HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017-05-08 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
MAY 8, 2017
CALL TO ORDER
1— Village President Dan DiMaria called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. and asked Parkview
V. School's Girl Scout Troops #40681 and #41228 to present the colors and lead the assemblage
in the Pledge of Allegiance. He then thanked the Scouts and their troop leaders, Deborah Beau -
ford and Cicely Lopez. The Board and assemblage applauded the ceremony.
VI. Village Clerk Connie Travis called the roll. Present were: Trustees Bill Grear, Rita Minx,
John Pietron, Ed Ramos, John Thill, and Janine Witko.
VII. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
1. Regarding the April 24, 2017 Regular Board Meeting, Trustee Minx moved to approve
the Minutes as presented, seconded by Trustee Thill. Motion passed unanimously via
voice vote.
2. Regarding the Town Hall Meeting Minutes of April 24, 2017, Trustee Minx moved to approve
the Minutes as presented, seconded by Trustee Thill. Motion passed unanimously via
voice vote.
VIII. SPECIAL REPORTS
Plan Commission Case 17-06: Proposed Text Amendment to Modify the Manufacturing Zoning
Districts and to Establish a New Office/Research Manufacturing District (M-O/R) of the Village
of Morton Grove Municipal Code.
1.
and
2. Plan Commission Case PC 17-03: Application For a Zoning Map Amendment to Rezone a
10.4 Acre Land Area Bounded by River Drive to the north and west, Park Avenue to the south,
and Lehigh Avenue to the east, from M2 General Manufacturing District to M-O/R Office/
Research Manufacturing District per Section 12-16-4.E of Title 12 of the Village of
Morton Grove Municipal Code.
a. Director of Community and Economic Development Nancy Radzevich presented these reports.
There are three Plan Commission cases to report out tonight; all three are related, but in
particular, the first two (PC 17-06 and PC 17-03) are tied together. All three of these cases
were recommended for approval by the Plan Commission, and are related to two Ordinances
(Ordinance 17-09 and Ordinance 17-10) on tonight's Agenda.
VIII.
SPECIAL REPORTS (continued)
Minutes of May 8, 2017 Board Meeting
b. Ms. Radzevich said that Ordinance 17-09 is an amendment to the Zoning Districts, covering
three different aspects. First, some of the Manufacturing Use Classifications were changed,
making them more product -oriented; simplifying them for Applicants, making them more
compatible with what other communities use, and streamlining the permitting process. Second,
some of the Use Classifications (those with varying intensity) are footnoted, indicating that they
are to be permitted "by right" or "by Special Use Permit." There is an administrative provision
that allows Applicants to provide detailed information about use and parking, and then possibly
receive a permit "by right." If the proposed use is determined as more "intensive," the Applicant
would have to go through the Special Use process. The final change was the creation of a
Manufacturing—Office/Research District. Ms. Radzevich said that, most communities with
manufacturing districts have three levels of classifications: heavier manufacturing (M-2); lighter
manufacturing (M-1); and some type of "office" classification.
c. Ms. Radzevich said the creation of this district coincides very well with the two existing buildings
bounded by Lehigh to the east, Park Avenue to the south, and River Drive to the north and
west. Ordinance 17-10 further discusses this. She said Village staff worked closely with the
property owners on all of these amendments. In short, she felt that these amendments would
make it easier for both businesses and staff to easily ascertain what is allowed and what's not,
and whether it's allowed "by right" or "by Special Use." Having updated general classifications
will also make it easier to recruit businesses.
d. The text amendments and zoning map amendments were discussed at the Plan Commission's
April public hearing. One property owner expressed some concerns at the time related to the
"School" use classification in the new M-O/R District. To clarify, Ms. Radzevich testified at the
Plan Commission hearing that traditional, accredited schools would not be an allowed use in
this zoning district; however, a "School-Tutoring/Learning Center" or a specialized school, such
as a college/university or a vocational school, would be allowed via the special use process.
