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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017-02-27 Minutes MINUTES 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 FEBRUARY 27, 2017 CALL TO ORDER I – V. Village President Dan DiMaria called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm. in the Council Chambers of Village Hall. He asked the members of Cub Scout Troop #228 to present the colors and lead the Board and assemblage in the Pledge of Allegiance. At the conclusion of the Pledge, Mayor DiMaria thanked the Scouts for their participation this evening. VI. Village Clerk Connie Travis called the roll. Present were: Trustees Bill Grear, Rita Minx, Ed Ramos, John Thill, and Janine Witko. Trustee Pietron was absent with notice VII. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Regarding the February 13, 2017 Regular Board Meeting, Trustee Minx moved to approve the Minutes as presented, seconded by Trustee Thill. Motion passed unanimously via voice vote. VIII. SPECIAL REPORTS Presentation by American Legion Post #134 of Donation to Upcoming July 4th Fireworks Joe Hedrick appeared before the Board as the liaison between the Village and American Legion Post #134. He thanked the Board for their ongoing cooperation with the Post and then gave a brief “commercial” on some Post activities. Among other things, Legion members take care of Morton Grove flags and make hospital visits. Mr. Hedrick said the Post was about to begin participating in a new State program offering training for returning veterans and helping prepare them for civilian life and for job placement. Mr. Hedrick then presented a check for $2,500 to Paul Minx, Chairman of the Village’s Special Events Commission, and Trustee Grear, the Board’s liaison to that Commission. The check is to help offset the cost of the annual fireworks display, and Mr. Hedrick said the Legion was proud to be one of the top sponsors of the Morton Grove 4th of July Fireworks. The Board and assemblage applauded Mr. Hedrick and American Legion Post #134 for their generosity. IX. PUBLIC HEARINGS NONE Minutes of February 27, 2017 Board Meeting 2 X. RESIDENTS’ COMMENTS (Agenda Items Only) NONE XI. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. PRESIDENT’S REPORT Mayor DiMaria proclaimed February 27th as “Sidney Wallach Day” in the Village, explaining that Mr. Wallach had just celebrated his 95th birthday yesterday. The mayor said that the Village presented a copy of this proclamation to Mr. Wallach yesterday. The proclamation notes that Mr. Wallach has lived in Morton Grove since 1957, when he returned to civilian life after World War II. He and his wife raised four children in Morton Grove, and, in 1965, the Wallach family was designated as “Morton Grove’s 1965 Family of the Year.” Mayor DiMaria said that might be an award worth bringing back! Mayor DiMaria reminded the assemblage that March 3rd is the last day to submit a receipt of $25 or more from any Morton Grove restaurant to be entered into the “Dine Morton Grove” drawing. The winner will be announced at the March 13th Village Board meeting and will receive a $25 gift card to the Morton Grove restaurant of his/her choice. Mayor DiMaria noted that the “Taste of Morton Grove” is this Thursday, March 2nd, and encouraged everyone to come to this great community event for a night of friendship and great food! Mayor DiMaria said that the Citizen’s Police Academy will begin on March 21st and run every Tuesday night through May 23rd from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Class size is limited to 20 students. Mayor DiMaria complimented Finance Director Hanna Sullivan for receiving the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting from the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA). XII. CLERK’S REPORT Clerk Travis reminded the assemblage that the deadline for the submission of photos for the Community Relations Commission’s Winter Photo Contest is March 1st. Winners will be announced at the Board Meeting on March 13, 2017. XIII. A. a. STAFF REPORTS Village Administrator: Village Administrator Czerwinski presented an “Update on Prairie View Shopping Center,” commenting that the Village had recently received several FOIA requests regarding the subject. Minutes of February 27, 2017 Board Meeting 3 XIII. b. c. d. e. f. g. h. STAFF REPORTS (continued) Mr. Czerwinski noted that the Village’s efforts regarding the Prairie View Shopping Center had taken up large quantities of staff’s time and the redevelopment consultant’s time. He said the Village’s focus on Prairie View was to stimulate economic development, enhance the community’s vitality through creative growth solutions, and prudent analysis of the numbers, paying close to attention to the financial support being requested of the Village and what the Village’s return on its investment would be. Mr. Czerwinski said the property has been owned by the same family for over 40 years. The property is debt free; it provides the owner with significant return even though there are vacancies. He said that, in 2012, the owner offered to develop the Center, but only with Village support. The Village then created a TIF District encompassing