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HomeMy WebLinkAbout11-09-2020 ApprovedMINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE PRESIDENT AND THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE VILLAGE OF MORTON GROVE RICHARD T. FLICKINGER MUNICIPAL CENTER NOVEMBER 9, 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 Trustee Minx moved to accept the Minutes of the Regular Board Meeting of October 26, 2020 as presented, seconded by Trustee Witko. Motion unanimously via voice vote. IV. SPECIAL REPORTS NONE V. PUBLIC HEARINGS NONE VI. PLAN COMMISSION REPORTS NONE VII. RESIDENTS' COMMENTS (Agenda Items Only) 1. Prior to Resident's Comments on agenda items only, Mayor DiMaria noted that he and Village Administrator Czerwinski had had a Zoom meeting a couple of weeks ago with JoAnn Rapp and several others. The mayor said he'd like Mr. Czerwinski to summarize that meeting before the residents began speaking. He asked the residents to try to avoid repeating topics that had al- ready been brought up so as to keep the meeting moving forward. a. Mr. Czerwinski said the meeting involved residents who have been asking that the Village adjust its 2021 Proposed Budget to include funds for a full-time social worker attached to the Morton Grove Police Department. The 2021 Proposed Budget already includes funding for Village social services. During the meeting. the mayor asked the group if they wanted more social services or if they wanted the Village to hire another full-time person. They responded that they wanted more services. Minutes of November 9,2020 Board Meetin. VII. RESIDENTS' COMMENTS (Agenda Items Only) (continued) b. Mr. Czerwinski noted that the 2021 Proposed Budget currently includes $60,000 in additional funding for social services and $25,000 for senior services. He said Village staff will continue to evaluate the social services needs of the Village and the best methods to meet those needs will be used to do so. c. Mr. Czerwinski said, during the meeting residents also asked that the 2021 Proposed Budget include funding so the Village can begin working towards the goals defined in its Sustainability Plan, and not wait until the 2022 Budget to do so. In response, he said, the Village's 2021 Proposed Budget does not have a single line item for the Sustainability Plan, or any other document. The Budget is divided by Funds, i.e., General Funds, Enterprise Funds, etc. Funds are organized by Village Department, and within each department, the budget projects expenditures for various purposes. services, and projects—many of which reflect the goals of the Sustainability Plan. Mr. Czerwinski thanked Mayor DiMaria for the opportunity to summarize the meeting. 2. Mr. Czerwinski said he had also received an emailed "resident comment" from Bob Burkhart, 6034 Grove Court, which would be appropriate to read at this time. Mr. Burkhart wrote to make a case for funding a full-time police department social worker, devoted exclusively to police department matters. He pointed out that the need for a social worker is not only during weekday work hours, but any time of the day or night. He felt a full-time social worker would have more time to devote to accompanying uniformed officers to the homes of persons facing crisis situations, or other cases where a social worker's intervention could save numerous repeat calls for the fire/police department. Because the social worker's hours currently are shared with the Civic Center's social work, the hours for police-related social work are closer to quarter time. Mr. Burkhart felt that was insufficient to serve the needs of the community, especially when compounded by COVID-19 and economic/racial/ethnic conflicts or situations. Mayor DiMaria called to the podium several residents in attendance this evening for further residents' comments on agenda items only. 3. Dr. JoAnn Rapp, a 37-year resident, was present representing Vision Morton Grove, a fast- growing group of residents, three of whom were also present this evening to speak. She thanked Mayor DiMaria for participating in the October 27th Zoom meeting. She noted that Mayor DiMaria had indicated, at the end of that meeting, that the group's two "asks" sounded reasonable, but he would have staff review them. The first ask was for a full-time social worker attached to the Police Department: the second ask was for a budget line item to fund the operation of the newly- created Environment and Natural Resources Commission. a. Dr. Rapp said her group was here tonight to address the full Board in "real time." She said she had 112 verified signatures on a petition supporting a full-time social worker, and 103 verified signatures on a petition supporting a budget line item for sustainability work. She then introduced Gia Schultz, a former member of the Community Relations Commission and a current member of the Environment and Natural Resources Commission, and Sarah Tag, who has considerable environmental expertise. 