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HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-27-2020 ApprovedMINUTES 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 27, 2020 CALL TO ORDER I — Village President Dan DiMaria convened the Regular Meeting of the Village Board at 7:00 p.m. in V. 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. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Trustee Minx moved to accept the Minutes of the Regular Board Meeting of January 13, 2020 as presented, seconded by Trustee Ramos. Motion passed unanimously via voice vote. Vll. VIII. SPECIAL REPORTS NONE IX. PUBLIC HEARINGS NONE X. RESIDENTS' COMMENTS (Agenda Items Only) NONE XI. PRESIDENT'S REPORT 1. Mayor DiMaria noted that census results have an impact on planning and funding for the Village and regional concerns ranging from health clinics to highways, from emergency response to educational programs such as Head Start and college tuition assistance, and much more. The 2020 Census marks the first time people will be able to respond online in addition to responding by phone or mail. Answers provided are used only to produce statistics and are kept anonymous. The Census Bureau is not allowed to publicly release your responses in any way that could identify you or anyone in your home. Minutes of January 27, 2020 Board Mooting XI. PRESIDENT'S REPORT (continued) a. Mayor DiMaria gave an overview of the 2020 Census timeline: In mid-March, homes across the country will begin receiving invitations to complete the Census. On April 1, Census Day is observed nationwide, and by this date, every home should have received an invitation to complete the Census. Throughout April, Census takers will begin visiting college students who live on campus, people living in senior centers, and others who live among large groups of people. In May and July, Census takers will begin visiting homes that haven't responded to the 2020 Census to help ensure that everyone is counted. b. The mayor asked everyone to remember that the 2020 Census is more than a population count. It's an opportunity to shape the future of our community. He said, "It's vital to make sure all who are living in Morton Grove are counted." He pledged to complete the 2020 Census and challenged all residents to do the same. 2. Mayor DiMaria announced that PACE is contemplating changes in its bus routes, one of which will affect Morton Grove. Route 210 is a PACE route running through the Village; it connects Glenbrook Hospital to Lincolnwood Town Center with stops down Waukegan, across Dempster, down Ferris, and along Lincoln Avenue. PACE is proposing to discontinue this route. Anyone who'd like to weigh in on this is invited to attend any of six public hearings occurring on January 30 and 31; February 3, 5, 11, and 18. Location and times of these events can be found at PaceBus.com or by calling PACE at 847-364-7223. 3. Mayor DiMaria stated that anyone interested in getting an up -close look at what the Police Department does is invited to sign up for the Citizens Police Academy, a 10 -week program designed to give participants an understanding of the operation of the MG Police Department and a working knowledge of what law enforcement is all about. Classes are held once a week, on Tuesday evenings, and are approximately two hours long (6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.). Classes are limited to 20 students, so anyone who is interested should register early. Register by calling Officers Jurasz or Lietz at 847-470-5200. The next session of the Citizens Police Academy begins on March 24 and ends on May 26. 4. Lastly, Mayor DiMaria said he had a personal shout -out to his niece, and said he was fairly confident that he is now the proud uncle of the last person actually born in Morton Grove! His great-niece arrived last Friday and was born in his niece's living room! The paramedics came quickly, and he thanked Lt. Kennedy, Paramedics Keenan, Durante, Wagner and Engineer Arcangeletti. They assured the family that it was a healthy delivery, and took the baby and her parents to the hospital. XII. CLERK'S REPORT Clerk Harford announced that anyone interested in doing so can apply online for a mail ballot application for the upcoming Suburban Cook County Presidential Primary Election on March 17, 2020, or people can pick up paper copies of the mail ballot application at Village Hall. Both the paper applications and online applications must be completed and returned by Thursday, March 12, 2020. Paper applications should be returned to: Cook County Clerk's Office, Mail Voting Unit, 69 W. Washington Street, Room 500, Chicago, IL 60602. 