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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2006-02-13 Board 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 CIVIC CENTER FEBRUARY 73, 20056 CALL TO ORDER I. Village President Rick Krier called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. and led the assemblage in the Pledge of Allegiance. II. Village Clerk Carol Fritzshall called the roll. Present were: Trustees Georgianne Brunner, Dan DiMaria, Roy Kogstad, Rita Minx, Dale Senensky, and Dan Staackmann. III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES a. Regarding the Minutes of the January 9, 2006 Regular Meeting, Trustee Minx moved to approve the Minutes as submitted, dispensing with the reading thereof. The motion was seconded by Trustee Brunner. Motion passed: 6 ayes, 0 nays. Tr. Brunner up. Tr. DiMaria aye Tr. Kogstad aye Tr. Minx aye Tr. Senensky a +e Tr. Staackmann a�.e b. c. Regarding the Minutes of the Special Meeting of January 23, 2006, Trustee Minx moved to approve the Minutes as submitted, dispensing with the reading thereof. Trustee Senensky seconded the motion, which passed: 5 ayes, 0 nays, 1 abstain. Tr. Brunner acre Tr. DiMaria Tr. Kogstad abstain Tr. Minx ave Tr. Senensky aye Tr. Staackmann afire Regarding the Minutes of the Town Hall Meeting of January 30, 2006, Trustee Minx moved to approve the Minutes as submitted, dispensing with the reading thereof. The motion was seconded by Trustee Senensky and passed: 4 ayes, 0 nays, 2 abstain. Tr. Brunner afire, Tr. DiMaria abstain Tr. Kogstad abstain Tr. Minx mg Tr. Senensky aye Tr. Staackmann afire IV. PUBLIC HEARINGS NONE PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE ROLL CALL JAN. 9 BOARD MEETING MINUTES APPROVED JAN. 23 SPECIAL BOARD MEETING MINUTES APPROVED JAN. 30 TOWN HALL MEETING MINUTES APPROVED Minutes of Februa 23, 2006 Board Meetin V. SPECIAL REPORTS Appointment of New Fire Lieutenant Fire and Police Commission Chairman Mike Simkins introduced Firefighter Robert Hohs who is being promoted to Fire Lieutenant this evening. Chairman Simkins said that the Fire and Police Commissioners have appointed some very capable people in the past and that tradition continues tonight with this appointment. Chairman Simkins said that Mr. Hohs, a 27 -year veteran of the Morton Grove Fire Department, is a "born leader". He said that Hohs started with the MG Fire Department as a firefighter/paramedic in 1979. He later dropped his paramedic ranking and became a firefighter engineer and acting lieutenant. Chairman Simkins said that Hohs respects the honor and tradition of being a Morton Grove Firefighter. Several of Lt. Hohs' colleagues were in attendance, including Chief Tom Friel and District Chiefs Jim Neville and John Brendel. They, along with the Board and the assemblage, congratulated Lt. Hohs. Mayor Krier said that he has known Robert Hohs for a long time, calling him a "quality individual" who has worked hard and deserves this appointment. VI. RESIDENTS' COMMENTS (Agenda Items Only) a. Chris Arns asked about a payment to the Elliotts that was on the Warrant Register. He also had comments on Resolution 06-11 (revising the Solid Waste Financial Assistance Program). Mr. Arns also complained about omissions in the January 23`d Special Meeting Minutes. He also wanted to discuss the outcome of one board member's foray into national politics (and what the Mayor was going to do about it) and the Village's ethics ordinance. Mayor Krier advised Mr. Arns that he did not intend to get into a "national politics" discussion with him. b. George Wendt agreed with the Mayor that national politics has no place at a Village Board meeting. C. Patrick Kansoer commented on several "defects" in the January 9th Board Meeting Minutes. He wanted to discuss public trust in Village government. Mayor Krier reminded him that the Minutes are not verbatim. d. Lew Mark wanted to know why the Village was paying the Elliotts. Mayor Krier synopsized the history of the Village's redevelopment agreement with the Elliotts, noting that The Woodlands is making money in the Lehigh -Ferris TIF. Mr. Mark said that he wanted the Board to work together and wondered why , when a certain board member