HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009-11-23 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
NOVEMBER 23, 2009
CALL TO ORDER
I. Village President Dan Staackmann thanked everyone for attending the meeting to see the
Fire Department Poster Contest awards and the presentation of Champion and Heritage
Tree Awards. He said, with the Board's approval, he'd like to alter the Agenda of the meeting
tonight so as to do the Fire Department Poster Contest first so that the winners could get
home to do their homework. Mayor 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. SPECIAL REPORTS
1. Presentation of Fire Department Poster Contest Winners
Fire Chief Tom Friel and Captain Bill Porter introduced these awards. Chief Friel noted that
the month of October is Fire Prevention Month, and asked Captain Porter, who is in charge of
the Fire Prevention Bureau, to talk about the annual poster contest.
Captain Porter said that all the local schools were invited to participate in this contest. This
year, nearly 200 posters were received. They were judged by members of the Firefighters
Association, which sponsors the contest. Winners were chosen based on whether they were
correct/adhered to the theme ("Be Smart! Don't Get Burned!"), whether the message was
clear, and the art quality. Winners would receive a Ben Franklin fifty -cent piece and a plaque
with their winning entry digitally duplicated on it. The "overall" winner's school would also get a
plaque.
The winners were as follows:
Kindergarten: Joshua Grosse from Jerusalem Lutheran School;
First Grade: Mary Jule Ruehrdanz from Jerusalem Lutheran School;
Second Grade: Antoinette Vandenbroucke from Park View School;
Third Grade: Vahey Mouradian from Hynes School;
Fourth Grade: Farheen Shethwala from the MCC Full -Time School;
Fifth Grade: Emily Stegich and Despina Baxevanakis from Park View School;
Sixth Grade: Aneri Patel from Melzer School;
Seventh Grade: Erin Naumann from Jerusalem Lutheran School;
Eight Grade: Megan Keating from Jerusalem Lutheran School.
Minutes of November 23, 2009 Board Meetin.
IV.
SPECIAL REPORTS (continued)
The "Overall Winner" was Aisha Ulsman of Park View School.
The Board and the assemblage congratulated all the winners and their families.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
a. Regarding the Minutes of the Special/Budget Workshop Meeting of November 4, 2009,
Trustee DiMaria moved, seconded by Trustee Toth, to accept the Minutes as presented.
There was no discussion. Motion passed unanimously via voice vote.
b. Regarding the Minutes of the Special Meeting of November 9, 2009, Trustee DiMaria
moved, seconded by Trustee Thill, to accept the Minutes as presented. There was
no discussion. Motion passed unanimously via voice vote.
c. Regarding the Minutes of the November 9, 2009 Regular Meeting, Trustee DiMaria moved,
seconded by Trustee Toth, to accept the Minutes as presented. There was no discussion.
Motion passed unanimously via voice vote.
d.
Regarding the Minutes of the Special/Budget Workshop Meeting of November 11, 2009,
Trustee DiMaria moved, seconded by Trustee Marcus, to accept the Minutes as presented.
Clerk Kalogerakos noted that Finance Commissioner Roy Kogstad had asked that a budget
analysis he had prepared and distributed be attached to these Minutes. Trustee DiMaria
moved to approve the Minutes of the Special/Budget Workshop Meeting of November 11,
2009 with the addendum of Mr. Kogstad's budget analysis. Trustee Thill seconded the
motion. Motion passed unanimously via voice vote.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
NONE
VI. SPECIAL REPORTS (continued)
1. Champion and Heritage Tree Awards
a. Mayor Staackmann welcomed Mary Busch, Chairman of the Natural Resources Commission,
for this presentation. She was accompanied by Commissioner Grant Gilbert, who thanked the
Board for inviting them to attend tonight. He also thanked the members of the Commission
in attendance tonight, and forester Bill Burns. Commissioner Gilbert also introduced John
Slater, the committee chair for historic sites on the Morton Grove Historical Society.
b. Mr. Slater invited the assemblage to visit the Historical Museum, which is open on
Wednesday and Sunday afternoons.
c. Commissioner Gilbert extended heartfelt thanks to all of the residents who nominated
trees, either on private property or in parkways.
2
Minutes of November 23, 2009 Board Meetin.
VI.
SPECIAL REPORTS (continued)
d. Commissioner Gilbert noted the variety of ways in which trees are valuable to a community.
He cited their economic value to homes and neighborhoods, as well as business districts.
While trees do require maintenance, they are solid investments. They reduce run-off and
erosion from storms and can contribute "air conditioning" service as well. There are also
quality of life aspects, as trees foster a sense of community, reduce stress, and improve the
perception of safety in neighborhoods.