4. Gia Schultz, a resident and member of Vision Morton Grove, was speaking in place of Dr. Jon Cole, who had been planning to attend tonight's meeting but was uncomfortable with an in-person meeting due to COVID concerns. She said she was speaking for the 112 residents who signed a petition requesting the Village to hire a full-time social worker attached to the Police Department. 2 Minutes of November 9,2020 Board Meetin• VII. RESIDENTS' COMMENTS (Agenda Items Only) (continued) a. The group feels adding a social worker is more cost-effective than adding a full-time police officer. Ms. Schultz noted that the upfront cost of a full-time police officer with a weapon and vehicle can be more than double the cost of a full-time social worker. She said a full-time licensed social worker can help reduce fire and police emergency calls while also getting residents the help they need. Because of the proactive intervention(s) of a social worker, there would be fewer call-backs. A social worker would be able to address underlying issues, such as mental health and substance abuse. A social worker can also provide referrals for social services. Police officers are not trained to provide these services or interventions. Having a full- time social worker would let police officers focus more on criminal activities. b. Ms. Schultz said that police department and health professionals have estimated that 80% of a police officer's time is spent on service-related issues and 20% on fighting crime, whereas their training is 80% focused on fighting crime and 20% on service-related issues. She asked the Board to please consider adjusting the 2021 Proposed Budget to include a licensed, full-time social worker attached to the police department. 5. Sarah Tag, a Morton Grove resident with a degree in sustainability studies, a career in energy efficiency, and experience in implementing and evaluating sustainability plans, was present tonight representing the 103 Morton Grove residents who would like to see measurable goals and a process for evaluation built into the Village's sustainability plan and funds allocated in the 2021 Proposed Budget to begin working toward the goals defined in said plan. a. Ms. Tag noted the current sustainability plan states it is effective from 2020 to 2030. If funding won't be in place until 2022, the dates of the sustainability plan should be changed to "2022 to 2032" to truly reflect when work will begin on creating a sustainable and environmentally- conscious Morton Grove. She said an allocation now would enable the new Environmental and Natural Resources Commission to begin working toward these goals in its first year of operation, rather than postponing action, thus undermining the new Commission. b. Ms. Tag felt that monetary support for this commission gives it credibility and shows respect to the residents who support it. She noted that the effects of climate change in the Midwest, which include heat, heavy downpours, and flooding are already affecting residents and businesses in the Village. 6. Dr. JoAnn Rapp spoke again, noting that the 2021 Proposed Budget reflects the values of the Board and should also reflect the values of the community at large. She felt that, in a $76M budget, if the two requests were valued, the appropriate money could be found. She asked the Board to allocate funds for these two requests. 7. Mayor DiMaria said, as Mr. Czerwinski earlier stated, there is already money in the proposed budget. This is how all the Village's Commissions operate as well. He said we did listen; the funds are there. He noted that Mr. Czerwinski's microphone had failed midway through his summation of the meeting and said perhaps he hadn't been heard. 8. Mr. Czerwinski said there is almost $90,000 in the budget to be allocated for social services and senior services, over prior years' funding. There are funds in the Public Works Department, Fire Department, Administration, and Economic Development in this budget that can be used. He said the Village is and has already taken actions to improve sustainability, for example, having energy credits for green energy, and a Resolution on the Agenda tonight for a Food Scrap Collection Program. 3 Minutes of November 9,2020 Board Meetin. VII. RESIDENTS' COMMENTS (Agenda Items Only) (continued) a. Mr. Czerwinski said the Village will not stand still on sustainability and said he looked forward to hearing the recommendations of the Environment and Natural Resource Commission and to having the flexibility to respond to their needs and thoughts. 