HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012-01-09 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
JANUARY 9, 2012
CALL TO ORDER
Village President Dan Staackmann called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. and directed the
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 December 12, 2011 Regular Board Meeting, Trustee DiMaria
moved, seconded by Trustee Toth, to accept the Minutes as presented. Motion passed
unanimously via voice vote.
IV. SPECIAL REPORTS
1. Swearing -In of New Police Sergeant
a. Mike Simkins, Chairman of the Fire & Police Commission, flanked by Police Chief Mark
Erickson and Trustee -liaison Gomberg, said that he was very proud to swear in the Morton
Grove Police Department's newest sergeant, Mike Weitzel.
b. He provided some background: Sgt. Weitzel is a 12 -year veteran of the Morton Grove Police
Department and has spent his career in the Patrol Services Division. In that time, he has
earned numerous department honorable mention awards and commendations, as well as
awards from other law enforcement agencies. He has been awarded multiple citations from
the Alliance Against Intoxicated Motorists for his work in DUI enforcement. In addition to his
patrol officer duties, Sgt. Weitzel is the Defensive Tactics Instructor and Taser Instructor for
the Department. He has also developed and authored Monthly Defensive Protocols. Recently,
he has been involved, with Chief Erickson, in reviewing and editing the MGPD Policy Manual.
Sgt. Weitzel is a lifelong area resident who also served six years in the US Army Reserve,
where he was trained as a combat medic. He is married with three children.
Chairman Simkins administered the oath of office to Sgt. Weitzel, whose wife then pinned on
his new badge. The Board and assemblage congratulated Sgt. Weitzel.
Minutes of Janua 9, 2012 Board Meetin.
IV.
SPECIAL REPORTS (continued)
2. Swearing -In of New Police Officers
a. Chairman Simkins, again accompanied by Chief Erickson and Trustee Gomberg, introduced
Andrew Harrison as the first of two new Morton Grove police officers. Officer Harrison began
his employment with the Village on December 26, 2011. Prior to swearing in Officer Harrison,
Chairman Simkins provided some background. He stated that Officer Harrison and been born
and raised in Woodstock and graduated from Marian Central High School. He attended
George Washington University in Washington DC, attaining a Bachelor's Degree in Political
Science. Officer Harrison enjoys martial arts and is a 4th degree black belt in Tang Soo Do.
The Board and assemblage congratulated Officer Harrison.
b. Chairman Simkins then introduced Constantinos "Gus" Fasos as the Village's second new
police officer. Officer Fasos also began employment with the Village on December 26, 2011.
Prior to swearing in Officer Fasos, Chairman Simkins provided some background. Officer
Fasos was born and raised in Chicago and graduated from Loyola Academy. He attended
Loyola University in Chicago where he attained his Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice. He
speaks fluent Greek and has worked in a variety of security postions—including Morton Grove
Days—so he comes to the Village well prepared.
The Board and assemblage congratulated Officer Fasos.
c. Chairman Simkins thanked Chief Erickson, Trustee Gomberg, and the members of the Fire
and Police Commission. Mayor Staackmann pointed out that Commissioner Peggy Friewer
was also in attendance tonight, and echoed Chairman Simkins' thanks.
V.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
NONE
Vi. RESIDENTS' COMMENTS (Agenda Items Only)
NONE
VII. PRESIDENT'S REPORT
1. Mayor Staackmann noted that the Village Board meeting schedule adopted at the December
12, 2011 meeting has one change. The May 28th Board Meeting is cancelled due to the Me-
morial Day Holiday.
2. Mayor Staackmann said he hoped that everyone had had a safe and happy holiday season.
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Minutes of Janua 9, 2012Board Meetin.
VIII.
Clerk Kalogerakos had no report.
CLERK'S REPORT
IX. STAFF REPORTS
A. Village Administrator:
Village Administrator pro tem Ryan Horne had no report.
B. Corporation Counsel:
Corporation Counsel Liston had no report.
X. TRUSTEES' REPORTS
A. Trustee DiMaria:
1. Trustee DiMaria had no formal report, but noted that the Food Drive held by the Fire Depart-
ment had achieved its best results in its 27 -year history. In particular, St. Martha's parish and
Parkview students did an outstanding job of collecting food donations. Monetary contributions
were also welcomed from Avon and the Moose, and from the Simkins family in memory of
Shirley Simkins. 68 families received a full holiday dinner, and, according to Lt. Pat Shey,
193 children received a gift -wrapped toy.
Trustee DiMaria thanked all the residents and groups that helped make this Food Drive so
successful, and wished everyone a happy new year.
B. Trustee Gomberg:
1. Trustee Gomberg noted that Police Sgt. Mike Fujaro had retired in December after 27 years
on the Morton Grove Police Department.