the area. The owner initially requested the Village provide $10 million dollars “net present value” or approximately $18 million dollars in cash. The owner offered no specific redevelopment plan, and the Village would not respond without being given any details. In 2014, the owner informally requested financial support from the Village to secure a national grocer/retailer. After lengthy negotiations, the owner and the Village reached a tentative agreement for substantial Village support. However, no formal proposal was submitted, and the retailer decided not to proceed. During 2016, the owner and the Village entered into negotiations for a national grocer. No formal proposal was submitted because the grocer declined to proceed— after months of effort. Mr. Czerwinski said the Village has been heavily involved and extremely supportive of the informal proposals of the owner, adding that the Board is well aware that the community really wants the area redeveloped, especially if such redevelopment would include a grocery store. On December 22, 2016, the owner contacted the Village seeking assistance for a redevelopment which would include new construction for the following tenant mix: a discount clothing store, a craft store, health club, pet store, and independent grocer. The out-lots, in general would be a coffee shop, a fast food place, service tenants, and the existing bank. Mr. Czerwinski said the entire proposal took only two sheets of paper and lacked any real specificity. The owner was requesting from the Village the following financial support: $9 million dollars at 5% interest; 100% of the TIF increment for 20 years; 100% of the local sales tax for 25 years (minus $200,000 per year that would be returned to the Village); and 20% of the local option sales tax for 20+ years. The owner requested that the Village respond by January 30, 2017. Mr. Czerwinski said the Village responded to the owner on February 8th, saying that more detail was needed regarding the tenant mix and that the sales tax would not be included (based on the current level of detail in the proposal), but that the TIF increment request for 20 years would be considered for recommendation, because investing in the TIF area is the purpose of creating a TIF District. All in all, Mr. Czerwinski said, it was difficult to determine how to respond because the Village had been given very little detail. The owner responded on February 13th, reducing the requested financial assistance to $7.5 million and required the Village to respond by February 17th. The owner’s response provided no additional detail about the tenant mix. The owner was basically requesting $13.3 million without any specific details, without any evidence, and without any community input. Staff was concerned because more clarification was needed regarding the grocer and the other tenants, to ensure compatibility with the community’s desires. Mr. Czerwinski said that the Village responded on February 21st with a request to have an additional 60 days, at a minimum, to properly vet the request and formulate its response. Minutes of February 27, 2017 Board Meeting 4 XIII. i. j. k. l. m. STAFF REPORTS (continued) He said that, in order to respond, staff would need more details in terms of providing TIF assistance, because a formal application would need to be submitted. How TIF dollars are spent needs to be documented for reporting purposes. Additional time would be needed for vetting by the community, including a town hall meeting. A site plan showing elevations and how the out-lots would be structured would be important. Mr. Czerwinski said the Village did not think requesting an additional 60 days was an outrageous request. However, the owner’s agent told the Village that asking for additional time would be considered by the owner as a “no” response to the request. Mr. Czerwinski said the Village has brought various “opportunities” to the owner and will continue to do so, seeking out grocers, retailers, hotels, and entertainment entities, as well as prospective purchasers and/or partners. He emphasized that the Village doesn’t control the type of permitted development at Prairie View shopping center, it must control the financial support provided, because that will have an impact on the Village through 2037. What goes in at Prairie View must be something the community desires. The Village’s ongoing effort is for a win-win, recognizing that an investment in Prairie View shopping center will be not only large financially, but also a long-term investment. The Village is committed to doing the proper vetting, due diligence, and cost/ benefit reviews—quality-based reviews without time constraints. In short, Mr. Czerwinski stated, the Village’s investment must match the return to the residents. Mayor DiMaria asked the Board if they had any questions or comments. Trustee Thill said this was great information, and thanked Mr. Czerwinski for his synopsis. Trustee Grear echoed Trustee Thill, noting that it’s good to let the residents know what’s going on. He pointed out that Lenore Plaza at Dempster and Harlem had gone through a complete rehab with no financial assistance from the Village, and it looks great! Mr. Czerwinski