HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009-01-12 MinutesCALL TO ORDER
I. Village President Rick Krier called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. and led the assemblage in
the Pledge of Allegiance.
II. Village Clerk Carol Fritzshall called the roll. Present were: Trustees Georgianne Brunner, Roy
Kogstad, Shel Marcus, Rita Minx, Dan Staackmann, and John Thill.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
a. Regarding the Minutes of the December 8, 2008 Regular Meeting, Mayor Krier asked if
anyone had any changes or corrections to the Minutes. Seeing none, Trustee Minx moved,
seconded by Trustee Marcus, to approve the December 8, 2008 Regular Meeting Minutes as
presented. Motion passed unanimously via voice vote.
b. Regarding the Minutes of the Special Meeting of December 16, 2008, Mayor Krier asked if
anyone had any changes or corrections. Seeing none, Trustee Minx moved to approve the
December 16, 2008 Special Meeting Minutes as submitted, seconded by Trustee Marcus.
Motion passed unanimously via voice vote.
c. Regarding the Minutes of the January 6, 2009 Special Meeting, Mayor Krier asked if there
were any corrections or changes. Seeing none, Trustee Minx moved to approve the
January 9, 2009 Special Meeting Minutes as submitted. Trustee Brunner seconded the
motion. Motion passed unanimously via voice vote.
IV, PUBLIC HEARINGS
NONE
V. SPECIAL REPORTS
Plan Commission Case PC 08-09 Requests Approval of the Lehigh/Ferris Framework Plan
Plan Commission Chairman Ron Farkas presented this case.
,.~ ~ - ? ' Minutes oT aanua 12, 20D9 Board Meetld'~'.
V. SPECIAL REPORTS (continued)
Chairman Farkas noted that the Applicant is the Village of Morton Grove. The Lehigh/Ferris
Framework Plan evolved from the 1999 Comprehensive Plan, which identified the area around
the Metro station as an area where the Village envisioned ahigh-density, pedestrian-friendly,
transit-oriented neighborhood. Thus in 2000, the Village established the Lehigh/Ferris
subarea, and in 2002, changed the zoning in that area to anewly-created "CR" (Commercial-
Residential) zoning district to further that goal.
Mr. Farkas said that the Village's Director of Community and Economic Development, Bill
Neuendorf, testified at the Plan Commission hearing and described the details of the Frame-
work Plan. The Plan was presented in two volumes: the first described the plan and imple-
mentation process and contained detailed maps (including the realignment of Lehigh) and a
block-by-block description of proposed improvements; the second volume was more technical
in nature, including a traffic study and design guidelines, and relevant background information.
Also testifying at the Plan Commission was David Stamm of S.B. Friedman and Associates,
who discussed the tests his firm conducted to assure that there is market viability for the
proposed development concepts.
Several Commissioners and Chairman Farkas had questions, including whether the Metro
station will be moved (it will not), whether LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental
Design) certified building will be required (they will be encouraged, but not required); whether
any of this framework plan would be implemented before 10 years (the streetscape and cross-
ing improvements are likely to move forward more quickly); and how dependent the proposed
parking garage was on the realignment of Lehigh (that would likely be concurrent).
Chairman Farkas noted that an interested party and a concerned party spoke regarding the
case. The concerned party felt that more retail and restaurants should be included in the plan.
He was assured that this plan is conceptual in nature, rather than specific. It is a long-range
plan that may take years to come to fruition, and should be regarded more as a blueprint. The
interested party had questions regarding project costs, demand for new housing units, parking
space counts, and code requirements. Mr. Stamm said that market viability for housing units
was tested, and Mr. Neuehdorf said that parking was addressed. Planner Bdrihie Jacobson
stated there would not be any conflicts with code requirements. The Commission ultimately
voted 6-1 in favor of recommending approval of the Lehigh/Ferris Framework Plan.
Mayor Krier asked if any of the trustees had any questions.
Trustee Marcus asked for clarification that this is strictly conceptual, and that any specific
projects would have to go through the Village's Procedural Control process and then to the
Board for approval. Chairman Farkas said that that was his understanding.
Trustee Staackmann said that if this is a framework plan, or the Village's "vision", it seemed
conflicting to think that a request for more retail or restaurants to be included wasn't pertinent.
Chairman Farkas said that, because it's a framework plan, it doesn't dictate what the specific
uses for the various parcels will be. Trustee Staackmann said it appears that many locations
are earmarked for condominiums. Chairman Farkas said that was true, but pointed out that
there would be a considerable amount of retail or commercial space incorporated as well.
Trustee Thill asked if the Commissioner who voted against the plan explained why. Chairman
Farkas said that the Commissioner was concerned that there wasn't enough planning; how-
ever, the resf of fhe Commissioners felt that it was very well planned and well thought out.
,.~- ~;.,. Minutes of January 12, 2009 Board Meeting
VI. RESIDENTS' COMMENTS (Agenda Items Only)
a. David Lewis. Mr. Lewis spoke regarding Ordinance 08-42 (reducing the speed limit on
Central Avenue between Church Street and Golf Road from 35 mph to 25 mph). He felt that
the current 35 mph limit there is "excessive," and said that he witnessed anear-fatal accident
in front of his house several years ago, which prompted him to do some research.
