HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-13-2021 i
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
SEPTEMBER 13, 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 commemorate those who had lost their lives in the 9/11
attack 20 years ago.
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 two sets of Minutes this evening:
1. • The Minutes of the Regular Board Meeting of August 9, 2021.Trustee Minx moved to
accept the Minutes as presented, seconded by Trustee Witko. Motion passed unanimously
via voice vote.
2. • The Minutes of the Special Meeting held August 25, 2021.Trustee Minx moved to accept
the Minutes as presented, seconded by Trustee Grear. Motion passed unanimously with
one abstention(Trustee Khan).
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 Arthur "Bob" General.
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.
Minutes of September 13,2021 Board Meeting
IV. SPECIAL REPORTS (continued)
c. Ms. Laliwala stated that the Outstanding Neighbor program gives residents the opportunity to
acknowledge one (or several) of their neighbors who have made a positive difference in their
neighborhood.Tonight's recipient, Arthur "Bob" General,was nominated by two of his neighbors. —
She invited him, his family, and his nominators,Joyce and Jim Mills and Peg DeSario, along with
Mayor DiMaria and Trustee liaison Travis, to the podium.
d. Joyce and Jim said that Bob"is always the first person to recognize new neighbors on the block. He
assists with shoveling snow and helps neighbors get into the Christmas spirit with his wonderful
decorations. He helps neighbors put up and take down their decorations, initiates many fun
activities in his neighborhood, and he never says "no"to anyone."
e. Peg concurred,adding that Bob likes to bring vegetables to his neighbors,fixes lawn equipment,
and definitely brings the spirit of Christmas to all.
f. Mayor DiMaria said that, "one of the best things we do at Board meetings is honor outstanding
neighbors. Morton Grove is a diverse community with a small-town feel.The best way to serve the
Village is to serve your neighbor!" He then presented Bob with a special pin,a pen, a certificate,
and a gift card as a token of appreciation from the Village Board and the CRC.The Board
congratulated Bob, his family, and his nominators as photos were taken of the group.
g. Ms. Laliwala noted 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 had several appointments to the Advisory Commission on Aging and two
reappointments to the Environment and Natural Resources Commission. He asked for a single
motion to concur with these appointments:
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Minutes of September 13,2021 Board Meeting
VIII. PRESIDENT'S REPORT(continued)
a. For the Advisory Commission on Aging: Hope Hornstein, who was not present,Josephine Meehan,
in the assemblage tonight,and Marilyn Sneider,former Village Clerk who is still willing to serve
the Village in her retirement years,also in attendance this evening. He noted that Marilyn's
husband, Don, holds the record as the longest-serving Trustee in the Village.
b. For the Environment and Natural Resources Commission: Christine Corelli for a three-year term
ending August 1, 2024, and Andrew Hoffman, also for a three-year term ending August 1, 2024.
Trustee Minx moved to concur with these appointments, seconded by Trustee Travis. Motion
passed unanimously via voice vote.
2. Next, Mayor DiMaria sought concurrence with his appointment of Daniel Didech to be the
Village's Adjudication Hearing Officer.
Trustee Minx moved, seconded by Trustee Grear,to concur with this appointment. Motion passed
unanimously via voice vote.
3. Mayor DiMaria proclaimed the month of September 2021 as "National Preparedness Month" in
the Village. He noted that promoting emergency preparedness in families,workplaces, and
communities can help minimize both physical and economic damage throughout the Village
should a disaster occur. Mayor DiMaria encouraged residents to "make a plan" about how to
communicate with friends and family before, during, and after a disaster;to"build a kit" by
gathering supplies to last for several days after a disaster for everyone in the home, including pets;
to limit the impacts of disasters by understanding the risk of disasters in this area, checking
insurance coverage, and learning how to make one's home strong in the face of storms and other
common hazards; and to teach children about preparing for emergencies and what they should do
in the event they become separated from their parents.
a. Anecdotally, Mayor DiMaria said he was with a young family yesterday that came from a town
in Louisiana that was hit hard by Hurricane Ida.They are now displaced and living with the wife's
family in Lombard.They won't be able to go back home for at least weeks, possibly even longer.
This highlights the need for emergency preparedness!
