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HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-28-2022 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 MARCH 28, 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. III. In the absence of Village Clerk Eileen Harford, Deputy Clerk Saba Koya 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 March 14, 2022 Village Board meeting as presented, seconded by Trustee Witko. Motion passed unanimously via voice vote. V. 1. a. b. c, d. SPECIAL REPORTS Outstanding Neighbor Recognition Mayor DiMaria welcomed Community Relations Commissioners Janice Cha and Ginny Ching-Yin Lo, here this evening to present the Commission’s Outstanding Neighbor Award to Jim Rosin. Commissioner Lo explained that the purpose of the Community Relations Commission (CRC) is to foster, encourage, and improve our sense of community through positive interactions among all Morton Grove residents regardless of age, gender, religion, national origin, or economic status. Commissioner Lo said she and Ms. Cha were pleased to represent the Commission this evening in acknowledging another extraordinary neighbor through the Outstanding Neighbor Recognition Program. This program gives all Morton Grove residents the opportunity to acknowledge an outstanding neighbor for doing special things that make your neighborhood a better place. Commissioner Cha said tonight’s Outstanding Neighbor Recognition is being given to Jim Rosin, who was nominated by Marlene Rockel and Cathy Whalen. She then invited Mr. Rosin and his nominators to the podium as Commissioner Lo shared some of the great comments about Jim from his nominators. Minutes of March 28, 2022 Board Meeting 2 V. e. f. g. h. i. 2. a. b. c. SPECIAL REPORTS (continued) Ms. Lo stated that Marlene wrote, “Jim takes out my garbage cans for me and brings them back in. He plows snow, trims her bushes, and erected a flagpole recently. He even had three veterans from the block raise the flag.” Cathy said, “Jim is one of the most thoughtful neighbors you could ever ask for. He always asks how we are doing and if there’s anything we need. In the winter, he helps the whole block with snow removal, no matter how cold. This past Fourth of July, he erected a flagpole in his front yard and had three veterans from the block raise the first flag. He is one of a kind and deserves to be recognized.” Commissioner Cha then invited Mayor DiMaria and Trustee liaison Travis to come to the podium to present Jim with several tokens of the Village’s appreciation. Mayor DiMaria congratulated Jim and thanked him for making Morton Grove a better place. The mayor presented him with a pen, a $25 gift card to any of the Village’s eating establishments, and a special pin given only to those who genuinely serve the community. Trustee Travis pre- sented Jim with a Certificate of Recognition as well. Jim thanked the Community Relations Commission and the Board. He said, “This award is for being a good neighbor. Back in the day, I was just a neighbor. That’s how it’s supposed to be. I’ve lived in this neighborhood, in the same house, since I was two years old. My neighbors are my friends. And taking care of friends is not an effort.” Ms. Lo stated that the Commission is always looking for new members. She invited anyone who is interested in serving the Village to join the Commission. 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. All are welcome! Mayor DiMaria thanked the Community Relations Commission for the fine work they do. Swearing In of New Firefighter: Noel Galaviz Mayor DiMaria invited Fire & Police Commission Chairman Mike Simkins to the podium to perform the swearing in ceremony for Morton Grove’s newest firefighter, Noel Galaviz. Mr. Simkins then invited Noel and his family, Mayor DiMaria, Trustee Liaison Rita Minx, and Fire Chief Ralph Ensign to the podium. Noel introduced his wife, brother, and parents here with him this evening. Mr. Simkins provided some background on Noel, who began his employment with Morton Grove on January 3, 2022. He recently completed nine weeks at the NIPSTA Fire Academy and has completed his second week of orientation on the day shift. He will be assigned to a regular shift beginning tomorrow. Mr. Simkins said Noel was born in the Chicago-Midway area. He attended De LaSalle high school and later graduated from Loyola University with a degree in Psychology. Noel has worked in mental and behavioral health services for the past seven years. After taking an EMT course, he decided to pursue a career in the fire service. He, his wife, and their fur baby reside in Maywood. Minutes of March 28, 2022 Board Meeting 3 V. d. e. SPECIAL REPORTS (continued) Later this year, Noel will be attending the Lutheran General Paramedic Program. In his free time, Noel enjoys spending time with his family and working on his cars. After being sworn in, Noel’s wife pinned on his new badge. The Board and assemblage congratulated him and wished him well. VI. PUBLIC HEARINGS NONE VII. PLAN COMMISSION REPORTS NONE VIII. RESIDENTS’ COMMENTS (Agenda Items Only) NONE IX. 1. 