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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009-09-14 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 SEPTEMBER 14, 2009 CALL TO ORDER I. Village President Dan Staackmann called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. After leading the assemblage in the Pledge of Allegiance, he directed the Village Clerk to call the roll. II. Village Clerk Tony Kalogerakos called the roll. Present were: Trustees Dan DiMaria, Larry Gomberg, Bill Grear, Shel Marcus, John Thill, and Maria Toth. III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Regarding the Minutes of the August 10, 2009 Regular Meeting, Trustee DiMaria moved, seconded by Trustee Gomberg, to accept the Minutes as presented. There was no discussion. Motion passed unanimously via voice vote. Regarding the Minutes of the Special Meeting of August 30, 2009, Trustee DiMaria moved, seconded by Trustee Gomberg, to accept the Minutes as presented. There was no discussion. Trustee Marcus abstained from voting as he had not been present at this meeting. Motion passed via voice vote. Regarding the Minutes of the Special Meeting of September 2, 2009, Trustee DiMaria moved, seconded by Trustee Gomberg, to accept the Minutes as presented. There was no discussion. Motion passed unanimously via voice vote. IV. PUBLIC HEARINGS NONE V. SPECIAL REPORTS Swearing -In Ceremony of New Deputy Police Chiefs Mayor Staackmann said that it was a great honor to promote two of the Police Department's finest officers, Norm Stromberg and Brian Fennelly, to the position of Deputy Chief. He provided some background regarding Commander Stromberg. He graduated Niles North in 1981 and began his Morton Grove career in 1983 as a dispatcher. He became a Patrol Minutes of April 27, 2009 Board Meeting V. SPECIAL REPORTS (continued) Officer in 1989 and subsequently was made Field Training Coordinator. In 1996, he became a Detective. He received numerous awards, including the Cook County Sheriff's Award of Merit. In 2002 he was promoted to Sergeant, and in 2005, was named a Commander. He has also represented the Village on the North Regional Major Crimes Task Force (NORTAF). Mayor Staackmann swore in Deputy Chief Stromberg, as he was congratulated by the Board, the assemblage, his family, and members of the Police Department. Mayor Staackmann then gave some background about Asst. Commander Fennelly. He grad- uated from Maine South in 1990 and joined the Morton Grove Police Department in 1999 as a Patrol Officer. He served as an evidence technician and was promoted in 2002 to Detective. In 2006, after receiving numerous departmental and other awards, he became a Sergeant, and in January of 2009, was promoted to Assistant Commander. He heads NIPSA's Mobile Field Force, which was deployed earlier this year to assist the City of Chicago with Barack Obama's victory celebration in Grant Park. Mayor Staackmann swore in Deputy Chief Fennelly, as he was congratulated by the Board, the assemblage, his family, and members of the Police Department. Mayor Staackmann said that he couldn't say enough about the Village's Police, Fire, and Pub- lic Works Departments. He said that he had attended NIPSA's Public Awareness Day over the weekend and said it was great to see the intercooperation and the great representation made by Morton Grove's departments. Police Chief Mark Erickson congratulated both Deputy Chiefs on their outstanding careers thus far. He said that having two deputy chiefs will provide a more effective operation for the Police Department, noting that "we've strengthened our ranks at no cost to the Village". He said this move will enhance accountability and was a "profoundly needed adjustment" that will result in improved services to the community and a more professional Police Department. VI. RESIDENTS' COMMENTS (Agenda Items Only) NONE VII. PRESIDENT'S REPORT Mayor Staackmann had a number of proclamations: 1. He proclaimed the week of September 21, 2009 as "Live United Week", noting that, by supporting three key issues—education, income, and health—each person in Morton Grove can help create opportunities for people to improve their lives so they can become indepen- dent. He urged everyone to observe this week with appropriate programs, activities, and ce- remonies that advance the common good. 2. He proclaimed October 4–October 10 as "Fire Prevention Week" in the Village. This year's theme of Fire Prevention Week is "Stay Fire Smart! Don't Get Burned!", which effectively serves to remind us all of the simple actions that can be taken to stay safer from fire, not only this week, but year-round. Mayor Staackmann encouraged everyone to heed the important safety messages of Fire Prevention Week and to support the many public safety activities and efforts of Morton Grove's fire and emergency services. 