HomeMy WebLinkAbout2015-10-26 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
OCTOBER 26, 2015
CALL TO ORDER
I & Village President Dan DiMaria called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. in the Council
II. Chambers of Village Hall and led the Board and assemblage in the Pledge of Allegiance.
III. Village Clerk Connie Travis called the roll. Present were: Trustees Bill Grear, Rita Minx,
John Pietron, Ed Ramos, John Thill, and Janine Witko.
IV.
V.
1.
a.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Regarding the Minutes of the October 12, 2015 Regular Board Meeting, Trustee Minx moved,
seconded by Trustee Pietron, to accept the Minutes as presented. Motion passed
unanimously via voice vote.
SPECIAL REPORTS
Presentation Regarding the American Legion Naval Thanksgiving Dinner
Mayor DiMaria introduced Casey Bachara and Joseph Gesicki of American Legion Post #134,
present this evening to talk about the upcoming annual "Navy Day" Thanksgiving celebration.
Mr. Bachara thanked the Board for their time. He said this is the 9th year the Legion is hosting
b. 50 recruits from Great Lakes. He said he was here tonight to ask the Village to support this
venture and also to invite the mayor, the board members, and the staff to join them in thanking
these recruits.
Mayor DiMaria asked what time it started. Mr. Bachara said that District 67 provides a bus that
c. picks up the recruits early and usually they get back to the post between 8:30 and 9:15 a.m.
He added that people are welcome to donate breakfast sweets, and they can even drop them
off the day before, as several Legion members will be there decorating. The bus takes the
recruits back between 4:30 and 5:00 p.m.
Mr. Bachara said the best time to visit is during entertainment time, around 10:30 a.m. The
d. recruits usually eat around 12:30, and they then entertain the veterans. He added this is the
first day off these recruits have had since they began their training.
Minutes of October 26, 2015 Board Meetin•
V.
SPECIAL REPORTS (continued)
e. Mr. Gesicki also thanked the mayor, the board, the Police Department and Fire Department
for their ongoing support. He also acknowledged several local merchants, who donate food,
beverages, desserts, etc.—Kappy's Restaurant, Maier's Bakery, Produce World, Village
Creamery of Niles, and Mariano's of Glenview. He said it's heartwarming to see these recruits
enjoying themselves. Mr. Gesicki thanked all Morton Grove residents for their generosity.
Mayor DiMaria said he and the Board are grateful to the Legion for providing this service. He
said it's a great event, one that makes you feel good to go over there and spend some time
with these young men. He said the Village would help publicize the event.
f.
VI.
VII.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
NONE
RESIDENTS' COMMENTS (Agenda and Non -Agenda Items)
Dr. Phil Collins, Superintendent of District 70, thanked Mike Dahm and Andy DeMonte from
Public Works for getting some additional stop signs installed on Lake Street and in front of
the school building entrance. He commended the Village for its great staff and said that the
power of the Village/School District collaboration is huge and is a key piece to fully serving the
residents of Morton Grove.
Mayor DiMaria thanked Dr. Collins and Mr. DeMonte.
VIII. PRESIDENT'S REPORT
1 Mayoral Update
a. Mayor DiMaria said the State Fire Marshal came to visit Fire Station #4 on October 22 in honor
of Fire Prevention month and to attend a short fire prevention presentation. The event was very
well attended by residents, staff members, and local and state elected officials.
b. Mayor DiMaria reminded everyone to change their clocks back one hour this weekend, and to
take the time to check the batteries in their smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors.
c. Mayor DiMaria visited Melzer School to visit classes, answer questions, and meet the student
council. He also participated in reading a book to some of the students as part of the national
program "Read For the Record."
d. Regarding the alternate water supply study, Mayor DiMaria said analysis and planning continue
with the Village's partner, the Village of Niles, towards the development of infrastructure design
and contract terms. The mayor said that, on tonight's Agenda is a resolution authorizing the
continuation of engineering analysis of a concept exploring the option of using and/or
enhancing the existing water distribution infrastructure of the Village of Skokie and City of
Evanston to provide cost-effective capital expansion to provide an alternate water supply source
for the Villages of Morton Grove and Niles. Mayor DiMaria said that actions like this are good
government. Although this is a monumental task, Morton Grove is moving further along a path
that will lead to cost savings for the Village and its residents.
