HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014-11-24 MinutesMINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE PRESIDENT
AND THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE VILLAGE OF MORTON GROVE
COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS, HELD AT THE
RICHARD T. FLICKINGER MUNICIPAL CENTER
NOVEMBER 24, 2014
CALL TO ORDER
I. During the Regular Meeting of the Village Board of Trustees held on November 24, 2014,
Trustee Marcus moved to adjourn to Executive Session to discuss pending litigation,
personnel, real estate matters, and review of Executive Session minutes. The motion was
seconded by Trustee Pietron and approved unanimously pursuant to a roll call vote at
6:02 p.m.
Present were: Trustees Bill Grear, Shel Marcus, John Pietron, John Thill, Maria Toth, and
Janine Witko. Staff present included Village Administrator Ryan Horne and Corporation
Counsel Teresa Hoffman Liston.
III. EXECUTIVE SESSION
At the conclusion of the meeting, Trustee Marcus moved to adjourn the Executive Session and
reconvene the regular Board meeting in the Council Chambers at 7:00 p.m. The motion was
seconded by Trustee Toth and approved unanimously via a voice vote at 6:49 p.m.
IV. RECONVENE MEETING
Village President Dan DiMaria reconvened the meeting at 7:00 p.m. and led The assemblage in
the Pledge of Allegiance, after which Clerk Ed Ramos called the roll.
V. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Regarding the Minutes of the November 10, 2014 Regular Board Meeting, Trustee Toth
moved, seconded by Trustee Grear, to accept the Minutes as presented. Upon the voice vote,
the motion passed unanimously.
VI. SPECIAL REPORTS
1. Presentation of Fire Poster Contest `6/inners
Fire Chief Tom Friel and Captain Bil Porter carne forward to present the fire poster contest
winners. Chief Friel said that he's proud to have served the residents as Fire Chief for the past
11 years and was especially proud of Capt. Porter, who heads the Fire Prevention Bureau.
Capt. Porter is tasked with public education. This is the 22otl year of the Fire Prevention Poster
Contest.
Minutes of November 24, 2014 Board Meeting
VI. SPECIAL REPORTS
a. Captain Porter said that, each October, in recognition of the great Chicago Fire, every school
in Morton Grove is invited to participate in the annual poster contest. This contest brings fire
safety messages to the home. This year, for the first time, digital entries were allowed, as well
as posters using more traditional mediums. Captain Porter said that 150 drawn posters and 80
electronic versions were received. The annual poster contest is generously sponsored by the
Morton Grove Firefighters Association, who also help by acting as judges of the poster entries.
b. Each grade has a winner, and each winner receives a Ben Franklin fifty -cent piece and a
plaque with their winning picture digitally engraved on it. The reason they receive a Ben Frank-
lin coin is because of his association with and contributions to the fire service.
c. Captain Porter asked Mayor DiMaria and Fire Department Trustee Liaison Bill Grear to help
hand out the awards.
d. The winners were:
Kindergarten: Grace Vo Jerusalem Lutheran School
First Grade: Rita Beia Jerusalem Lutheran School
Second Grade: Wendy Lee Jerusalem Lutheran School
Third Grade: Aline Mathew Hynes Elementary School
Fourth Grade: Jessica Stancy Park View School
Fifth Grade: Alexia Ardelean Park View School
Sixth Grade: Sarah Vance Jerusalem Lutheran School
Seventh Grade: Whitney Nguyen Park View School
Eighth Grade: Tommy Benthusen Jerusalem Lutheran School
e. Whitney Nguyen was also the overall winner. Park View's art teacher, Jen Minelli, received a
plaque for the school.
f. Digital winners were:
Allan Stegich Park View School
Sebin Chirayil Park View School
g. Mayor DiMaria congratulated all the winners and their parents, and wished them a Happy
Thanksgiving. He thanked Captain Porter and the Firefighters Association tor the excellent job
they do.