2. Plan Commission Case PC 17-04: Request for a Special Use Permit for a School -Tutoring/
Learning Center (for children from pre-school through high school) at 8145 River Drive, in
Accordance With Section 12-4-4.E of the Unified Development Code.
a. Ms. Radzevich said that this case is tied to Ordinance 17-11. A prospective tenant, By Your
Side, and the property owner, CRE North Grove CP I & II LLC, applied for a special use permit
to allow for a specialized learning center that focuses on autism therapy. By Your Side does
supplemental education, mostly after hours, versus a full-day school. They would move into the
buildings at 8145 River Drive, which already include offices such as the Land of Nod
headquarters and Celtic Chicago, a marketing firm which recently opened there. The Plan
Commission unanimously recommended approval of this request.
IX.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
NONE
X. RESIDENTS' COMMENTS (Agenda Items Only)
NONE
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XI.
PRESIDENT'S REPORT
1. Mayor DiMaria sought concurrence from the Board for two appointments to the Community
Relations Commission—Sascha Hedjbeli and Stephanie O'Connor. Trustee Minx so moved,
seconded by Trustee Ramos. Motion passed unanimously via voice vote.
2. Mayor DiMaria welcomed former Trustees Don Sneider and Steve Blonz to tonight's meeting,
as well as former Clerk Marilyn Sneider and former Mayor Rick Krier. Also in attendance this
evening was Park Commissioners Keith White, Paul Minx, Mark Manno, and Steve Schmitt.
CLERK'S REPORT
XII.
1.
a.
Clerk Travis presented and sought the approval of Resolution 17-29, Accepting the Canvas
Results and Proclamation For the April 4, 2017 Consolidated Election.
She explained that this resolution formally accepts, confirms, announces, and records the results
of the April 4, 2017 Consolidated Election, which are as follows:
For the office of Village President: Daniel P. DiMaria-2,394; Daniel J. Staackmann-799
For the office of Village Clerk: Eileen Scanlon Harford -2,231; Lori Gattorna-861
b. For the office of Village Trustee:
William "Bill" Grear-2,153; Mark Albers -894
Edilberto "Ed" Ramos -2,123; Jeannine M. Como -903
Constance "Connie" Travis -2,003; Mary A. White -861
For the office of Library Trustee (one six-year term): Emily Macejak-2,458
Total ballots cast in this election: 3,225.
Trustee Pietron moved to approve Resolution 17-29, seconded by Trustee Witko.
Motion passed: 6 ayes, 0 nays.
Tr. Grear
Tr. Ramos
Tr. Minx
Tr. Thill
Tr. Pietron
Tr. Witko
2. Clerk Travis invited all individuals, families, organizations, businesses, and other groups to sign
up to "adopt" one of the large Village planters located at the Metra station, the Civic Center, and
Dempster Street from Central Avenue to Lehigh Avenue. The program is being expanded this
year to also include planters along Waukegan Road. Businesses will be given priority to adopt
the planter closes to their store or office. To sign up for the Community Relations Commission
"Adopt A Planter" program, or for more information, please visit the Village's website.
3. Clerk Travis said that the Community Relations Commission will accept photos for its Spring
Photo Contest through June 2, 2017. She encouraged residents to submit up to five photos
promoting the Village's new tagline, "Incredibly Close. Amazingly Open." Submission may be
done online at the Village's website or by dropping the photos off at Village Hall, to the attention
of "Community Relations Commission Spring Photo Contest."
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Minutes of May 8, 2017 Board Meeting
XII.
CLERK'S REPORT (continued)
a. Mayor DiMaria commented that new banners have been hung on Dempster Street. These
banners feature photos that have been submitted in previous photo contests. He commended
Clerk Travis and the Community Relations members and its chair, Arcie Pimentel, on the
excellent job they all do.
XIII.
STAFF REPORTS
A. Village Administrator:
1. Village Administrator Czerwinski presented Resolution 17-30, Authorizing a Change Order to
the Professional Service Agreement Between Stanley Consultants, Inc. and the Villages of
Morton Grove and Niles For a Joint Water Project to Support Survey Field Services.
