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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013-11-11 Board Minutes• A+1 1 & Village President Dan DiMaria called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. and welcomed all 11. those in attendance this evening. He then led the assemblage in the Pledge of Allegiance and directed the Clerk to call the roll. Witko. III. Village Clerk Ed Ramos called the roll. Present were: Trustees Bill Grear, Shel Marcus, John Pietron, John Thill, Maria Toth and Janine Witko. IV. .2 •* ; a. Regarding the Minutes of the Special Meeting of October 28, 2013, Trustee Toth moved to accept the Minutes as presented. Trustee Grear seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously via voice vote. b. Regarding the Minutes of the October 28, 2013 Regular Board Meeting, Trustee Toth moved, seconded by Trustee Grear, to accept the Minutes as presented. Motion passed unanimously via voice vote. V. SPECIAL REPORTS 1. Swearing -in Ceremony for New Police Sergeant Daniel Warrensford a. Fire and Police Commission Chairman Mike Simkins performed the swearing -in ceremony for the Police Department's newest sergeant, who was accompanied this evening by his family. He provided some background information on Sgt. Warrensford. b. Dan's career with the Morton Grove PD began in April of 2002. He grew up in California and earned a Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice from Northeastern Illinois University. In 2005, he was assigned to the Special Operations Unit, which entailed working street level gang and narcotics enforcement and property- related crimes. In 2007, Dan was assigned to the Detective Bureau. In addition to his duties as a detective, Dan has served as a Juvenile Officer, Field Training Officer, and is currently an active Trustee for the Police Pension Fund. In the course of his service in Morton Grove, Dan has earned numerous awards and depart- mental accommodations, including the Top Cop Award, the Chiefs Meritorious Service Award, and the Cook County Sheriffs Law Enforcement Award of Merit. The Board congratulated Sgt. Vllarrensford as his daughter pinned on his badge. V. SPECIAL REPORTS (continued) 2. Plan Commission Case PC 13 -07, Request to Amend the Unified Development Code Regarding Non - Residential Uses in R1, R2, and R3 Residential Districts. a. Plan Commission Chairman Ron Farkas presented the Plan Commission's recommendations on this case to the Board. He explained that the Village was the Applicant in this case, seeking a text amendment to the Unified Development Code (UDC) to change certain uses from permitted uses to special uses in the residential zoning districts. The uses involved are "houses of worship on lots less than 3.5 acres" and "schools, non - boarding, elementary to junior high and high, on lots of less than 3.5 acres ". "Parks and Playgrounds" was also initially requested, but after further review by staff, the Village withdrew "Parks and Playgrounds" from the request. All other non - residential principal uses within these residential districts already require a special use permit. Mr. Farkas said that, at the hearing, one of the Commissioners was concerned about changing "houses of worship" because he was of the understanding that "houses of worship" needed to be a permitted use in at least one zoning district. After review by Corporation Counsel Liston, it was determined that a "special use" designation is a type of a permitted use, thus the proposed amendment would be in legal compliance. Mr. Farkas said the Plan Commission voted unanimously to recommend approval of this request. 3. Plan Commission Case PC 13 -11, Request to Amend the Unified Development Code Title 12 to Modify Permitted Approvals and Exceptions That Can Be Granted By the Board of Trustees for Planned Unit Developments. a. Mr. Farkas said that, at the hearing, the Village stated that a planned unit development is a form of special use permit that allows the Village Board to approve a project in the public interest that may otherwise not be approved if held to the strict standards and regulations of the underlying zoning district. Currently, for planned unit developments, the Board is allowed to grant waivers to certain zoning standards, such as height, setbacks, off - street parking, and loading, screening, lighting, signage, and subdivision design standards, but is not allowed to grant exceptions for density or floor area ratio (FAR). The proposed amendment would allow the Board the authority