Mr. Lewis said he obtained some accident statistics from Officer Van Der Hagen related to the
stretch of Central between the 9200 block and the 9400 block. There have been 29 accidents
registered in that area between August of 2003 and December of 2008, a number Mr. Lewis
felt was an excessive amount. He said there were two contributing factors to this large number
of accidents: one is the high speed limit and the other is the lack of sufficient signage.
Mr. Lewis pointed out that the speed limit on Central between Dempster and Church Street is
25 mph and there are four (4) posted speed limit signs on each side of the street; however, on
Central between Church Street and Golf Road, the speed limit is 35 mph and there is only
one (1) posted speed limit sign on each side of the street. The two sections of Central are
identical in that they both have houses on both sides of the street, many with driveways
connected to the street. He said it is very dangerous trying to enter or exit drveways,
especially during the morning and evening rush hours.
Mr. Lewis noted that Central becomes ever? more congested in the spring, surnmer, and fail,
with bicyclists, joggers, and horseback riders. He acknowledged that there's no guarantee
that reducing the speed iirnit will "eliminate" accidents, but felt that it's reasonable to assume
that a 10 mph reduction in the speed limit, combined with additional signage, could result in a
significant increase in safety for both residents and motorists.
Mr. Lewis said that, at the December 8`h Board Meeting, Trustee Brunner was concerned that
changing the speed limit to 25 mph on Central between Church and Golf Road was "inconsis-
tent". He said this inconsistency occurs all over. Lincoln Avenue from Central to Lehigh is a
mix of business and residential, and is 25 mph; Dempster from Central to Lehigh-a major
thoroughfare with no residences on either side of the street-is 30 mph. He said there are
only two streets in town with a 35 mph speed limit besides Central between Church and Golf
Road. Both are major thoroughfares running thrdugh designated business tlistribts. One is
Dempster between Lehigh and Waukegan Road; the other is Waukegan Road between Golf
and Dempster. Mr. Lewis said that Central is not a major thoroughfare, nor does it run
through a designated business district-it has residences on both sides of the street.
Mr. Lewis stated that the simple solution to achieving consistency and safety would be to
make the entire length of Central Avenue one uniform speed limit of 25 mph. He felt that the
safety of Village residents should be the highest priority for any trustee, and said that he and
his neighbors would be "stunned" if the Board voted against this.
b. Donna Keeper. A 35-year resident, Ms. Keeper pointed out that Central is the only residential
street in the Village with a 35 mph speed limit. This is a higher speed limit than Dempster
between Central and Lehigh. She said that the reality of the speed limit reduction is that
people always tend to go 5 to 10 mph over the posted limit. So reducing the speed limit to
30 mph instead of 25 mph would still result in traffic going by at 40 to 45 mph. She noted that
it's very intimidating for new drivers to try and exit the driveway onto Central with all the
speeding traffic. It's also hard to even cut the grass due to the flying rocks and debris caused
by speeding drivers.
~ .~x`-' Minutes of January 72, 2009 Board Me9tingl
VI. RESIDENTS' COMMENTS (Agenda Items Only) (continued)
Ms. Keeper felt that the speed limit on Central north of Church Street should be the same as
that of Central south of Church Street. She added that she was hit by a car on that stretch of
the street and felt that the Board should do what's in the best interests of its residents. That's
what makes Morton Grove one of Family Circle's "Top 10 Places to Raise a Family".
c. AI Heinrich. Mr. Heinrich thanked Trustee Staackmann for tabling Ordinance 08-42 at the
December Board Meeting. He then provided some facts about Central Avenue. From
Dempster to Church Street, Central is .53 miles long, with 71 homes and 47 driveways. This
part of Central is 25 mph. Central from Church to Capri Lane is .27 miles, with 31 homes and
29 driveways, with a 35 mph speed limit. Central measures .43 miles from Church to Golf
Road. Mr. Heinrich said it took him 58 seconds to drive that .43 stretch at 35 mph, and
69 seconds to drive it at 25 mph. That's an 11 second difference, which Mr. Heinrich said,
was a bargain to increase the safety of the joggers, walkers, bicyclists, and personal property
on Central.
d. Tom Devorak. Mr. Devorak said he's lived on Central for 23 years. He felt the traffic volume
on Central was "immense" considering its size and the number of residences there. He
agreed that the speed issue was "bothersome" but felt that the traffic voiuriie is more of a
contributing problem in that area. Mr. Devorak said that a question that had come up at the
December Board Meeting was where could the speed limit change. He said it could change
at any major thoroughfare that the Village deems necessary. The 500-foot requirement was
for law enforcement for posting notice about electronic speed devices. He suggested several
traffic "calming" methods, such as reducing the speed limit, applying time restrictions to the
"right turn on red" at Church and Central, and narrowing the traffic lanes. Mr. Devorak said
such methods would make Central "unattractive" and drivers would be less inclined to use it,
staying instead on Golf Road, which was built to handle that traffc volume.
e. Eric Poders. Mr. Poders noted that the Board Meeting Minutes just approved were dated
December 13`"instead of becember 8th.
Regarding Resolution 09-04, which authorizes the Village to update the authorized signatures
on Village bank accounts, Mr. Poders wondered why the authorized signatures were that of
the Village Administrator and the Village President, rather than a Village Trustee and the
Village President.
