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HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-28-2021MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE PRESIDENT AND THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE VILLAGE OF MORTON GROVE RICHARD T. FLICKINGER MUNICIPAL CENTER COUNCIL CHAMBERS JUNE 28, 2021 CALL TO ORDER 1. 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. Village Clerk Eileen Harford called the roll. Present were Trustees Bill Grear, Saba Khan, Rita Minx, and John Thill. Trustees Connie Travis and Janine Witko were absent with notice III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Mayor DiMaria asked for an approval of the Minutes of the Regular Board Meeting of June 14, 2021. Trustee Minx moved to accept the Minutes as presented, seconded by Trustee Khan. Motion passed unanimously (with 2 absent) via voice vote. IV. SPECIAL REPORTS NONE V. PUBLIC HEARINGS NONE VI. PLAN COMMISSION REPORTS NONE VII. RESIDENTS' COMMENTS (Agenda Items Only) NONE Minutesof)unrve 28,2b21 Board Meeting VIII. PRESIDENT'S REPORT 1. Mayor DiMaria wished everyone a safe and enjoyable July 4th holiday, and said he'd miss seeing everyone who normally comes out for the "Morton Grove Days" celebration. He asked that people safely transition from COVID restrictions by wearing face coverings based upon individual vaccination status. 2. Mayor DiMaria noted that, on Friday, June 25th, the Governor extended the Disaster Declaration for the State of Illinois to July 24th. He said the Village will continue to require unvaccinated employees to wear masks and observe social distancing. Visitors to Village facilities that we cannot confirm being vaccinated will be required to wear a mask and maintain social distancing. He urged everyone to please get vaccinated, "so we can put this behind us." 3. Mayor DiMaria said the French Market will be open every Saturday from July 12, 2021 to October 30, 2021, from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. (The Market will be closed on July 3 and September 4.) The French Market takes place at the Morton Grove Civic Center at 6140 Dempster Street. This is a family -friendly outdoor market featuring a variety of local vendors offering fresh produce, foot items, and other goods. Vendors and offerings can change throughout the season. Mayor DiMaria invited everyone to come out and enjoy this community experience. 4. Mayor DiMaria announced that the Morton Grove Police Department will once again host a free event, "National Night Out," on Tuesday, August 3, 2021, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. in the parking lot of the Civic Center. This is an event to enhance the relationship between residents and law enforcement while fostering a greater sense of community. The event will feature family -friendly activities, entertainment, and refreshments. 5. Mayor DiMaria also announced that the Village will hold a two-day event called "Morton Grove Labor Days." It will be held on Saturday, September 4th from 4:30 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. and on Sunday, September 5th from 4:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. This event will be put on by the Morton Grove Special Events Commission and the Morton Grove Park District, and will feature live musical entertainment, a beer garden, food, children's entertainment, and on Sunday, beginning approximately 8:50 p.m., fireworks! 6. Mayor DiMaria said the Village will hold a Sustainability Expo on Saturday, September 11, 2021, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Civic Center, 6140 Dempster Street. The expo will feature exhibits from local businesses and community organizations providing eco -friendly services and opportunities for Morton Grove residents and businesses. IX. CLERK'S REPORT Clerk Harford had no report this evening. 