4. Mayor DiMaria also proclaimed the week of September 17 through September 23, 2021 as
"Constitution Week," noting that it is fitting and proper to accord official recognition to the
Constitution of the United States on September 17, 2021, which marks the 2331d anniversary of its
drafting. He asked all residents to reaffirm the ideals held by the framers of the Constitution by
attentively protecting the freedoms guaranteed to us all through this guardian of our liberties.
5. Mayor DiMaria encouraged non-vaccinated individuals to get vaccinated, and reminded everyone
that non-vaccinated people are required to wear a face covering when in Village facilities. He said,
he respects people's decisions but asked that non-vaccinated individuals wear a mask to be
courteous to their neighbors.
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VIII. PRESIDENT'S REPORT(continued)
6. Mayor DiMaria reminded everyone that Morton Grove's French Market is being held every
Saturday until October 30, 2021,from 8:00 a.m.to 1:00 p.m. in the parking lot of the Civic Center.
He said a variety of local vendors offer fresh produce,food items, and other goods at this family- —
friendly market.Vendors and offerings change throughout the season. Mayor DiMaria said he
thinks that this time of year is the best time to visit the market.
7. Mayor DiMaria thanked everyone who attended Morton Grove's Labor Days event, held on
September 4 and 5. It was something the community needed and they got it—live music, beer
garden,food, children's play area, and fireworks. He singled out Trustee Grear and Trustee Minx,
as well as Park Commissioners Paul Minx and Keith White, all of whom worked tirelessly to bring
this event to fruition. A great time was had by all who participated!
8. Mayor DiMaria said the Village's Fire and Police Honor Guards did an outstanding and reverent
recognition of the 9/11 event at the 20th Anniversary Commemoration held on September 11th
He said it's hard to believe it's been 20 years since there was so much sacrifice by so many,along
with a tremendous amount of dedication by those directly in harm's way and by first responders
who stood ready to protect our communities, large and small,with courage,commitment, and
dedication. We witnessed tremendous bravery and significant sadness that day.We will never be
the same, and in some ways, we are stronger through our resilience as a nation and a community,
and we must forever remember the sacrifices made by all that responded to the call of duty.
Mayor DiMaria said, "There are people who step up and go into danger rather than run from it;
those people are called heroes."
9. Mayor DiMaria said, also on September 11,the Environment and Natural Resources Commission
(ENRC) held Morton Grove's first Sustainability Expo from 10:00 a.m.to 2:30 p.m. in the Civic
Center.The Expo featured exhibits from local businesses and community organizations providing
eco-friendly services and opportunities for Morton Grove residents and businesses. The exhibits
were crowded the entire event, which was very well attended and well received by the
community. Kudos to all who made this a great success!
10. Mayor DiMaria announced that on Saturday, November 6,the Village will hold its first-ever
Pumpkin Smash at the north end of Harrer Park.A Pumpkin Smash is an effort to divert pumpkins
from ending up in landfills by providing residents a location to drop off jack-o-lanterns to be
composted. Mayor DiMaria said more details will be forthcoming.
11. Mayor DiMaria reminded everyone that the 2021-2022 Village vehicle sticker must be properly
displayed on your vehicle(s) as of Wednesday, September 1, 2021. If yours isn't, please correct
that!
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VIII. PRESIDENT'S REPORT(continued)
12. Lastly, Mayor DiMaria presented Resolution 21-59,Authorizing the Installation of Temporary
Street Signs in the 7000 Block of Church Street in Morton Grove, Illinois,to Honor
Christina Curtis.
a. He explained that the Village has established a policy and a process for the application, approval,
and installation of temporary street signs to honor a former Morton Grove resident or employee
who made a significant contribution to the Village.
b. Christina Curtis lived on the 7000 block of Church Street for over 20 years. She was a student at
Hynes Elementary School and Golf Junior Middle School,where she made many friends, excelled
in her coursework, and was the valedictorian of her class. She attended Niles North HS and was
awarded a scholarship to Marquette University in Milwaukee. Christina started dancing when she
was 5 years old,and was a teacher working with beginning student dancers before she passed
away at age 23. Christina personified the values of the Morton Grove community, and will always
be remembered by her students, teachers, neighbors,friends, and most importantly, her family,
as a warm, bright,friendly person who found time for everyone she met.
c. Mayor DiMaria noted that Norine Nagel has made the proper application to honor Christina with
the installation of two honorary street signs in the 7000 block of Church Street.The application
was approved by at least 65%of the household on that block.The Village Board has determined
that it is fitting and proper to recognize Christina Curtis by installing honorary street signs in her
honor for a period of 12 months after installation.
