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HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-22-2021MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE PRESIDENT AND THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE VILLAGE OF MORTON GROVE RICHARD T. FLICKINGER MUNICIPAL CENTER MARCH 22, 2021 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 Board and assemblage in the Pledge of Allegiance. II. Deputy Clerk Saba Koya called the roll. Present were Trustees Bill Grear, Rita Minx, John Thill, Connie Travis, and Janine Witko. Trustee Ed Ramos and Village Clerk Eileen Harford were absent with notice III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Mayor DiMaria asked for an approval of the Minutes of the Regular Board Meeting of March 8, 2021. Trustee Thill moved to accept the Minutes as presented, seconded by IIIII Trustee Minx. Motion passed unanimously (with one absent) via voice vote. IV. SPECIAL REPORTS NONE V. PUBLIC HEARINGS NONE VI. PLAN COMMISSION REPORTS NONE VII. RESIDENTS' COMMENTS (Agenda Items Only) LINONE Minutes of March 22,2021 Board Meeting VIII. PRESIDENT'S REPORT 1. Mayor DiMaria said an event was held at Niles West High School yesterday, and he has received some phone calls and emails asking why he and the Board weren't there. He said it's difficult to — participate in an event if you haven't been notified that an event is taking place. He said that he was absolutely sure he and other Board members would have attended had they been notified that it was taking place. a. Mayor DiMaria continued, saying that he extended his and the Village's sincere condolences to the families of the eight innocent women,two white and six Asian American, who were senselessly shot and killed last week whole working at spas in the Atlanta area. He said that he condemns and repudiates whatever sick form of discrimination motivated these attacks. b. Mayor DiMaria said COVID-19 has significantly impacted individuals throughout Illinois without regard to race, national origin, religion, or gender, but sadly, during the past year, Asian Americans have faced increased instances of discrimination and hate crimes. In fact, hate crimes against Asian Americans in sixteen of the largest U.S. cities rose by 150 percent in 2020, and no doubt this latest incident, whether labeled a "hate crime" or not, can only contribute to the anguish and fear Asian Americans have been experiencing. Mayor DiMaria said all Morton Grove residents express solidarity with the people of Asian descent during this time of tragedy—after all, roughly 30%of Morton Grove's population is Asian American. c. Mayor DiMaria added that we have worked very hard here in Morton Grove to establish and promote a tolerant and diverse community; in fact, the Mayor believes, Morton Grove does it better than anywhere else, possibly in the world. He said our diversity is a strength and is often a reason why families choose Morton Grove as the community to call their home. He said we cannot control the world around us, and we cannot fall victim to weakness. Mayor DiMaria encouraged everyone to report any incident of hate or bias crimes, comments, or actions to the Morton Grove Police Department at 847-470-5200, or to 911 if an emergency threat is present. 2. Mayor DiMaria said that today, 1B+vaccination access opened at all Cook County vaccination sites. Phase 1B includes individuals 16 years and older with cancer, chronic kidney disease, COPD, diabetes, heart conditions, immunocompromised from organ transplant, obesity, pulmonary disease, sickle cell disease, as well as individuals with disabilities, pregnant women, and smokers. He added that vaccine supply continues to be the largest limiting factor across the country for vaccination distribution. Village staff has and will continue to seek partnerships with local pharmacies toward the development of local vaccination opportunities. All of our pharmacies have expressed willingness to work with us, but vaccine availability is the current hurdle. He said, when the Village receives authorization for a broad-based registration opportunity, notice will be provided to the community on social media and with our mass communication reverse 911 phone system. a. Mayor DiMaria reiterated that the best place for current COVID-19 information is the Village's website. It contains the most up-to-date information on vaccination sign-up, as well as resident and business support. 