HomeMy WebLinkAbout2015-04-27 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
APRIL 27, 2015
CALL TO ORDER
I & Village President Dan DiMaria called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. in the Council
II. Chambers and led the Board in the Pledge of Allegiance.
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. EXECUTIVE SESSION
Trustee Toth moved to adjourn to Executive Session to discuss pending litigation,
personnel, and real estate matters. Trustee Marcus seconded the motion.
Motion passed: 6 ayes, 0 nays.
Tr. Grear aye Tr. Marcus gyg Tr. Pietron aye
Tr. Thill aye Tr. Toth aye Tr. Witko aye
The Executive Session began at 6:04 p.m. Trustee Toth then moved to adjourn the
Executive Session and recommence the regular Board meeting in the Council Chambers
at 7:00 p.m. The motion was seconded by Trustee Witko and passed unanimously via voice
vote. The Executive Session adjourned at6:40 p.m.
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 April 13, 2015 Regular Board Meeting, Trustee Toth moved,
seconded by Trustee Witko, to accept the Minutes, with one correction. Trustee Toth noted
that Community & Economic Development Director Nancy Radzevich' name was misspelled
throughout the Minutes. Motion passed unanimously via voice vote.
Minutes of April 27, 2015 Board Meeting
VI.
a.
b.
c.
SPECIAL REPORTS
Plan Commission Case PC 15-01, Requesting a Special Use Permit for the Property
Commonly Known as 6200 Lincoln Avenue, the Morton Grove Public Library, in accordance
with Section 12-4-3D of the Unified Development Code.
Community and Economic Development Director Nancy Radzevich presented this case to the
Board.
She explained that the Morton Grove Public Library (MGPL), located at 6140 Lincoln Avenue,
recently purchased the property across the street at 6200 Lincdn Avenue. This area is zoned
CR Commercial Residential, which allows libraries as a special use. Typically, an expansion of
a use that requires a special use permit would be done by amending the original spedal use
permit. However, since the MGPL pre -dates the zoning requirement for special use, the main
library building is a legal non -conforming use. As such, this application is for a new special use
for the 6200 Lincoln Avenue facility.
The 6200 Lincoln Avenue property has an existing 6,336 square foot, two-story building on
it, and six parking spaces—four outdoor spaces (once striping is done in accordance with
regulations) and two garage spaces. The main library at 6140 Lincoln has 22 on-site parking
spaces, and has an agreement with St. Martha's to lease 30 spaces for the Library's use.
There is also on -street parking.
The existing main library is currently undergoing major interior renovations, including installing
ADA -compliant ramps, widening aisles for increased accessibility, and adding dedicated
study rooms and a quiet reading area. Because of these improvements, the interior space for
existing book and material collections, computer stations, etc. will be diminished. MGPL plans
to relocate ten public computers, a public service desk to assist with computer use, computer
classes, adult/senior programming, and knitting classes to their newly -acquired property at
6200 Lincoln. The library extension will have the same hours as the main library. Sundays from
1 pm to 5pm, Mondays through Thursday from 9am to 9pm, Fridays from 9am to 6pm, and
Saturdays from 9am to 5pm. There will not be a circulation desk at the extension.
d. Ms. Radzevich said that parking was looked at comprehensively. The main library currently has
a 32 -space deficiency, based on Code requirements, while the extension at 6200 Lincoh is in
compliance. At the Traffic Safety Commission hearing, the MGPL provided a traffic study that
had been done in-house, because they felt that the new building will not be used to increase
overall Library services, but instead utilized to accommodate existing equipment, programs,
and services. MGPL anticipates library patrons and staff to park as they currently do.
e.
f.
The MGPL also felt that a traffic study done at this time would be cost -prohibitive, and would
not be truly representative due to the current construction work and its impact on the normal
operations of the Library. The Traffic Safety Commission ultimately voted to recommend
approval of this Special Use request, with a number of conditions.
At the Plan Commission hearing, the Commissioners felt the MGPL's parking situation was
functioning adequately, despite the 32 -space deficit. Resident Chris Arnes, 6212 Lincoln
Avenue, appeared before the Commission and raised a number of questions and concerns.
