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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2015-09-14 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 SEPTEMBER 14, 2015 CALL TO ORDER I & Village President Dan DiMaria called the meeting to order at 6:59 p.m. in the Council H. Chambers of Village Hall and led the Board and assemblage in the Pledge of Allegiance. 1I1. Village Clerk Connie Travis called the roll. Present were: Trustees Bill Grear, Rita Minx, John Pietron, Ed Ramos, John ThiII, and Janine Witko. IV. VI. VII. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Regarding the Minutes of the August 10, 2015 Regular Board Meeting, Trustee Minx, seconded by Trustee Pietron, to accept the Minutes as presented. Motion passed unanimously via voice vote. SPECIAL REPORTS NONE PUBLIC HEARINGS NONE RESIDENTS' COMMENTS (Agenda Items Only) NONE VIII. PRESIDENT'S REPORT 1. Mayor DiMaria proclaimed September 17-23, 2015 as "Constitution Week" in the Village. He noted that September 17 marks the 228th anniversary of the drafting of the United States Constitution by the Constitutional Convention, and asked that all residents of the Village reaffirm the ideals of the framers of the constitution by attentively protecting the freedoms guaranteed to us all through this guardian of our liberties, remembering that lost rights may never be regained. `1nutes of e . tember , gyjg..:ciajmaniM VIII. PRESIDENT'S REPORT (continued) 2. Next, Mayor DiMaria proclaimed Saturday, September 19, 2015 "Thank a Police Officer Day" in the Village of Morton Grove. He called upon all residents and businesses in the Village to show their pride and appreciation for all of our law enforcement officers by taking the time to thank an officer either in person, or on the Morton Grove Police Department Facebook page. He also urges residents to displaying something blue, wrap a blue ribbon around a tree, shine a blue light, or even place a supportive message on a business message board. He encouraged everyone to help Paint Illinois and especially Morton Grove Blue on September 19, 2015 to show our support for these courageous men and women. Mayor DiMaria then thanked Police Chief Michael Simo for all his good work. Mayor DiMaria then presented Resolution 15-57, Appointing a Director and Alternate Director to the Solid Waste Agency of Northern Cook County (SWANCC). He explained that, each year, the Village appoints a Director and Alternate Director(s) to SWANCC to represent the Village's interest. This resolution names Trustee Thill as the Village's Director, with Trustee Pietron and Village Administrator Czerwinski as its Alternate Directors. Trustee Minx moved to adopt Resolution 15-57, seconded by Trustee Witko. Motion passed: 6 ayes, 0 nays. Tr. Grear aye Tr. Minx aye Tr. Pietron aye Tr. Ramos aye Tr. Thill aye Tr. Witko awe 4. Mayor DiMaria also presented Resolution 15-58, Authorizing the Appointment of Delegates to the Northwest Municipal Conference (NWMC). He explained that, as a member of the NWMC, the Village is required to appoint a delegate and alternate to the NWMC Board. He himself is the delegate, and this resolution names Trustee Grear and Village Administrator Czerwinski as alternate delegates. Trustee Pietron moved to adopt Resolution 15-58, seconded by Trustee Thill. Motion passed: 6 ayes, 0 nays. Tr. Grear ate, Tr. Minx aye Tr. Pietron aye Tr. Ramos aye Tr. Thill aye Tr. Witko aye 5. Mayoral Update a. Mayor DiMaria reported that the 2015 Street Resurfacing project is almost completed. For 2015, the Village invested $1.2 million and resurfaced 12 streets. They include: Mansfield Avenue from Davis Street to Church Street; Major Avenue and Parkside Avenue from Lake Street to Church Street, Lake Street from Luna Avenue to Linder Avenue; Central Avenue from Theobald Road to Frontage Road; Crain Street from Major Avenue to Central Avenue; Menard Avenue from South Park Avenue to Dempster Street; Madison Street from Austin Avenue to Marmora Avenue and from Linder Avenue to Long Avenue; Reba Court and Keeny Court from the cul-de-sac to Marmora Avenue; and Warren Street from Gross Point Road to Long Avenue. 2 VIII. 5. Mayoral Update (continued) b. Minutes of September 14, 2015 Board Meeting PRESIDENT'S REPORT (continued) Mayor DiMaria said he was pleased to announce that the Village's new fire engine was put into service on September 4th, and responded to a structure fire the very next day! c. Mayor DiMaria said that the Village's newest addition, "House of Torment" would be opening on September 25 in the former Fear City location. "House of Torment" is a nationally -recognized haunted house and the Austin, Texas location was named #4 in the Top 13 Scariest Haunted Houses in 2014 by hauntworld.com. He encouraged everyone to visit this new attraction. d. Mayor DiMaria thanked everyone who attended the senior luncheon at the Civic Center last week. It was catered by Kappy's and everyone agreed the food was delicious. The next senior lunch will be on October 2, 2015, from 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., and is open to everyone—not just seniors. e. Mayor DiMaria commented that the Pancake Breakfast at the Civic Center to benefit the family of slain Fox Lake Police Officer Joseph Gliniewicz raised $6,000. He thanked the