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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2008-01-14 MinutesCALL TO ORDER Village President Rick Krier called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. and led the assemblage in the Pledge of Allegiance. Village Clerk Carol Fritzshall called the roll. Present were: Trustees Georgianne Brunner, Roy Kogstad, Rita Minx, and John Thill. Trustee Dan Staackmann had informed Mayor Krier that he would not be at the meeting as he was not feeling well. APPROVAL OF MINUTES IV. Regarding the Minutes of the December 10, 2007 Regular Meeting, Mayor Krier asked if anyone had any changes or corrections to the Minutes. Seeing none, Trustee Minx moved, seconded by Trustee Thill, to approve the December 10, 2007 Regular Meeting Minutes as presented. Motion passed unanimously (with one absent) via voice vote. Regarding the Minutes of the December 13, 2007 Reconvened Regular Meeting, Mayor Krier asked if anyone had any changes or corrections to the Minutes. Seeing none, Trustee Minx moved, seconded by Trustee Marcus, to approve the December 13, 2007 Reconvened Regu- lar Meeting Minutes as presented. Motion passed unanimously (with one absent) via voice vote. PUBLIC HEARINGS NONE V. SPECIAL REPORTS a. Presentation of Employee Anniversary Awards Mayor Krier and Administrator Wade presented anniversary awards to Adam Tabor of the Po- lice Department for 10 years of service, Michael Mercieri of the Police Department for 15 years of service, Jerry Coursey of the Public Works Department for 15 years of service, and Freya Maslov of the Police Department for 20 years of service. The assemblage congratu- lated the group for their dedication. V. SPECIAL REPORTS (continued) b. Presentation from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC} Ms. Kris Julinak of the FCC spoke briefly on the upcoming requirement that televisions go from analog to digital. She said that, as of February 17, 2009, analog signals will no longer be able to be viewed. This is being done to free up more spectrum for public safety (police, fire, etc.) use. The change will also mean befter picture and sound quality. Ms. Julinak said that the change to digital will also mean there will be more programming options, because four programs can use one signal. As of March 2007, the FGC had mandated that all televisions had to have a digital tuner/ re- ceiver in them. Analog televisions can still be sold but they must be posted with a consumer notice. People who have analog televisions can purchase adigital-to-analog converter box. These boxes will be available in stores in 2008 and will have cone-time cost of $50 to $70. Tc help consumers pay for these converters, the government will be offering two $40 coupons per household. People can request the coupons beginning in January 2008. Ms. Julinak sug- gested that people call 1-888-CALLFCC if they have any questions or for more information. c. Plan Commission Chairman Ron Farkas presented this case. He said that this request differs from others at that site in that these will be radio antennas, not wireless. They are low- frequency transmission antennas in a remote part of the Village. The Plan Commission con- cluded that the seven standards for granting a Special Use Permit were met and unanimously (with two absent) recommended approval of this request. Trustee Marcus moved to accept the Plan Commission's report. The motion was seconded by Trustee Minx and passed: 5 ayes, 0 nays, 1 absent. Tr. Brunner ~ Tr. Kogstad a~~e Tr. Marcus aye Tr. Minx aye Tr. Staackmann absent Tr. Thill afire d. 6421-57 Dempster and 8717 Lincoln Avenue Chairman Farkas explained that the project itself, which will be 21 townhomes and two mixed use buildings, hasn't changed, but an amendment is necessary for construction to progress. Since a building permit was not issued within one year of the. P.U.D. approval, the approval has expired. The site work has been done, underground utilities have been installed, and Lincoln Avenue has been widened-in all, about $2 million in work has been done to date. Anew construction schedule has been submitted, showing completion of construction by April of 2010. No interested parties spoke at the Plan Commission hearing. Mr. Farkas said the Plan Commission unanimously recommended approval of this