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Minutes of October 26, 2015 Board Meetin.,
VIII.
1. Mayoral Update: (continued)
e.
PRESIDENT'S REPORT (continued)
Mayor DiMaria announced that the Veterans Day Parade will take place on November 8, kicking
off at 1:30 p.m. and departing from American Legion Post #134. He hoped that everyone would
come to the Civic Center after the parade for the dedication of the eagle scout project, which is
a brick paver walk and signage recognizing the various branches of military service at the west
side of the Civic Center He encouraged all to come out and support the veterans and the
scouts, saying "It's the least we can do."
f. Mayor DiMaria mentioned that a Street Crack Sealing Program is beginning. Residents living
on the involved streets will receive a blast phone message from the Public Works department,
stating that work will begin within a few days and should take no longer than 10 days. Streets
will remain open during the work; however, temporary no parking signs will be installed and will
be enforced. Residents will also be advised to keep their windows closed, as it will be dusty.
Mayor DiMaria noted that the RTA has approved two Village transit -oriented projects. The
two approved projects will include and impact the Lincoln/Lehigh/Ferris area. The first is a
Transit -Oriented Development Developer Discussion Panel which will organize potential
strategies to help the Village in its continuing efforts to attract desired developments in its
transit -oriented district. The second approved project is a Zoning Code Update. The RTA will
engage planning consultants with the goal to make the Village's zoning code more attractive
to potential developers and other investors by creating more clearly-defined land control
regulations and procedures. Both of these projects will be done at no cost to the Village.
Mayor DiMaria congratulated Village staff on their efforts which got these two projects
approved.
h. Mayor DiMaria said that Budget Workshops will begin soon. The first one, a simple overview of
the Budget, will be held on October 29 at 6:00 p.m. The second one will have more content and
will be held on November 5, also at 6:00 p.m. The last scheduled Budget Workshop will be on
Wednesday, November 18, at 6:00 p.m. All Budget Workshops are open to the public and will
take place at Village Hall in the second -floor Trustees' Conference Room. The first reading of
the Budget and Tax Levy Ordinances is expected to take place at the Board's regularly -
scheduled meeting on November 23 and the second reading and vote will be done at the Board
Meeting on December 14. Mayor DiMaria encouraged all interested residents to attend the
Budget Workshops.
g.
IX. CLERK'S REPORT
Clerk Travis had no report.
X. STAFF REPORTS
A.
a.
Village Administrator:
Village Administrator Czerwinski said he appreciated the Mayor's comments on the alternate
water supply study. He said that determining the best and most cost-effective way to deliver
water to Morton Grove residents and businesses is an ongoing project of staff, to which they've
already devoted a lot of effort.
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Minutes of October 26,2015 Board Meetin
X.
b.
STAFF REPORTS (continued)
Mr. Czerwinski said that the resolution the Board is entertaining this evening will provide the
Village with another opportunity for staff to look at a different method of water delivery, so that
when staff comes to the Board in the future, with the various ways that water can be conveyed,
or is currently conveyed, the Board can make the wisest decision for the future, saving money
and working with other communities to make sure the Village has the best product possible.
c. Mr. Czerwinski said that this analysis will be a phased approach over 13 weeks of study. The
goal is to understand the water systems of Evanston and Skokie, Niles and Morton Grove. The
skeletonized report will look at water mains 12" or larger, which could be distribution mains to
provide a level of redundancy, efficiency and operational readiness for Morton Grove's water
system.
d.
