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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2008-04-28 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. III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Regarding the Minutes of the April 14, 2008 Regular Meeting, Mayor Krier asked if anyone had any changes or corrections to the Minutes. Trustee Thill noted that, on page 11, item #3, it should read "prescribed burn seminar", rather than just "prescribed burn." Trustee Minx then moved, seconded by Trustee Thill, to approve the April 14, 2008 Regular Meeting Minutes as corrected. Motion passed unanimously via voice vote. IV. PUBLIC HEARINGS NONE V. SPECIAL REPORTS a. Economic Development Strategic Plan Presentation Economic Development Commission Chairman John Pietron presented the proposed Economic Development Strategic Plan that was developed by the Economic Development Commission. He provided some background on the Commission and its members, and out- lined the development of the strategic plan over the last 10 months and its purpose. Chairman Pietron gave an overview of the Village's zoning districts, noting that 10.3% of Morton Grove is zoned "Commercial," 7.6% is zoned "Industrial," 79.7% is zoned "Residential," and 2.4% is zoned "Mixed-Use." He pointed out that businesses are vital to the Village because they provide goods and services, employ residents and neighbors, support locate events and programs, and they generate sales and property tax revenue. Chairman Pietron said the Commission's four economic development goals are to: retain, expand, and attract commercial and industrial businesses; promote general economic devel- opmentand business growth; expand municipal revenue sources; and redevelop commercial corridors to restore viability as shopping districts. Minutes. of A ri128, 2008 Board Meetin V. SPECIAL REPORTS (continued) Chairman Pietron expanded on each of the goals. The Strategic Plan suggests, among other items, that, to help retain, expand, and attract businesses, the Village should consider (a) attracting anchor businesses to corridors and shopping centers, (b) revenue-sharing for its largest businesses, and (c} using incentives and variances to attract restaurants. To promote economic development and business growth, the Plan advises that a "new image" of Morton Grove be crafted, and that the Village consider economic development tools such as Tax Increment Financing (TIF) Districts, Commercial Revitalization Districts, Special Service Areas (SSAs), property tax incentives, and fagade grants or rebates. The Plan recommends having a recognizable "theme" to the commercial districts within the Village as a way of expanding municipal revenue sources. Another idea is to increase density on a case-by-case basis in conducive (i.e., the train station) areas. As for redeveloping the commercial corridors, the Plan advocates the Village acquiring parcels for future assembly, improving or vacating alleys, improving parking on Dempster Street, and establishing a street banner program, among other options. Chairman Pietron said that this proposed plan is open to public review, and he encouraged residents who had any ideas about economic development to contact Bill Neuendorf at Village Hall, or to attend the Economic Development Commission meetings, which are held the third Wednesday of every month at 5:30 p.m. He said he hoped that the Village Board would adopt the plan this summer, so that implementation could begin as early as fall. Chairman Pietron pointed out that the proposed plan is "fluid" and therefore can be amended and adjusted as needed. He acknowledged all the members of the Commission for their hard work in putting this plan together, and thanked Bill Neuendorf for providing guidance as the plan was being developed. Mayor Krier thanked Chairman Pietron and the Economic Development Commissioners for their efforts in developing the proposed Strategic Plan. Staff Report on Planned Unit Development Ordinance 08-13 Village Administrator Joe Wade said that, at the last Board meeting, Board members had a number of questions that staff would like to respond to this evening. Staff also wants to provide some further history and context on the matter of raising the density from a maximum of 32 units per acre to a maximum of up to 40 units per acre within the Mixed-Use (CiR) zoning district. He emphasized the words "up to° and reminded the Board that this would not be "automatic'-the Village would retain control through its rigorous Procedural Control process. The Village has the right to turn down developments whether they are 32 units per acre or up to 40 units per acre. The density proposal allows the Village the flexibility it needs that it doesn't presently have. This is a type of incentive to developers for the Village to get things it wants, for example, first-floor commercial, or a development with a green roof. He said it was challenging to come up with a density that residents would be comfortable with and that developers would find could meet their economic goals. The flexibility is especially needed with some of the odder-shaped parcels in the Village. Mr. Wade then invited Economic Development Director Bill Neuendorf to offer a more detailed presentation. Mr. Neuendorf said his presentation would provide some history and context for the proposed ordinance. He said that, in 1997, Morton Grove