request. Trustee Marcus asked about the phasing of construction, and wondered, once construction begins, when the Village could expect to see something on the site. Mr. Farkas said that a detailed plan showing the phases was submitted and was in evidence; however, it's not a true "phased" type of construction project. It all depends on the development group getting the fi- nancing it requires. Minutes of January 74, 2008Board Meeting] V. SPECIAL REPORTS (continued} Mayor Krier said that this could be discussed more thoroughly later in the meeting when the ordinance is brought up. He said there were some provisions in the ordinance that could help answer some of Trustee Marcus' questions and address his concerns. Mayor Krier said that the developer had to come back before the Plan Commission in order to request the exten- sion, because they won't get fnancing without having a Special Use Permit. Trustee Minx moved to accept the recommendation of the Plan Commission regarding case PC07-10. Trustee Thil(seconded the motion. Motion passed: 5 ayes, 0 nays, 1 absent. Tr. Brunner ~ Tr. Kogstad afire Tr. Marcus ave Tr. Minx aye Tr. Staackmann absent Tr. Thill aye VI. RESIDENTS' COMMENTS (Agenda Items Only) Eric Poders. Mr. Poders spoke regarding Plan Commission cases PC07-08 and PC07-10. He said that he had done a FOIA request on the tower referenced in case PC07-08 and was wondering if, in the future, the Village could tax the various entities cohabitating on the tower. He also complimented Building Commissioner Ed Hildebrandt and Planner Bonnie Jacobson on the clean-up of that site. Regarding case PC07-10, Mr. Poders had questions. about the financing, about what the percentages of ownership are under the restructured organization, and also wondered what Kropp Insurance's role in the project is. He also asked why would this Board move forward with a Special Use Permit? Don't they need financing before the Special Use Permit? Or do they need the Special Use Permit to get the financing? Mayor Krier responded that, if he were a bank and someone wanted to borrow millions of dol- lars for a project, but the Village hasn't agreed to approve the permit for it yet, he vaouldn't make that loan. Regarding the ownership question, Mayor Krier said the Village had enough information legally to suffice. If the development group wanted to share more information, of course, they certainly could. If they were to again request TIF assistance, the Village may need more information than it has at present. b. Bill Luksha. Mr. Luksha spoke regarding The Preserves project. He pointed out that the real estate market is not doing well right now. He thought that this particular project, which is sup- posed to be 20%-30% retail and 70%-80% residential, should be more heavily retail than res- idential, because the Village could use the sales tax revenue. Mayor Krier said the Village Board and staff are working very hard to get retail into Morton Grove. He pointed out some examples of some big-box stores pulling out of their commitments in other towns. He noted that the Village isn't spending money on this, just trying to get things moving again. VII. PRESIDENT'S REPORT Mayor Krier asked for the Board's concurrence to reappoint Diane Grigg, Samina Hussain, and Robyn Caplan to the Community Relations Commission. Trustee Brunner so moved, seconded by Trustee Minx. The motion passed unanimously (with one absent) via voice vote. ppinutes of January 14, 20D8 Board Poleeting. VIII. CLERK'S REPORT Clerk Fritzshall said that the Condo Association meeting scheduled for February 6, 2008 has been cancelled. Clerk Fritzshall announced that early voting will began today and will go through January 31, 2008. She said that Morton Grove is now on the list as an early voting location, so interested residents can come to Village Heli Monday through Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., or on Saturdays between 9:00 a.m. and noon, to vote. Clerk Fritzshall reminded everyone that the Presidential Primary will be held on February 5, 2008 and the General Election will be on ivovember 4. People interested in voting in the Primary can go downtown to the C(erk`s office at 69 West Washington, Chicago to register and vote from now to January 22"d Mayor Krier commended Clerk Fritzshall for her efforts to get Morton