2 Minutes of January 27, 2020 Board Meeting XIII. STAFF REPORTS A. Village Administrator: Mr. Czerwinski remarked, regarding the PACE bus route hearings, that PACE is looking to reduce the number of bus routes and wants to move to more of a "grid" pattern. PACE reports that ridership on the 210 bus has diminished significantly. Elimination of this bus route could impact Morton Grove and Skokie residents. Mr. Czerwinski said, "This won't happen in a vacuum," and encouraged concerned or impacted residents to attend the public hearings by say- ing, "Be active if you're interested." If this proposed bus route elimination goes through, it won't happen until August of 2020. B. Corporation Counsel: Corporation Counsel Liston had no report this evening. XIV. TRUSTEES' REPORTS A. Trustee Grear: 1. Trustee Grear presented Ordinance 20-01, An Ordinance Approving Text Amendments to Modify Selected Regulations Relating to Accessory Structures and Yards, Impermeable Lot Coverage in Residential Districts, and Fences. a. b. c. This is the second reading of this Ordinance. Trustee Grear explained that the Village's Unified Development Code currently regulates accessory structures through Sections 12-2-5 and 12-2-6; however, the Village has requested text amendments to those sections to provide better control over accessory structures, including temporary structures. .The amendments will also improve clarity for Code users and administrators and provide property owners with greater flexibility by permitting "common" attached accessory structures currently not included in the Code. The amendments to accessory structure regulations will reduce impermeable lot coverage by clarifying coverage restrictions and providing greater site control over at -grade structures, such as driveways and sidewalks. Impermeable surfaces directly affect the volume and quality of water runoff from a site, with greater impermeable coverage resulting in higher volume and lower quality runoff. Greater control over impermeable surface coverage will improve the Village's ability to preserve stormwater infrastructure, improve the quality of storm water runoff, reduce flooding, and protect adjacent properties. At the request of the Plan Commission, an overall impermeable lot coverage restriction for residentially zoned property was added to the proposed text amendment. Revisions to the Fencing section of the Code will provide greater flexibility in fence height and style for properties with street side yards, while maintaining the look and feel of open yards along the streetscape. The revisions are in response to a relatively high number of variation requests. A proposed requirement for sight line triangles at all vehicular intersections, and not just within street side yards, will improve pedestrian and vehicular safety across the Village. 3 Minutes of January 27, 2020 Board Meeting XIV. A. Trustee Grear: (continued) Trustee Grear moved to adopt Ordinance 20-01, seconded by Trustee Minx. Motion passed: 6 ayes, 0 nays. TRUSTEES' REPORTS (continued) Tr. Grear aye Tr. Minx aye Tr. Ramos aye-, Tr. Thiil aye Tr. Travis aye Tr. Witko ayre 2. Next, Trustee Grear presented Ordinance 20-02, Approving a Special Use Permit for Auto- motive Repair (Oil Change, Tires, Brakes, Auto Glass, Other Mechanical items Only) at 6100 Dempster Street, Morton Grove, Illinois. a. b. This is the second reading of this Ordinance. Trustee Grear said that the Applicant is proposing operation of an automotive repair facility named ProAuto, which will be operated by H & S Enterprises, LLC. The owners of MTS Invest- ments, LLC are joint owners of H & S Enterprises, LLC. ProAuto is a new business with no existing locations. The business will operate with 2 staff members initially but plans to increase employment to 5 staff members over time. Under the Special Use Permit, ProAuto will be limited to mechanical repairs only, as automotive body repair is a prohibited use in the C1 District. Hours of operation will be from 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, and on Saturdays by appointment only. Trustee Grear noted that the Traffic Safety Commission had, at its December meeting, unanimously recommended approval of this application. Review by the Appearance Commission was not required, as exterior modifications were not included in the Special Use application. The Plan Commission, at its December meeting, reviewed the application and supporting documents and heard testimony on this matter, and unanimously (with two absent) voted to recommend approval of this application, with conditions. Trustee Grear moved, seconded by Trustee Witko, to adopt Ordinance 20-02. Motion passed: 6 ayes, 0 nays. Tr. Grear Tr. Thill Tr. Minx Tr. Travis gys gye Tr. Ramos Tr. Witko Eye i c. Trustee Grear thanked and applauded the Traffic Safety and Plan Commissions, and welcomed the Applicant, present this evening, to Morton Grove, saying "We're glad you're going to be part of our community." Trustee Thill echoed that sentiment, as did Mayor DiMaria, who thanked the Applicant for choosing to do business in Morton Grove. 3. Trustee Grear then presented for a first reading Ordinance 20-04, Amending Title 6, Chapter 7; Title 4, Chapter 3, Section 5; Title 1, Chapter 4, Section 2; and Title 5, Chapter 1, Section 3 of the Village of Morton Grove Municipal Code Relative to the Use and Distribution of Cannabis and Cannabis Products. 