HomeMy WebLinkAbout07-27-2020-ApprovedMINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE PRESIDENT
AND THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE VILLAGE OF MORTON GROVE
RICHARD T. FLICKINGER MUNICIPAL CENTER
JULY 27, 2020
CALL TO ORDER
— Village President Dan DiMaria convened the Regular Meeting of the Village Board at 7:00 p.m.
V. in the Council Chambers of Village Hall, He then led the assemblage in the Pledge of
Allegiance.
VI. Village Clerk Eileen Harford called the roll. Present were: Trustees Bill Grear, Rita Minx,
Ed Ramos, John Thill, Connie Travis, and Janine Witko.
VII.
VIII.
IX.
X.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Trustee Minx moved to accept the Minutes of the Regular Board Meeting of July 13, 2020
as presented, seconded by Trustee Ramos. Motion passed unanimously via voice vote.
SPECIAL REPORTS
NONE
PUBLIC HEARINGS
NONE
RESIDENTS' COMMENTS (Agenda Items Only)
NONE
XI. PRESIDENT'S REPORT
1. Mayor DiMaria said the Village learned that retired Fire Chief and long-time Morton Grove
resident Bernard "Dick" Brady passed away last Friday afternoon. Chief Brady became a
member of the MGFD in 1965, rose through the ranks, and led the department as Chief from
1980 until his retirement in 1990. As Chief, he was instrumental in enhancing Emergency
Medical Service capabilities in Morton Grove by leading efforts to bring a second ambulance and
additional staffing to Station 5 on the west side of town. He served his community with distinction
and was a passionate leader and mentor to many Morton Grove Fire Department members.
Mayor DiMaria extended his and the Board's condolences to the Chief's wife, Arlene, and his
entire family. There will be a visitation for Chief Brady at Simkins Funeral Home this Thursday,
July 30, from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. with a funeral service following.
Minutes of Jul 27, 2020 Board Meeting
XI.
PRESIDENT'S REPORT (continued)
2. Mayor DiMaria noted that on tonight's Agenda is Ordinance 20-16, creating the Environment and
Natural Resources Commission. He said he was confident this Ordinance would pass and invited
all interested residents to contact him or send in a resume if interested in participating on this
Commission.
3. Also on tonight's Agenda is Ordinance 20-15, which would allow a pilot program for keeping
chickens on residential property. Mayor DiMaria said he had some concerns about this, and
understands that people on both sides of the subject are passionate about it. He said that he
could not participate in any formal discussions about it nor could he vote on it, unless the
Trustees' votes ended in a tie. He did recommend that the Board make an amendment to the
Ordinance requiring the written consent of adjacent property owners be obtained prior to any
permit being issued.
4. Mayor DiMaria encouraged residents to check out Morton Grove's new French Market, on
Saturdays from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in the Civic Center parking lot.
5. Mayor DiMaria urged residents to continue to patronize Morton Grove retailers and restaurants.
6. Mayor DiMaria thanked everyone who is doing what they can during this difficult and
unprecedented time, especially First Responders, who risk their own health to care for and keep
others safe; all the Village employees, who are giving 150% to keep the high-level of service
residents appreciate; the Morton Grove business community, including owners, who are doing
what they can to keep their employees employed, and the employees, who are working in
uncertain and difficult conditions; and Morton Grove residents, for their patience, courage, and
commitment to help each other and maintain community spirit. He also thanked everyone's
family as they support each during this pandemic, and offered condolences to all those who
have lost a family member during this time. Mayor DiMaria reiterated that we will all get through
this together.
7. Mayor DiMaria announced a school supply drive, sponsored by Niles Township. Through
August 1, people are asked to drop off school supplies at the Niles Township Food Pantry,
8341 N. Lockwood Avenue, in Skokie. Supplies needed include backpacks, liquid glue; folders,
binders, pencil cases, pens and pencils, rulers, scissors, calculators, markers, dry erase mark-
ers, headphones, styluses, crayons, glue sticks, spiral notebooks, post -its, Ziproc bags, tissues,
paper towels, and Clorox wipes. He said it would be great if, when people are shopping for
school supplies for their own children, they would buy an extra set of supplies and drop them off
at the township.
XII. CLERK'S REPORT
Clerk Harford had no report this evening.
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Minutes of July 27, 2020 Board Meetin
XIII.