Grove included on the list of sites for early voting. IX. STAFF REPORTS A. Village Administrator a. Mr. Wade said that the City of Chicago has notified the Village about upcoming water rate in- creases. Chicago will raise fhe price of water to the Village by 15% as of January 2008, 15% in January 2009, and 14% in January 2010. These rate increases are necessary to continue b. the level of service the City's water customers-individuals as well as the 124 municipalities that purchase water from Chicago-expect. The increased revenue will help the City's water and sewer infrastructure renewal and replacement program, and will allow the City to proceed with facility upgrades. The cost increases are also needed to keep up with all of the increas- ing costs of operation and maintenance, and costs associated with regulatory compliance. Mr. Wade said that the Village has a consultant working on doing a water rate analysis, which will be presented to the Board possibly in March. The firm is reviewing Morton Grove's future water needs projected over the next 10-20 years, and how the Village will pay for water. B. Corporation Counsel: Ms. Liston had no report. X. TRUSTEES'REPORTS A. Trustee Brunner: Trustee Brunner presented Ordinance 48-01, Establishing Title 7, Chapter 7A Entit6ed "Cable and Video Customer Protection Law" in the Village of Morton Grove. She explained that this ordinance will adopt by reference the State of Illinois Cable and Video Customer Service Protection Law. By adopting the State statute, local officials will be able to enforce the Cable and Video Customer Protection Law through the Village's adjudication sys- tem and through the Circuit Court of Gook County. ...Minutes afJanuary 1A, 2008 Board Meeting X. TRUSTEES' REPORTS (continued) A. Trustee Brunner: (continued) Trustee Brunner moved to waive the second reading of this ordinance since it adopts existing, published State law. Trustee Minx seconded the motion. Motion passed: 5 ayes, 0 nays, 1 absent. Tr. Brunner aye Tr. Kogstad aye Tr. Marcus awe Tr. Minx aye Tr. Staackmann absent Tr. Thiii Trustee Brunner then moved, seconded by Trustee Minx, to adopt Ordinance 08-01. Motion passed: 5 ayes, 0 nays, 1 absent. Tr, Brunner ~ Tr, Kogstad ~ Tr. Marcus ave Tr. Minx ~ Tr. Staackmann absent Tr. Thill afire Trustee Brunner then presented Resolution 08-01, A Resolution Authorizing the Execu- tion of an Agreement Between the Village of Morton Grove and Windy City Amuse- ments, Inc. to Supply Carnival Rides and Amusements for the 2008 through 2010 Fourth of July Festivities. She said that, for several decades, the Village's Morton Grove Days festivities have included carnival rides and related attractions. Since at least 1994, Windy City Amusements, Inc. had provided these rides to the satisfaction of the Village. Previously, the contract with Windy City was negotiated by the Morton Grove Days Commission and/or the Morton Grove Park District. However, this year, the Commission has asked the Village to negotiate, manage, and enter into this contract. Village staff has negotiated athree-year agreement with Windy City Amusements which may be cancelled by either party upon nine months advance written no- tice. The Village, on behalf of the Morton Grove Days Commission, will receive 25% of all re- ceipts up to $100,000, and 30% of all receipts in excess of $100,000. Those funds will be used to pay for other Morton Grove Days expenses, such as fireworks, entertainment, and pa- rade activities. Trustee Brunner moved to approve Resolution 08-01, seconded by Trustee Minx. Motion passed: 5 ayes, 0 nays, 1 absent. Tr. Brunner aye Tr. Kogstad aye Tr. Marcus Tr. Minx aye Tr. Staackmann absent Tr. Thill aye Mayor Krier thanked Corporation Counsel Liston and Administrator Wade for negotiating the contract. He felt. the Village had gotten very good terms. 