to grant waivers for density and FAR on a case -by -case basis. Village staff testified at the hearing that this proposal is in line with neighboring communities. VI. Mr. Farkas said the Plan Commission voted unanimously to recommend approval of this request. PUBLIC HEARINGS NONE VII. RESIDENTS' COMMENTS (Agenda Items Only) NONE ' Minutes of November 11,2013 Board Meetin'' VIII, PRESIDENT'S REPORT 1. Mayor DiMaria reminded the assemblage that today is Veterans Day. He asked for a round of applause for all the veterans who have served this country. He especially thanked all Morton Grove veterans for their service, noting it was an honor to march with them in yesterday's Veterans Day Parade. 2. Mayor DiMaria said he has been meeting with developers about property near the train station. There is a great deal of interest. The mayor of Park Ridge attended as well. will once 3. The mayor reported that the Village's strategic planner has held three public forums so far, and has received a lot of good input. He said that more meetings will be held and encouraged the residents and businesses to attend, noting that the more input there is into the Village's Strategic Plan, the better it will be. 4. Mayor DiMaria said he had met with members of the Morton Grove Chamber of Commerce to discuss the relationship between the Chamber and the Village. It was a very productive meet- ing. The Chamber is trying to change direction, as is the Village, in order to move Morton Grove forward. 5. Mayor DiMaria said he had a meeting with Greg Bayliss of Senator Dick Durbin's office talking about trying to get federal (and state) funding for a new police facility. He assured everyone that he is working diligently to try to get funding for this. 6. The mayor said he had attended a ground- breaking ceremony at Lutheran General Hospital — another expansion of the hospital. The mayor of Park Ridge attended as well. will once 7. Mayor DiMaria said he was pleased to see Burt in attendance and happy to announce that Burt's will once again be open starting this coming Thursday at 4:30 p.m. IX. CLERK'S REPORT Clerk Ed Ramos noted that the Philippines had suffered a major catastrophe when Typhoon Haiyan hit last week. He thanked everyone for their thoughts and prayers. He said he had spoken with Father Dennis O'Neill of St. Martha's. Father O'Neill will be the point person for any and all donations, which can be brought to St. Martha's rectory. Clerk Ramos said he was spending the next several days at the Philippine consulate downtown, to help coordinate relief efforts. X. STAFF REPORTS A. Village Administrator: Village Administrator Ryan Horne had no report. Minutes of November 11, 2013 _Board Meeting' X. STAFF REPORTS (continued) B. Corporation Counsel: Corporation Counsel Liston had no report. XI. TRUSTEES' REPORTS A. Trustee Grear: 1. Trustee Grear presented Ordinance 13 -16, Amending Title 6, Chapter 1 and 3, and Adding Chapters 7 and 8 to the Municipal Code of the Village of Morton Grove. This is the second reading of this ordinance. a. Trustee Grear explained that Village staff constantly reviews the Village Code and makes certain recommendations to update provisions in order to keep the Code compliant with contemporary statutes and relevant to the Village's current operations and requirements. b. Title 6 of the Code contains Police Department regulations. This ordinance will incorporate staff recommendations to update Chapters 1 and 3 and to add new Chapters 7 and 8. The updates to Chapters 1 and 3 remove out -of -date regulations and regulations that are covered elsewhere in Village ordinances or State criminal statutes. The new Chapter 7 prohibits the sale of items designed or marketed for use with illegal cannabis or drugs. The new Chapter 8 prohibits the placement of graffiti on public or private places, and requires the owner of a property where graffiti is placed to eradicate said graffiti within 10 days of its placement. Trustee Grear moved to adopt Ordinance 13 -16, seconded by Trustee Thill. Motion passed: 6 ayes, 0 nays. Tr. Grear aye Tr. Marcus are Tr. Pietron acre Tr. Thill aae Tr. Toth acre Tr. Witko acre 2. Trustee Grear announced that the Fire Department and Firefighters Association will once again be holding a Holiday Food Drive. Non - perishable food donations and monetary donations will be accepted. People can bring their food donations to collection points at Village Hall, Prairie View Center, and the Civic Center up until December 13, 2013. Monetary donations will be collected at Fire Station #4 until December 21, 2013. Trustee Grear thanked Firefighter Erik Miller for coordinating this effort. 