2. PRESIDENT’S REPORT Mayor DiMaria said the news continues to be distressing regarding the invasion and conflict in Ukraine. He said, “Our hearts are with the Ukranian people. They are in our thoughts and prayers.” Mayor DiMaria said the Village has been notified by Metra that they will start the removal and replacement of the full railroad crossing on Lincoln Avenue between Dempster Street and Lehigh Avenue on Wednesday, April 27, closing the crossing. This work is anticipated to take ten (10) days to complete. Preconstruction signage will be placed throughout the area. X. CLERK’S REPORT In Clerk Harford’s absence, there was no report this evening. XI. A. STAFF REPORTS Village Administrator: Mr. Czerwinski had no formal report this evening. Minutes of March 28, 2022 Board Meeting 4 XI. B. STAFF REPORTS (continued) Corporation Counsel: Corporation Counsel Liston had no formal report this evening. XII. A. TRUSTEES’ REPORTS Trustee Grear: Trustee Grear had no formal report this evening. B. 1. a. b. Trustee Khan: Trustee Khan presented Ordinance 22-02, Approving a Plat of Vacation of a Portion of Chestnut Street Right of Way Located Directly West of Lehigh Avenue and Measuring Approximately 0.531 Acres in Morton Grove, IL. This is the second reading of this Ordinance. She explained that MHDC SLF LLC and the Loyal Order of Moose No. 376 (the Applicants) had submitted an application requesting a vacation of a portion of the Chestnut Street right of way located directly west of the Lehigh Avenue right of way in Morton Grove, and measuring approximately 0.531 acres. The Applicants submitted the request concurrent to a request for approval of a Preliminary Plat of Subdivision and Special use Permits for a 24-unit mixed-use development with a bar and microbrewery, which was considered by the Plan Commission under Case PC 22-02 on February 21, 2022. The proposed vacation will make available for redevelopment by MHDC SLF LLC approximately 350 linear feet of a 66-foot wide Village right of way improved with an asphalt roadway, pedestrian facilities, landscape areas, utilities, and signage. Chestnut Street currently dead ends to the west at property owned by the Forest Preserve District of Cook County. The street currently services the Moose Family Center at 6149 Chestnut Street, vacant property owned by the Village at 8500 Lehigh Avenue, and a commuter parking owned by the Village at 8550 Lehigh Avenue, which was constructed as a temporary use. The property at 8500–8550 Lehigh Avenue and the portion of public right of way proposed for vacation are collectively described as “Site E” by the Lehigh-Ferris Framework Plan adopted in 2009. The Plan identifies Site E as a preferred site for higher density residential development. The proposed vacation provides the developer with additional contiguous land area to facilitate the 24-unit mixed-use redevelopment of Village owned property as proposed under Case PC 22-02. On February 3, 2022, the Traffic Safety Commission reviewed Case PC 22-01 and unanimously voted to recommend approval of the proposed vacation. On February 21, the Applicants appeared before the Plan Commission to present the request for approval of the Application made under Case PC 22-01. Minutes of March 28, 2022 Board Meeting 5 XII. B. c. d. 2. a. b. TRUSTEES’ REPORTS (continued) Trustee Khan: (continued) Based on the Application, supporting staff report, and testimony presented at the public hearings, the Plan Commission voted unanimously (4–0) to recommend approval of the Plat of Vacation, with conditions relating to subdivision and vesting of title, plat preparation and recordation, easements, and Board approval of PC 22-02. Trustee Khan moved to adopt Ordinance 22-02, seconded by Trustee Grear. Trustee Grear commented that he is very proud of the Village’s staff, Board, and the Mayor for moving this forward and redeveloping another area of Morton Grove. Mayor DiMaria called for the vote on Ordinance 22-02. Motion passed: 6 ayes, 0 nays. Tr. Grear aye Tr. Khan aye Tr. Minx aye Tr. Thill aye Tr. Travis aye Tr. Witko aye Trustee Khan next presented Ordinance 22-03, Approving a Preliminary Plat of Subdivision and Special Use Permits with Associated Waivers for a 24-Unit Mixed-Use Development Property Commonly Known as 8500–8550 Lehigh Avenue and a 0.531-Acre Portion of Chestnut Street Right of Way Petitioned for Vacation in Morton Grove, IL. This is the second reading of this Ordinance. She explained that MHDC SLF LLC, the Applicant, had submitted a complete application requesting approval of a Preliminary Plat of Subdivision and Special Use Permits for Village-owned property at 8500–8500 Lehigh Avenue and a portion of the Chestnut Street right of way located directly west of the Lehigh Avenue right of way, measuring approximately 0.531 acres petition for vacation under Case PC22-01, which was considered by the Plan Commission on February 21, 2022. The Applicant proposed to acquire approximately 2.049 acres of Village-owned property and Chestnut Street right of way for the construction of a three-story mixed-use development consisting of two structures (Buildings A and B) with ground-floor commercial uses and 24 residential units located on the second and third floors. Site improvements will include a pedestrian plaza, parking areas, carports, a shared access drive, and landscape areas. The developer is proposing 127 parking spaces to the rear of the principal structures, which exceeds the Municipal Code’s reduced transit-oriented development parking requirement of 101 spaces and the demand of 75 spaces established in the submitted traffic and parking impact