Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-09-2021 MINUTES 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 AUGUST 9, 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. He then asked for a moment of silence to honor a fallen Chicago Police Officer; her death occurred yesterday. II. Village Clerk Eileen Harford called the roll. Present were Trustees Bill Grear, Saba Khan, Rita Minx, John Thill, Connie Travis, and Janine Witko. III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Mayor DiMaria asked for an approval of the Minutes of the Regular Board Meeting of July 26, 2021. Trustee Minx moved to accept the Minutes as presented, seconded by Trustee Khan. Motion passed unanimously via voice vote. Mayor DiMaria thanked Trustee Minx for presiding at the July 26th meeting in his absence. IV. SPECIAL REPORTS 1. Outstanding Neighbor Presentation a. Mayor DiMaria introduced Community Relations Commissioner Anisa Laliwala to present the Commission's Outstanding Neighbor Award tonight to Prasan Fernando. b. Ms. Laliwala explained that the mission of the Community Relations Commission (CRC) is to foster, encourage, and promote positive relations among all Morton Grove residents of all ages, genders, races, creeds, national origins, and economic and educational levels. She said that, during the pandemic, many people experienced or witnessed others performing extraordinary acts of kindness, which gave the Commission the idea for the Outstanding Neighbor Award program. c. Ms. Laliwala stated that the Outstanding Neighbor program gives residents the opportunity to Winr acknowledge one (or several) of their neighbors who have made a positive difference in their neighborhood.Tonight's recipient, Prasan Fernando, was nominated by two of his neighbors: Noel Lorenzana and Senthil Avudainayagam. Minutes of August 9,2021 Board Meeting IV. SPECIAL REPORTS (continued) d. Senthil said of Prasan that "he is a wonderful neighbor who hosts block parties in the summer, connecting neighbors to each other, and also helps with questions on home maintenance." .—. Noel nominated Prasan, because "he is an exceptional person who bring neighbors together. He is always smiling and greeting people with a friendly wave. He often helps his elderly neighbors." d. Mayor DiMaria presented Prasan with a special pin, a pen, a certificate, and a gift card as a token of appreciation from the Village Board and the CRC. He noted that Prasan is the fifth recipient of the Outstanding Neighbor award since the program's inception. The mayor thanked Prasan for "making our town a little better" and told him, "You make our Village slogan come to life." He also thanked the CRC for doing a wonderful job. f. Mayor DiMaria,Trustee Travis, CRC Chairperson Arcie Pimentel, and Commissioner Laliwala gathered at the podium with Prasan and his nominators for photos while the Board congratulated them. g. Ms. Laliwala noted the CRC is an all-volunteer commission of the Village, adding that the Commission is always looking for new members.The CRC meets the second Tuesday every month at 6:30 p.m. Meetings are held at Village Hall in the second floor conference room. The next meeting is tomorrow night and all are welcome. V. PUBLIC HEARINGS NONE VI. PLAN COMMISSION REPORTS NONE VII. RESIDENTS'COMMENTS (Agenda Items Only) NONE VIII. PRESIDENT'S REPORT 1. Mayor DiMaria encouraged non-vaccinated individuals to do a courtesy to others by wearing a mask, and reminded everyone that non-vaccinated people are required to wear a face covering when in Village facilities. He said, "Let's get through this together!" 2. Mayor DiMaria applauded the success of the Morton Grove Police Department's "National Night Out," held last Tuesday, August 3, 2021. An estimated 1,500 people attended the free event. _ He said that the MGPD takes the lead with this, but all the Village departments took part in it and helped showcase the services the Village provides to its residents. 2 Minutes of August 9,2021 Board Meeting, VIII. PRESIDENT'S REPORT (continued) 3. Mayor DiMaria thanked everyone who attended, because without participation, the event wouldn't be a success. He also thanked the Village personnel who attended and helped make this the biggest and best "National Night Out" yet. 4. Mayor DiMaria said that the Niles Township School Supply Distribution, held Thursday, August 5, was a great success in providing school supplies to eligible students so they could have a wonderful start to their school year. 5. Mayor DiMaria noted that the Village will hold a 20th Anniversary Commemoration of 9/11 on Saturday, September 11, at 9:00 a.m. at the flag plaza in the Civic Center parking lot. It will feature a ceremony with the Fire and Police Departments' Honor Guards. 