He explained that the Board had earlier this year approved an agreement with Stanley
Consultants for the preparation of a water supply corridor and water route study. The agreement
included optional field work and drafting services to complete a detailed survey of the one
water transmission main route. Based on Stanley Consultants' initial work, Village staff is now
requesting the Board approve a change order to authorize the additional survey field services
and survey -related drafting.
a.
b.
Mr. Czerwinski said this additional work will cost $93,118, and will be billed to Morton Grove
and Niles equally ($46,559 each). He asked the Board to consider a motion to approve this
resolution.
Trustee Pietron so moved, seconded by Trustee Minx.
Motion passed: 6 ayes, 0 nays.
Tr. Grear ayg, Tr. Minx aye Tr. Pietron aye
Tr. Ramos aye Tr. Thill Lys Tr. Witko ave
c. Trustee Thill asked if the water route is pretty much finalized now, and if so, when would the
Village make the route public. Mr. Czerwinski said it is almost finalized, but land acquisition
negotiations are ongoing, and until those are completed, the route will not be publicized.
2. Mr. Czerwinski encouraged everyone to come out to the Pancake Breakfast this Saturday,
May 13, to help support the Morton Grove Days' "Santa Claus Coming to Town" event. The
breakfast is taking place at the Civic Center from 8:00 a.m. to noon, in conjunction with the
Mother's Day Farmers' Market. Tickets are $6 and kids eat free. He said he hoped everyone
would come out to eat and mingle and have a great time.
3. Mr. Czerwinski gave a "shout -out" to Public Works for superb customer service skills. Public
Works sent out targeted messages to those residents and businesses that will be impacted by
the Village's crack -sealing program. In all, about 300 will be affected. Information about this
program will also be included in the Village's e -newsletter going out later this week.
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Minutes of May 8, 2017 Board Meeting
XIII.
B. Corporation Counsel:
Corporation Counsel Liston had no report.
XIV.
STAFF REPORTS (continued)
TRUSTEES' REPORTS
A. Trustee Grear:
Trustee Grear had no formal report, but clarified with Mr. Czerwinski that the Pancake Breakfast
will be "all you can eat." He responded, "Yes."
B. Trustee Minx:
Trustee Minx presented three ordinances, each for a first reading. These ordinances were briefly
discussed during the Special Report portion of the meeting by Community and Economic
Development Director Nancy Radzevich.
1. Ordinance 17-09, Approving a Text Amendment to Modify the Manufacturing Zoning
Districts and to Establish a New Office/Research Manufacturing (M-O/R) District of the
Village of Morton Grove Municipal Code.
She explained that the Village initiated these text amendments in an effort to clarify and simplify
the existing land uses and to create a new land use classification structure that will allow for
newer, more innovative and/or complementary uses to be allowed within manufacturing districts.
Trustee Minx said the is re -structuring the manufacturing land use classifications to focus on
production or fabrication methodology and potential impacts versus the end product; updating
associated definitions; and creating an administrative review process for some less -intensive
businesses that currently fall under use classifications which often require a special use permit.
The proposed amendments to the use classifications and definitions within the amendment do
not change or eliminate any of the existing uses currently allowed in the M1 and M2 districts.
Mr. Czerwinski noted that, based on in-house review, there were some minor modifications to
the Ordinance that will be reflected when it comes up for its second reading. These modifications
include changing "Schools— Commercial Tutoring/Learning Centers," "Schools—College/
University," and "Schools—Vocational and Trade" to be allowed only by Special Use in all three
manufacturing zoning districts (M-1, M-2, and M-O/R). "Antenna and Antenna Support
Structures" will also be a Special Use in all three manufacturing districts, and "Height of
Structures (over 40 feet) will be a Special use in all three as well. "Height of Structures (over
60 feet) will be eliminated from the ordinance.
a.
b.
c.
d.
Trustee Minx noted that, since this is a first reading, no action will be taken this evening.
Plan Commission Chairman Steve Blonz said that this is quite a complex matter and
complimented Ms. Radzevich and Dominick Argumedo, Village Zoning Administrator/Land-Use
Planner, on doing a fine job. Mr. Blonz felt this will be a positive change for the Village.
