HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009-01-26 Minutes AmendADDENDUM TO THE MINUTES PASSED ON FEBRUARY 9, 2009
CALL TO ORDER
Village President Rick Krier called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. and led the assemblage in
the Pledge of Allegiance.
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
IV.
a. Regarding the Minutes of the January 12, 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 January 12, 2008 Regular Meeting Minutes as
presented. Motion passed unanimously via voice vote.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
....NONE
V. SPECIAL REPORTS
a. Swearing In Ceremony for New Police Sergeant and New Police Commander
Fire and Police Commission Chairman Mike Simkins said he was happy and proud about the
promotion of Jason Rago to Police Sergeant and Brian Fennelly to Police Commander; stating
that both men have performed their jobs in a superior fashion and represent the Village well.
He invited Chief Tasch and Trustee liaison Marcus to join him.
Chairman Simkins provided some background on Sgt. Rago: he was born and raised in the
Chicago area, and graduated from Maine South High School. He attended Western Illinois
University, where he earned a Bachelor's Degree in Law Enforcement. In 2000, he began
his career with the Morton Grove Police Department, and served as an evidence technician,
ranger officer, youth officer, and detective. Sgt. Rago has numerous letters of appreciation
and honorable mention from the department and residents, and has received the Cook County
Sheriff s Award of Merit. Sgt. Rago believes that one of the most important duties an officer
can take is that of mentoring other officers. The Board congratulated Sgt. Rago as his wife of
11 years pinned on his badge.
_. _.... ..Minutes of Jawa 26, 2009 Baard lNaetin`.
V. SPECIAL REPORTS (continued)
b. Chairman Simkins then brought forward Brian Fennelly, who will be Morten Grove's newest
Police Commander, and offered some background information on him: He was raised in the
near north suburbs and is a 1990 graduate from Maine South High School. He attended North
Central College in Naperville, where he was a National Champion and two-time All American
in track and field. He received a Bachelor of Arts in Accounting, and then, in 2008, he
completed his Master of Science in Public Safety and Administration from Calumet College of
St. Joseph's.
Commander Fennelly joined the Morton Grove Police Department in 1999 as a patrol officer.
He became an evidence technician and a member of the NIFUS mobile field force. As a patrol
officer, he received numerous departmental honorable mention awards and a departmental
commendation award. In 2002, he was promoted to the rank of detective, specializing in the
mitigation of juvenile crimes within the Village. He has worked on the most serious of crimes
that face the community, including homicides, criminal sexual assaults, and armed robberies.
Commander Fennelly was shot in the line of duty while he was attempting to apprehend
individuals in an armed robbery case. He remained a member of the NIFUS mobile field force
and was selected to its elite arrest team. He has received the following awards: United States
Congressional Recognition of Valor; the National Association of Police Organization's "Top
Gop" a~~iard; Illinois State Police Meda! of Henor; Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police Award
of Valor, Police Officer Hall of Fame Silver Star for Bravery, American Legion Police Officer of
the Year, and many more.
In 2006, Commander Fennelly was promoted to Sergeant which coincided with his promotion
to Arrest Team Leader for the NIFUS mobile field force. He took on the responsibilities of the
department's defensive tactics program. In this regard, he worked with schools and trained
police officers in confronting and effectively dealing with active school shooters. He and
Deputy Chief Mark Erickson worked with the Cook County Department of Public Health in
developing policy and procedures for distributing pharmaceuticals in the event of a pandemic
medical outbreak or terrorist attack. He also acts as the department's terrorism liaison officer
with the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
As of January 1, 2009, Commander Fennelly has been promoted to Assistarit Commander
of the NIFUS mobile field force. He is second in command of a 120-man tactical unit that is
deployed to assist surrounding police departments with major events where organized threat
groups are likely to make an impact. Most recently this unit was deployed to assist the
Chicago Police Department with the 2008 Obama election celebration in Grant Park.
