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HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-23-2022 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 MAY 23, 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. 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 May 9, 2022 Village Board meeting as presented, seconded by Trustee Khan. Motion passed unanimously via voice vote. V. 1. a. b. c. d. SPECIAL REPORTS Outstanding Neighbor Recognition: Sabeel Ahmed Mayor DiMaria welcomed Community Relations Commissioners Kristey Chalabi and Bob Burkhart, here this evening to present the Commission’s Outstanding Neighbor Award to Sabeel Ahmed. Commissioner Chalabi 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 Chalabi said she and Commissioner Burkhart 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 Burkhart said tonight’s Outstanding Neighbor Recognition is being given to Sabeel Ahmed, and this is not the first time he has been so honored. Mr. Burkhart recalled that, in February of 2019, during a frigid, cold, snowy winter, Sabeel and his family delivered notes to 40 of his neighbors, offering to help get them groceries, medications, shovel snow, and even invited them to come over and share a meal. The Ahmed’s generosity was the perfect example of what it means to be an “outstanding neighbor.” Minutes of May 23, 2022 Board Meeting 2 V. e. f. g. h. i. j. k. SPECIAL REPORTS (continued) Mr. Burkhart said Sabeel had been nominated by Hafiz Ansari, who had wonderful things to say about him. He invited Sabeel, his family, and his nominator to the podium. As they were assembling at the podium, Commissioner Chalabi noted that Sabeel had written a letter to his neighbors, and read it aloud. It read: “Dear Neighbor, Hi! Greetings of Peace! Please accept this gift card as a token of appreciation for being such amazing neighbors. A few months back, our family was honored by the Mayor of Morton Grove and by CNN and Bakers Square for helping our neighbors during harsh Chicago winters. Bakers Square nominated our family as “best neighbors: and gave us a gift card of $300. My family and children decided to cash out this $300 card into 30 gift cards of $10 each, to share this gift with you, our neighbors. We always teach our children that sharing is caring. It’s a small gift, but please enjoy it. Thanks and regards, the Ahmed family.” It included his home phone and address and a postscript that said, “PS: Please drop into our home any time for a cup of tea and samosas.” Mr. Burkhart said that Mr. Ansari stated, in his nomination form, that ”during one of the coldest winters, Sabeel and his family ventured out and connected with their neighbors, helping them by delivering groceries to them and clearing the sidewalks in sub-zero temperatures. The family al- ways goes above and beyond to help others in the neighborhood with their acts of kindness.” Mr. Burkhart then invited Mayor DiMaria and Trustee liaison Travis to come to the podium to present Sabeel with several tokens of the Village’s appreciation. Mayor DiMaria congratulated Sabeel, saying “I knew I’d see you here. When the CRC proposed this recognition program, I thought of you!” He thanked Sabeel for making Morton Grove a better place, and 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 the community shine. Mayor DiMaria also presented Sabeel with a Certificate of Recognition, and said, “You’re a good man and a good soul. We’re happy to have you in our town.” Mr. Ansari, the Imam of the MCC in Morton Grove said that he has been encouraged by Sabeel, and indeed felt that Sabeel and his family are an instilling their values into the greater MCC community. In fact, he noted, Sabeel has written a book about 50 different ways to reach out in your community; just sharing the common norms and values we all have as human beings. Sabeel said that, first, he praised God for the blessings he has given to all of us. He said, “This award is not just for me or my wonderful, amazing family, I would say this award is for every single citizen of Morton Grove, and it belongs to every single one of you.” He added that he truly believes that Morton Grove is “the best city in the United States of America!” Sabeel concluded with a quotation from the Qur’an in which the Creator is saying that he made us, not to hate or despise or discriminate against each other, but to get to know one another. He added, “May God help us all; help us to live as brothers and sisters, so we can make this wonderful city even greater!” Minutes of May 23, 2022 Board Meeting 3 V. l. 2. a. b. c. d. e. SPECIAL REPORTS (continued) Ms. Chalabi 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. The next meeting is June 14, 2022. All are welcome, and please see the Village’s website for more information on the CRC. Mayor DiMaria thanked Trustee Travis and the entire Community Relations Commission for the excellent work they do. Greener Morton Grove Awards Presentation Mayor DiMaria said it not only takes our residents to make the Village