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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2016-04-25 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 25, 2016 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. He then 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. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Regarding the April 11, 2016 Regular Board Meeting, Trustee Minx moved to approve the Minutes as presented, seconded by Trustee Witko, Motion passed unanimously via voice vote. V. SPECIAL REPORTS 1. a. b. Swearing -In Ceremony for Three New Firefighters/Paramedics Fire and Police Commission Chairperson Mike Simkins, joined at the podium by Mayor DiMaria, Fire Chief Tom Friel, and Trustee liaison John Thill, introduced and performed the swearing-in for the following new members of the Morton Grove Fire Department: Milan Tomic, who began his employment with the Village as a Firefighter on April 11. Milan already has his Paramedic certification and began his firefighter training at the NIPSTA Fire Academy on April 18. Milan speaks fluent Polish. He was born in Poland and raised in Humboldt Park, where he attended Lane Tech High School. Milan then enlisted in the US Air Force and served tours in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Haiti. When he completed his military service, he attended Malcom X College and majored in Para -Medicine. Milan recently moved into the Norwood Park area, and enjoys working out, watching sports, and spending time with family and friends in his spare time. The Board and assemblage welcomed Milan. Andrew Schmit, who also began his employment with the Village as a Firefighter on April 11 and began his firefighter training at the NIPSTA Fire Academy on April 18. Andy was born and raised in Park Ridge. He attended Maine South High School and graduated from the University of Iowa with a Bachelor's degree in Business Management. He is engaged to his childhood sweetheart and is getting married on October 22. In his spare time, Andy enjoys playing basketball, working out, and spending time with family and friends. The Board and assemblage welcomed Andy. Minutes of April 25;;';2816, Board Meeting) V. c. SPECIAL REPORTS (continued) Jeff Kotowski, who, like Milan and Andy, started his employment with the Village as a Fire- fighter on April 11 and began his firefighter training at the NIPSTA Fire Academy on April 18. Jeff is already a Certified Paramedic and has been working in that capacity for the past year. He was raised in Elk Grove Village, where he attended Conant High School, and graduated from the University of Illinois Champaign -Urbana with a Bachelor's degree in History. Jeff went on to attend Harper Community College, where he received his Associate's Degree in Fire Science. Jeff enjoys working out, running, watching sports, and spending time with his family and friends in his spare time. Chairman Simkins thanked the Board for their support, and Mayor DiMaria thanked Mr. Simkins for his and the Fire and Police Commission's hard work 2. Special Presentation to Ralph Czerwinski a. Fire Chief Tom Friel said that, in the late 1960's, a group of fire chiefs had a vision of an inter -agency cooperative, and formulated a system to assist one another in time of need. Neighbors helping neighbors was nothing new, but fire departments helping fire departments was a unique concept back then. From that spirit of cooperation evolved the Mutual Aid Box Alarm System (MABAS) of Northern Illinois. The concept has spread throughout the State of Illinois and even to other states. b. c. Chief Friel said there are currently 1,200 fire departments in MABAS, which is now divided into 69 divisions. As one of the earlier joiners of MABAS, Morton Grove is in Division 3, along with 17 other communities, including Highland Park, Glencoe, Winnetka, Wilmette, Lincolnwood, and Des Plaines. Morton Grove's Village Administrator, Ralph Czerwinski, has had a long and storied career in the Fire Service. He served as Morton Grove's Fire Chief from 1990 to 2004, and as Skokie's Fire Chief from 2005 to 2015, a total of 24 years as a Fire Chief. During that time, he served as the MABAS Division 3 president, and spearheaded a number of special initiatives, including securing State funding for the fire service's special rescue