Regarding Ordinance 08-42, he said he's concerned about the horses. He said that he has
walked Central from Dempster north to Capri Lane and back, and it took him an hour. He said
that he had to walk in the street 30-40% of the time as the sidewalks and driveways were, in
many cases, unshoveled, and noted he felt sorry for the mailman who has that route.
Mr. Poders said that a uniform speed limit is needed on that street and that the street needs to
be looked at. He felt that this speed limit discussion shouldn't be "political". Mr. Poders felt
that a speed limit of 30 mph would be wrong and thought that maybe there should be a cross-
walkwith flashing yellow lights by the stable entrance to slow traffic down there.
Trustee Marcus clarified with Mr. Poders that the bike paths and the horse paths are in the
forest preserve, that is, north of the residential area of Central. If that is the case, if the horses
are following the path, they shouldn't be on the street. Mr. Poders said that the horses would
go to Golf Road and cross there.
~. ~.~:~ '~ Minutes of J®nuary 12 2009 Board Meeting`?
VI. RESIDENTS' COMMENTS (Agenda Items Only) (continued)
Trustee Thill said that he's seen them cross illegally south of Golf Road, adding that this jeop-
ardizes both the horse and the rider.
Mayor Krer commented that the only person "playing politics" is Mr. Poders.
August Russo. Mr. Russo said that reducing the speed limit was a good idea, but he was
concerned about enforcement of the speed limit. He wondered if the Village has looked into
electronic speed monitoring devices. He noted that Skokie has them. He also felt that clearer
lane markings and proper lane dividers were needed. He called the traffic on Central afive-
lane "free for all". Mr. Russo said he's had cars in his lawn. He also observed that nothing is
paved by the high tension wires, you have to go into the street if you walk there.
Trustee Staackmann commented that there was a repori done by the Village's engineering
consultants, the Ciorba Group, recommending a 25 mph speed limit in that area.
g. Chris Arns. Mr. Arns spoke about the Lehigh/Ferris Framework Plan. He commented that
the "vision" of the 1999 Comprehensive Plan (increased housing opportunities for seniors; an
expanded, enhanced library; strong, vibrant industrial centers, etc.) has not come true. He
said the Village promised a "pay-as-you-go" TIF District when it established the Lehigh/Ferris
TIF District in 2000, but in October of 2007, the Village borrowed $9.2 million in bonds. That
money was borrowed in spite of an obsolete plan, and no real plan on how to spend it, other
than $4.8 million in streetscaping. That's what this framework plan is about. We have only
three years to spend that $9.2 million. Mr. Arns encouraged every resident to read the frame-
work plan, and complimented the Village staff on the fact that it's very professionally put
together.
Mr. Arns said the 1999 Comprehensive Plan called for 426 new housing units. That was
accomplished by The Woodlands development alone. Since then, the Village has approved
approximately 900 additional housing units (Trafalgar Square, The Crossings, etc.), twice the
amouhf Balled for ih the 1999 plan. The Lehigh/Ferris Framework Plan calls fof apprdximately
600 new condominiums, which would be three times what the updated 2002 plan called for.
The 2002 updated plan called for 563 housing units needed in Morton Grove by 2010. He
said it would be one thing if condos were "selling like hotcakes", but they aren't. Foreclosures
in Morton Grove increased by 144%, per a published report in June 2008 by the Morton Grove
Champion. He wondered if we really need more condos as our "engine of growth" in town.
Mr. Arns felt the framework plan was "crammed together" to have the highest densities any-
where around. He cited the traffc problems on Lincoln Avenue and on Dempster at Ferris,
due to the number of condos in and around these locations. He said that these were not well-
planned and that no traffic studies had been done for any of these condos.
Mr. Arns pointed out that density is a great thing-for a builder. Making buildings higher, in-
creasing the number of units, decreasing the number of required parking spaces are all tools
that help builders and developers make more money. He said that the residents of The
Woodlands can attest to the fact that there's not enough parking there. This impacts their re-
sale values. Density was the driving force for The Woodlands seven years ago. Mr. Arns said
that the framework plan offers "no basis" for who is going to buy these new proposed condos.
It depends on parking requirements, which are all relaxed. Even though this is only a "frame-
work" plan, Mr. Arns felt that it would dictate what any developer may want to do.
~.- =~ ~ Minutes of January 12, 20U9 Board Meting
Vi. RESIDENTS' COMMENTS (Agenda Items Only) (continued)
Mr. Arns noted that, on page 38 of volume 1, it states that the Village has the option to have
planned unit developments, but the writers felt that "transit oriented development would be
facilitated by ensuring that it is allowable by right under the unified development code".
Mr. Arns felt that this language does not protect the Village and that a separate legal opinion
should be obtained. He felt this language was encouraging developers to avoid the PUD
process and instead have a 7-story building go up as a "fait accompli", as by right of the land
owner.
Mayor Krier asked Mr. Arns to begin wrapping up his comments.
Mr. Arns commented that the parking requirements in the plan are a disaster. The plan calls
for 15% of the Village's normal parking requirements to be "forgiven" because of the nearby
train station. He pointed out that a person can't take the train to go grocery shopping or drop
the kids off at school. It calls for 25% relaxed requirement on parking due to a community/
commercial center on Lincoln that Mr. Arns said he's unaware of. That's 40% being relaxed.