2. Trustee Gomberg wished all a healthy, happy, and prosperous new year.
C. Trustee Grear:
1. Trustee Grear presented Resolution 12-01, Authorizing the Execution of an Agreement
Between the Village of Morton Grove and All Around Amusements, Inc. to Supply Car-
nival Rides and Amusements for the 2012 through 2013 Fourth of July Festivities.
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Minutes of Janua 9, 2012 Board!Meetin•
X.
C. Trustee Grear: (continued)
X.
TRUSTEES' REPORTS (continued)
Trustee Grear explained that, for many years, the Morton Grove Days committee had received
25% of all gross ride receipts from its contracted carnival operator, which the committee used
to help pay for the parade and other festivities. This resolution will authorize a two-year
agreement with All Around Amusements, Inc., wherein the Village will receive 35% of all gross
ride receipts.
Trustee Grear moved to approve Resolution 12-01, seconded by Trustee Toth.
Trustee Thill asked if the Village was paying for the fireworks. Trustee Grear responded that
the Morton Grove Days committee was not responsible for the fireworks.
Upon the vote, the motion passed: 6 ayes, 0 nays.
Tr. DiMaria aye Tr. Gomberg aye Tr. Grear aye
Tr. Marcus aye Tr. Thill aerie Tr. Toth aye
TRUSTEES' REPORTS (continued)
Trustee Marcus:
Trustee Marcus had no formal report, but noted, as liaison to the Chamber of Commerce, that
the Chamber had selected Jim and Yvette Karp as its VIPs of the Year. There will be a dinner
honoring them, and installing the Chamber's new officers, on February 2, 2012, at the
Chateau Ritz. He encouraged the assemblage to contact Jacky Liston, Executive Director
of the Chamber, for more information or for tickets.
2. Trustee Marcus said that, prior to this evening's meeting, the Board took online training on the
Open Meetings Act, and each member had received a certificate of completion. The Attorney
General's office is mandating that elected officials take this training. Trustee Marcus thanked
Village Administrator pro tem Ryan Horne for setting up the training.
X. TRUSTEES' REPORTS (continued)
Trustee Thill:
Trustee Thill had no formal report, but encouraged residents to change the batteries in their
smoke alarms. He also noted that it is now illegal to throw away any electronic devices,
including televisions, computers, radios, etc., but Best Buy will take them and recycle them
responsibly. He said that he just recently got rid of a television at Best Buy and it was quick
and easy to do.
Trustee Toth:
Trustee Toth had no report.
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Minutes of Janua • t • :.. . >a' •
XI.
XII.
OTHER BUSINESS
NONE
WARRANTS
Trustee Toth presented the Warrant Register in the amount of $1,582,237.04. She moved to
accept the Warrants, seconded by Trustee ThiII.
There being no discussion, Mayor Staackmann called for the vote. Motion passed: 6 ayes,
0 nays.
Tr. DiMaria aye Tr. Gomberg aye Tr. Grear aye
Tr. Marcus aye Tr. ThiII aye Tr. Toth acre
XIII. RESIDENTS' COMMENTS
1. A Niles resident who did not provide his name addressed the Board regarding the fitness
center at the Prairie View Shopping Center. He is a member there of the fitness center and
he does not feel the shopping center is "blighted". He said he is aware of the TIF process
and how it works. He said the center looks "active" to him, especially compared to Riverbank
Plaza (at Dempster and Lehigh). He also pointed out that there is a whole area on the
southwest side of Prairie View Shopping Center for parking, but no stores there. He noted
that two school districts (District 67 and District 219) will have to approve the TIF. He said the
fitness center has some outstanding features, such as an indoor track, a swimming pool, and
a huge sauna, and noted that many people, including some public officials, use the center.
2. Philip Troy, 7445 Davis, appeared before the Board to complain about the proliferation
of TribLocal newspapers all over lawns, sidewalks, and streets. He felt they were being
delivered indiscriminately and asked if the Village could do anything about this. Trustee Grear
agreed that it was a real nuisance. Mayor Staackmann directed the Village Administrator pro
tem to look into this matter.
XIV. ADJOURNMENT/EXECUTIVE SESSION
Trustee DiMaria moved to adjourn the Meeting. Trustee Marcus seconded the motion. Motion
passed: 6 ayes, 0 nays.
Tr. DiMaria aye Tr. Gomberg aye Tr. Grear aye
Tr. Marcus aye Tr. ThiII aye Tr. Toth aye
The meeting adjourned at 7:30 p.m.
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'Minutes of Janua 9, 2012iBoard Meetin.
PASSED this 23th day of January, 2012.
Trustee DiMaria
Trustee Gomberg
Trustee Grear
Trustee Marcus
Trustee Thill
Trustee Toth
APPROVED b
23th day of January, 2012.
Daniel J. S aackrriann, Village President
Board of Trustees, Morton Grove, Illinois
APPROVED and FILED in
Tony S. KalogefKos, iliage Clerk
Village of Morton Grove, Cook County, Illinois
day of January, 2012.
Minutes by Teresa Cousar
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