HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-25-2021 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
OCTOBER 25, 2021
CALL TO ORDER
I. Village Clerk Eileen Harford convened the Regular Meeting of the Village Board at 7:00 p.m. and
stated that Mayor Dan DiMaria was absent with notice. She asked for a motion to appoint a
trustee to serve as President pro-tern for tonight's meeting.
Trustee Grear moved to appoint Trustee Connie Travis as President pro-tem for this meeting,
seconded by Trustee Minx.
Motion passed: 6 ayes, 0 nays.
Tr. Grear aye Tr. Khan aye Tr. Minx aye
Tr. Thill aye Tr.Travis aye Tr. Witko aye
II, President pro-tern Travis then led the Board and assemblage in the Pledge of Allegiance.
III. Village Clerk Eileen Harford called the roll. Present were Trustees Bill Grear, Saba Khan,
Rita Minx,John Thill, Connie Travis, and Janine Witko.
IV, APPROVAL OF MINUTES
1. Trustee Minx moved to accept the Minutes of the October 11, 2021 Village Board meeting as
presented, seconded by Trustee Khan. Motion passed unanimously via voice vote.
2. Trustee Thill moved to approve the Special Meeting Budget Workshop Minutes of October 12,
2021, seconded by Trustee Witko. Motion passed unanimously via voice vote.
3. Trustee Minx then moved to approve the Special Meeting Budget Workshop Minutes of
October 13, 2021, seconded by Trustee Khan. Motion passed unanimously via voice vote.
V. SPECIAL REPORTS
NONE
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Minutes of October 25,2021 Board Meeting
VI. PUBLIC HEARINGS
NONE
VII. PLAN COMMISSION REPORTS
NONE
VIII. RESIDENTS' COMMENTS (Agenda Items Only)
NONE
IX, PRESIDENT'S REPORT
In the absence of Mayor DiMaria, there was no report this evening.
X. CLERK'S REPORT
Clerk Harford had no report this evening.
XI. STAFF REPORTS
A. Village Administrator:
1. Mr. Czerwinski announced that the Village's Halloween hours this year will be Sunday, October 31,
from 3:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. He thanked the residents for their cooperation with these hours.
2. Next, Mr. Czerwinski presented Ordinance 21-08, Amending the Redevelopment Project Area and
the Redevelopment Plan and Projects of the Ferris Avenue/Lehigh Avenue Redevelopment
Project Area to Remove Certain Parcels of Property From the Redevelopment Project Area.
a. He explained that this is the second reading of this Ordinance, and said the purpose of
Ordinance 21-08 is to remove certain non-performing parcels from the original Ferris/Lehigh TIF
District, so that they may then be incorporated in a newly-created TIF District.
Trustee Witko moved, seconded by Trustee Thill, to adopt Ordinance 21-08.
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 October 25,2021 Board Meeting
xi. STAFF REPORTS (continued)
3. Mr. Czerwinski then presented Ordinance 21-09, Approving the Redevelopment Plan and Project
for the Lincoln/Lehigh Redevelopment Project Area.
a. He stated this is the second reading of this Ordinance, and the purpose of Ordinance 21-09 is to
approve a redevelopment plan and project area for the Lincoln/Lehigh TIF District within the
municipal boundaries of the Village.
Trustee Witko moved to adopt Ordinance 21-09, seconded by Trustee Minx.
b. Trustee Grear commented that he appreciates all of staff's time and Kane McKenna's time working
on this. There have been numerous meetings about this project. Trustee Grear said it's an important
project that will help move Morton Grove forward in the train station area. It's also important to
note that a lot of infrastructure upgrading is need in this area, and making it a TIF District will
definitely help fund necessary improvements.
c. Trustee Khan said she concurs with Trustee Grear's comments.
President pro-tern Travis called for the vote on Ordinance 21-09.
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. Mr. Czerwinski next presented Ordinance 21-10, An Ordinance Designating the Lincoln/Lehigh
Redevelopment Project Area.
a. He noted that this is the second reading of this Ordinance whose purpose is formally designate the
Lincoln/Lehigh Redevelopment Project area.
Trustee Minx moved to adopt Ordinance 21-10, seconded by Trustee Witko.
Motion passed: 6 ayes, 0 nays.
Tr. Grear aye Tr. Khan aye Tr. Minx aye
Tr. Thill aye Tr. Travis aye Tr. Witko aye
S. Lastly, Mr. Czerwinski presented Ordinance 21-11, Adopting Tax Increment Allocation Financing
for the Lincoln/Lehigh Redevelopment Project Area.
a. This is the second reading of this Ordinance, which allows the Village to adopt tax increment
allocation financing for the new Lincoln/Lehigh Redevelopment Project Area.
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Minutes of October 25,2021 Board Meeting
XI. STAFF REPORTS (continued)
Trustee Thill moved, seconded by Trustee Minx, to adopt Ordinance 21-11.
b. Trustee Grear commented that, although it may seem like it,this is not a project that has been
"fast-tracked" and asked Mr. Czerwinski to elaborate on that.
c. Mr. Czerwinski said that this has been at least a year and a half's effort by staff and the Village's
consultants. They first tried to figure out how far to go with the TIF; i.e., should it go to Oakton?
