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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009-04-27 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 CENTER APRIL 27, 2009 CALL TO ORDER I. Village President Rick Krier called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. After leading the assemblage in the Pledge of Allegiance, he directed the Village Clerk to call the roll. II. Village Clerk Carol Fritzshall called the roll. Present were: Trustees Georgianne Brunner, Roy Kogstad, Shel Marcus, Rita Minx, Dan Staackmann, and John Thill. III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Regarding the Minutes of the April 13, 2009 Regular Meeting, Trustee Minx moved, seconded by Trustee Thill, to accept the Minutes as presented. Seeing none, upon the vote, the motion passed unanimously via voice vote. IV. PUBLIC HEARINGS NONE V. SPECIAL REPORTS NONE VI. RESIDENTS' COMMENTS (Agenda Items Only) Community Relations Chairman Terri Cousar presented Trustee Brunner with a bouquet of flowers and a card signed by the Community Relations Commission, and thanked her for her years of service as Trustee -liaison to the Commission. VH. PRESIDENT'S REPORT Mayor Krier had no report, but acknowledged several dignitaries present tonight, including former Mayor Dan Scanlon, Senator Ira Silverstein, and the Honorable Sheldon Garber. Minutes of A. riI 27, 2009 Board Meetin. VIII. CLERK'S REPORT 1. Clerk Fritzshall presented Resolution 09-25, Accepting the Canvass Results and Proclamation for the April 7, 2009 Consolidated Election. This resolution notes that Daniel J. Staackmann and Tony S. Kalogerakos have won the election for Village President and Village Clerk, respectively, and that Daniel P. DiMaria, Larry Gomberg, and William "Bill" Grear have also received the votes necessary to be sworn in as new Village Trustees. Trustee Marcus moved to approve Resolution 09-25, seconded by Trustee Minx. Motion passed: 6 ayes, 0 nays. Tr. Brunner ave Tr. Kogstad Tr. Marcus aye Tr. Minx Lye Tr. Staackmann Lys Tr. Thill ave 2. Clerk Fritzshall thanked the residents for an "interesting" past four years. She acknowledged the Village employees, especially Village Administrator Wade and Executive Secretaries Sue Lattanzi and Marlene Kramaric, for being hard-working, helpful, wonderful people. She also thanked Nancy Lanning for being a wonderful friend. Clerk Fritzshall said she was quite proud of Trustees Brunner and Minx, and cited them for all the time and effort they put into their roles as Trustees and for being wonderful people. She noted that, at the opening ceremonies of Skokie's Holocaust Museum, Mayor Krier was referred to as the Museum's "hero". Clerk Fritzshall echoed that, saying that there is "no term limit on being a hero", and Mayor Krier was hers. She wished the new administration the best of luck. IX. STAFF REPORTS A. Village Administrator 1. Mr. Wade announced that the Village Board Meeting scheduled for Monday, May 25, 2009, was cancelled due to the Memorial Day Holiday. 2. Mr. Wade thanked the departing Board, stating that it had been a pleasure to work with them. He congratulated the new Board and said he was looking forward to working with the new Board. B. Corporation Counsel: 1. Ms. Liston said that it was appropriate and necessary to thank Mayor Krier for allowing her the opportunity to serve the Village as its Corporation Counsel, and, as a resident, thanked him and the rest of the departing Board members on their four years of dedication and service to Morton Grove. 2. She told the new Board that she looked forward to working with them. 2 Minutes of A • ril 27, 2009 Board Meeting X. TRUSTEES' REPORTS A. Trustee Brunner: 1. Trustee Brunner had no formal report, but had a report on the swine flu from the Department of Family and Senior Services, the Fire Department, and the Board of Environmental Health. She said there have been numerous reports on radio and television about the outbreak of swine flu in the U.S. She said that the best source for information is the Center for Disease Control's website, which is www.cdc.qov. The Village's website will have a link to the CDC's site as well. Trustee Brunner provided some basic health tips, including: cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing, and then throw the tissue away; wash your hands often, especially after you cough or sneeze; avoid touching your hands to your eyes, nose, or mouth, and lastly, avoid contact with sick people. This is common-sense advice to help avoid the spread of illness. 