made a motion, no one would second it. Trustee DiMaria disagreed with that statement. Mr. Mark also asked for Mayor Krier's resignation. e. Raymond Solal requested the 2005 accomplishments of the Police and Fire Departments, something that gave the accomplishments as well as the number of personnel, the number of engagements, and the cost of the equipment. NEW FIRE LIEUTENANT APPOINTED 2 Minutes of February 23, 2006 Board Meeting VI. RESIDENTS' COMMENTS (Agenda Items Only) (continued) Mr. Solal also commented on the Minutes of the Town Hall Meeting and the lack of Board Meeting Minutes for the regular meeting of January 23, 2006. He rioted a payment to a law firm on the Warrant Register and wondered if that meant that Corporation Counsel Liston was resigning. Mr. Solal also requested that Resolution 06-11 be tabled for further discussion, and had additional questions about Resolution 06-14 (authorizing the purchase of police squad cars), namely, he wondered why the police needed cars with V8 engine. f. Sherwin Dubren commented about Resolution 06-11. He felt the form should be redesigned and the process for applying for assistance should eliminate the need for applicants to see the Village Social Worker. g. Bill Luksha was also concerned about the Village's payment to the Elliotts. VII. PRESIDENT'S REPORT Mayor Krier had no report. VIII. CLERK'S REPORT Clerk Fritzshall had no formal report, but wanted to inform the assemblage that she had issued a press release regarding the new early voting procedures. She said that early voting would be held at Village Hall beginning February 27, 2006 and run through March 16, 2006 during regular business hours, and up to 8:00 p.m. on Thursdays. IX. A. Village Administrator: Mr. Wade had no report. B. Corporation Counsel: STAFF REPORTS Ms. Liston noted that the Village is the defendant in a suit filed by the Muslim Community Center regarding the ownership of the Capulina right-of-way. The Board held an Executive Session on January 23rd to discuss having special litigation counsel for this case. The Board interviewed and unanimously chose the law firm of Johnson & Bell. Corporation Counsel felt that a Board action ratifying this choice would be appropriate. Trustee Minx so moved, seconded by Trustee Brunner. Motion passed: 5 ayes, 0 nays, 1 abstain. Tr. Brunner afire Tr. DiMaria p_y_e Tr. Kogstad ave Tr. Minx aye Tr. Senensky abstain Tr. Staackmann ave EARLY VOTING UPDATE LAW FIRM CHOSEN TO REPRESENT VILLAGE IN CAPULINA ROW CASE 3 Minutes ofFebrua I. u - X. TRUSTEES' REPORTS A. Trustee Brunner: Trustee Brunner presented Resolution 06-11, Approving Revision to the Solid Waste Financial Assistance Program. She explained that, in April of 2004, the Board approved a resolution which established a Solid Waste Financial Assistance Program to provide financial assistance to low-income and needy residents for the payment of the solid waste collection fees charged by Groot. Trustee Brunner said that, during January 2006, she chaired an ad hoc committee comprised of Village staff, officials, and residents to review this program. The committee recommended that the income qualification standards for the assistance program be made Tess restrictive. The recommendations are that households below 150% of the poverty level receive 100% financial assistance and those between 150% and 200% of the poverty level receive 75% assistance. Previously, a subsidy of 50% of the Groot bill was allowed for households at or below 100% of federal poverty level and a 25% subsidy was allowed for households at or below 150% of the poverty levels. Assistance is also allowed on a case-by-case basis for residents who have suffered a short-term catastrophic event. Trustee Brunner noted that, for calendar year 2006, $50,000 has been budgeted for solid waste financial assistance. Trustee Brunner moved to approve Resolution 06-11, seconded by Trustee Staackmann. Trustee Brunner stated that the committee did review the application form the Village uses and, in fact, compared it to what's used in other municipalities. She commented that Mount Prospect has a 8 -page double -sided form; Niles Township has a 4 -page form. Morton Grove's is a single page. It asks for household