started creating a community vision. The Village fathers sent surveys to all residents and businesses in town in 1998, which garnered hundreds of responses. More input was obtained via a public meeting. That feedback was incorporated into the Comprehensive Plan, which was put together in 1999. The Comprehen- sive Plan looks at all areas of the Village and identifies its strengths and its weaknesses. ,.: V. SPECIAL REPORTS (continued) Three primary areas for future projects were also identified: Lehigh Avenue along the indus- trial area, Ferris Avenue from Dempster to Lincoln, and Lincoln Avenue. The vision for these three areas was that of atransit-oriented district in the Village. The neighborhood around the train station has evolved; it is now a mixture of newer and older residential buildings as well as a few small commercial and industrial businesses. The plan contemplated that, when things changed in the train station neighborhood, it would make sense to have that area be a moder- ately higher density to respond to peoples' desire to take the train to work or for entertainment. There was also demand for neighborhood businesses there, such as a place to stop to pickup a gallon of milk or a dry cleaner's. So the mixed-use nature was also being thought about. Mr. Neuendorf said the Village took some small steps to create the vision. In 2000, it estab- lished the Lehigh-Ferris Tax Increment Financing (TIF) district. In 2002, it updated the zoning code and created a new Commercial & Residential (CR) mixed-use zoning district and outlined the Lehigh-Ferris Subarea Plan. That plan was partially funded by Metra and was the >Irst time that various options and concepts were considered, so that the Village could begin to go forward. This plan, too, had a lot of community input. The Village began working on a Long-Term Conceptual Framework Plan in 2004 and is still working on it. A community workshop was held about 18 months ago to get input from resi- dents on the "shape" and nature of the Lehigh-Ferris Subarea. While working on this frame- work plan, staff realized that the Village's current zoning ordinance isn't allowing the Village to reach the vision. Mr. Neuendorf said that he's had meetings with developers, and some aspects of our code (i.e., the density) hinder further development. He explained that the zoning ordinance was recently revised and turned into what's known as the Village's Unified Development Gode. He explained that zoning regulates the type of uses allowed in particular areas, as well as regulating "bulk", height, floor:area ratio, density, landscaping, parking requirements, etc. Many of these regulated items can be "appealed"-variances can be sought. However, one thing that cannot be appealed is density. Mr. Neuendorf explained that, in the CR district, a builder can construct a structure with 24 units to an acre "by right", with no procedural control. Or a builder can seek a Special Use permit for 32 units an acre. This requires more scrutiny however, and must go through the Village's procedural control process. The third option is that a builder can design a Planned Unit Development (PUD), which is typically a large site (one acre or larger), possibly with multiple buildings. The PUD process allows regulations to be changed for the unique conditions of that site. It's often used in older communities, such as Morton Grove, because it provides flexibility to adapt the proposed building to the unique con- ditions, such as smaller orodd-shaped parcels, of a particular site. Flexible items in a PUD include: the setback, the building height, the number of parking spaces; the landscaping, etc. Density is not one of the flexible items, nor is floor:area ratio, nor are zoning boundaries. The benefit of the PUD process is that the community gets a project that fits in better with the neighborhood (better site plan, architectural design, etc.) and achieves community goals (retail tenants, senior housing, etc.). The current regulations have limited flexibility. The largest sites in town are already developed, and the ones that are left are smaller and harder to develop. The proposed ordinance does not guarantee higher density, but allows it to be considered. It also is limited to just the CR district and only parcels of one acre or more. It does not relax the layers of scrutiny already in place. This would establish a clear rule for all future projects in the CR district. ,~: V. SPECIAL REPORTS (continued) The CR district is basically the neighborhood by the Metra station, as well as portions of Lincoln Avenue and the location of the former Jamaican Gardens. Bearing in mind the acreage, Mr. Neuendorf said there is a maximum of only six sites currently that this ordinance could apply to. In summary, he said, the recommendation is to increase the density to a maximum of up to 40 units per acre, which will position Morton Grove for future investment and growth, while balancing the community's desire to retain the "feel" of Morton Grove. Mayor Krier thanked Mr. Neuendorf for all his hard work on this. VI. RESIDENTS' COMMENTS (Agenda Items Only) a. James Beuwer. Mr. Beuwer of American Taxi spoke regarding Ordinance 08-15, the proposed taxi fare rate increase ordinance. He provided some background on American Taxi and their growth over the last 30 years. He mentioned that airport taxes for cabs have increased. He pointed out that