To Austin Avenue?They looked at the industrial areas and did an analysis of the stability of these
areas, eliminating areas that were stable and productive, and that would likely not modify
significantly over the next 23 years. They the focused on deteriorating areas that are older and have
been deteriorating for a while. It was a smaller area, bounded by 8300 Lehigh to just north of
Chestnut Avenue, along the Metra tracks and along the woods. Parts of this area had been included
in the Lehigh-Ferris TIF District, but during the downturn in the economy,these areas did not
"ignite," and in the waning years of the Lehigh-Ferris TIF, it would be difficult to support some of
the capital that would be necessary for this stagnating area. A longer time period is needed, and
creating this new TIF is the appropriate thing to do. When the Lehigh-Ferris TIF ends in 2023, it is
hoped that some of the areas that had not progressed with that TIF, will progress with this one.
Mr. Czerwinski said that certainly a lot of time, planning, conscious effort, and outreach has gone
into this.
d. Trustee Grear said he knew there had been some concerns about the impact of possible additional
students in the schools; he asked Mr. Czerwinski to comment on that.
e. Mr. Czerwinski said that this TIF opens a financial plan where developers can come in and speak to
what can be developed on the site. He emphasized that everything that develops in this TIF will need
to go through the Village's standard procedural control process, which involves open meetings,
approvals regarding appearance, traffic safety, planning, and zoning. He felt there would probably
be even more due diligence than "normal" construction. There could be a Planned Unit
Development (PUD), which has even more requirements and would be heavily scrutinized during the
procedural control process. Mr. Czerwinski said the TIF is just a mechanism, a plan, a foundation. It
does not guarantee any projects, but does offer the opportunity to clean up some infrastructure by
adding sewers and water mains. The Village has no interest in purchasing anyone's property.
f. Trustee Khan noted that, during the budget workshops, Mr. Czerwinski had mentioned that he had
talked with the school district officials and they were supportive of this TIF. He said yes,the Village
had sent multiple certified mailings to all the involved taxing bodies and a Joint Review Board was
formed. This Board will meet annually to discuss the status of the TIF District.The first meeting of
the Joint Review Board was held in August and all the taxing bodies agreed to it. It was a very open
process, with great cooperation and supportive comments. Representatives from the schools, the
Morton Grove Public Library, the Morton Grove Park District, and various Cook County agencies are
included, and they will tell us if they aren't happy. The Joint Review Board will help keep everyone
informed as to what is going on and give everyone a voice.
g. Trustee Thill said that 23 years sounds like a long time, but it goes fast. He's been through two TIFs,
and said that, when people see what gets developed, they'll be happy.
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Minutes of October 25,2021 Board Meeting
XI, STAFF REPORTS (continued)
President pro-tern Travis called for the vote on Ordinance 21-11.
--- Motion passed: 6 ayes, 0 nays.
Tr. Grear aye Tr. Khan aye Tr. Minx aye
Tr.Thill aye Tr.Travis aye Tr. Witko aye
h. Mr. Czerwinski thanked the Board for their support. He said "Staff will not let you down, and staff
will not let the residents down." President pro-tern Travis thanked Mr. Czerwinski and staff for all of
their hard work on this.
B. Corporation Counsel:
Corporation Counsel Liston had no report this evening.
XII. 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.
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Minutes of October 25,2021 Board Meeting
XII. TRUSTEES' REPORTS (continued)
E. Trustee Travis:
1. Trustee Travis presented Resolution 21-66, Authorizing the Annual Veterans' Day Parade.
a. She explained that Morton Grove American Legion Post 134 desires to hold their annual Veterans'
Day Parade on Sunday, November 4, 2021, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. The parade route begins at
the American Legion Memorial Civic Center, crosses Dempster Street at Georgiana Avenue,
proceeds south on Georgiana to Crain Street, goes east on Crain Street to School Street, goes south
on School Street to Lincoln Avenue, and goes west on Lincoln Avenue to the Morton Grove Public
Library. After a brief ceremony,the parade will return to the Civic Center following the same route
in reverse.To facilitate the parade, the Village is required to obtain permission from the Illinois
Department of Transportation to close Dempster Street at Georgiana Avenue and to assume all
responsibility and liability involved in the closing of the street and rerouting traffic.
Trustee Travis moved, seconded by Trustee Witko, to approve Resolution 21-66.
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 Travis invited all residents and businesses to participate in the Village's 2021
Winter Adopt-a-Planter Program. The Public Works Department will plant 4-foot evergreen trees in
planters throughout the Village. Participants will be assigned a tree to decorate and care for this
winter, with the option to plant it in their yard for free when the program ends. If interested,you
must sign up before November 15, 2021. Program information is available at Village Hall or on the
Village website.
3. Trustee Travis reminded everyone that the Community Relations Commission is sponsoring a
"Student Photo Contest" for students to be creative in sharing their experiences about going back to
school or life around town. Photos must be submitted by November 29, 2021, and can be submitted
to www.mortongroveil.org/photocontest. Winners will be announced at the Village Board meeting
on December 13, 2021.
