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HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-12-2020 ApprovedMINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE PRESIDENT AND THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE VILLAGE OF MORTON GROVE RICHARD T. FLICKINGER MUNICIPAL CENTER OCTOBER 12, 2020 CALL TO ORDER I. Village President Dan DiMaria convened the Regular Meeting of the Village Board at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers of Village Hall and led the assemblage in the Pledge of Allegiance. II. Village Clerk Eileen Harford called the roll. Present were: Trustees Bill Grear, Rita Minx, Ed Ramos, John Thill, Connie Travis, and Janine Witko. III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Trustee Minx moved to accept the Minutes of the Regular Board Meeting of September 28, 2020 as presented, seconded by Trustee Ramos. Trustee Minx noted two corrections under President's Report", paragraph #2. Mayor DiMaria was written as "Maria DiMaria" and Governor Pritzker was referred to as Mayor Pritzker. (These Minutes have subsequently been corrected.) With these two corrections, the motion to approve the Minutes of the September 28, 2020 Board Meeting passed unanimously via voice vote. 2. Next, Trustee Minx moved to accept the Minutes of the 2021 Budget Workshop held on October 5, 2020 as presented. Trustee Witko seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously via voice vote. 3. Lastly, Trustee Minx moved to accept the Minutes of the 2021 Budget Workshop held on October 6, 2020 as presented. Trustee Ramos seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously via voice vote. IV. SPECIAL REPORTS NONE V. PUBLIC HEARINGS NONE VI. PLAN COMMISSION REPORTS NONE Minutes of October 12,2020 Board Meeting VII. RESIDENTS' COMMENTS (Agenda Items Only) NONE VIII. PRESIDENT'S REPORT 1. Mayor DiMaria stated, as previously indicated, the 2020 Census deadline has been re- established as October 31, 2020. He said it is estimated that every person counted in the census represents $13,500 in resources going back to a community over the next 10 years, making an accurate census for Morton Grove very important. Once the 2020 Census is completed, the data is fixed for the next ten years. Mayor DiMaria reminded residents that all census information is kept confidential and encouraged everyone to make every effort to respond to the census questionnaire as soon as possible. 2. Mayor DiMaria announced the Village's Halloween hours, which are from 3:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 31. He noted the CDC has declared typical door-to-door trick or treating a high-risk activity during the current COVID pandemic. The Village strongly discourages traditional trick or treating. Neither the State of Illinois, Cook County, nor the Village is outright banning trick or treating, but is strongly recommending safer, alternative ways to celebrate the holiday, such as at-home family activities and celebrating virtually. If you choose to participate in trick or treating by distributing treats, leave your front porch or entry light on. If you do not want trick or treaters coming to your house, keep your lights off from 3:30 to 7:00 p.m. The Village's website and social media will provide additional details, as will the Village Administrator under his report. Mayor DiMaria encouraged everyone to be a good neighbor and be safe. 3. Mayor DiMaria noted that the 9th Community Artist Performance is scheduled for Saturday, October 24 at 4:00 p.m., on Zoom and via Livestream. The theme is "We Create —Celebrate," because COVID does not stop people from being creative. Special thanks to Identity Performing Arts and Ginny Ching Lin-Lo for producing this free, all-volunteer event. 4. Mayor DiMaria commented that the final French Market (which replaced the Farmers' Market) will take place this Saturday, October 24, from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. He thanked all the residents who supported this program. 