Skokie has recently changed their ordinance to be consistent with other communities, and he recommended that Morton Grove review and enact changes to be in line with Skokie. In Skokie, they have enacted a $26 flat rate to O'Hare, a fuel surcharge of $1.00 when fuel is over $3.00 per gallon, and a provision of $2.00 surcharge if fuel goes over $4.00 per gallon. Skokie has a $2.00 per passenger rate, but $1.00 on all local rides. American Taxi also offers no charge for extra passengers for seniors or disabled people. b. c. d. Jim Quinn. Mr. Quinn thought staffs presentation on the density ordinance was phenomenal, but felt that Morton Grove doesn't need a density of up to 40 units per acre. He felt that any- one owning. a parcel where 40 units per acre could be built would want to get the biggest bang for their buck. He said "we have enough" in Morton Grove. Mr. Quinn said, in the Woodlands, a parking plan approved by the staff, there is "point blank not enough parking." He was also concerned about the impact increased density would have on the school systems. Melinda Mumford. Ms. Mumford spoke regarding Ordinance 08-13 (the density ordinance). She felt 40 units per acre should only be used for senior housing. She felt it would be good to have senior housing in the CR district and that a pharmacy and/or grocery in conjunction with senior housing would be helpful. Regarding Ordinance 08-14 (McDonald's), Ms. Mumford said she was concerned that a 24-hour business would become ahang-out for gangs. She wondered if two drive-thru lanes were really necessary. Bill Luksha. Mr. Luksha was concerned about increasing the density, especially by 25%. He said that Mr. Neuendort's presentation had shown pictures of several higher-density developments, and one thing he noticed was that there was no grass. He wondered where people would walk their dogs. VII. PRESIDENT'S REPORT Appointments Mayor Krier had no report. ,,: VIIL CLERK'S REPORT Clerk Fritzshall asked her colleagues and the assemblage to get involved in aletter-writing campaign to a young lady, Ginger Jenkins, whom she's acquainted with, and who is currently in boot camp and is homesick. Clerk Fritzshall said anyone interested can contact her or Mayor Krier or Administrator Wade for Ms. Jenkins' address. IX. STAFF REPORTS A. Village Administrator Mr. Wade reminded the Board that there would be a Water Rate Analysis meeting on May 5, 2008, at 6:30 p.m. in the Trustees' Conference Room upstairs at Village Nall. This meeting had been scheduled for earlier this year, but had been cancelled due to bad weather that hampered the consultants' travel plans. B. Corporation Counsel: Ms. Liston had no report. X. A. Trustee Brunner: TRUSTEES'REPORTS 1. Trustee Brunner presented Resolution 08-32, Appointing a Director and Alternate Director to the Solid Waste Agency of Northern Cook County (SWANCC). She explained that, as a member of SWANCC, Morton Grove is entitled to appoint a Director to serve on the agency's Board. Resolution OS-32 appoints Trustee Brunner as the Village's Director. with Trustee Thill and Administrator Wade as Alternate Directors. Trustee Brunner moved to approve Resolution 08-32, seconded by Trustee Thill. Motion passed: 6 ayes, 0 nays. Tr. Brunner a~~e, Tr. Kogstad aye Tr. Marcus Tr. Minx a~~e Tr. Staackmann ~ Tr. Thill 2. Next, Trustee Brunner presented Resolution 08-34, Reaffirming Prior Transfers from the Village's General Fund Through the Economic Development Fund to the Waukegan Road TIF Fund. From 1998 to 2006, the Waukegan Road TIF District did not generate sufficient increment to pay all the debt service on the various notes taken to finance the road infrastructure, street- scape, and site assembly that had been needed to develop this commercial corridor. The General Fund advanced the Waukegan Road TIF Fund $1,658,930 during this time period. 5 Minutes of A ri128, 2008 Board Meetin X. TRUSTEES' REPORTS (continued) A. Trustee Brunner: (continued) In 2007, the Waukegan Road TIF District began generating sufficient tax increment to pay all the required debt service for that year. In 2008 and going forward, the Waukegan Road TIF District is anticipated to generate excess tax increment, with which it can begin repaying the General Fund. Therefore, in 2008, $100,000 has been budgeted to be transferred from the TIF Fund back to the General Fund. Resolution 08-34 affirms the past transfer of funds from the General Fund to the Waukegan Road TIF Fund and enables the TIF Fund to pay back those funds to the General Fund as those funds become available. Trustee Brunner moved, seconded by Trustee Minx, to approve Resolution 08-34. Motion passed: 6 ayes, 0 nays. Tr. Brunner afire Tr. Kogstad aye Tr. Marcus Tr. Minx afire Tr. Staackmann ~ Tr. Thill Mayor Krier said that this is another hallmark of the Village's transparency in budgeting. He thanked Administrator Wade, Finance Director Partipilo, and Economic Development Director Neuendorf for their efforts in this regard, saying that he always wanted to know how much the Village had "advanced" the Waukegan Road TIF so that the General Fund could finally be repaid. 