2 Minutes of April 27, 2009 Board Meeting VII. PRESIDENT'S REPORT (continued) 3. In honor of its 100 -year anniversary, Mayor Staackmann presented a proclamation naming October 10, 2010, as "Jerusalem Lutheran School Day" in the Village to Daniel Hoffman and other representatives of Jerusalem Lutheran School. The Board applauded the school and its accomplishments in the Village. 4. Next, to honor its 30 -year anniversary of being a Village "corporate citizen", Mayor Staack- mann proclaimed the Fall Season of 2009 to George Alpogianis, proprietor of Kappy's Res- taurant and Pancake House, a family-owned and operated business. The board wished George another 30 years of success. 5. Mayor Staackmann then proclaimed September 16, 2009 as "American Legion Day." He said that American Legion Post #134 has been a vital part of the Village, including its contributions to the Morton Grove Days festival and the many veterans that have returned home. Post #134 educates the public to the many worthwhile activities Legion members are involved in, including fundraising, troop support and recover, and hospital and nursing home visits. He presented the proclamation to the Legion Post Commander with the Village's thanks. 6. Mayor Staackmann asked the Board's concurrence for the reappointments of Jim Quinn and Paul Minx to the Fire Pension Board, noting that both men have done an exemplary job on this board. Trustee Grear moved to approve the reappointments of both, seconded by Trustee Marcus. Motion passed unanimously via voice vote. VIII. CLERK'S REPORT Clerk Kalogerakos reported that the Board had discussed the release of certain Executive Session Minutes and tapes. He noted that, at next month's meeting, he would be presenting a motion as to the disposition of certain Executive Session Minutes. IX. STAFF REPORTS A. Village Administrator 1. Mr. Wade announced that a Special Meeting would be held on Wednesday, September 30, 2009, to discuss the solid waste/recycling contract and the consideration of a commercial solid waste franchise. The meeting takes place at 7:00 p.m. and is open to the public. 2. Mr. Wade noted that the Village Board Meeting scheduled for Monday, September 28, 2009, was cancelled for the observance of Yom Kippur. 3. Mr. Wade provided the schedule for the upcoming Budget Workshops, which are open to the public and take place at Village Hall: Wednesday, September 23, 2009 at 7:00 p.m.; Monday, October 5, 2009 at 7:00 p.m.; and Monday, October 19, 2009, at 7:00 p.m. 4. Mr. Wade said that he had received correspondence from METRA noting that Golf Road would be closed between September 18 at 6:30 p.m. and September 21 at 6:00 p.m. for reconstruction of the METRA bridge just east of the Waukegan Road intersection. Motorists in the area are advised to seek alternate routes. 3 Minutesof Apei127 2009'BoAnineetin IX. B. Corporation Counsel: Ms. Liston had no report. X. A. Trustee DiMaria: Trustee DiMaria had no report. B. Trustee Gomberg: STAFF REPORTS (continued) TRUSTEES' REPORTS 1. Trustee Gomberg presented Resolution 09-46, Authorizing Staff to Proceed with Neces- sary Work to Refinance Municipal Obligation Bonds Series 2002. 2. He explained that, favorable market conditions suggest a window of opportunity for the Village to avail itself of savings through refinancing its General Obligation Bonds, Series 2002. Pending sale market conditions, savings for the Village are estimated at $434,000 over the life of the issue. The estimated cost of the refunding is $50,500, for an estimated net savings of $383,500 over the life of the issue. This resolution will authorize Village staff to retain special counsel and take all steps necessary to being the refinancing process. Trustee Gomberg moved, seconded by Trustee DiMaria, to approve Resolution 09-46. Motion passed: 6 ayes, 0 nays. Tr. DiMaria aye Tr. Gomberg ale Tr. Grear aye Tr. Marcus aye Tr. Thill aye Tr. Toth