3. Trustee Grear noted that he and Mayor DiMaria had attended St. Martha's "Gala" last Friday night and the St. John Brebeuf "Gala" on Saturday. 4 Trustee Grear announced that former Trustee Roy Kogstad's mother had passed away. He asked the assemblage to keep the Kogstad family in their prayers. Minutes of November 11, 2018feard Meeting XI. TRUSTEES' REPORTS (continued) B. Trustee Marcus: 1. Trustee Marcus had no formal report, but announced that tomorrow, at 1:00 p.m. at the Civic Center, the Advisory Commission on Aging was holding its monthly meeting, which is open to the public. He encouraged all to attend. 2. Trustee Marcus said that he, too, participated in yesterday's Veterans Day Parade. He thanked Village staff for making it as nice as it was, by arranging for a Marine honor guard and Police Department honor guard. He thanked the American Legion Post #134 members also, and encouraged the assemblage to stop by the Post on Thanksgiving Day to spend some time with the Navy recruits. 3. Trustee Marcus congratulated Burt and his wife Sharon on their re- opening of Burt's Place. He said he looked forward to stopping by. C. Trustee Pietron: Trustee Pietron had no report. XI. Trustee Thill: D. Trustee Thill presented Resolution 13 -61, Authorizing the Execution of An Agreement Between the Village of Morton Grove and the Illinois Department of Transportation For Traffic Signal Upgrades. He explained that the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) plans to upgrade traffic signals at Dempster and Ozark, Dempster and Harlem, and Dempster and Shermer with LED modules, similar to an upgrade they did in 2010 when the traffic signals along Dempster from Ferris to Central were replaced, and in 2011 when eight traffic signals on Oakton, Central, Church, and Lincoln were replaced. [DOT requires cost participation from Morton Grove and Niles (since one of the approach legs is located in Niles). The Village's share is approximately 2.5% of the total project cost, or $2,242.50. Trustee Thill moved to approve Resolution 13 -61, seconded by Trustee Toth. Trustee Marcus asked about disruption to these intersections. Public Works Director Andy DeMonte responded that the disruption should be minimal. Minutes of November 11, 201313oard Meeting: XI. TRUSTEES' REPORTS (continued) E. Trustee Toth: 1. Trustee Toth presented for a first reading Ordinance 13 -18, An Ordinance Adopting The Budgets For All Corporate Purposes of the Village of Morton Grove and the Morton Grove Library, Cook County, Illinois, For The Calendar Year Effective January 1, 2014 and Ending December 31, 2014. a. She explained that this Budget was presented at the Village's Budget Workshops held on November 6 and 7, 2013, and revised after discussions. This is the first reading of the budget ordinance; a Public Hearing will be held on November 25, 2013, as part of the Village's regularly- scheduled Board Meeting. The Budget has been available for inspection at the office of the Village Administrator and the Public Library, and is posted on the Village's website. b. The Village's total budget is $60,951,349, and the Library's tofai budget is $3,057,862, for a grand total of $64,009,211. There was no further discussion on Ordinance 13 -18. 2, Trustee Toth then presented for a first reading Ordinance 13 -19, An Ordinance Levying and Assessing Taxes For the Village of Morton Grove, Cook County, Illinois For the Fiscal Year Beginning January 1, 2014 and Ending December 31, 2014. a. She explained that the 2014 Budget calls for expenditures in the amount of $60,951,349. The amount necessary to be levied for 2013 property taxes is $11,691,673. By law, the Village is required to levy an additional $6,572,558 for debt service payments, for a total levy before abatement of $18,264,231. b. However, the Village Board intends to adopt Resolutions which will immediately abate $5,619,024 from the levy, resulting in a net levy of $12,645,207. After extensions for loss and cost, the effective result is a 0.0% increase in the Village's portion of the tax levy, and a 0.0% increase in the Library's portion of the tax levy, resulting in an overall increase of 0.0% in the tax levy from the previous year. There was no further discussion on Ordinance 13 -19. Trustee Witko: Trustee Witko presented Ordinance 13 -17, Amending Title 1, Chapters 1 Through 10M of the Village of Morton Grove Municipal