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HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-10-2022 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 JANUARY 10, 2022 CALL TO ORDER I. & II. Village President Dan DiMaria convened the Regular Meeting of the Village Board at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers of Village Hall . He then asked two children in the assemblage to lead the Board and audience 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 Trustee Minx moved to accept the Minutes of the December 13, 2021 Village Board meeting as presented, seconded by Trustee Khan. Motion passed unanimously via voice vote. V. 1. a. A. a. b. SPECIAL REPORTS Swearing-In of Police Officers Mayor DiMaria asked Fire and Police Commission Chairman Mike Simkins to come to the podium to swear in six (6) new members of the Morton Grove Police Department. Mr. Simkins was joined by Police Chief Mike Simo, Mayor DiMaria, and Trustee Travis, who is the Board liaison to the Police Department. Mr. Simkins then asked the six new officers to come up to the front of the Council Chambers, where he had each take the Oath of Office. He then provided background informatio n on each new officer. William “Billy” Whalen. Officer Whalen is one of two new officers who moved laterally to the Morton Grove PD from the Chicago Police Department. He was joined by his father. Mr. Simkins said Billy began his employment with the MGP D on December 20, 2021. He decided at a young age to follow in his grandfather’s and his father’s footsteps, joining the Chicago PD in 2013. He served with CPD for nine years before making this change, and he looks forward to continuing his family legacy in law enforcement with the Village of Morton Grove. Billy was born and raised in Edison Park. He attended Northridge Prep High School and graduated from St. Norbert College. After graduation, he married his high school sweetheart. They have been together for 21 years and married for 14 years. Minutes of January 10, 2022 Board Meeting 2 V. c. d. B. a. b. C. a. b. c. d. D. SPECIAL REPORTS (continued) The Whalen’s have five children: Kate, Teresa, Billy, Ryan, and Molly. Outside of work, Billy enjoys spending time with his family, coaching his kids in sports and attending their many s chool activities, recitals, and sporting events. Billy’s father proudly pinned the badge on his son as the assemblage applauded to congratulate him. Liridon :Don” Ballazhi. Officer Ballazhi is the second officer who moved laterally to the Morton Grove PD from the Chicago Police Department. His wife joined him at the podium. Mr. Simkins said that Don started with the MGPD on December 20, 2021, and immediately began the rigorous Field Training program with his designated FTOs. Don grew up in Schaumburg, IL and attended Hoffman Estates High School, where he participated in football, track, and was a member of the National Honor Society. He attended the University of Illinois at Chicago and after graduating, he entered the Chicago Police Academy. Don worked for six years as a Chicago Police Officer before starting his probationary period at the MGPD. In his spare time, Don enjoys traveling across the US. His favorite places to visit are the Hawaiian Islands as well as the east coast, where his wife is from originally. Don’s wife pinned on his badge as he was being congratulated by the Board and the assemblage. Carlo Cima. Officer Cima asked his brother Mike to join him at the podium. Mr. Simkins said Carlo started his employment with the Village on Sep tember 7, 2021, and began his training at the Suburban Law Enforcement Police Academy on September 13, 2021. He graduated on December 17, 2021. Carlo was born and raised in Mount Prospect. He attended Western Illinois University, graduating in 2015 with a degree in Criminal Justice. After graduating, he began his career in sales, but always maintained his passion for law enforcement, eventually making the switch this year. In his spare time, Carlo enjoys watching football, going snowboarding, and being with family and friends. He also enjoys working on his home, which is close enough to run to his parents for a home-cooked meal, yet far enough not to have to do the dishes after dinner. Family means everything to Carlo, and he wants his family to know t hat he wouldn’t be here today without them. Carlo’s brother Mike pinned on his badge and joined everyone in congratulating his brother. William Lewandowski. Officer Lewandowski introduced his girlfriend, Rachel, to everyone at the podium. Minutes of January 10, 2022 Board Meeting 3 V. a. b. c. d. E. a. b. c. d. F. a. b. SPECIAL REPORTS (continued) Mr. Simkins said William started his employment with the Village on September 7, 2021, and be- gan his training at the Suburban Law Enforcement Police Academy on September 13, 2021. He graduated on December 17, 2021. William was born