2 Minutes of March 22,2021 Board Meeting VIII. PRESIDENT'S REPORT(continued) 3. Mayor DiMaria said that individuals who do not have access to a computer, email, or the internet can call the Cook County COVID-19 Vaccine Enrollment Help Line at 833-308-1988 on Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. to sign up for the vaccine. This number may experience a large volume of calls, so it is important to keep trying. 4. Mayor DiMaria said Morton Grove's current COVID positivity rate is 3.8%. He 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. 4. Mayor DiMaria urged everyone to please continue to patronize local businesses, restaurants, and bars, as you feel comfortable. He said we all have to work together to help these local establishments get through these last few weeks of colder weather so they can remain open in the spring. 2020 was an incredibly difficult year for local restaurants, so it's more important now than ever to show our support. 5. Mayor DiMaria announced the opening of Cooper's Hawk Winery& Restaurants, scheduled for March 29, in Sawmill Station at 6731 Dempster. He said the Morton Grove location is the privately-owned company's 14th in Illinois and the 45th in the nation. Cooper's Hawk hired nearly 100 people from the community, hiring front of the house and back of the house positions.The new restaurant offers wine tasting, a wine club, a wine shop with wines and accessories, and an eating area suitable for both dining and business meetings. Mayor DiMaria said this is another outstanding addition to the Sawmill Station Lifestyle Center. 6. Mayor DiMaria read a very nice note he had received from "a grateful resident," thanking the Board, the Police and Fire Departments, the Public Works Department, and Groot for what they all do, saying "it matters." 7. Lastly, Mayor DiMaria sought concurrence from the Board for his appointment of Michael Stein to the Plan Commission/Zoning Board of Appeals for a 5-year term. Mr.Stein has a stellar resume, and Mayor DiMaria said he very much appreciated this Morton Grove newcomer for stepping up to serve on a Village commission. The Board and assemblage applauded Mr. Stein. Trustee Minx moved to concur with the Mayor's appointment, seconded by Trustee Witko. Motion passed unanimously (with one absent)via voice vote. 3 Minutes of March 22,2021 Board Meeting IX. CLERK'S REPORT Deputy Clerk Koya had no report this evening. X. STAFF REPORTS A. Village Administrator: Mr. Czerwinski had no report this evening. B. Corporation Counsel: Corporation Counsel Liston was absent; there was no report. Xl. TRUSTEES' REPORTS A. Trustee Grear: 1. Trustee Grear presented Ordinance 21-05,Approving a Special Use Permit to Allow the Expansion of a Non-Boarding School at 8701 Menard Avenue, Morton Grove, Illinois. This is the second reading of this Ordinance. a. Trustee Grear said that, since this is the second reading, action will be taken on this Ordinance this evening. He said he knew that many of the people attending tonight have spent a lot of times in meetings regarding this project. He explained that the Applicant,Tria Architecture, on behalf of the Niles Township District for Special Education #807, submitted a request for a Special Use Permit to allow the modification and expansion of the existing Julia S. Molloy Educa- tion Center, located at 8701 Menard Avenue in the Village. Trustee Grear moved, seconded by Trustee Thill, to adopt Ordinance 21-05. b. Trustee Grear asked Mr. Czerwinski to comment regarding parking and other residential concerns. Mr. Czerwinski noted that one of the provisions of the Special Use Permit is that Village staff is to work with the superintendent, executive director, and principal of the school to ensure that we understand the situation regarding parking. He said it's great that the residents bring these issues up in the various public hearings. Mr. Czerwinski said staff is in the field right now, looking at right-of-way concerns at various levels. He said the Police Department usually takes the lead in these matters, along with Engineering, to make sure the Village is making the right moves. Public Works and the Fire Department also review the situation to make sure public safety is right.This particular corridor is under right-of-way review by this committee. 