2. Presentation on Social Work in the Village
Mayor DiMaria asked Police Chief Mike Simo to provide an update on the current sociai work
situation in the Village. He said that, on September 2"°, Morton Grove implemented what the
Police Department considers a very positive change in its social services by contracting Debbie
Alberts, a licensed clinical social worker, to provide social services as a member of the Police
Department. This makes sense because the Police Department is the department most likely
to be contacted by people who would benefit from her services. She attends Village meetings,
Police staff meetings and roll calls, and is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
a. During this short period of time, Debbie has provided services in trackable categories, e.g.,
general counseling, financial assistance support, hoarders, elder care, child abuse, and
domestic violence support 84 times.
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,Minbtes of NoVember24'2014 Board Meetin
VI. SPECIAL REPORTS (continued)
b. Chief Simo said that Debbie has gained the confidence of the residents she's dealt with as well
as the police officers and supervisors with whom she works. They consider her a peer and they
don't hesitate to call her if they feel she can help with a situation.
c. Chief Simo said that Debbie has joined a Police Social Worker Association and networks with
police social workers from Skokie, Lincolnwood, and Northbrook. Overall, sheds a benefit to
the Police Department and the community and enhances the services the Police Department
provides.
d. Chief Simo said that he recommends keeping this program as an in-house contract position
and continue to evaluate performance/cost-benefit going forward
e. Trustee Toth asked if the Board could receive a copy of Chief Simo's report. He said he would
email the report to each Board member.
VII. PUBLIC HEARINGS
NONE
VIII. RESIDENTS' COMMENTS (Agenda Items Only)
NONE
IX. PRESIDENT'S REPORT
1. Appointment
2.
a.
Mayor DiMaria asked for a motion to concur with his appointment of William McFadden to the
Fire Pension Board. Trustee Grear so moved, seconded by Trustee Pietron. Motion passed
unanimously via voice vote.
Mayoral Update
Mayor DiMaria said that he and the Board attended the ribbon -cutting for the Hoof 'n Feather
restaurant on Waukegan Road. The food is excellent, and this is a unique eatery in that
Hoof 'n Feather used to be a food truck; it got so popular that they decided to purchase and
open a restaurant in Morton Grove. This business is bringing people into Morton Grove. He
encouraged all residents to shop locally!
Mayor DiMaria thanked the Board and Village staff for a very successful neighborhood out-
reach at Oriole Park. It was a good way for people to meet the Village Board and see who's
working for them. He thanked the staff for working late and making the Village proud.
aMihines:safNoverriber2t201,4.BoardMeetitig
IX. PRESIDENT'S REPORT (continued)
2. Mayoral Update (continued)
c. Mayor DiMaria sad that President Obama has declared November 23-29 as National Family
Week. He read the first paragraph of the proclamation because it reminded him of Morton
Grove: "Whereas in big cities and small towns throughout our nation, the strength and diversity
of hard-working families reflect the promise of America: that, with grit and determination, any-
one can build a better future for themselves and their children. Families provide love and en-
couragement, and they are sources of support and inspiration to a generation limited only by
the size of their dreams and the power of their imagination. During National Family Week, we
celebrate our family members and the countless ways they lift us up, and we continue our work
to bolster the bonds that tie all of us together."
d. Mayor DiMaria thought this was very appropriate with Thanksgiving; that we should all be
grateful, not only for our own families, but our families at the Village—the Fire Department, the
Police Department, the Village Board, the staff—we're a family, and the residents are part of
this bigger family as well.
e. Mayor DiMaria announced some sad news: Greg Dwyer, a long-time employee at the Civic
Center and a genuine asset to Morton Grove, passed away suddenly. He was saddened to
hear this, and expressed condolences to Mr. Dwyer's family and said that Greg would be
missed.
g
Mayor DiMaria reminded the Board and assemblage that Rep. John D'Amico was hosting the
2014 U.S. Marine Corps Toys for Tots campaign. New, unwrapped toys for all ages/genders
can be brought to 4404 W. Lawrence Avenue in Chicago, Monday through Friday from
9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., until December 19, 2014. For more information, call 773-736-0218.