The Board congratulated Commander Fennelly as his wife pinned on his badge.
VI. RESIDENTS' COMMENTS (Agenda Items Only)
Tony Kovach, 8302 N. Avalon. Mr. Kovach spoke regarding Ordinance 09-01 (the Lehigh/
Ferris TIF Framework Plan) and Resolution 09-06 (authorizing negotiations for the develop-
ment of an affordable senior housing project). He said that he recognizes this is an "advisory'
document, a vision statement, and said he appreciates that everyone's best intentions have
gone into this.
Mr. Kovach said that, as a senior, he felt that the senior housing in the plan, especially the low
income or "affordable" senior housing, was not consistent with the overall vision of the frame-
work plan.
'Minutes ofJanuary 76, "10098aard Masking
VI. RESIDENTS' COMMENTS (Agenda Items Only) (continued)
Mr. Kovach said that the plan is "transit-oriented, and sees development of unique shops and
businesses in the area". He said he didn't think that seniors, especially low-income seniors,
would be likely to use Metra or frequent the unique shops, boutiques, and cafes the plan
envisions. He thought that development in that area should be targeted to residents who
commute and can walk to the Metra station, or for offices with employees and customers who
use Metra. He asked if seniors were the demographic group that would foster the kind of
development the overall plan calls for. He also wondered if Morton Grove seniors need a
senior housing project, and if there were many low-income Morton Grove seniors. He
wondered if this subject had been studied. Mr. Kovach said that he appreciated all the hard
work involved, but cautioned the Board not to make decisions they'd regret later.
VII. PRESIDENT'S REPORT
Mayor Krier sought concurrence with his appointment of Christopher Limjoco to the Economic
Development Commission. Trustee Minx so moved, seconded by Trustee Staackmann.
Motion passed unanimously via voice vote.
Trustee Staackmann asked if Mr. Limjoco was present tonight. Mayor Krier said he thought
Mr. Limjoco was working tonight. Trustee Staackmann commented that he found it disheart-
ening when people wer°e appointed to commissions and didn't attend their initial appointment.
He hoped Mr. Limjoco would be well-received on the Economic Development Commission.
VIII. CLERK'S REPORT
Clerk Fritzshall announced that Morton Grove will again be an early voting site. Early voting
for the April 7 Consolidated General Election begins on March 16 and ends on April 2. The
last day to register to vote in this election is March 10. She encouraged people to register by
coming to Village HaII, noting that it's open until 8 p.m. on Thursdays. Clerk Fritzshall said
that judges are needed for the April 7 election; if anyone's interested, they should contact her
at NilesTownship:
IX. STAFF REPORTS
A. Village Administrator
Mr. Wade announced that the Village will be hosting a "Lincoln Avenue Open House" at Fire
Station #4 this coming Wednesday from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. It's an opportunity for residents to
review plans for Lincoln Avenue, such as improved rail crossing, bicycle lanes, traffic calming
features, and new street lights.
B. Corporation Counsel:
Ms. Liston had no report.
__
:Allinutes of JanuaN 26, 2009 Hnartl Meeting
X.
A. Trustee Brunner:
Trustee Brunner had no report.
Trustee Kogstad:
Trustee Kogstad had no report.
C. Trustee Marcus:
Trustee Marcus had no report.
D. Trustee Minx:
TRUSTEES'REPORTS
1. Trustee Minx presented 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.
This is the second reading of this ordinance.
a. She explained that, in 1999, the Village adopted a Comprehensive Plan Update which
recommended a Framework Plan be prepared for the Lehigh/Ferris Subarea. This plan has
been prepared by Village staff and consultants with input from elected and appointed officials,
and the community at large. If adopted, this Framework Plan will become the Village's official
- Comprehensive-Plan. and will identify major trends_and forces affecting the. Village and its
citizens. The Plan establishes goals and standards and will serve as guiding principles and
priorities in implementing future development within the Lehigh/Ferris Subarea. Trustee Minx
said that the Plan Commission voted 6 to 1 to recommend approval of this Plan. She moved to
adopt Ordinance 09-01, seconded by Trustee Brunner.
b. Trustee Staackmann said that he's seen, over the last several years, a huge concern raised
by constituents over the number of condominiums in that area, and he shares that concern.