STAFF REPORTS
A. Village Administrator:
Mr. Czerwinski noted that there have been several inquiries regarding Block Parties. He said
that Block Parties are provided under Phase 4 (with restrictions), and said the application for a
Block Party permit is on the Village's website. The application has been modified to provide
COVID guidance. Public Works will provide barricades.
B. Corporation Counsel:
Corporation Counsel Liston had no report this evening.
XIV. TRUSTEES` REPORTS
A. Trustee Grear:
1. Trustee Grear presented Ordinance 20-14, Approving a Special Use Permit to AIIow a
Restaurant with a Drive -Through Facility at 8840 Waukegan Road, Morton Grove, Illinois.
This is the second reading of this Ordinance.
Trustee Grear said this Ordinance would approve a restaurant with a drive-through facility at
8840 Waukegan Road. It will be owned and developed by Ampler Development and operated by
Taco Bell. The 1,778 square foot restaurant will provide 15 off-street parking spaces, exceeding
the minimum required by Village Code by 4 spaces. On June 1, the Appearance Commission
approved an Appearance Certificate for the development and recommended approval of the
project. On June 4, the Traffic Safety Commission also recommended approval, with comments.
On June 15, the Plan Commission reviewed the application and unanimously recommended
approval of the Special Use Permit, with conditions related to restaurant operations.
Trustee Grear moved to adopt Ordinance 20-14, seconded by Trustee Witko.
Motion passes: 6 ayes, 0 nays.
Tr. Grear aye Tr. Minx ave Tr. Ramos aye
Tr. Thill ,awe Tr. Travis aye, Tr. Witko aye
2. Next, Trustee Grear presented Ordinance 20-15, Amending Title 6, Chapter 4 and Title 1,
Chapter 11 of the Municipal Code to Establish a Pilot Program to AIIow for the Keeping of
Hen Chickens Within the Village.
This is the second reading of this Ordinance.
a. Trustee Grear explained that this will update the Village's municipal code to establish a two-year
pilot program (from September 2020 to August 31, 2022) to allow for up to 25 households to keep
hen chickens on their property, subject to certain conditions and restrictions. This is in response
to requests from residents in recent years asking to be allowed to keep hen chickens on their
residential property.
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XIV.
TRUSTEES' REPORTS (continued)
Minutes of July 27, 2020 Board Meetin
A. Trustee Grear: (continued)
b. Staff conducted research on this issue and found that the keeping of chickens could actually
attract rats, create odors, noise, attract predators, and resultant abandonment of chickens in local
parks or forest preserves. Data was also recently published by the Centers for Disease Control
whereby the largest recorded number of people becoming sick from salmonella in 2019 was after
contact with backyard poultry.
c. Staff also found several surrounding communities have recently amended their Codes to allow
for the keeping of chickens wherein they believe the public health and nuisance concerns can
be managed and mitigated through regulations governing setback requirements, enclosure
specifications, and the sanitation of chicken enclosures. Instituting this two-year pilot program
would allow for up to 25 households to keep no more than four (4) hen chickens only—no
roosters—on their property, and at the conclusion of the pilot program, evaluation of these
restrictions or other regulations will continue for the humane keeping of hen chickens on private
residential property. Evaluations will also be done regarding health risks, nuisances, and/or
general hazards which may impact the community at large.
Trustee Grear moved, seconded by Trustee Minx, to adopt Ordinance 20-15.
d. Trustee Thill commented that he had gone to the Glenview Farmers' Market at Wagner Farms.
Chickens are raised there and fresh eggs are sold at the Market. He said he has a problem with
this pilot program in that no one he has spoken with has given him any positive feedback about it.
e. Trustee Minx moved to amend Ordinance 20-15 by adding a provision stating that prior written
permission from neighbors on either side of the Applicant must be received prior to a permit
being issued. Mayor DiMaria said his recommendation was to say "adjacent neighbors" but he
understood what Trustee Minx meant. Trustee Witko seconded the motion.
f. Trustee Grear said, "So if I live in the middle of the block, I only have to get permission from the
neighbors on either side of me?" Mayor DiMaria said he thought it would be any neighbors whose
property abutted Trustee Grear's property. Trustee Grear pointed out that there's an alley behind
his house, and wondered if that meant the people on the other side of the alley would have to
give permission as well. He added that he was uncomfortable amending the Ordinance on short
notice like this, especially since the Board has been reviewing it for at least a month.
Mayor DiMaria called for the vote on the motion to amend Ordinance 20-15.
Motion passes: 4 ayes, 2 nays.
