advocate on matters related to Village stormwater policy.
Thanks to Dorothy Speidel recording the session. Below are the notes and CONSENSUS RESULTS.
25 people gathered for the Consensus meeting held at the Wilmette Public Library. There were a few guests but an overwhelming majority of attendees were Wilmette League members.
Georgia Gebhardt, as chairman of the Stormwater Study Committee, welcomed all and thanked the rest of the Committee members: Joanne Aggens, Nancy Canafax, Trudy Gibbs, Joel Kurzman, and Lali Watt. Questions were asked and answered during the presentations.
There were 100 pages of presentation materials. Presentation materials are available upon request.
Georgia presented:
Objectives of the Study included:
- review the current status of stormwater management in Wilmette,
- to understand outside entities whose regulations impact what the Village can or cannot do,
- to review best practices, to evaluate Wilmette in the context of such practices
- to determine what needs to happen, if anything, to move Wilmette towards better practices
- to determine what the League's appropriate role is in this process.
Georgia went on to discuss:
- Stormwater flooding from intense rain events
- Stormwater is Often Highly Polluted
- Why is stormwater pollution an issue?
Lali Watt presented:
- Understanding Flooding
- Stormwater Terminology
- Runoff with Respect to Land Coverage
- Gray infrastructure (pipes, tunnels, storage areas) vs. Green infrastructure (rain gardens, porous pavers, retention basins, and bioswales).
- Ways to Increase Capacity to manage Stormwater During Intense Storms
Nancy Canafax presented:
- Problems in Wilmette (old, undersized or leaky municipal pipes)
- Stormwater Disposal Challenges
- History and Development of Sewer System of Wilmette
- Waste and Stormwater Disposal
- - East of Ridge Road + combined sewers for waste and stormwater- theoretically all treated and ultimately discharged in the Gulf of Mexico. In intense storms, however, water flows into the North Shore Channel, etc.
- - West of Ridge Road + all separate sanitary and stormwater sewers. Normal rainfall: no flooding issues but pollution in waterways
Intense rainfall: some neighborhoods experience backups in both systems.
- To Address the Problem, the Source Matters: Research has shown that in as much as 70% of defect-related inflow and infiltration of stormwater in sanitary pipes in villages like Wilmette, the source is from private connections.
- Types of Problems Identified in West Wilmette (Evaluations Made by consultants in 1988). Repairs were made by the Village and most property owners.
- Ordinances: Cook County Cook County Watershed Stormwater Ordinance will go into effect 4/1/14. This ordinance will not apply to single family homes. It promotes the integration of green infrastructure into new developments and re-development of projects of more than one acre. It is not intended to solve problems, only to prevent making the situation worse.
Challenges in Addressing Stormwater Flooding in Wilmette:
- Age of sewer system, scant funds for analysis and remediation
- Imperfect understanding of problems and solutions by property owners, municipal oversight, and regional oversight.
Trudy Gibbs presented:
- Best Practices: General Principles: Please see Presentation Materials.
- Rain Ready Approaches for Managing Stormwater Flooding (Center for Neighborhood Technology).
- Specific Best Practice Actions: Village
- Specific Best Practice Actions: Property Owners
- Best Practices + Summary for Municipalities
- Best Practices + Pollution Reduction
- Today's Problems often stem from yesterday's solutions
- Wilmette does not have a Stormwater Plan. Glenview and other area villages do. Wilmette needs to get this right.
CONSENSUS QUESTIONS: WILMETTE STORMWATER STUDY
Gail Thomason facilitated discussion:
1. Should the Village create more incentives for property owners to execute plans to retain larger amounts of stormwater on their properties? YES
2. Should there be a sewer/stormwater fee assessed proportionate to the amount of the impervious surface of a property with a way to adjust the fee for mitigating factors (such as a rain garden or retention device)? (Now the sewer fee is based on water usage.) YES
It was suggested that property owners would have to appeal to the Village to get credit for good practices.
3. Should the Village of Wilmette set up a process (including a reporting mechanism) with neighboring villages and other governmental entities in the same watershed to seek common solutions? The purpose of this process is to seek common solutions that protect each entity's interests. YES
4. Should a Wilmette Comprehensive Stormwater Plan include target measures for success including, but not limited to, such things as a reduction in percentage of basements flooded, an increase in pervious surfaces and/or improvement in runoff water quality? YES
5. A representative cross section of property owners (including business and residential owners and flooded and non-flooded properties) should have an active involvement in every stage of the development of the Village of Wilmette Stormwater Master Plan. YES
6. Should LWV Wilmette create an Action Committee to advocate for the adopted consensus positions? YES
League Activities: Stormwater Management Local Study & Follow-up
In September, 2014, the League invited Brigitte Berger, the Director of Engineering for the Village of Wilmette, to present anticipated Village stormwater improvement plans at a public meeting. See her presentation below.
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Brigitte Berger, Wilmette Director of Engineering, presenting at a League program.
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