Mr. Czerwinski noted that the contract which staff has negotiated is time -and -materials -related,
so, if after five or six weeks into it, it doesn't seem appropriate, the Village won't continue the
study. Village staff will stay on top of contractor so the Village spends its money wisely. This is a
key component, Mr. Czerwinski said, adding that he hoped to see this all coming together in the
next quarter.
B. Corporation Counsel:
Corporation Counsel Liston had no report.
XI.
A. Trustee Grear:
1.
a.
b.
TRUSTEES' REPORTS
Trustee Grear presented for a first reading Ordinance 15-24, Amending Title 7, "Public
Properties and Utilities," Chapter 1 Entitled "Streets and Public Ways," "and Section 15,
Entitled "Driveways," To Establish a Permitting Procedure For Variances to Driveway
Approaches.
He said that the Village has received numerous requests for permission to construct driveway
approaches or aprons on the public right-of-way with non-standard materials and/or decorative
materials, such as brick pavers. Village staff recommended that the Village Code be amended
to allow for these types of installations, subject to conditions that safeguard the public interest.
Non-standard driveway approaches will require a special Village permit, must be constructed
of the same material as the property owner's driveway, and shall not interfere with or create
an unsafe condition at the public right-of-way. Further, the property owner shall pay all costs
associated with the installation, maintenance, repair, and removal of the non-standard driveway
approach and shall release, indemnify, and hold harmless the Village and all utility companies
working within the public right-of-way from any and all claims or expenses resulting from the
non-standard driveway approach.
Trustee Grear asked Village Administrator Czerwinski to elaborate on the Village's rationale for
making this change. Mr. Czerwinski said that things have changed in the construction world.
There are now ornamental aspects to concrete. Homeowners love the aesthetics—but this
can be a burden to public works projects. Thus Village staff has developed a process, with
conditions, by which this can be done.
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Minutes of October 26, 2015 Board Meeting
XI.
A. Trustee Grear: (continued)
c.
TRUSTEES' REPORTS (continued)
Mr. Czerwinski said that, typically, driveway aprons are on public property. Having an
ornamental driveway approach can be a burden for utilities if they have to work in the public
right-of-way. He said that he's comfortable with the proposed changes both from an operational
standpoint and from an enforcement standpoint. He pointed out that this does not impact the
public sidewalks, which are maintained by the Village.
Trustee Grear said that no action will be taken this evening as this is a first reading.
B. Trustee Minx:
Trustee Minx had no report.
C. Trustee Pietron:
1. Trustee Pietron presented Resolution 15-66, Authorizing the Execution of a Contract With
Ciorba Group, Inc. For Professional Engineering Services.
a.
b.
c.
He explained that this Resolution gives the Village the use of a professional engineering
company to supplement existing engineering staff during peak periods of work or to perform
specialized services. Typical projects involve the review of private developments and design
of infrastructure.
Trustee Pietron said that, in 2012, Village staff recommended, developed, and implemented
a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) process that included solicitation, review of statements of
interest, and interviews. This process complies with Qualifications Based Selection, which is
required to procure engineering services for projects that include federal funding. A total of
seven statements of interest were received from local firms. Staff recommends Ciorba Group,
Inc. to the Board, based on their ability to perform the work, institutional knowledge of the
Village's infrastructure, and value.
Trustee Pietron noted that approving this resolution does not obligate any cost to the Village.
The 2016 Draft Budget allocates $15,000 to specialized engineering services when the need
for such services arises. Engineering services exceeding $20,000 would require future Board
approval. Engineering services for private development review are 100% reimbursable by the
permit applicant.
Trustee Pietron moved, seconded by Trustee Witko, to approve Resolution 15-66.
Motion passed: 6 ayes, 0 nays.
Tr. Grear ave Tr. Minx 2y2 Tr. Pietron �e
Tr. Ramos ave Tr. Thill ave Tr. Witko awe
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Minutes of October 26, 2015.Board Meetin.
XI.
TRUSTEES' REPORTS (continued)
D. Trustee Ramos:
1.
a.