aye Trustee Gomberg next presented Ordinance 09-15, Providing for the Issuance of Taxable General Obligation Refunding Bonds, Series 2009A, of the Village of Morton Grove, Cook County, Illinois, Authorizing the Execution of an Escrow Agreement in Connec- tion Therewith and Providing for the Levy and Collection of a Direct Annual Tax for the Payment of the Principal of and Interest on Said Bonds. He explained that, based on the recommendation of staff and the Village's bond consultants, Speer Financial, the Village can achieve a substantial debt service savings by restructuring this indebtedness. This can be achieved by the issuance of General Obligation Refunding Bonds. The bonds were sold this morning at an interest rate of 3.7079%, and the proceeds will go toward the costs associated with the retirement of the 2002 Bonds referenced in Resolution 09-46, which the Board passed moments ago. Trustee Gomberg moved to approve Ordinance 09-15. The motion was seconded by Trustee DiMaria. Trustee Gomberg then moved to waive the second reading of this Ordinance, because the Ordinance must be approved the same day the bonds are sold. Trustee DiMaria seconded the motion, which passed: 6 ayes, 0 nays. Tr. DiMaria aye Tr. Gomberg aye Tr. Grear ave Tr. Marcus aye Tr. ThiII aye Tr. Toth aye 4 Minutes of April 27, 2009 Board Meeting X. B. Trustee Gomberg: (cont'd.) 3. 4. 5. TRUSTEES' REPORTS (continued) Trustee Gomberg asked Mr. Bill Kaufman of Speer Financial what kind of savings this would mean for the Village. He responded that the Village would realize about $590,000, which he called a "great result". That figure is based on the sale amount from this morning. He said that there were 5 bidders, with the winner being Morgan Keegan. The bond size was 4,920,000. The motion having been duly made and seconded, Mayor Staackmann called for the vote on the approval of Ordinance 09-15. Motion passed: 6 ayes, 0 nays. Tr. DiMaria aye Tr. Gomberg gye Tr. Grear aye Tr. Marcus aye Tr. Thill gye Tr. Toth ave Trustee Gomberg introduced for a first reading Ordinance 09-16, Amending the Village of Morton Grove Code Sections 1-4-2, 1-4-3, 4-12L-14, 4-17G-7, 5-9-1, 7-10-6, 8-9-7, 12-14-16, and 12-16-6. He explained that the Village is continuously reviewing and, as it deems necessary, updating existing Municipal Code sections to assure they are kept current and relevant. This Ordinance will approve miscellaneous text amendments to amend, update, and clarify the Village's Code primarily pertaining to fines and penalties. There was no further discussion on Ordinance 09-16. Trustee Gomberg noted that the initial Condominium Association meeting scheduled for September 23, 2009 was now in conflict with the Budget Workshop scheduled for the same day. He said he had spoken with Mike Isaac, chairman of the Condo Association, and they had agreed to reschedule the Condominium Association meeting to October 28, 2009. Trustee Gomberg announced that the Community Relations Commission is sponsoring a Village -wide endeavor to put together a book of everyone's "Most Memorable Morton Grove Moments". This is open to all ages, young and old. Entries are limited to one side of one sheet of 8.5 x 11" paper and should be submitted to Village Hall by December 31, 2009. More detailed information is available on the Village's website and can also be seen on Channel 6. C. Trustee Grear: 1. Trustee Grear presented Resolution 09-47, Authorizing the Execution of an Intergovern- mental Agreement Between the Villages of Morton Grove, Niles, and Skokie, for Mutual Aid Ambulance Billing. He explained that the proposed Intergovernmental Agreement would authorize the assess- ment of "resident" ambulance service fees for residents of Niles, or Skokie when a Morton Grove ambulance responds to a request for mutual aid in either community, and will authorize the assessment of resident rates when a Niles or Skokie ambulance responds to a request for mutual aid within the Village of Morton Grove. 5 Minutes of April 27, 2009 Board Meeting X. C. Trustee Grear: (cont'd.) 2. 