6. Mayor DiMaria said, also on September 11, the Environment and Natural Resources Commission (ENRC) will hold a Sustainability Expo from 10:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. in the Civic Center parking lot next to the French Market.The Expo will feature over 30 exhibits from local businesses and community organizations providing eco-friendly services and opportunities for Morton Grove residents and businesses. Mayor DiMaria said one of the features will be an electric car show, with electric vehicles from Tesla, Audi, Volkswagen, and more.There will be giveaways, as well as information on native plants, composting, solar panels, battery-powered and electric tools, organic lawn care, and electric bicycles. He encouraged everyone to come and commended the ENRC for providing what promises to be a great Expo! 7. Lastly, Mayor DiMaria reminded everyone that the 2021-2022 Village vehicle sticker must be properly displayed on your vehicle(s) by Wednesday, September 1, 2021. IX. CLERK'S REPORT Clerk Harford had no report this evening. X. STAFF REPORTS A. Village Administrator: 1. Mr. Czerwinski presented Resolution 21-53, Fixing the Time and Place for a Public Hearing to Consider the Approval of a Redevelopment Plan and Project Area for the Lincoln/Lehigh Redevelopment Project Area, and the Implementation of Tax Increment Allocation Financing Therefor, and Convening a Joint Review Board. a. He explained that this Resolution will authorize the convening of a Joint Review Board meeting on August 26, 2021, at 3:00 p.m. at Village Hall. 3 Minutes of August 9,2021 Board Meeting X. STAFF REPORTS (continued) A. Village Administrator: (continued) b. This Resolution also sets September 27, 2021, at 7:00 p.m. at Village Hall as the time and place for a public hearing to consider the establishment of the Lincoln/Lehigh TIF District.The Village will provide notice of the public hearing in the August 12, 2021 edition of the Morton Grove Champion as required by law. Trustee Minx moved to approve Resolution 21-53, seconded by Trustee Witko. Motion passed: 6 ayes, 0 nays. Tr. Grear Ry± Tr. Khan aye Tr. Minx aye Tr. Thill aye Tr.Travis aye Tr. Witko aye Mayor DiMaria noted that this is a "next step" in moving Morton Grove forward. B. Corporation Counsel: Corporation Counsel Liston had no report this evening. Xl. TRUSTEES' REPORTS A. Trustee Grear: Trustee Grear had no formal report, but wanted to do a "commercial" for the upcoming "Labor Days" event.The two-day event won't replace Morton Grove Days, but he said it will be fun! It will be held at 6140 Dempster Street on Saturday, September 4 from 4:30 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. and on Sunday, September 5 from 4:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.There will be a beer garden, live music, food trucks, and, thanks to the Morton Grove Park District, there will be children's activities as well. There will also be fireworks on Sunday beginning at 9:15pm. B. Trustee Khan: Trustee Khan had no report this evening. C. Trustee Minx: Trustee Minx had no report this evening. 4 Minutes of August 9,2021 Board Meeting XI. TRUSTEES' REPORTS (continued) D. Trustee Thill: Trustee Thill had no formal report, but wanted to extend his thanks to the MGPD for the "National Night Out" celebration. He saw a lot of young families in attendance and said he really felt good about seeing so many young kids enjoying themselves. It was a great event! E. Trustee Travis: 1. Trustee Travis presented Resolution 21-50, Authorizing the Purchase of Genesis Extrication Equipment Through Equipment Management Company (EMC). a. She explained that the Fire Department's current extrication equipment needs to be replaced, as it is over 30 years old, does not meet contemporary rescue equipment operational needs, and is difficult to maintain due to the lack of replacement parts. Members of the Fire Department have conducted performance-based evaluations on extrication equipment from various manufacturers and have determined that