4 Minutes of March 22,2021 Board Meeting XI. TRUSTEES' REPORTS (continued) A. Trustee Grear: (continued) c. Mr. Czerwinski added that the school and the Village must remain cognizant that these are unusual times. With COVID, there have been less buses at the school and more cars, as parents drop their children off. That will change once COVID restrictions are lifted. He noted that all of the residents who presented information at any of the public hearings were interviewed by one of the Deputy Police Chiefs. In short, the Village is working with the school and with residents to find a solution that works for all. Mayor DiMaria called for the vote on Ordinance 21-05. Motion passed: 5 ayes, 0 nays, 1 absent. Tr. Grear aye Tr. Minx aye Tr. Ramos absent Tr.Thill Tr. Travis aye Tr.Witko aye 2. Next, Trustee Grear presented Resolution 21-25, Authorizing the Purchase of Four(4) Police Squad Cars Through the Suburban Purchasing Cooperative (SPC). a. He explained that this Resolution will authorize the purchase of two police sports utility squad cars from Currie Motors Fleet in Frankfort, IL, and two police squad car sedans from Roesch Chrysler Jeep Dodge in Elmhurst, IL.The SPC awarded Currie Motors and Roesch Chrysler Jeep Dodge the contracts to sell 2021 police squad cars. b. Trustee Grear pointed out that purchases from the SPC are exempt from the competitive bidding process set forth in the Village Code. The fiscal impact of this Resolution is $124,791. Trustee Grear moved to approve Resolution 21-25, seconded by Trustee Minx. Motion passed: 5 ayes, 0 nays, 1 absent. Tr. Grear aye Tr. Minx aye Tr. Ramos absent Tr. Thill ayg Tr.Travis aye Tr. Witko aye B. Trustee Minx: Trustee Minx had no report this evening. 5 Minutes of March 22,2021 Board Meeting xi. TRUSTEES' REPORTS (continued) E. Trustee Travis: (continued) a. Trustee Travis said that nominees can be any age or background, a longtime resident or some- one new to Morton Grove, a local business, someone everyone knows, or an unsung hero. Neighbors can be nominated for doing special acts of kindness, such as shoveling snow or mowing a lawn for a neighbor who can't do it themselves; bringing a neighbor's trash carts to or from the street; checking in on a sick or elderly neighbor; or organizing neighborhood parties or gatherings. Selected neighbors will be honored at Village Board meetings as well as in Village publications and online.To nominate your outstanding neighbor, complete the nomination form available at Village Hall or on the Village's website, or call Deputy Clerk Saba Koya at 847-663-3007. 3. Trustee Travis noted that the CRC is requesting that everyone "Save the Date" of Saturday, April 24,for the 10th Community Artists Performance, themed "Spring Forward." This celebration of the arts will be held via Zoom and livestreamed at 4:00 p.m., and is free to the public. a. Trustee Travis said this is an "open call" for artist, and those who wish to participate should submit a pre-recorded submission by April 16 at noon. Online submissions can be done at www.identityperformingarts.org/ projects.aspx. Anyone with questions should reach out to ginny@identityperformingarts.org. F. Trustee Witko: 1. Trustee Witko presented Resolution 21-26,Authorizing a Task Order With Ciorba Group, Inc. For the Main Street Improvements Project. a. She explained that the Village is developing a project to replace an important segment of water main serving the east side of the Village and the sewer utilities and pavement located within the same right-of-way corridor of Main Street from Lehigh Avenue to Nagle Avenue. The project engineering exceeds the expertise and capability of the Engineering Division staff. b. Resolution 18-08, approved in January of 2018, authorized staff to negotiate a task order contract with Ciorba Group, Inc. for professional engineering services. Village staff has negotiated the scope of work with Ciorba Group to provide preliminary and design engineering services for this project, which is eligible for use of tax increment financing funds. The fiscal impact of this Resolution is$130,033.50, which will be paid out of the Lehigh-Ferris TIF Fund account. Trustee Witko moved, seconded by Trustee Travis, to approve Resolution 21-26. c. Trustee Grear asked if the whole amount is coming from the Lehigh-Ferris TIF Fund, or only a portion of it. Mr. Czerwinski said 100%of the funds will be coming from that account. 