Commissioner Gilbert then presented the awards.
e. First, an American Elm at 5523 Theobold, nominated by Elisha Valerio. This tree is
estimated to have begun growth in 1847. The winner was not present.
f. Next, a Silver Maple nominated by Mayor Staackmann. This is a parkway tree at
8540 Georgiana estimated to be 118 years old. Jay Rossmann is the award winner;
he, too, was not present.
g.
Next, a White Birch nominated by Sandra Jensen at 5801 Keeney. This is one of only
a handful of surviving white birch trees in the Village. The Board and assemblage
congratulated Ms. Jensen as she accepted her award.
h. Next, a Black Walnut nominated by Jim & Phyllis Banged. The tree is located at 6625 Maple
and is a large tree with a double trunk, encompassing two yards. This tree is a pre -settlement
walnut tree from the oak/hickory ecosystem, estimated to have begun growth in 1818. The
Bangerts were present and happy to receive the award.
i. Next, a grove of four trees nominated by Michael Brown at 8350 Lehigh. The grove,
comprised of a burr oak, a red oak, a shag bark hickory, and a basswood or linden, is
anywhere from 200 to 300 years old.
Lastly, a Swamp White Oak at 5701 Main Street. This is a parkway tree and the home is
currently vacant. This tree is also from the oak/hickory ecosystem
2. Bond Market Presentation
a. Ryan Horne introduced two representatives from First Trust Portfolio to discuss the changes
in the bond market. This is the firm that helped the Village refinance a note recently at a very
favorable rate. Zach Aldridge began with a general market overview, discussing the volatility
in the stock and debt markets. He noted that the historical spread between municipal bonds
and treasury bonds is typically about 80%, but in 2008, that spread was about 200%. As
of the close of the market last Friday, the spread was 90.6%. Mr. Aldridge said that Build
America bonds have been an important factor in getting the spread back to normal. He said
that yields are still historically low, making it an opportune time to borrow.
b. Wendy Flaherty then spoke about the deterioration of bond insurance. She said that, two
years ago, many insurers were Triple A rated. That's not the case today. Morton Grove
currently maintains a Moody's Triple A rating, so Morton Grove's bonds would sell as well in
the market as any insured bond. The Village's great rating is due to several factors, including
good budgeting, maintaining good fund balance policies, and good succession planning.
Another big change in the marketplace is that credit discovery is now crucial. Two similarly -
structured bonds could, based on the credit discovery metrics and the "story" behind the
bonds, sell for very different amounts.
3
Minutes of November 23, 2009 Board Meetin
VI.
SPECIAL REPORTS (continued)
c. Ms. Flaherty then went on to speak about Build America bonds and the Village's borrowing
options. As a home rule entity, the Village has several borrowing options. General Obligation
bonds have the best interest rate; alternate revenue bonds, debt certificates, revenue bonds,
and leases are other options. These borrowing options are all based on Illinois state statutes.
d. Starting in February 2009, Build America bonds became available. These are federally -
subsidized bonds that are issued taxably, rather than tax-exempt. This means that the Village
would get a credit back from the IRS of 35% on the interest it would pay, making these bonds
actually cheaper than tax-exempt bonds. These bonds are only to be used for capital projects,
and the "sunset" for issuing these bonds is December 31, 2010.
e. Trustee Thill asked for clarification on that date; whether it was the payout date or issuing
date. Ms. Flaherty said it was the issuing date, in other words, any Build America bond issue
would need to be closed on no later than that date.
f. Nationwide, the average bond issuer is a middle -market type of community. She showed an
example of a community having $10 million dollars worth of capital projects. The example
showed the debt under a traditional tax-exempt bond issue and then the same debt issued
taxably with Build America bonds. Because of the 35% semi-annual tax credit on interest
payments, the net adjusted debt would be about $375,520 less over the term. That savings
could be used for tax abatements, operations, or to pay off the bond. There are no restrictions
on the tax credit savings. Sometimes a community issues a mixture of tax-exempt and Build
America bonds.
g.
Mr. Aldridge then talked about First Trust's core values of Transparency, Trust, Integrity,
Service, and Passion. First Trust has a proprietary software tool that they use when
representing municipalities when they're going to market. The tool provides a level of
transparency when First Data is pricing a client's securities. The tool is called Bond Price
Assurance. It captures Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board (MSRB) trade data and gives
First Trust the ability to filter data in order to get the yield curve most specific to the client.
it gives them the ability to provide defensible securities valuations.
h. Using this tool, First Data can provide a pre -sale and a post -sale analysis to its clients, and
it can be used in the market to provide clients competitive interest rates.
i. Trustee Thill asked if the interest rates are locked in when the bonds are sold, or does the
market determine what the interest is by year. Mr. Aldridge said that, once the bonds are
sold, the interest rates are set, and they are taxable rates.
j. Trustee Marcus asked if the Bond Assurance Pricing was unique to First Trust. Ms. Flaherty
said it was unique to First Trust.
k. Finance Director Ryan Horne said it's important to note that, through negotiated sales, First
Trust is able to take a AA3 rating and make it a AA2 (higher) rating.