MGPD for their hard work. f. Mayor DiMaria encouraged everyone to participate in or donate to Wright -Way Rescue's "Run For Rescue," which will take place on Sunday, September 20 at Linne Woods. Mayor DiMaria noted that tomorrow, September 15, Cook County Commissioner Larry Suffredin would be at the Skokie Library talking about property taxes and how to appeal them. This program will be from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. The mayor added he is trying to get a similar program scheduled for September 30 at 1:00 p.m. at the Civic Center. h. Mayor DiMaria announced that the Village's next "Community Outreach" would take place at National Park at 9325 Marion Street. The program provides a more informal opportunity to hear what's going on in the Village and to have a conversation with the elected officials. Mayor DiMaria said everyone is welcome. The program begins at 6:00 p.m. g• i. Mayor DiMaria wished Trustee Thill a very happy birthday! IX. CLERK'S REPORT Clerk Travis said, as liaison to the Community Relations Commission, that the Commission will be hosting a table at the Farmers' Market on Saturday, September 26, from 8:00 a.m. to noon. She encouraged everyone to drop by to share their views on what makes Morton Grove great, and to register to win a gift certificate to a local restaurant. 3 Minutes of September 14, 2015 Board Meeting X. STAFF REPORTS A. Villacie Administrator: In the absence of Village Administrator Czerwinski, Village Administrator pro tem Friel had no report. B. Corporation Counsel: Corporation Counsel Liston had no report. Xl. TRUSTEES' REPORTS A. Trustee Grear: 1. a. b. Trustee Grear presented for a first reading Ordinance 15-20, Updating Title 1, Chapter 4 of the Municipal Code Entitled "Monetary Penalties and Fines" and Title 6, Chapter 4, Section 6 Entitled "Cruelty to Animals" and Section 10 Entitled "Stray Animals" to Adjust Fines and Fees Relating to Violations of the Village's Animal Control Ordinances. He explained that the Police Department has recently reviewed the fines and public safety fees associated with violations of the Village's animal control act, and surveyed fines and fees charged by neighboring communities. Based on this review, the Police Chief has recommended that certain fines charged by the Village be adjusted or reduced, in order to be fair and consistent with other towns, and to give the local adjudication hearing officer greater flexibility when determining appropriate fines. Specifically, the Chief is recommending that all offenses relating to cruelty to animals be assessed a fine between $250 and $250,000, and all other violations of the Village's Animal Control Act be assessed a fine between $75 and $750, which is the standard fine for local ordinance violations. Trustee Grear said the Chief has also recommended that the public safety fee charged for abandoned animals remain at $500, but that he be given the authority to waive the fee in appropriate circumstances, such as occasions when a person must give up an animal due to a financial hardship. Currently, the public safety fee charged for stray animals is $150; the Chief is recommending that this only be assessed if the animal has been taken to a private boarding facility by the police department. The fee would fairly compensate the Village for its time and expense to process and transport the animal. It would not be assessed if the animal was only kept for a brief time at the police department. The Chief has further recommended that the current requirement that a resident pay all outstanding fines and fees before being able to recover their pet be eliminated. Trustee Grear said this ordinance will amend the relevant sections of the municipal code to incorporate these recommendations. As this is a first reading, no action will be taken this evening. 4 Xl. Minutes of September 14 2015 Board Meeting TRUSTEES' REPORTS (continued) B. Trustee Minx: Trustee Minx presented had no formal report, but said she had attended the Pancake Breakfast and found it very well -attended. She thanked all the volunteers and said that it was a great time! C. Trustee Pietron: Trustee Pietron had no report. D. Trustee Ramos: 1. Trustee Ramos presented Ordinance 15-21, Amending Title 4, Chapter 6D Entitled "Liquor Control" and Title 4, Chapter 3, Section 5 Entitled "Fees Established" of the Municipal Code. a. b. He explained that the sections of the Municipal Code dealing with liquor license titles and associated fees needs to be updated to ensure they are in compliance with state statutes and current practices. The changes include updating the definition for a Class "A" liquor license; establishing a new Class "M" liquor license for micro -breweries and establishing a liquor license fee of $2,750 per year; establishing a new Class "N" liquor license for video gaming cafes and establishing the annual liquor license fee for Class "N" licenses at $2,750; to allow only eleven licensed premises to have gaming in the Village at any one time; to prohibit any new video gaming establishments within 500 feet of a school; to limit signage advertising video gaming to one lit and one unlit sign visible from the street; to require that video gaming establishments provide food service during its hours of operation; to increase permit fees