Trustee Grear moved to approve Resolution 21-59, seconded by Trustee Witko.
d. Trustee Thill asked Mr. Czerwinski to explain this new program.
e. Mr. Czerwinski said this is a relatively new program to recognize individuals in the Village or who
have served the Village.A person can nominate someone by filling out an online application and
submitting it to the Village.The nominator needs to prove that 65%f their block (or area) agree
this should be done. Mr. Czerwinski said it's very localized and can sometimes get very emotional.
The individual (or group) nominating the person for street signs pays for the signs and then the
Public Works Department communicates to the neighborhood when and where the sign will be
installed.The legal street name does not change, and after a period of time,generally one year,
the temporary sign(s)will be removed and given to the nominator(s).
f. Mayor DiMaria acknowledged Christina's friends and family present this evening, and said, "We'd
be remiss if we didn't do this." He thanked them for bringing Christina to the Village's attention.
He said he hoped they would invite him to the unveiling of her sign.
Mayor DiMaria called for the vote on Resolution 21-59.
Motion passed: 6 ayes,0 nays.
Tr. Grear aye Tr. Khan aye Tr. Minx aye
Tr.Thill aye Tr.Travis aye Tr. Witko aye
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Minutes of September 13,2021 Board Meeting
IX. CLERK'S REPORT
Clerk Harford had no report this evening.
X. STAFF REPORTS
A. Village Administrator:
Mr. Czerwinski provided official Notice of Public Hearing for the Proposed Lincoln/Lehigh
Redevelopment Project. It will be held on September 27, 2021, at 7:00 p.m. at Village Hall.The
Public Hearing's purpose is to consider the establishment of the Lincoln/Lehigh TIF District.The
Village will provide the required legal notice of the public hearing.
B. Corporation Counsel:
Corporation Counsel Liston had no report this evening.
Xl. TRUSTEES' REPORTS
A. Trustee Grear:
Trustee Grear introduced for a first reading Ordinance 21-07,Approving a Final Plat of
Subdivision and Accepting Certain Improvements for the Beckwith Crossing Subdivision at
6729 and 6733 Beckwith Road in Morton Grove, Illinois.
He explained that the property commonly known as 6729 and 6733 Beckwith Road, located on the
south side of Beckwith between Oak Park Avenue and Lehigh Avenue has a combined land area of
1.71 acres and is located within the R-1 Single Family Residence zoning district. It is currently
improved with one single family residence and stormwater management facilities. In July 2019,the
Village Board passed Ordinance 19-10 pursuant to the Subdivision Application submitted by the
Developer,Zubair Patel,which approved a Preliminary Plat of Subdivision for the property to
create five (5) new lots of record.Subsequently the Developer submitted a Final Plat of Subdivision
prepared by Heritage Land Consultants LLC.The Building Commissioner, Plan Commission Chair,
Village Administrator, and Corporation Counsel reviewed the Final Plat of Subdivision and
unanimously found it to be in substantial compliance with the approved Preliminary Plat of
Subdivision, and recommend approval of the Final Plat to the Board of Trustees.
Trustee Grear said, as this is the first reading, no action on this will be taken tonight.
B. Trustee Khan:
Trustee Khan had no report this evening.
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Minutes of September 13,2021 Board Meeting
XI. TRUSTEES' REPORTS (continued)
C. Trustee Minx:
Trustee Minx had no report this evening.
D. Trustee Thill:
Trustee Thill had no report this evening.
E. Trustee Travis:
1. Trustee Travis noted that the 11th annual Community Relations Commission-sponsored Community
Artists Performance is scheduled for Saturday, October 30 from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. It will feature
high school performers showing their talents"live on stage" at the Civic Center, pending the
COVID guidelines at the time.
All performers are asked to develop and provide virtual presentations. Submissions must be made
by September 24, 2021, by noon to www.identityperformingarts.orgf proiects.aspx. Questions
should be directed to ginny@identitvperformingarts.org.