When one considers that 330 existing parking spaces that will be removed for the proposed
651-space parking garage, plus the parking spaces for the proposed condos, plus the relaxed
parking requirements, the Village will end up with fewer parking spaces after the garage has
been built.
Mr. Arns said there was no traffic study done on the one area of the Village that the 1999
Comprehensive Plan identified as "dangerous" -the blind curve at Lincoln and Georgians.
Even now, he said, private snow contractors are removing snow from private property and
depositing it in the middle of Lincoln Avenue, right where children wait for the bus. He felt the
framework plan was obsolete the day it was presented. He noted that Site C along Lincoln
Avenue calls for aseven-story building, 48 units per acre, and '/z car per unit. The only way to
achieve that is by using it for senior housing, which is what the plan calls for. He said that
"senior housing" is the reason why there's a parking problem at The Woodlands. The density
stayed after the senior housing left.
Trustee Staackmann asked if Ryan Gillingham had done a traffic study along Lincoln Avenue
before lie left: Mc DeMorite said there was a study ddheYelated td Trafalgar Square and the
fact that it has an entrance on Lincoln Avenue. That's one of the reasons why there are "no
parking" areas on Lincoln.
Mayor Krier said he hoped that everyone understands that there has been plenty of public
comment to the framework plan. Mr. Arns has some good points, but has a tendency to make
things sound like they "just passed". He said that the plan is conceptual, and plans change.
That's why there is no new Village Hall or new Library.
VII.
PRESIDENT'S REPORT
Mayor Krier had no report.
,.~~ + Minutes of January 12; 2bD9 Board Meeting'
VIII.
CLERK'S REPORT
Clerk Fritzshall invited residents to attend the Commission on Aging meeting, which is held the
second Tuesday of every month.
Clerk Fritzshall announced that she had received an email from the Census Bureau regarding
the upcoming 2010 Census. They are looking for hundreds of workers, both in the field and in
the office. Anyone wishing to apply will have to take a test first. For more information, people
can call her at the Niles Township office or visit the Census Bureau's website.
Clerk Fritzshall wished everyone a Happy New Year.
IX.
A. Village Administrator
STAFF REPORTS
Mr. Wade noted that there is a corrected version of Resolution 09-05 which is different than
what trustees received in their packet.
B. Corporation Counsel:
Ms. Liston had no report.
X.
A. Trustee Brunner:
TRUSTEES'REPORTS
Trustee Brunner announced that the Cable & Telecommunications Commission will be having
a special meeting tomorrow at 1:00 p:m: and 7:00 p:m.; featuring a speaker from the Federal
Communications Commission, who will be talking about the upcoming digital conversion of
televisions. She pointed out that, if you're a subscriber to cable television or satellite, you don't
need a conversion box. Trustee Brunner said people should go to www.fcc.gov for more in-
formation. She said the federal government has run out of coupons for converter boxes. The
cable commissioners are keeping their eyes and ears open about this.
Trustee Kogstad:
Trustee Kogstad had no report.
C. Trustee Marcus:
1. Trustee Marcus wished all a happy and healthy new year. He reported that the Police De-
partment's Holiday for Heroes collected 55 large boxes weighing 1,469 pounds. This was all
distributed locally. Specially thanks to Tony and Jeannie Hofeld, Morton Grove schools, Kap-
', py's Restaurant, the Morton Grove Post Office, American Legion Post #134, Girl Scout Troop
#1781, and the Grainger Company.
:~ <'~ %' Minutes of Janaary 12, 2809 Board Meeting
X.
C. Trustee Marcus: (continued)
TRUSTEES' REPORTS (continued)
Also, as Chamber of Commerce liaison, Trustee Marcus announced that the Chamber's
32nd Annual Festival of Stars VIP awards dinner would be held on Thursday, January 29 at
Chateau Ritz in Niles. This year's honoree is Ron Lundin, CEO of Lin-Mar Motors. This is the
Chamber's big fundraiser for the year; Trustee Marcus urged everyone to please support the
Chamber. For tickets or more information, please call 847-965-0330.
D. Trustee Minx:
Trustee Minx presented Resolution 09-01, Authorizing the Appointment of Delegates to
the intergovernmental Personnel Benefit Cooperative.
She explained that this resolution will authorized the Village's continued membership in the
Intergovernmental Personnel Benefit Cooperative (IPBC), which provides cost-effective
health and life insurance benefits to Village employees. The resolution names the Village
Administrator as the Village's delegate to the IPBC, with the Acting Finance Director named
as the alternate delegate.
Trustee Minx moved to approve Resolution 09-01, seconded by Trustee Brunner. Motion
passed: 6 ayes, 0 nays.
Tr. Brunner aye Tr. Kogstad a~ Tr. Marcus aye
Tr. Minx a~ Tr. Staackmann a~ Tr. Thill
2 Trustee Minx next presented Resolution 09-02, Authorizing the Appointment of a Delegate
and Alternate Delegate to the Intergovernmental Risk Management Agency.
She explained that the Intergovernmental Risk Management Agency (IRMA) requires that the
Village adopt a resolutidri tlesighatirig its representatives to this ageridy. This resolution
designates the Acting Finance Director as the delegate and the Village Administrator as the
alternate delegate to IRMA.