I. Trustee Marcus asked, regarding the tax credit/rebate to the Village, is that locked in by the
interest rate? Ms. Flaherty responded that it's locked in by the Villages interest rate. She
pointed out that investors are the ones taking the risk, and they might decide to sell their
bonds in order to buy a higher -interest bond.
4
Minutes of November 23, 2009 Board Meetin
VI.
RESIDENTS' COMMENTS (Agenda Items Only)
a. Jerry Clettenberg, 8920 Olcott. Mr. Clettenberg, a resident for 33 years, said he's worked
at the Senior Center since 2002 and works there as a custodian. He noted that the Senior
Center at the Civic Center is the only outlet many seniors have for lunches, companionship,
and trips. Dedicated staff provides assistance with income taxes, real estate issues, health
matters, and bus routing, just to name a few, The lending closet is the envy of many neighbor-
ing towns. Mr. Clettenberg said it would be real blow to the seniors to close the facility. He
pointed out that seniors comprise one-third of Morton Grove's population, and many rely on
the Seniortran for doctors' appointments, grocery shopping, etc. Mr. Clettenberg said that the
Seniortran is not a "free bus" like Niles, pickups are by appointment only. He said he would
rather have the Village eliminate leaf pick-up than the Senior Center. He said seniors rely on
it, and he would hate to see them thrown "under the bus".
b. Gloria Falkovitz, a 56 -year resident, said she's been with the senior group for 28 years.
Seniors go to the Civic Center for help with Medicare or to go over their bills, and felt it would
be a big disservice to the seniors to close it. She said she voted for Mayor Staackmann
and his ticket because she didn't believe he'd sell the seniors short. Mrs. Falkovitz felt this
should have been discussed with the seniors, and said she was very disappointed about the
"secrecy" of this. She urged the Board to think twice before they took this action. She noted
that there are 478 registered seniors who use the facility all the time. She said she hoped the
Board would not "sell them out".
c.
d.
e.
Eric Poders had a correction for the Minutes of the November 11th meeting. A comment is
attributed to him and he wasn't at that meeting. Mr. Poders said he is concerned about the
infrastructure of the Village's buildings. He thought the possibility of the Library moving to the
Civic Center and expanding, and the Senior Center moving to the Library's site was intriguing.
He felt it would be wise for the Board to look into such a swap, especially because parking at
the Library is an issue. He recommended that anyone concerned with the budget should read
it and compare it with previous years' budgets. There was a recommendation that had been
made at one of the budget workshops to pay a 5% bounty to any employee who comes up
with a cost -savings idea. Mr. Poders felt this should be extended to everyone in the Village.
He thought if people banded together and came up with ideas, the budget crisis could be
solved as a Village.
Barbara Novick, a 25 -year resident, said she is looking at the budget from a different angle,
more from a psychologist's point of view. She said anyone who's ever taking Psychology
should know the name "Maslow". She said that Maslow focused on "needs". What are
people's levels of needs? Primarily, shelter, air, food, and water. Those come before friend-
ship or self -actualization. A community also has primary needs, such as police, fire, clean
and safe roads. The primary needs come before other needs. Those bottom layers have to
be in place and solid before they can be built upon. Some services may disappear on a
temporary basis, but this is a time of crisis in the Village. Ms. Novick added that she feels
very firmly in volunteerism. She thought that, in many communities, if not for volunteers, there
wouldn't be any senior or other people -oriented services. She felt that services people are
concerned about won't disappear, they'll change—volunteers will step in and take over.
Lisa Miller Goldstein, an 11 -year resident, said she and her husband moved to Morton
Grove because of its reputation as a family -friendly town. She said she understands the
economic downturn but felt that cutting the senior programs would be a huge disservice to
the Village. Many seniors depend on the Senior Center for physical and mental health. She
asked the Board to find a way to continue supporting senior programs.
5
Minutes of November 23, 2009 Board Meetin •
VI.
RESIDENTS' COMMENTS (Agenda Items Only) (continued)
f. Nancy Lanning. Mrs. Lanning said that she had just learned of the proposed closing of the
Senior Center and was totally shocked to hear of it. She said she doesn't think the Board
realizes how much the seniors depend on the bus and the programs and she couldn't fathom
the Board's decision to close it. She asked the Board to take some time to see what's going
on at the Senior Center, to see the fellowship, the nurses, the volunteers, etc.
VII.