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Minutes of May 8, 2017 Board Meeting
XIV.
TRUSTEES' REPORTS (continued)
B. Trustee Minx: (continued)
2. Ordinance 17-10, Approving a Zoning Map Amendment to Rezone a 10.4 Acre Area of
Land, Bounded by River Drive to the North and West, Park Avenue to the South, and
Lehigh Avenue to the East, From M-2 General Manufacturing District to M-O/R Office/
Research Manufacturing District.
Trustee Minx explained that the Village is proposing to rezone a 10.4 acre land area, commonly
known as 8125-8145 River Drive and 8120-8140 Lehigh Avenue from M-2 General Commercial
District to the newly -established M-O/R Office/Research Manufacturing District (this was
reported out pursuant to Plan Commission Case PC 17-06).
This land area is improved with two multi -tenant structures that include a mix of primarily office,
commercial service, light industrial and similar types of uses. These properties have historically
included a similar mix of uses and the property owners anticipate that trend to continue in the
foreseeable future. This mix of uses is more compatible with those that are allowed in the M-O/R
district as opposed to traditional heavy industrial uses that are allowed and found throughout the
existing M-2 District.
a.
b.
Trustee Minx said that, as this is the first reading of this Ordinance, no action will be taken this
evening.
3. Ordinance 17-11, An Ordinance Approving a Special Use Permit for a School—Commercial
Tutoring/Learning Center (for children from pre-school through high school) at 8145 River
Drive, Morton Grove, Illinois.
a.
b.
Trustee Minx said that, pursuant to Plan Commission Case PC 17-04, By Your Side proposes
to operate a tutoring/learning center for autistic children ranging in age from 2 to 15, offering
both individual and group sessions, from Monday through Saturday, 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at
8125-8145 River Drive. By Your Side expects to have 25 to 30 employees and up to 25 children
at peak times. In conjunction with its application, By Your Side hired Ericksson Engineering to
complete a traffic and parking impact statement for the proposed tutoring/learning center. The
study concluded that the parking demand for this project can be easily accommodated by the
shared use of the existing 472 spaces at the complex.
In accordance with Section 12-16-4:A.2., the application was review by Village departments and
by the Chairperson of the Traffic Safety Commission, who agreed with Ericksson Engineering's
finding that the proposed tutoring/learning center use would have an insignificant negative
impact and waived the full Traffic Safety Commission Review. As there are no proposed
changes to the building facade (other than the addition of an exit door), the Chairperson of the
Appearance Commission determined that this would have an insignificant area on the overall
facade and waived the full Appearance Commission Review. The Plan Commission voted
unanimously (with two absent) to recommend approval of the Special Use Permit request.
Trustee Minx said that, since this is the first reading of this Ordinance, no action will be taken this
evening.
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Minutes of Ma 8, 2017 Board Meeting
XIV.
C. Trustee Pietron:
Trustee Pietron had no report this evening.
D. Trustee Ramos:
Trustee Ramos had no report this evening.
E. Trustee Thill:
Trustee Thill had no report this evening.
TRUSTEES' REPORTS (continued)
F. Trustee Witko:
Trustee Witko had no report this evening.
XV. WARRANTS
Trustee Witko presented the Warrant Register for May 8, 2017, in the amount of $485,648.97.
She moved that the Warrants be approved as presented. Trustee Thill seconded the motion.
Motion passed: 6 ayes, 0 nays.
Tr. Grear aye Tr. Minx gys Tr. Pietron aye
Tr. Ramos aye Tr. Thill ave Tr. Witko
XVI. OTHER BUSINESS
1. Swearing -In Ceremony of Newly -Elected Village Officials
a. Mayor DiMaria called the Honorable Judge Jordan Kaplan to the podium to perform the
swearing-in ceremonies. Judge Kaplan is a former Corporation Counsel for the Village of
Morton Grove, a retired Judge of the Circuit Court of Cook County, and a 52 -year resident of the
Village.
b. Judge Kaplan swore in the three newly -elected trustees: Trustee Bill Grear, Trustee Ed Ramos,
and Trustee Connie Travis. The assemblage congratulated the three "new" trustees.
c. Judge Kaplan next called up the newly -elected Village Clerk, Eileen Scanlon Harford. He
said he's known Ms. Harford and her family for a great number of years, and said that her father,
a former World War II hero and Village President for 10 years, would be "thrilled" to see this.