7 Minutes of March 22,2021 Board Meeting XI. TRUSTEES' REPORTS (continued) F. Trustee Witko: (continued) Mayor DiMaria called for the vote on Resolution 21-26. Motion passed: 5 ayes, 0 nays, 1 absent. Tr. Grear aye Tr. Minx aye Tr. Ramos absent Tr.Thill aye Tr.Travis aye Tr.Witko ave 2. Trustee Witko told everyone to "be on the lookout" for Passport to a Greener Morton Grove cards that will be arriving in the mail.These cards are part of a fun new way for the whole family to be environmentally conscious, and hopefully develop new habits that help move the Village closer to its sustainability goals. Passport to a Greener Morton Grove has been developed by the Environment and Natural Resources Commission (ENRC). a. Trustee Witko said that, during the month of April, four different "Passport Cards" will be sent to each household. Each card features one of the following themes: Make an Impact From Home; Curb Waste at Home; Reduce Energy at Home; and Transportation. Cards will also be available at Village Hall and on the Village's website. Households mark off spaces on the card when they complete the designated environmental task. Completed cards can be returned to the Village for a chance to win a prize. 3. Trustee Witko also reminded the assemblage that Mayor DiMaria is challenging residents to conserve water, energy, and other natural resources by participating in the 2021 Wyland Foundation's Annual National Mayor's Challenge for Water Conservation during the month of April.The Annual Mayor's Challenge is a competition consisting of a series of informative, easy-to-use online pledges to conserve water, energy, and other natural resources. Cities with the highest percentage of residents who make pledges are entered in a drawing to win thousands of dollars in eco-friendly prizes, including a Grand Prize of$3,000 toward home utility bills, home irrigation kits, home improvement store gift cards, and a local charity will win a Toyota Highlander Hybrid. 4. Lastly, Trustee Witko reminded residents that they have an opportunity to reduce their energy usage with a free ComEd Energy Assessment, which includes free and discounted products for their homes. You can schedule an assessment by calling 630-929-2231. a. Trustee Witko noted that all of this information and more regarding sustainability and Earth Day-related events and activities will be coming to residents in a special "Earth Month" edition of the Village newsletter, and is also posted on the Village's website and eNews. She thanked Saba Koya for all her hard work on this special issue of the newsletter, and said she hoped that all residents would participate in these activities. 8 Minutes of March 22,2021 Board Meeting XII. OTHER BUSINESS Trustee Grear gave a shout-out to Village Clerk Eileen Harford on the occasion of her birthday, which is today! XIII. WARRANTS Trustee Minx presented the Warrant Register for March 22, 2021 in the amount of$742,426.90. She moved to approve the Warrant Register as presented, seconded by Trustee Witko. Motion passed: 5 ayes,0 nays, 1 absent. Tr. Grear aye Tr. Minx Tr. Ramos absent Tr.Thill aye Tr. Travis aye Tr. Witko aye XIV. RESIDENTS'COMMENTS Mr. Czerwinski said he had received two residents' comments for tonight's meeting: 1. The first,from Lorri Fishman, stated that she had attended the community vigil in Skokie to stand with our Asian friends and neighbors in the aftermath of the hate crimes which occurred in Atlanta. She said she had learned about it on Facebook. She said she was verydisappointedppointed that she didn't see any Morton Grove officials there. Mr. Czerwinski noted that Mayor DiMaria had commented on this earlier in the meeting; neither the Mayor nor he had received any notification about this event, and were not aware of its occurrence. 2. The second, from Beverly Copeland of 9323 North Olcott, also expressed dismay that none of the Morton Grove officials had been at the Skokie event to represent Morton Grove, even though Morton Grove has so many Asian folks living in the community. She also said she had heard disturbing news about complaints made to Parkview School about kids making inappropriate Nazi-related comments. She said Morton Grove is not free from racism. a. Mr. Czerwinski said that Village staff will look into this to see what's happening at Parkview. Mayor DiMaria said he has checked with Police Chief Mike Simo and found that no formal complaints have been registered. He thanked Ms. Copeland for her comment, and encouraged residents to follow Metra's adage: If you see something, say something. 