9. Janice Cha, a resident of nearly 20 years and a member of Vision Morton Grove, noted that she was here this evening in summer clothes because it was a 75-degree day in November! She said she is concerned about the environment and very strongly supports what Joann, Gia, and Sarah said. She said she is eager to help work on the environment side to preclude having even more 75-degree November days. 10. Kristina Otte, a 15-year resident and member of Vision Morton Grove, said she was excited to hear there's money in the budget for a social worker and for further sustainability work. She said she's anxious to hear more details. 11. Mayor DiMaria thanked Vision Morton Grove members for their input, adding it's always good to have more opinions. He said he was excited to see residents wanting to make a difference and supports that 100%, as evidenced by meeting with the group and already adopting some of their thoughts and ideas. Mayor DiMaria said, with respect to past administrations and previous Board members, the Village has been pretty progressive on sustainability issues over the past 15-16 years. He emphasized that the Village will continue to be progressive, not only in sustainability, but in the way the Village treats its residents. Mayor DiMaria said he would put Morton Grove up against any village in the nation when it comes to how we all treat each other—as the Village's tagline states, Morton Grove truly is "Incredibly Close" and "Amazingly Open." VIII. PRESIDENT'S REPORT 1. Mayor DiMaria said it's very important to help our local retailers, restaurants, and bars during these unprecedented times. He asked residents to please continue to patronize local retailers and local bars and restaurants. It's important for Morton Grove's economy, and it's important for mental health. The Village is doing its part by providing its restaurants, bars, and caterers with Liquor License relief. The 2021 Liquor License fee is being reduced by 50% and payment deferred until June 30, 2021. The impact to Village revenues for this relief is estimated to be 38,875. The status for the 50% balance of the fee will be evaluated as time progresses and the continued COVID-19 status is understood. 2. Mayor DiMaria encouraged everyone 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. 3. Mayor DiMaria congratulated the Community Relations Commission for making the Winter Adopt-A-Planter program a reality. He commented that the Community Relations Commission was revamped several years ago and went in a new direction, and it's great to see the community getting involved in these programs. 4 Minutes of November 9,2020 Board Meetin. IX.CLERK'S REPORT Clerk Harford had no report this evening. X. STAFF REPORTS A. Village Administrator: 1. Mr. Czerwinski said things are moving quickly at Sawmill Station update. The residential component, Sawmill Place, will be opening in May of 2021. The yet-to-be-named grocer will open in the 4th quarter of 2020; the interior is currently being built out. Kohl's has opened as has Raising Cane's, which is doing well. Aspen Dental, Starbucks, and Dollar Tree are already open. Ross will open in the 1st quarter of 2021. Cooper's Hawk Restaurant is scheduled to open in Spring of 2021. The status of the cinema is uncertain, as the pandemic has caused this industry many theater closures. LA Fitness' pad will be "dormant" until March 2021, and will hopefully open in the Fall of 2021. Mr. Czerwinski was glad that the community has been very welcoming of these businesses, and also thanked the Board for their support of this major project. 2. Mr. Czerwinski presented Resolution 20-48, Authorizing the Execution of a Franchise Agreement with Collective Resource, Inc. for the Food Scrap Collection Program. a. He explained that this Resolution will authorize a franchise agreement with Collective Resource, Inc. of Evanston, IL for a food scrap collection subscription program, available for residents and small businesses on a voluntary subscription or opt-in basis with a monthly, quarterly, or annual fee to be paid by the customer at no cost to the Village. b. Mr. Czerwinski said that, according to the Illinois Environmental Protections Agency, food waste accounts for nearly 20% of the waste that is landfilled each year. To minimize this figure, the Village would like to offer a year-round Food Scrap Collection Program for the purpose of composting at a commercial facility. The Village solicited proposals from eight contractors providing food scrap collection services and, after receiving two proposals, verified each contractor's availability to provide efficient food scrap collection along with the lowest cost to Village residents and small businesses. Based on these proposals, staff is recommending the Village enter into a Food Scrap Collection franchise agreement with Collective Resource, Inc. beginning on December 1, 2020, and ending on or by December 31, 2022. This