agreed, and also pointed out Washington Commons on Golf Road as being another example of a nice-looking mall with a good mix of tenants where business is brisk. He said those two shopping centers have also been brought up to the Prairie View shopping center owner as examples. Mayor DiMaria thanked Mr. Czerwinski and the staff for all the time they’ve been putting in over the last several years on trying to work something out for this shopping center. He said that, as mayor, it’s very frustrating to have someone come and ask for over $13 million dollars while providing virtually no information. He said the Village is here to support businesses, but the Village is not a bank. He said he’s hoping something will “pop” soon and agreed that whatever it is, it must be a win-win-win for the owner, the Village, and the residents. B. Corporation Counsel: Corporation Counsel Liston had no report. Minutes of February 27, 2017 Board Meeting 5 XIV. A. TRUSTEES’ REPORTS Trustee Grear: Trustee Grear had no formal report, but thanked American Legion Post #134 once again for their generous donation to the 4th of July fireworks. B. 1. a. b. 2. a. Trustee Minx: Trustee Minx had no report, but in Trustee Pietron’s absence, gave his report: Resolution 17-10, Authorizing the Negotiation and Execution of an Intergovernmental Agreement with the Village of Skokie for Austin Avenue Improvements. Trustee Minx explained that the Village has been working since 2012 on a project to partially reconstruct Austin Avenue, reconfigure the intersection of Austin and Oakton, and construct a sanitary sewer along Oakton between the Metra line and Austin Avenue. Half of the work to reconfigure the Austin-Oakton intersection lies within the Village of Skokie, and it is more cost- effective to complete the improvements through the cooperative efforts of both communities. Federal and state funds have been procured through these cooperative efforts. The project includes preliminary engineering, design engineering, land acquisition, construction, and construction engineering. To date, Morton Grove has paid for all costs incurred. An inter- governmental agreement is needed to formalize the terms of the efforts and costs to be shared between both communities. Skokie has not yet formally approved the intergovernmental agreement, so this resolution gives the Village Administrator the authority to negotiate the final terms of the agreement. She added that the estimate cost of the work within Skokie is $163,713. The Village will advance these funds and Skokie will reimburse the Village. Trustee Minx moved to approve Resolution 17-10, seconded by Trustee Witko. Motion passed: 5 ayes, 0 nays, 1 absent. Tr. Grear aye Tr. Minx aye Tr. Pietron absent Tr. Ramos aye Tr. Thill aye Tr. Witko aye Trustee Thill clarified that the Austin-Oakton intersection will be widened so that trucks will be able to make that turn. Resolution 17-11, Authorizing the Execution of a Contract With Thomas Engineering Group, LLC For Construction Engineering Services for Austin Avenue Improvements. Trustee Minx said that Village staff has neither the time nor expertise to complete the construction engineering. The Village requested qualifications from local engineering firms to provide construction engineering services and 12 firms submitted their qualifications. The selec- tion committee ranked Thomas Engineering Group, LLC the highest and negotiated a scope of services and costs. The use of federal funds requires use of an Illinois Department of Transpor- tation (IDOT) form for the agreement and approved by IDOT. IDOT is reviewing the draft agree- ment and may have minor changes in the terms and amount. Minutes of February 27, 2017 Board Meeting 6 XIV. B. b. 3. a. 4. a. TRUSTEES’ REPORTS (continued) Trustee Minx: (continued) This resolution authorizes the Village Administrator to negotiate the final terms of the agreement prior to its execution. Construction engineering is project to cost $396,113; the Village will be partially reimbursed from federal funds and the Village of Skokie in the approximate amount of $260,000. Trustee Minx moved, seconded by Trustee Grear, to approve Resolution 17-11. Motion passed: 5 ayes, 0 nays, 1 absent. Tr. Grear aye Tr. Minx aye Tr. Pietron absent Tr. Ramos aye Tr. Thill aye Tr. Witko aye Resolution 17-12, Authorizing the Execution of an Intergovernmental Agreement With the Illinois Department of Transportation For Federal Funding for Austin Avenue Improvements. Trustee Minx said that this resolution authorizes the Village President to execute an agreement titled “Local Public Agency Agreement for Federal Participation,” for the purpose of formalizing the division of cost-sharing between the Village, federal and state funding for engineering and construction costs. The Austin Avenue/Oakton Street improvements include a complicated arrangement of funding from federal, state, Morton Grove, and Skokie sources. Skokie will reimburse Morton Grove through a separate intergovernmental agreement, but the “Local Public Agency Agreement for Federal Participation” is a requirement to utilize federal funding. Costs for engineering are fixed by existing contracts and the cost of