5. Mayor DiMaria encouraged everyone to continue to patronize local businesses and restaurants during these unprecedented times, noting these entities need us now more than ever, as we're fast approaching the time when outdoor dining will no longer be possible. The mayor urged all of us to continue to follow some simple safety measures to fight COVID-19 by remembering the three W's: .Watch your distance; remain at least 6 feet away from those outside your immediate household; Wear face coverings any time social distancing is not possible—especially indoors, and Wash your hands often and for a minimum of 20 seconds each time. Wash with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. The latest guidance from the Illinois Department of Public Health and the CDC says that simple, everyday actions can help prevent the spread of COVID-19 and other illnesses. Mayor DiMaria said, if the pandemic was an NFL game, he feels we're about at half time now. Most games are won in the 4th quarter—very few are won in the second or third quarter. He encouraged everyone to stay strong and finish the fourth quarter, so that by summer of next year, we'll have more normalcy in our lives. 2 Minutes of October 12,2020 Board Meeting IX.CLERK'S REPORT 1. Clerk Harford announced that there are three ways to cast a ballot in suburban Cook County for the 2020 Presidential Election—by early voting, voting by mail, or voting on Election Day at your local polling place. a. For the November 3, 2020 Presidential Election, traditional early voting will take place from October 19 through November 2. Voters who participate in early voting must vote in person. Voters can vote at any early voting location, including Niles Village Hall, Skokie Village Hall, and the 2nd District Courthouse. b. For voting by mail, any registered suburban Cook County voter with a driver's license, state ID, or social security number on file may request a mail ballot using an online or paper application. Applications will be accepted through October 29. Ballots must be postmarked by Election Day November 3) in order to be counted. c. Registered suburban Cook County voters can only vote in their home precinct on Election Day. Residents who are not registered to vote may register and cast a ballot on Election Day, thanks to same-day registration and voting. Those who wish to register on Election Day must present two qualifying forms of ID. Registered and unregistered Cook County residents can find their assigned polling place by calling the Village or by visiting cookcountyclerk.com. X. STAFF REPORTS A. Village Administrator: 1. Mr. Czerwinski said he wanted to reiterate the Mayor's comments on Halloween, as the Village has been receiving inquiries. He said the Village had received some guidance earlier in the month and had immediately posted it on the website. Late last week, the Village received enhanced information from the Illinois Department of Public Health and will now show the updated information on its website. a. Mr. Czerwinski said Morton Grove strongly discourages traditional trick or treating. It is considered a high risk activity for spreading COVID 19 and other viruses. A number of low-risk alternative activities can be found on the Village's website. Mr. Czerwinski said the Village has designated Halloween trick or treat hours on Saturday, October 31, between 3:30 and 7:00 p.m. He noted, as the Mayor had mentioned, that people who turn their porch lights on are, by so doing, indicating that they are participating in Halloween trick or treating. If the porch lights are off, they are not participating. Mr. Czerwinski said, per the guidelines from the CDC and the Illinois Department of Public Health, you should not participate in trick or treating if your or a member of your family is not feeling well, or has recently returned from a "hot spot" state. Also don't participate if you're waiting for COVID-19 test results, if you know that you have been exposed to COVID-19, or if you are at increased risk for severe illness. b. Mr. Czerwinski noted that people should consider giving out individually packaged treat bags rather than having a communal candy bowl, which should be avoided. Those preparing goodie or treat bags should wash their hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds before preparing the bags. People should consider waiting on their lawn or driveway to give out Halloween treats, and should wear a face covering and gloves when dropping candy into trick or treat containers. 11 Those going door to door should also wear face coverings. He noted that a Halloween costume mask is not a substitute for a cloth mask unless it is made of two or more layers of breathable fabric that covers the mouth and nose. 3 Minutes of October 12,2020 Board Meeting X. STAFF REPORTS (continued) A. Village Administrator: (continued c. Lastly, Mr. Czerwinski said that trick or treating groups should be limited to 6 people. People should stick with their group. Each group should maintain a safe distance from other groups and wait to approach a house until the previous group has left. He added that all of this information will be posted on the Village's website and social media. Mr. Czerwinski said the Village is taking this seriously and urged everyone to use caution. 