The assemblage congratulated Ms. Harford upon the conclusion of her taking the oath of office.
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Minutes of May 8, 2017 Board Meeting
XVI.
OTHER BUSINESS (continued)
d. To Mayor DiMaria, Judge Kaplan said, You have done a wonderful job over the past four years
and people appreciate that," adding that he was sure Mayor DiMaria would continue to do a
top-notch job. Judge Kaplan then asked Mayor DiMaria to take the oath of office to serve the
Village as its President for another four years. The assemblage congratulated the mayor.
2. Mayor DiMaria then called Trustee Pietron to the podium and presented him with a plaque in
recognition of his time commitment and dedicated services to the Village. Mayor DiMaria said
that Mr. Pietron will still be active in the Village; in fact, he has agreed to serve on the Village's
Appearance Commission.
a. Mr. Pietron thanked his wife, Jan, for her love and support, and thanked Mayor DiMaria for
"always listening." He said that he's learned that titles don't make people important; titles are
merely "job descriptions," and went on to recount an incident where, after he was elected, he
received a traffic ticket for not having a front license plate. Mayor DiMaria said that he, too, had
received a traffic ticket shortly after being elected.
b. Mr. Pietron said that the Village has a great staff because Mayor DiMaria and Village
Administrator Czerwinski "set the tone," and applauded them because they don't
"micro -manage." He congratulated the new Board members and wished everyone good luck.
3. Remarks From Elected Officials
a. Trustee Grear thanked Mr. Pietron and said it had been an honor to work with him and learn
from him. He also thanked Judge Kaplan, saying he was honored and glad to see him—this
marks the third time he's been sworn in by Judge Kaplan. Trustee Grear thanked the residents
for electing him and his wife, children, and friends for their support. He said that being a Village
Trustee is not easy; it's hard work. He said he listens to everyone, whether they voted for him or
not, and thanked everyone for giving him the opportunity for another four years.
b. Trustee Ramos thanked everyone for coming tonight. He thanked the Action Party Board of
Directors and President Grear for slating and supporting him. He thanked his wife, Becky, and
his children, grandchildren, and friends. Trustee Ramos said that it is a great honor for him and
for the Filipino -American community to represent them and the other residents of the Village.
He said that he has learned a lot about municipal government, and will continue to work hard to
support Mayor DiMaria on projects already begun and those still in the pipeline. He promised
that all of his decisions will be based on doing what's best for Morton Grove.
c. Trustee Travis said she was excited and honored to take on this new role, adding that it had
been a pleasure to serve for the last two years as Village Clerk. She thanked her fellow Board
members, especially Trustee Pietron, for the examples they have set. Lastly, Trustee Travis
thanked her family and friends for their love and support.
d. Clerk Harford said that this is a very special night for her and her family; the value of community
service has been a tradition of her family in Morton Grove, led by her grandfather, Leo Dumont,
who served as Village Clerk for 8 years, and her father, who served as a Village Trustee for
8 years and as Mayor for 10 years.
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Minutes of May 8, 2017 Board Meeting
XVI.
OTHER BUSINESS (continued)
e. Clerk Harford, a lifelong resident, said she was humbled and would serve the Village to the best
of her ability. She thanked her husband, children, and friends, saying she wanted to make them
all proud.
Mayor DiMaria thanked his family, commenting that it's his wife's birthday tonight. He said the
sacrifices his family has made and continues to make in their support of him are huge. Mayor
DiMaria thanked the voters—because they voted. He said his margin of victory staggered him,
and felt it was a validation of all the hard work and sacrifices of his family. He promised to
continue to work hard and to work together, and to do his best to achieve consensus,
concluding "I didn't get here alone."
f.
g. Corporation Counsel Liston thanked Judge Kaplan, her predecessor from long ago. She said
this is her 21st year of serving the Village, first as a trustee, then as Corporation Counsel. She
was happy to note that this is the first Village Board comprised of more women than men!