construction is estimated. In the event that actual eligible costs exceed federal funding limits, the Village Administrator is authorized to make requests to obtain the full share of federal funding originally envisioned. Morton Grove’s share of the estimated amount for engineering and construction is approximately $1,156,089. Trustee Minx moved to approve Resolution 17-12, seconded by Trustee Witko. Motion passed: 5 ayes, 0 nays, 1 absent. Tr. Grear aye Tr. Minx aye Tr. Pietron absent Tr. Ramos aye Tr. Thill aye Tr. Witko aye Resolution 17-13, Authorizing the Purchase of a New 2017 John Deere 544K End Loader From West Side Tractor Sales Company. Trustee Minx explained that Public Works staff, in the course of its routine review of vehicles and equipment for fuel economy, safety, dependability, age, and excessive repair cost, was recommending that a 1989 John Deere End Loader be replaced. The Vehicle Maintenance Division drafted specifications and solicited bids for a new John Deere 544K End Loader based on research of various makes and models, and the Village’s success with the four John Deere end loaders currently in service. Four vendors submitted bids, and staff recommends the Board approve the low bid from West Side Tractor Sales Company. The bid is $174,949, which includes an extended warranty ($2,272) and a $22,000 trade-in credit for the 1989 John Deere End Loader. Minutes of February 27, 2017 Board Meeting 7 XIV. B. TRUSTEES’ REPORTS (continued) Trustee Minx: (continued) Trustee Minx moved to approve Resolution 17-13, seconded by Trustee Thill. Motion passed: 5 ayes, 0 nays, 1 absent. Tr. Grear aye Tr. Minx aye Tr. Pietron absent Tr. Ramos aye Tr. Thill aye Tr. Witko aye C. Trustee Pietron: Trustee Pietron was absent; his report was given by Trustee Minx. D. Trustee Ramos: Trustee Ramos had no report. E. Trustee Thill: Trustee Thill had no report. F. Trustee Witko: Trustee Witko had no report. Trustee Witko moved, seconded by Trustee Pietron, to approve Resolution 17-08. XV. OTHER BUSINESS NONE XVI. WARRANTS Trustee Witko presented the Warrant Register for February 27, 2017, in the amount of $2,153,816.93. She moved that the Warrants be approved as presented. Trustee Minx seconded the motion. Motion passed: 5 ayes, 0 nays, 1 absent. Tr. Grear aye Tr. Minx aye Tr. Pietron absent Tr. Ramos aye Tr. Thill aye Tr. Witko aye Minutes of February 27, 2017 Board Meeting 8 XVII. 1. a. b. c. d. 2. RESIDENTS’ COMMENTS Laura Frisch, 5830 Crain Street, a 13-year resident, said she had moved to Morton Grove from Evanston because she had enjoyed Evanston’s diversity. She and her husband wanted to buy a house in a community where there was a lot of diversity, so their children could grow up knowing about a lot of different cultures and could go out in the world knowing how to work with many different people. They found that in Morton Grove, especially in the schools. Ms. Frisch then read a letter from Beverly Copeland, 9232 N. Olcott. Ms. Copeland said that she and her husband had moved to Morton Grove in 1964 because it was close to the expressway and the City. Their house was located in the new “west side” of town, and the only noticeable diversity was in the variety of religious backgrounds (Catholic, Protestant, Jewish). Ms. Copeland’s letter said that she is now very proud that Morton Grove has grown up, moved forward, and diversified beyond recognition, with nary a ripple! The letter went on to say that Morton Grove is now a shining example of diversity in the northern suburbs. Ms. Frisch had another letter from Karen Lehman, 6143 Lincoln, saying that, ten years ago, she and her husband had moved from Glenview to Morton Grove. Among the reasons for the move were the proximity of the forest preserves and the diversity of the people. Ms. Lehman’s letter states that she is very happy to live in a town that values and celebrates differences. Ms. Frisch said the main reason she’s before the Board tonight is her concern over things happening across the country and close to home. She noted that, in the last week, in Des Plaines, a member of an anti-Islam group called “Act for America” sent a bomb threat to a mosque in Des Plaines. She quoted from a report from the Southern Poverty Law Center on local hate groups, which said that, in recent years, the most influential groups, namely Act for America and the think-tank Center for Security Policy have made a concerted effort to get closer to elected officials at both the State and local levels. Recently, a shift in targets has taken place with the Syrian refugee crisis. Refugees are routinely depicted as potential terrorists by these organizations. Ms. Frisch said that many law-abiding people in Morton Grove need assurances that they will not be “scooped up” by immigration officials assisted by the Village. Ms. Frisch said that she is asking the Board tonight, on behalf of many Morton Grove residents, to begin a study on actions to make the Village a sanctuary city. She asked the Board to look at the laws and ordinances passed in recent months by Oak Park, Evanston, and Highland Park, and those being written by Skokie and Glenview. She concluded by thanking the Board and saying that she really