Trustee Ramos presented Resolution 15-67, Authorizing the Execution of a Contract With
Sikich LLP, Inc. To Perform Auditing Services.
He explained that the Village is required by State Statute to have an annual audit of its financial
statements.
b. In 2011, the Village first entered into a contract with Sikich LLP to perform auditing services for
the Village and the Library for 2010 to 2014. In September of 2015, Sikich LLP proposed to the
Village to provide auditing services for the year ending December 31, 2015, at a cost of
$32,160 for Village services, $2,650 for the TIF compliance examination, $2,000 for the
Single Audit report, if applicable, and a one-time fee of $2,500 for the implementation of the
GASB Statement No. 68, accounting and financial reporting for pensions (an amendment of
GASB Statement No. 27). These fees include out-of-pocket costs, such as report reproduction,
postage, etc.
c. Trustee Ramos said that Village staff determined that the proposed prices were reasonable,
and because of the recent transition in key staff members of the Finance Department, the
Village Administrator has recommended the Village enter into a one-year contract with
Sikich LLP for auditing services to give continuity while a new Finance Director is sought and
hired.
a.
b.
Trustee Ramos moved, seconded by Trustee Grear, to approve Resolution 15-67.
Motion passed: 6 ayes, 0 nays.
Tr. Grear aye Tr. Minx aye Tr. Pietron
Tr. Ramos aye Tr. Thin aye Tr. Witko aye
Next, Trustee Ramos presented Resolution 15-68, Authorizing an Amendment to the
Professional Service Agreement Between Stanley Consultants, Inc. and the Villages of
Morton Grove and Niles For a Joint Water Project.
He said that the Villages of Morton Grove and Niles had entered into an agreement with Stanley
Consultants to review and update construction cost estimates for a new water transmission
main from the City of Evanston to the Villages. Based on the initial work performed by Stanley
Consultants, the Villages have learned there may be an alternative method of water delivery
from Evanston using existing water distribution infrastructure of the Villages, as well as that of
the Village of Skokie and the City of Evanston.
Trustee Ramos said that staff is recommending that the scope of Stanley Consultants, Inc.'s
contract be expanded to analyze this alternative delivery method. The Villages have negotiated
an amended scope of services, which includes projecting future water demands for the Villages;
determining the water transmission improvements needed; creating a needed skeletonized
water system model; meeting with representatives of the four water systems to review
information and determine the best options for development of a four system modeling effort;
determining/ evaluating future demand rates, weak points, and restrictions in each of the four
systems; determining the improvements needed for each system to operate within acceptable
limitations; preparing opinions of probable cost for the proposed transmission improvements;
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Minutes of October 26, 2015 Board Meeting
XL
TRUSTEES' REPORTS (continued)
D. Trustee Ramos: (continued)
and creating a technical memorandum summarizing the findings of this planning effort.
As Mr. Czerwinski stated earlier, if the initial analysis indicates this alternative delivery method
appears to be infeasible due to risks to the systems being studied or the projected cost, Stanley
Consultants will request direction from the Villages before proceeding further. The work is
expected to take 13 weeks.
c.
3.
a.
b.
Trustee Ramos noted that Stanley Consultants, Inc.'s fees will be based on the actual
amount of work performed. The fee for this contract shall not exceed $45,062. The Village of
Morton Grove and the Village of Niles will equally pay all approved charges. The Village
Administrator will oversee the implementation of the contract and agreement.
Trustee Ramos moved to approve Resolution 15-68. Trustee Thill seconded the motion.
Motion passed: 6 ayes, 0 nays.
Tr. Grear Lyg Tr. Minx aye Tr. Pietron aye
Tr. Ramos aye Tr. Thill ay2 Tr. Witko Ays
Trustee Ramos then introduced for a first reading Ordinance 15-25, Amending
Ordinance 15-11, Revising Title 1, Chapter 10, Article G of the Municipal Code Entitled
"Business Occupation Taxes."