4. Lastly, 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.
She encouraged everyone to watch performances by area high school students and area residents
showing their talents. You can watch in-person at the Civic Center or via livestream. Please see the
Village's website or the recently mailed Village postcard for a link to this event.
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Minutes of October 25,2021 Board Meeting
XII, TRUSTEES' REPORTS (continued)
F. Trustee Witko:
1. Trustee Witko presented Resolution 21-65, Authorizing a Contract With Design Installation
Systems, Inc. For Structural Support Repair.
a. She explained that this Resolution will authorize the Village Administrator to execute a contract with
Design Installation Systems for Structural Support Repair which is necessary to restore integrity to a
structural support post in the Public Works garage.
b. Trustee Witko said the contract was bid through a public process in accordance with the Village's
Code.The lowest bid was submitted by Design Installation Systems, Inc. of Morton Grove.The bid
contained a defect, which the bidder was able to fully resolve after the bid opening. The contract
documents allow the Village to waive informalities or irregularities in a bid, and staff recommended
waiving this irregularity because the defect has been resolved. The fiscal impact of this contract is
$27,600.
Trustee Witko moved to approve Resolution 21-65, seconded by Trustee Thill.
c. Trustee Minx commented that there appears to be a $200 difference between the fiscal impact of
the contract and the bid amount, which the Resolution states is $27,800. Mr. Czerwinski apologized
and said the$27,800 is a typo and should be$27,600.
President pro-tem Travis called for the vote on Resolution 21-65.
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 Witko announced that this Saturday will be the last French Market for the year. She asked
everyone to bring their neighbors and end the year on a high note. Let's let the French Market know
we appreciated them this year!
3. Trustee Witko reminded everyone that the Village's first Pumpkin Smash will be held on Saturday,
November 6, between 10:00 a.m. and noon at the north end of Harrer Park. This promises to be a
really fun event. Trustee Witko said she hoped to see everyone there.
XIII. OTHER BUSINESS
1. Trustee Grear asked Public Works Director Joe Dahm when leaf pick-up (not grass) would begin.
Mr. Dahm said he appreciated that Trustee Grear said "leaf" pick-up; some residents will put grass
trimmings at the curb and expect them to be picked up.
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Minutes of October 25,2021 Board Meeting
XIII. OTHER BUSINESS (continued)
a. Mr. Dahm said that the plan had been to start leaf pick-up last week, but now it's postponed to next
week, as there hadn't been a lot of leaves on the ground yet.
b. Trustee Grear emphasized the importance of residents being aware of when street-sweeping occurs
on their streets, asking that they move their cars so the street sweepers can do a complete job. He
said leaf pick-up and street sweeping is important, because when we have rainy days like the last
couple have been, grass clippings and leaves can clog sewers, causing overflows. When a sewer
overflows, then people become concerned. He reminded everyone that Public Works and the
residents need to act like a team and help each other out with keeping streets clean and sewers
unclogged in these fall months.
XIV. WARRANTS
Trustee Minx presented the Warrant Register for October 25, 2021 in the amount of$246,129.08.
She moved to approve this evening's Warrant Register as presented, seconded by Trustee Witko.
Motion passed: 6 ayes, 0 nays.
Tr. Grear aye Tr. Khan aye Tr. Minx aye
Tr. Thill aye Tr. Travis aye Tr. Witko aye
XV. RESIDENTS' COMMENTS
1, Rudolf Vilk noted that a meeting or two ago, Mayor DiMaria had told him that he (Mr.Vilk) is "not a
liar."The mayor is supposed to be responsible for what he says. Mr. Vilk said he has not received an
email response to his email from either the mayor or Corporation Counsel Liston. He said, since
Ms. Liston is here tonight, perhaps she could show him that she answered, but she has already told
him that she would not respond to him via email. Mr. Vilk said that his letters must be working
though. The budget workshop Minutes show that changes are happening with both Building Inspec-
a. tional Services and Administrative Hearing officers.
Mr. Vilk said that residents and the Village Board need to work together. Residents must show
b. respect to the Board and the Board must show respect to the residents. He noted that no one is
perfect; everyone makes mistakes, but said it's important to fix the mistakes and not make them
again. He felt he was not the problem; the problem is the "system" in Morton Grove,
XVI. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business before the Board,Trustee Minx moved to adjourn the meeting,
seconded by Trustee Witko.
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 7:32 p.m.
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Minutes of October 25,2021 Board Meeting
Approved this 8th day of November 2021.
Trustee Grear
Trustee Khan
Trustee Minx
Trustee Thill f.
Trustee Travis
Trustee Witko
APPROVED by me this 8th day of November 2021.
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Daniel P. DiMaria,Village President
Board of Trustees, Morton Grove, Illinois
APPROVED and FILED in my office this 9th day of November 2021.
Eileen Scanlon Harford, Village Clerk
Village of Morton Grove, Cook County, Illinois
Minutes by Teresa Cousar
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