Code. a. She explained that this ordinance reflects a complete reorganization and rewrite of Title 1 of the Village's Municipal Code in order to keep it current and relevant and to help residents and interested parties find information and requirements. Trustee Witko said that Village Administrator Horne had given a thorough and detailed explanation of the many changes involved at the last Board Meeting. XI. Minutes of November 11, 2013 Board Meeting, TRUSTEES' REPORTS (continued) Trustee Witko: (continued) Trustee Witko moved to adopt Ordinance 13 -17, seconded by Trustee Toth. Community & Economic Development Director Nancy Razdevich brought up a proposed change to 1 -9A -5, which is the "local preference" provision. She said she and Mr. Horne had been receiving a lot of phone calls about this provision. The intent of it is that, when competitive bidding, if everything else is equal or within a 5% differential, preference would be given to the local business. She explained that this is an economic development tool, although it's not widely used. It helps make local businesses more competitive. Ms. Razdevich said she had spoken with the mayor, who was concerned by a how a "local business" would be defined. She said that it's currently defined as a business "within the Corporate Limits or with a Morton Grove resident owning a majority interest." She said that staff is recommending that the second part of that definition ( "or with a Morton Grove resident owning a majority interest ") be deleted. c. Trustee Thill said he was against giving anyone an advantage and felt that the lowest qualified bidder should be accepted. If a business lost a contract because their competition was located within Morton Grove but the bid was higher, Trustee Thill felt that that business would no longer be interested in bidding on Morton Grove work. He felt the Board should be the best steward of the residents' money that it can be. d. Trustee Marcus moved to amend Ordinance 13 -17 by deleting the words "or with a Morton Grove resident owning a majority interest" from 1 -9A -5. Trustee Toth seconded the motion. Mayor DiMana called for a vote on the motion to amend the ordinance. Motion passed: 5 ayes, 1 nay. Tr. Grear nay Tr. Marcus aye Tr. Pietron aye Tr. Thill acre Tr. Toth aye Tr. Witko aae e. Trustee Marcus said he feels the Board is very supportive of local businesses, but it needs to be fair and equitable. He said that he, personally, would like to see all Morton Grove residents shop Morton Grove businesses, but that's unrealistic. Morton Grove is a part of a blend of communities within a township. When the Village goes out to bid, it's seeking the most competent bidder at the lowest price who can meet the timelines and requirements of the work they're bidding on. He said he would have a problem awarding a bid to a higher bidder, even if it's within the 5% differential. He felt the lowest qualified bidder should be awarded the work, without a local preference. Trustee Pietron said that he has a strong background in marketing and in the private sector. Often, incentives are given to attract business. He said he looked at the 5% differential /local preference provision as a way to retain businesses in the community and possible help other businesses locate here. He asked Director Razdevich if she could address the impact of a local preference provision. Ms. Razdevich said, in her experience, the impact is minimal. She felt it would not happen that often, that someone would be within that 5 %, because it's a nominal differential. But it does force all businesses bidding to be competitive. Trustee Pietron asked if such a provision was standard in other communities. She said that, as far as she is aware, it's only used in Evanston. Corporation Counsel Liston said that she had done some research. A local preference provision is not uncommon, but it's not everywhere, either. XI. F. Trustee Witko: (continued) Minutes of November 11, 2013 Board Meetin TRUSTEES' REPORTS (continued) h. Ms. Razdevich said that, with a local preference provision "on the books," it helps ensure that local businesses bid on Morton Grove projects, but they still need to be competitive. Trustee Pietron said he didn't feel the Village would be taken advantage of by having this provision and it would help in the Village's marketing efforts. of this case. j. Trustee Grear said he agreed with Trustee Pietron. He said he had spoken at length earlier in the day with Trustee Thill and Director Razdevich about this. He