However, if a parcel is purchased by a private entity who wants to build condominiums, the
Village is limited in what it can do about that, as long as all ordinances are followed.
c. Trustee Kogstad said he felt that this plan is not reflective of residents' priorities as stated in a
public meeting held last summer. He did not think the traffic study was complete or accurate.
He thought the higher density is not what residents want, and was against the relaxed parking.
There being no further discussion, Mayor Krier called for the vote. Motion passed: 4 ayes,
2 nays.
Tr. Brunner afire Tr. Kogstad ~ Tr. Marcus awe
Tr. Minx awe Tr. Staackmann ~ Tr. Thill afire
Miwtes ofJattuary.2S, :30e96oarA Meeting
X.
D. Trustee Minx: (continued)
TRUSTEES' REPORTS (continued)
Next, Trustee Minx presented Resolution 09-06, Authorizing Negotiation of a Redevelop-
ment Agreement With the Alden Foundation for the Development of an Affordable
Senior Citizen Housing Project in the Lehigh/Ferris TIF Redevelopment District.
a. Trustee Minx said that she was aware that there were concerns about this matter and moved
to go into Executive Session to discuss the sale of Village-owned property. Trustee Brunner
seconded the motion. Trustee Staackmann asked if it was necessary to go into Executive
Session to discuss this, saying that he preferred to discuss it publicly. Trustees Minx and
Brunner withdrew their motion and second, respectively.
b. Trustee Minx provided some background into this Resolution. She said that the Lehigh/ Ferris
TIF Redevelopment Area was created in 2000. Upon its creation, the Village acquired the right
to assemble parcels within the TIF District and enter into agreements with third parties for the
redevelopment of these parcels, consistent with the Village's plan for the re-development of
the area. The 1999 Comprehensive Plan identified the development of senior housing as one
of the Village's goals for that area. Since 2001, the Village has acquired several small parcels
of land along Ferris Avenue with the intention of assembling a site suitable for a new devel-
opment. This area is called "Site B" and consists of apprcximaieiy two acres located in the
CR (commercial/residential) zoning district. The Village has held a series of public meetings
seeking input on how best to redevelop the site. Considerable interest was expressed in doing
a senior affordable housing project there. The Village solicited developers to submit proposals
for the redevelopment of this area and received five proposals. After reviewing the proposals,
the Village held a special public meeting where Alden and two other developers presented
their proposals. Alden's plan best meets the Village's needs for the development of affordably
priced senior housing on that site. This Resolution would authorize Village staff, special
counsel, and the Village's TIF consultant to negotiate a contract with the Alden Foundation for
the redevelopment of "Site B" for such a project. Any agreement negotiated would be subject
to the approval of the Village Board. Due to the complexities of the redevelopment agree-
ment, it is in the Village's best interest to use special real estate consultants and special legal
counsel. This Resolution authorizes ttie Village to retain such experts. It is estimatedthat the
Village will spend between $5,000 and $15,000 for professional
services related to the negotiations,
Trustee Minx moved, seconded by Trustee Brunner, to approve Resolution 09-06.
c. Mayor Krier pointed out that Beth Demes, Executive Director of the Alden Foundation, and
Steve Friedman of S.B. Friedman Associates (the Village's TIF consultant), were present to
answer any questions and address any concerns.
Trustee Thill asked Ms. Demes if Alden had planned on going into the April funding cycle.