2. Trustee Brunner echoed Clerk Fritzshall's remarks. She thanked the residents for giving her the opportunity to serve, saying she had found it "fascinating". She said the Village staff was fabulous and very hard-working, commenting on their great fiscal management and their ability to get things done with few resources. She noted that they all wear many hats, and thanked them. Trustee Brunner said she had enjoyed working with this Board and the previous Board, and remarked that although they didn't always see eye -to -eye, many times they were able to come to a compromise. She said she found their points of view interesting; that it made her "ask better questions and seek clearer answers" to allow her to make decisions on matters before the Board. Trustee Brunner thanked the Commissions she had worked with, saying that she had truly enjoyed working with them, and that they were "residents of the Village who put their heart and soul" into helping the Village move forward. She thanked Mayor Krier for taking a chance on her to run with him. She said she was glad that he took that chance and pleased to have served with him. Trustee Brunner thanked her husband and her son, noting that they had sacrified a lot for her. She wished the new Board good luck, stating that they had a lot of hard work ahead of them. B. Trustee Koqstad: Trustee Kogstad said that, having been involved as a Trustee for the past four years and as a community activist prior to that, it was amazing to see some of the achievements that have occurred. He said that he was most proud of the fact that he has kept his promises to the residents of Morton Grove. Another highlight was helping maintain a wholesome Village and protecting high school students from certain businesses. Also, providing sound financial solutions to the Village's fiscal challenges enabled him to utilize his over 20 years of financial experience. Trustee Kogstad said it was a privilege to give back to the Village. He thanked his close associates for their wise counsel and support, and thanked those who had supported him. He also thanked his new friends, many of those being people in the Action Party that he opposed four years ago, noting that some are now among his closest friends. He concluded his remarks by saying, "May Morton Grove and its residents continue to grow and prosper." 3 Minutes of A. ril 27, 2 s 09 Board Meeting X. TRUSTEES' REPORTS (continued) C. Trustee Marcus: Trustee Marcus said that, although they didn't always agree, it's been a pleasure to work with this Board over the last two years. He felt it was important to disagree from time to time. He said that he considers each of the departing Board Members good friends, citing their dedication to the Village and their hard work. Trustee Marcus told Trustee Brunner that she was a joy and pleasure to work with. He thanked Trustee Kogstad for providing much insight into the Village's finances, noting how important that had been to him when he was first elected. He commented on how much he would miss Trustee Minx as a fellow Trustee -liaison to the Fire and Police Commission, because she has a "true understanding" of being able to say what she needed to say in very clear terms. He thanked Clerk Fritzshall for fulfilling her very important administrative role with absolute professionalism. Trustee Marcus also thanked Mayor Krier, noting that what he's done has been heartfelt and with a commitment to serve this Village as best as he could. No one can ask more from anyone who comes to the arena of public service. Trustee Marcus also thanked Christie Krier also, noting that she had worked hard with Mayor Krier on developing and chairing many programs. He congratulated Joe Brunner and Paul Minx for getting their spouses back, and noted, "Elections come and elections go, but friendships last forever." D. Trustee Minx: Trustee Minx thanked everyone who supported her both four years ago and in the most recent election. She said she had given her personal promise to work as hard as she could to represent the residents of Morton Grove. She said was proud of the fact that she had never missed a Board meeting or a Commission meeting to which she was liaison. Trustee Minx said that she was also proud of the relationships she's forged, and the legislative business she's accomplished. She noted that the staff and the department heads are a phenomenal team, working for the betterment of Morton Grove. She thanked everyone who worked hard to put together the board members' weekly packets. She thanked her family and friends for standing by her, and especially, her husband Paul, who went with her to every meeting she attended. She said she would have liked to have seen some of the plans currently in place come to fruition, stating that she has a lot at stake in Morton Grove, and still believes that it's the best place in which to live, work, and raise a family. E. Trustee Staackmann: Trustee Staackmann said he really appreciated everyone present here tonight and the support and dedication of this Village Board and the Village staff. He thanked the departing Board members for their time and dedication to Morton Grove, stating that "you can never be accusing of not trying or not caring for this Village." 