PRESIDENT'S REPORT
1. Mayor Staackmann thanked the Village employees who stepped up and turned over a portion
of their salaries to help fund the Village Assistance Program. The program was established to
help people who can't pay their utility bills or their housing costs. The program ran out of
funds in July or August. Employees helped fund the program through the end of the year.
2. Mayor Staackmann also wanted to address some confusion being spread by the Illinois
chapter of the National Solid Waste Management Association. They've taken ads out in the
local paper and have called many residents. The garbage contract expires in April, that's not
a secret. An advisory commission has already had three meetings on this and there will be
more. The Village is looking at trying to maintain the current service level at the lowest cost.
It is also looking at a commercial contract, similar to what's being done in many other
communities. The businesses that have had their bills reviewed to see if there would be any
cost savings using a commercial contract have seen that they will realize a cost savings, and
they are all for it. The Village has not gone for bid yet, the requests for proposals have not
been issued. The Village wants to try to save the commercial corridor some money so they
can stay in business.
3. Mayor Staackmann noted that we're starting to come into the snow -plowing season. He asked
residents to please try to get their cars off the streets when snow is predicted so that Public
Works can plow the streets more effectively.
4. Mayor Staackmann said the 2010 Budget would be presented tonight for a first reading. He
said this has been a trying time for Village staff and the Board, and unfortunately, it's a trying
time for everyone. There has been a lot of cutting from this budget. It's now at the point
where no more cuts can be made to the police or fire departments because of contractual
agreements and service levels. Public Works has been running on a reduced crew for a year.
Two employees passed away; and, due to budgetary constraints, only one was replaced.
Another employee is out on permanent disability and has not been replaced. The Finance
Department has been running for nine months with just one person and an assistant. In
August, an assistant accountant was hired. The administrative aide to the Village Administra-
tor has been cut. Every department has had cuts. The Board has had a number of meetings
to try to find ways to keep services going. In the fall newsletter, the Board requested that
residents contact their State legislators for relief from certain pension mandates. That relief,
which would have saved the Village $400,000 this year alone, never came. It would have had
a dramatic effect on this budget.
a. Mayor Staackmann said the Board does not want to keep coming back to the residents and
businesses and raising property taxes. Sales tax revenue is also down.
6
Minutes of November 23, 2009 Board Meetin
VII.
PRESIDENT'S REPORT (continued)
b. Mayor Staackmann said that this isn't about cutting services or programs, it's about survival.
It's about having a 4 -minute or less response time when you need the fire department or an
ambulance. It's about having qualified trained police officers to deal with violent or any types
of crime in the community. It's about having flowing water and safe road surfaces. The
Village has been inundated with emails and phone calls about the condition of the roads.
The Board knows the infrastructure must be taken care of. He said he knows that hearing this
is painful, but it's just as painful for the Board. The Board has been wrestling with making
these hard decisions and such decisions have not been made lightly. The Board is doing the
best it can under the circumstances.
c. Mayor Staackmann asked everyone to be patient as the Village tries to rebuild its economic
base, and said there were several projects in the works that could be very helpful in the
future. He thanked the Village staff and his fellow Board members for the hours and hours of
work they've put in on this year's budget. The Budget will be voted on on December 14, 2009.
He said the Board was willing to listen to any creative ideas or suggestions anyone has.
5. Mayor Staackmann asked for concurrence of his appointment of Okwy Okeke to the Village's
Finance Commission. Trustee Gomberg so moved, seconded by Trustee Thill. Motion
passed: 6 ayes, 0 nays.
Tr. DiMaria aye Tr. Gomberg ave Tr. Grear acre
Tr. Marcus Ly1 Tr. Thill Lys Tr. Toth aye
6. Mayor Staackmann wished everyone a safe and happy Thanksgiving holiday.
VIII. CLERK'S REPORT
Clerk Kalogerakos had no report.
IX. STAFF REPORTS
A. Village Administrator
1. Mr. Wade said, regarding the 2010 Budget and Tax Levy Ordinances, that five or six budget
workshops have been held thus far. The Board has been trying to think strategically and look
to the future. He recognized that some decisions would be controversial and painful, but for
the long-term economic viability of the Village, these hard decisions would have to be made,
and are, in fact, recommended.
a. The budget process began in 2008 when the Village recognized the downward turn in the
economy. The Village has, as Mayor Staackmann said, deferred replacing employees in
2009. The challenge the Village faces is a $3,000,000 gap between revenue and expendi-
tures, balances with trying to maintain core services residents have come to expect. This
shortfall is not the fault of the Village, Mr. Wade said; the Village is a victim of the national
economy just like everyone else. Foreclosures have hurt. Real estate transfer tax revenue
and sales tax revenue are both down. As far as services, the Village's standards are high. In
90% of instances, fire department response time is four minutes or Tess. Police department
response time is within five minutes. The Village gets rave reviews on its snowplowing and
street salting.