Tr. Grear nay Tr. Minx aye Tr. Ramos nay
Tr. Thill aye Tr. Travis aye Tr. Witko aye
Mayor DiMaria asked if there was any further discussion on Ordinance 20-15, as amended.
g. Trustee Witko said she had really thought about this and wanted to explain why she was not in
favor of establishing a pilot program to raise chickens. She said Morton Grove is a non -rural
suburb consisting primarily of small lots. Most lots are too small for the condition of one
resident's yard not affect his/her neighbors. She said that probably many people have been
annoyed by a neighbor's barking dog, even if the barking is coming from inside the neighbor's
house; or have been annoyed by a neighbor not taking care of his/her lawn, or by a neighbor
allowing his/her weeds to creep into their yard.
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Minutes of Jul
XIV.
TRUSTEES' REPORTS (continued)
A. Trustee Grear: (continued)
h. Trustee Witko opined that opening the Village's Code to allow livestock was a "slippery slope"
and not suited for a suburb like Morton Grove. She said that audible clucking, smelly waste,
rodents, and coyotes and other predators also factor into her decision. She asked about what
happens to these hens when they're done laying eggs. Hens lay eggs for 2-3 years, but live for
8-12 years. Another thing she considered was the fact that hens lay eggs when daylight lasts for
14-16 hours a day. Our winters average 10 hours of daylight a day. This means that artificial
daylight would need to be created, using incandescent or fluorescent bulbs. Trustee Witko said a
potentially six-foot tall lit -up coop 20 feet away from someone's home will definitely have an
impact on that person. She said she has too many questions and concerns at this time to support
this program.
There being no further discussion, Mayor DiMaria called for the vote on Ordinance 20-16, as
amended.
Motion fails: 2 ayes, 4 nays.
Tr. Grear m Tr. Minx at Tr. Ramos
Tr. Thili nay Tr. Travis nay Tr. Witko nay
B. Trustee Minx:
a.
Trustee Minx presented Ordinance 20-16, Amending Title 2 of the Municipal Code Entitled
"Boards and Commissions" to Delete Chapter 11 and Replace Chapter 2 to Create the
Environment and Natural Resources Commission.
This is the second reading of this Ordinance.
Trustee Minx explained that this Ordinance will approve the amendment of the Village of Morton
Grove Code to replace the Board of Environmental Health and the Natural Resource Commission
to establish a new Environment and Natural Resources Commission. The intent and purpose of
this new commission is to improve, preserve, protect, and promote the public's health, safety,
and welfare as it relates to the conservation, preservation improvement, and protect of the
environment and natural resources of the Village.
Trustee Minx moved, seconded by Trustee Grear, to adopt Ordinance 20-16.
Motion passes: 6 ayes, 0 nays.
Tr. Grear aye Tr. Minx aye Tr. Ramos aye
Tr. Thill awe Tr. Travis ave Tr. Witko ave
C. Trustee Ramos:
Trustee Ramos had no formal report this evening.
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Minutes of July 27, 2020 Board Meetln•
XIV.
D. Trustee Thill:
Trustee Thill had rao formal report this evening.
E. Trustee Travis:
TRUSTEES' REPORTS (continued)
1. Trustee Travis presented Resolution 20-33, Endorsing the Goals and Mission of the Early
Childhood Alliance.
She explained that this resolution formalizes the Village's support of the Early Childhood Alliance.
a. Trustee Travis said that shining a spotlight on early childhood has the potential to impact
the long-term outcomes of our community across the lifespan of generations to come.
Representatives from local school districts, the Morton Grove Public Library, community
agencies, local childcare centers, and family childcare providers have identified the development
of a collaborative initiative known as the Early Childhood Alliance.
b. The Early Childhood Alliance is an organization whose mission is to advocate and coordinate
comprehensive community based support for young children and their caregivers that promote
equity and honor, strengths and diversity as a key strategy for ensuring young children and
families of the Village have access to high-quality early learning opportunities.
Trustee Travis moved to approve Resolution 20-33, seconded by Trustee Witko.
c. Trustee Thill asked how long the Early Childhood Alliance has been around and if it has a proven
track record.
d.
e.
f.
Mr. Czerwinski said that he is familiar with the organization on a national and regional basis.
It has a track record of about 5-7 years, but not in this area. Skokie, Evanston, Niles, and
Lincolnwood are currently looking at it. The intent of this is to advocate with them and support
their federal and state grant applications.