He felt the in-house traffic study was lacking in that it did not do a traffic analysis of the entire
6200 block of Lincoln; traffic movements in the alley were not studied; and it did not consider
the traffic and parking issues generated by Pequod's, Bringer Inn, Summit Cleaners,
Super Cup, and the overall impact on the residents that live in the area.
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Minutes of April 27, 2015 Board Meeting
VI.
g.
SPECIAL REPORTS (continued)
Mr. Arnes also cited the gridlock that occurs on Monday evenings when St. Martha's holds
religious education classes for over 200 children, or when St. Martha's has a funeral. Mr. Arnes
strongly felt that a professional traffic study should be done.
h. The Plan Commissioner Chairman pro -tem asked the MGPL if they would like to conduct a
professional traffic study and then return to the Commission for review, or if they would like the
Commission to vote on the case as presented.
Debra Stombres, Executive Director of the Library, said she had consulted with traffic
engineers, who stated they would study the 6200 Lincoln site only, which would not address
many of the concerns brought up by Mr. Arnes. She added that she had used historical data
from the past two years for the traffic study, noting that much of the Library "traffic" is done
online with patrons checking out books electronically. She felt that, with the renovations, it
would be at least another year before an accurate traffic study could be done.
J The Plan Commission unanimously denied MGPL's application due to the absence of a
professional traffic study.
k.
m.
n.
Ms. Radzevich said this leaves the Board with three options: they can grant the Special Use
Permit, even though the Plan Commission recommended denying it; they can deny the
Special Use request; or they can remand it back to the Plan Commission for further study.
Ms. Radzevich told the Board that, subsequently, the Library did get a professional traffic study
done. They have submitted a draft of the traffic engineer's report, which Village Engineer Chris
Tomich has reviewed. Mr. Tomich has indicated there are several things not covered in the
draft report. Ms. Radzevich said it was the recommendation of staff that the Board remand this
case back to the Plan Commission so that it could be reviewed in a public hearing forum.
Trustee Toth asked if the case should go back to the Traffic Safety Commission first, before
going back to the Plan Commission. Ms. Radzevich said that didn't seem necessary as the
concerns that had been voiced by the Traffic Safety Commission were covered in the Village
Engineer's remarks, and the Traffic Safety Commission had accepted the in-house traffic
study.
Trustee Marcus asked if the Library Board President or Executive Director wanted to address
the Board. He also wondered if this would unduly delay or have a negative impact on the
renovations.
o. Ms. Radzevich said this won't impact the renovations; the scheduled completion time for
the main library is the end of May, when they are planning a Grand Reopening. The Plan
Commission can hear this case again in May, and hopefully there can be a draft ordinance
on the Board's June agenda.
Trustee Thill moved to remand PC 15-01 back to the Pian Commission, seconded by
Trustee Toth.
Motion passed: 6 ayes, 0 nays.
Tr. Grear aye Tr. Marcus aye
Tr. Thill ave Tr. Toth awe
Tr. Pietron ayR
Tr. Witko
3
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h. folitutes; of A i ir'r27 20115, Boand Meetin ,
VII. PUBLIC HEARINGS
NONE
VIII. RESIDENTS' CONVENTS (Agenda Items Only)
Comments on agenda items will occur as the agenda items are being discussed.
IX. PRESIDENT'S REPORT
1
a.
b.
Mayor DiMaria presented Resolution 15-34, Urging the Illinois Governor and Illinois
General Assembly to Pootect Full Funding of Local Government Distributive Revenues
(LGDF).
Mayor DiMaria said that Governor Rauner's proposed budget for fiscal year 2016 would slash
fifty percent of funding for local governments through the Local Government Distributive Fund,
which would impact the Village's ability to continue to provide the current level of municipal
services. The Village would lose an estimated $1.2 million in annual state revenues.
Mayor DiMaria said the Illinois Municipal League, the Metropolitan Mayor's Caucus, and the
Northwest Municipal Conference are coordinating municipal efforts to oppose this reduction,
and urge the passing of this resolution.