and grew up in Libertyville, IL. He attended Vernon Hills High School and Western Illinois University, obtaining a bachelor’s degree in Law Enforcement & Justice Administration, with a minor in psychology. William has previously worked private security and school security at his former high school. Mr. Simkins said that, in his spare time, William enjoys playing video games with his friends, working out, and spending time with his family. He enjoys watching the Bears with his grandfather every Sunday. William’s girlfriend Rachel pinned on his badge with pride while the Board and assemblage applauded him. Sean Lawinger. Officer Lawinger was accompanied at the podium by his father. Mr. Simkins said Sean started his employment with the Village on September 7, 2021, and began his training at the Suburban Law Enforcement Police Academy on September 13, 2021. He graduated on December 17, 2021. Sean grew up in Warrenville, IL. He attended Wheaton Warrenville South High School, and after graduating, he attended Northern Illinois University and earned a degree in Marketing in 2020. He also served as an infantryman in the Illinois National Guard, with a combat deployment in Afghanistan in 2019. He received an honorable discharge in August of 2021. In his spare time, Sean enjoys martial arts, fishing, and being outdoors. He also enjoys riding his motorcycle and spending time with his family. His dad pinned on Sean’s badge as the Board and assemblage congratulated him. Vito Lamorgese. Officer Lamorgese welcomed his mother to the podium. Mr. Simkins said Vito started his employment with the Village on September 7, 2021, and began his training at the Suburban Law Enforcement Police Academy on September 13, 2021. He graduated on December 17, 2021. Vito was born in Elk Grove Village and moved to Aurora when he was five years old. He has want- ed to be a police officer since he was a young boy. He attended Oswego East High School, graduat- ing in 2017. He then attended Aurora University and earned a bachelor’s degree in Cri minal Justice in 2021. Vito has previously worked as a Community Service Officer in the Village of Oswego and as a Booking Officer at the DuPage County Jail. He is carrying on a proud tradition in his family of serving the public as a law enforcement offic er. Minutes of January 10, 2022 Board Meeting 4 V. c. d. e. SPECIAL REPORTS (continued) Mr. Simkins added that, in his spare time, Vito enjoys lifting weights, hanging out with his friends, and spending time with his family. Vito’s mother proudly pinned her son’s badge on as he was being congratulated by the Board and the assemblage. Mr. Simkins thanked Chief Simo and his staff for the assistance they provided the Fire & Police Commission. Mayor DiMaria commended Mr. Simkins and the Commission for six great new hires. They have diverse backgrounds and they appear to be a good group of young gentlemen. He as- sured their families that Morton Grove would take better care of them than Chicago. The mayor said, “I’m here for you and the Board is here for you.” He encouraged the new officers to be safe out on the street, and welcomed them to Morton Grove, saying, “We appreciate everything you do.” VI. PUBLIC HEARINGS NONE VII. PLAN COMMISSION REPORTS NONE VIII. RESIDENTS’ COMMENTS (Agenda Items Only) NONE IX. 1. 2. 3. PRESIDENT’S REPORT Mayor DiMaria wished everyone a happy new year. Mayor DiMaria said that the Village’s residential waste hauler, Groot, has been picking up Christmas trees on the curb. They started last week and will continue to pick up Christma s trees left on the parkway (not in the street) through January 15. Trees must be decoration -free and cut into 4-foot or smaller segments. Mayor DiMaria said the Village, through the Solid Waste Agency of Northern Cook County (SWANCC) and Elgin Recycling , is offering free holiday lights recycling. Only strings of lights will be accepted (no garland with lights entwined, lighted wreaths, or that sort of thing.) There is a box on the south side of the Village Hall lobby for residents to drop off their holid ay lights. Minutes of January 10, 2022 Board Meeting 5 IX. a. 4. PRESIDENT’S REPORT (continued) Mayor DiMaria noted this recycling program will end on February 1, 2022. Any questions on what is acceptable for recycling, please visit elginrecycling.com or call 847 -448-4311. Mayor DiMaria was pleased to announce that the Police Department is accepting applications for their upcoming 2022 Citizens Police Academy. The academy will be every Tuesday from March 22 to May 24, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Anyone interested in getting an up -close look at what police do should apply. The 10-week program is designed to give participants an understanding of the operation of the MGPD and a working knowledge of what law enforcement is all about. The academy classes are held once a week and the class is limited to 