3. TRUSTEES' REPORTS (continued) All three communities have identical pricing structures for ambulance service. The pricing structures provide for a reduced rate for residents of the respective community and stipulate that each community will accept payment assigned by a qualifying insurance carrier. Trustee ThiII asked about the abbreviations "BLS" and "ALS" noted in the Ordinance. Fire Chief Tom Friel explained that BLS means basic life support and ALS means advanced life support. These abbreviations are commonly used by insurance companies. Trustee Grear moved to approve Resolution 09-47, seconded by Trustee Toth. Motion passed: 6 ayes, 0 nays. Tr. DiMaria ly± Tr. Gomberg Ly.e Tr. Grear kyi Tr. Marcus Ly1 Tr. ThiII kye Tr. Toth ave Next, Trustee Grear presented for a first reading Ordinance 09-19, Amending Title 9, Chapter 2, Section 2, of the Village of Morton Grove Municipal Code Entitled "Automatic Fire Extinguishment". He said that this ordinance will strengthen and clarify the Municipal Code with respect to fire sprinkling systems and associated equipment and devices. It is the recommendation of the Fire Prevention Bureau that this ordinance be updated and made consistent with current pro- cedures and Illinois law. There was no further discussion on Ordinance 09-19. Trustee Grear noted that it has been a busy month thus far, and he wanted to give some accolades. He thanked the Village staff for arranging the bus tour with the Village's congres- sional representatives, and said he found it "amazing". Trustee Grear found the meeting on capital projects very informative as well. He said he had attended the NIPSA Public Service Awareness Day event and was very proud to be there. This is the second year NIPSA has done this, and Trustee Grear said he was overwhelmed by Morton Grove's participation. He added that he also heard from people attending the event that "Morton Grove has the best snow plowing in the State." Trustee Grear said he had had an opportunity to sit in on his first round of job interviews held by the Fire & Police Commission, and thanked Chairman Mike Simkins and Commissioners Tony Hofeld and Sue Anderson for their dedication and profes- sionalism. There were 22 applicants, and he said was very impressed by the Commission and by Chief Friel. Trustee Grear also promoted the Chamber of Commerce's Golf Outing, scheduled for Wednesday, September 16, at Chevy Chase. Finally, he noted that St. Martha's would be holding an Octoberfest on Saturday, October 3, from 4pm to 10pm, and that on Friday, November 13, St. Martha's would be holding its 90th Anniversary Dinner Dance at the White Eagle in Niles. He urged residents to support these various activities to the best extent possible. 6 Minutes of April 27, 2009 Board Meeting X. D. Trustee Marcus: 1. Trustee Marcus presented Resolution 09-48, Authorizing the Annual Veterans Day Parade. TRUSTEES' REPORTS (continued) He explained that this resolution is necessary to approve the closing of Dempster Street for the Annual Veterans Day Parade. This year's parade will be held on Sunday, November 8, 2009. Dempster Street will be closed from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. Trustee Marcus moved to approve Resolution 09-48, seconded by Trustee Thill. Motion passed: 6 ayes, 0 nays. Tr. DiMaria Lys Tr. Gomberg ave Tr. Grear Lys Tr. Marcus Lyre Tr. Thill Lys Tr. Toth Lye 2. Next, Trustee Marcus introduced for a first reading Ordinance 09-17, Amending Title 5, Chapter 1, of the Village of Morton Grove Municipal Code Entitled "Traffic Administra- tion and Enforcement". He explained that the Village, as part of its regular review of its Municipal Code, has reviewed Title 5, Chapter 1, entitled "Administration and Enforcement", and has put together this ordinance to update the code provisions to regulate the Village's procedures for ordering the immobilization of vehicles and administrative towing and impoundment. There was no further discussion on Ordinance 09-17. 3. Trustee Marcus then presented for a first reading Ordinance 09-18, Amending Title 5, Chapter 4, Section 16, of the Village of Morton Grove Municipal Code Entitled "Railroad Crossing Regulations". 