2 -Minutes of June 28, 2021 Berard Meeting X. STAFF REPORTS A. Village Administrator: 1. Mr. Czerwinski presented Ordinance 21-06, Amending Title 4, Chapter 2, Section 1 Entitled "Definitions" and Title 4, Chapter 6D Entitled "Liquor Control;" Section 8 Entitled "License Classifications and Fees," Section 13 Entitled "Regulations for Licensees," Section 14 Entitled "Regulations for Licensees Operating Video Gaming Terminals on the Licensed Premise," and Title 1, Chapter 11, Section 4 Entitled "Fees for Specific Permits, Licenses, Certificates, and Services." This is the second reading of this Ordinance. a. Mr. Czerwinski explained that this Ordinance will update Village Code provisions relation to liquor licenses and video gaming permits. The Code amendments in this Ordinance are intended to: • Update the definition of a "licensed premise" to include designated outdoor areas; • Update the definition for a Class A liquor license to remove the requirement for a designated bar area; • Add separate classes of liquor licenses which are permitted to operate video gaming terminals; • Add an ancillary license to allow licensees authorized to sell and serve alcoholic liquor for on -premise consumption to also sell package sale of alcoholic liquor for off -premise con- sumption; • Add an ancillary license to allow licensees authorized to sell alcoholic liquor for off -premise consumption to permit on-site tastings; • Add an ancillary license to allow licensees authorized to sell and serve alcoholic liquor for on -premise consumption to also sell or serve alcoholic liquor in designated outdoor areas; • Add a new license permitting the sale of alcohol in temporary outdoor markets; • Add new licenses which permit the complimentary service of alcohol by hotels and certain retail and service establishments; • Incorporate new State statute provisions for the delivery of alcoholic liquor; • Update the Village's Fee Ordinance to establish application and license fees for said new licenses; and • Allow additional video gaming permits to be issued to holders of Class E and M licenses pursuant to an economic development agreement dated after August 1, 2021, so long as gaming revenue received by the licensee comprises thirty percent (30%) or less of the establishment's gross revenue. b. Mr. Czerwinski noted that these Code amendments would take effect immediately after the approval of the Ordinance, except that licenses issued to current liquor license holders will remain in place through the end of 2021. He said staff has recommended the passage of this Ordinance. Mayor DiMaria called for a motion and vote on Ordinance 21-06. 3 _Mlirhutesof dune 28, 121 Board Meeting X. STAFF REPORTS (continued) Trustee Grear moved to adopt Ordinance 21-06, seconded by Trustee Minx. Motion passed: 4 ayes, 0 nays, 2 absent. Tr. Grear aye Tr. Khan aye Tr. Minx aye Tr. ThiII aye Tr. Travis absent Tr. Witko absent c. Mr. Czerwinski said this Ordinance is the result of a lot of diligent work by Corporation Counsel and the Economic Development team. 2. Next, Mr. Czerwinski presented Resolution 21-39, Authorizing a Feasibility Study and a Housing Impact Study Concerning the Redevelopment of Certain Property Located Within the Village of Morton Grove, Illinois. a. He explained that the area on Lincoln Avenue and Lehigh Avenue adjacent to the Metra Station has not experienced significant growth and development through investment by private enterprise, and it is not reasonably anticipated to continue to produce property taxes comparable to other redeveloped areas. The Village is therefore considering designating the area as a "Redevelopment Project Area" or "TIF District" as contemplated by the State's "TIF Act" statute. Pursuant to the TIF Act, I is necessary to conduct a feasibility study and a Housing Impact Study. This Resolution will authorize Village staff and Kane, McKenna and Associates, Inc. to prepare a Feasibility Study and a Housing Impact Study of the proposed Redevelopment Project Area. b. To further comply with the TIF Act, the Village will immediately transmit a copy of this Resolution to all taxing districts that would be affected by designation of the proposed Redevelopment Project Area. The Village's Land Use Planner may be contacted for additional information about the proposed Redevelopment Project Area. The Land Use Planner shall also receive all comments and suggestions regarding the proposed Redevelopment Project