2. Mr. Czerwinski also encouraged people to support local restaurants. He said that currently all Village departments are reviewing outdoor dining capabilities—the Village had previously provided guidance for summer tent outdoor dining and now is preparing outdoor dining options for the winter months, because hopefully people will still want to dine out at their favorite restaurants, and the Village wants the restaurants to survive. But the Village wants to ensure that winter outdoor dining has proper entering and exiting in place, proper signage, and proper heating techniques. He noted that proper seating distance between patrons will also be monitored, just as they are for dining inside establishments. B. Corporation Counsel: Corporation Counsel Liston had no report this evening. Xl. TRUSTEES' REPORTS A. Trustee Grear: Trustee Grear had no report 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. 4 Minutes of October 12,2020 Board Meeting Xl. TRUSTEES' REPORTS (continued) E. Trustee Travis: 1. Trustee Travis said tomorrow is the last day for the open call to artists to perform in the 9th Community Artist Performance, scheduled for Saturday, October 24 at 4:00 p.m. Any performers wishing to participate need to submit their performance before noon tomorrow, October 13, at www.identityperforminoarts.orq/project.aspx. The Community Artist Performance will be able to be viewed streaming live or via Zoom. Any questions can be emailed to oinny(a identityperformingarts.orq. a. Also, the Community Relations' fall photo contest is under way. The theme for this photo contest is "Morton Grove Strong." Up to five photos can be submitted. There is a link on the Village's website to upload your photos, or email them to crc(a mortongroveil.orq. F. Trustee Witko: 1. Trustee Witko presented Resolution 20-43, Authorization to Execute a Task Order With Ciorba Group, Inc. For Design Engineering Services for Emerson/Capri Sewer Separation Design. a. She explained that the Village is aware of street flooding and deteriorating pavement conditions on streets in the northeastern corner of the Village, principally Emerson Street and Capri Lane. Resolution 18-61 authorized a task order for Ciorba Group, Inc. to complete preliminary engineer- ing for a Capri-Emerson Sewer Separation Study Project to develop options for addressing the street flooding. The preliminary engineering estimates the project cost to exceed $5M. b. Trustee Witko said the Village is seeking to assemble funds from federal and regional sources, and Village staff believes completing the design engineering for sewer separation could improve its chances of success for obtaining outside funding and moving to construction. The pavement has deteriorated and is expected to need to be resurfaced within the next 3 years. The Village believes it is desirable to separate the sewers before resurfacing the street. Staff has developed a flexible approach to designing the sewer separation such that allows the sewer to be separated in a way that would let smaller, affordable segments of the system be constructed, if necessary, using only Village funds, or, if the Village is successful in obtaining outside funding, to construct the entire system. C. Trustee Witko said the cost to complete the design engineering for the Emerson/Capri Sewer Separation is $113,406.70. She moved, seconded by Trustee Minx, to approve Resolution 20-43. c. Trustee Grear asked Mr. Czerwinski if he has any "feel" for whether or not the Village will be successful in obtaining outside funding. e. Mr. Czerwinski responded, "If we don't have a shovel-ready design, we have much less of a chance to even get in line for grants and outside funding." He added that outside funding is never a guarantee, even though the Village's state and federal representatives know of the Village's interests. He said having the design engineering done first is a better process, because even if the Village receives less funding than is needed to complete the whole project, we will be able to construct segments of the system. He asked Village Engineer Chris Tomich if he wanted to add anything. 