4. He explained that this ordinance will strengthen and clarify Village ordinances prohibiting drivers and pedestrians from crossing railroad crossings when a train is approaching. This is again the result of the Village's regular review of its Municipal Code, and was recommended by the Chief of Police. There was no further discussion on Ordinance 09-18. Trustee Marcus brought forward Resolution 09-53, Authorization for the Disposition of Unclaimed Bicycles Recovered by the Morton Grove Police Department. He explained that the Police Department regularly receives calls for found bicycles, which are then collected, inventoried, and stored in the Police garage. They are kept at least six months to allow the department to ascertain ownership. If no owner information is found, the depart- ment can dispose of the bicycles in accordance with department policies and State guidelines. In the past, the department has auctioned off the bicycles, but it has been determined that that is not a cost-effective way of disposing of them. This resolution authorizes the donation of nine found bicycles to a not-for-profit group called "Working Bikes" in Chicago. 7 Minutes of April 27, 2009 Board Meetin• X. D. Trustee Marcus: (continued) TRUSTEES' REPORTS (continued) Trustee Marcus moved to approve Resolution 09-53, seconded by Trustee DiMaria. Motion passed: 6 ayes, 0 nays. Tr. DiMaria aye Tr. Gomberg Tr. Grear aye Tr. Marcus aye Tr. Thill aye Tr. Toth a +Le 5, Trustee Marcus reiterated Trustee Grear's encouragement for everyone to support the Chamber of Commerce's annual golf outing. 6. Trustee Marcus said that the Environmental Health Board had held a "shredding" event at the Civic Center this past Saturday. The event was even more successful than last year's. He complimented Bonnie Burnett for doing a great job of coordinating this event. F. Trustee Thill 1. Trustee Thill presented Resolution 09-50, Authorization to Purchase 4,500 Tons of Roadway Salt. He explained that this resolution would commit the Village to purchasing 4,500 tons of rock salt from Morton Salt Company at a cost of $74.00 per ton, for a total cost to the Village of $333,000. Trustee Thill moved, seconded by Trustee Toth, to approve Resolution 09-50. Mayor Staackmann asked Public Works Director Andy DeMonte how much salt is leftover from last winter. He responded that the Village currently as about 1,500 tons of salt left. Trustee Marcus asked about the pricing. Mr. DeMonte said that, last year, the lowest price the Village could get was $105 per ton. This year, as the resolution states, the price is set at $74.00 per ton. The motion having been duly made and seconded, Trustee Staackmann called for the vote on approval of Resolution 09-50. Motion passed: 6 ayes, 0 nays. Tr. DiMaria aye Tr. Gomberg mg. Tr. Grear ave Tr. Marcus aye Tr. Thill aye Tr. Toth aye 2. Next, Trustee Thill presented Resolution 09-51, Authorizing the Sale of Surplus Property Owned by the Village of Morton Grove. He explained that the Public Works Department annually reviews vehicle and equipment condition for all Village departments, and has determined that several vehicles are no longer useful for a variety of reasons, including cost of maintenance, schedule of replacement, outdated, or no longer used. This resolution authorizes the Village to sell, through the Northwest Municipal Conference auction, a 2000 Ford Crown Victoria, a 2000 Chevrolet Blazer, a 2002 Ford Crown Victoria, a 2003 Ford Crown Victoria, and a 2005 Ford Crown Victoria 8 Minutes of April 27, 2009 Board Meeting X. E. Trustee Thill: (continued) TRUSTEES' REPORTS (continued) Trustee Thill moved to approve Resolution 09-51. Trustee Marcus seconded the motion. 3. Motion passed: 6 ayes, 0 nays. Tr. DiMaria pig. Tr. Gomberg Tr. Grear aye Tr. Marcus aye Tr. Thill Tr. Toth ave Trustee Thill then introduced for a first reading Ordinance 09-21, Amending Title 5, Chapter 8, Section 7, Entitled "Load Restriction Weight Limits" and Title 5, 4. Chapter 13H, Section 1, Formally Entitled "Streets With Load Limits", Now Entitled "Truck Routes" of the Municipal Code of the Village of Morton Grove to Modify Restrictions on Heavy Vehicles on Village Streets. He explained that, as part of its regular review of the Municipal Code, and in conjunction with the goal of further developing the Lehigh/Ferris Redevelopment District into a more transit - oriented, pedestrian -friendly nejghborhood, the Village, working with its traffic consulting firm, has determined that certain streets within it should no longer be designated as "truck routes". A truck route allows motor vehicles weighing over eight tons or with a license plate designation of "H" or higher to travel on it. This ordinance will remove the following streets from their prior designation as "truck routes": Austin Avenue between Lincoln Avenue and Main Street; Chestnut Street between Lehigh and its western