He said that this is basically a housekeeping amendment to make non -substantive changes to
Ordinance 15-11. The changes have been requested by the Illinois Department of Revenue and
will correct certain headings and dates. This ordinance will not change the intent or substance
of Ordinance 15-11.
Trustee Ramos said that, because this is essentially a housekeeping ordinance which revises
certain headings, citations to the state statute, and filing dates to comply with the request of the
Illinois Department of Revenue, the Village Administrator is requesting that the second reading
of this Ordinance be waived.
Trustee Ramos therefore moved to waive the second reading of Ordinance 15-25. Trustee Thill
seconded the motion.
Motion passed: 6 ayes, 0 nays.
Tr. Grear aye Tr. Minx aye Tr. Pietron aye
Tr. Ramos Tr. Thill ays, Tr. Witko awe
Trustee Ramos then moved to adopt Ordinance 15-25, seconded by Trustee Witko.
Motion passed: 6 ayes, 0 nays.
Tr. Grear aye Tr. Minx ave Tr. Pietron
Tr. Ramos aye Tr. Thill Tr. Witko aye
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Minutes of October. 26, 2015 Board IVleetin
XI.
E. Trustee Thill:
Trustee Thill had no report.
F. Trustee Witko:
Trustee Witko had no report.
XII.
TRUSTEES' REPORTS (continued)
OTHER BUSINESS
NONE
XIII. WARRANTS
Trustee Ramos presented the Warrant Register for October 26, 2015, in the amount of
$1,540,455.13. 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 Tr. Pietron aye
Tr. Ramos aye Tr. Thill ave Tr. Witko
XIV. RESIDENTS' COMMENTS
1. Brenda Ross and Barbara Novick appeared before the Board on behalf of the Morton Grove
Public Library Foundation. Ms. Novick is the President of the Library Board and Ms. Ross is a
librarian who is serving as the development manager of the MGPL's Foundation.
a. Ms. Novick said the Foundation has gotten off to a good start with several fundraising efforts,
and the Library has been getting a lot of recognition for its newly revamped space. She said the
Foundation would provide money for things that the Budget doesn't cover.
b. Ms. Ross invited the Board, staff, and assemblage to an upcoming fundraising event at the
Library, "Flight Night". It will be held at the Library on November 7 at 7:00 p.m. and will feature
craft beers, appetizers, and a cash bar. Tickets are $25 in advance or $30 at the door.
Proceeds will go to match a $50,000 grant the Library will receive to help make the Baxter
auditorium ADA -compliant. She said she hoped to see everyone there!
2.
Joe Hedrick, who is American Legion Post #134's liaison to the Village, said that he has been
the liaison ever since the Village purchased the American Legion/Civic Center property. He said
that he's gone through several administrations, mayors, and administrators, and was present
before the Board tonight to say that Ralph Czerwinski is "extraordinary". He helped to get the
eagle scouts' project done correctly and in a timely manner, and got Public Works to help too.
8
XIV.
XV.
Minutes of October 26, 20.15 Board Meeting
RESIDENTS' COMMENTS (continued)
Mr. Hedrick said the Legion now enjoys a very good relationship with Mr. Czerwinski, and he
thanked the Board, as well.
ADJOURNMENT
Trustee Minx moved to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Trustee Thill.
Motion passed: 6 ayes, 0 nays.
Tr. Grear aye Tr. Minx aye,
Tr. Ramos pye Tr. Thill awe
The meeting adjourned at 7:40 p.m.
PASSED this 9th day of November, 2015
Trustee Grear
Trustee Minx
Trustee Pietron
Trustee Ramos
Trustee Thill
Trustee Witko
APPRO
e thi: 9da of November, 2015
Daniel P. DiMaria, Village President
Board of Trustees, Morton Grove, Illinois
APPROVED and FILED in my office this 10th day of November, 2015.
�
Lt i U'i� t)/,9't b k
Connie J. Travis, Village Clerk
Village of Morton Grove, Cook County, Illinois
Tr. Pietron ave
Tr. Witko awe
Minutes by: Teresa Cousar
9