XVII. RESIDENTS' COMMENTS
1.
a.
b.
c.
2.
Jon Lahn said it was an honor to be here in front of so many current and former Board
members and public servants. He wanted to talk about several developments that have
occurred since the Town Hall meeting.
First, he noted that the transcript from the town hall meeting reflects that 32 attendees spoke in
favor of passing the proposed welcoming community ordinance, and 16 spoke against it, so it
was about 2 -to -1 in favor of passing the ordinance.
Second, a federal court in San Francisco has ruled that the Executive Order threat to withhold or
suspend federal funding to welcoming communities is unenforceable. He added that Attorney
General Jeff Sessions is focusing more narrowly on compliance with Section 13-73, with which
the proposed ordinance does comply. He reiterated that nothing about the proposed ordinance
would threaten the Village's receipt of any federal grant funds. Mr. Lahn added that it's interest-
ing to note that the largest amount of funding the Village intends to pursue is for the alternative
water supply project, in which both Evanston and Skokie are also participating—and both of
those communities have ordinances along the line of the proposed ordinance.
Third, in a State development, the Illinois Trust Act has passed the Illinois Senate and is likely to
pass the Illinois House of Representatives. This Act imposes restrictions that are even greater
than what's contained in the proposed ordinance, and specifically states that those restrictions
would apply to local municipalities. Mr. Lahn suggested that the Village, rather than focus on a
rather unlikely conflict with the federal government, should look at the very real possibility of
being in conflict with State government if the Village fails to adopt policies like those in the
proposed ordinance. Mr. Lahn continued to urge the Board to consider the proposed ordinance.
Naushina Rahman congratulated the Board and said she really appreciates what the Board
does. She said she knows it can be a thankless job, but the Board helps to build community and
sets a positive example. She thanked the Village for the Town Hall meeting and she was not too
surprised by some of the hateful rhetoric she heard there, but overall was glad that two-thirds of
those who spoke favored the proposed ordinance.
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Minutes of May 8, 2017 Board Meeting
XVII.
RESIDENTS' COMMENTS (continued)
a. Ms. Rahman said that, at the Town Hall meeting, she felt there was a perception that people
who have lived in Morton Grove longer have more of a "right" to be heard. She said that, even
though she only bought her home in Morton Grove last summer, she felt that she, too, had just
as much of a right to be heard as the longer -tenured residents. She said that people like her
don't have a lot of places they can go. It wouldn't be easy for her to pack up her children and find
a school where they wouldn't be in the extreme minority and where teachers respect diversity.
Ms. Rahman said she appreciates having a safe place in which to live and raise her children,
and she wants to help keep it that way, or make it even better.
b. Ms. Rahman said that two residents in particular said things that she wanted to address. One
was a woman who said that "she" was Morton Grove. Ms. Rahman said that was not correct—it
should be "WE" are Morton Grove. She said people are choosing to live in Morton Grove and
stay in Morton Grove, commenting, "We're not going anywhere." Ms. Rahman wanted that wom-
an to know that she isn't the only kind of person who makes Morton Grove the community it is.
Another person had said that "they should just leave Morton Grove." Ms. Rahman reiterated that
it's just not that easy for her and countless others and they will not be leaving. She said that
Morton Grove is moving in a direction she likes to see—it's a welcoming community with good
schools and good neighbors, not the kind of place where people are looked at with hatred if they
look different. She said it would be easier for the "haters" to move, and suggested they move to
the south, noting "there's plenty of hatred there."
Ms. Rahman asked the Board to do what is right and decent.