Trustee Toth moved to approve Resolution 15-34, seconded by Trustee Witko.
Motion passed: 6 ayes, 0 nays.
Tr. Grear aye Tr. Marcus Lye Tr. Pietron aye
Tr. ThiII aye Tr. Toth aye Tr. Witko aye
Trustee Thill commented that municipalities have already taken a hit. This is the local share of
the income tax and as such should rightfully go the municipalities.
Mayor DiMaria then presented Resolution 15-35, Support of the "Turnaround Agenda" For
Local Government Empowerment and Reforms.
a. Mayor DiMaria said that this resolution was drafted by Governor Rauner and has been
modified by the Northwest Municipal Conference to refocus the Governor's thinking. This
resolution does not take a stand on some of the Governor's points; in fact, the resolution does
not unilaterally support the "turnaround agenda" and instead wishes to support the idea of the
preservation of the local share of revenues and increased local control.
b. Mayor DiMaria read the resolution, which acknowledges the struggle that many municipalities
have gone through since the 2008 recession. Many municipalities, including Morton Grove,
have reorganized or restructured Village departments and have shared services with other
municipalities in an effort to contain costs while being able to maintain critical services such as
police and fire protection; snow removal; refuse collection; infrastructure; and water, sewer,
and utility services.
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Minutes of April 27, 2015 Board Meeting
IX.
PRESIDENT'S REPORT (continued)
c. State government officials have indicated that critical local government funds, collected and
disbursed by the State, may be reduced or eliminated in order to improve the State's financial
health, ignoring the dramatic long-term negative impacts on municipalities, and failing to
resolve the issues that have led to increased costs of government throughout Illinois.
d. Further, the State has dramatically increased the cost of local government by approving more
than 280 unfunded mandates, the cost of which is borne by the taxpayers. Resolution 15-35
calls the combination of continuing unfunded mandates plus the potential revenue reduction an
untenable combination that affects the very sustainability of municipalities throughout Illinois.
Trustee Thill moved to approve Resolution 15-35, seconded by Trustee Toth.
The mayor opened the floor for comments.
e. Tom Rotman of Local 150 Operating Engineers said that Attorney General Lisa Madigan has
already gone on record stating that opting out of prevailing wages and imposing right-to-work
zones is unconstitutional. He said that people should have the right to earn a decent living
wage and asked the Board to "pass" on this resolution.
f.
Kevin Burke of LaGrange said he is a blue collar worker and urged the Village not to take
away prevailing wages or impose right-to-work zones. He said residents will see incomes
decline by at least 6% if that happens.
g. Michael O'Connor, a Glenview resident representing Local 21, IBEW, asked the Board to
defeat the Governor's proposal. He said the State was trying to blame its financial woes on the
unions. Mr. O'Connor cited a study done by Dr. Bruno of the University of Illinois' Illinois Policy
Institute stated that "right-to-work" zones will result in a decline in the middle class and
increased income inequality.
h.
Richard Fahey of Local 150, spoke on behalf of the local's members. He, too, cited
Dr. Bruno's study and said that, since the State of Indiana went "right to work", the poverty
level there has increased 29%.
Trustee Pietron said that what this boils down to is the average person having to pay the price
for Wall Street making a mess. He suggested that Governor Rauner "open his wallet" to help
the situation.
J. Trustee Toth clarified that this resolution does not support several items from the Governor's
turnaround agenda. Mayor DiMaria said this resolution does not unilaterally support the
turnaround agenda—it restricts unfunded mandates and encourages local control.
Mayor DiMaria called for the vote on Resolution 15-35.
Motion passed: 6 ayes, 0 nays.
Tr. Grear aye Tr. Marcus
Tr. Thill Ry2 Tr. Toth
Ayg
gyp
Trustee Pietron commented that he voted "aye" reluctantly.