3. Trustee Brunner noted that the Community Relations Commission is participating in an ad campaign to "Support Fair Housing", sponsored by the Interfaith Housing Center. The ad will be featured in local newspapers on May 1. The Community Relations Commission also had a wonderful reception this past Saturday, honoring 15 residents who've lived in the Village for 65 years or longer. B. Trustee Kogstad: Trustee Kogstad had no report. C. Trustee Marcus: 1. Trustee Marcus presented Resolution 08-29, Authorizing the Purchase of Motorola 1iT1250 Portable Radios and Advance Charger Technology (ACT) Battery Chargers. He explained that this will replace aging portable radio equipment that is no longer being supported by the manufacturer. Portable radios are an essential piece of equipment police officers use on a regular basis, providing communication between officers and the dispatch center, and allowing immediate access to information officers need. Fifteen portable radios will be purchased for a total cost of $9,834. Trustee Marcus moved to approve Resolution 08-29, seconded by Trustee Brunner. Motion passed: 6 ayes, 0 nays. Tr. Brunner afire Tr. Kogstad aye Tr. Marcus awe Tr. Minx aye Tr. Staackmann awe Tr. Thill 6 ,,: X. C. Trustee Marcus: (continued) TRUSTEES' REPORTS (continued) 2. Next, Trustee Marcus presented for a first reading Ordinance 08-15, Amending Titte 4, Chapter 12L Entitled "Public Passenger Vehicles" of the Municipal Code of the Village of Morton Grove. He explained that this will updated the Village's regulations of taxis and adjust approved taxi rates to be consistent with surrounding communities. Among other changes, the fare rate will be increased to $2.00 per mile and the flat rate between O'Hare and any location in the Village will be $25.00. The senior citizen/disabled person discount will continue, and limitation on the number of taxis which can be licensed within the Village will be removed. Trustee Marcus said that, since this is the first reading of this ordinance, and based on the comments heard earlier this evening, he would like to revisit this ordinance. Mayor Krier said it made sense to revise the ordinance to be more consistent with Skokie's. Trustee Staack- mann asked if those revisions would be in the form of an ordinance amendment, or a totally revised ordinance. Corporation Counsel Liston said amendments could be made by motion, or the Mayor could direct her to make the amendments to the ordinance so as to be in line with Skokie's, barring any objections from the trustees. Trustee Thill asked about "box stands" mentioned in the ordinance. Ms. Liston said there are currently none in town. He also wondered how many taxi licenses were currently issued. Ms. Liston said there were Tess than twenty. Trustee Thill asked if there were a maximum number of cab licenses that could be issued. Ms. Liston said that there used to be, but the current trend is to do away with maximums and to focus more on meeting more stringent criteria and standards. Trustee Thill also clarified that taxis are not allowed to park on the street overnight or in driveways. Ms. Liston confirmed that taxis are commercial vehicles and all commercial vehicles are restricted as to where they are allowed to park, and that they are not allowed to be parked on the street. Ms. Liston said that, iri amending the proposed ordinance, three significant changes would be made to be consistent with Skokie's: the flat rate to and from O'Hare would increase from $25 to $26; a surcharge would be imposed for trips to the airport of $1 anytime gas prices are over $3 per gallon or $2 if gas prices are over $4 per gallon (as benchmarked by AAA Motor Club); and the per-passenger surcharge would increase from $1 to $2 Ms. Liston pointed out that the surcharge is not charged when the passenger is a senior or a disabled person. That has been American Taxi's policy, rather than a provision of the ordinance, but if the Board desires, she said she could include it in the ordinance. Trustee Staackmann asked if the gas price determination was for gas prices within the Village, or the Chicago area, or what. Mr. Beuwer said that Triple AAA uses an average of gas prices in the Chicago suburbs and they come out with it every Monday. Mayor Krier said he would direct Corporation Counsel to amend the ordinance, and also to include a provision to waive the per-passenger surcharge when the passenger is disabled or a senior. Trustee Marcus thanked American Taxi for their service in the Village and for the courtesies they extend to our seniors and disabled residents. ,,: X. C. Trustee Marcus: (continued) TRUSTEES' REPORTS (continued) 3. Trustee Marcus complimented the Community Relations Commission on their event this past Saturday. He also thanked the Park District and the Historical Society for the ribbon-cutting event for the Historical Society's new Education Annex, and he thanked Trustee Thill and his company for donating the painting of the annex-they did a yeoman's job. D. Trustee Minx: Trustee Minx asked if the Board had any objection to discussing Ordinance 08-14 first, so that the McDonald's representatives could be on their way. There were no objections. Trustee Minx presented Ordinance 08-14, An Ordinance Granting a Special Use Permit to Allow aDrive-Thru Facility at the Property Located at 6309 Dempster Street. This is the second reading of this ordinance. She explained that McDonald's wishes to remodel its building to allow for better drive-thru services and Tess on-site parking. They were requesting a variance of 9 parking spaces, which they felt was justified because they were reducing the size of the dining room. The Plan Commission unanimously