HomeMy WebLinkAbout2007-08-27 Board MinutesMINUTES OF'A REGu!.AR 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
AUGUST 27, 2007
CALL TO ORDER
Village President Richard Krier called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. and led the assem-
blage in the Pledge of Allegiance.
III. Village Clerk Carol Fritzshal' called the roll. Present were: Trustees Georgianne Brunner,
Shel Marcus, Rita Minx, Dan Staackrnann, and John Thill. Trustee Roy Kogstad was absent.
IV. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
1. Regarding the Minutes of the August 13, 2007, Regular Meeting, Mayor Krier asked if anyone
had any changes or corrections to the Minutes. Seeing none, Trustee Minx moved, seconded
by Trustee Marcus, to approve the August 13, 2007, Regular Meeting Minutes as
presented. Motion passed unanimously via voice vote.
V. PUBLIC HEARINGS
NONE
VI. SPECIAL REPORTS
a. Presentation Honoring ESDA Coordinator Craig Karas
Mayor Krier stated he was going to honor Craig Karas in recognition of his twenty years of
service this evening; however Craig had a critical accident over the weekend and would be
unable to attend these proceedings. The Mayor stated he had recently accepted Craig's letter
of resignation with the stipulation that he would sit on a newly formed committee with Chief
Friel and Chief Tasch to evaluate the ESDA program. The Mayor called for a moment of si-
lence for Craig and his family.
VII.
RESIDENTS' COMMENTS (Agenda Items Only)
Mayor Krier asked if any residents had any comments regarding agenda items. There were
no residents' comments.
VIII. PRESIDENT'S REPORT
a. Mayor Krier asked for the Board's concurrence with the appointment of John Hill as the new
ESDA Coordinator. He stated John had twenty years with ESDA, as well as being an indus-
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
g.
Minutes of August 27, 2007 Board Meeting
trial engineer. There being no questions or concerns regarding the appointment, Trustee
Minx moved to appoint John Hill to the position of ESDA Coordinator. Trustee Brunner sec-
onded the motion. Motion passed: 5 ayes, 0 nays, 1 absent.
Tr. Brunner aye Tr. Kogstad absent Tr. Marcus
Tr. Minx aye Tr. Staackmann aye Tr. Thill ave
John Hill thanked the Board and stated he wanted everyone to remember Craig Karas. He
stated he knew Craig when he worked on the St. Martha's Vineyard and when Craig was a
scout master. Last week he worked with Craig directing traffic and clearing debris from the
storm. He again stated being appointed to it it position was an honor and quoted Thomas
Jefferson, "While I can succeed him, I cannot replace him". Trustee Thill thanked all the
ESDA members for their tremendous work.
Mayor Krier noted he had several proclamations this evening. He read aloud each individual
proclamation in turn:
National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month
National Save A Life Month
National Preparedness Month
Rabbi Kenneth Cohen Day. Once Mayor Krier presented the proclamation, Rabbi Cohen
spoke. He stated September 8 begins a year long celebration commemorating the Northwest
Suburban Jewish Congregation's 50th anniversary. Rabbi Cohen stated over those fifty years
there have been many great accomplishments and Morton Grove continues to be a lovely
community which he is pleased to be a part of. He stated Morton Grove is a place where
people can live in peace.
Mayor Krier presented Resolution 07-47, Authorizing the Execution of a Local Agency
Agreement for Federal Participation with the Illinois Department of Transportation for
the Dempster Street Corridor Improvement Project.
Mayor Krier explained the Village will now be able to utilize available federal funds for the
demolition and construction of two additional public parking lots for the Dempster Street Cor-
ridor Improvement Project. This project began in 1999 as a way to address the economic vi-
tality of businesses within this commercial corridor from Ferris to Central. One of the main
deficiencies identified on this roadway however has been the lack of a continuous center turn
lane which has resulted in difficult turning movements and dangerous lane blockages. The
recommended solution is to remove on -street parking and replace it with off-street parking,
improve the geometry of the roadway's intersections, and add a continuous center turn lane.
The estimated cost for the demolition of the existing buildings and construction of the two
parking lots is $350,000. There being no questions or concerns, Trustee Minx moved to
adopt Resolution 07-47, seconded by Trustee Brunner. Motion passed: 5 ayes, 0 nays, 1
absent.