income and an attestation of honesty. It does not require an applicant to see the Village Social Worker. She said the Board has a fiduciary responsibility to make sure that the people who ask for help really need it. She added that, personally, she would like to see some questions on the form about the applicant's expenses. Trustee Staackmann pointed out that, if the garbage fees were still included in the real estate taxes, there wouldn't be an opportunity for residents to get as- sistance. He noted that the assistance program is not just for seniors—it's for families that are struggling, people who are perhaps temporarily unemployed. Trustee Staackmann said that he'd like to see this assistance extended in the future to the water bills, if possible. He said that the Board could discuss possible enhancements once they see if the budgeted assistance funds are actually being used. Trustee Kogstad said he would like to postpone taking any action on this resolution until the next meeting because he never saw the form. He felt that possibly instructions should be included on the back of the form, or some kind of clarification that there was no requirement to see the Village Social Worker. Trustee Kogstad moved to postpone voting on this resolution until the next Board Meeting. Trustee Senensky seconded the motion. Trustee Brunner said she had invited Trustee Kogstad to serve on the ad hoc committee that was reviewing the financial assistance program but she never heard back from him. She felt that postponing was not a good idea, since Groot bills were due at the end of the month. RES. 06-11 APPROVES REVISION TO THE SOLID WASTE FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM LESS RESTRICTIVE AND GRANTS MORE RELIEF TRUSTEE WANTS TO POSTPONE ACTING ON RES. 06-11 4 Minutes of Februa 23, 2006 Board Meeting X. TRUSTEES' REPORTS (continued) A. Trustee Brunner (continued) Trustee Brunner added that the Village Social Worker, Jackie Walker O'Keefe, has already received 35 applications with the new form. Trustee Kogstad wondered why the form is being used by the public when the trustees haven't even seen it yet. As far as the Groot bills being due, he said the Village could "reimburse" applicants if they ended up having to pay their Groot bill because of postponing the vote. Mayor Krier asked if Trustee Kogstad's concern was the form. He noted that the form is not part of the resolution. He said the resolution addresses "the big picture", notably, that the Village would now be paying 100% for those households below 150% of the federal poverty level. Mayor Krier said that it's important for the Board to take care of this now, especially if some residents are having difficulty paying. He pointed out that updating the form doesn't necessarily need a Board vote. The Board can approve the Resolution, and still work on the form, if necessary. Trustee Minx said that her understanding is that the criteria of how an applicant would qualify for assistance had changed, with the Village adding an "interest income" category and the attestation. Other than that, she said, the form is basically the same. Trustee Brunner agreed that the change was that the Village was broadening its qualifications/criteria. She said the committee had been concerned with how the program is being or will be advertised. She said that a notice about this program would appear on the Groot bills. It will also be advertised in the schools. She said she hoped people who needed assistance would take advantage of the program. Trustee Kogstad said he didn't disagree with the program, he just found it troubling that he didn't have all the information available prior to voting on it. He felt the Board should "do it right the first time." Trustee Senensky pointed out that the Board's status report of February 3rd included a memorandum to the Board from Jackie Walker O'Keefe outlining the changes that Trustee Brunner had just mentioned. He noted that the form itself was not included in that memorandum. Mayor Krier called for a vote on the motion to postpone taking action. The motion failed: 2 ayes, 4 nays. Tr. Brunner y Tr. DiMaria na Tr. Minx Tr. Senensky nay Mayor Krier called for the vote on the motion to Motion passed: 4 ayes, 1 nay, 1 abstain. Tr. Brunner aye Tr. DiMaria aye Tr. Minx aye Tr. Senensky aye Tr. Kogstad acre Tr. Staackmann aye approve Resolution 06-11. Tr. Kogstad abstain Tr. Staackmann nay MOTION TO POSTPONE FAILS RES. 06-11 APPROVED 5 Minutes of Februa 23, 2006 Board Meeting B. 1. 