Trustee Minx moved, seconded by Trustee Marcus, to approve Resolution 09-02. Motion
passed: 6 ayes, 0 nays.
Tr. Brunner aye Tr. Kogstad aye Tr. Marcus afire
Tr. Minx a~ Tr. Staackmann a~ Tr. Thill afire
3 Trustee Minx then presented Resolution 09-03, Authorizing the Appointment of a
Delegate and Alternate Delegate to the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund.
She explained that the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF) requires that the Village
adopt a resolution designating its representatives to this Agency. This resolution designates
the Acting Finance Director as the delegate and the Village Administrator as the alternate
delegate to IMRF.
a ~- "Minutes of Janaary 12, 20096oard Meeting)
X.
D.
TRUSTEES' REPORTS (continued)
Trustee Minx: (continued)
Trustee Minx moved to approve Resolution 09-03, seconded by Trustee Brunner. Motion
passed: 6 ayes, 0 nays.
Tr. Brunner aye Tr. Kogstad ~ Tr. Marcus
Tr. Minx a~~e Tr. Staackmann afire Tr. Thill afire
4. Next, Trustee Minx introduced for a first reading Ordinance 09-01, Amending Title 11,
Section 1 of the Municipal Code of the Village of Morton Grove to Adopt and Approve
the Lehigh/Ferris Framework Plan.
Trustee Minx introduced Community and Economic Development Director BiII Neuendorf to
give a presenation on the framework plan.
a. Mr. Neuendorf said that this presentation provides more detail than the summary provided by
Plan Commission Chairman Ron Farkas. Mr. Neuendorf said that staff and consultants have
been working on the framework plan for four years. It is conceptual in nature; the projects
proposed in it could happen in the next five years, ten years, or the next fifty years. It's been
frequently adjusted aver additional rounds of community input, but now the feeling- is, "it's time
to stop planning and start doing".
b. He said the neighborhood around the Metra station is approximately 80 acres, consisting of
several blocks of industrial property, commercial property, apartment buildings, and single
family homes. There are some vacant parcels as well. This is the oldest area of Morton Grove,
with some of the oldest sewers, water mains, and roadways around. Many of the parcels are
small (only 25 feet wide) and odd-shaped. He showed a map of the general area and pointed
out that all of this information is available on the Village's website (www.mortongroveil.oro).
There are a wide variety of uses, including the Fire Station, the Public Library, residential, and
commercial and business uses, in this neighborhood. The framework plan envisions this
neighborhood to have the potential for change and improvement-potential to be a walkable,
pedestrian-friendly, trahsit-oriented neighborhood. It would take advantage of the
neighborhood's "strengths": the Metra station and the Forest Preserve.
c. Mr. Neuendorf introduced David Stamm of S.B. Friedman and Associates, the Village's
development consultant. Mr. Stamm reiterated that the purpose of the plan is to be a proactive
plan for long-term growth. At this point in time, he acknowledge that the real estate market is
not in good shape, but anticipated that, within 5-10 years time, there will be a return to
normalcy. Meanwhile, this is a guide to both private and public investment. It's a conceptual
master plan; the level of detail that has been included is there to "test out" the concepts. It's
not a literal schematic of what is going to happen 10-15 years down the road, but more to plan
out the capacity and needs for public improvements, and guidelines for private investors to
follow. These concepts have been tested architecturally and economically, so this feels like a
realistic plan with workable concepts. Any future projects will, of course, be evaluated on a
case-by-case basis through the Village's procedural control process.
d. Regarding the discussion of "by right" use versus planned unit developments, the thought was
that "by right" would expedite transit-oriented development. However, any project, even "by
right," would have to adhere to the Village's Unified Development Code. Mr. Stamm said that,
in the planning profession, planned unit developments are considered to be a concession to
the zoning code; planners prefer "by right" review, because it doesn't allow for exceptions.
,._ -~~; ~Minuteso'TJanuary~22U098oardMeetirtg
X. TRUSTEES' REPORTS (continued)
D. Trustee Minx: (continued)
e. Mr. Stamm explained that planned unit developments exist because certain sites demand a
negotiated approach where the community can get an additional benefit from the developer in
exchange for concessions such as setback, parking, etc. Developers prefer "by right", too.
This isn't necessarily the Village's policy or S.B. Friedman's recommendation; it's merely an
option the Village has.
f. Volume 1 has concepts for private development and potential public improvements; Volume 2
has the analyses, traffic studies, design guidelines, etc.
g. Mr. Neuendorf said that many of the proposed projects are mixed-use or are multi-family
housing. One proposed project would see part of the existing Metra parking lot used to build
a multi-story building that commuters could take advantage of, one with a coffee shop, a dry
cleaners, and other types of "quick trip' stores on the ground floor, with professional office
space above. This would play up Morton Grove's strength as a fantasic location that has
great access to the city.
h. In addition to the proposed private projects, there are a number of public improvements
proposed, such as sewers, water mains, sidewalks, roadways, bike paths, ±he realignment
of Lehigh south to Main Street, the relocation of Metra's storage and staging area, a public
garage, improvements at the railroad crossing at Lehigh!Lincoln/Ferris, streetscaping, and
traffic calming at Lincoln and Ferris. The plan doesn't identify the timing of when all these
things would be done, or where the funding will come from. Streetscaping improvements and
traffic calming are two items that the Village would love to begin in 2009.