Trustee Travis added that the Library informed her today they have a film available called "No
Small Matter." The filn-t introduced people to the Early Childhood Alliance and its goals. She said
it can be accessed using a library account on https://mgpl.canopy.com/video/no small matter.
Trustee Thill asked if that could be posted on Channel 6. Mr. Czerwinski said yes, and said he'd
get it in the Village newsletter as well.
Trustee Thill said he had read the materials and it was still unclear to him what this organization
does. Mr. Czerwinski said that, in the organization's charter, they list their goals and targets to
enhance educational opportunities for young children.
Mayor DiMaria called for the vote on Resolution 20-33.
Motion passes: 6 ayes, 0 nays.
Tr. Grear aye Tr. Minx aye Tr. Ramos ave
Tr. Thill aye Tr. Travis aye Tr. Witko afire
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Minutes of Jul 7 + 1 = • - • _ =tin •
XIV.
TRUSTEES' REPORTS (continued)
F. Trustee Witko:
1. Trustee Witko presented Resolution 20-34, Authorizing the Execution of a Service Contract
Extension with Precision Pavement Markings, Inc. For the 2020 Pavement Marking
Program.
a.
b.
She explained that the Village has participated in a cooperative purchasing program for pave-
ment marking services since 2012. The work is subject to the requirements of the Prevailing
Wage Act. The Village of Wilmette procured these services on behalf of 11 communities in 2019.
The contract reserves the right for each community to extend the term of the contract in 2020 and
2021, and also allows up to a two percent price increase for the contractor.
Resolution 19-21 awarded the contract to Precision Pavement Markings, Inc. They have provided
pavement marking services to the Village since 2012 and have performed satisfactorily. The con-
tractor has requested a two percent increase to cover their additional costs. Village staff supports
this request. The additional cost in the unit prices can be offset by completing a nominally re-
duced amount of work. The value of this contract is $30,000.
Trustee Witko moved to approve Resolution 20-34, seconded by Trustee Minx.
Motion passes: 6 ayes, 0 nays.
Tr. Greerafire Tr. Minx Tr. Ramos ave
Tr. Thiil aye Tr. Travis aye Tr. Witko awe
XV. OTHER BUSINESS
Mayor DiMaria noted that being a police officer these days is harder than ever, so he wanted to
read a letter of commendation he had received from resident Eric Poders.
Mr. Poders' fetter singled out a police officer who did something that made Mr. Poders truly
appreciate the Morton Grove Police Department. He said the police officer was on a street
designated for street sweeping that day and was in position to write tickets for vehicles parked in
places where they shouldn't be. The officer started running the license plate on the first vehicle,
then got out of his car, not to write a ticket, but to ring the doorbell of the resident who owned it.
This was a courtesy that gives residents one last chance before dealing with the cumbersome
and tedious adjudication process. Mr, Poders said this small gesture enables residents to know
that the MGPD is out there for them, not just for revenue. He confirmed with the officer that he
was, in fact, providing a courtesy, and thanked him for it.
Mayor DiMaria said he appreciated Mr. Poders reaching out and giving the Police Department
a "pat on the back." The mayor added that he is always proud of the department, and when
residents call it out, that makes it so much better.
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Minutes of Jul 27, 2020 Board Meetin.
XVI.
XVII.
1.
WARRANTS
Trustee Minx presented the Warrant Register for July 27, 2020 in the amount of $355,695.78.
She moved to approve the Warrant Register as presented, seconded by Trustee Travis.
Motion passes: 6 ayes, 0 nays.
Tr. Grear aye Tr. Minx a Tr. Ramos aye
Tr. Thillafire Tr. Travis ays Tr. Witko ave
RESIDENTS' COMMENTS
Eric Poders from the northwest corridor: Mr. Poders said that, in 2003, he started an entity
called "The Horseman's Voice." It focused on shutting down horse slaughter plants, and he was
proud to say that, in the U.S., all such plants have been successfully shut down. People then
started transporting horses to Canada. Mr. Poders said he had also communicated with a U.S.
Representative, trying to get a quarter of a million dollars in financing. He also worked with a
company called Small Business Labs. This took a few years, and in the interim, changes were
made in the horseracing industry.
a. Mr. Poders said he also started the Morton Grove Voice, which gave rise to the North Shore
Voice, an online publication serving 35 communities. He said he is currently working on cleaning
up Evanston's beaches, and in fact, has started with Lighthouse Beach, where the current
Evanston mayor lives.
b.