20 students, so register early. There is no cost to participate. More information can be found at the Village’s website at mortongroveil.org/cpa. Mayor DiMaria said those who’ve participated in the Citizens Police Academy have learned a lot and thoroughly enjoyed it. X. CLERK’S REPORT Clerk Harford had no report this evening. XI. A. STAFF REPORTS Village Administrator: Mr. Czerwinski had no report this evening . B. Corporation Counsel: Corporation Counsel Liston had no report this evening. XII. A. 1. a. TRUSTEES’ REPORTS Trustee Grear: Trustee Grear presented Ordinance 21-17, Amending Title 1, Chapter 11 to Update the Village Fee Schedule. This is the second reading of this Ordinance. Trustee Grear explained that, in June of 2020, pursuant to Ordinance 20 -12, the Village Board amended Title 1 of the Village Code to add a new Chapter 11 entitled “Fees.” The intent of this was to provide a comprehensive fee schedule for various licenses, permits, and servic es authorized by the Code would be set forth in one location of the Code. Minutes of January 10, 2022 Board Meeting 6 XII. A. b. c. TRUSTEES’ REPORTS (continued) Trustee Grear: (continued) By doing this, the Code could be easily referenced by the public and annually reviewed by Village staff as part of the annual budget process. At the direction of the Mayor DiMaria and the Board of Trustees, Village staff has reviewed Title 1, Chapter 11 of the Village Code in order to ensure such fees are consistent with fees assessed by State statutes and other municipalities for similar services, and to reflect the costs the Village incurs by administering the services related to said fees. After this review, the Village feels it is reasonable, appropriate, and necessary to update Title 1, Chapter 4, Section 2 entitled “Monetary Penalties and Fines for Specific Violations and Offenses” and Title 1, Chapter 11, Section 4 entitled “Fees and For Specific Permits, Licenses, Certificates, and Services” of the Municipal Code. This Ordinance corrects a vehicle immobilization, towi ng, and impoundment fee in the Title 1, Chapter 4, Section 2 Fee Schedule, and adds third -party engineering review and inspection fees to the Title 1, Chapter 4, Section 4, “Fee Schedule.” Trustee Grear moved to adopt Ordinance 21-17, 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 B. 1. a. b. Trustee Khan: Trustee Khan presented Ordinance 21-16, Approving a Text Amendment to Modify Regulations Relating to Accessory Structures. This is the second reading of this Ordinance. Trustee Khan explained that Village staff continuously reviews and updates the Unified Development Code as needed to keep regulations current and to promote predictable and desirable development. As such, the Village submitted a request for a Text Amendment to modify certain regulations relating to accessory structures, including, but not limited to, driveways, mechanical equipment, open accessory parking spaces, fencing, and recreational courts to improve the s dimensional control over the bulk and siting of accessory structures, as well as to provide greater flexibility to property owners and improve the clarity of the Code for users and administrators. The proposed Text Amendment allows for the replacement of certain non-conforming driveways, adds greater flexibility in the siting of mechanical equipment, adds flexibility in the required setback for open accessory parking spaces, clarifies that no open accessory parking space may be located within a front or street side yard, and requires an increased setback for recreational courts. The Text Amendment is intended to reduce the number of non-conformities created by Code and mitigate future Variation Applications. Minutes of January 10, 2022 Board Meeting 7 XII. B. c. d. TRUSTEES’ REPORTS (continued) Trustee Khan: (continued) Trustee Khan noted that she had expressed concern at the December 13, 2021 Board Meeting regarding the fact the Plan Commission had not changed the fence height to a 5 -foot maximum, as recommended by Village staff, but rather kept the fence height regulation at its current 4-foot limit. Trustee Khan said she has heard from colleagues and residents that they would support regulations allowing residents with corner lots additional security and privacy, while balancing the Village’s desire for open and friendly streetscapes. She asked staff to reexamine this matter and to provide another text amendment to the Plan Commission regarding their findings. Trustee Khan moved, seconded by Trustee Minx, to adopt Ordinance 21-16. 