Village of Lombard Legistar System

President Mueller informed residents there was an area set up in the Community Room

with members of staff available for one on one discussion for anyone wishing to talk

about backyard flooding programs, overhead sewer programs or anyone wishing to

receive forms for filing Citizen Incident Reports.

Loy Clark 313 W. Morris, spoke about the rainstorm this past Saturday. He felt that what

happened is due to a very bad problem there. He commented that every sewer within

100 yards of his home was putting water out as high as 2 feet and that he had 12 feet of

water in his basement and 4 feet of water in his family room which Trustee Tross

witnessed. Mr. Clark stated that one Public Works employee responded. Among the

things he was told when he reported the flooding was that there were "more serious

problems than yours" and "all the people are out". He stated that 2 barricades were

brought out by Public Works after residents of the area had barricaded the streets

themselves with their vehicles. He commented that he is at the lowest point on the

street. He said that at 10:00 pm Saturday night he could not walk in the water the

current was so strong. He stated that $30,000 worth of goods had to be thrown out and

he had no flood plain insurance as that area is not in a "flood plain". He stated that he

feels the sewers are the responsibility of Lombard.

Laura Cesario 1155 S. Elizabeth stated that she has been in her home only three

months and she sustained about $20,000 worth of damage in her basement, not

including electrical estimates, furnace, carpenter and servicemaster. She commented

that she can't go in the basement, and it is costing her $459 per week to stay in a hotel.

She informed the Board that she called 911 four times during the flooding, that they

were put on a list, but no one showed up from the village to help and pump water after

help was promised. Many residents on Elizabeth suffered water damage and she

demanded answers as to who is going to pay for the hotel expenses, clean up and

repairs. She said that she feels if this happened to anyone who drives a Village truck,

they would have had their home pumped out.

Dominic D'Ambrosia, 57 W. Berkshire, stated that in 1992 when the streets and sewers

were redone, he had been told that 36 inch pipes were installed to handle water in the

sewer system. When he called the emergency number, he was told that there were over

350 complaints of not only rain water but sewage water. He stated that the water did not

recede until 6:00 am Sunday morning and Public Works came out Monday afternoon.

He commented that many sump pumps in the neighborhood are still hooked up to the

sewer system and asked what will be done about those people?

Jim Drechsel, 44 W. Berkshire, informed the Board that he has lived in his home for 24

years and his basement has flooded 3 or 4 times per year. He said that he runs three

sump pumps, one of which can pump 210 gallons per minute out of his basement. He

stated that the problem exists due to an underground stream in the north end of town

that runs under his house. He said that in 1987 when flooding occurred, Public Works

sent crews with pumps to pump water from homes. He felt that the calls to the non

emergency number did not get transferred to Public Works and policies need to be

reviewed. Public Works told him that they do not help individuals, they take care of

public areas only. When he called

Public Works at 2:30 am, he was told the crews went home and all the pumps were

those that the department used to pump water from public areas. He questioned why

the policy was changed and the Village of Lombard no longer pumps out flooded

basements. He said that he understand that flooding streets should be the first concern

of Public Works, but that homeowners also have to be assisted.

Jackie Janega, 321 W. Morris Ave. stated that she has only been in her home for four

months. She called Channel 2 news which helped her. When she called the Village

during the rainstorm, she was told to get a plumber. She was very disappointed that no

one from the Village had come out to help. She commented that she saw no Village

trucks out assisting residents, that they were all in the parking lot. She suggested that

maybe tax dollars should go towards overtime or more pumps.

Tony Janega, 321 W. Morris Ave. commented that he believed that Saturday's situation

should not have happened and that emergency policies need to be reviewed. He stated

that he had to buy 5 pallets of limestone to prevent water coming into his window well.

He feels that Lombard should have a designated sewer line that flows directly into the

DuPage River.

Tim Leahy, 317 W. Morris Ave. felt that the accessibility of public works was terrible. He

said that the village owns property behind his and he has called in the past about

standing water in that area and nothing has been done. He stated that he went to the

Police Department to get barricades and/or sand and could get no help. He spoke of the

grate at Morris Pond being open and unlocked with a cinder block holding it open. He

commented that he did not see any public works trucks until Channel 2 News and CLTV

came to the area. He said that Trustee Tross came to his assistance and offered his

help and brought two personal fans to help dry Mr. Leahy's home. Mr. Leahy said that

he was sure village pumps were never used in village workers homes.