3. Mr. Czerwinski said he had received comments from Ashok Desai, who is present tonight. Mr. Desai noted that Bensenville has a snow removal program for seniors, wherein seniors pay 15 per occurrence to clear snow from their driveway and the Village subsidizes the rest. Mr. Czerwinski said he would follow up on that. a. Mr. Desai also said that Morton Grove's water bill is not classified as a utility bill by his credit card company and wondered why. Mr. Czerwinski said Village staff has had previous 9 Minutes of March 22,2021 Board Meeting XIV. RESIDENTS' COMMENTS (continued) discussions on this and he will follow up with the resident. Basically, it's how the credit card company looks at it, not how the Village develops its bill. b. Mr. Desai commented regarding pest control expenses. He had been having a rodent control issue at his private residence and had spoken with Village staff, including the Finance Director, who advised him to call the Cook County Animal Control regarding reimbursement of the expenses he had incurred. Mr. Desai said the problem was Morton Grove raccoons and he felt Morton Grove should reimburse him. He said he and his wife are retired and living on Social Security, and he has paid $190 worth of damages in his home from these raccoons. He said he is a 20-year resident who pays his taxes and water bills on time regularly. He gave the Finance Director copies of the bills for his expenses but she said she couldn't do anything and advised him to call Cook County. When he did so, Cook County advised him to take the matter to his Village. It was suggested to him that he come to a Board meeting and inform the Board of this matter to see if anything could get done. c. Mr. Desai further stated that he lives in the area of Dempster and Birch Avenue. He had complained at Village Hall twice over several weeks about construction debris (plastic, etc.) on the street not being picked up. It was finally taken care of, but he said it should not have taken five weeks to clear up. Mr. Czerwinski said he had not been aware of that and would follow up with Mr. Desai. Mayor DiMaria said that Mr. Czerwinski would give Mr. Desai the mayor's email address and direct line, so that he could call the mayor to inform him of such issues in the future. He thanked Mr. Desai for coming forward this evening. 4. Rudy Vilk said he had asked the Board to bring in all the letters he has sent them to tonight's Board meeting along with Mr. Czerwinski's responses. He said he's not asking them personal questions, he's asking questions that are part of their job to respond to. He asked them to initial each letter he received from Mr. Czerwinski, signifying whether or not they agreed with what was said. He felt the Trustees show him no respect. He has a car he doesn't use but it still needs a Village sticker. Now he's going to cancel the license plate, but he wondered why Corporation Counsel didn't give him that advice instead of telling him he needs to pay for a Village sticker. He said he spends his time and money and hopes the Trustees are not just throwing his emails in the garbage. a. Trustee Minx said she has been at all the Board meetings where Mr. Vilk has come up and stated his objections. She carries all his letters with her. She said the Board has concurred with the Mayor on the hiring of the Village Administrator, Corporation Counsel, the Police Chief, the Fire Chief, the Public Works Director, etc. for their expertise and specialty knowledge.They have been chosen for these skills they have that she and other Board members don't have. b. She said the Board goes over the bills and the various adjustments to the budget every October during the budget meetings.The Board compares the Village's fees and services to other municipalities in the area to make sure they're comparable. It's the Board's job to look at the bigger picture. It's not the Board's job to look at individuals and say, "Your car isn't registered." The Village expects everyone to register their vehicles. 