recommended the approval of this Special Use request. Trustee Minx moved to adopt Ordinance 08-14, seconded by Trustee Brunner. Trustee Marcus said that he had brought up concerns at the last meeting about "no left turn" signage at McDonald's and at the Dempster(Callie intersection. He said he had met with the Village's engineer, Ryan Gillingham, and said that, if there were no objections, he would like to have the ordinance include a provision requiring signage saying "no left turns between 4pm & 6pm", with the option to review that provision in a year. Trustee Minx said she had spoken with Fire Chief Tom Friel about the signage at Dempster and Callie and had learned that it wasn't necessarily installed for safety, but more so for the Fire Department if they have to come down Callie to go east on Dempster-they wouldn't be able to swing out past someone on Callie waiting to turn left on Dempster. She pointed out that there is no similar restriction on any of the other side streets or over by the Civic Center, except at Dempster and OId Lincoln (where Maxwell's was)-and that's because of its Z proximity to the railroad crossing. Trustee Minx thought there would be a clause in the ordinance that would address this issue. Mayor Krier thanked Trustee Minx for her good explanation. Mayor Krier said that Ms. Liston has advised that the signage request be put in as an amendment to the conditions for the Special Use Permit. Ms. Liston then read the following as a suggested condition: "The applicant and all successors in interest shall agree and shall abide by any left hand turn restrictions from the site onto Dempster Street as subsequently deemed necessary by the Corporate authorities." Trustee Marcus moved, seconded by Trustee Thill, to amend the ordinance by adding the above-stated condition. Motion passed: 6 ayes, 0 nays. Tr. Brunner ~ Tr. Kogstad ~ Tr. Marcus Tr. Minx afire Tr. Staackmann ~ Tr. Thill aye Minutes of Apri(28,2008BoardMeeting- X. TRUSTEES' REPORTS (continued) D. Trustee Minx: (continued) Mayor Krier then called for the vote on Ordinance 08-14, as amended. Motion passed: 6 ayes, 0 nays. Tr. Brunner aye Tr. Kogstad ~ Tr. Marcus ave Tr. Minx ~ Tr. Staackmann ~ Tr. Thill awe Trustee Minx then presented Ordinance 08-13, Amending the Village of Morton Grove Unified Development Code, Section 12-5-7E and 12-6-3E to Increase the Allowable Density for Multi-Family Residential Units in Planned Unit Developments in the CR Commercial Residentia6District. This is the second reading of this ordinance She explained that the Village currently limits maximum density for multi-family dwelling units (condominiums) to 32 units per acre. Given the high cost of land in the CR Commercial Residential zoning district, and following trends in neighboring communities, staff has recommended that a higher maximum density be allowed as a Special Use in Planned Unit Developments in the CR zoning district. The Plan Commission unanimously recommended the maximum allowable density be increased to up to 40 units per acre, which would allow flexibility and creativity in the redevelopment of parcels in the CR zoning district. Trustee Minx moved, seconded by Trustee Brunner, to approve Ordinance 08-13. Trustee Thill said the Board was given three conceptual plans that could have been built on the Bowman site as a potential PUD. Mayor Krier said that that site wasn't a PUD yet and that this ordinance was not site-specific. Trustee Thill said that, not long ago, the Board had been shown, and had chosen, one of the three conceptual plans for the Bowman site. The, one they chose called for a density of 40 units per acre. He said his problem with that was that, when the Board was reviewing the plans, and when that particular plan for the Bowman site was selected, the Board had not been told what the planned density was. Trustee Thill said his comments and questions were not meant to be political. He said most of the people on the Board felt strongly about having retail on the first floor of this project. He wondered if that would be counted in the density. Mayor Krier said again, not to be confusing, that the ordinance was a broad ordinance, not site specific. Trustee Thill said his question had more to do with all PUDs. Mr. Neuendorf said that if it's a strictly commercial building, it would be evaluated using floor:area ratio. A strictly residential building would be evaluated based on density. When it's a mixed use building, it's evaluated using a hybrid system. The commercial/retail space is not counted as part of the density. Bonnie Jacobson, Village Planner, confirmed that. Trustee Thill said it seemed that, basically, developers would be getting more density then, because they'd have commercial plus residential. Ms. Jacobson said it would really be less, because the developer has to add in the parking for the commercial. She said, for example, on a one-acre site, a developer can ask for up to 32 units per acre for strictly residential; on the same site, if the developer wants to add commercial to it, they have to figure out how to fit it all in. Trustee Staackmann asked why a developer would even want to do a mixed-use building if he could have 40 units per acre, which would be more profitable. Mayor Krier asked, in turn, why would the Village "give" the 40 units per acre if it didn't get anything (i.e., commercial space) in return. It's an option the Village