Tr. Pietron aye
Tr. Witko aye
5
IX PRESIDENT'S REPORT (continued)
k.
mutes of APA 27F 2 TSIB_oa_rd M efi ii
To the gentlemen who had addressed the Board, Mayor DiMaria said, "We hear you and we'll
take what you had to say to heart." He complimented Mr. Burke, coming from LaGrange to be
here tonight, saying "That speaks to your passion on this issue."
Mayoral Update
a. Mayor DiMaria complimented the Regina Dominican "WYSE" academic team for achieving
7 medals in the State tournament. The team included Morton Grove resident Linette Maliakal,
who tied for sixth place in Chemistry. Regina Dominican competed against 30 schools from
across the state in Biology, Chemistry, English, Mathematics, and Physics.
Mayor DiMaria noted that a former longtime resident of Morton Grove, Hymen Factor, had
passed away at the age of 86. Mr. Factor founded Chicago Messenger Service over fifty years
ago. The company, which is one of the oldest and largest privately -owned courier companies
in Chicago, now employs more than 400 couriers and is equipped with state-of-the-art
technology and the ability to make deliveries in all 48 contiguous states.
c. Mayor DiMaria encouraged residents to visit the Morton Grove Historical Museum and
Education Center on Saturday, May 9, from 10am to 12pm for a reception celebrating their
new exhibit "Recreation and Leisure History of Morton Grove". Light refreshments will be
served, and residents will be able to pick up a copy of the Village's new bike map! Also on
May 9, residents have the opportunity to visit the Spring Farmers' Market at the Civic Center,
and to check out the Park District's "Park Pride" activities in Harrer Park at the same time.
d. Mayor DiMaria announced that the Police Department is now giving away gun locks to licensed
firearms owners in an effort to prevent accidents and keep the community safer. Anyone with
a Firearms Owner's Identification (FOID) card can ask for a gun -locking device, which will
prevent most types of guns from discharging.
X. CLERK'S REPORT
Clerk Ramos had no report.
XI. STAFF REPORTS
A. Village Administrator:
Village Administrator Ryan Horne announced that the Village will hold aTown Hall meeting on
Wednesday, May 6, at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers. The topic for discussion will be the
Village's options for alternative water sources. Mayor DiMaria said he hoped that all residents
would come and provide input. Trustee Grear asked if there would be any guest speakers.
Mayor DiMaria said that several of the Village's consultants with expertise in this area—Bill
Balling, Barbara Adams, and Patrick Glenn—would be participating in the Town Hall meeting.
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XI.
B. Corporation Counsel:
Corporation Counsel Liston had no report.
STAFF REPORTS (continued)
XII.
A. Trustee Grear:
Trustee Grear had no report.
B. Trustee Marcus:
Trustee Marcus had no report.
C. Trustee Pietron:
Trustee Pietron had no report.
Trustee Thill:
TRUSTEES' REPORTS
1 ..
inutes of A ri1F27201i5Board: Meeting
1. Trustee ThiII presented Resolution 15-31, Authorizing a Contract By and Between the
Village of Morton Grove and the Automobile Mechanics Union Local No. 701 For the
Period of January 1, 2015 Through December 31, 2017.
He explained that this resolution authorizes a collective bargaining agreement between the
Village of Morton Grove and the Automobile Mechanics Union Local No. 701 for the period of
January 1, 2015 through December 31, 2017. This contract provides for salaries and benefits
for members of the bargaining unit consistent with the salaries given to non -represented public
works employees who do comparable work.
Trustee Thill moved to approve Resolution 15-31, seconded by Trustee Pietron.
Motion passed: 6 ayes, 0 nays.
Tr. Grear ave Tr. Marcus aye Tr. Pietron ave
Tr. Thill aye Tr. Toth aye Tr. Witko aye
XII. TRUSTEES' REPORTS (continued)
D. Trustee Thill: (continued)
2. Next, Trustee Thill presented Resolution 15-32, Authorizing the Annual July 4 Parade and
Closure of Dempster Street.
a.
He explained that this Resolution is required by the Illinois Department of Transportation for
the closure of Dempster Street between Central and Ferris Avenues on July 4, 2014, between
2:00 p.m. and 4:30 p.m.
Trustee Thill moved to approve Resolution 15-32, seconded by Trustee Toth.