F. Trustee Witko:
1. Trustee Witko presented Resolution 21-55,Authorizing a Tsk Order With Ciorba Group, Inc. For
Albert/Davis Water Main Improvement Project.
a. She explained that Public Works is prioritizing replacement of its water main crossing under the
North Bridge Chicago River in order to reduce vulnerability of the distribution to supply water to its
customers on the east side of the Village. A segment of the water main within the forest preserve
near Albert Avenue and Davis Street is a high priority for replacement.The engineering needs
exceed the expertise and capacity of Engineering Division staff.
b. Trustee Witko 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 preliminary
and design engineering services for this project in the amount of$61,969.
Trustee Witko moved to approve Resolution 21-55, seconded by Trustee Minx.
c. Trustee Thill said he noticed on the map that the Village is considering open trenching. He asked
that, instead,the Village consider vertical boring, if it can be done. He said the area this is being
done in has been undergoing restoration for the past 17 years.Trustee Thill said it might cost a little
more, but he felt that "sometimes you have to think about nature."
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XI. TRUSTEES' REPORTS (continued)
F. Trustee Witko: (continued)
Mayor DiMaria called for the vote on Resolution 21-55.
Tr. Grear aye Tr. Khan aye Tr. Minx aye
Tr.Thill aye Tr.Travis aye Tr. Witko aye
2. Next,Trustee Witko presented Resolution 21-56,Authorization for the Execution of a Contract
With the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) For Maintenance of Traffic Signals.
a. She explained that IDOT and the Village have a mutual interest in and the maintenance and
apportionment of shared energy costs for traffic signals along State highways within Morton Grove.
A 10-year intergovernmental agreement between IDOT and Village specifying these maintenance
and financial responsibilities expired on June 30, 2021. IDOT has submitted a new 10-year agree-
ment for execution.The Village pays a quarterly invoice to IDOT for IDOT to maintain certain
traffic signals and for energy costs.The Village is responsible for maintaining traffic signals within
the Village on the following State highways: Golf Road, Dempster Street, Oakton Street, and
Waukegan Road.
b. Trustee Witko said Village's estimated share of the 2022 annual maintenance and energy cost is
$25,000.This will be modified periodically based on IDOT's procurement policy for traffic signal
maintenance and energy supply.
Trustee Witko moved, seconded by Trustee Grear,to approve Resolution 21-56.
c. Trustee Thill clarified that the Village pays$25,000 annually, not quarterly. Mr. Czerwinski said that
annually is correct.
d. Trustee Thill also wondered why the agreement shows the State purchasing and installing traffic
signals, but the Village is responsible for any litigation regarding them. He did not think that was
right and wondered if anything could be done about it. Mr. Czerwinski and Corporation Counsel
Liston said that it's the State's rule and the Village cannot amend it. Mr. Czerwinski said it's one of
the conditions for the Village to be involved in its program.
Mayor DiMaria called for the vote on Resolution 21-56.
Motion passed: 6 ayes,0 nays.
Tr. Grear aye Tr. Khan aye Tr. Minx aye
Tr.Thill aye Tr.Travis aye Tr.Witko aye
3. Trustee Witko then presented Resolution 21-57, Formalizing the Village's Endorsement for the
Project Development of a Pedestrian Facility Along Oakton Street. .._.
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XI. TRUSTEES' REPORTS (continued)
F. Trustee Witko: (continued)
a. Trustee Witko explained that this Resolution is to express support and authorize submittal of a
construction funding application for a pedestrian facility along Oakton Street. She noted that
Village staff is developing an improvement to provide a pedestrian facility along Oakton Street
within the Villages of Morton Grove, Niles, and Skokie.These Villages are also trying to assemble
funding sources for the engineering and construction expenses.The project cost is estimated to be
more than $4,000,000.The Illinois Safe Routes to School is a funding program that can provide up to
$250,000 for construction costs.The program is accepting applications until September 30, 2021.
The application process requires a resolution to authorize the financial support of the sponsoring
agency.
Trustee Witko moved to approve Resolution 21-57, seconded by Trustee Travis.
b. Trustee Thill noted that this is a $4 million dollar project and we're hoping to get$250,000 for it.