At that point, some disparaging comments were heard from the audience, and President

Mueller cautioned the audience about making snide remarks against village workers.

Mr. Leahy commented that he has lost his wedding album and many momentos of his

and his wife's in the water damage. He also stated something must be done.

Eva Mayser 312 W. Morris Ave. informed the Board that she called Public Works and

also the non emergency number early in the afternoon around 4:00 pm before the

flooding of the street happened and she saw a public works truck pass by about 20

minutes later. At that time, she told the public works person to come and look at her

backyard. They said that they would talk to their supervisor and no one ever came back.

She felt that if something had been done before the street flooded, homes would have

been saved.

Bill Murray, who lives at 332 Ann and owns another property at 327 Morris, stated that

he has been a builder in Lombard and since 1972 has lived in Roosevelt Crest. He

commented that the sewer system does work as he has seen heavy rains in the past.

He said that there was a blockage of a utility pole 62 inches long in the sewer during this

last rainfall. He commented that the grate at Morris Pond is damaged and was propped

open. He spoke of possible recommendations to improve the draining of heavy rains.

He informed the Board that some residents have called for months with complaints of

standing water in that area due to a blockage in the sewer system.

Craig Yeoman, 303 W. Morris, said that he did not sustain any personal water damage

in his home but he has in the past, had water sitting in his yard. He stated that he hoped

to help find a solution for his neighbors.

Jose Ortiz Ariaga, 347 W. Morris, did not have too much damage at his home but his

neighbors had much damage. He had 18 inches of water in his garage and lost many

tools due to water damage. With the use of a pump for over 36 hours, he was able to

keep water out of his home.

Mohammad Razzak, 344 W. Ann St., commented that he was told by the Village that

nothing could be done on Saturday. He stated his material damage was not that high,

but that some books were damaged and may be irreplaceable. He has called the village

many times over the last 4 months regarding standing water that would not recede due

to a suspected blockage in the sewer.

President Mueller addressed the members of the Board regarding photos that were

supplied to them of some of the homes that were damaged. He told residents again of

staff being available in the Community Room to answer any questions they may have.

President Mueller agreed with residents that the flooding of Saturday should not have

happened. He stated Trustee Tross was out in the area on Sunday, Monday and

Tuesday, and he himself was assessing the area at midnight on Saturday evening.

Reports of 2-4 inches of rain were called for when in reality 6-8 inches of rain fell on

Lombard. He said that the number one goal of the Village was to get the water level

down, but water could not be pumped out of their basements because it would have

come back in. The second goal was to find out why there was a blockage, and the third

goal was to investigate financial assistance eligibility. President Mueller explained that

flood plain insurance can be issued even if the property is not in a flood plain. He went

on to say that there is a record of 86 calls coming in, not 350 as stated by residents. He

said that staff met on Monday morning and Wednesday morning with himself and

Trustee Tross. He stated it is not uncommon to move water from one village to another

as it travels through the sewer system. President Mueller was not of the opinion that the

blockage was caused by vandalism.

Trustee Soderstrom commented that the economic losses are devastating and he has

empathy for the residents affected. He was out on Saturday, Sunday, Monday and

Tuesday trying to do what he could. He came to the defense of the public works crews

as he personally saw the crews on the streets and in homes helping the residents. He

appreciates all the effort, long hours, and hard work the public works department has

given.

Trustee DeStephano stated that she would like the Board to review emergency policies

at some time in the future. She expressed her concern for residents that have been

affected by water damage.

Trustee Tross stated that he agreed with Trustee Soderstrom and public works staff was

magnificent. They worked very diligently and addressed the issues and checked for the

problem. The Fire Department also responded in a magnificent way as well as the

Police Department handling non emergency calls that came in. He did comment that he

noticed the stress on employees and he feels back up support for personnel during this

sort of a situation is needed. Trustee Tross is concerned about assistance for

homeowners, retro fitting, and flood prone areas. He stated that residents are looking for

resolution, relief and answers. He said that a neighborhood meeting will be held next

Thursday , with members of public works, legal and finance staff will be present and

Morris residents will be notified.