Genesis Rescue Systems Extrication conventional hydraulic tools are the most appropriate to meet the Department's needs. Equipment Managing Company (EMC) is the sole source vendor for Genesis Rescue Extrication tools in the area, and has quoted a price for the needed equipment in the amount of$34,895. Trustee Travis moved, seconded by Trustee Grear, to approve Resolution 21-50. Motion passed: 6 ayes, 0 nays. Tr. Grear aye Tr. Khan aye Tr. Minx aye Tr.Thill aye Tr.Travis aye Tr. Witko aye 2. Trustee Travis noted that the Community Relations Commission's quarterly photo contest is under way. The theme is "Summer in Morton Grove." She encouraged people to take pictures of their favorite summertime activities and submit them. More information on the photo contest and how to submit photos can be found on the photo contest page on the Village's website. F. Trustee Witko: 1. Trustee Witko presented Resolution 21-51,Authorizing a Tsk Order With Ciorba Group, Inc. For Construction Engineering for Sawmill Station Right-of-Way Improvements. a. She explained that Sawmill Station Shopping Center improvements approved by the Village required certain improvements to Dempster Street, including, but not limited to replacing traffic signals at Dempster Street and Athletic Drive, and realigning a non-signalized intersection with Birch Avenue. The Village issued a permit and needs to inspect these improvements. 5 Minutes of August 9,2021 Board Meeting XI. TRUSTEES' REPORTS (continued) F. Trustee Witko: (continued) b. Trustee Witko said the engineering needs exceed the expertise and capacity of the Village's Engineering Division staff. c. She noted that Resolution 18-08, approved in January of 2018, authorizes Village staff to negotiate task order contracts with Ciorba Group, Inc. for professional engineering services. Village staff has negotiated the scope of this work with Ciorba Group, Inc. to provide construction engineering services for this project in the amount of$23,188.The actual cost of this work will be reimbursed by the developer. Trustee Witko moved to approve Resolution 21-51, seconded by Trustee Travis. d. Trustee Thill asked if the traffic signal at Dempster and Athletic Drive was being removed. Mr. Czerwinski responded that it was being replaced and road widened. Additionally, Birch Avenue will be aligned to the entrance of the shopping center. e. Trustee Grear asked if the $23,188 was coming out of the Village's General Fund or a different fund. Mr. Czerwinski said it would be coming out of the TIF account and then will be reimbursed. Mayor DiMaria called for the vote on Resolution 21-51. Motion passed: 6 ayes,0 nays. Tr. Grear aye Tr. Khan aye Tr. Minx aye Tr.Thill aye Tr.Travis aye Tr. Witko aye 2. Next, Trustee Witko presented Resolution 21-52, Authorizing a Contract for a Power Supply Agreement for the Purchase of Electricity and Other Related Services. a. She explained that, from 2012 to 2017, the Village implemented an opt-out electricity supply aggregation program which allowed the Village to negotiate agreements for electricity at rates lower than those charged by Commonwealth Edison. The program was suspended from 2017 to 2020 because the ComEd rate was the same or lower than bid rates submitted by suppliers. Pursuant to Resolution 20-35, the Village began participating in the Green Community Aggregation Program, whereby residents are charged the ComEd rate for electricity, but the electrical supply for certain residences will be purchased from suppliers who will also purchase and retire Renewable Energy Certificates sufficient to supply a portion of the Village's electricity from renewable ("green") power. b. Trustee Witko said this Resolution will authorize the Village to continue participating in the Green Community Aggregation Program, and enter into a new one-year contract with a new supplier. Residents may opt out and leave the program at any time, for any reason, and will never be charged an early termination fee. Rate payers who have already contracted with an- other supplier on their own are not included in the program, and are subject to the terms of the private contract they executed. 