teams and for vehicles used by all 17 communities. d. Division 3 wants to recognize Mr. Czerwinski's long history of service. They went to renowned sculptor, Michael Roach—who has designed awards for the American Hockey Association as well as the Naismith Trophy, which is awarded annually to the players of the year in men and women's college basketball and whose first recipient was Michael Jordan—who had been commissioned to do a series of Fire Department remembrances. One of those sculptures is being presented this evening to Ralph Czerwinski in recognition of his 24 years of service. The sculpture, which Chief Friel said was appropriate, is named "Taking Command." The Board and assemblage applauded Mr. Czerwinski. Mr. Czerwinski thanked the firefighters, stating that he had first joined the fire service in 1975 and it is a great career. He was happy and thankful to see representatives from the Skokie Fire Department in attendance tonight too. He said the Board really supports the Fire Department, and without the vision of the chiefs, the Board's support, and the great staff of firefighters, he wouldn't be here this evening. He told the firefighters in the assemblage, "Enjoy your career; it's the best one out there." And he told the assemblage, "You are served well by the men and women in the fire department." e. 2 Allinutes ofArid 1 5 201 etitioaid Weald VI. VII. VIII. PUBLIC HEARINGS NONE RESIDENTS' COMMENTS (Agenda Items Only) NONE PRESIDENT'S REPORT Proclamations Mayor DiMaria proclaimed the week of May 1—May 7 as "Municipal Clerks Week" in Morton Grove, He stated that this office is the oldest among public servants, and the Municipal Clerk provides the professional link between citizens and the local governing bodies and agencies of government. He encouraged everyone to extend their appreciation to Morton Grove's Municipal Clerk, Connie Travis. IX. CLERK'S REPORT Clerk Travis reported that 82 of the 85 planters in the Community Relations Commission's "Adopt A Planter" initiative have now been adopted. Planting dates are May 14-15. Also, the Commission is still accepting photos for their photo contest. X. STAFF REPORTS A. Village Administrator: 1. Village Administrator Czerwinski said that he's really proud of the community's participation as regards the "Adopt A Planter" program. He also encouraged everyone to read the latest Village newsletter. The newest edition of The Exchange is very well organized and has information for people of all ages within it. He thanked staff for doing an outstanding job on this newsletter. 2. Mr. Czerwinski noted that the Morton Grove Days Commission is looking for volunteers to help with this year's four-day event. Residents interested in volunteering can go to the Commission's website or call Village Hall. 3. Mr. Czerwinski encouraged residents to go to the next Neighborhood Outreach, which will be held on June 15 at Edison School, 8200 Gross Point Road. 4. Mr. Czerwinski reminded the assemblage that there will be a Spring Famers' Market at the Civic Center on Saturday, May 7. The Farmers' Market officially opens on June 4 and will run through October. 5. Mr. Czerwinski elaborated on a report Trustee Witko had made at the last Board meeting, about the "Dough For Doughboy" fundraising effort. The Doughboy is a statue at the Morton Grove Public Library commemorating the veterans of World War I, and the funds used to initially install it were raised by the Morton Grove Days Commission back in the early 1920's. 3 Minutes otApnl 25 2016:Board, Meetin�'. X. A. Village Administrator: (continued a. STAFF REPORTS (continued) The statue is now in need of repairs, and the Historical Society is trying to help. They've established a "go fund me" page (gofundme.com/mgdoughboy) and are encouraging everyone to make a donation. 