Tr. Brunner aye 'lir. Kogstad absent Tr. Marcus aye
Tr. Minx aye Tr. Staackmann aye Tr. Thill
Mayor Krier reported on the storm from last week. He stated all departments were working at
9:00 pm Thursday night. 1,180 people were out of power and as of this evening only 18 were
without power. There were many conference calls with Commonwealth Edison. Common-
wealth Edison also received help from other states. Many trees were lost throughout the Vil-
lage. Mayor Krier gave "kudos" to Public Works and all the workers that came back to work
Thursday afternoon, as well as their work Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Our Superintendent
of Streets was smart enough to reserve some private crews from Steve Piper and Sons to
help with the many trees that were down. The Police Department, Fire Department, and
ESDA workers all worked seamlessly. It was impressive to see neighbors helping each other.
2
IX.
CLERK'S REPORT
Clerk Fritzshall had no formal report.
X.
STAFF REPORTS
A. Village Administrator
Minutes of August 27, 2007 Board Meeting
1. Mr. Wade announced a Spec a! Workshop AAA be held at 6:00 pm on September 10, 2007
which would precede the regular Village Board meeting, to discuss the preferred redevelop-
ment plan for the Capulina/Ferris property. All are welcome to attend. There will also be a
special meeting, executive session, at 7:00 pm on August 29, 2007, to discuss the sale of real
estate.
2. Mr. Wade stated he was very proud of all the staff that participated in the aftermath of the
storm. He was amazed at how much debris was being hauled and accumulated. He stated
this storm was very bad and it is hoped we do not have another for a long time.
3. Mr. Wade then introduced Public Works Director Andy DeMonte who spoke on the effects of
the violent storm that went tnrough the Village last Thursday afternoon. Andy stated we had
gusts of 85 mph with rain that fell in great quantities. At one point we had 1" fall in 15 min-
utes. Currently 12.79" of rain have fallen in August. The Village lost 50 trees and there are
countless broken branches. So far, 6000 cubic yards have been accumulated and there will
need to be a determination on how to dispose of the debris (i.e., hauling, chipping, etc.). He
anticipates Public Works crews will be picking up tree debris through September. He felt the
service of Steve Piper and Sons would be used through tomorrow, Tuesday. He estimates
the cost for this outside contractor will be approximately $12,000. Public Works had 33 calls
of flooded basements, however he believes that amount was much higher because the
MWRD line overflowed and the deep tunnel was full. Trustee Marcus inquired if we did not
have the deep tunnel how bad would it have been. Mr. DeMonte stated it is hard to tell, but
he did say we have had 17 days of rain in August and the ground was already saturated.
Trustee ThiII asked whether sewers should be left covered and let the water collect in the
streets until the sewers have time to catch up. Andy stated it may help or not, there is no tell-
ing. Trustee Brunner thanked ESDA, the Police Department and Public Works for all their
work. When she went out at 8:00 pm on Thursday evening barricades were already up and
the work that was being performed was very impressive and everything appeared to be under
control. Mayor Krier then stated the Governor has proclaimed Cook County a disaster area
and asked Mr. Wade if the Village was preparing to submit paperwork if relief money be-
comes available. Mr. Wade stated an accounting was being prepared and the Village would
pursue any reimbursement provided by the county or the state.
B. Corporation Counsel
Ms. Liston had rio report.
XI.
a. Trustee Brunner
TRUSTEES' S' REPORTS
1. Trustee Brunner presented for a first reading Ordinance 07-25, Authorizing an Intergov-
ernmental Agreement between the Village of Morton Grove and the Morton Grove Park
3
Minutes of Au. ust27, 2007 Board Meeting
District to Grant a License for a Portion of the American Legion Memorial Civic Center
Property to be Used for the Morton Grove Historical Society Museum.