Mr. Neuendorf then introduced Tim Doron of KLOA, to discuss the traffic study done by his
firm. Mr. Neuendorf noted that there's a 40-page traffic impact study located in the Appendix.
j. Mr. Doron said KLOA came in after the planning process had started, which was good,
because they had the opportunity to evaluate some things already being discussed. He
said the first thing to talk about is the realignment of Lincoln Avenue: it would accomplish
a lot from a land use perspective, and would help "organize" that intersection. He said he
realizes there's a cost to do this, but said his firm had researched the Federal Highway
Administration's standards, and they recommended a 90-degree perpendicular crossing.
Currently it's skewed and it's not a good situation for drivers. The biggest benefit of realigning
it would be the benefit to all the pedestrian traffic. He said, in his opinion, the realignment is
the cornerstone and would benefit motorists, bicyclists, and pedestrians.
k. Mr. Doron did not recommend a new railroad crossing at Capulina, a suggestion which had
been proposed early on in the planning process. That would have required the closing of the
crossing at Old Lincoln. KLOA's research revealed that Old Lincoln is a nice "back door" to
this area, helping to avoid the Dempster/Ferris intersection.
Regarding the Lincoln/Lehigh/Ferris intersection, Mr. Doron said that there are a number of
short-term improvements that could be done to that intersection, but long-term, he felt it would
need to be signalized. Signalization is not warranted now, however.
m. Mr. Doron said he also strongly recommended re-routing trucks so that they'd approach the
industrial area south of the Metra area from Oakton, and stated that trucks don't belong in this
neighborhood. The Metra station and the Forest Preserve are two major attractions for this
neighborhood. Pedestrian routes and streetscaping, bicycle routes, are all being looked at.
10
,~k '~~~ ~ ~~ Minutes of JSnuary 12, 20098oard MB~ting
X.
TRUSTEES' REPORTS (continued)
D. Trustee Minx: (continued)
n. Mr. Doron also recommended extending Lehigh south to Main Street and the building of a
public garage.
o. Mr. Neuendorf summed up by stating that the framework plans call for the creation of
approximately 500-600 new units of residential housing over the next 10-20 years (as
warranted by the marketplace); the creation of approx 50,000-60,000 square feet of
commercial space, and for a number of potential public improvements to make private
development possible and attractive. He said he and the consultants feel the framework plan
is complete; there has been a number of opportunities for public input; and he'd be happy to
entertain any questions.
5. Trustee Minx then brought forward Resolution 09-04, Authorization for the Village to
Update Authorized Signatures on Village Bank Accounts.
She explained that, with the departure of the Finance Director/Treasurer, the signatures on the
Village's various bank accounts need to be updated. The Acting Finance Director's signature
will replace tint of 111e FIIIaIIVe DlrcCtvriTreaSUrer. Trustee M,nx mOVed, SeCCnded by Trwgteg
Brunner, to approve Resolution 09-04. Motion passed unanimously via voice vote.
E. Trustee Staackmann:
Trustee Staackmann thanked the Public Works Department for the great job they're doing
keeping up with the snow and keeping the streets cleared.
2. Trustee Staackmann noted that, on December 27, the air raid sirens were going off for a
period bf time. Ne called tfie Village'sEMA Director; John Hill, and learned thatthe air raid
sirens were from the Village of Niles. Apparently a snow plow truck hit the tower, which set off
the sirens.
F. Trustee Thill
1. Trustee Thill moved to remove from the table Ordinance 08-42, Authorization to Amend the
Legal Speed Limit on Central Avenue Between Church Street and Golf Road Within the
Village of Morton Grove, seconded by Trustee Minx. The motion passed unanimously via
voice vote.
a. Mayor Krier noted that the matter of the proposed amendment to the ordinance should be
addressed first. The amendment, as stated at the January 12 Board Meeting, was to reduce
the speed limit from 35 mph to 30 mph, instead of to 25 mph, as the ordinance states. This
amendment will need to be voted on first.
b. Trustee Kogstad asked if the motion to amend the ordinance had been seconded.
Corporation Counsel said that Trustee Brunner had made the motion and Trustee Marcus
had seconded it. Mayor Krier asked if there was more discussion on the amendment.
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.~~:~- - Minutes of January 12; 2009 Board Meeting
X.
TRUSTEES' REPORTS (continued)
F. Trustee Thill: (continued)
c. Trustee Brunner said that she appreciated the residents coming out tonight and said she
heard and understood what they were saying about the walkers, joggers, bicyclists, etc., but
she pointed out that their situation is not unique. She said on Beckwith between Austin and
Waukegan, it's 30 mph and it has a bike lane. On Dempster, from Waukegan to Shermer,
that's all residential, and it too is 35 mph. Shermer is almost all residential between Dempster
to Golf, and it's 30 mph there. People ride their bikes there, and there's a fire station located
there as well. She said the comparables aren't always even. Further, the Ciorba Group's
report notes that there's parking on that street, their adjusted prevailing speed is 30 mph, with
5% reduction to 28.5%. So they could support 25 mph, or 30 mph is reasonable too. She felt
that better striping and more signage could be of help.