President Mueller stated water is flowing freely since Tuesday at noon because the

blockage was removed from the sewer. He commented that the Village has a policy not

to pump out basements due to liability issues. President Mueller voiced the opinion that

he felt that the television news crews resolved nothing and the trustees were out there

to help. He then went over restrictions from the county regarding wetlands and stated

some areas cannot be resolved.

Trustee Tross commented to all that spoke, that the Board was not their enemy, but it is

the Board's intention is to assist the residents and work with them to get relief. He also

stated that the Trustees are the residents representatives to the government.

President Mueller commented that without the blockage of the utility pole, there would

not have been flooding. He spoke of a house on Finley Road that the Village denied

permits, but the court interceded and the house was built and did flood. He also spoke

of two homes in Trustee Florey's district that the court decreed buildable but the Village

purchased, destroyed and built detention ponds on the properties. He said the Board

will try to find solutions to the problems.

Trustee Tross commented on the Lombard Pride that he observed as he drove through

the village on Sunday. He witnessed many neighbors helping others such as putting

out cones in the streets, raking out grates, and blocked streets with their own vehicles.

Trustee Sebby stated that the last meeting was scheduled for October 9, 2001, but due

to the absence of three of it's members, the meeting was cancelled due to lack of

quorum. He stated that all members were polled by phone regarding the change orders.

One of those absent was John Kaforski, whose absence was due to open heart surgery,

and Trustee Sebby wished him well. Trustee Sebby commented that he had a foot of

water in his home. He stated that the flooding was an act of God and the "500 year

floods" are beyond our engineering. He concurred that Public Works people were terrific

as they were working very hard to resolve the problems. He mentioned that the

Lombard Lagoon was spilling over North Avenue. He also experienced the kind help of

many of his neighbors and expressed that Lombard is a good community with a very

professional staff, Fire Department, Police Department and Finance Department. The

next meeting will be a joint meeting with the Board of Trustees and Public Works on

November 13, 2001 at which time the Capital Improvement Program (CIP) will be

discussed.

Joseph Kovara, 129 E. Central, spoke against the Ordinance variation for the property

at 133 E. Central. He stressed the impact it has on flooding and open space. He is the

next door neighbor of the subject property and feels this is a detriment to the value of his

property and supported the recommendation of denial.

Trustee Soderstrom stated that this property is in his district and he has spoken to

neighbors in the area. He would seek approval due to the fact that the deck is raised

and will not cause runoff. He stated that both residents have been informed that the spa

would be of assistance to them as they both have a medical condition. The residents

are willing to reduce the size of the deck that would run from the back of the house to

the edge of the concrete existing patio. The deck which extends eleven feet to the spa

will be removed.

Trustee Soderstrom then read a letter of support from the neighbors, Jolanta and

Eugene Rosypal, 128 E. Central.

Amy Usry, 318 West Road voiced her concerns about so much development on such

poor soil. She informed the Board that her house is built on pylons and they have

incurred much expense for the front porch and deck due to the poor soil conditions. She

asked that the building of these homes be closely monitored.

Pete Occhipinti, 303 W. Windsor, owner of the property, thinks it is a good development.

He stated that he is aware of construction techniques and pylons and he will do it right.

He also stated that the subdivision meets all codes.

Trustee Tross reminded the Board that on September 6, 2001, he recused himself from

this issue, but since that time the mortgage investors title lien has been redeemed and

he feels he is free to participate in the vote.

Trustee DeStephano commented that she has looked at the drastic situations that have

taken place recently regarding water damage and her heart goes out to those residents

involved. She was concerned that soil tests performed show difficulties such as water

retention and she was not comfortable with this. She mentioned the wetlands

certification that had been received from the County.

Senior Planner Bill Heniff, stated that DuPage County has looked at the property and

they have concluded that there is no wetland on the property.

President Mueller clarified that there is not wetland on the property itself, but there are

wetlands in the area.

Trustee DeStephano also questioned if the design of sanitary sewer is shallower than 42

inches and if the design has not been changed, why does Public Works agree now?