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. Trustee Minx: Trustee Minx had no report this evening. D. Trustee Thill: Trustee Thill had no report this evening. E. 1. a. 2. Trustee Travis: Trustee Travis displayed and introduced the 2022 New Resident Handbook. This modernized and updated guide provides an overview of the Village’s operations, services, programs, and regulations, as well as community amenities and resources. She said the easy-to-use handbook is designed to be a helpful resource to newcomers as well as for long-term Morton Grove residents. Trustee Travis said a digital version of the handbook can be found at mortongroveil.org/resident/ information. Hard copies are available for pick up at Village Hall. Trustee Travis said she hoped everyone was enjoying all the “adopted” Win ter Planters this year. Minutes of January 10, 2022 Board Meeting 8 XII. F. 1. a. b. c. 2. a. b. TRUSTEES’ REPORTS (continued) Trustee Witko: Trustee Witko presented Resolution 22-01, Authorizing a Contract With Ciorba Group, Inc. For Professional Engineering Services. She explained that the Public Works Department’s Engineering Division has responsibilities related to maintaining the Village’s infrastructure, ensuring private property developments meet the Village’s requirements, and interacting with county, state, and federal agencies for a variety of activities. The workload may temporarily exceed the capacity of the Engineering Division’s staff to complete the work or the scope of work may exceed the expertise of staff to complete the work. The Village has used a task order contract for decades to address this staffing need. A single s solicitation is used to hire an engineering consultant having broad municipal infrastructure experience, employing key personnel who can reliably meet the Village’s needs, and possessing a high level of knowledge of the level of service expectations for the Village’s vicinity. Village staff used a qualifications-based selection process to request qualifications from local firms to provide professional services for infrastructure and surveying. The municipal code requir es this process for engineering services. A solicitation was advertised on the Village’s website, and 38 entities downloaded the information. A selection committee consisting of Public Works staff reviewed and evaluated qualifications submitted by eight (8 ) engineering firms. The selection committee ranked Ciorba Group, Inc. the most qualified to provide services for the contract period of up to five years. Trustee Witko moved, seconded by Trustee Travis, to approve Resolution 22-01. Motion passed: 6 ayes, 0 nays. Tr. Grear aye Tr. Khan aye Tr. Minx aye Tr. Thill aye Tr. Travis aye Tr. Witko aye Next, Trustee Witko presented Resolution 22-02, Authorizing and Approving a Professional Service Agreement Between RM Swanson Architects and the Village of Morton Grove for Architectural Services for the Morton Grove Metra Commuter Station. She explained that the Morton Grove Metra Station was constructed in the 1970s and last updated in the 1980s. One of the goals of the Lincoln/Lehigh TIF District, created in 2021, was to encourage improvement and enhancement of the Metra station. To that end, the Village plans to reconstruct the Metra station to include ADA improvements and enhancements to the surrounding platform, landscaping, parking lot, bicycle parking, and pedestrian safety upgrades. The new station will feature quality architecture, incorporate sustainable practices where feasible, and serve as an attractive gateway to the Village. Trustee Witko said that, in July 2021, the Village issued a Request for Qualifications to architectural firms for this project. After reviewing six proposals and interviewing two qualified firms, Minutes of January 10, 2022 Board Meeting 9 XII. F. c. d. e. TRUSTEES’ REPORTS (continued) Trustee Witko: (continued) Village staff selected RM Swanson Architects (“Swanson”). Swanson recently designed the Libertyville Metra Station and was chosen for its prior experience in designing commuter facilities, working with Metra’s staff, and knowledge of all applicable building codes, IDOT requirements, and Metra Design Guidelines and Standards. Swanson’s proposal noted the Village was a friendly and diverse community with a keen eye on responsibl e growth. The new train station will transform the current “cookie cutter” station into a facility that expresses the Village’s overall spirit. Trustee Witko noted that Village staff negotiated a professional service agreement with Swanson for the price of $82,800 and not-to-exceed 5% (or $4,140) for reimbursable expenses, for a total of $86,940. Design work will start immediately with construction expected to being in Fall 2022 and completed in 2023. Trustee Witko moved, seconded by Trustee Grear, to approve Resolution 22-01. Trustee Thill asked Mr. Czerwinski if Metra is going to put up any money to help pay for this. He responded, yes, but the Village is still negotiating with them. He said Metra had been looking to do some enhancements to the current station—platform and parking lot work. He also thought Metra would provide some funding to support the overall project. Mayor DiMaria called for the vote on Resolution 2 2-02. Motion