2. TRUSTEES' REPORTS (continued) Trustee DiMaria: Trustee DiMaria presented Resolution 06-12, Authorizing for Final Payment for the Reconstruction of Waukegan Road Between Dempster Street and Golf Road. Trustee DiMaria said that, in 2000, the Village had entered into an agreement with the State for the reconstruction of Waukegan Road from Dempster Street to Golf Road. The project was funded by federal, state, and local funding sources. The State does not ask for final payment from the local agency until all of the quantities and work has been accepted by the State. That happened this past fall. This final payment is in the amount of $240,556.58. It is the Village's final payment for its share ($1,948,645.66) of this project. Trustee DiMaria moved to approve Resolution 06-12. Trustee Minx seconded the motion. There was no further discussion. Upon the vote, the motion passed: 6 ayes, 0 nays. Tr. Brunner ave Tr. DiMaria aye Tr. Kogstad ave Tr. Minx aye Tr. Senensky aye Tr. Staackmann ave Next, Trustee DiMaria introduced Resolution 06-13, Authorization to Execute a "Local Agency Agreement for Federal Participation" with the Illinois Department of Transportation for the Harlem Avenue Local Area Pavement Preservation (LAPP) Project. Trustee DiMaria explained that this agreement is necessary in order to receive the Surface Transportation Program (STP) funding that was programmed by the North Shore Council of Mayors and to place the project on the letting schedule with the State. Harlem Avenue has been identified as a federal aid - eligible route. It is in need of resurfacing to improve the driving surface, reduce maintenance costs, and extend the useful life of the street. Trustee DiMaria said that the Village applied for and received STP funding through the North Shore Council of Mayors as a Local Area Pavement Preservation Project. The project's total estimated cost is $361,000, with the Village's share being $108,000 and the State's share being $253,000. Trustee DiMaria moved to approve Resolution 06-13. Trustee Minx seconded the motion. There was no further discussion. Upon the vote, the motion passed: 6 ayes, 0 nays. Tr. Brunner ave Tr. DiMaria aave Tr. Kogstad afire Tr. Minx a e Tr. Senensky ave Tr. Staackmann are RES. 06-12 AUTHORIZES FINAL PAYMENT FOR THE RECONSTRUCTN OF WAUKEGAN BETWEEN DEMPSTER AND GOLF ROAD RES. 06-12 APPROVED RES. 06-13 AUTHORIZES EXECUTION OF LOCAL AGENCY AGREEMENT FOR FEDERAL PARTICIPATION WITH IDOT FOR THE HARLEM AVE. LOCAL AREA PAVEMENT PRESERVATION PROJECT RES. 06-13 APPROVED 6 Minutes of February 23, 2006 Board Meeting X. TRUSTEES' REPORTS (continued) B. Trustee DiMaria: (continued) 3. Next, Trustee DiMaria presented for a first reading Ordinance 06-03, Amending Title 5, Chapter 9, Section 10 of the Municipal Code of the Village Regarding Municipal Parking Fees. He explained that, in November of 2005, the Board had passed an ordinance which approved an increase in commuter parking fees from $1.25 to $1.75 per day. Since the municipal parking zone immediately adjacent to the Metra station is owned by Metra, Metra must approve all fee increases. Metra has indicated that a 50 -cent per -day increase at one time is not acceptable and has asked the Village to phase-in this increase. This ordinance will allow the Village Finance Director to set a parking fee of up to $1.75 per day, subject to Metra's consent. Upon approval of this ordinance, the Finance Director will immediately increase parking fees to $1.50 per day, and, at a later date, will request Metra's support of an increase to $1.75 per day. Trustee DiMaria noted that increasing the commuter parking rates to $1.50 per day will generate an additional $19,400 per year in revenue for the Village. A subsequent increase to $1.75 per day will generate an additional $19,400 per year in revenue. There was no further discussion. C. Trustee Koqstad: Trustee Kogstad had no formal report, but did have