6. Mr. Czerwinski said that, this past Friday, the Village resumed their eNews blasts, and hopefully will push out a new blast every other week. He said that fewer than 1,000 residents have signed up for the eNewsletter, adding that he'd like to see that number double. B. Corporation Counsel: Corporation Counsel Liston had no report. XI. TRUSTEES' REPORTS A. Trustee Grear: 1. Trustee Grear presented Ordinance 16-07, Amending Titie 8 Entitled "Public Health and Safety" of the Municipal Code to Add a New Chapter 11 Establishing a "Special Event" Permitting Process. a. b. c. This is the second reading of this ordinance. Trustee Grear explained that special events, such as festivals, concerts, and fun runs, enhance the quality of life and community character by helping to create a vibrant and interesting community. Such events often involve advance planning, logistics, and potential costs and liabilities for the Village. The Village may be required to allocate Village personnel, equipment, and property for special events, which, in addition to subjecting the Village to costs and potential liability, may interfere with the normal operations of the Village and the safe use of the public ways and Village property. Trustee Grear said this ordinance will establish a permitting process for special events requiring Village services. Applications must be submitted at least 90 days prior to the event, unless alcohol is expected to be served or more than 500 people are expected to attend the event, in which case the application must be submitted to the Village by September 1 of the year preceding the proposed special event. Event organizers are required to obtain adequate levels of insurance and additional permits for activities such as food sales and pyrotechnics, and provide the Village with sufficient additional information in order to enhance the Village's ability to schedule needed personal and equipment. Trustee Grear moved to adopt Ordinance 16-07, seconded by Trustee Minx. Trustee Thill asked if the "mega -picnics" held annually in St. Paul Woods pay for the use of Morton Grove personnel. Mr. Czerwinski said it's done on a case-by-case basis. If the Village incurs extraordinary expenses, they have to cover it. If what they're asking for can be covered by on -staff personnel, they won't be charged. He said each situation would be reviewed to make a determination of how much staff time may be necessary. 4 Minutes of Aprl12$; :201,6 Board Meefn'. xl. A. Trustee Grear: (continued) TRUSTEES' REPORTS (continued) d. Trustee Grear said he appreciates this Ordinance; it will protect the Village and enhance the individual events. He thanked Mr. Czerwinski and Corporation Counsel Liston for their efforts on this Ordinance. Mr. Czerwinski said that all of the staff reviewed the Ordinance; Ms. Liston was instrumental in putting it together, but staff assisted greatly by reaching out across the country to get the "best of" similar ordinances. Mayor DiMaria called for the vote on Ordinance 16-07. Motion passed: 6 ayes, 0 nays. Tr. Grear ave Tr. Minx aye Tr. Pietron aye Tr. Ramos au Tr. Thill aye Tr. Witko B. Trustee Minx: Trustee Minx had no formal report, but congratulated Mr. Czerwinski on the honor bestowed on him earlier this evening. C. Trustee Pietron: 1. Trustee Pietron presented Resolution 16-30, Authorizing the Acceptancde of a Material Proposal From Ozinga Ready Mix for the 2016 Material Purchasing Program—Concrete. a. He explained that the Village has an annual program, dependent on funding appropriations, to purchase construction materials like asphalt and concrete to be used to maintain Village rights-of-way and property. The purchase of construction materials is paid for using General Funds, Motor Fuel Tax Funds, and Enterprise Funds. The use of Motor Fuel Tax funds is administratively controlled by the State, which requires bidding procedures and contract documents. This contract was bid through a public process in accordance with the municipal code and Illinois Department of Transportation requirements. . b. Trustee Pietron said the estimated contract value is $18,000, but since this is a unit price contract, the final contract amount will be based on the actual quantity of work performed. Trustee Pietron moved to approve Resolution 16-30, seconded by Trustee Thill. Motion passed: 6 ayes, 0 nays. Tr. Grear aye Tr. Minx lu Tr. Pietron aye Tr. Ramos aye Tr. Thill mg. Tr. Witko aye 5 Minutes ofA.ril 25, 20,16 Board '&061. XI. TRUSTEES' REPORTS (continued) D. Trustee Ramos: 1. a. Trustee Ramos presented for a first reading Ordinance 16-09, Amending Title 5, "Motor Vehicles and Traffic," Chapter 1 Entitled "Traffic Administration and Enforcement," Section 4 Entitled "Experimental or Temporary Regulations" of the Village of Morton Grove Municipal Code. He explained that, currently, Title 5, Chapter 