4 Minutes of A • ril 27, 2009 Board Meeting X. TRUSTEES' REPORTS (continued) F. Trustee Thill XI. Trustee Thill said, "It's been sweet, and it's been sour." He thanked the departing Board for always trying to work things out, and for their dedication and service. He welcomed the new Board Members, noting, "We have a full plate." WARRANTS Trustee Minx presented the Warrant Register for April 27, 2009, in the amount of $724,121.02. She moved to approve the Warrants, seconded by Trustee Staackmann. Motion passed: 6 ayes, 0 nays. Tr. Brunner kyl Tr. Kogstad Tr. Marcus ave Tr. Minx aye Tr. Staackmann pyA Tr. Thill ave XII. OTHER BUSINESS 1. Mayor Krier said he'd like to address the residents of Morton Grove one last time. He thanked everyone for the proud memories that he'll never forget, including the Hurricane Katrina fund- raiser, which a small team put together in just a few weeks and which raised $30,000 for relief efforts in Slidell, Louisiana. Another proud memory was being able to represent Morton Grove as one of the "Top 10 Places in which to Raise a Family." Mayor Krier said he was proud of "Family Fest" and how it built community pride and appreciation for one another. He said he was grateful for the memories and honor bestowed on him by the American Legion Post 134. He said he was truly humbled to be associated with the great men and women who had given so much to this country. Mayor Krier said that, standing at the tomb of the Unknown Soldier and laying a wreath there would always be one of the greatest moments of his life. He said that, because Morton Grove played such a vital role in making the Holocaust Museum and Education Center a reality in the lifetime of some of the survivors, he was honored to repre- sent the Village at the Museum's opening. He said he would cherish the memories of repre- senting Morton Grove with Colin Powell, former President Bill Clinton, and other honorees. a. Mayor Krier said he would be remiss if he didn't mention all the precious time he spent with the children of Morton Grove, and called the children of this community "its greatest blessing." He said that all these memories are possible because of the residents of Morton Grove. " The opportunities I have had to serve you and represent you are only possible because you allowed this privilege," he told the assemblage. b. Mayor Krier thanked the trustees, stating that he enjoyed the debate, the decisions, and the camaraderie. He thanked the Village employees, administrator, and department heads, stating that he's grown to appreciate all their dedication and hard work. He said it had been a privilege to work with them, calling their love of the Village "evident". c. Mayor Krier said that, as a resident and as the mayor, he knows that the place he calls home is in good hands. He thanked the residents for the opportunity to serve as their mayor, and said he worked hard to be worthy of the title. He said that hard decisions were often necessary over the past four years, and whether people agreed or disagreed, he wanted everyone to know that he always contemplated everything and that any decision he made was what he thought, in his heart, was best for the Village and its people. 5 Minutes of A u riL 27, 2009 Board Meeti g XII. OTHER BUSINESS (continued) d. Mayor Krier said that, on a personal note, most people know he likes to read about history and likes to quote famous people. Abraham Lincoln is one of his favorites; however, he couldn't find a quote from Mr. Lincoln that would adequately convey what he wanted to say to his wife, Christie. Instead, he quoted Jacqueline Kennedy, who, at age 31, became the First Lady. She said that her role was "to take care of the President," adding that, "if you bungle raising your children, nothing else you do matters very much." Mayor Krier thanked Christie for taking care of his children, stating, "I love you, and I love Morton Grove." 2. Executive Secretary Sue Lattanzi introduced the Honorable Judge Sheldon Garber, who would be performing the swearing-in ceremony for the new Board. a. Judge Garber greeted everyone and said it was his great pleasure to be the installing officer this evening. He said he was always amazed at the historically low voter turnout in local elections. People have said, "Well, it's only a local election." Judge Garber said that, presidential and congressional races, while important, "pale in comparison" to local elections in terms of their impact on our daily lives. Local elections determine the kind of schools we have, the quality of the water we drink, the efficiency of snow removal and garbage pick-up, the programs and housing we have available for our senior citizens, how much taxes we'll pay, the vibrancy of our