Minutes of November 23, 2009 Board Meetin •
IX.
STAFF REPORTS (continued)
b. This Budget has been a process for the Board to look at these necessary services and figure
out how to provide them without raising the property tax levy. Last year's budget took money
from the Village's reserves, but that's not really an option this year. The 2010 Budget contains
no cost of living raises for non -contractual personnel, and, as of January 1, employee -
assigned vehicles will be eliminated.
c. In the 2010 Budget, there are four essential strategic actions that need to be considered.
One is the personnel reductions. Another is the deferment of an ambulance to replace a 1997
ambulance. That replacement was actually initially considered for the 2009 Budget, but was
deferred. Mr. Wade said it's a tribute to our mechanics that they keep it rolling. The Village
will try to get another year or two of service from it, but the Board recognizes that it gets a lot
of use and may be nearing the end of its usable life.
d. Yet another option this budget proposes is the elimination of the Department of Family and
Senior Services, effective March 31. Mr. Wade said he understands this is an important part
of the community, but suggested that, in looking at police, fire and other services, the Board
must look at the totality of the Village first. The budget proposes maintaining a Social
Services person to deal with emergency assistance matters, but the elimination of this
department would save the Village approximately $400,000 annually. The Village has
invested $3,000,000 in the building alone. While it's a very important service, it's also very
expensive. Operation of the Seniortran bus costs the Village approximately $60,000 a year.
The Village is trying to find and negotiate with an alternative service provider. In many other
communities, this type of service is not typically a municipal service and not even offered in
some places.
e. The 2010 Budget also proposes that residents pay for their entire solid waste/recycling fee.
Currently the Village still picks up about 42% of the costs. This would be a complete user -fee
system with direct billing from either the hauler or some other system, such as on the water bill
payments. People are angry because, in the past, the solid waste fees could be deducted
from their federal taxes if they itemized their tax return. IRS statistics show that only 35% of
the population itemizes, so for roughly two-thirds of the people, it's a non -issue. The Village
has contacted its congressional representatives asking them to review the IRS Code to see if
solid waste fees can be deducted even if they are not part of the Village's tax payment. It
seems incongruous and inconsistent to say that they can be deducted if they're included on
your tax bill, but not deducted if they're paid with your water bill. This change would also
address an inequity currently in place, in that, essentially, commercial entities are being
charged twice for their solid waste pick-up—through the property tax statement and from the
charges they incur from their own haulers. Mr. Wade said he didn't think many people were
aware of this inequity.
f. Lastly, the 2010 Budget proposes an increase in the vehicle sticker fee from $30 to $55 (for
seniors, it would go from $15 to $25). Mr. Wade said it's also worth mentioning that the
Budget only provides for one major capital improvement, and that is for Dempster Street. The
budget does not have money in it for any other major water, street, or sewer improvements.
As Mayor Staackmann said, everyone is aware of the condition of the streets. Village staff will
be revisiting that and will come up with capital projects recommendations early in 2010.
g.
Finance Director Horne said that the 2010 Budget is available online, at the Library, and at
Village Hall. He said there are a couple of differences between the original budget, proposed
at the November 3, 2009 budget workshop, and the one before the Board this evening. The
November 3`d budget showed a General Fund deficit of about $3.2 million and ending fund
balance of about 13%. That was not good.
8
Minutes of November 23, 2009 Bor.rd Meetin •
IX.
STAFF REPORTS (continued)
h. Mr. Horne said that this version of the budget before the Board tonight shows a General Fund
deficit of $1.2 million, and ending fund balance of 23%. Mr. Horne said that, while still a deficit,
it's movement in the right direction.
i. This deficit decrease was achieved by: proposing an increase in vehicle sticker fees
(+$400,000); "transfers in" from some of the Village's other funds (+$145,000); and slight
increases in sales tax, communications tax, and self storage (+$136,000). Altogether, the
revenue side shows an increase of $620,000.
J.
Expenses were also reviewed. Personnel costs were decreased by $538,000. Contractual
services were cut by $720,000 and commodities by $16,000. Capital outlay was reduced by
$126,000 by deferring the ambulance purchase. There was a total decrease in expenditures of
$1.4 million.
k. First Trust representatives earlier talked about things that affect the Village's credit rating.
Mr. Horne said he felt the two most important were fund balances and management's ability to
make appropriate budget decisions. Mayor Staackmann said that the Board and staff has
made a commitment to review expenditures and revenues on a quarterly basis, so that any
services or programs that can possibly be re-established will be, or programs curtailed if need
be. He thanked Mr. Horne again for all his hard work.
Trustee Thill asked Mr. Horne to explain why it's important to keep a healthy fund balance.