1, Section 4 entitled "Experimental or Temporary Regulations" allows the Police Chief, with the approval of the Village Engineer, to implement experimental or emergency traffic regulation without Board approval for up to 90 days. The Village Administrator has recommended that this section be updated to provide that, if, after the initial 90 -day trial period, the Police Chief and Village Administrator recommend the temporary regulations be made permanent, such regulation shall be extended until it has been approved or rejected by the Village Board, but not for more than an additional 90 days. As this is a first reading, no action will be taken this evening. 2. Next, Trustee Ramos introduced for a first reading Ordinance 16-10, Amending Title 5, Chapter 13, Article A-4 Entitled "Traffic Schedules" of the Municipal Code of the Village of Morton Grove. a. He explained that the Traffic Safet Commission had received a request for stop signs to be installed on Luna Avenue and Davis Street, as well as "Watch That Child" signs along the 9100 block of Luna Avenue. Two "Watch That Child" signs were subsequently installed under the authority of the Director of Public Works. The Luna -Davis intersection currently has no traffic control. During the course of two Traffic Safety Commission reviews, the Village Administrator suggested addressing the root problem described by the residents by establishing a temporary, experimental traffic regulation prohibiting left turns from westbound Church Street onto southbound Luna Avenue. b. The residents and Traffic Safety Commission felt that the temporary, experimental traffic regulation did not satisfy the residents' original desire for stops signs and recommended to remove the left turn restriction. The Traffic Safety Commission concurred with the petitioner's request and recommended the Village establish a 4 -way stop intersection on Luna Avenue at its intersection with Davis Street. As this is a first reading, no action will be taken this evening. c. Trustee Grear asked Mr. DeMonte if there was a way the Village lets people know about a new traffic control device once it's been installed. Mr. DeMonte responded that, in this case, he's ordered flashing lights to let people know about the new stop signs, as well as reflectors. Also, stop bars will be added during the striping program. 6 Minutes oflApnl 25;,:2116 Board Meetin I Xi. E. Trustee Thill: TRUSTEES' REPORTS (continued) 1. Trustee Thill presented Ordinance 16-08, Amending Title 9, Chapter 7, To Restructure Ambulance Service Fees. a. b. He explained that this ordinance amends Title 9, Chapter 7 of the Village's Municipal Code to restructure and establish reasonable and necessary fees to support the delivery of high quality Emergency Medical Services (EMS) to the residents and guests of the community. The fire department routinely reviews the fees charged for the provision of ambulance services in order to ensure their appropriateness and parity with service fees charged by other fire departments in the Chicago metro area, as well as the local MABAS Division. Village staff has reviewed the fees charged by other communities and has proposed modifications which match the current or proposed fees of Niles, Skokie, North Maine, Park Ridge, and Des Plaines. Trustee Thill moved to adopt Ordinance 15-08, seconded by Trustee Pietron. Motion passed: 6 ayes, 0 nays. Tr. Grear aye Tr. Minx ave Tr. Pietron Tr. Ramos aae, Tr. Thillaae Tr. Witko aye 2. Next, Trustee Thill presented Resolution 16-31, Authorizing the Execution of an Inter- governmental Agreement Between the Villages of Morton Grove, Niles, and Skokie for Mutual Aid Ambulance Billing. a. He explained that this resolution will amend an Intergovernmental Agreement established in 2009 between the Villages of Morton Grove, Niles, and Skokie which provides that residents of each of those communities will be charged the "resident rate" for services, regardless of which department responds to the 911 call. In 2015, Morton Grove's ambulances transported approximately 245 non -Morton Grove residents from Niles and Skokie. This intergovernmental agreement allows the assessment of service fees for these transports, and ensures that Morton Grove residents are charged the resident rate in the event that a Niles or Skokie ambulance delivers service