3. Next, Trustee Brunner introduced Resolution 08-03, A Resolution Authorizing an Amend- ment to a Lease Agreement By and Between the Village of Morton Grove and SBC Tower Holdings, LLC, for Installing, Operating, and Maintaining Communications Facili- ties at 6101 Capufina Avenue. She explained that this resolution will authorize two ten-year extensions of the Village's cur- rent lease of Village HaII property for the monopole and communication facilities. The first ten- year extension begins May 1, 2008. Rent will increase beginning May 1 to $24,000 per year payable in equal monthly installments. Beginning May 1, 2009, and each year thereafter, rent shall increase equivalent to the Consumer Price Index. If the tenant enters into any agree- ments with any third parties for the collocation of communication equipment on the monopole, . Minutes of JanuaN 14, 2006:Soartl AAeeting. X. A. Trustee Brunner: (continued) TRUSTEES' REPORTS (continued) the Village shall receive, in addition to the annual rent, 35% of future collocation revenues re- ceived by the tenant. Trustee Brunner moved, seconded by Trustee Minx, to approve Resolution 08-03. Motion passed: 5 ayes, 0 nays, 1 absent. Tr. Brunner aye Tr. Kogstad a~~e Tr. Marcus aerie Tr. Minx ~ Tr. Staackmann absent Tr. Thill ave 4• Trustee Brunner said that the Board of Environmental Health is still encouraging people to participate in the Nike "Reuse-a-Shoe" program in conjunction with the Solid Waste Agency of Northern Cook County (SWANCC). There is a collection box at Village Hall for all used ath- letic shoes; however, shoes that have metal eyelets, zippers, cleats, or spikes cannot be do- nated. 5. Trustee Brunner announced that LifeSource would be holding a blood drive at the Civic Center on February 7 between 2:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. She encouraged donors to call LifeSource for an appointment, but noted that "walk-ins' are always welcome. 6• Trustee Brunner reminded the assemblage that the Sharps Disposal Program and the pre- scription drug disposal program are continuing at the Civic Center on Mondays through Fri- days, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p. m. For the prescription drug disposal program, residents are asked to leave the medicine in its original container from the pharmacy. They can rip off any personal information but must leave the name of the medication intact. 7• Trustee Brunner noted that used batteries can now be recycled at Walgreens stores. She also stated that SWANCC will be doing a presentation regarding recycling at the Village Board Meeting on February 25, 2008. B. Trustee Kogstad: Trustee Kogstad had no report. C. Trustee Marcus: Trustee Marcus announced that the Chamber of Commerce would be holding its annual "VIP of the Year" dinner on January 31, 2008, at the Chateau Ritz in Niles. This year's VIP is Gabe Berrafato, former Corporation Counsel. The Chamber will also announce its "Business of the Year" at the dinner. Residents are eligible to in this contest. Trustee Marcus said anyone in- terested in attending the dinner or voting for their favorite business should contact the Cham- ber at (847) 965-0330. ...Minutes of JanuaN 14, 2008 Board Meeting{ X. TRUSTEES' REPORTS (continued) D. Trustee Minx: 1. Trustee Minx presented for a first reading Ordinance 08-02, An Ordinance Granting a Spe- cial Use Permit in the Village of Morton Grove for Property Located at 8323 Nagle Ave- nue For a Commercial Radio Antenna Installation.. Trustee Minx explained that this ordinance is pursuant to Plan Commission Case PC07-08, which had been reported out earlier this evening. This ordinance would grant a Special Use Permit io install two radio antennas on an exisiing lower at 8323 Nagle Avenue. There was no further discussion on Ordinance OS-02. 2 Trustee Minx then presented for a first reading Ordinance 08-03, An Ordinance Granting a Special Use Amendment in the Village of Morton Grove for the Property Located at 6415 Dempster, 6421-6457 Dempster, and 8717 Lincoln Avenue, to Extend a Time Extension to Commence and Proceed with Construction of a Planned Unit Development. She explained that this ordinance was pursuant to Plan Commission Case PC07-10, which had been reported out earlier this evening. This ordinance would allow an amendment to the Special Use Permit approving a planned unit development for this site to allow for a time ex- tension for the progression of construction. An extension of time is needed as the project stalled due to lack of financing. The general contractor for the site has assured the Village that, when financing has been secured, construction will progress pursuant to an appropriate construction schedule. Trustee Minx pointed out that the ordinance contains eight provisions which protect the Village and respond