Trustee Brunner explained the Village and Park District exist to serve the interests of the pub-
lic within the corporate limits of the Village and in doing so have once again come together in
a community spirit to agree to support an additional Intergovernmental Agreement. This
agreement will allow the Historical Museum achieve additional storage space and classroom
space. Ordinance 07-18 previously approved, granted an amendment to a special use permit
for the parking reconfigurations and construction for this building. The Park District is now
requesting the; Village gran; a 99 year licerisc agreement to allow them control of the parcel
adjacent to the Historical Museum for the construction and operation of the new Annex build-
ing. Trustee Brunner went on to state the Park District would assume all responsibilities and
costs for the construction, maintenance, and repair of the Annex as well as the adjacent li-
censed parking area. The Park District will also provide additional insurance and indemnifica-
tion for the Village with respect to this parcel. Trustee Brunner then stated a request has
been made to waive the second reading of this ordinance so this project is not delayed.
There being no questions or concerns, Trustee Brunner moved to waive the second reading
of this ordinance, seconded by Trustee Thill. Motion passed: 4 ayes, 1 nay, 1 absent.
Tr. Brunner aye Tr. Kogstad absent Tr. Marcus aye
Tr. Minx p ry Tr. Staackmann nay Tr. ThiII aye
Trustee Brunner then moved to approve Ordinance 07-25, seconded by Trustee Minx. Mo-
tion passed: 5 ayes, 0 nays, 1 absent.
Tr. Brunner aye Tr. Kogstad absent Tr. Marcus ave
Tr. Minx aye Tr. Staackmann aye Tr. ThiII ave
Trustee Brunner announced Menard's on Oakton is now selling yard waste stickers.
b. Trustee Marcus:
1. Trustee Marcus presented for a second reading Ordinance 07-23, Amending the Municipal
Code, Title 5, Chapter 9, Section 7A, Currently Entitled "Handicapped Parking and Spe-
cial Provisions for Disabled or Handicapped Persons in the Village.
Trustee Marcus briefly stated the State of Illinois Public Act 094-0619 was recently amended
with regards to parking places reserved for persons with disabilities. The new law increased
mandatory fines and included provisions as to the unlawful use of registration plates, plac-
ards, or decals issued to persons with disabilities. Trustee Brunner also requested a provision
be added to allow the Village Administrator to waive the application and/or re-
newal/maintenance fees for good cause The Village would also like to update its municipal
ordinance to incorporate the State's provisions. There being no additional questions or con-
cerns, Trustee Marcus moved, seconded by Trustee Brunner, to approve Ordinance 07-23.
Motion passed: 5 ayes, 0 nays, 1 absent.
Tr. Brunner awe 7r. (ogsted absent Tr. Marcus aye
Tr. Minx aye Tr. Staackmann aye Tr. ThiII ave
Trustee ThiII expressed concerned about individuals who are not disabled parking in handi-
capped parking spaces. He wanted everyone to know those parking spaces are for disabled
individuals.
Trustee Marcus then stated oral interviews will be taking place shortly and will be conducted
by the Fire and Police Commission for new police officers. He also wanted to congratulate
4
Minutes of August 27, 2007 Board Meeting
Rabbi Cohen for is spiritual leadership and friendship to himself and the community.
c. Trustee Kogstad:
Trustee Kogstad was absent — no report.
d. Trustee Minx:
1. Trustee Minx presented for a second reading Ordnance 07-24, Granting a Special Use
Permit in the Village for the Property Known as 6063-65 Dempster for the Operation of
an Automobile Leasing Facility.
Trustee Minx explained the Village Code currently requires a special use permit for an auto-
mobile leasing facility. Plan Commission Case PC 07-06, reported on August 13, 2007,
stated the Commission unanimously recommended the approval of the special use if various
conditions were met. There being no further questions or concerns, Trustee Minx moved to
adopt Ordinance 07-24, seconded by Trustee Thill. Motion passed: 5 ayes, 0 nays, 1 ab-
sent.
Tr. Brunner pe Tr. Kogstad a rent Tr. Marcus afire
Tr. Minx ;ave Tr, Staackmann aye Tr. Thin a
Trustee Minx stated she also toured around town after the storm and expressed her apprecia-
tion to Chief Friel, Chief Tasch, Andy DeMonte, the Fire Department, Police Department, Pub-
lic Works Department, and ESDA. She stated she knows what it is to flood and she truly em-
pathized with all the residents who are now cleaning -up and she will keep them in her
thoughts and prayers.
e. Trustee Staackrnann
Trustee Staackrnann had no report but he wanted to commend the Public Works Department
for their dedication. They all pulled together as this Village always has in an emergency. He
also thanked Chief Tasch for heading up the new committee to evaluate the ESDA program.
f. Trustee Thill
1. Trustee Thill presented Resolution 07.46 Authorizing the Sale of Surplus Personal Prop-
erty Owned by the Village.