library, what kind of parks and recreation we'll have, and what our homes will be worth. The best insurance we have is the efficiency of our police and fire departments, and our paramedics. These things that truly impact the quality of our lives have been entrusted to our Board of Trustees and Village officials. Judge Garber said that, overall, our past and present Boards have done a splendid job, resulting in Morton Grove being named one of the top 10 places in the country in which to live, work, and raise a family. He said he was confident that the Village's new President, Clerk, and Trustees, together with the existing Board members, will continue that fine record of honest, efficient, good government, administered with compassion and integrity for all the people of Morton Grove. b. Judge Garber then swore in Tony Kalogerakos as Village Clerk, followed by Dan DiMaria, Larry Gomberg, and Bill Grear as Village Trustees. He then thanked Mayor Krier for his years of service and said that Morton Grove is a better community for that. He wished Mayor Krier well in all his future endeavors. Judge Garber then swore in Dan Staackmann as Village President, and congratulated him. He declared that, as a judge of Cook County, that all the new Board members had been successfully installed, and wished them all well. c. Mayor Staackmann then presented plaques on behalf of the Village to Clerk Fritzshall and Trustees Brunner, Kogstad, and Minx, in recognition of their selfless and dedicated service and commitment to the Village over the last four years. He cited Trustee Brunner's sincerity and compassion, noted how much he would miss Trustee Kogstad, and commented on how far he goes back with Trustee Minx' family. To departing Mayor Krier, he said he appreciates how Mayor Krier has always tried to do the right thing, and thanked him for his offer to be of service in the future. Mayor Staackmann presented a plaque to Mayor Krier, and additionally presented him with a United States flag and a Morton Grove flag, both of which had been flown over Village Hall during Mayor Krier's tenure. Mayor Staackmann asked the new Board if they'd like to make any remarks. 3. Trustee DiMaria thanked everyone for being here tonight; he said it was an honor to be here again. He thanked the voters and the former Board Members and Mayor Krier, stating that no one could understate their dedication to the Village. Trustee DiMaria was wearing an elephant pin, and he said that some people had asked him if that was a Republican pin. 6 Minutes of A • ril 27, 2009 ogrd Meeting XII. OTHER BUSINESS (continued) a. His response was that it was not. He said that a former Morton Grove resident, Matt Berrafato, had written a book called "Elephant Hunting". Trustee DiMaria said the title intrigued him, and he read the book. The premise of the book was "How do you eat an elephant?" and the answer, by the time the book was finished, was, "You eat an elephant one bite at a time, like you eat anything else." Trustee DiMaria said there are a number of "elephants" now facing the Village, and "if we approach those elephants one bite at a time, we're going to see a prosperous Morton Grove" in the next several years. b. Trustee DiMaria also thanked all the volunteers who worked so hard to get him and the rest of the Action Party slate elected. He said that, without volunteers, "whether you're Action Party or Caucus Party, you're nothing." He said he was truly humbled by the number of people who made phone calls and canvassed on his behalf, and all those who voted for him, and promised to always do his best for the Village. c. Trustee DiMaria lastly thanked his wife, Melodee, and his children, citing the Bette Midler song, "Wind Beneath My Wings", and said that, for him, they are. 4. Trustee Gomberg thanked everyone in attendance for coming out and said it was humbling to see such a crowd. He said the departing board members have received a number of weil- deserved accolades this evening, and commented that, "anyone in this position who does it to the best of their ability and takes the time to do so deserves our thanks." a. Trustee Gomberg thanked his supportive and loving family, including his wife, Diane, and his daughter, Maria, who were both here tonight. (His twin sons are away at college.) He also thanked his "political family" for all of their efforts, stating that he was "proud and honored" to be elected. He thanked the voters for making their voices be heard. Trustee Gomberg said that Morton Grove is a great community, but there is a lot of work to be done, but "we have a great team, a lot of ideas, and energy to achieve things." He said he was looking forward to the challenge, and thanked everyone for the opportunity to serve the Village. 