great, it also takes our wonderful businesses. This evening, several businesses will be honored as recipients of the Greener Morton Grove Award. He invited Trustee Witko to do the presentation of the 2022 Greener Morton Grove Awards to the winning businesses. Trustee Witko named the winners and asked them to come to the podium. She said the Greener Morton Grove Awards recognize outstanding achievements by businesses, organizations, groups, and multi-unit residential facilities for their successful environmental projects and conservation measures. She said that, unfortunately, the Chairperson of the Village’s Environment and Natural Resources Commission, Georgianne Brunner, is not able to attend this evening, but she is very appreciative of the actions of these agencies. They are setting an example for other local groups and businesses to help Morton Grove achieve the goals set forth in the Village’s Sustainability Plan. Trustee Witko announced Catered By Design as the winner in the category of Waste Reduction and Recycling. She presented a plaque to Thomas Schabow, and noted that, among the many things Catered By Design has done to “go green,” was to purchase an ORCA food digestor that processes organic waste to water. They also encourage composting and they use recyclable/ reusable material and containers for events. The next winner, in the category of Transportation, is Catering by Michael’s. Unfortunately, no one was present to receive the award. Trustee Witko said, by using Verizon Connect for fleet management, Catering by Michael's tracks all delivery vans and trucks, enforces anti-idling policies, and promotes energy-efficient travel routs. In addition, the company incentivizes employees to carpool when working at locations not accessible by public transit. They also provide space for employees to store bikes, and they encourage employees to walk and be more active. In the category of Public Education and Awareness, Trustee Witko said the winner is the Muslim Community Center (MCC). The MCC has created a Holistic Green Team committee within their organization, and through this committee, they print articles in their newsletter, hold workshops, and have made active changes within their organization to go green. The MCC has prioritized education and spreading awareness of the importance of living a more sustainable life. Minutes of May 23, 2022 Board Meeting 4 V. f. SPECIAL REPORTS (continued) Trustee Witko said the final award of the evening goes to The Residences of Sawmill Station, winners of the category Energy Conservation. She presented a plaque to Jim Wells and Melissa Kelly, representing the complex. Trustee Witko said the new state-of-the-art complex located at Sawmill Station has installed LED lighting, photo and motion sensors, electric vehicle charging stations, energy-efficient appliances, timed sensor irrigation system, and water saver faucets. The Residences used natural construction products and incorporated a recycling chute system with access on all floors of the building. The development was built keeping in mind the importance of energy conservation and recycling throughout its construction, and we applaud the efforts it has made for its residents to live sustainably. VI. PUBLIC HEARINGS NONE VII. PLAN COMMISSION REPORTS NONE VIII. RESIDENTS’ COMMENTS (Agenda Items Only) NONE IX. 1. 2. a. PRESIDENT’S REPORT Mayor DiMaria said the news from the Ukraine continues to be distressing. We all feel helpless, we know it’s a bad situation. But our hearts are with the Ukranian people. He asked that every- one keep the Ukrainians in their thoughts and prayers. Mayor DiMaria thanked everyone who participated in the Village’s Electronic Recycling and Document Destruction event. It was a great success, with items being processed from 465 vehicles! He thanked the Public Works staff and the Environment and Natural Resources Commission. The mayor said other additional dates and events to remember include:  Saturday, May 14, the French Market opened, and will be open every Saturday to October 15, from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Civic Center, 6140 Dempster  Saturday, June 4, the 2022 Morton Grove Tree Walk kicks off from Village Hall at 10 a.m. Minutes of May 23, 2022 Board Meeting 5 IX. PRESIDENT’S REPORT (continued)  Friday, June 24 through Sunday, June 26 is the Community Garage Sale. Register to participate in this event for free by June 9 on the Village’s web site: www.mortongroveil.org/garagesale  Friday, Jul 1 through Monday, July 4, Mayor DiMaria asked everyone to “Save the Date” as Morton Grove Days returns to the Civic Center/Harrer Park area, complete with live entertainment, a parade, beer garden, and fireworks! Mayor DiMaria thanked Park District Commissioners Paul Minx and Keith White for being here tonight and for the Park’s cooperation, which helps make Morton Grove Days a successful event. X. 1. a. b. CLERK’S REPORT Clerk Harford said the Village is excited to announce that it has been selected as an early voting