some statements he wished to make. Mayor Krier suggested that those statements be brought up under "Other Business". D. Trustee Minx: Trustee Minx had no report. Trustee Senensky: Trustee Senensky presented Resolution 06-14, Authorization for the Purchase of Police Pursuit Vehicles Through the Illinois State Bid Program, Contract #4013240. Trustee Senensky explained that, every three years, squad cars are replaced to insure that key equipment utilized by officers does not fail during the normal course of duty. The squad cars are used 24 hours -a -day and require peak performance at all times. High mileage vehicles are either rotated into the Village fleet for administrative purposes or sold. ORD. 06-03 AMENDS MUNICIPAL CODE REGARDING MUNICIPAL PARKING FEES (FIRST READING) RES. 06-14 AUTHORIZES PURCHASE OF POLICE PURSUIT VEHICLES THROUGH THE ILLINOIS STATE BID PROGRAM 7 Minutes of Februa 23, 2006 Board Meeting X. TRUSTEES' REPORTS (continued) E. Trustee Senensky (continued) Five squad cards were included in the approved 2006 budget for purchase this year, at a cost of $115,000. The Village is purchasing these cars from Landmark Ford in Springfield, IL, the dealership which was awarded the State contract to sell 2006 Ford Crown Victoria police interceptors. Purchasing squad cars from the State Bid Program allows municipalities to avail them- selves of scale economies offered by the program, while retaining a competi- tive purchasing process. Trustee Senensky said that, by participating in the State Bid Program for the purchase of these squad cars, the Village is saving $10,269. Trustee Senensky moved to adopt Resolution 06-14, seconded by Trustee Minx. Trustee Minx noted that this is not a "frivolous" expenditure. The police squad cars run on a nearly 24/7 basis, and it's vital that a police officer's vehicle enables him to arrive "at the scene" on a timely basis. Trustee Staackmann pointed out that Landmark Ford of Springfield, IL is in no way affiliated with Landmark Ford in Niles, IL, his employer. He added that a 4.6 liter engine is the only engine available for a Crown Victoria—there is no other option. Mayor Krier called for the vote on the motion to adopt Resolution 06-14. Motion passed: 6 ayes, 0 nays. Tr. Brunner aye Tr. DiMaria aye Tr. Kogstad aye Tr. Minx ave Tr. Senensky Tr. Staackmann Lys. F. Trustee Staackmann Trustee Staackmann had no report. XI. OTHER BUSINESS a. Trustee Senensky stated that he was concerned about a resident's perception that another trustee's motions were seldom seconded. He said it was for that reason, and to ensure a full dialog on the matter, that he seconded Trustee Kogstad's earlier motion to postpone taking action on Resolution 06-11. Trustee Senensky also wanted it to be known that he abstained from the vote regarding the hiring of the law firm Johnson & Bell because he's very familiar with that firm from his own employment and he didn't feel it would be appropri- ate. This is another demonstration, he said, of this Board's honesty. b. Trustee Kogstad said that he thought Morton Grove should revise its ethics ordinance to incorporate the provisions of the Cook County Ethics Ordinance. He said that, in Tight of the ruling against Trustee DiMaria (removing him from the March primary ballot for Niles Township Republican Committeeman), and RES. 06-14 APPROVED TRUSTEE EXPLAINS REASON FOR ABSTAINING 8 Minutes of February23, 2006 Board Meeting XI. XII. OTHER BUSINESS (continued) the "perceptions" surrounding Corporation Counsel Liston's purchase of the Osco outlot, "the time has come to restore integrity and trust." Trustee Kogstad said that "it is essential to the proper operation of representa- tive government that public officials and employees be independent and impar- tial; that public office and employment not be used for personal gain, and that the public have full confidence in the integrity and fair and honest administra- tion of government." He requested that a more stringent ethics ordinance be prepared by staff with the assistance of the Illinois Municipal League and other outside counsel, as necessary, and be presented at the next Board meeting for a first reading. Trustee Staackmann responded that he is very concerned