Lindenhurst board approves school zoning relief, Camp Bow Wow site plans, $25,000 LEAP reimbursement and sets 2021 levy

At its Nov. 8 meeting the Lindenhurst Village Board approved a series of land-use, economic-assistance and budgeting items, including zoning relief for BJ Hooper Elementary, site plans and a fence-height exception for a Camp Bow Wow pet-care facility, a $25,000 LEAP reimbursement to a daycare operator, appointment of John Murray to the Veterans’ Memorial Commission, and a property tax levy determination for 2021.

Zoning and school site: The Board adopted Ordinance 21-11-2216 to approve a special-use permit, variances to setback and curb-and-gutter standards, and a site plan for BJ Hooper Elementary School at 2400 E. Sand Lake Road. The plan from Lake Villa School District #41 includes parking-lot upgrades, site lighting, stormwater detention, playground improvements and modified building entrances. Staff noted no prior recorded special-use permit existed for the school; the Plan Commission recommended approval contingent on an ingress/egress permit from the Lake County Department of Transportation and final landscaping and engineering sign-off. Trustee Dawn Suchy moved the ordinance; Trustee Patty Chybowski seconded and the measure passed 6-0.

Camp Bow Wow public hearing and approvals: Mayor Marturano opened a public hearing on a proposed Camp Bow Wow facility at 2975 E. Sand Lake Road, the former First Midwest Bank building. Administrator Clay Johnson summarized plans to enclose the drive-through to create indoor play areas that lead to fenced outdoor yards; the applicant requested a fence-height variation from 6 feet to 8 feet to meet corporate standards and to protect animals on-site. Village staff read emailed questions from the Falling Waters Homeowner’s Association; a Camp Bow Wow representative responded and provided written cleaning and disinfecting guidelines required by the Plan Commission. Following the hearing, Trustee Dawn Suchy moved adoption of Ordinance 21-11-2217 to approve site, landscape, lighting and architectural plans and to grant the fence-code exception; Trustee Ron Grace seconded and the Board approved the ordinance on a 6-0 roll call.

LEAP economic assistance: The Board approved Resolution 21-11-2219R to authorize a LEAP (Lindenhurst Economic Assistance Program) reimbursement agreement with A Child’s Place Inc. for improvements to the former Lindenhurst Early Childhood Center at 309 Granada Boulevard. Because day-care operators are non-sales-tax-generating businesses, LEAP allows a maximum reimbursement of $20,000 plus up to $5,000 for COVID resiliency projects such as HVAC upgrades or outdoor-space improvements; A Child’s Place qualified for the $25,000 maximum. Trustee Pat Dunham moved and Trustee Patty Chybowski seconded the resolution, which passed 6-0.

Property tax levy determination: Finance staff reviewed the Property Tax Extension Limitation Law (PTELL), noting the village may increase levy dollars only by the consumer price index (1.4% for 2021) plus any new construction assessed during the prior year. The Finance Committee recommended a proposed levy of $1,313,275 (an increase of $62,398) and advised that because the proposed increase was below 5% no public hearing was required. The Board approved a 2021 levy determination of $1,313,274 and authorized preparation of the levy ordinance; the motion passed 6-0.

Appointment: Mayor Marturano, Trustee Dunham and Veterans’ Commission Chairman Paul Baumunk recommended appointing Lindenhurst resident John Murray—who also serves as chief of staff to the Lake County Veterans’ Assistance Commission—to the Lindenhurst Veterans’ Memorial Commission. Trustee Dunham moved the appointment, Trustee Ron Grace seconded, and the Board confirmed the appointment by unanimous vote.

The meeting closed with no public comment or executive session. Trustee Patty Chybowski moved to adjourn and Trustee Dawn Suchy seconded; the meeting adjourned at 7:59 p.m.