Trustee Marcus thanked the residents for coming and said he hoped they'd understand and
not take personally any position that any trustee would take on this issue, even though it might
be an emotional issue for them. He said that trustees have to balance the residents' needs
with what's in the best interests of the Village as a whole. He pointed out that Dempster
Street, west of Waukegan, has residences on it-with driveways-and the speed limit there is
35 mph. Trustee Marcus also noted that Central is not a totally residential, like, for example,
Parkside; it's a different struc±ure. There are cars coming off of Golf Road going 45 mph,
turning the corner going from Golf to Church at 35 mph, and now the Village would be asking
them to go 25 mph. Additionally, there's no residential area at Golf and Gentral. The Board
has to take all of these neighborhood characteristics into consideration when making these
types of decisions. Trustee Marcus said his role as a trustee is to provide for the safety and
welfare of the citizens, and therefore would "err' on the side of the importance of providing
said safety and welfare.
e. Trustee Thill said that, considering the Traffic Safety Commission voted unanimously for
25 mph, and the Ciorba Group's report indicated it could support either a 30 mph limit or a
25 mph limit, he agreed with Trustee Marcus that "safety" should be the prevailing factor.
f. Trustee Marcus said that, no matter what the Board does, he felt that more signage in that
area is definitely needed.
g. Mayor Krier called for the vote on the amendment to change the speed limit reduction in the
ordinance from 25 mph to 30 mph. He explained that a "yes" vote would mean that you're in
favor of 30 mph. Upon the vote, the motion failed: 2 ayes, 4 nays.
Tr. Brunner aye Tr. Kogstad ~ Tr. Marcus ~e
Tr. Minx ~ Tr. Staackmann ~ Tr. Thill
h. Mayor Krier then called for the vote on Ordinance 08-42 as it stands. Motion passed: 6 ayes,
0 nays.
Tr. Brunner ~ Tr. Kogstad a~ Tr. Marcus
Tr. Minx ~ Tr. Staackmann ~ Tr. Thill
2 Next, Trustee Thill presented Resolution 09-05, Authorization to Accept and Approve the
Municipal Maintenance Expenditure Statement for Work Completed on the 2007 Motor
Fuel Tax Maintenance Program.
He explained that, each year, the Village receives a portion of the motor fuel tax collected by
the State. These funds m ust be spent on the improvement and/or maintenance of roadways.
12
.5, ..'-.. Minutes of JanuaN 12;20098oard Meeting
X.
TRUSTEES' REPORTS (continued)
Trustee Thili: (continued)
The State requires an estimate and final statement of the maintenance expenses for
each year of the progrm. The total expenses for the 2007 Motor Fuel Tax Program are
$1, 036,370.50.
Trustee Thill moved to approve Resolution 09-05, seconded by Trustee Minx.
Trustee Marcus asked Village Administrator Wade what the corrections were to this
Resolution. Mr. Wade asked Mr. DeMonte to explain. Mr. DeMonte said the change is a
$471,904.60 difference due to an error in charge-offs. Ne said the corrections are as follows:
in the second "whereas" clause of the resolution, the amount reads "$636,000.00," but it
should read "$666,563.52." In the third "whereas" clause, the amount reads "$1,036,370.50,"
but it should read "$859,390.80." That same correction also goes for the fifth "whereas"
clause. Mr. DeMonte said the Board could wait until a corrected resolution was in front of them
and then vote on it. Trustee Marcus said he would prefer to note the corrections, vote on the
resolution, and move on. Trustee Brunner moved to amend the resolution to incorporate the
changed amounts, seconded by Trustee Minx. Motion passed: 6 ayes, 0 nays.
Tr. Brunner a~ Tr. Kogstad awe Tr. Marcus awe
Tr. Minx ~ Tr. Staackmanr. a~ Tr. Thilt
Mayor Krier then called for the vote on the amended resolution. Motion passed: 6 ayes,
0 nays.
Tr. Brunner aye Tr. Kogstad aye Tr. Marcus ayre_
Tr. Minx awe Tr. Staackmann a~~e Tr. Thill aye
3. Trustee Thill thanked the residents from Central Avenue and complimented them on coming
out and on all the research they had done. He said tonight was a good demonstration of how
the Village Board listens to the people.
4. Trustee Thill complimented the Public Works personnel for setting high standards and
maintaining them. He asked Chief Tasch if there's been more traffic accidents since the
Village has been doing less salting. Chief Tasch responded that the number of incidents is
about the same as it was last year.
5. Trustee Thill complimented the Police Department on their quick apprehension of a person
who committed armed robbery at Menards recently.
XI. OTHER BUSINESS
a. Trustee Kogstad asked if there was any way the Village could prevent independent snow
removal contractors from depositing snow in the middle of Village streets or by school bus
stops, or from covering fire hydrants. Mr. DeMonte admitted this is a constant problem; he
said that when Public Works personnel catch these private contractors doing this, they do try
to get them to correct the problem; however, it's very seldom that they're caught. He noted
that the Police Department issues citations against these contractors, but again, only if they're
caught. Trustee Kogstad asked if residents should call the Police Department if they see this
kind of thing happening. Chief Tasch said, if residents call, the police will come out.
13
:' AAinates of Janua 12, 2005 Board Hearin".