passed: 6 ayes, 0 nays. Tr. Grear aye Tr. Khan aye Tr. Minx aye Tr. Thill aye Tr. Travis aye Tr. Witko aye Mayor DiMaria commented that this has been a long time coming . He gave kudos to the Village staff, and added that, part of the reason we’ve gotten as far as we have with Metra is due to our relationship with the Northwest Municipal Conference (NWMC). He thanked the Board for approving this architectural plan. The mayor said he’s very excited about this, because he’s felt for a while that this is a “missing part” of Morton Grove. He felt the updated Metra station will transform the whole area and let people know when they come into town that we’re not “a sleepy little 1970s town anymore; that we’re state of the art.” Mayor DiMaria said this really is an exciting time, and he thought the residents should be very happy. He again thanked the Board, the staff, and the NWMC for getting things going. XIII. a. OTHER BUSINESS Trustee Grear said the New Resident Handbook is wonderful and asked if staff had helped put it together. Mr. Czerwinski said Corporation Counsel Liston had done a great job on moving this forward, making it very readable, and ensuring that residents would have what they needed. Zoe Heidorn has some high-level abilities and can take a document and make it attractive. Minutes of January 10, 2022 Board Meeting 10 XIII. b. c. d. e. f. g. h. i. OTHER BUSINESS (continued) Mr. Czerwinski added that Saba Koya spent hours making sure the right numbers were in the right places, so the Village won’t be embarrassed when a resident makes a phone call. Mr. Czerwinski said that Tom Friel and Hanna Sullivan were also instrumental in making this guide accurate; in fact staff in every department reviewed their relevant sections of the guide for accuracy and to be sure the Handbook matches information on the Village’s website. Mr. Czerwinski said this guide will present to the community who and what we are and what we do—it’s like a one-stop shop. This is the 2022 handbook and that means there will be a 2023 edition and so on, because things change. Information changes, rules change, elected officials on federal, state, and local levels change. This will be an evergreen document. Staff worked on this for about six months in order to make sure it would be available in January of 2022. He said that staff reviews the budget at monthly staff meetings, and they will review this document then too. In the end, Mr. Czerwinski said, the people who really pulled this together were Saba Koya, Terry Liston, and Zoe Heidorn. Trustee Thill asked if the intent was to get this document in the hands of all new residents. Mr. Czerwinski said it’s actually to get into the hands of all residents, but especially new residents. Mayor DiMaria said there has been some discussion about mailing a New Resident Handbook to all new residents. He pointed out that people can go to the Village’s website and be able to request one or they can come to Village Hall and pick one up. The mayor felt it was a good idea to mail one to every new resident so we can be sure they have it. Mr. Czerwinski said the Village may also send out postcards with a QR code that leads to the online Handbook. Trustee Minx thanked everyone who had worked on this project and said it demonstrated the wonderful collaboration done by Village staff. She said she’s been looking for something like this for years, and she’s not the only one. Mr. Czerwinski said the guide serves as a “digest” of every department and contains a lot of factual information. Mayor DiMaria also thanked the Community Relations Commission for taking the lead on this. Trustee Travis said, “This is far better than the vision we had for this.” When the Commission saw this at their last meeting, everyone was incredibly impressed with the finished product. XIV. WARRANTS Trustee Grear presented the Warrant Register for January 10, 2022 in the amount of $647,838.48. He 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 Minutes of January 10, 2022 Board Meeting 11 XV. RESIDENTS’ COMMENTS Rudy Vilk wished everyone a happy new year. He said he has complained about his water bill for years —about the fact that he uses 1,000 gallons of water but is billed for 3,000 gallons. He said he had spoken to Mr. Czerwinski and to Corporation Counsel Liston about this matter, but nothing happens. Mr. Vilk said he had sent a letter to Mr. Czerwinski on December 31 and asked him if he had given a copy to each trustee. Mr. Czerwinski indicated that he had. Mr. Vilk said he’s not seeing or hearing any reaction or response. No one says anything. At that point, Mr. Vilk’s time allotment ended. XVI. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business before the Board, Trustee Minx moved to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Trustee Witko. Motion passed unanimously via voice vote . The meeting adjourned at 7:43 p.m.