Mr. Poders said he had an idea for The Horseman's Voice to serve as an international portal for
harness racing, and he is currently working with a gentleman in New Zealand, trying to change
the entire industry, not just harness racing. Near the end of 2007, he started speaking with a
Grant Coordinator and sent him communications which Mr. Poders now wants to make public.
The communications include a letter from Mr. Poders dated January 15, 2008; a response dated
January 17, 2008, outlining grant opportunities; various business cards, grant applications, and
tax-exempt status applications. After speaking with several federal agencies, he was advised to
contact his local police department.
c. Two years ago, the then -Chair of the Economic Development Commission approached him and
was asking about funding regarding The Horseman's Voice. He said he'd like to say to Mr. D.,
"We did it; we won the war, and we did it without any outside funding." Mr. Poders said he was
making all the communications public and thanked the Board for the opportunity to speak.
2. Rudolf Vilk appeared before the Board and said he hopes everyone has read the notice he
provided to everyone. He is waiting for answers. He complained about Corporation Counsel
Liston and said she told him the Village can't investigate his case because he's suing the Village,
when in reality, he felt the Village is suing him, or it's because he's appealing the Village's
findings.
a.
Mr. Vilk asked the Mayor to direct the Village Administrator and Corporation Counsel to respond
to Mr. Vilk's questions. Many of the questions are regarding the rules of the Village. He said he
would like the Mayor to address his comments in "Residents' Comments," even if just to say,
"No, you're wrong, and here's why." Good or bad, Mr. Vilk just wanted a response in person.
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XV! I.
Minutes of Jul 7
RESIDENTS' COMMENTS (continued)
Mr. Czerwinski said he had three additional comments that had been emailed to him for this
meeting.
3. First, from Andrew Hoffman, 6023 S. Park Avenue.
Mr. Hoffman had two questions: He asked if the meeting time and/or day for the Environment
and Natural Resources Commission could be changed if there ends up being a more convenient
time to meet for the whole commission. He said that he's very interested in serving on the
commission but would not be able to make meetings if they were scheduled earlier than
7:00 p.m. due to his work schedule.
a.
Mr. Hoffman's second question alluded to the Village's tree policy. He noted that a number of
mature trees have been cut down, leaving many streets in the Village looking impoverished and
blighted. He asked if the tree policy could be changed to emphasize the survival of mature trees.
In particular, he was seeking a requirement stating that, for every tree taken down, another tree
(or possibly two, if there's room) replace it, rather than just leaving it up to the property owner.
4. Next, from JoAnn M. Rapp, 8922 N. Mango Avenue.
Ms. Rapp said that in the background statement of Ordinance 20-16, page 1, the first function
of the new Environment and Natural Resources Commission is stated to be "to review and
provide input for the Village's sustainability plan." She said she would like to read the Village's
sustainability plan, but couldn't find it anywhere on the Village's website, and wondered where
she could find it.
5. Lastly, from Mary Elsner, 9342 Ozanam Avenue.
Ms. Elsner had several questions. She wanted to know, regarding reducing economic and
social hardships inflicted by the pandemic, what steps the Village is taking to support struggling
Morton Grove residents, including children, with Village -related financial obligations, such as
water bills, sticker fees, etc. She also asked if a Village social worker was available to help
residents experiencing financial (including housing foreclosures and evictions) and other
hardships, Ms. Elsner also inquired how the Village would ensure that any such Village support
would be better publicized.
Mayor DiMaria thanked everyone who had provided comments and questions, and indicated that
Mr. Czerwinski or other Village staff would get back to each of them.
XVIII. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business before the Board, Trustee Minx moved to adjourn the meeting,
seconded by Trustee Witko.
Motion passes: 6 ayes, 0 nays.
Tr. Grear ave Tr. Minx acre Tr. Ramos aye
Tr. Thill a Tr. Travis aye Tr. Witko aye
The meeting adjourned at 7:38 p.m.
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PASSED this 10th day of August, 2020.
Trustee Grear
Trustee Minx
Trustee Ramos
Trustee Thill
Trustee Travis
Trustee Witko
APPROVED by me this 10th day of August, 2020,
Daniel P. DiMaria, Village President
Board of Trustees, Morton Grove, Illinois
APPROVED and FILED in my office this 11th day of August, 2020.
'Eileen Scanlon Harford, Village Clerk
Village of Morton Grove, Cook County, Illinois
Minutes of July 27, 2020 Board Meeting
Minutes by Teresa Cou5ar
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