He responded with an example. At one of the budget workshops, the suggestion was made
to use the Waukegan Road TIF Fund to repay its loan to the General Fund. At that time,
Trustee Thill had asked if doing that would impair the Village's to make decisions for the
Waukegan Road TIF in the future, and the answer was "yes". Mr. Horne said that, technically,
the Village could take excess fund balances and transfer them to the General Fund. However,
doing so is a one-time fix and the Village would then end up having to make the hard
decisions the following year.
B. Corporation Counsel:
Ms. Liston had no report.
X. TRUSTEES' REPORTS
A. Trustee DiMaria:
Trustee DiMaria had no report. He wished everyone a happy Thanksgiving and thanked the
Village employees and staff for their dedication throughout the year. He wished them and
their families a happy Thanksgiving as well.
B. Trustee Gomberg:
1. Trustee Gomberg thanked Mr. Wade and Mr. Horne for their reports tonight and their hard
work on the budget. They and the Board sat through six grueling budget workshops. The
proposals and decisions the budget contemplates have not been easy for anyone to make.
9
Minutes of November 23, 2009 Board Meetin.
X. TRUSTEES' REPORTS (continued)
B. Trustee Gomberq: (cont'd.)
2. Trustee Gomberg then presented for a first reading Ordinance 09-31, Adopting the Budgets
for All Corporate Purposes of the Village of Morton Grove and the Morton Grove
Library, Cook County, Illinois, For the Calendar Year Effective January 1, 2010 and
Ending December 31, 2010.
The budget is available for public inspection online at www.mortongroveil.org, at the Public
Library, and at Village Hall. A Public Hearing on the budget will be held on December 14,
2009, as part of the regularly -scheduled Village Board Meeting. Notice of that hearing will be
published in the Pioneer Press newspaper on December 3, 2009. The Village budget for 2010
totals $52,140,531. The Library's budget is $2,955,944, for a grand total of $55,096,475.
3. Trustee Gomberg next presented for a first reading Ordinance 09-32, Levying and
Assessing Taxes for the Village of Morton Grove, Cook County, Illinois, For the
Fiscal Year Beginning January 1, 2010 and Ending December 31, 2010.
He explained that this ordinance sets the levy for property taxes for tax year 2009 which are
collected in 2010. It has been determined to be in the public interest to levy the following
amounts in order to fund the Village's operations and projects for the year 2010. Provides for a
total Village property tax levy, including all debt service requirements, before abatements, of
$11,676,163. The levy for the Morton Grove Library is $2,680,689, for a combined total levy
of $14,356,862. However, the Village Board intends to adopt resolutions abating $2,317,303
from the levy, which will result in a net tax levy for 2009 of $12,039,549. These abatements
will be made because the $2,317,303 will actually come from sources other than property
taxes; however, by law, they must be included in the total levy figure. These other sources
include the Water/Sewer Fund, home rule sales taxes, and interest earnings from the debt
service fund.
Trustee Gomberg also pointed out that the Village's portion of the levy this year, compared to
last year's, has a 0% increase.
C. Trustee Grear:
Trustee Grear had no report.
D. Trustee Marcus:
1. Trustee Marcus presented for a first reading Ordinance 09-27, Amending Title 4, Chapter 3,
Sections 6, 10, and 14 Entitled "Liquor Control".
He explained that this ordinance will approve text amendments to amend, update, and clarify
the Village Code's Liquor Control to now require licensees to have BASSET training or other
such alcohol sales or service training that will be acceptable to the local Liquor Control Com-
mission. It will require all licensed establishments to have their manager and each employee
who prepares, sells, or serves alcohol at that establishment successfully complete a BASSET
program, TIPS program, or other such alcohol sales and service training program approved in
writing by the local Liquor Control Commission.
10
ii•� . .. ..u,. •1• :..r. II•• j,.
X.
D.
Trustee Marcus: (continued)
TRUSTEES' REPORTS (continued)
2. Next, Trustee Marcus presented Resolution 09-63, Approving an Agreement with
American Traffic Solutions (ATS) to Install and Operate an Automatic Traffic Law
Enforcement System (ATLES).
3.
He explained that the Village has amended its Code to establish an Automated Traffic Law
Enforcement System within the Village. The system produces recorded images of motor
vehicles entering an intersection against a red light. Police Department staff advertised for
proposals and researched companies with an expertise in installing and operating ATLES.
They received four proposals and, after research and interviewing, found the proposal of
American Traffic Solutions (ATS) to satisfactorily meet the Village's needs. ATS currently
operates in Skokie and Lincolnwood. Pursuant to the terms of the agreement with ATS, the
Village will pay a monthly fee of $4,400 from the proceeds of paid citations issued from the
ATLES. No start-up or installation costs will be required. All citations will be reviewed and
approved by Morton Grove Police Department personnel before their issuance. Violators
will be given the option of a hearing before the Village's Administrative Adjudication Hearing
Officer.