contract may be renewed at the sole option of the Village annually for up to five years thereafter. The food scrap program shall be provided to Village residents and small businesses on a voluntary subscription or opt-in basis for customers with a monthly, quarterly, or annual fee to be paid by the customer and collected by Collective Resource, Inc. The company will also offer a Winter Gap Program during the Landscape Waste/Food Scrap program off-season (December 16 through March 14). Staff believes it is in the best interests of the Village to enter into this franchise agreement providing optional sustainability for the community. Trustee Minx moved to approve Resolution 20-48, seconded by Trustee Travis. c. Mayor DiMaria introduced Erlene Howard, owner of Collective Resource, Inc. She said that she has been in this business for 10 years and this is the company's third franchise agreement. She said she was thrilled that the Village is taking this step. Mayor DiMaria asked the Board if they had any questions for Ms. Howard. 5 Minutes of November 9,2020 Board Meetin• X. STAFF REPORTS (continued) A. Village Administrator: (continued) d. Trustee Thill asked Ms. Howard to describe the containers that will be used in this program. She said it's basically a 5-gallon bucket with a sealing lid. Most people have some type of smaller container they keep in their kitchen for food scraps; they would then empty it in the 5-gallon container. These 5-gallon containers are left outside to be traded out for a freshly washed 5-gallon container. This helps control odors and makes the program easily repeatable. e. Trustee Thill asked if the 5-gallon container should be stored in a garage or a porch or left outside. He also wondered about the pricing. Ms. Howard said most people leave their buckets outside; sometimes the company provides a metal "squirrel stopper" lid, but they really don't have a problem with animals other than squirrels. Evanston went with 32-gallon totes for their restaurants so they wouldn't be tipped by raccoons or other animals. f. As for pricing, residents can pay a monthly, quarterly or annual rate. They can opt for a pick-up every week, or every other week. For a weekly pick-up, it's $27/month; for a bi-weekly pick-up, the cost is $20.50/month. g. Trustee Grear asked Ms. Howard who the other franchisees are, what's the level of participation, and how long have the franchisees had this service. She said Skokie and Evanston are the other two franchisees. Evanston granted the company a franchise in November of 2017. As far as participation, they went from 3 routs to 7 routes in Evanston, or roughly 130 customers to over 700 customers. Ms. Howard said her company is making a difference in the amount of food scraps not going through SWANCC to a landfill, which then reduces the cost to Evanston. Evanston now has a grant program available to condominiums, schools, and restaurants to entice them to sign up for the service; the grant covers a good portion of the first year of service. h. Trustee Thill noted that Ms. Howard's company composts bones and meat scraps. He said he hadn't been aware that these were compostable. She said, when you think about it, animals in nature die on the land and become, over time, part of the soil. In the process of working with a commercial composting site, the piles of such scraps are huge—they "bake" and break down the pathogens that are part of the problem if you were to try composting bones and meat scraps in your backyard. Ms. Howard said that, really, anything that was once alive can be composted. Meat products, dairy products, bones, 100% corrugated pizza boxes, pressed paper salad bowls, chinette" type disposal plates, coffee filters, tea bags—more and more packaging is being composted now. i. Mayor DiMaria asked about the billing. Ms. Howard said individuals wishing to participate would go to Collective Resource's website and sign up on the "Contact Us" page. They would need to provide a pre-payment and then choose whether they want to be billed monthly, quarterly, or annually. j. Trustee Grear asked if Collective Resource would be sending out educational flyers to the community to interest residents in participating. She said the company will not be doing a mailing, but will write material that can be posted on the Village's website, included in the quarterly news- letter that goes to every home in the Village, and for the weekly email blast. She said hopefully word of mouth will generate customers as well, and noted that Vision Morton Grove has been familiar with her work for the past two years. Also, the company will hold two free events for Morton Grove residents to show how to be a "zero waste" household, at such time as COVID restrictions allow for larger gatherings. Ms. Howard said, basically, the communication from the Village is the "push" to attract participants. Trustee Grear thanked Ms. Howard for her time and patience in responding to the questions. 