Mayor DiMaria welcomed Burt and Sharon from Burt's Place and said he was pleased to
recognize them on their 25 years in business as Burt's Place, and their overall contributions
to making Morton Grove a pizza destination. He said that Burt has owned four restaurants:
Inferno in Evanston, Gulliver's in Rogers Park, and, over the last 43 years, Morton Grove's
Pequod's and Burt's Place, known for its carmelized pizza crusts. Burt's Place has been
named one of the top pizza places in Chicago and the U.S. it's also been recognized by the
Food Network's "Passion For Pizza," which celebrates the best pizzerias around the world.
Mayor DiMaria said that when people come to Chicago, they want to eat at Burt's. He present-
ed Burt and Sharon with a "Burt's Place" banner and thanked them for keeping Morton Grove
on the map.
Burt thanked Mayor DiMaria and the Board, and said it was great to be recognized. He added
that he has seen a lot of administrations come and go, arid stated that this administration, by
far, is the most business -friendly he's seen in 43 years.
Mayor DiMaria thanked Burt and said he was proud to have a Village staff that constantly
acknowledges and encourages businesses. He wished Burt and Sharon a happy Thanksgiv-
ing and thanked them again for being part of Morton Grove.
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X.
CLERK'S REPORT
Clerk Ramos had no report.
XI.
STAFF REPORTS
A. Village Administrator:
Village Administrator Ryan Horne reminded the Board and assemblage that the regularly
scheduled Board Meeting on December 22nd has been cancelled. However, there will be a
Special Board Meeting/Budget Workshop on December 1st so the Board can continue diuss-
ing the 2015 Budget before voting on it.
B. Corporation Counsel:
Corporation Counsel Liston had no report.
XII. TRUSTEES' REPORTS
A. Trustee Grear:
Trustee Grear had no formal report, but wanted to give a shout -out to the Morton Grove
Firefighters Association. In addition to sponsoring the Fire Prevention Poster Contest, they
hold an annual Holiday Food Drive. Anyone can drop off non-perishable goods in the collection
barrels located at Fire Station #4 on Callie Avenue, Village Hall, the Civic Center, the Morton
Grove Moose Lodge, Jerusalem Lutheran School, Prairie View Center, and Edward Jones'
offices located at 5901 Dempster. Food collection ends on December 13, 2014. For more
information, please contact Eric Miller at 847-470-5226.
Trustee Grear asked if this information could be put on the Village's website for the next
several weeks.
Trustee Marcus:
1. Trustee Marcus had wished everyone a Happy Thanksgiving holiday. He encouraged all to
come to the American Legion on Thanksgiving Day around 10:00 a.m. to meet and help serve
or entertain the recruits from Great Lakes Naval Station.
2. Trustee Marcus congratulated Burt and Sharon, calling them a great team with a great restau-
rant.
3. Trustee Marcus thanked everyone for their involvement and contributions to the Holiday Food
Drive and Toys for Tots. He said these contributions enable the Village to serve about
75 needy families in Morton Grove. He also asked everyone to think of all those in harm's way,
protecting us, instead of being with their families.
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AVIiiotos. November 24 2014'Board Meebn
XII.
C. Trustee Pietron:
Trustee Pietron echoed Trustee Marcus' remarks.
TRUSTEES' REPORTS (continued)
D. Trustee Thill:
Trustee Thill presented Resolution 14-55, Appropriation of 2015 Motor Fuel Tax Funds for
the Maintenance of Streets and Highways, MFT Section 15 -00000 -00 -GM.
He explained that the Village receives annually a portion of the motor fuel tax collected by
the State. These funds must be spent on the eligible improvements of roadways. The State
requires an estimate and final statement of the maintenance expenses for each year of the
program. The total estimated expenses for the 2015 Motor Fuel Tax Program are $945,000.
Trustee Thill moved to approve Resolution 14-55, seconded by Trustee Pietron.