She said they had hoped to, but felt that they were rushing the process and would need more
time in order to address the trustees' concerns. She said that they would have needed to
receive zoning approval already in order to get into the April funding cycle.
e. Mayor Krier said that he had received a letter signed by four of the trustees, requesting asix-
month delay on this, due to some concerns expressed in the letter. He had forwarded the
letter to the Alden Foundation and the Village's TIF consultant so that they could see and
address the concerns. The April funding cycle was one such concern.
- Minutes afJanuary?6, ?01199aaM Meeting
X. TRUSTEES' REPORTS (continued)
D. Trustee Minx: (continued)
Trustee Thill stated that he had felt the Village was rushing into this and he was the one
who spearheaded the request for asix-month moratorium on the "Site B"discussion. He felt
that this project is very reliant on State and Federal funding, not only for building it, but for
maintaining the low rates that would be charged. He said he wanted to see what impact
President Obama's economic stimulus package would have, and see if something better could
be done there. Trustee Thill said that he totally supports the concept of senior housing, which
raises another concern. He said that there is no guarantee for Morton Grove residents to
have the ability to get into this senior housing project, due to federal laws. Village residents
would first have to sell their homes before they could move in, which would be difficult consid-
ering the depressed housing market. This is a disadvantage to Village residents, since people
who rent would be able to move into this housing very quickly. Trustee Thill felt strongly that
there should be some safeguards for Village residents, because the Board is being asked to
give away $4 million dollars for this development, and there should be something in it for
Morton Grove. He thanked Mayor Krier for the opportunity to discuss this in public, so the
residents can see that there are a lot of nuances to this. Trustee Thill said he did not like
feeling he was being rushed into this.
g. Trustee Brunner asked Trustee ThiEl how there couid be safeguards vd'~haut violating federal
flair housing laws. He said he didn't have the answer to that. She asked where he came up
with a figure of $4 million dollars. He responded that he had asked Economic & Community
Development Director Bill Neuendorf for a list of expenses related to that property. The total
was $3,792,000. In addition to that, an environmental cleanup needs to be done on the
property; the Village will have to pay for that. Trustee Thill commented that he found it hard to
believe that the Village would purchase the property and allow the owner to get away without
doing remediation. Mr. Neuendorf estimated that the environmental cleanup would cost the
Village between $200,000 and $400,000. Additionally, the Village took out a loan on that
property for $2.6 million, on which the Village has twice paid $170,000-in interest only, so
that's another $300,000 spent on that property. This totals over $4 million dollars.
h Trustee ThiII said that Alden has made two proposals: A and B: Ohe proposal has them -
paying a Tower cost for the land; the other states they'll pay a higher cost for the land, with
the caveat that they will then ask for more TIF assistance. No dollar amount has yet been
attached to "how much" TIF assistance would be requested. He said that, in his mind, it's like
handing the land over for nothing.
i. Trustee Brunner said that when the Village took out the loan, it was the Board's intention to
turn it over quickly and get it back on the tax rolls. It was not anticipated to hold onto it for this
long. The Village has been talking about refinancing that loan. She said she hasn't seen any
figures about the cost of the environmental cleanup.
j. Trustee Kogstad asked Trustee Thill if he wanted to move to postpone this. He said that was
his intention. Mayor Krier called for further discussion.
k. Trustee Minx said that she was aware that Trustee Thill had contacted all the trustees; she
didn't realize it was for a letter, though. She said the trustees then received information from
Alden addressing all the concerns Trustee Thill had mentioned. Alden's response mirrored
her response to Trustee Thill. Trustee Minx said that some of the things Trustee Thill brings
up relate to the unpredictable economy. She said builders know you go forward with an idea if
you have fhe means to do accomplish it in the long run. Any type of development soil! take ±ime
to go through due process within the Village and due process to obtain all the funding.
` Minutes df,fanuz 26, 20t)9~n3rd Meetin
X.