4 Minutes of January 27, 2020 Board Meeting XIV. A. Trustee Grear: (continued) TRUSTEES' REPORTS (continued) a. Trustee Grear explained that, in order to comply with the State of Illinois Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act, which allows individuals over age 21 to lawfully possess and consume cannabis (subject to limitations), the Police Department has reviewed the Village's Code and has recom- mended several amendments to it. These changes including deleting broad prohibitions relating to the possession of cannabis and cannabis paraphernalia by persons aver age 21; incorporating by reference the Illinois Cannabis Control Act, the Illinois Compassionate Use of Medical Cannabis Program Act, and the Illinois Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act; establishing fees in the event the Village allows Cannabis Business Establishments in the future; establishing fines for cannabis related violations; and amending Village Code provisions for administrative towing and impounding of vehicles to include felony possession of cannabis. Trustee Grear said that, as this is the first reading of this Ordinance, no action will be taken this evening. B. Trustee Minx: Trustee Minx had no report this evening. C. Trustee Ramos: Trustee Ramos had no report this evening. D. Trustee Thill: Trustee Thill had no report this evening. E. Trustee Travis: 1. Trustee Travis said that the Village's Winter Photo Contest, sponsored by the Community Relations Commission, started January 1 and runs through March 31. There is no specific theme for this contest. She encouraged all Morton Grove residents to submit up to five entries. Photos can be emailed between now and March 31 to CRC@mortongroveil.org, or dropped off or mailed to Village Hall. The winning photos will be announced at an April Village Board meeting and will be enlarged, framed, and displayed at Village Hall. 2. Trustee Travis said the Community Relations Commission is always looking for additional community -minded residents to join them. The Commission meets the second Tuesday of every month at 6:30 p.m. in the 2nd floor conference room at Village Hall. Anyone interested in joining the Commission should reach out to her or contact the Commission's chairperson, Arcelia Pimentel. 5 Minutes of January 27, 2020 Board Meeting XIV. TRUSTEES' REPORTS (continued) F. Trustee Witko: 1. a. b. c. Trustee Witko presented Ordinance 20-03, Amending Title 8, Chapter 3 of the Municipal Code Formerly Entitled "Plants and Weeds." This is the second reading of this Ordinance. Trustee Witko explained that this Ordinance will update the Village's Municipal Code to provide relevant regulations regarding weeds and grasses. She noted that, in recent years, the milkweed plant has gained attention from the public due to its exclusive relationship with and ability to attract the imperiled monarch butterfly. In 2017, the milk- weed plant was designated as the official state wildflower of the State of Illinois. The Village's definition of weeds, which was written over 50 years ago, still includes the milkweed plant, although the Village has no record of any citations issued to residents for growing milkweed plants. This Ordinance will update the relevant section of the Village's Code and will also update Code sections requiring owners and occupants of property to remove weeds and cut grass on their property as well as abutting public rights of way. Trustee Witko moved to adopt Ordinance 20-03, seconded by Trustee Travis. Motion passed: 6 ayes, 0 nays. Tr. Grear Tr. Minx Tr. Thill ave. Tr. Travis ave Tr. Ramos ave Tr. Witko aye 2. Next, Trustee Witko presented Resolution 20-02, Authorizing the Execution of a Contract With G&L Contractors, Inc. For the 2020 Material Hauling Program. a. She explained that the material hauling program is necessary to haul and dispose of construction/demolition debris, street sweepings, and tree stump grindings, as well as to transport and furnish sand and stone material for the Village. b. The Village annually contracts with a material hauling contractor to assist in the hauling of materials to and from the Public Works facility. This contract was bid through a public process in accordance with Village requirements. The contract was advertised, and three sealed bids were received. The low bidder is G&L Contractors, Inc. G&L has successfully provided services for this program several times in the past and has expressed their full commitment to this contract. c. The estimated contract value is $271,700, but, as this is a unit price contract, the final contract amount will be based upon the actual quantity of work performed. Trustee Witko moved, seconded by Trustee Travis, to approve Resolution 20-02. Motion passed: 6 ayes, 0 nays. Tr. Grear Tr. Thill Eys Tr. Minx Tr. Travis Evi Tr. Ramos Tr. Witko 6 Minutes of January 27, 2020 Board Meeting XIV. F. Trustee Witko: (continued) TRUSTEES' REPORTS (continued) 3. Trustee Witko then introduced for a first reading Ordinance 20-05, Amending Title 5, Chapter 13, Article A, Section 2 Entitled "Two -Way Stop Intersections" of the Municipal Code of the Village of Morton Grove. She explained that a resident had contacted the Village, requesting that two-way stop signs be installed on Sayre Avenue at Beckwith Road. Village staff and the Traffic Safety Commission support this request. a. Trustee Witko noted that, as this is the first reading of this Ordinance, no action will be taken tonight. 