He wondered what, currently,the other sources of funds are.Village Engineer Chris Tomich
responded that already$3 million dollars from the federal government and $350,000 from the
County have been earmarked for this project.The funds have been awarded but not yet received.
Trustee Thill agreed that, as of right now, the project looks good. He said, for a $4 million project,
the Village's cost should end up around $200,000.
Mayor DiMaria called for the vote on Resolution 21-57.
Motion passed: 6 ayes,0 nays.
Tr. Grear aye Tr. Khan aye Tr. Minx aye
Tr.Thill aye Tr.Travis aye Tr.Witko aye
4. Trustee Witko presented her final Resolution of the evening, Resolution 21-58,Authorizing the
Purchase of One New International Dump Truck with Spreader and Snowplow From Rush Truck
Center of Springfield, Illinois.
a. She explained that the purchase of this new dump truck will replace a current 1998 dump truck.This
purchase was competitively bid through two separate procurement agencies, the Illinois Central
Management Agency's Joint Purchasing Program for the International Cab and Chassis,and
Sourcewell Procurement for the Salt Spreader and Snowplow. Rush Truck Center of Springfield, IL
was selected as the low bid vendor in the amount of$192,644. Trustee Witko stated that funding for
this purchase is available in the 2021 Enterprise Fund.
Trustee Witko moved, seconded by Trustee Grear, to approve Resolution 21-58.
b. Trustee Thill asked if the Village was receiving any trade-in value for the dump truck being replaced.
Mr. Czerwinski said the information should be in the report. If there is no trade-in value from the
vendor, the 1998 dump truck will be sold at auction.
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Minutes of September 13,2021 Board Meeting
XI. TRUSTEES' REPORTS (continued)
F. Trustee Witko: (continued)
Mayor DiMaria called for the vote on Resolution 21-58.
Motion passed: 6 ayes,0 nays.
Tr. Grear aye Tr. Khan aye Tr. Minx aye
Tr.Thill aye Tr.Travis aye Tr.Witko aye
c. Mayor DiMaria noted that the Village is replacing a 1998 truck. He said he would challenge any
Village in the country—nobody maintains equipment and keeps things operating as good as
Morton Grove's Public Works personnel.
5. Lastly,Trustee Witko reported that the Village's first(and hopefully, annual) Sustainability Expo held
this past Saturday was "wildly successful."There was a steady line of customers at each exhibitor's
booth.She thanked all the exhibitors, noting that they did a wonderful job of teaching residents
unique and effective ways for residents to"go green." She thanked the members of the Environment
and Natural Resources Commission for "having the vision" and for their months of work to bring
this Expo to fruition, especially staff liaison Terry Liston.
a. Ms. Liston said she doesn't mind getting the credit, but felt it was really due to Public Works staff,
who did a yeoman's job, and to Mr. Czerwinski.
XII. OTHER BUSINESS
NONE
XIII. WARRANTS
Trustee Minx presented two Warrant Registers this evening:
1) Warrant Register for August 23, 2021 in the amount of$887,262.58 and
2) Warrant Register for September 13, 2021 in the amount of$310,941.00.
1. Trustee Minx moved to approve the August 23rd Warrant Register as presented, seconded by
Trustee Thill.
Motion passed: 6 ayes,0 nays.
Tr. Grear aye Tr. Khan aye Tr. Minx aye
Tr.Thill aye Tr.Travis aye Tr.Witko aye
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XIII. WARRANTS(continued)
2. Trustee Minx moved to approve the September 13th Warrant Register as presented,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
XIV. RESIDENTS'COMMENTS
NONE
XV. 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. Khan aye Tr. Minx aye
Tr.Thill aye Tr.Travis aye Tr. Witko aye
The meeting adjourned at 7:42 p.m.
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Minutes of September 13,2021 Board Meeting
PASSED this 27th day of September, 2021. —
Trustee Grear
Trustee Khan kye
Trustee Minx p
Trustee Thill A
Trustee Travis P
Trustee Witko Ptv,e
APPROVED by me this 27th day of September, 2021.
Daniel P. DiMaria,Village President
Board of Trustees, Morton Grove, Illinois
APPROVED and FILED in my office this 28th day of September, 2021.
Eileen Scanlon Harford,Village Clerk
Village of Morton Grove, Cook County, Illinois
Minutes by Teresa Cousar
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