6 Minutes,of August 9,2021 Board Meeting XI. TRUSTEES' REPORTS (continued) F. Trustee Witko: (continued) c. Trustee Witko said residents will continue to be billed by ComEd. This program has zero additional costs to residents or to the Village. Trustee Witko moved, seconded by Trustee Travis, to approve Resolution 21-52. Motion passed: 6 ayes, 0 nays. Tr. Grear aye Tr. Khan aye Tr. Minx aye Tr.Thill aye Tr. Travis aye Tr. Witko aye XII. OTHER BUSINESS a. Trustee Grear noted that he had attended the Moose Lodge's picnic, and thanked the MGFD for being there, too. Several of the local residents worried about the proposed new Lincoln/Lehigh Redevelopment Project Area, wondering if their property was in danger of being bought. Trustee Grear said he assured this was not that type of project. He said, obviously, if someone comes up to a homeowner and offers to buy that person's property, that person has every right to decline or accept the offer. But this project is not one where homes are being purchased. _ Trustee Grear felt it was important to "get the word out" about this, and asked Mr. Czerwinski to confirm that his response was correct. b. Mr. Czerwinski said Trustee Grear is correct. He said there are some vacant properties in the ar- ea, and some dilapidated properties (from a mechanical and industry standpoint) in the area.The building at Lehigh and Main Street, for example, needs to come down. It is adjacent to some residential homes on Elm Street, but the Village is not looking to acquire those properties. c. If a developer wants to purchase those properties and assemble a parcel, that would be a private transaction between the property owner and the developer. It could be an opportunity for those homeowners as well. d. Mr. Czerwinski said the Village is planning to repair and improve the infrastructure in that area. Overhead wires will be relocated underground.The Village is looking at what it can do with the storm and sanitary sewers, and with water mains, to make the area better. The Village is also looking at making the train track/grade crossing safer and better—making it walkable, rideable, and more easily accessed.To do all this, the Village needs to be able to access TIF funds. He told Trustee Grear to let anyone asking questions about their property know that the Village is not coming after their property. e. Trustee Thill said he believed Trustee Grear was referring to the Village using eminent domain to acquire properties. Mr. Czerwinski said that is definitely not part of the plan. 7 Minutes of August 9,2021 Board Meeting XIII. WARRANTS Trustee Minx presented the Warrant Register for August 9, 2021 in the amount of$761,733.70. She moved to approve the Warrant Register as presented, seconded by Trustee Khan. _ Motion passed: 6 ayes,0 nays. Tr. Grear Tr. Khan aye Tr. Minx aye Tr.Thill aye Tr.Travis aye Tr. Witko aye XIV. RESIDENTS'COMMENTS a. Rudolf Vilk said he didn't want to waste the Board's time talking about journalist Eric Poders. He said he sent Mr. Poders a letter to respond to his critical remarks. b. Mr. Vilk asked Mayor DiMaria how long he has to wait for an answer to his questions. He said he's asked the Board, Corporation Counsel, and the Village Administrator to no avail. Mr. Vilk said he emailed Corporation Counsel Liston asking for her written response and was told that she would not respond via email. He said he wants an official response, and pointed out that responding to residents was part of the Board's job. c. Mayor DiMaria let Mr. Vilk know his allotted speaking time had ended, and commented, for the record, that he, Mr. Czerwinski, and Ms. Liston have sat down and spoken with Mr. Vilk. He noted that, as the Village President, he represents the members of the Village Board, so Mr.Vilk has, in fact, gotten a response from the "Board." XV. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business before the Board,Trustee Minx moved to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Trustee Grear. Motion passed: 6 ayes, 0 nays. Tr. Grear aye Tr. Khan aye Tr. Minx aye Tr. Thill aye Tr.Travis aye Tr.Witko aye The meeting adjourned at 7:30 p.m. 8 Minutes of August 9,2021 Board Meeting PASSED this 13th day of September 2021. Trustee Grear Ao Trustee Khan Trustee Minx Trustee Thill Trustee Travis Trustee Witko 1 APPROVED by me this 13th day of September 2021. Daniel P. DiMaria, Village President Board of Trustees, Morton Grove, Illinois APPROVED and FILED in my office this le day of September 2021. —2744— (2- Eileen Scanlon Harford, Village Clerk Village of Morton Grove, Cook County, Illinois Minutes by Teresa Cousar 9 `00.10