terminus; Elm Street between Lehigh and its western terminus; Ferris Avenue between Dempster and Lincoln; Lehigh Avenue between Lincoln and Main Street; and Lincoln Avenue between Ferris and Linder. There was no further discussion on Ordinance 09-21. F. Trustee Toth: Trustee Toth presented Resolution 09-52, Authorization to Execute a Contract with Inter- national Piping Systems, Inc. for Maintenance of Heating and Air Conditioning Equip- ment. She explained that the Village has contracted for periodic maintenance of its HVAC equip- ment since 1981. The "full maintenance" portion of the contract covering the larger and more costly boilers and equipment requires the contractor to not only inspect the equipment quar- terly, but they are also fully responsible for replacement parts and labor. The contract term is for three years. Following a competitive bidding process, the lowest responsible bidder was International Piping Systems, Inc. of Schaumburg, in the amount of $1,824.17 per month. XI. OTHER BUSINESS 1. Mayor Staackmann reminded the assemblage about the upcoming Memorial Day Parade, which will be held on Sunday, May 24, beginning at the American Legion Memorial Civic Center at 1:00 p.m. This information will also be on the Village's website. 2. Trustee Marcus said that, as the liaison to the Chamber of Commerce, he has been ap- 9 Minutes of April 27, 2009 Board Meeting XII. proached by businesses on Waukegan Road, complaining that the lights keep going out. Public Works looked into it and said it was a Commonwealth Edison problem. ComEd came out and said there was an issue over a certain part. Trustee Marcus and the businesses are concerned that this may be an ongoing problem. Mr. DeMonte said that ComEd reported they had fixed the problem. Lyon Pinner Electric, the electrical contractor, has also checked into it. All parties are aware of the problem and are trying to make sure it's permanently resolved. WARRANTS Trustee Gomberg presented the Warrant Register for May 11, 2009 in the amount of $362,817.40. He moved to accept the Warrants, seconded by Trustee Thill. There was no discussion. Motion passed: 5 ayes, 0 nays. Tr. DiMaria ayie Tr. Gomberg Ayre Tr. Grear aye Tr. Marcus ayl Tr. Thill XIII. RESIDENTS' COMMENTS Rudy Firenza, 7628 Lake. Mr. Firenza said that hes come to numerous Board meetings re- garding the sanitary sewer backing up in his neighborhood. He said he had asked the pre- vious mayor to investigate this with Cook County/Water Reclamation District. He hopes that someone from the Village had investigated and if there are any answers. Mayor Staackmann said he would talk to Public Works about this and get back to Mr. Firenza. XIV. ADJOURNMENT/EXECUTIVE SESSION XIV. There being no further business, Trustee Marcus moved to adjourn to Executive Session to discuss personnel, collective bargaining negotiations, the purchase and sale of real estate, and pending and probably litigation. Trustee Thill seconded the motion. Motion passed: 5 ayes, 0 nays. Tr. DiMaria ay.2 Tr. Gomberg aye Tr. Grear aye Tr. Marcus ave Tr. Thill The Board Meeting adjourned to Executive Session at 7:55 p.m. Mayor Staackmann called the Executive Session to order at 8:06 p.m. In attendance were Mayor Staackmann, Clerk Kalogerakos, Trustees DiMaria, Gomberg, Grear, Marcus, and Thill. Also attending from Village staff were Village Administrator Wade, Corporation Counsel Liston, Public Works Director DeMonte, and Economic and Community Development Director Neuendorf. ADJOURNMENT/EXECUTIVE SESSION (continued) There being no further discussion under Executive Session, Trustee DiMaria moved, seconded by Trustee Thill, to adjourn the Executive Session. The motion passed unanim- ously via voice vote. The Executive Session adjourned at 10:00 p.m. Trustee DiMaria then moved to adjourn the Board Meeting, seconded by Trustee Thill. The motion passed unanimously via voice vote. The Board Meeting adjourned at 10:01 p.m. 10 Minutes of April 27, 2009 Board Meeting PASSED this 8th day of June, 2009. Trustee DiMaria Trustee Gomberg Trustee Grear Trustee Marcus Trustee Thill Trustee Toth day of June, 2009. Dani= J. St-=ckmann, Village President Boar. of Trustees, Morton Grove, Illinois APPROVED and FIL _D in my office his 9th day of June, 2009. Tony S. Kaicg ratios, Village Clerk Village of Morton Grove, Cook County, Illinois Minutes by: Teresa Cousar 11