about the "appear- ance of conflict, wrongdoing, or malfeasance by the Village", but pointed out that, "unless the Constitution has changed, you're innocent until proven guilty." He said that "people call for investigations into this or that, but unless there's a basis of proof of wrong -doing, I don't believe in persecuting people." Trustee Staackmann said that it (the atmosphere of mistrust and persecution) saddened him and his fellow residents. He said that, in the 18 years he served on the Park Board, and the two years he's served as Trustee, he knew that if something was really wrong, the State's Attorney would be investigating it. Trustee Staackmann likened the atmosphere of mistrust to the Salem witch hunts, and called it "unfair to the accuser and the accused." He said that the Board is trying to work together. WARRANTS Trustee Kogstad presented Warrant Register, which totaled $1,399,554.02. He moved to approve the Warrants. The motion was seconded by Trustee Minx. Trustee Kogstad noted that there exists a redevelopment agreement with the Elliotts which has at least six conditions, one of which states that there will be a 200 -unit senior living component there. He felt that, since the Elliotts had "defaulted" on that provision, the Village has no obligation to pay them. He moved to remove that line item—the payment to the Elliotts—from the Warrant Register, and further, to have an independent legal review done of the rede- velopment agreement with the Elliotts. The motion died for lack of a second. Trustee Kogstad then moved to not pay the Elliotts out of the General Fund, but rather to wait until TIF increment funds come in (sometime in March or April). He said the Village should let the Elliotts wait, instead of "paying out of our pocket." Trustee Staackmann seconded the motion, and asked Finance Director Neukirch why it is that the Village is making this payment now. Mayor Krier asked Corporation Counsel Liston to explain. She said that the Village's redevelopment agreement with the Elliotts requires payment of 85% of the increment actually received by the Village for 2004 taxes paid in 2005. The Village did receive the money and chose to use it for other TIF -related purposes, knowing that there would be funds available to pay this installment when it received its first property tax revenue installment. TRUSTEE WANTS TO SEE MORE STRINGENT ETHICS ORDINANCE PAYMENT TO ELLIOTTS QUESTIONED 9 Minutes of February 23, 2006 Board Meeting XII. WARRANTS (continued) Ms. Liston said that the Village did receive the funds and is obligated to make this payment. Mayor Krier called for the vote on the motion to amend the Warrants by delaying the payment to the Elliotts. The motion failed: 1 aye, 5 nays. Tr. Brunner nay Tr. DiMaria nay Tr. Kogstad aye Tr. Minx nay Tr. Senensky nay Tr. Staackmann nay Mayor Krier then called for a vote to approve the Warrant Register. Motion passed: 5 ayes, 1 nay. Tr. Brunner aye Tr. DiMaria aye Tr. Kogstad nay Tr. Minx aye Tr. Senensky a e Tr. Staackmann aye XIII. RESIDENTS' COMMENTS Bill Grear commended Mayor Krier for defending his trustees and corporate counsel. Mr. Grear felt that everyone was doing a "fantastic job." Mr. Grear had some comments regarding people who continually "lambaste" the Board and thanked Mayor Krier for allowing him the opportunity to speak, because, he said, "many other communities don't even have resident's comments." Benita Lojudas was concerned about development in the Village, and the fact that Niles has more businesses than Morton Grove does. Mayor Krier said the Village is trying and has some things on the horizon, but pointed out that the Village "doesn't have a lot of area to work with". Ms. Lojudas also took the opportunity to promote a new business in the Village: Ben's TV on Dempster, near Magical Mystery Tour. The owner, she said, is a very nice man who repairs and sells televisions. She said she's been doing business with him for 35 years. Patrick Kansoer asked for the resignation of Trustee DiMaria based on the comments of the Cook County Board of Election Commissioners. He said that it offended him personally when any public servant engages in unethical or illegal behavior. It reinforces