5 Minutes of October 12,2020 Board Meeting XI. TRUSTEES' REPORTS (continued) F. Trustee Witko: (continued) f. Mr. Tomich said the Village had applied for federal funding from FEMA through the IEPA, but didn't get any funding, and locally had applied for funding from the MWRD, but didn't get that either. However, the federal government program is now open for 2021 requests. If we are shovel-ready within six months, they will see we're making an investment in the project, which should help move things along. Trustee Grear thank Village staff for getting this work going because it has been a problem for the residents in that area for several years. g. Trustee Minx commented that "even if we aren't awarded outside funds, it's not like the design will go bad." Mr. Czerwinski agreed. Trustee Minx said it won't be a waste of Village funds to do this design work. Mr. Czerwinski said, as the Village assembles funds, we will be able to move the work forward, noting that it makes little sense to pave the street and then tear it up later. Mayor DiMaria called for the vote on Resolution 20-43. Motion passed: 6 ayes, 0 nays. Tr. Grear Tr. Minx ays Tr. Ramos au Tr. Thill Tr. Travis Tr. Witko a 2. Next, Trustee Witko presented Resolution 20-44, Authorization to Execute a Task Order With Ciorba Group, Inc. For Design Engineering Services For South Pump Station Pump#4 Replacement and VFD Retrofit. a. She explained that one of the four water pumps in the south water distribution system, located at the Village's South Pumping Station, needs to be replaced. The necessary design work exceeds the expertise of Village staff. Ciorba Group, Inc. has designed a pump replacement for the Village in the past. This design work will cost $24,679. Trustee Witko moved to approve Resolution 20-44, seconded by Trustee Grear. Motion passed: 6 ayes, 0 nays. Tr. Grear ays Tr. Minx ays Tr. Ramos Lys Tr. Thill Tr. Travis ays Tr. Witko a 3. Lastly, Trustee Witko presented Resolution 20-45, Authorization to Execute a Contract With Copenhaver Construction, Inc. For the Caldwell Water Main Crossing Replacement Project. a. She explained that the South Pumping Station 20-inch water distribution feeder main was originally installed in 1967 to increase water system pressure to the far northeast section of the Village. Over the last 15 years, a section of 20-inch water main located under Caldwell Avenue has required numerous repairs. Access the water main under Caldwell Avenue to make repairs requires entering a 54" concrete casing pipe. Due to the safety hazard of entering a confined space to make anticipated water main repairs in the future, staff has recommended that 115 feet of existing 20" water main be pulled out and new sections of water main be pushed in and replaced. 6 Minutes of October 12,2020 Board Meeting Xl. TRUSTEES' REPORTS (continued) F. Trustee Witko: (continued) b. Trustee Witko said Public Works let this project out for bid. Fifteen general contractors obtained bidding materials. Ten bids were received and opened on October 1. Staff has verified all qualifications and determined the lowest qualified bidder is Copenhaver Construction, Inc. of Gilberts, IL, in the amount of$88,040. Trustee Witko moved, seconded by Trustee Minx, to approve Resolution 20-45. c. Trustee Grear said there's no doubt that a lot of water main breaks take place there. He said he was surprised at the variance in the bid amounts. Mr. Czerwinski said Public Works scrutinized the bids to make sure the low bidder is both responsible and appropriate. d. Trustee Thill had a question for Chris Tomich. He asked if there was a way to put a liner in that pipe. Mr. Tomich said that option might be more expensive; the Village would have to do more feet in order for it to pay for itself. Mayor DiMaria called for the vote on Resolution 20-45. Motion passed: 6 ayes, 0 nays. Tr. Grear ays Tr. Minx Tr. Ramos lys Tr. Thill ay± Tr. Travis ay± Tr. Witko ay.2 XII. OTHER BUSINESS 1. Trustee Thill read a letter from 32 residents of The Homestead, a senior housing building at Lehigh and Lincoln Avenues. The letter was written to personally thank the mayor for the very good and professional job he is doing in dealing with the COVID-19 crisis. The residents appreciated the mayor staying in touch via different avenues of communication (phone calls, local newspaper, and the Village newsletter) to keep them safe and allay their fears about the pandemic. The residents noted that the Village's public service personnel have also been extremely helpful in carrying out their duties, despite the greater personal risk. They praised the business community for following safety measures, even though incurring great expense in order to provide safer conditions. The residents said the Morton Grove Public Library has also been creative and helpful in developing programs to combat the isolation