location for the 2022 Gubernatorial Primary election. Early voting will run 7 days a week, from Monday, June 13 through Monday, June 27 at the American Legion Memorial Civic Center at 6140 Dempster Street. Voting will take place on the second floor. The hours for the first week of early voting (June 13–June 18) are 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Saturday, and Sunday, June 19, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. For the second/final week of voting (June 20–June 27), the hours are 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Saturday; 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, June 26. On Monday, June 27, the final day of early voting, the hours are 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Mayor DiMaria congratulated Clerk Harford who became a grandma this week! XI. A. 1. a. STAFF REPORTS Village Administrator: Mr. Czerwinski introduced Ordinance 22-09, Amending Title 9 Entitled “Fire Prevention and Pro- tection,” Title 10 Entitled “Building and Construction Regulations,” Chapter 1 Entitled “Building Code,” Chapter 2 Entitled “Electrical Regulations,” Chapter 4 Entitled “Elevator Regulations,” Chapter 5 Entitled “Property Maintenance Regulations,” Chapter 6 Entitled “Fallout Shelters,” Chapter 7 Entitled “Building Address Regulations,” Title 1 Entitled “Administration,” Chapter 4 Entitled “Penalties,” and Chapter 11 Entitled “Fees” of the Municipal Code of the Village of Morton Grove. He explained that this was basically to approve amendments to Title 1, Title 9, and Title 10 of the Village Code to incorporate updated versions of model codes for the Fire Department and the Building and Inspectional Services Department. Minutes of May 23, 2022 Board Meeting 6 XI. A. b. c. d. STAFF REPORTS (continued) Village Administrator: (continued) Mayor DiMaria asked Mr. Czerwinski if he would like to elaborate further. Mr. Czerwinski said that our Codes needed updating. Staff has been working on this for many months to make it tailored right to the Village. The updates also include enhancements that will help us with economic development, and will help make the community safer through construction, as well as Inspectional Services and Fire Department response and activities. He said that some of the enhancement including moving things into construction that will enhance sustainability in homes, and that is running a piece of conduit for future use for electric car chargers and garages; also, running conduit to place solar energy cells on roofs. He said even if a homeowner doesn’t do solar initially, they’ll still have the conduit there to be able to do it in the future. Mr. Czerwinski said staff has spent a lot of time looking at a variety of things to make the updated Code sustainable, appropriate, and safe for the community. He said we understand that different types of construction have been brought forward, and this introduction of fire protection capabilities with the lightweight construct and different types of construction go hand-in-glove. He added that he hoped the Board would find the updated Code to be a good move for the community. B. 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. Trustee Khan: Trustee Khan presented three ordinances this evening. Each of these ordinances is a second reading, requiring action to be taken this evening. Ordinance 22-06, Approving a Plat of Vacation of a Portion of the Alley Right of Way Located Directly North of Hennings Court, between Narragansett and Ferris Avenues, and Measuring Approximately 1,121 square feet, in Morton Grove, IL. Minutes of May 23, 2022 Board Meeting 7 XII. B. 2. 3. TRUSTEES’ REPORTS (continued) Trustee Khan: (continued) Trustee Khan moved, seconded by Trustee Minx, to adopt Ordinance 22-06. Motion passed: 6 ayes, 0 nays. Tr. Grear aye Tr. Khan aye Tr. Minx aye Tr. Thill aye Tr. Travis aye Tr. Witko aye Ordinance 22-07, Approving a Preliminary Plat of Subdivision and Special Use Permits with Associated Waivers for a Ten-Unit Townhome Development on Property Commonly Known as 8721 Narragansett Avenue, 8720–8726 Ferris Avenue, and a 1,121 square foot portion of a Public Alley Right of Way Petitioned For Vacation in Morton Grove, Il. Trustee Khan moved to adopt Ordinance 22-07, 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 Ordinance 22-08, Approving a Special Use Permit for a Duplex Development on Property Commonly Known as 8733–8735 Narragansett Avenue in Morton Grove, IL. Trustee Khan moved, seconded by Trustee Grear, to adopt Ordinance 22-08. Motion passed: 6 ayes, 0 nays. Tr. Grear aye Tr. Khan aye Tr. Minx aye Tr. Thill aye Tr. Travis aye Tr. Witko aye Trustee Grear expressed his thanks to the various procedural control commissions, as well as Village staff and the developer for all their time and efforts. Mayor DiMaria also complimented Zoe Heidorn and her “crew” for a great job. C. Trustee Minx: Trustee Minx had no formal report this evening. Minutes of May 23, 2022 Board Meeting 8 XII. D. TRUSTEES’ REPORTS (continued) Trustee Thill: Trustee Thill had no formal report this evening. E. 1. 