Motion passed: 6 ayes, 0 nays.
Tr. Grear aye Tr. Marcus aye Tr. Pietron aye
Tr. Thill aye Tr. Toth aye Tr. Witko aye
2. Trustee Thill reminded the Board and the assemblage that the annual Interfaith Service would
be held on Wednesday, November 25, at 7:30 p.rn. at the Muslim Community Center.
3.
Trustee Thill said that, with the onset of cold and wintry weather, it's a good time of year for
people to get their furnaces checked and to make sure their carbon monoxide detectors are in
good working order.
Trustee Thill asked Chief Friel if there were any focal collection barrels for the Toys for Tots
drive and if so, where are they located. Chief Friel said that the Police Department sponsors
the Toys for Tots campaign. Chief Simo indicated that there is a collection barrel at the Police
Station and at both fire stations.
stee Toth:
Trustee Toth presented for a first reading Ordinance 14-27, AdoOng the Budgets For
All Corporate Purposes of the ViRage of Morton Grove and the Morton Grove Library,
Cook County, Illinois, For the Calendar Year Effective January 1, 2015 and Ending
December 31, 2015.
She explained that the Budget was presented at Budget Workshops held on October 8 and
October 23, and will be discussed further at an additional Budget Workshop scheduled for
Monday, December 1. The final budget will be presented at a Public Hearing on December 8,
2014.
inutebbtNab.1,2014130AM,Meetit _
XII. TRUSTEES' REPORTS (continued)
E. Trustee Toth: (continued)
The total proposed budget for the Village is $63,317,924 and the total proposed budget for the
Library is $3,218,465, for a grand total of $66,536,389.
As this is a first reading, no action will be taken this evening.
2. Next, Trustee Toth presented for a first reading Ordinance 14-26, Levying and Assessing
Taxes for the Village of Morton Grove, Cook County, Illinois, for the Fiscal Year
Beginning January 1, 2015 and Ending December 31, 2015.
She explained that the proposed budget for 2015 calls for expenditures in the amount of
$66,536,689. The amount necessary to be levied for 2014 property taxes is $12,540,233.
By law, the Village is required to levy an additional $3,078,200 for debt service payments
authorized by general obligation notes and bonds, for a total levy (before abatement) of
$15,618,433. However, the Village Board intends to adopt several Resolutions which will
immediately abate $2,621,296 from the levy, resulting in the net levy, as intended by the
Corporate Authorities, of $12,997,137. This equates to a 2% increase in the Village's portion
of the tax levy and a 5% increase in the Library's portion of the tax levy, for an overall increase
of 2.7% in the tax levy over last year.
As this is a first reading, no action will be taken this evening.
F. Trustee Witko:
a.
b.
Trustee Witko presented for a first reading Ordinance 14-28, Minor Amendment to
Ordinance 04-26, Which Approved a Special Use for a Planned Unit Development
(Trafalgar Square) to Grant Approval of a Plat of Vacation and Abros:tion of an
Easement for the Property Located at 8320-8342 Concord Drive.
She explained That, in December 2013, the Board approved an amendment to a Planned Unit
Development to allow for a change from the previously approved 78 -unit multi -family develop-
ment to a 31 -unit townhome development (Lexington Station). The previously -approved plan
included a utility easement around the multi -family building. This amendment to the PUD
allows for the vacation and abrogation of the easement based on the subsequent changes to
the development plan. This Plat of Vacation and Abrogation does not change the approved
Planned Unit Development or site plan, nor the approved Lexington Station Piat of Subdivision.
Trustee Witko said that the applicant has requested that the Village waive the second reading
of this Ordinance.
Trustee Grear moved to waive the second reading, seconded by Trustee Pietron.
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inutes'of ratsrnber: 4, 2014 Board Meetin.