Area. Trustee Grear moved to approve Resolution 21-39, seconded by Trustee Minx. Motion passed: 4 ayes, 0 nays, 2 absent. Tr. Grear aye Tr. Khan aye Tr. Minx aye Tr. Thill aye Tr. Travis absent Tr. Witko absent 3. Mr. Czerwinski then presented Resolution 21-41, Providing an Inducement to the Village of Morton Grove and Prospective Developers for Redevelopment Projects in the Village of Morton Grove, Cook County, Illinois. a. He explained that the area adjacent to the Metra Station (the "Lincoln/Lehigh Redevelopment Project Area") suffers from blighting factors including obsolescence, deterioration, structures below minimum code standards, inadequate utilities, lack of community planning, and stagnating or declining property values. If blighting continues in this area, the economic/physical development of the Village may be harmed. 4 ..4 - Minutes of June 28, 2021 Board Meeting X. STAFF REPORTS (continued) B Mr. Czerwinski said that developers have contacted the Village, indicating their interest in redeveloping this area, but only if the Village provides financial assistance. This Resolution is intended to induce and support developers' efforts to evaluate and negotiate potential redevelopment projects by affirming that the Village will take appropriate action as allowed by law and/or as authorized by the TIF Act, will bargain in good faith to negotiate appropriate redevelop- ment agreements, and, if the Village determines that a desired project is appropriate for economic incentive programs, and such costs are qualified costs under the TIF Act, the Village may authorize the reimbursement of eligible expenditures to developers incurred after the date of this Resolution. Trustee Grear moved, seconded by Trustee Minx, to approve Resolution 21-41 Motion passed: 4 ayes, 0 nays, 2 absent. Tr. Grear aye Tr. Khan aye Tr. Minx aye Tr. Thill aye Tr. Travis absent Tr. Witko absent 4. Lastly, Mr. Czerwinski presented Resolution 21-42, A Resolution Setting a Public Meeting Relating to the Proposed Establishment of the Lincoln/Lehigh Redevelopment Project Area Within the Village of Morton Grove, Illinois. He explained that, because the Village is considering designating the area on Lincoln and Lehigh Avenue adjacent to the Metra Station as a "Redevelopment Project Area" or "TIF District," a public meeting must be scheduled prior to scheduling the public hearing at which the Village will advise the public, taxing districts having real property in the redevelopment project area, taxpayers who own property in the redevelopment project area, and residents in the area as to the Village's plans to establish the Redevelopment Project Area. The public meeting is scheduled to take place on July 21, 2021, at 3:00 p.m. at the Richard T. Flickinger Municipal Center at 6101 Capulina Avenue in Morton Grove. Trustee Minx moved to approve Resolution 21-42, seconded by Trustee Khan. Motion passed: 4 ayes, 0 nays, 2 absent. Tr. Grear aye Tr. Khan aye Tr. Minx aye Tr. Thill aye Tr. Travis absent Tr. Witko absent Mr. Czerwinski thanked staff for everything they put into these Resolutions, noting that the Legislative Summaries were quick to read, but the Resolutions themselves took a lot of effort to put together, and there's been a lot of consideration on what to do in this area to move it forward. Mr. Czerwinski said, "We have to invest in our own community or no one else will. If we don't invest in it, there will be no return." 5 :Mhiutesiof June 21, 121 Board Meeting X. B. Corporation Counsel: Corporation Counsel Liston had no report this evening. STAFF REPORTS (continued) XI. TRUSTEES' REPORTS A. Trustee Grear: Trustee Grear had no report this evening. B. Trustee Khan: Trustee Khan had no report this evening. C. Trustee Minx: Trustee Minx had no report this evening. D. Trustee Thill: Trustee Thill had no report this evening. E. Trustee Travis: Trustee Travis was absent; no report this evening. F. Trustee Witko: 1. Since Trustee Witko was absent, Trustee Thill, who is her designated back-up, was tasked with presenting Resolution 21-40, Authorizing a Task Order with Ciorba Group, Inc. For Lehigh Avenue Infrastructure Improvements Feasibility Study. a. Prior to doing so however, he pointed out that "This is the same tool we used to clean up Waukegan Road; the same tool we used to bring The Woodlands in; the same tool we used to bring The Homestead in; and the same tool that brought in Sawmill Station." 