to some of the questions/concerns discussed earlier, including a provision stating that, if financing has not been approved by the end of April 2008, this ordinance and the ex- tension are subject to further review, modification, and/or revocation. In the interests of timing, Trustee Minx moved to waive the second reading of this ordinance. Trustee Thill seconded the motion. Motion passed: 5 ayes, 0 nays, 1 absent. Tr. Brunner ,awe Tr. Kogstad aye Tr. Marcus aye Tr. Minx aye Tr. Staackmann absent Tr. Thill aye Trustee Minz then moved, seconded by Trustee Thill, to adopt Ordinance 08-03. Motion passed: 5 ayes, 0 nays, 1 absent. Tr. Brunner aye Tr. Kogstad aye Tr. Marcus ave Tr. Minx a~~e Tr. Staackmann absent Tr. Thill aye 3. Next, Trustee Minx introduced for a first reading Ordinance 08-04, Establishing Title 4, Chapter 17G Entitled Self-Storage Facility Accommodations Tax in the Village of Morton Grove." She explained that, in order to raise additional revenue, this ordinance would impose a tax of five percent of the gross rental or leasing charges of self-storage facility accommodations. This tax is expected to generate $50,000 in General Fund revenue. RRinutes of JanuaN 14, 20088nard Meeting. X. D. Trustee Minx: (continued) TRUSTEES' REPORTS (continued) Mayor Krier commented that the Village had sent notices to the self-storage facilities within its Corporate Limits but none have responded to date. Trustee Thrll wondered if the ordinance could be "tightened up" a bit. He suggested slightly changing the verbiage to make the facilities pay the tax whether their tenants pay them or not. He also felt that outside storage should be taxable as well as inside storage. Corporation Counsel Liston said she could make the change regarding the outside storage, but not Trus- tee Thiii's suggested change about making the facilities pay the tax whether their tenants pay them or not. Ms. Liston explained that this is a tax on revenues collected, so if a facility col- lects from its tenant, then the Village can collect from the facility. Trustee Kogstad had a couple of questions. He wondered how the Village came up with the 5% figure, and if other municipalities were looked at in this regard. If so, he asked if that list could be made available to the trustees. He also wondered how the $50,000 revenue projec- tion was obtained. Administrator Wade responded that Ancel & Glink, special counsel to the Village, had re- searched this matter. They learned that the self-storage facility accommodations tax is rela- tively new in Illinois-in fact, only one other municipality has established such a tax. He said that this type of tax is more prevelant in the East. The model they used was 5%. There was no further discussion on Ordinance 08-04. 4. Trustee Minx announced that the Firefighters Association Food Drive helped 42 families in Morton Grove and Niles. In addition to the food collected, the group used fhe monies that had been donated to purchase turkeys, hams, and Golf Mill gift certificates. Trustee Minx thanked Firefighter Dennis Kennedy for heading up this effort. E. Trustee Staackmann Trustee Staackmann was absent - no report. F. Trustee Thin Trustee Thill presented Resolution 08-02, Authorization to Execute an Agreement with Ciarba Group, Inc. for the Waukegan Road Lighting Improvement Project. He explained that Waukegan Read, from Main Street to Dempster, was identified as an area in need of additional lighting for vehicle and pedestrian safety. The Village applied for and re- ceived funding for engineering and construction in the amount of $335,700 for this project through the federally funded Highway Safefy Improvement Program. The agreement with Ciorba Group is to develop the detailed engineering plans for this project. The Village's portion of the total estimated project cost is $37,300. AAi~utes of Janua 94, 2tID8 BoaN Meetin `.: X. TRUSTEES' REPORTS (continued) P. Trustee Thill: (continued) Trustee Thill moved to adopt Resolution 08-02, seconded by Trustee Brunner. Motion passed: 5 ayes, 0 nays, 1 absent. Tr. Brunner ~ Tr. Kogstad aye Tr. Marcus aye Tr. Minx ~ Tr. Staackmann absent Tr. Thill Mayor Krier thanked Administrator Wade, Public Works Director Andy DeMonte, and Engineer Ryan Gillingham for successfully obtaining the federal funding for this project. XL OTHER BUSINESS NONE