would have. ~~: X. D. Trustee Minx: (continued) TRUSTEES' REPORTS (continued) Trustee Minx said it's more advantageous for businesses to be located on Dempster, Oakton, or Waukegan, so having the 40 units as an "incentive" might make them more amenable to putting a mixed use in a different location. Ms. Jacobson said that Lincoln Avenue lends itself well to mixed-use development and there could probably be a lot of interest there. She reminded the Board that this is for parcels that are a minimum of one acre. She said that market forces and site design will dictate what-and where-developers are willing to build. Trustee Thill asked when the RFPs for the Bowman site were sent out. Mayor Krier said again that Trustee Thill was getting site specific and that it was confusing the issue. Mr. Neuendorf said the Village sent RFPs out on March 28, 2008. Trustee Thill asked what the density limits were, as noted in the RFP. Mayor Krier said that the RFPs went out to over 100 developers. He said again that it's not even a PUD yet. He felt this was off the topic of Ordinance 08-13. Trustee Marcus clarified that this is only for Planned Unit Developments in the CR District. He said people get "frightened" about density. He said that the Village is really only talking about six areas, a majority of which are in the train station neighborhood. The Board would still have to give final approval. Trustee Marcus said that he's as concerned about "over-building" as anyone, but he wants to give the Village the necessary marketing tools to develop open land and put it on the tax rolls. Ms. Jacobson pointed out that the Plan Commission has seven standards that have to be met in order to be granted a Special Use Permit. With a Planned Unit Development, the standards are even more strict. She added that, with the six potential areas within the CR district, none are located near single-family housing. Trustee Kogstad pointed out that single-family residences are across the street from the Bowman property. He also said that, since the Bowman property is in the TIF District, the Village won't see revenue from it for twenty years or so. Trustee Thill asked again about the density listed in the RFPs for the Bowman property. Mr. Neuendorf said that RFPs were sent out listing three different types of projects, but not favoring any particular one over another. They were for a commercial development, a residential development, and amixed-use development. In the "design guidelines" section for the property, as set forth in the RFP, listed 24 units per acre by right, up to a currently allowable 32 units per acre for Special Use permits, and noting a proposed amendment of up to 40 units per acre which had been recommended by the Plan Commission. Trustee Thill asked, if the proposed density increase doesn't pass, does it have any bearing on the RFPs? Mayor Krier said that the RFPs went out, basically with the Village's current zoning density. If this ordinance passes, it would allow a developer to put more units there. Trustee Thill asked if there's been interest expressed in that property, other than for condos. Mr. Neuendorf said yes. Mayor Krier said it could be all sorts of things, even a movie theater! Trustee Thill said, with the economy in bad shape, with The Woodlands having at least 25 units up for sale, and with the development at Maxwell's being just an expensive hole in the ground, it seemed to him that it makes more sense to wait until the economy improves before moving on this site. Mayor Krier noted that the ordinance is not about any particular site, and asked Trustee Thill why he kept bringing up that site. Trustee Thill said that it was because that was the only site he had to work with at this point. Ms. Jacobson said this is a "plan" for the future, so the Village can get what it wants. 10 ,,: X. TRUSTEES' REPORTS (continued) D. Trustee Minx: (continued) Trustee Thill commented that he hasn't heard a single resident come up to the podium and say they're in favor of this. He felt that the residents do not want a higher density. He felt that a 25% increase was too much, too soon. Trustee Thill proposed increasing the density to 36 units per acre, with the condition that the increased density be earmarked for senior housing or low-income housing. Mayor Krier said, again, that the Village was trying to "take the handcuffs" off developers. He added that he felt most residents didn't understand the issue, that even Trustee Thilf found it confusing. Maygr Krier said that if he thought that a higher-density building was going to be built next to his house, he'd be worried too-but it's not, it's limited to the train station neighborhood, Lincoln Avenue, and the area by Jamaican Gardens. Trustee Brunner asked if Trustee Thill's desire was that all six potential PUD sites be required to have senior housing. She said that that was part of the "give-and-take" inherent in the PUD process, and thus didn't really need to be included in the ordinance. In fact, she said, the Village currently already has that ability. Trustee Thill said that he personally just felt that 40 units per acre was too high. Trustee Minx said it seemed like the maximum densities in Morton Grove have fluctuated over the years. One of the first condos ever built has a density of 45 units per acre, even though it does not sit on an acre. It has 24 units and has more than adequate parking. It's