10 Minutes of March 22,2021 Board Meeting XI. TRUSTEES' REPORTS (continued) C. Trustee Ramos: Trustee Ramos was absent with notice this evening—no report. D. Trustee Thill: Trustee Thill had no report this evening. E. Trustee Travis: 1. Trustee Travis presented Resolution 21-24,Authorizing the Purchase of a 202 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 4WD Crew Cab Work Truck. a. She explained that the Morton Grove Fire Department operates a utility pickup truck to provide department operations.The current 2007 Ford F150 has reached the end of its serviceable life due to ongoing mechanical and corrosion issues.The Northwest Municipal Conference (NWMC), through its affiliation with the Suburban Purchasing Cooperative (SPC) solicited bids for the purchase of pickup trucks and awarded contract#186 for Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck purchases to Currie Motors Chevrolet of Forest Park, IL, pursuant to an agreement that expires on November 21, 2021.The Fire Department has negotiated additional terms required and a credit for the trade-in of the department's 2007 Ford F150 and a 2008 Chevy Express that been deemed to be surplus property by the Village Administrator and the Finance Director. b. Trustee Travis said this Resolution will authorize the Village Administrator to execute a purchase order with Currie Motors Chevrolet of Forest Park, IL for the purchase of a 2021 Chevrolet utility pickup truck for$23,971.68, including a trade-in credit for a 2007 Ford F150 and a 2008 Chevy Express. Purchases from the SPC are exempt from the competitive bidding process set forth in the Village Code. Trustee Travis moved to approve Resolution 21-24, seconded by Trustee Witko. Motion passed: 5 ayes, 0 nays, 1 absent. Tr. Grear aye Tr. Minx aye Tr. Ramos absent Tr.Thill aye Tr.Travis aye Tr. Witko aye 2. Trustee Travis reminded the assemblage that the Community Relations Commission (CRC) has begun an "Outstanding Neighbor Recognition Program."This program gives residents the opportunity to acknowledge one of their neighbors who has made a positive difference in their neighborhood. 6 Minutes of March 22,2021 Board Meeting XIV. RESIDENTS' COMMENTS (continued) c. Trustee Minx said the laws are set by the State and adopted by the Village. She said we follow the laws and enforce them. She said she recognizes that people sometimes have issues with certain laws, but we can't govern for individuals; our job is to govern for the whole community. She said she understands Mr. Vilk has an issue with his water bill, but said that, in 2009, she and Trustee Thill sat in a presentation where a company consulted the Village about what the Village needed to do—and spend—going forward in order to keep the water and sewer system viable and operational for the future, and that resulted in adjustments being made to the water bill. c. She said she understands Mr. Vilk is upset because the Trustees don't all individually respond to his correspondence. She said we are responding by what Mr. Czerwinski is saying; he is representing the Board when he responds. She said she would not respond to a resident's questions by writing a letter because she doesn't know all the ins and outs of every law on the books; she relies on the experts the Village has hired—the department heads, the Village Administrator, and Corporation Counsel. e. Trustee Minx said she gets very upset when Mr. Vilk disparages the personnel the Board relies upon. She said the Board is not going to change Mr. Vilk's water bill because he wants them to, just as they're not going to say he doesn't need to register his car just because he doesn't drive it.Those are the laws that are on the books. XV. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business before the Board,Trustee Thill moved to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Trustee Minx. Motion passed: 5 ayes, 0 nays, 1 absent. Tr. Grear aye Tr. Minx aye Tr. Ramos absent Tr. Thill aye Tr. Travis aye Tr. Witko aye The meeting adjourned at 7:39 p.m. 11 Minutes of March 22,2021 Board Meeting PASSED this 12th day of April, 2021. Trustee Grear Asj{? Trustee Minx Trustee Ramos l JP Trustee Thill Trustee Travis Trustee Witko APPROVED by me this 12th day of April, 2021. Daniel P. DiMaria, Village President Board of Trustees, Morton Grove, Illinois APPROVED and FILED in my office this 13th day of April, 2021. Eileen Scanlon Harford,Village Clerk Village of Morton Grove, Cook County, Illinois Minutes by Teresa Cousar 12