6 Minutes of November 9,2020 Board Meetin• X. STAFF REPORTS (continued) A. Village Administrator: (continued) Mayor DiMaria then called for the vote on Resolution 20-48. Motion passed: 6 ayes, 0 nays. Tr. Grear ay± Tr. Minx Ly± Tr. Ramos Au Tr. Thill gy± Tr. Travis Tr. Witko 3. Lastly, Mr. Czerwinski provided a Notice of Public Hearing for the 2021 Annual Budget. He said the Public Hearing is scheduled for Monday, November 23, 2020 at 7:00 p.m. in Council Chambers at Village Hall. The proposed annual budget is posted on the Village's website and copies are available for public inspection during normal business hours in the office of the Village Administrator and at the Morton Grove Public Library. B. Corporation Counsel: Corporation Counsel Liston had no report this evening. Xl. TRUSTEES' REPORTS A. Trustee Grear: 1. Trustee Grear presented Ordinance 20-22, Approving Text Amendment to Title 12, Chapter 3, Section 6 of the Village Code to Modify Selected Regulations Relating to Telecommunications Facilities. This is the second reading of this Ordinance. a. Trustee Grear explained that the Village's Unified Development Code currently regulates telecommunication facilities. The proposed Text Amendment is intended to improve the Village's control over the operation, siting, design, appearance, modification, and removal of telecom- munications facilities in order to protect surrounding land uses, property values, and the general welfare of the community. The proposed regulations allow for the managed development of wire- less telecommunications infrastructure needed to serve the community and comply with Federal and State requirements. Aspects of telecommunications facility design and operation addressed by the proposed Text Amendment include permitting, collocation, setback, siting, separation, structural integrity, design, height, lighting, screening, off-street parking, storm water detention, maintenance, and abandonment. b. Because the proposed Text Amendment does not pertain to a specific property, Appearance Commission and Traffic Safety Commission review of the application was not required. On September 21, 2020 Village staff appeared before the Plan Commission to present the request for approval of the Text Amendment. Based on the application, supporting staff report, and testimony presented at the public hearings, the Plan Commission voted unanimously (6-0) to recommend approval of the Text Amendment, with minor revisions. Trustee Grear noted that the Village receives a substantial income from these facilities. 7 Minutes of November 9,2020 Board Meetin. XI. TRUSTEES' REPORTS (continued) A. Trustee Grear: (continued) Trustee Grear moved to adopt Ordinance 20-22, seconded by Trustee Witko. Motion passed: 6 ayes, 0 nays. Tr. Grear Lyle Tr. Minx Ly± Tr. Ramos Tr. Thill aye Tr. Travis aye Tr. Witko 2. Trustee Grear thanked Mayor DiMaria for speaking at the Veterans Day program at the Morton Grove Public Library yesterday. He also commended American Legion Post 134 on organizing the Veterans Day Parade and said they did a phenomenal job. B. Trustee Minx: 1. Trustee Minx presented for a first reading Ordinance 20-23, Adopting The Budgets for All Corporate Purposes of the Village of Morton Grove and the Morton Grove Library, Cook County, Illinois, For the Calendar Year Effective January 1, 2021 and Ending December 31, 2021. a. She said the 2021 Budget represents the Corporate Authorities' projections of revenue expected to become available during fiscal year 2021 as well as recommended expenditures for the Village. The Budget was presented at Village workshops held on October 5 and October 6, 2020. A Public Hearing is scheduled for November 23, 2020 and public notice of the Hearing will be published in the Pioneer Press newspaper on November 12, 2020. As this is a first reading, no action will be taken this evening. 2. Next, Trustee Minx introduced Ordinance 20-24, Levying and Assessing Taxes For The Village of Morton Grove, Cook County, Illinois, for 2020 to be Collected in the Fiscal Year Beginning January 1, 2021 and Ending December 31, 2121. a. She explained that this Ordinance sets the 2020 property tax levy amount that will fund the 2021 Budget. The Ordinance must be adopted and filed with the Cook County Clerk in order to levy property taxes within the Village of Morton Grove. b. Trustee Minx said, pursuant to Ordinance 20-23, the amount necessary to be levied for the 2020 property taxes is $9,852,479 for Village operational expenses: $966,005 for Village debt service, and $3,438,617 for the Library. This will result in a levy of $10,818,484 for the Village and 3,438,617 for the Library, for a total levy of $14,257,101. By law, the Village is required to levy an additional $1,837,884 for Village debt service payments authorized by general obligation notes and bonds, for a total levy (before abatements) in the amount of $16,094,985. However, the Village Board intends to adopt Resolutions that will immediately abate $1,837,884 from the levy, resulting in the net levy as intended by the Corporate Authorities in the amount of$14,257,101. The effective result is a 0% increase in the Village's portion of the tax levy and a 0% increase in the Library's portion of the tax levy, resulting in an overall decrease of 0.01% from the final extended tax levy from the previous year. 8 Minutes of November 9,2020 Board Meetin• XI. TRUSTEES' REPORTS (continued) II B. Trustee Minx: (continued) Trustee Minx said, as this is the first reading of this Ordinance, no action will be taken this evening. C. Trustee Ramos: Trustee Ramos had no report this evening. D. Trustee Thill: Trustee Thill had no report this evening, but had two comments. First, he thanked everyone who voted, noting that every vote counted. Second, he said the Village is not raising taxes this year. He encouraged everyone to look carefully at their tax bill. If your tax bill has increased, it's likely from another taxing body or bodies. It is not the Village of Morton Grove. E. Trustee Travis: 1. Trustee Travis thanked everyone who is participating in the Winter Adopt-A-Planter Program. The evergreen-filled planters are out, and thanks to an overwhelming response, all the planters have been adopted. There is also a waiting list! For more information, please visit the Village's website at www.mortongroveil.orq/planter. 2. Also, the Community Relations Commission's fall photo contest, themed "Morton Grove Strong" is currently under way and ends on December 31, 2020. Up to five photos can be submitted, showing off your creativity and the best of Morton Grove. Winning photographs will be matted, framed and displayed at Village Hall. There is a link on the Village's website to upload your photos, or you can email them to crc( mortongroveil.orq. F. Trustee Witko: 1. Trustee Witko presented Resolution 20-47, Authorizing the Sale of Surplus Personal Property Owned by the Village of Morton Grove. a. She explained that this Resolution will authorize the sale of motor vehicles, trucks, and equipment deemed surplus property by the Village. Selling motor vehicles and equipment through the Northwest Municipal Conference-run auction in cooperation with Americas Auto Auction Chicago provides for an effective means for the Village to sell surplus vehicles. b. Trustee Witko said that, in its normal course of business, Public Works personnel annually review vehicles and equipment conditions for all Village departments. After review, some of the equipment is determined to be no longer useful for a variety of reasons, such as the cost of maintenance; that it's outdated or no longer used; or that it's scheduled for replacement. 9 Minutes of November 9,2020 Board Meetin• XI. TRUSTEES' REPORTS (continued) F. Trustee Witko: (continued) c. Trustee Witko noted that Ordinance 05-27 allows the Village to sell surplus motor vehicles pursuant to a Resolution approved by simple majority of the Board of Trustees. At this time, Public Works is requesting that three vehicles and one trailer be deemed "surplus property." Trustee Witko moved, seconded by Trustee Thill, to approve Resolution 20-47. Motion passed: 6 ayes, 0 nays. Tr. Grear gig Tr. Minx Tr. Ramos gyp_ Tr. Thill ayg Tr. Travis gyp_ Tr. Witko ayi d. Trustee Grear complimented Mr. Czerwinski's staff on their efficiency and ability to keep Village vehicles running for such long periods of time, noting that the vehicles being sold were from 1991, 2011, and 2012, and the trailer is from 1998. 2. Trustee Witko next presented Resolution 20-49, Authorizing the Execution of a Contract with Strand Associates, Inc. for Engineering Services for a Risk and Resilience Assessment and Emergency Response Plan. a. She explained that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) requires all public water suppliers to complete an assessment of risk and resiliency of their water system for natural and manmade disasters. The Village is required to certify completion of this assessment by June of 2021. The USEPA also requires the Village to complete and certify an emergency response plan to be developed using the information from the assessment within six months after submitting the risk and resilience assessment. b. Trustee Witko said when the Village last completed this assessment (approximately 2004), the Village's public water system consisted of a water supply connection to Chicago's system, two pumping stations, a minor emergency connection to the Villages of Niles and Skokie, and a public distribution