3. Janice Cha congratulated the Board and thanked them in advance for the work they'll be doing.
She thanked the Board for organizing and hosting the Town Hall meeting. She said she was
heartened to see the great turnout. She commented that, when she was in college, she was in
the International House, where there were people from all over the world. She ended up working
in Japan for ten years. Ms. Cha said, "A diverse community feels like home to me." She said that
passing this ordinance seems like a "no-brainer", and encouraged the Board to do so, and be on
par with Skokie and Evanston, and have Morton Grove truly live up to its tag line.
4. Carol Jagleski said she felt that many residents either didn't know about the Town Hall meeting
or were unprepared to speak on the ordinance. That was the case with her, so she ended up
writing a letter, and was present this evening to read that letter to the Board. She said she is a
52 -year resident and noted that, in that time span, her neighborhood has changed. She said she
enjoys the diversity of her neighbors; everyone helps each other and she gets along well with
them.
a.
Ms. Jagleski's concern was that the elected officials took an oath to uphold the law of the land.
Now there's this ordinance seemingly being forced upon the Board. The ordinance has a
provision which states that "immigration policy and law >"enforcement are the providence of the
federal government. The ordinance further states "the village recognizes that there is substantial
confusion regarding the relationship between the federal government and local government
regarding the immigration law and enforcement." She said she didn't understand the "confusion,"
noting that "the law of the land is the law of the land," and officials who took an oath to uphold
the law must do so. If there is confusion, she suggested applying two tests: first, require
residents to vote on this ordinance; and second, accept that the true measure of the ordinance's
validity is what U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions signs off on—and then everyone needs to
agree to abide by it.
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Minutes of May 8, 2017 Board Meeting
XVII.
b.
c.
d.
4.
XVIII
RESIDENTS' COMMENTS (continued)
Ms. Jagleski said it seemed "inconceivable" that a community with an unblemished record of
upholding the law would foist this ordinance on its citizens. She blamed the organization
Americans in Solidarity–Chicago" and said the group is determined to overthrow federal
government regulations. She said that history records the havoc caused by progressive
movements. This organization is taking advantage of this country's situation and is bent on
crippling Washington DC. She said the group would use this ordinance to fundraise and get
votes (even from the non -citizen populace). She asked if the Village really wants to "get involved"
with this corruption, and said that she does not want it. Ms. Jagleski felt that becoming a
sanctuary / welcoming community would make Morton Grove a haven for illegals, causing them
to flock here and impose a heavy financial burden on Morton Grove. Additionally, that will create
an environment of lawlessness.
Ms. Jagleski said that 150 people signing a letter, out of a population of 25,000, doesn't say
much. She suggested the Board put this matter to a referendum. She believed this ordinance
would be a severe change in the law, and warned the Village about going down this slippery
slope.
Mayor DiMaria said, for clarification, that there is an ordinance being proposed; there is, as yet,
no ordinance on the books.
Sue Pellicano thanked the Board for the Town Hall meeting and for taking the time to listen to
the residents. She felt that making a decision on whether to consider an ordinance, and basing
that decision on the fact that 32 people spoke in favor of it, versus 16 who were opposed to it, is
a very shallow thing on which to weigh such a decision. She said she personally is not in favor of
a welcoming community ordinance, and is concerned that someone who feels they were unfairly
treated could turn around and sue the police office or police department. She reiterated what
several people said at the town hall meeting—that Morton Grove is already a welcoming
community, and "if it's not broke, why fix it?"
ADJOURNMENT
Trustee Minx moved to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Trustee Witko.
Motion passed: 6 ayes, 0 nays.
Tr. Grear
Tr. Ramos
Tr. Minx
Tr. ThiII
The meeting adjourned at 8:17 p.m.
att
Tr. Pietron
Tr. Witko
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Minutes of May 8, 2017 Board Meeting
PASSED this 22nd day of May, 2017.
Trustee Grear
Trustee Minx
Trustee Ramos
Trustee Thill
Trustee Travis
Trustee Witko
of May, 2017.
Daniel P. Di aria, Village President
Board of Trustees, Morton Grove, Illinois
APPROVED and FILED in my office this 23rd day of May, 2017.
Eileen Harford, Village Clerk
Village of Morton Grove, Cook County, Illinois
Minutes by: Teresa Cousar
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