to them during a mutual aid request. Trustee Thill moved, seconded by Trustee Witko, to approve Resolution 16-31. Motion passed: 6 ayes, 0 nays. Tr. Grear aye Tr. Minx aye Tr. Pietron Tr. Ramos aye Tr. Thill awe Tr. Witko aye 3, Trustee Thill announced that the Village will be holding a document destruction and small electronics recycling event on Saturday, May 21, from 9:OOam to noon in the parking Tots between the Civic Center and Harrer Park swimming pool. Document destruction will be limited to six file -type boxes or paper bags—no plastic bags allowed. Minutes of April 25, 2016 Board Meeting XI. E. Trustee Thill: (continued) a. TRUSTEES' REPORTS (continued) Electronics that will be accepted for recycling include: • Answering machines • Cable receivers • Calculators • Camcorders • Cameras • Computer cables • Computer monitors • Computers (desktop, notebook, tablet) • Converter boxes • Copy machines • Fax machines • Microwaves • Mice (or keyboards) • MP3 players • PDAs • Postage machines • Power tools or cords • Printers (including multi -function) • Satellite receivers • Scanners • Shredders • Small home appliances (toasters, blenders) • Stereo equipment (no wood) • Telephones • Televisions • Typewriters • Video game consoles • Video recorders/players • Zip drives b. Trustee Thill said there will be no entrance to the event at the traffic light at Fernald and Demp- ster; that will be the exit for the event. Residents must enter at the drive by the Civic Center. The event is sponsored by the Solid Waste Agency of Northern Cook County (SWANCC) and is for residential material only—no commercial or institutional use. The event is limited to residents of SWANCC member communities (for a list, visit www.swancc.orq). The event will end prompt- ly at noon. The Village thanks the Park District for the use of their portion of the parking lots. Anyone with questions should call Public Works at 847-470-5235. 4. Trustee Thill said another community organization that does small electronics recycling is Shore Community Services, a not-for-profit located at 8035 Austin Avenue (just north of Oakton). He encouraged residents to take advantage of their recycling services. 5. Trustee Thill commented that the Public Works Department has 450 river birch trees that they will be distributing to school children to celebrate Arbor Day. He asked Mr. DeMonte to give Bill Burns, in the Village's Forestry Division, an "atta boy" because the tree distribution was his idea. 6. Trustee Thill announced that the Taste of Morton Grove has raised nearly a million dollars ($989,595) between 2001 and 2016 for its many local beneficiaries. This is a volunteer organization open to everyone. He complimented Mike Simkins who's chaired this event for the last several years and urged residents to get involved in this worthwhile endeavor. F. Trustee Witko: Trustee Witko had no report. 8 IIRotes ofiA rit 25 201'6 Board Meeting) XII. XIII. OTHER BUSINESS NONE WARRANTS Trustee Ramos presented the Warrant Register for April 25, 2016, in the amount of $1,221,678.39. He moved that the Warrants be approved as presented. Trustee Thill seconded the motion. Motion passed: 6 ayes, 0 nays. Tr. Grear awe Tr. Minx au Tr. Pietron are Tr. Ramos awe Tr. ThiII aye Tr. Witko au XIV. RESIDENTS' COMMENTS a. Nancy Lanning commented that bingo at the Civic Center is a lot of fun, as Trustees Grear and Witko can attest to. They recently acted as the bingo callers and everyone had a great time. She said that Fire Chief Tom Friel will be calling bingo in a couple of weeks, and everyone is looking forward to it. XV. ADJOURNMENT Trustee Pietron moved to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Trustee Thill. Motion passed: 6 ayes, 0 nays. Tr. Grear aye Tr. Minx au Tr. Pietron aye Tr. Ramos au Tr. ThiII aye Tr. Witko aye The meeting adjourned at 7:41 p.m. 9 Minutes of April 25, 2016 Board Meeting PASSED this 9th day of May, 2016. Trustee Grear Trustee Minx Trustee Pietron Trustee Ramos Trustee Thill Trustee Witko EYi~ Y }�t 1`)l :/\'7 AY 'qyE APPRO-VEi -by me this h d y ofMay, 2016. Daniel P. Di aria, Village President Board of Trustees, Morton Grove, Illinois APPROVED and FILED in my office this 10th day of May, 2016. Connie J. Travis, Village Clerk Village of Morton Grove, Cook County, Illinois Minutes by: Teresa Cousar 10