4. Next, Trustee Witko brought forward for a first reading Ordinance 20-06, Amending Title 5, Chapter 13, Article D Entitled "No Entry Streets;" Title 5, Chapter 13, Article F Entitled "Parking Restriction Streets;" Title 5, Chapter 13, Article J Entitled "Turn Restriction Streets;" and Title 5, Chapter 13, Article M Entitled "Traffic Schedules" of the Municipal Code of the Village of Morton Grove. a. She explained that Edison School had made significant site improvements in 2018 which eliminate buses staging, standing, and parking on Village streets for the pick-up and delivery of students. Village officials worked with school officials about safety concerns they have on public streets with the new site circulation. Experimental regulations were implemented in August 2019 and were evaluated after several months to determine if they should be made permanent. Feedback was solicited from the public through the website, social media, and direct mail. b. The Traffic Safety Commission reviewed the matter at their January meeting and recommended making the temporary regulations permanent. This includes making parking restrictions on Central Avenue to eliminate bus parking and adding time restrictions for parking on Central Avenue. The regulations in this Ordinance are intended to prevent traffic during drop-off and pick-up times from entering Monroe Street westbound from Gross Point Road and Linder Ave- nue, prohibit left turns from southbound Central Avenue into Edison School's northwest entrance, restrict parking near Edison School's Central Avenue entrance, and amend several bus parking zones adjacent to the school. Trustee Witko said that, as this is the first reading of this Ordinance, no action will be taken this evening. XV. OTHER BUSINESS 1. Trustee Grear commented that, this past Saturday, he had attended the Northwest Municipal Conference's luncheon. He noted that Mayor DiMaria is the President of the NWMC, which represents over 40 neighboring communities. Trustee Grear said Morton Grovers should be proud that their mayor is being a leader in the region, and he thanked Mayor DiMaria for his leadership. 7 Minutes of January 27, 2020 Board Meeting XVI. WARRANTS Trustee Minx presented the Warrant Register for January 27, 2020 in the amount of $1,716,922.96. She moved that the Warrants be approved as presented, seconded by Trustee Thill. Motion passed: 6 ayes, 0 nays. Tr. Grear Tr. Trillgyg ave Tr. Minx Tr. Travis Em gyl Tr. Ramos Tr. Witko HI XVII. RESIDENTS' COMMENTS Eric Poders from the northwest corridor commended the Board and staff for all the time they spend at meetings. He said he has big issues with Amazon's delivery service personnel; they use his driveway to turn around; they speed; they are ignorant of the Village's streets; and one Amazon delivery truck even stopped in the middle of the street (Beckwith Road) in order to make a delivery. Mr. Poders encouraged other residents who are dismayed by the actions of Amazon drivers to take pictures, if possible, and send the pictures and their comments to contactRmortongroveil.oro. He noted that Amazon hires private contractors and is known for having a high turnover, so it's no surprise that Amazon's drivers aren't familiar with Village streets. They definitely don't follow routes previously set up by the former Public Works Director. Mr. Poders said he has approached an Amazon manager to no avail, but said he'd go all the way to Jeff Bezos if needs be. XVIII. Rudy Vilk said he wanted to "refresh the Mayor's memory" and remind him that he is ultimately responsible for everything in the Village. He said he was still awaiting a response to his letter and comments. Mr. Vilk said he wanted to have a response from the Mayor, not the Village Administrator, and, at that, he said he has only received one letter from the administrator. He wanted to know why the Village's inspector got fired and wanted an answer to all his comments. He said it's been ten months and he could not understand why no one was talking to him. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business before the Board, Trustee Minx moved to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Trustee Thill. Motion passed unanimously via voice vote. The meeting adjourned at 7:29 p.m. 8 Minutes of January 27, 2020 Board Meeting PASSED this 10th day of February, 2020. Trustee Grear Trustee Minx Trustee Ramos Trustee Thill Trustee Travis Trustee Witko APPRO'r + . •re this 1. h da of February, 2020. Daniel P. DiMaria, Village Presiden Board of Trustees, Morton Grove, Illinois APPROVED and FILED in my office this llth day of February, 2020. �'L/&L- '>Y `�''"✓ L 44.1 Eileen Scanlon Harford, Village Clerk Village of Morton Grove, Cook County, Illinois Minutes by Teresa Causal. 9