XI. OTHER BUSINESS (continued)
Mr. DeMonte commented that, with the large amount of snow we've gotten, the Fire Depart-
ment and Public Works are going to start shoveling out fire hydrants. Chief Friel concurred,
noting that fire hydrants vary in height, and many do have flags extending from them, but
nevertheless, drifting snow and snowplowing has an effect. Generally, the battalion chiefs
survey the hydrants in high-use areas to determine if personnel need to mobilize and dig them
out. Chief Friel felt that the snow is probably to that point now where digging out will begin.
c. Trustee Thill suggested to Mr. DeMonte that his staff give homeowners a notice asking them
to contact their snow removal contractor to let them know they should not be putting the snow
on Village streets or covering fire hydrants. He also felt that the public should take the initiative
and "unbury yourself'. Mayor Krier said that if a notice, as Trustee Thill suggested, ends up
on the wrong door, it could anger people. Mr. DeMonte said the simplest thing would be for
residents to call the police department if they see incidents occurring.
d. Trustee Marcus encouraged homeowners who are fortunate enough to own a snowblower
to be good neighbors by helping clear your neighbors' snow. He also pleaded with car owners
to move their cars off the street, especially if they're aware of an impending snow storm, so
that the snow plows can clear the streets curb-to-curb. It's mandated in other communities,
Trustee Marcus said, but in Morton Grove, "we're just hoping you'll make the effort."
e. Trustee Brunner said it had come to her attention that a person who needs a new water heater
has to pay a $50 permit fee. She asked Mayor Krier if staff could look into this. Mayor Krier
said he didn't realize that either, and felt it should be reviewed.
f. Trustee Marcus asked, regarding the proposed bonding issue for the replacement water main
on Dempster, if the Village was taking bids or what. Mr. Wade said the $1.5 million project
has been submitted as an item hopefully eligible for some of the new "economic stimulus"
funding. He said he would be meeting with IDOT tomorrow and will have a better idea of
what's going on after that meeting.
XIL WARRANTS.
Trustee Minx presented the Warrant Register for January 12, 2009, in the amount of
$884,933.21. She moved to approve the Warrants, seconded by Trustee Marcus.
Trustee Staackmann had a question regarding an item on page 10, a Firefighters Pension
Fund expense, which was a meeting expense for Gary Melby. Acting Finance Director Ryan
Horne said that all the police and fire pension expenses are run through the Village. He said
he would provide Trustee Staackmann detailed information about this line item. Mayor Krier
added that the expense does come out of police or fire pension fund monies.
Trustee Thill noted that there are more rebates for errors at the commuter train station; he felt
that there have been at least 20 that he's seen. Mr. Horne said the Village has received a no-
tice that the company who installed the new system is working on corrections to the software,
so hopefully these will be the last checks issued.
Mayor Krier called for the vote on the Warrants. Mayor Krier called for a vote on the Warrants.
Motion passed: 6 ayes, 0 nays.
Tr. Brunner afire Tr. Kogstad ~ Tr. Marcus
Tr. Minx aye Tr. Staackmann a~~e Tr. Thill awe
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~ ,~~; °. ~ Minutes of Tanuary 12, abbe Boartl Meeting
XIII. RESIDENTS'__COMMENTS
A 23-year resident commented that the Public Works Department does a fabulous job. She
noted that a lot of houses don't have driveways, and therefore cars on the street end up buried
for days. She herself jockeys her family's cars around, but her neighbor does not. She won-
dered what would be the problem with having an ordinance that prescribes odd/even side of
the street parking during the winter months.
Trustee Staackmann said he believed there was an old ordinance that had that type of word-
ing. He thought that, if the winters continue to be as snowy as the last couple have been, the
Board would likely look into something like that again.
Trustee Marcus said he doesn't want to pass ordinances just to pass ordinances; if clearing
the snow on the streets is a real problem, he felt it should be analyzed and an appropriate so-
lution implemented. He complimented the resident for moving her cars, adding that he wished
more people could be like her.
Mayor Krier said the Board should definitely look into it, but must also be cognizant of the con-
sequences; especially for residents living on a snow route where their vehicles must be
moved.
i~iancy Donning. Ms. I_anning said that, on her street, the house across the street fram her
doesn't have a driveway or a garage. Consequently their cars are buried, and they would
have to frst dig them out in order to move them.
XIV. ADJOURNMENT/EXECUTIVE SESSION
XIV.
There being no further business, Trustee Minx moved to adjourn the meeting. Trustee
Marcus seconded the motion. Motion passed: 6 ayes, 0 nays.
Tr. Brunner afire Tr. Kogstad awe Tr. Marcus
Tr. Minx aye Tr. Staackmann awe Tr. Thill aye
The Board Meeting adjourned at 9:45 p.m.
15
Minutes of Janua 12, 2009 Board Meetin'
PASSED this 26th day of January, 2009
Trustee Brunner ~~
Trustee Kogstad
Trustee Marcus
Trustee Minx
Trustee Staackmann
Trustee Thill
F~PPR~~Eq by me this 2 fi day of January, 2009.
ichard Krier, Village President
Board of Trustees, Morton Grove, Illinois
APPROVED and FILED in my office this 27th day of January, 2009.
~- -~-~-~
Carol A. Fritzshall, Village CI k
Village of Morton Grove, Cook County, Illinois
>7inutes by: Teresa Cousar
16