Motion passed: 6 ayes, 0 nays.
Tr. Grear aye Tr. Marcus ave Tr. Pietron aye
Tr. Thill ave Tr. Toth ave Tr. Witko aye
Trustee Toth:
a. Trustee Toth had no formal report, but reminded the Board and assemblage that the Village's
Board of Environmental Health, combined with the Solid Waste Agency of Northern Cook
County (SWANCC) will be hosting a combined document destruction/small electronics
recycling event at the Civic Center parking lot (between the Civic Center and Harrer Pool)
from 9:00 a.m. to noon on Saturday, May 23. Only residential material will be accepted (no
construction materials). Up to six file boxes or paper bags of documents will be accepted—
no plastic bags. Volunteers will be on hand to help unload cars. Trustee Toth thanked the
Park District for allowing this use of their facility.
b. The following is a list of the items that will be accepted for the small electronics recycling:
answering machines, cable receivers, calculators, camcorders, cameras, CD & DVD players,
computer cables, computer monitors, computers (including desktop, notebook and tablet),
converter boxes, copy machines, fax machines, humidifiers, microwaves, mobile telephones,
computer mice or keyboards, MP3 players, PDA's, postage machines, power tools or cords,
printers (including multi -function), satellite receivers, scanners, shredders, small home
appliances (like toasters, blenders, vacuum cleaners, mini refrigerators, etc.), stereo
equipment, telephones, televisions, typewriters, video game consoles, video recorders and
players, and zip drives.
c. Trustee Toth said that the traffic light at Fernald and the Harrer Park entrance will be an "exit
only" for the recycling event. Vehicles can enter at the Civic Center driveway. She added that
all of this information will be posted on the Village's website. If anyone needs more information
or has any questions, they should call 847-663-3048.
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XII.
F. Trustee Witko:
a.
XIII.
TRUSTEES' REPORTS (continued)
inu _es of Aprli127420175 =oar{d Meetin
Trustee Witko presented Ordinance 15-05, Approving a Special Use Permit for a Daycare
Use at 9320 Waukegan Road, Morton Grove, Illinois 60053.
This is the second reading of this Ordinance.
Trustee Witko explained that this Ordinance approves a special use permit to allow for the
operation of a daycare facility for up to 39 children, with a maximum staff of 15, by Montessori
Academy of Morton Grove, at 9320 Waukegan Road.
Trustee Marcus remarked that he had been concerned about possible liability issues for
when the children are transported to or at National Park. Ms. Radzevich had provided him
with documentation that the State had investigated and approved this approach. He thanked
her for following up with him on this.
Trustee Witko moved, seconded by Trustee Grear, to adopt Ordinance 15-05.
Motion passed: 6 ayes, 0 nays.
Tr. Grear aye Tr. Marcus ave Tr. Pietron aye
Tr. Thili ave Tr. Toth aye Tr. Witko aae
OTHER BUSINESS
NONE
XIV. WARRANTS
Trustee Toth presented the Warrant Register for this evening in the amount of $1,256,642.57.
She 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. Thili ave Tr. Toth ale Tr. Witko aa�
XV. RESIDENTS' COMMENTS
NONE
XVI. ADJOURNMENT
Trustee Toth moved to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Trustee Marcus.
Motion passed: 6 ayes, 0 nays.
Tr. Grear aye Tr. Marcus lyt2 Tr. Pietron aye
Tr. ThiII ave Tr. Toth awe Tr. Witko
The meeting adjourned at 7:49 p.m.
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Minutes of April 27, 2015 Board Meeting
PASSED this 11th day of May, 2015
Trustee Grear
Trustee Minx
Trustee Pietron
Trustee Ramos
Trustee Thill
Trustee Witko
APPROVED by me this 11th day of May, 2015
Daniel P. DiMaria, Village President
Board of Trustees, Morton Grove, Illinois
APPROVED and FILED in my office this 12th day of May 2015.
fVkC•
Village Clerk
Village of Morton Grove, Cook County, Illinois
Minutes by: Teresa Cousar
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