Katherine D'Hoostelaere, 1815 Highland, feels fortunate that their property is one of the

highest elevations in DuPage County.

Ms. D'Hoostelaere stated that the Board heard their opposition to the amendments two

weeks ago. She asked the Board to please consider not passing the text amendments.

She feels the Plan Commission did not understand that this medical center will back up

to four residential lots. She also feels these text amendments are being proposed

primarily to benefit V3. She recommended four scenarios. The first being to pass the

text amendments, the second, to pass the text amendments with a caveat that these

amendments will take place in a year or two in order to give the Village time to reflect

and investigate and send the message to developers that they are being watched. She

said that she doesn't understand why these amendments are being made for the

appeasement of just one business. She commented that she has spoken to many

builders of high rises since the September 11th tragedy, and has been told that tenants

do not want to renew their high rise leases, they want to come out here. The third

scenario being to table the decision in order to have additional time for further input from

individuals and the fourth to not pass these amendments.

President Mueller clarified the fact that Ms. D'Hoostelaere is a resident of

unincorporated Lombard and asked her if she would be interested in annexing.

John Jankowiak, 1815 Highland, addressed Trustee Koenig's comment as to why a

medical center should be a permitted use and not a conditional use.

Trustee Tross took exception to Mr. Jankowiak speaking directly to Trustee Koenig.

President Mueller stated that he felt no derogatory remarks were being made.

Mr. Jankowiak commented on the traffic flow that may occur with a medical center and

likened it to a Jewel/Osco on Saturdays and evenings. He spoke of their property which

abuts an area zoned O, office, and commented that the parking lot is full during the day

and empty on evenings and weekends. He feels that under PUD he would still have

some leverage.

Senior Planner Bill Heniff commented that the Plan Commission staff did bring a

preliminary concept plan with general comments with respect to the matter. V3 will be

applying for a number of items at the November Plan Commission meeting and should

come before the Board of Trustees in December such as annexation, uses, etc. He

asked that the Board please bring any concerns to staff.

Trustee Koenig addressed the residents' comments, stating that the text amendments

are routine housekeeping and the timing is not related to any particular developer. She

also commented that tonight's decision will not affect the process that V3 will have to go

through. She also pointed out that the text amendments are regarding issues other than

just the medical center . She agrees that there may be higher traffic use and different

hours than certain businesses.

Trustee Tross asked for clarification regarding the placement of the V3 business and Mr.

Heniff clarified the location of the lots.

Trustee DeStephano stated that she has had some feedback regarding lots of record

being unfair to property owners with respect to $600.00 survey fee.

President Mueller commented that this refers to a 50 foot lot issue on an earlier agenda

and the ordinance was changed to help those two residents. This was for a garage and

structures with permanent foundations. He confirmed that a Plat of survey is needed at

all times.

Trustee DeStephano said that she has had two complaints and did not see the situation

that way.

Bill Heniff stated why the text amendments were changed in 1998 and went into a

dialogue as to the benefit to residents for these changes.

It was stated that a lot of record removes any ambiguities of where boundary lot lines

are.

Pete Occhipinti came to the podium and began to address questions to Trustee

DeStephano regarding another matter and President Mueller interceded.

Trustee Tross stated that he requested the issue be removed from the consent agenda

with the intent that this become public information. He commented that the public has

earmarked January, 2002 as the curtain call date, but in reality would be June, 2002.

Trustee Tross said that he would support this but could not support this if a Business

Plan comes in with a large deficit.

Trustee Sebby felt it was sound reasoning to get a lobbyist, but asked why this was not

done last February. He was concerned with the comparison that Ms. Lippig made

between the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center and the DuPage Theater. In view

of the potential $1 billion cut that President Mueller spoke of earlier in the evening,

Trustee Sebby expressed his concern that the cutbacks being made in all areas of the

economy may affect obtaining funds. He felt that this agreement demonstrates that the

earliest knowledge of funds would be May or June of 2002, with the original deadline

being January, 2002. He confirmed with Ms. Lippig that a business plan is due

November 1, 2001. He stated that he believes the money for the lobbyist is well spent,

but he questioned if this would be a Village responsibility after the $14,400 of available

funds the Committee has is spent.