we all are feeling. Morton Grove residents are also doing their part. The residents cited a number of times when they're out walking and see adults, teens, or little children keeping their masks in place and crossing the road to maintain safe distances. They lauded Mayor DiMaria for setting the tone and demonstrating positive leadership to make all this happen, and thanked him for keeping the Village a wonderful place to live. a. Mayor DiMaria thanked Trustee Thill for reading the letter and thanked the residents of The Homestead for their praise. He said that these accolades really belong to the Village staff and the residents, noting that Morton Grove is unique in that people here do what's best for the Village. 7 Minutes of October 12,2020 Board Meeting XIII. WARRANTS Trustee Minx presented the Warrant Register for October 12, 2020 in the amount of 1,087,798.95. She moved to approve the Warrant Register as presented, seconded by Trustee Thill. Motion passes: 6 ayes, 0 nays. Tr. Grear aye Tr. Minx Ey2 Tr. Ramos Tr. Thill aye Tr. Travis aye Tr. Witko aye XIV. RESIDENTS' COMMENTS 1. Jon Cole, 6023 South Park, wrote to the Board saying that he had seen information about trick or treating this Halloween in a recent e-newsletter sent out by the Village, but he didn't think the information was presented clearly enough nor stated strongly enough. The information gave the hours for trick or treating in the Village, but then goes on to say that the CDC has posted guidelines and suggestions for safer, alternative ways to participate in Halloween, and says the Village agrees with the CDC's recommendation and encourages lower-risk activities in lieu of trick or treating. The article also provided a link to the CDC's guidelines. Mr. Cole said he went to the link and noted that participating in traditional door-to-door trick or treating is listed in the highest risk" category for potentially spreading COVID-19 and the CDC advises against this a activity. Mr. Cole thought the Village should take a stronger stand against door to door trick or treating, and should also let residents know that this activity is one of the highest risk activities in which to participate. He said he personally does not want trick or treaters coming to his door and wondered what advice the Village would give to residents who don't want to risk their safety by having trick or treaters coming to their house. b. Mr. Czerwinski noted that both he and Mayor DiMaria addressed Halloween activities earlier in tonight's meeting. The Village has strengthened and enhanced its statements and they will be posted on the Village's website and put on social media. 2. JoAnn Rapp, 8922 N. Mango, wrote to the Board with three questions. She wondered why residents could only participate in the Village's two Budget Workshop meetings if they attended in person. a. Mrs. Rapp also noted that residents wishing to stay informed about the business of the new Environmental Health and Natural Resources Commission have been given an audio tape of the meetings by Corporation Counsel. She wanted to know from whom does a resident make a request for audio tapes of those meetings and if the only way to receive the audio tapes was to pick them up at Village Hall. b. Lastly, Mrs. Rapp asked if the Village Clerk would post on the Village's website the PowerPoint presentations used by Mr. Czerwinski at the October 5 and 6 Budget Workshop meetings, and if the Minutes of the two workshops would be posted there as well. c. Mr. Czerwinski noted that the Minutes for both budget workshops had been approved at tonight's meeting and they will now be moved to the Village's website under the Village Board Meeting section. He added that he would look for an appropriate place to post the PowerPoint presentations as well. 8 Minutes of October 12,2020 Board Meeting XVIII. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business before the Board, Trustee Minx moved to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Trustee Witko. Motion passed: 6 ayes, 0 nays. Tr. Grear gy± Tr. Minx Tr. Ramos Tr. Thill ay± Tr. Travis ay± Tr. Witko The meeting adjourned at 7:35 p.m. PASSED this 26th day of October, 2020. Trustee Grear Trustee Minx I Trustee Ramos Trustee Thill Trustee Travis Trustee Witko I APPROVED by me this 26th day of October, 2020. Daniel P. DiMaria, Village President Board of Trustees, Morton Grove, Illinois APPROVED and FILED in my office this 27th day of October, 2020. AT-4 Eileen Scanlon Harford, Village Clerk Village of Morton Grove, Cook County, Illinois Minutes by Teresa Cousar 9