study. Vehicular access to the development and the Moose Family Center at 6149 Chestnut Street will be provided by a two-lane shared access drive at the site’s southern lot line. Minutes of March 28, 2022 Board Meeting 6 XII. B. c. d. TRUSTEES’ REPORTS (continued) Trustee Khan: (continued) The developer is requesting waivers for number of detached accessory structures, rear yard impermeable coverage, open accessory parking space setback, location of outdoor seating areas, façade transparency, bedroom mix, public parkway trees, and parking lot screening abutting private property. Trustee Khan said, on February 3, 2022, the Traffic Safety Commission reviewed Case PC 22-02 and unanimously voted to recommend approval of the proposed development with comments. On February 7, the Appearance Commission reviewed Case AC 22-01 and unanimously voted to issue an Appearance Certificate and recommend approval of the proposed development with conditions. On February 21, the Applicant appeared before the Plan Commission to present the request for approval of the Application made under Case PC 22-02. Based on the Application, supporting staff report, and testimony presented at the public hearings, the Plan Commission voted unanimously (4-0) to recommend approval of the Preliminary Plat of Subdivision and Special Use Permits, with conditions relating to site design and operation. Trustee Khan moved, seconded by Trustee Minx, to approve Ordinance 22-03. 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 congratulated the developer and welcomed him to Morton Grove. C. Trustee Minx: Trustee Minx had no formal report this evening. D. Trustee Thill: Trustee Thill had no formal report this evening. E. 1. Trustee Travis: Trustee Travis presented Resolution 22-15, Authorizing the Purchase of Police Pursuit Vehicles Through the Suburban Purchasing Cooperative Bid Program. Minutes of March 28, 2022 Board Meeting 7 XII. E. a. b. c. 2. TRUSTEES’ REPORTS (continued) Trustee Travis: (continued) Trustee Travis explained that, every three years, high mileage squad vehicles are replaced to ensure that key equipment utilized by our police officers does not fail during the performance of public safety and first responder activities. The squad vehicles are utilized 24 hours a day and need to always be in excellent condition. This year, four vehicles are scheduled for replacement. The Village participates in the Suburban Purchasing Cooperative (SPC) which represents 144 government agencies in northeastern Illinois. The SPC jointly bids and negotiates contracts for the purchase of high-quality products at the lowest possible price. SPC solicited for bids for 2022 police squad cars and Currie Motors was awarded that contract. Trustee Travis the fiscal impact of this Resolution is a total of $142,600 for four (4) 2022 Ford Utility Police vehicles. She moved to approve Resolution 22-15, 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 Trustee Travis encouraged everyone to “save the date” of Saturday, April 16, 2022, for the 12th Morton Grove Community Artists Performance, sponsored by the Community Relations Commission. The event is free to the public and will take place from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Civic Center. It will feature live performances on stage per COVID guidelines at the time and will also be available via livestream. This is a platform for people of all abilities to celebrate our diversity and uniqueness. Submissions can be made from February 1 through March 11 at noon to www.identityperformingarts.org/projects.aspx. Anyone who has questions should email Ginny at Ginny@identityperformingarts.org. F. 1. a. Trustee Witko: Trustee Witko presented Resolution 22-16, Authorizing a Contract With Precision Pavement Marking, Inc. For the 2022 Pavement Marking Program. She explained that pavement markings throughout the Village are maintained through an annual pavement marking program. The Village has participated in a municipal partnering initiative since 2012, which included several communities, to procure pavement marking services. Illinois law allows this cooperative purchasing program. Morton Grove led the bidding for ten communities with the expectation of achieving lower prices. This contract was bid through a public process in accordance with the Village Code. The lowest bid, which was submitted by Precision Pavement Marking, Inc. was $37,037.44 higher than the Engineer’s Estimate of Cost. Minutes of March 28, 2022 Board Meeting 8 XII. F. b. c. 2. a. b. 3. a. TRUSTEES’ REPORTS (continued) Trustee Witko: (continued) While the cost for the work to be performed exceeds the Village’s budgeted funding, the scope of work can be reduced to meet the available funding. This Resolution authorizes a contract with Precision Pavement Marking for the 2022 Pavement Marking Program, and if authorized by the Village Administrator, for the 2023 and/or 2024 Pavement Marking Program. These contracts must conform to the requirements of the Prevailing Wage Act. The fiscal impact of this Resolution is not to exceed $50,000. Since this is a unit price contract, the final contract amount will be based on the actual quantity of work performed. Trustee Witko moved, seconded by Trustee Grear, to approve Resolution 22-16. Motion passed: 6 ayes, 0 nays. Tr. Grear aye Tr. Khan aye Tr. Minx aye Tr. Thill aye Tr. Travis