system. Today's public water system consists of two pumping stations, a water distribution system, a minor emergency connection to the Village of Skokie, four emergency connections to the Village of Niles, and a telemetric electronic control and monitoring system. Because the Villages of Morton Grove and Niles now have integrated water systems with a common water supplier and four new emergency connections, the two communities partnered to select the same professional firm to prepare the assessment in order to coordinate efforts and reduce cost. c. Three proposals were received and evaluated by a selection committee from Niles and Morton Grove. Strand Associates, Inc. was selected as the most qualified firm. A scope of services has been negotiated. This Resolution authorizes a contract for this work in an amount not to exceed $29,200. Trustee Witko moved to approve Resolution 20-49, seconded by Trustee Minx. Motion passed: 6 ayes, 0 nays. Tr. Grear Tr. Minx aye Tr. Ramos ay± Tr. Thill Tr. Travis aye Tr. Witko ayi 10 Minutes of November 9,2020 Board Meetin• XI. TRUSTEES' REPORTS (continued) F. Trustee Witko: (continued) 3. Trustee Witko then presented Resolution 20-50, Authorizing the Execution of a Contract With Safe Step LLC for the 2020 Concrete Sawcutting Program. a. She explained that trip hazards evolve in the Village's sidewalk system from natural earth move- ment, parkway tree growth, and utility trench settlement. The Village spends money each year replacing concrete to make the sidewalk system safer for pedestrians. The Public Works De- partment initiated a pilot study in 2018 and 2019 to eliminate trip hazards by sawcutting and grinding the concrete, instead of replacing it, with the expectation that twice the number of trip hazards could be repaired for the same amount of money. Based on Village staff's assessment and the public's support for this process, the Public Works Director recommends that the pro- gram be expanded in 2020 from approximately $10,000 to $30,000. b. Trustee Witko said the 2020 Concrete Sawcutting Program will consist of surveying specific street segments for trip hazards on the sidewalk and an assessment of those hazards that can be corrected with sawcutting and those that cannot. The sidewalk locations that can be sawcut will be repaired as part of this program. Those that cannot will be added to a list of concrete replace- ment locations. C. This contract was bid through a public process in accordance with the Village Code. The contract was advertised and one sealed bid was received. This contract must conform to the requirements of the Prevailing Wage Act. d. The contract amount is $29,790, but, since this is a unit price contract, the final contract amount will be based on the actual quantity of work performed. $30,000 has been budgeted for this work. Trustee Witko moved, seconded by Trustee Ramos, to approve Resolution 20-50. e. Trustee Thill asked if Public Works takes phone calls from individuals alerting staff about trip hazards. Mr. Czerwinski said if an individual sees something, they should call. Public Works staff will then assess the trip hazard as to how much "gap" there is, and then a determination is made as to whether it should be filled temporarily, or ground (sawcut) or replaced. Mayor DiMaria called for the vote on Resolution 20-50. Motion passed: 6 ayes, 0 nays. Tr. Grear aye Tr. Minx Tr. Ramos up_ Tr. Thill Lys. Tr. Travis aye Tr. Witko aye XII.OTHER BUSINESS Mayor DiMaria noted that Park District Commissioner Paul Minx was in attendance tonight. He congratulated Trustee Rita Minx and Paul on celebrating 50 years of marriage. 11 Minutes of November 9,2020 Board Meetin. XIII. WARRANTS Trustee Minx presented the Warrant Register for November 9, 2020 in the amount of 635,035.18. She moved to approve the Warrant Register as presented, seconded by Trustee Travis. Motion passes: 6 ayes, 0 nays. Tr. Grear Tr. Minx Ly± Tr. Ramos ut Tr. Thill Ly± Tr. Travis aye Tr. Witko aye XIV. RESIDENTS' COMMENTS NONE XVIII. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business before the Board, Trustee Minx moved to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Trustee Thill. Motion passed: 6 ayes, 0 nays. Tr. Grear aye Tr. Minx aye Tr. Ramos aye Tr. Thill ly± Tr. Travis aye Tr. Witko aye The meeting adjourned at 7:58 p.m. 12 Minutes of November 9,2020 Board Meetin. PASSED this 23rd day of November 2020. Trustee Grear akkAs Trustee Minx uaP Trustee Ramos Trustee Thill V :0 Trustee Travis I.' Trustee Witko I APPROVED by me this 23rd day of November 2020. Daniel P. DiMaria,Village President Board of Trustees, Morton Grove, Illinois APPROVED and FILED in my office this 24th day of November 2020. Eileen Scanlon Harford, Village Clerk Village of Morton Grove, Cook County, Illinois Minutes by Teresa Cousar 13