appreciates the signs in Village Hall stating “Everyone is Welcome in Morton Grove.” Ruth Munoz said that she is relatively new to Morton Grove. She and her husband moved here about a year ago, because they wanted to live in a community that was close to the City, close to her job, had a diverse population and great public schools. Ms. Munoz said they hit the jackpot in Morton Grove. Her son goes to Park View and loves it. Her neighborhood is diverse, and every- one has been incredibly welcoming and kind. Ms. Munoz said that she, too, is concerned about what’s happening in the country, and said her neighbors have confided in her that they no longer feel safe in this country. She asked the Board to take concrete steps to help people feel safe again by adopting two measures: 1) Ensure that Morton Grove police officers are not complicit in immigration enforcement efforts, unless presented with a judicial warrant; and 2) Opt out of voluntary programs such as 287G Agreements and Secure Communities, which can funnel anybody who has any contact with local police officers, even as victims of a crime, into a deportation dragnet from which most of them will not return. Minutes of February 27, 2017 Board Meeting 9 XVII. a. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. RESIDENTS’ COMMENTS Ms. Munoz went on to say that there’s research that shows that sanctuary cities—cities that refuse those cooperative measures—are actually safer, because those programs erode trust between local police and the immigrant communities; they tear apart the fabric of the community and of families. Naushina Rahman said that she is one of the “neighbors” Ms. Munoz spoke of. She said she does not want her children growing up afraid of police officers. She noted that, in the movie “Hidden Figures,” the women were trying to get their car started when a police car pulled up be- hind them, and in the South, in that time period, that was something to be feared. She said that, unfortunately, in this day and age, some people still fear that, and she doesn’t want to become one of those people She doesn’t want to worry about calling a police officer for help; she doesn’t want her children to worry about reporting something they might see to a police officer; she doesn’t want a woman abused by her husband to worry about calling the police. Ms. Rahman said she, too, was asking the Board to adopt measures to become a sanctuary city, so as to ensure that the local police are not complicit in helping Morton Grove become a less safe/more dangerous community, not just for her or her neighbors, but for everyone. Mayor DiMaria thanked the speakers for coming out and sharing their thoughts with the Board. He said that part of what makes the Village tick is having an understanding all the issues. Since Police Chief Simo has been in charge of the police department, it’s completely different. Mayor DiMaria said he doesn’t want anyone to ever feel afraid of the police in Morton Grove, and vowed that that would not happen on his watch. He told the speakers they should always feel free to call either himself or Chief Simo with their concerns. Mr. Czerwinski said the entire public safety staff is “stellar.” He said that the Village’s tagline “In- credibly Close. Amazingly Open” isn’t just words on a wall, it’s how this Village acts. He said that the MG Police Department has long-standing policies and, in fact, will be honored next month. The police do not detain individuals for immigration concerns, and they do not ask a person’s immigration status. Immigration enforcement officials have never requested or received assis- tances from the Morton Grove Police Department. Mr. Czerwinski said that staff will be reviewing sanctuary city/welcoming city legislation and present a comprehensive report to the mayor and Board within the next 45–60 days. Nancy Lanning suggested that any of the speakers consider going through the Citizens Police Academy course; it really helps you realize what the Police Department does and doesn’t do. Trustee Thill commented that Morton Grove is “ahead of the curve” on many issues, including this one. He said he and his colleagues on the Board appreciate the speakers coming forward, but urged them to look at the positive things the Board has done and will continue to do. Mayor DiMaria emphasized that “Everyone is Always Welcome in Morton Grove.” Minutes of February 27, 2017 Board Meeting 10 XVIII . ADJOURNMENT Trustee Minx moved to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Trustee Thill. Motion passed: 5 ayes, 0 nays, 1 absent. Tr. Grear aye Tr. Minx aye Tr. Pietron absent Tr. Ramos aye Tr. Thill aye Tr. Witko aye The meeting adjourned at 8:01 p.m. PASSED this 13th day of March, 2017. Trustee Grear __________ Trustee Minx __________ Trustee Pietron __________ Trustee Ramos __________ Trustee Thill __________ Trustee Witko __________ APPROVED by me this 13th day of March, 2017. Daniel P. DiMaria, Village President Board of Trustees, Morton Grove, Illinois APPROVED and FILED in my office this 14th day of March, 2017. ______________________________________ Connie J. Travis, Village Clerk Village of Morton Grove, Cook County, Illinois Minutes by: Teresa Cousar