2. Trustee Travis: Trustee Travis announced that the 2022 Summer Adopt-A-Planter program is beginning. The pick-up date for the planter materials is Saturday, June 11. Adopting a planter is a good way to show pride in our Village and keep it looking beautiful. You can sign up on the Village’s website. Trustee Travis also asked everyone to “save the date” for the Community Garage Sale, which will be held Friday, June 24 through Sunday, June 26. Register for free by June 9. Registration form is on the Village’s website as noted by Mayor DiMaria earlier tonight. F. 1. a. b. Trustee Witko: Trustee Witko presented Resolution 22-27, Authorizing a Contract With A Plus Quality Service, Inc. For Janitorial Cleaning Services. She explained that this Resolution will authorize the Village Administrator to execute a contract with A Plus Services, Inc. for Janitorial Cleaning Services necessary for administrative offices of Village building. Trustee Witko said the contract was bid through a public process; the lowest bid submitted was from A Plus Quality Service, Inc. in the amount of $43,450. A Plus Quality Services, Inc. has performed cleaning services for the Village and is qualified for this project. This project is not subject to the Prevailing Wage Act. The Village Administrator is authorized to extend this contract in 2023 and 2024. The financial impact of this Resolution is $43,450. Trustee Witko moved to approve Resolution 22-27, seconded by Trustee Travis. 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 May 23, 2022 Board Meeting 9 XIII. OTHER BUSINESS Trustee Grear asked Trustee Travis to reiterate the pick-up date for the Adopt-a-Planter program. She said it’s June 11. XIV. WARRANTS Trustee Grear presented the Warrant Register for May 23, 2022 in the amount of $546,749.67. He moved to approve this evening’s Warrant Register as presented, 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 XV. 1. a. 2. RESIDENTS’ COMMENTS Bob Burkhart said that the Mayor, the Board, Mr. Czerwinski, and Ms. Liston know that he’s a person who has never been quite satisfied with how fast we/the Village moves ahead with diversity initiatives. He added that he also a person who likes to give recognition when recognition is due, and said we should all look at tonight’s meeting as an example of how we—not just the Board, as leaders, but we, as citizens—can really make something of our diversity and to celebrate the way that diversity is expressed. Mr. Burkhart said he was really inspired by the “go green” awards, and hadn’t realized just how much is being done, because the word doesn’t really get around, but he wanted to thank the businesses and organizations who are taking action, and said, “That’s the way to move!” Mayor DiMaria thanked Mr. Burkhart for his comments. Ruldolf Vilk, 7508 Emerson, said he hoped the Board members had received his letter to Mr. Czerwinski from today. He said he had some questions, and noted that he has provided pictures in the past, from the Metra station and other locations, showing a “natural” mess. He took another picture recently, with the same beautiful tree grass over 6” high. He said Mr. Czerwinski liked it, and he does too. The problem is that Mr. Czerwinski gave that info to the code inspector (Jim) so that he wouldn’t ticket people with the same problem with a tree or tall grass. Mr. Vilk complained that Ms. Liston does not acknowledge her mistakes in terms of the Village sticker. He said the Police Department checks everything. She has told him the rule is, if your vehicle is registered in the Village, it must have a Village sticker. He felt the rule should change to say, if you have a vehicle registered in Morton Grove and you use it even only once, you need to have a Village sticker. He felt that would be clear and understandable to all. Mr. Vilk said he thought Ms. Liston is against him because she sent his case to Cook County court, and alluded to her as a terrorist. He also set that he asked Mr. Czerwinski where the million dollars in savings is, from switching from City of Chicago water to City of Evanston water. He was not happy that Mr. Czerwinski was not answering the question. Minutes of May 23, 2022 Board Meeting 10 XV. a. RESIDENTS’ COMMENTS (continued) At that point, Mr. Vilk’s speaking time ran out and he stepped away from the podium. Mayor DiMaria told him that he’s a little offended, and finds it disturbing that Mr. Vilk would use the word “terrorist” in connection with Ms. Liston or the Village. He asked Mr. Vilk if he watches the news, and said that Mr. Vilk just insulted all those around the world who live with real terror or suffer from terrorism. He told Mr. Vilk that he should “Choose your words carefully.” XVI. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business before the Board, Trustee Minx moved to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Trustee Grear. Motion passed unanimously via voice vote. The meeting adjourned at 7:35 p.m.