Trustee Marcus moved to approve Resolution 09-63, seconded by Trustee DiMaria. Motion
passed: 6 ayes, 0 nays.
Tr. DiMaria gys Tr. Gomberg aye Tr. Grear gig
Tr. Marcus aye Tr. Thill aye Tr. Toth aye
Trustee Marcus wished everyone a happy Thanksgiving, and encouraged the assemblage to
take a moment to think about and remember all the men and women serving in the Armed
Forces.
E. Trustee Thin
1. Trustee Thill presented Resolution 09-50, Authorizing the Extension of a Service Contract
with Lyons & Pinner Electric Companies For the 2010 Traffic Signal and Street Lighting
Maintenance Program
He explained that, each year, the Village contracts with an electrical contractor to assist in the
maintenance of street lighting and traffic control signals within the Village. The contract
between the Village and Lyons & Pinner Electric was awarded in 2006, and includes optional
provisions to renew the contract at the same terms and pricing through December 31, 2010.
The Village is satisfied with the service they provide and considers it to be advantageous to
continue the service agreement at the 2006 contract amount. The estimated contract value
for routine maintenance for 2010 is $22,795.20.
Trustee Thill moved, seconded by Trustee Toth, to approve Resolution 09-50. Motion
passed: 6 ayes, 0 nays.
Tr. DiMaria aye Tr. Gomberg aye Tr. Grear a}L
Tr. Marcus aye Tr. Thill ave Tr. Toth
11
Minutes. of November 23, 2009 Board Meetin!
X.
E. Trustee Thill: (continued)
TRUSTEES' REPORTS (continued)
2. Next, Trustee Thill presented Resolution 09-67, Authorization to Execute a Contract With
Pease Construction, Inc. For Lehigh/Ferris TIF District, 6244 Lincoln Avenue, Parking
Lot Construction.
He explained that the Village desires to construct an off-street parking facility at 6244 Lincoln
for the purpose of providing additional parking to residential and commercial users. The
contract was bid through a public process in which the contract was advertised and sealed
bids were received. Twelve bids were submitted and Pease Construction, Inc. of Ringwood,
IL, was determined to be the lowest responsible bidder in the amount of $83,938.05.
Trustee Thill moved to approve Resolution 09-51. Trustee Marcus seconded the motion.
Motion passed: 6 ayes, 0 nays.
Tr. DiMaria aye Tr. Gomberg aye Tr. Grear aye
Tr. Marcus Ry2 Tr. Thill aye Tr. Toth
3. Trustee Thill said that the Solid Waste Agency of Northern Cook County (SWANCC) has
introduced a program for recycling latex paint. They mix it with concrete. The collection point
is at the Niles Public Works on Wednesdays between 4:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. For more
information, please call the Village of Niles.
4. Trustee Thill said that Morton Grove has received $6,000 from SWANCC for recycling for this
period. He encouraged everyone to recycle as it benefits not only the environment, but also
the Village—financially.
5. Trustee Thill encouraged the assemblage to attend the annual Interfaith Service, which will be
held this year at St. Luke's Church on Thanksgiving Eve. All residents are welcome.
6. Trustee Thill announced that the Sons of the American Legion are sponsoring a busful
of Naval cadets to come to the Legion Hall for Thanksgiving dinner. The cadets will be
here between 9:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., and volunteers are needed and welcome between
11:30 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. to serve the food.
F. Trustee Toth:
1. Trustee Toth presented for a first reading Ordinance 09-39, Extending a Moratorium on
New Multi -Family Residential Housing Units in the C-1 Commercial District of the
Village of Morton Grove.
She explained that the Village, pursuant to Ordinance 09-08, established a moratorium
prohibiting approval of subdivision plats, special use permits, planned unit developments, and
construction permits for multi -family residential housing units in the C-1 Commercial District
until December 8, 2010.
12
Minutes of November 23, 2009 Board Meetin
TRUSTEES' REPORTS (continued)
F. Trustee Toth: (continued)
It has become apparent that six months has not provided sufficient time to complete the
analysis necessary to fully evaluate, draft, and consider a change in the municipal code
regarding such restrictions. Village staff has recommended that the moratorium be extended
for an additional year. This ordinance would extend that moratorium.
Trustee Toth reminded the assemblage that the Community Relations Commission is
sponsoring a Village -wide endeavor to put together a book of residents' "most memorable
Morton Grove moments". Entries should be submitted to Village Hall by December 31, 2009,
and should be done on a white 8.5 x 11 sheet of white paper. Entries can be typed or legibly
handwritten. On the back, it should list the submitter's name, address, and age. The book will
be arranged in chapters by generation. The Commission would love to hear from everyone!