6 ••• - _ Minutes of June 28, 2021 Board Meeting XI. TRUSTEES' REPORTS (continued) F. Trustee Thill for Trustee Witko: (continued) b. Trustee Thill explained that Lehigh Avenue Realignment is a prioritized project included in the Lehigh/Ferris Framework Plan conceived in 2002 and approved by Ordinance 09-01 in January of 2009. This project scope needs to be adjusted to reflect current priorities. c. Trustee Thill said that updating infrastructure along Lehigh Avenue, especially separating the sewer, remains the core of this project. It is practical to review the feasibility and to evaluate design options before commencing design. This project is eligible for the use of tax increment financing funds in the Lehigh -Ferris TIF Fund. The cost of this task order is $36,106.50 Trustee Thill moved to approve Resolution 21-40, seconded by Trustee Grear. Motion passed: 4 ayes, 0 nays, 2 absent. Tr. Grear aye Tr. Khan aye Tr. Minx aye Tr. Thill aye Tr. Travis absent Tr. Witko absent XII. OTHER BUSINESS NONE XIII. WARRANTS Trustee Minx presented the Warrant Register for June 28, 2021 in the amount of $1,318,608.72. Trustee Minx moved to approve the Warrant Register as presented, seconded by Trustee Grear. Motion passed: 4 ayes, 0 nays, 2 absent. Tr. Grear aye Tr. Khan aye Tr. Minx aye Tr. Thill aye Tr. Travis absent Tr. Witko absent XIV. RESIDENTS' COMMENTS 1. Eric Poders, 7940 Foster, said he was following up on his comments made two weeks ago, referring to an individual who's been coming to these meetings for 17 years. He said he had printed out a copy of the "Meeting Rules of Procedure" to give to this individual, who was not present at tonight's meeting. Mr. Poders also shared an email he had sent to the Police Chief after the last Village Board meeting regarding an incident that had occurred after he left the meeting. Mr. Poders' email documented a phone call he received from Rudolf Vilk. Mr. Vilk was calling Mr. Poders to let him know that Mr. Poders was "illegally recording him" at the Board meeting. Mr. Poders terminated the call. 7 'Minutes of lune 28,%21 Board Meeting XIV. RESIDENTS' COMMENTS a. Mr. Poders said Mr. Vilk doesn't seem to understand that public meetings can be video- recorded and/or recorded audibly or via photograph. Mr. Poders' email to the Police Chief included the audio recording of the meeting and Mr. Vilk's interruption of the meeting at 7:24pm. b. Mr. Poders also provided for the record numerous dockets dating back 18 years indicating Mr. Vilk's history of suing municipalities. He noted that Mr. Vilk sued Morton Grove in 2004, 2012, and again in 2017, and said that when Mr. Vilk sues Morton Grove, he is, in essence, suing all of its residents, including the Board members. c. Mr. Poders also asked for clarification on whether or not there was going to be a Labor Day event. Mayor DiMaria responded that it will be a two-day event on September 4 and 5th, featuring live music, a beer garden, food, children's entertainment, and fireworks the evening of the 5th Mr. Poders thanked him and said he will do everything he can to promote the event. XV. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business before the Board, Trustee Minx moved to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Trustee Khan. Motion passed: 4 ayes, 0 nays, 2 absent. Tr. Grear aye Tr. Khan aye Tr. Minx aye Tr. Thill aye Tr. Travis absent Tr. Witko absent The meeting adjourned at 7:24 p.m. 8 Minutes of June 28, 2021 Board Meeting PASSED this 12th day ofJuly, 2021. Trustee Grear Trustee Khan Trustee Minx Trustee Thill Trustee Travis Trustee Witko APPROVED by me this 12th day ofJuly, 2021. Daniel P. DiMaria, Village President Board of Trustees, Morton Grove, Illinois APPROVED and FILED in my office this 13th day of July, 2021. Eileen Scanlon Harford, Village Clerk Village of Morton Grove, Cook County, Illinois Minutes by Teresa Cousar 9