the public's perception that all public officials are "corrupt". Mayor Krier said he was disturbed that there seems to be an environment of "guilty until proven innocent" and said that that atmosphere "keeps good people out of politics." Mr. Kansoer challenged Mayor Krier to request Trustee DiMaria's resignation. Mr. Kansoer noted that many seniors are at or near the poverty level and said that there had been discussion tonight on a form that needs to be filled out to qualify for assistance in paying solid waste fees. He agreed that the Village should help seniors that need help and said that he has heard statements in the past alluding to the fact that the Village needs to "protect its tax dollars from greedy seniors" (who don't really need the assistance). He said painting seniors as greedy speaks volumes about the character of those who hold that opinion. WARRANTS APPROVED 10 Minutes of Februa 23, 2006 Board Meeting XIII. RESIDENTS' COMMENTS (continued) John Thili said he was tired of hearing about a senior living component at the Woodlands. He said it wasn't senior housing that was supposed to be there, it was assisted living. Chris Arns asked Mr. Thill to get a copy of the redevelopment agreement and read it, because it clearly states that there would be a senior living facility of 200 units. Mr. Arns also commented on Trustee DiMaria's nominating process. Mayor Krier said that this was not the proper forum to discuss that and that it had nothing to do with Trustee DiMaria's role as Trustee. Mr. Arns commented on the Village's ethics ordinance and suggested that the Village look at Cook County's or Glenview's ethics ordinances as models. Lou Mark was concerned about the purchase of squad cars and wondered why the Police Department needed "all that horsepower." Trustee Senensky pointed out that, when you're a police officer, you live in that car." He said you can't get a vehicle the size of a Crown Victoria and then have a little motor in it. He also pointed out that, by participating in the State Bid Program, the Village saved $10,000 of taxpayer money. Mayor Krier said that a resident in trouble expects that an officer will get there as fast as possible. The Village purchased what is needed. Trustee Minx said that "we're asking police and fire personnel to do a lot of things that didn't happen 20 or even 10 years ago—they need to be prepared." Bill Luksha thanked the Mayor for the opportunity to speak, pointing out that, in Niles, only three people were allowed to speak regarding the OTB issue, and for only three minutes each. He said Morton Grove's format is great. Mr. Luksha said he felt that Mayor Krier has done a good job on such things as the liquor licenses and the OTB, but he, too, was concerned about the Village's ethics ordinance. He also felt that contributions from vendors doing business with the Village to local political parties shouldn't be allowed. He speculated on the reason why Trustee DiMaria had decided to run against Joe Hedrick for Niles Township Republican Committeeman and felt that Mayor Krier was now in the position of having to act as "King Solomon" and decide what he's going to do for the Village. Raymond Solal questioned Village expenditures and its cost of operation. He wondered if it was legal, back in 2000, when then Corporate Counsel Berrafato had "crossed out" any references to a senior center at The Woodlands. Mr. Solal also complained that the Village's budget process was incomprehensible. 11 Minutes of Februa 23, 2006 Board Meetin XIV. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to come before the Board, Trustee Brunner moved to adjourn the Board Meeting, seconded by Trustee Minx. The motion passed unanimously by voice vote. The meeting adjourned at 9:51 p.m. PASSED this 13th day of March, 2006. Trustee Brunner Trustee DiMaria Trustee Kogstad Trustee Minx Trustee Senensky Trustee Staackmann APPROVED by me this 13th day of March, 2006. � Y //T7 Richard Krier, Village Presidint Board of Trustees, Morton Grove, Illinois APPROVED and FILED in my office this 14th day of March, 2006. r ` i Carol A. Fritzshall, Village Clerk Village of Morton Grove Cook County, Illinois MEETING ADJOURNED Minutes by: Teresa Cousar 12