felt that a local preference provision goes a long way to making the Village look business - friendly. He hoped the ordinance, as amended, would pass, because there is a great deal of good changes to the Municipal Code in it. He felt the local preference provision will make local businesses feel that the Village is concerned about them. k. Trustee Thill said that if he had a business in one of the towns surrounding Morton Grove and he could see that his business would be at a disadvantage when bidding on Morton Grove work, he wouldn't bid on the work. He added that he did not feel that a local preference provision would entice businesses to move into town or leave town. Trustee Thill said he did not believe the Village should pay more for its work or its projects just because a business was located in town. There being no further discussion, Mayor DiMaria called for the vote on Ordinance 13 -17 as amended. Motion passed: 4 ayes, 2 nays. Tr. Grear aye Tr. Marcus nav Tr. Pietron aae Tr. Thill nay Tr. Toth Eye Tr. Witko aye 2 Trustee Witko then presented for a first reading Ordinance 13 -20, Amending The Village of Morton Grove Unified Development Code, Section 12 -4 -2C Regarding Rion- Residential Uses in Residential Districts (R1, R2, and R3). She explained that this ordinance will approve a text amendment to the Village's Unified Development Code, pursuant to Plan Commission Case PC 13 -07, reported out earlier this evening. The Plan Commission had voted unanimously to recommend approval of this case. There was no further discussion on Ordinance 13 -20. Next, Trustee Witko presented for a first reading Ordinance 13 -21, Amending the Village of Morton Grove Unified Development Code, Section 12 -6, Regarding Site Development Allowances, Modifications, and Exceptions for Planned Unit Developments. She explained that this ordinance will approve a text amendment to the Village's Unified Development Code to allow the Village to modify density and floor:area ratio for Planned Unit Developments. This is pursuant to Plan Commission Case PC 13 -11, reported out earlier this evening. The Plan Commission had voted unanimously to recommend approval of this case. There was no further discussion on Ordinance 13 -21. :t I Minutes of November 11, 2013 Boats Nleetin XII. OTHER BUSINESS Trustee Thill said that he had discussed this with Trustee Grear, Mr. Horne, and Ms. Razdevich. He felt that quarterly meetings to review the Village's finances would be very beneficial and help Board members be more in sync with what was going on with the budget. He therefore asked the Board to please consider holding quarterly financial updates. Mayor DiMaria reminded the assemblage about the Wright -Way Animal Shelter fundraiser coming up on Saturday, November 16. This business will be relocating to Morton Grove soon and will be a great addition to the Village. XIII. WARRANTS Trustee Toth presented the Warrants for November 1, 2013, in the amount of 31,027,666.14. She moved to approve the Warrants, seconded by Trustee Thill. Motion passed: 6 ayes, 6 nays. Tr. Grear aye Tr. Marcus aye Tr. Pietron aye Tr. Thill aye Tr. Toth aye Tr. Witko aye XIV. RESIDENTS' COMMENTS Michael Allen, a resident of the 8700 block of Callie, addressed the Board regarding parking on Callie and the McDonald's exit on Dempster. He felt that people parking on Callie were taking up more room than they should, and thought if lines were painted to define parking spaces, as on Ferris Avenue, it would be helpful. He also felt that McDonald's doesn't need three exits and said the exit onto Dempster seems dangerous. He distributed pictures to the Board to show what he was talking about. Mayor DiMaria got Mr. Allen's phone number and said that a member of the Village staff would be in touch with him. XV. ADJOURNMENT /EXECUTIVE SESSION Trustee Thill moved to adjourn the Meeting. Trustee Toth seconded the motion. Motion passed: 6 ayes, 0 nays. Tr. Grear aye Tr. Marcus aye Tr. Pietron acre Tr. Thill acre Tr. Toth acre Tr. Witko aye The meeting adjourned at 8:02 p.m. PASSED this 25th day of November, 2013. Trustee Greer Trustee Marcus �" y Trustee Pietron Trustee Thill Trustee Toth Trustee Witko APPROVED by me this 25th day of November, 2013. Daniel P. DiMaria, Village President Board of Trustees, Morton Grove, Illinois fyj-.' APPROVED and FILED in my office this 26th day of November, 2013. Edilberto Ramos, Village Clerk Village of Morton Grove, Cook County, Illinois Minutos of November 11 2013 Board Meeting Minutes by .Teresa Oousar 10