Proceeds from the sale of the books will benefit the Morton Grove Foundation. For more
information, check out the Village's website.
Xl. OTHER BUSINESS
NONE
XII. WARRANTS
a. Trustee Gomberg presented the Warrant Register for November 23, 2009 in the amount of
$1,304,760.12. He moved to accept the Warrants, seconded by Trustee Thill.
b. Trustee Thill asked about a payment to Groot on page 6 for $479 for "customer payments".
Mr. Horne deferred to Corporation Counsel Liston to respond. Ms. Liston said that the
Village's contract with Groot states that solid waste must be picked up, even if the homeowner
is not paying or has not paid his bill. If the resident does not pay his bill, he receives a warn-
ing, followed by a citation. If a citation is issued, the homeowner has the choice to come to
Village Hall and pay his delinquent bill plus a $25 administrative fee. The citation would then
be dismissed. The delinquent monies collected by the Village are, in turn, paid to Groot.
c. Trustee Thill also wondered about a $5,500 charge on page 7 for "Site B cleanup/IEPA". He
asked if this work was done or if the Village was expecting more charges. Community and
Economic Development Director Bill Neuendorf responded that the work is not yet done. This
particular invoice is the State's response to its own budget issues. The State is now back -
charging municipalities for the State's staff time spent reviewing submissions for environ-
mental studies. Mr. Neuendorf added that Site B still has final resolution pending; the IEPA
will determine to what level the site needs to be "clean" based on what's going in there.
d. Trustee Thill inquired about a $14,000 charge to McDonough Associates on page 9 for
"parking lot design". He felt that $14,000 was a lot of money for a parking lot design, and said
he hoped this would be the only charge for this work. Mr. Neuendorf said this charge is for the
design for the parking lot at 6244 Lincoln (about $9,900) but also includes payment toward
the progress on the overall streetscaping improvements. This payment will come from the
Lehigh/Ferris TIF Fund.
13
Minutes of November 23, 2009 Board Meetin
XII.
WARRANTS (continued)
e. Trustee Thill asked about a payment to Northern Trust in the amount of $512,650 on page 11.
Mr. Neuendorf said this dates back to 2002, when the TIF was in its infancy. There was no
incremental taxes being generated at the time and the Village took on a note to purchase
some properties on Ferris and for some professional services. This is the final payment on
that note.
f. On page 14, there is a $300 payout for the Financial Assistance Program; Trustee Thill said
his understanding was that the program had run out of money. He asked Family and Senior
Services Director Jackie Walker O'Keefe for clarification. She said that, as the Mayor alluded
to earlier, Village personnel were asked if they would be interested in rebating some of their
holiday bonus money. Many did, which raised an additional $2,500 for the program.
There being no further discussion, Mayor Staackmann called for the vote on the approval of
the Warrants for November 23, 2009. Motion passed: 6 ayes, 0 nays.
Tr. DiMaria aye Tr. Gomberg aye, Tr. Grear aye
Tr. Marcus aye Tr. Thill aye Tr. Toth aye
XIII. RESIDENTS' COMMENTS
Joe Hedrick, representing the American Legion, thanked the Board for their help and partici-
pation in the Veterans Day Parade. Next year, the Parade will be moved to avoid the pre-
dicted construction on Dempster Street. They will go down Crain Street, School Street,
and Lincoln Avenue, ending at the Library. This should help reduce the cost of public safety
personnel used to close Dempster.
Mr. Hedrick said that, this Thursday, the Legion will be hosting recruits from Great Lakes Na-
val Station. He invited the Board to stop by and meet them.
Mr. Hedrick had a comment on the Budget. He serves on the Police Pension Board, and
since he's been on it, the Village's contribution to it has been raised significantly. The Village
now contributes well over a million dollars, and this year, it's just barely covering the amount
that's being expended. He suggested the Village implement a large, significant tax increase to
bring this to residents' attention. It would make people aware that pensions are a significant
cost to the Village.
XIV. ADJOURNMENT/EXECUTIVE SESSION
There being no further business, Trustee Marcus moved to adjourn the Board Meeting,
seconded by Trustee Thill. The motion passed unanimously via voice vote. The Board
Meeting adjourned at 8:57 p.m.
14
Minutes of November 23, 2009 Board Meetin
PASSED this 14th day of December, 2009.
Trustee DiMaria
Trustee Gomberg
Trustee Grear
Trustee Marcus
Trustee Thill
Trustee Toth
APPROVED
— L
/h
Daniel J. Staackmann, Village President
Board of Trustees, Morton Grove, Illinois
4th day of December, 2009.
APPROVED and FI 1 in my o ice this 15th day of December, 2009.
Tony S. Kaloe•-kos, Village Clerk
Village of Morton Grove, Cook County, Illinois
Minutes by: Teresa Cousar
15