aye Tr. Witko aye Next, Trustee Witko presented Resolution 22-17, Authorizing a Contract With Schroeder and Schroeder, Inc. for the 2022 Concrete Replacement Program. She explained that concrete curbs, pavement, and sidewalks are repaired through an annual concrete replacement program. The work is performed mostly by a contractor hired by the Village who will make repairs in the Spring, Summer, and Fall. This contract was bid through a public process in accordance with the Village Code. The proposal amount is $30,250 less than the Engineer’s Estimate of Cost. This contract must conform to the requirements of the Prevailing Wage Act. The fiscal impact of this Resolution is not to exceed $190,500. Since this is a unit price contract, the final contract amount will be based on the actual quantity of work performed. Trustee Witko moved, seconded by Trustee Travis, to approve Resolution 22-17. Motion passed: 6 ayes, 0 nays. Tr. Grear aye Tr. Khan aye Tr. Minx aye Tr. Thill aye Tr. Travis aye Tr. Witko aye Trustee Witko then passed along news from the Village’s Environment and Natural Resources Commission, encouraging residents to help protect and preserve our plant by participating in the following Village-sponsored Earth Month programs. Minutes of March 28, 2022 Board Meeting 9 XII. F. a. b. c. TRUSTEES’ REPORTS (continued) Trustee Witko: (continued) Mayor DiMaria’s Water Conservation Challenge: This April, Mayor DiMaria is again challenging residents to help reduce Morton Grove’s environmental footprint by participating in the 2022 Wyland Foundation’s Annual National Mayor’s Challenge for Water Conservation. The Challenge consists of easy-to-use online pledges to conserve water, energy, and other natural resources. Participants can win hundreds of eco-friendly prizes and a chance to win a Toyota Hybrid SUV for a deserving Morton Grove charity. In 2021, Morton Grove ranked 7th nationally for communities with populations of 5,000 to 29,999 residents. Let’s work together to be the most “water-wise” community in the country in 2022! Take the pledge at mywaterpledge.com. Remember, your efforts today will create a better planet tomorrow! 2022 Greener Morton Grove Award: Applications for the Village’s Greener Morton Grove Award program will be accepted until April 30, 2022. This program is designed to recognize businesses, organizations, groups, and multi-family residential complexes in Morton Grove that have promoted environmentally sustainable practices such as waste reduction, water conservation, and energy efficiency. The Village recognizes the importance of government, residents, property owners, businesses, and local organizations working together to reach our sustainability goals. For more information, and to apply, visit www.mortongroveil.org. 2022 Crayon Recycling Program: The Village is excited to announce the 2022 Crayon Recycling Program! Many people may not know this, but crayons are a petroleum product and can take many years to break down in our landfills. Every year, up to 75,000 pounds of broken crayons are thrown away across the country. To redirect this material from the trash, the Village will collect broken, used, and unwanted crayons and send them to SCARCE (School and Community Assistance for Recycling and Composting Education). This organization accepts broken crayons, sorts and melts them, and pours the liquid crayon mixture into molds to form large crayons in a variety of shapes, which are then used by children with special needs. Please bring your crayons to Village Hall, the Morton Grove Park District’s Prairie View Center’s front desk, or the Library by April 30. You can help prep the crayons for recycling by removing their paper wrappers prior to drop off. Thank you for your efforts! XIII. OTHER BUSINESS Trustee Khan reminded the Board and assemblage that the holy month of Ramadan begins on April 2, 2022. This is a holy month of fasting for Muslims, and is a good time to wish best wishes to your Muslim friends and neighbors. Minutes of March 28, 2022 Board Meeting 10 XIV. WARRANTS Trustee Grear presented the Warrant Register for March 28, 2022 in the amount of $595,988.20. He moved to approve this evening’s 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 XV. 1. a. RESIDENTS’ COMMENTS Ruldolf Vilk, 7508 Emerson, appeared before the Board to complain that he has left messages for Mayor DiMaria to call him because he wants to talk with him about some problems, but he never receives a return call. He felt that speaking for only three minutes at Board meetings is not enough time. He also has issues with the way Corporation Counsel Liston does her job. He strongly feels no one responds to him or asks him questions or provides him explanations. May DiMaria noted that “his door is always open” and that he has given Mr. Vilk answers, but Mr. Vilk doesn’t want to hear those answers. His questions have been asked and answered. The mayor said he has called Mr. Vilk and personally met with him. As far as Board members not responding to Mr. Vilk, Mayor DiMaria said that he speaks for them, and each Board member is fully aware of Mr. Vilk’s problems and the responses he’s been given. Mayor DiMaria asked Mr. Vilk to please stop wasting staff’s time and Board time with questions that have already been asked and answered. 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 7:37 p.m.