right on Lincoln Avenue, so there isn't a lot of street parking, but there's parking behind it and underneath it. She felt that allowing future developers the flexibility to provide a beautiful building is what this is all about. Trustee Minx also talked about a development at Waukegan & Glenview Road that she thinks is beautiful, although Glenview residents were initially up in arms about it. It mixes retail and residential and is built on an odd-shaped lot, but it maximizes the space quite well. It's an eye-catching development. Trustee Staackmann asked if there was a process, or plans, for enlarging the CR zoning district. Ms. Jacobson said that it could be done by amending the zoning district, but it wouldn't make sense to do so. The whole purpose of the CR district is to create ahigher- density, pedestrian-oriented neighborhood specifically around the train station. Trustee Staackmann said he didn't think that increasing density would necessarily increase development. He said that some of the bigger developers have pulled out of the area because they saw this real-estate "crash" coming. Trustee Staackmann said he's been told overhwehlmingly by people that they don't want anymore condos in the Village. He felt that the problem developers have now is finding the money to put into a development, and then finding buyers. He asked if this would "de-value" the existing condominiums, especially those that are currently unsold-many of which are in the same neighborhood where the Village now wants to entice developers. Trustee Staackmann wondered if the Village should wait and see what happens with the housing market. He felt that Trustee Thill had made a valid point, and thought that the Board should talk with the Building Department if or when develoopers came in, about building senior or affordable housing at 36 units per acre, and limit it to that; then revisit this ordinance later. Mayor Krier said he didn't understand why everyone was being site specific. Trustee Staackmann said he wasn't being site specific, he was thinking about the economy. Mayor Krier said this is about vision, about where the Village wants to go in the future. It's about tt ,,: X. D TRUSTEES' REPORTS (continued) Trustee Minx: (continued) saying, "Here's where you can build, and here's what we want." Trustee Staackmann said it has been brought up many times over the last several years that the Village is getting more "urban", and less "suburban". It's a real concern that residents have shared. Trustee Minx agreed that the Village is looking for a vision. Trustee Staackmann said that people don't want the vision to be a wall of buildings along Lincoln and Ferris twenty years from now, where it used to be residences. Trustee Minx said there was never residential there; it was formerly Baxter's site and a bar. Trustee Staackmann said he felt 40 units per acre was too much. Trustee Brunner said she was glad that the ordinance had been clarified to say "up to" a maximum of forty units per acre, and she asked that, for the sake of consistency, the words "up to" be added before "32 units per acre" allowed via Special Use. Corporation Counsel advised that Trustee Brunner's suggestion should be in the form of a motion, and Trustee Brunner so moved. Trustee Minx seconded the motion. Mayor Krier called for a vote on the amendment. Motion passed: 5 ayes, 1 nay. Tr. Brunner aye Tr. Kogstad ~ Tr. Marcus Tr. Minx a~~e Tr. Staackmann ~ Tr. Thill Trustee Minx, who had originally moved to adopt Ordinance 08-13, and Trustee Brunner, who had seconded the motion, changed the motion and the second to approve Ordinance 08-13, as amended. Mayor Krier then called for the vote. Before casting his vote, Trustee Marcus said that he agreed that maintaining the characteristics of single-family dwelling units and open space of Morton Grove is important; however, he felt he had a fiduciary responsibility to plan for and provide economic and revenue opportunities that the Village needs, so that it can continue to provide the level of services and safety the community expects. Expenses will continue to increase in the future. The Village needs to be able to be creative and competitive in the commercial and development areas. He said he specifically wanted the ordinance to read "up to" 40 units per acre. He said he'd like to have a development on the tax rolls as soon as possible. Trustee Marcus also said he was basing his vote on the fact that the Village retained control and the right to approve or disapprove of any proposed development. He did not feel the characteristics of the community would not be drastically changed because of this ordinance. Motion passed: 4 ayes, 3 nays. Tr. Brunner awe Tr. Kogstad ~ Tr. Marcus ~? Tr. Minx awe Tr. Staackmann ~ Tr. Thill Mayor Krier 3. Trustee Minx noted that there would be a "Public Safety Awareness Day' coming up in June for NIPSTA, which is the Northeastern Illinois Public Safety Training Academy. NIPSTA is a 20-acre training facility in Glenview. They are having this event on June 8 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. There will be fun for the whole family, with a variety of events taking place. Admission is $5 per person; tickets are available at the door. Tickets will benefit the public safety mission of NIPSTA. For more information, visit NIPSTA's website at www.nipsta.org. 72 MinutesofAprii 28, 20086oartl Meeting X. F TRUSTEES' REPORTS (continued) Trustee Staackmann: Trustee Staackmann presented Resolution 08-33, Authorization to Execute a Contract with Crystal Maintenance Services Corporation to Provide Janitorial Cleaning Services. He explained that the janitorial services contract was last competitively bid in 2004. Bid packets were sent out and nine companies responded. The two lowest bidders were dis- qualified due to a combination of lack of experience cleaning office buildings and lack of experience with buildings as large as the Village's. Staff recommended Crystal Maintenance Services as the lowest qualified bidder. The new contract is $576 per year less than the previous contract. Trustee Staackmann moved to approve Resolution 08-33, seconded by Trustee Brunner. Motion passed: 6 ayes, 0 nays. Tr. Brunner aye Tr. Kogstad ~ Tr. Marcus aye Tr. Minx ~ Tr. Staackmann aye Tr. Thill Trustee Staackmann also thanked the Community Relations Commission and the Historical Society for this past weekend's events. Trustee Thill Trustee Thill presented Resolution 08-30, Authorizing the Execution of an Inter-Agency Agreement Between the Cook County Assessor's Office and the Village of Morton Grove. Trustee Thill explained that this resolution will allow the Village to obtain GIS data maintained by Cook County to utilize and publish within the Village's own GIS system. There is no charge for this data-sharing. Trustee Thill moved to approve Resolution 08-30, seconded by Trustee Minx. Motion passed: 6 ayes,0 nays. Tr. Brunner a~~e Tr. Kogstad ~ Tr. Marcus Tr. Minx ~ Tr. Staackmann aye Tr. Thill ave Next, Trustee Thill presented Resolution 08-31, Authorization to Execute a Contract with Total Parking Solutions, Inc. for the Purchase and Installation of Parking Fare Collection System Equipment. He explained that the Village maintains the Metra parking facility, collects fees, and maintains the parking fare equipment. That equipment is old and is need of replacement. This was bid out and Total Parking Solutions, Inc. was awarded the contract, in the amount of $52,232. Trustee Thill moved, seconded by Trustee Minx, to approve Resolution 08-31. Motion passed: 6 ayes, 0 nays. Tr. Brunner aye Tr. Kogstad awe Tr. Marcus Tr. Minx awe Tr. Staackmann awe Tr. Thill a~~e 13 11: X. TRUSTEES' REPORTS (continued) Trustee Thill: (continued) Trustee Thill next presented for a first reading Ordinance 08-16, An Ordinance Amending Title 7 to Add Chapter 10 of the Municipal Code of the Village of Morton Grove Establishing Standards for Erosion and Sediment Control and Grading Within the Village of Morton Grove: He explained that, to be in compliance with the Village's National Pollutant and Discharge Elimination Permit, it must update its code related to standards for erosion and sediment control and grading for development within the Village. There was no further discussion on Ordinance 08-16. Trustee Thill thanked Trustee Brunner and the Community Relations Commission for the wonderful event this past Saturday. He said he had a great feeling as he watched the honorees get a group picture taken. 5. Trustee Thill also thanked the Historical Society for a very nice grand opening of the Education Annex. XL OTHER BUSINESS NONE XII. WARRANTS Trustee Minx presented the Warrant Register for April 28, 2008, which totaled $254,190.15. She moved to approve the Warrants as presented, seconded by Trustee Thill. Motion passed: 6 ayes, 0 nays. Tr. Brunner ~ Tr. Kogstad ~e Tr. Marcus Tr. Minx a1re_ Tr. Staackmann ~ Tr. Thill aye XIII. RESIDENTS' COMMENTS a. Joe Hedrick. Mr. Hedrick reminded the assemblage that the American Legion's Memorial Day Parade would take place on Sunday, May 25. He encouraged all to attend. Mr. Hedrick also noted that the Legion has a baseball team, and they would be doing a fundraiser for it on June 7 between 8 a.m. and noon in the Civic Center parking lot. At the fundraiser they'll be collecting consumer electronics (computers, monitors, keyboards, cameras, etc). Trustee Marcus suggested the Village put the detailed information on its website. b. Melinda Mumford. Ms. Mumford said that there was a problem with Comcast. She said that a line came down and was laying across the street, and Comcast wouldn't come out so ESDA ended up coming out. She wondered if the Village could make Comcast come out for situa- tions like this. Mayor Krier said that this was the first he'd heard of it and he would look into it. 14 ,,: XIII. RESIDENTS' COMMENTS (continued) c. Wilma Wendt. Former Village Clerk Wilma Wendt commented regarding taxi rates, especially the flat rate to O'Hare. She felt that, since Morton Grove was closer to O'Hare than Skokie is, Morton Grove's flat rate should not be the same as Skokie's, it should be lower. XIV. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, Trustee Minx moved to adjourn the meeting. The motion was seconded by Trustee Brunner and passed unanimously via voice vote. The meeting adjourned at 10:07 p.m. PASSED this 12th day of May, 2008. Trustee Brunner Trustee Kogstad Trustee Marcus Trustee Minx Trustee Staackmann Trustee Thill A~t'fiROVED,f~y e~t 12th d~ of May, 2008. r t .~ '~ ,. r ''~''" ~.~ '°~'h"'- Richard !Crier, Village President Board of Trustees, Morton Grove, Illinois APPROVED and FILED in my office this 13th day of May, 2008. -~'~: Carol A. Fritzshall, Village Clerk Village of Morton Grove Cook County, Illinois Minutes by. Teresa Cousar 15