XII. TRUSTEES' REPORTS (continued)
F. Trustee VVitko: (continued)
c. Trustee Marcus asked if anyone was present representing the applicant.
d. Attorney Bernard Citron was present to respond to the Board's questions. Trustee Marcus
asked what the harm would be if the Board kept the second reading (which would occur at
the Board's December 8 meeting). Mr. Citron said there are 24 families who literally cannot
move in until the plat is vacated. The closings are all being delayed because of this minor
technicality. Trustee Marcus thanked him for the clarification. Mr. Citron said that he's only
asking because of the families involved.
e. Mayor DiMaria commented that it's a wonderful development. Mr. Citron agreed that it's a
great development in a great location. In fact, the units sold out in a month. He also thanked
Village staff and said they had been extremely helpful.
f. Mayor DiMaria called for the vote on the motion to waive the second reading of
Ordinance 14-28.
Motion passed: 6 ayes, 0 nays.
Tr. Grear aye Tr. Marcus aye Tr. Pietron aye
Tr. Thill aye Tr. Toth aye Tr. Witko aye
Trustee Witko then moved to adopt Ordinance 14-28, seconded by Trustee Toth.
Motion passed: 6 ayes, 0 nays.
Tr. Greer aye Tr. Marcus aye Tr. Pietron aye
Tr. Thill aye Tr. Toth aye Tr. Witko aye
2. Trustee VVitko wished everyone a Happy Thanksgiving.
XIV. OTHER BUSINESS
1. Trustee Marcus asked what had happened to Jim Quinn, a tong -serving resident on the Fire
Pension Board. Mayor DiMaria thanked Mr. Quinn for his years of service. Mayor Dilvlaria
noted that he is a big believer in moving people around. He just wanted to change things up
on the Fire Pension Board, and said that Mr. Quinn was welcome to serve on any other
Commission, should he choose to do so.
a. Trustee Marcus commented that he was giad there would be another Budget Workshop
because he has several concerns about the Budget. He also noted that all the meetings of the
Finance Advisory Committee have been cancelled this year. The Finance Advisory Committee
was formed as a means of "checks and balances" and objective review. Trustee Marcus said
he had hoped the Finan o Advisory Committee could make weigh in with some recommenda-
b. tions on the Budget.
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inures hf**ember^24;2014413oaizt Eii
XIV. OTHER BUSINESS (continued)
c. Mayor DiMaria commended Finance Director Remy Navarrete for providing the budget
books to the Finance Committee members and noted the committee met on October 21,
2014, to review and provide input. He noted the committee is advisory in nature and meets
on an as -needed basis. He assured Trustee Marcus the committee had their budget books
and have provided input back to Finance Director Navarrete and Village Administrator
Horne.
XV. WARRANTS
Trustee Toth presented the Warrant Register for November 24, 2014. in the amount of
$1,856,435.30, and moved to approve the Warrants as presented, seconded by Trustee Witko.
Motion passed: 6 ayes, 0 nays.
Tr. Grear aye Tr. Marcus aye Tr. Pietron aye
Tr. Thill aye Tr. Toth aye Tr. Witko aye
XVI. RESIDENTS' COMMENTS
XIV.
NONE
ADJOURNMENT
Trustee Toth moved to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Trustee Thill.
Motion passed: 6 ayes, 0 nays.
Tr. Grear aye Tr. Marcus aye
Tr. ThiII aye Tr. Toth aye
The meeting adjourned at 7:52 p.m.
Tr. Pietron aye
Tr. Witko aye
__Saute' s ifmNovetS er 242014 Board'Meetin
PASSED this 8th day of December, 2014.
Trustee Grear
Trustee Marcus
Trustee Pietron
Trustee Thill
Trustee Toth
Trustee Witko
APPROV. "-a< me t;is ah day of December, 2014.
1
Daniel P. DMMaria, Village President
Board of Trustees, Morton Grove, Illinois
APPROV.,E,jaid FILED in my office this 9th day of December, 2014.
Edilberto. Ramos, Village Clerk
Village of Morton Grove, Cook County, Illinois
Minutes by Teresa Orxsar
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