XI I. WARRANTS a. Trustee Minx presented the Warrant Register for December 24, 2007, which totaled $1,367,391.45. She moved to approve the Warrants as presented, seconded by Trustee Marcus. Motion passed: 5 ayes, O nays, 1 absent. Tr. Brunner aye Tr. Kogstad awe Tr. Marcus afire Tr. Minx ~ Tr. Staackmann absent Tr. Thill aye b. Trustee Minx then presented the Warrant Register for January 14, 2008, which totaled $1,459,804.72. She moved to approve the Warrants as presented, seconded by Trustee Marcus. Trustee Thill had a question regarding a payment to the Morton Grove Animal Hospital of $2,375.09. He wondered if there was any way the Village could recoup this money. Administrator Wade said that, when stray dogs and cats are found, they are picked up and taken to the animal hospital, where they are treated and boarded while the owner is searched out. Mayor Krier said,. if the owner is located, the costs are passed along to him/her. The ani- mal hospital does have certain minimum treatments that they do (i.e., rabies shot) whenever a stray is brought in. Trustee Brunner pointed out that the new animal control ordinance, ap- proved in 2007, reduces the number of days that strays are boarded at the hospital. Mayor Krier called for a vote on the Warrant Register for January 14, 2008. Upon the vote, the motion passed: 5 ayes, 0 nays, 1 absent. Tr. Brunner ~ Tr. Kogstad a1'? Tr. Marcus awe Tr. Minx ~ Tr. Staackmann absent Tr. Thill aye _... ..Minutes of January 14, 20118Board Meeting] XIIL RESIDENTS' COMMENTS Bill Luksha. Mr. Luksha said that improving the lighting on Waukegan Road is very important. He said that his friend, Sherwin Dubren, had contacted the Illinois Department of Transporta- tion regarding the staging of stop lights on Waukegan Road near Dempster as well. Also, in terms of helping out fellow citizens in Morton Grove and Niles, Mr. Luksha pointed out that the Boy Scouts collected food for the Niles Township Food Pantry, which helps 1,500 families every month in Skokie and Morton Grove. Mr. Luksha also felt the Village should "do more" for its seniors. Eric Poders. Mr. Poders said that he attends a lot of meetings and felt there was a lot of in- formation not being disseminated to the residents; for example, the McDonalds on Dempster is planning to redevelop; the Community Relations Commission is planning something special to recognize long-term residents; etc. Mayor Krier said he recommended residents getting their news from the Village-from him, the trustees, or the staff-because the information will be "in context"' and they'll get the whole story, not just snippets of information. Mayor Krier announced that he would be presenting the "Mayor's Award" at the next Board Meeting. XIV. ADJOURNMENT/EXECUTIVE SESSION There being no further business, Trustee Minx moved to adjourn to Executive Session to discuss the purchase of real estate, personnel, labor negotiations, and general real estate matters. The motion was seconded by Trustee Marcus. Motion passed: 5 ayes, 0 nays.. 1 absent. Tr. Brunner aye Tr. Kogstad a_yve Tr. Marcus aye Tr. Minx aye Tr. Staackmann absent Tr. Thill aye The Board adjourned to Executive Session at 8:53 p.m. Mayor Krier called the Executive Session to order at 9:09 p.m. In attendance were Trustees Brunner, Kogstad, Marcus, Minx, and Thill, as well as Clerk Fritzshall, Village Administrator Wade, Corporation Counsel Liston, and Community and Economic Development Director Neuendorf. One guest was also present: Steve Friedman of S.B. Friedman and Associates. There being no further business, Trustee Minx moved to adjourn the Executive Session at 10:28 p.m. The motion was seconded by Trustee Marcus and passed unanimously via voice vote. Trustee Minx then moved to adjourn the regular meeting. Trustee Marcus seconded the motion, which passed unanimously via voice vote. The meeting adjourned at 10:29 p.m. ro .Minutes of JanuaN 14, 2008 Boats Meeting PASSED this 28th day of January, 2008. Trustee Brunner Trustee Kogstad Trustee Marcus Trustee Minx ..- Trustee Staackmann Trustee Thill day Richard Krier, Village' President Board of Trustees, Morton Grove, Illinois 2008. APPROVED and FILED in my office this 29th day of January, 2008. ~~~~ ~~ Carol A. Fritzshall, Village Clerk Village of Morton Grove Cook County, Illinois Minutes by. Te~ese Cousa! tl