for video gaming terminals to $250 per machine and $1,000 per licensed operate; to increase the fee for Class "B" liquor licenses; to prohibit license holders other than Class "C" licensees from locking their entrance doors during hours of operation; to allow patrons who purchase bottles of wine at restaurants to transport partially consumed bottles (in compliance with state law); to comply with new state laws permitting and regulating happy hour meal and party packages; and to update the Basset training requirements for employees of license holders in compliance with state law. Trustee Thill asked how many video gaming licenses the Village currently has. Corporation Counsel Liston said the Village has nine, and this ordinance would increase the number to eleven. Trustee Thill asked if it was possible to "freeze" the number at 11, indicating he was worried about the impact to the Village's reputation. He wanted to put a provision in the ordi- nance that would preclude future boards from increasing the number of licenses that could be issued. Ms. Liston said that this Board does not have the authority to restrict the power of future boards. Trustee Pietron commented that he thought the market would regulate itself. Trustee Ramos said that, as this is a first reading, no action will be taken this evening. 5 XI. TRUSTEES' REPORTS (continued) E. Trustee Thill: 1. a. Trustee Thill presented Resolution 15-61, Authorizing the Disposition of a 1978 Pierce Hendrickson Fire Engine as Surplus Property Retired From Use by the Morton Grove Fire Department. As mentioned in the Mayoral Update, the Fire Department has put a new fire engine into service so they can now dispose of the 1978 Pierce Hendrickson Engine which has outlasted its usefulness to the Village. This resolution will authorize the trade-in of this fire engine to the Fire Apparatus and Supply Team (FAST) located in Lincoln, Illinois. The trade-in credit of $7,500 will go toward the purchase of a new Smeal Pumper Fire Engine will service the Village for many years to come. Trustee Thill moved to approve Resolution 15-61, seconded by Trustee Pietron. Motion passed: 6 ayes, 0 nays. Tr. Grear aye Tr. Minx aye Tr. Pietron aye Tr. Ramos mtg. Tr. Thill aye Tr. Witko aave 2. Trustee Thill said he had mentioned at a recent Board meeting that the garbage fee will be going down by 18%. He apologized and said he had misspoken. It is the tipping fee that SWANCC charges the Village that is being reduced—not Groot's charges for trash and recycling hauling. F. Trustee Witko: Trustee Witko had no formal report, but announced that the Morton Grove Historical Society will have a new exhibit opening on September 20, 2015 at 2:00 p.m. called "Mapping Morton Grove." She encouraged everyone to come see this new exhibit, which will be run for several months. XII. OTHER BUSINESS NONE XIII. WARRANTS Trustee Ramos presented the Warrant Registers for August 24, 2015, in the amount of $694,928.39 and for September 14, 2015, in the amount of $427,722.01, for a total of $1,122,650.40. He moved that the Warrants be approved as presented. Trustee Minx seconded the motion. Motion passed: 6 ayes, 0 nays. Tr. Grear aye Tr. Minx aye Tr. Pietron aye Tr. Ramos aye Tr. Thill awe Tr. Witko aye 6 ,47'.; r nutesof$eptember 14, 20i' f6sBoard,Meetingl RESIDENTS' COMMENTS Tim Bimmerle, 8401 Austin, said that he is a 4 -year resident of the Village. He moved here after living in Chicago and then Schaumburg. He was quite concerned about the traffic on Austin Avenue between Oakton and Dempster. He felt there was a lot of speeding and reckless driving going on, especially with Lin -Mar vehicles (although they have gotten better) and "Don't Shoot the Messenger," a package delivery service located at Austin and Madison. He said this business has about 75 trucks and they deliver for Amazon and other companies. Mr. Bimmerle said he had spoken with Officer Tabor about possibly installing a speed - measuring machine, although that wouldn't help with the distracted driving and dangerous U-turns he sees happening. Mayor DiMaria thanked him for his input and said that the Village will find a reasonable solution and will implement it. Georgianne Brunner, Morton Grove Days President, appeared before the Board to promote the Morton Grove Days Commission's next fundraiser, which will be at Graziano's on Thursday, September 24. Graziano's will donate 20% of its proceeds, but diners must mention that they are there to benefit Morton Grove Days to their server and also when they pay for their food. ADJOURNMENT Trustee Pietron moved to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Trustee Thili. Motion passed: 6 ayes, 0 nays. Tr. Grear aye Tr. Minx aye Tr. Pietron aye Tr. Ramos aye Tr. Thill aye Tr. Witko aye The meeting adjourned at 7:26 p.m. 7 Minutes of September 14, 2015 Board Meeting PASSED this 28th day of September, 2015 Trustee Grear Trustee Minx Trustee Pietron Trustee Ramos Trustee Thill Trustee Witko Ayc f Ay4 Ayr. APPRONI=I by me th'. 8112 day of September, 2015 Daniel P. 'iMaria, Villa.e • esident Board of Trustees, Morton rove, Illinois APPROVED and FILED in my office this 29th day of September, 2015. -VI/VMAL J 1(-1 Connie J. Travis, Village Clerk Village of Morton Grove, Cook County, Illinois Minutes by: Teresa Cousar 8