Trustee Thill explained this euction would allow the sale of various motor vehicles deemed
surplus property by the Village. joining this auction with the Northwest Municipal Conference
has been an effective means for the Village to sell superfluous equipment no longer useful to
the Village. Trustee Thill moved to adopt Resolution 07-46, seconded by Trustee Marcus.
Motion passed: 5 ayes, 0 nays, 1 absent.
Tr. Brunner aye Tr. Kogstad absent Tr. Marcus aye
Tr. Minx aye Tr. Staackmann ale Tr. Thill aye
Trustee Thill stated he would like to see residents cut back on the use of fertilizer. Even 20%
would help the environment.
5
XII.
XIII.
Minutes of August 27, 2007 Board Meeting
OTHER BUSINESS
NONE
WARRANTS
Trustee Minx presented the Warrant Register for August 27, 2007, which totaled $435,051.43.
She moved to approve the Warrants as presented, seconded by Trustee Marcus.
Motion pas3c. 5 ayes, 3
Tr. Brunner ave Tr. Kogstad absent Tr. Marcus aye
Tr. Minx Tr. Staackmann aye, Tr. ThiII aye
XIV. RESIDENTS' COMMENTS
Eric Poders, 7940 Foster, northwest corridor. He has been attending various commission
meetings and is pleased everyone is working together. He also toured the Village following
the storm and was impressed with the Village workers. He stated he had sent is opinions and
photographs to various Villa.e officials concerning the storm damage.
Carol Murphy — Woodlands. Ms Murphy inquired about the parking lots on Dempster Street.
Mayor Krier explained one parking lot is already in existence west of Jacobson Electric. The
second will be on the Simkins Furniture property just west of Menard Avenue and the third will
be where the Lee Stone Store was on the north side of Dempster Street, on the south side of
the street just east of Menard Avenue. They will all be parking lots not garages. These park-
ing lots are intended to alleviate on -street parking on Dempster Street so as to get ready for
the Dempster Street improvement Project. She inquired about handicapped parking on pri-
vate property. Mayor Krier stated there should be adequate parking available at the Wood-
lands and that there is green space in reserve if additional parking is needed. It is also hoped
to have a public parking garage built ad the commuter station to alleviate parking in the
neighborhoods. Trustee Marcus stated Ms. Murphy should look at the parking lot already built
on Dempster and see how this lot will help safety concerns and support the local businesses
in that area. Trustee Thill thanked Ms. Murphy for coming to the meeting and asking ques-
tions. He said he knows it is difficult to get up and speak and he appreciates her candor and
encouraged other residents to do the same.
John Slater. Mr. Slater thanked the Board for expediting the Historical Society Annex Ordi-
nance.
XV ADJOURNMENT/EXECUTIVE SESSION
XVI. There being no further business, Trustee Minx moved to adjourn the meeting. The motion
was seconded by Trustee Brunner. Motion passed: 5 ayes, 0 nays, 1 absent.
Tr. Brunner aye Tr. Kogstad absent Tr. Marcus ae
Tr. Minx Aye Tr. Staackmann a+e Tr. ThiII aye
No Executive Session was heid.
The meeting adjourned at 8:35 p.m.
6
-Minutes of Aug ust'27, 2007 Board Meeting
PASSED this 27th of August 2007.
Trustee Brunner
Trustee Kogstad
Trustee Marcus
Trustee Minx
Trustee Staackm; r:n
Trustee Thill
E.
1133 3T
APPROVED by me this 27th of August 2007.
J4, •
.Richar. Krier, Village re ident of the Board of Trustees
Village of Morton Grove, Cook County, Illinois
APPROVED and FILED in my office
this 28th day of August 2007.
Carol A. Fritzshall, Village Cl/k
Village of Morton Grove, Cook County, Illinois
Minutes by: Susan Lattanzi
7