5. Trustee Grear thanked everyone present tonight. He said he was honored to work, grow, and learn from the Village employees. He also thanked the voters, and said he promised to give 180% to those who supported him and those who did not. He thanked his Action Party family, and said he would not be here without them. He said he had three idols in his life: his father, Jack O'Brien, and Dan Scanlon. The latter two convinced him to join the Action Party when he was younger, and he's never looked back. Trustee Grear thanked his running mates, saying they were unbelievable and he couldn't thank them enough. a. Trustee Grear said that many people know that he's a pure "Morton Grover", a fact he's very proud of. He thanked his 10 brothers and sisters, and said he couldn't have done it without them. Being raised in a large family teaches you about hard work. He thanked his mother, too. Trustee Grear thanked his three children, and his best friend, his wife, Janice. 6. Clerk Kalogerakos said he was extremely honored to accept this new responsibility. He said he knew his mother was proud and that his late father would have been proud too. He prom- ised to work hard for the Village residents, with every ounce of his enthusiasm and knowledge. He said he was grateful for everyone's support and open to everyone's ideas. He said he was eager to meet the challenges ahead, adding that it will be a privilege to sit on this Board. 7 h , Minutes of A • ril 27, 2009 Board Meeting XII. OTHER BUSINESS (continued) 7. Mayor Staackmann acknowledged the presence of so many people, including his grandson; his mother, who's always been there for him; and his former high school guidance counselor, Mary Pat Carr, as well as former high school classmate and friend, Glenn Murphy. He noted that the Guidance Counselor wing at Niles West is named after Mrs. Carr, and applauded her years of dedicated service to the children of Niles Township District 219. a. Mayor Staackmann said, on behalf of the entire Board, he wanted to thank the citizens of Morton Grove for giving everyone the opportunity to serve. He was deeply humbled by that. He also took the opportunity to express his gratitude and appreciation to the departing Board members for their years of dedicated service, noting that Mayor Krier had never missed a meeting or an event in six years of service. b. Mayor Staackmann pledged that he and the rest of the Board would work diligently every day to earn and keep the confidence and the trust the residents have bestowed on them. He said that, as a lifelong resident, he knows that Morton Grove is a wonderful place in which to live, work, and raise a family. It is the Board's job is to maintain the excellent services already in place, and to embrace the many opportunities that lie ahead in hopefully an improving economy. He said he was proud of the Board, the Village staff, and the many dedicated volunteers who serve the Village and make it great. Mayor Staackmann said, "United, we are a team, and we will work as a team to strive for the goals which will shape our community for our children." He said his first priority would be to evaluate what the Village does well, and what it can do better. If changes are needed, they will be made—but they will not be made for change's sake alone. He said the Board will begin with the basics: to provide emergency services, provide protection for our families and homes; provide clean and abundant drinking water; provide safe and clean streets; and maintain and improve the infrastructure of the Village. Once those basics have been addressed, then and only then will the Board consider providing additional or enhanced services. c. Mayor Staackmann said that, in the months ahead, the residents need to know the Board's responsibility is to them. He noted that this Board will make every effort to make sure every- one's voice is heard and respected, and will call upon those who genuinely have a desire to help advance the Village for their ideas and suggestions. He invited all in attendance to a reception at Trackside Tap following tonight's meeting, and encouraged people to carpool as parking there is limited. XIII. RESIDENTS' COMMENTS NONE XIV. ADJOURNMENT/EXECUTIVE SESSION There being no further business, Trustee DiMaria moved to adjourn the meeting. Trustee Thill seconded the motion. Motion passed: 5 ayes, 0 nays. Tr. DiMaria ave Tr. Gomberg ave Tr. Grear awe Tr. Marcus ave Tr. ThiII ave The Board Meeting adjourned at 8:34 p.m. a Minutes of A. ri127, 2009 Board Meeting PASSED this 11th day of May, 2 Trustee DiMaria Trustee Gomberg Trustee Grear Trustee Marcus Trustee Thill APPROVEDy his 11th day of May, 2009. Daniel' J. Staackmann, Village President Board of Trustees, Morton Grove, Illinois APPROVED and FILED in my office this 12th day of May, 2009. Cffi�' I� tf� Tony S. K logerakos, Vilrage Clerk Village of Morton Grove, Cook County, Illinois Minutes by: Teresa Cousar 9