D. Trustee Minx: (continued)
TRUSTEES' REPORTS (continued)
Trustee Minx felt that any type of "shovel ready" project will take time; guessing that this
project wouldn't be ready for move in for at least 18-24 months, and she felt the economy
would be turning around by then. She thought that, by then, Morton Grove residents and
families of Morton Grove families would be selling their homes, not in a depressed market,
but in one that would open up those homes to young families with children, which would help
keep the community viable.
m. Trustee Minx added that, by naming Alden as our preferred developer and allowing negotia-
tions to proceed, it would answer some of Trustee Thill's questions. The numbers are "soft"
because they are visionary, not "nuts and bolts', which is what the Village requested. For this
negotiation, Alden will have to put out money to pay for an architect and other professionals,
something they're not likely to do unless they are confident that they are the Village's
preferred developer for this site. This resolution just says the Village has picked a preferred
developer who has presented a proposal the Board likes. At any time, if things don't go well,
the Village is not selling them the land in this resolution. The Board is just asking for specifics,
i.e., parking spaces, green space, green construction, number of floors, number of units, etc.
She did not feel that holding off for six months will answer any questions of Trustee Thill;
rather it gives Morton Grove a poor reputation as a Village that seeks developers and then
says, we don't like the economy right now, we're going to hold off. It sends mixed signals, and
the Village needs to move forward.
n. Mayor Krier said that Trustee Thill had given him the letter last Thursday, and the Mayor had
asked him to sit down and discuss it. Trustee Thill had suggested going into Executive
Session this evening so that the entire Board could discuss it. But Mayor Krier said he's glad
it's being given a good airing now. He said this is why he ran for mayor. He feels the Village
has a reputation of being unable to make decisions. He did not feel that the Village was being
hasty, noting that senior affordable housing has been a goal of the Village for 30 years.
o. Mayor Krier gave a brief timeline of events: the Comprehensive Plan update was done ten
years ago, in 1999. Irr2007; public hearingswere held on this site: in 2008; one hundred
RFQs were sent out for the site. In July 2008, five interested parties bid. In November 2008,
Alden submitted a plan. In December 2008, a special meeting was held at which Alden gave
a presentation. He didn't see that as haste. Going even further back in time, Mayor Krier
commented that the Village couldn't make a decision about annexing the property where Golf
Mill is currently located; that's why the Village of Niles now owns it. Yet the Village took over a
bridge on Beckwith Road, a move which is puzzling yet today. In 2008, Produce World came
before the Board to talk about plans for expanding, but were "scared away' because the
trustees were asking financial questions. These types of questions scare developers away.
p. Mayor Krier said it was interesting that Trustee Thill wanted to wait until the economy
improved. He read an excerpt from a Town Hall meeting of November 2003, wherein a
resident asked for afive-year moratorium on any taxes imposed, in the hopes that the
economy would improve and the taxes wouldn't be necessary. That resident was John Thill
Mayor Krier felt that the past Boards' biggest problem was their inability to make a decision.
The resolution tonight is merely to enter into negotiations with a respected senior housing
developer that has never been turned down for funding; a developer who thinks they can do
this project and give preference to Morton Grove residents. He said he truly did not under-
stand what waiting for six months will do.
PAnutes bt January.~633009$pard tlAebtng]
X. TRUSTEES' REPORTS (continued)
D. Trustee Minx: (continued)
Mayor Krier pointed out that Alden will have to hire architects and other professionals to make
presentations for staff review and the Village's extensive procedural control process. That will
cost them approximately $150,000 to $200,000. He said this is all the more reason to approve
this resolution tonight, so the process can begin. As far as the stimulus package, he's heard
that it will help projects that are "shovel-ready', which this one could possibly be if the Village
doesn't wait for six months. Mayor Krier also noted that, in Section 5 of the Resolution, the
Village reserves the right to choose another developer if things don't work out with Alden. He
felt that, if Trustee Thill couldn't vote on this tonight, he shouldn't say that he's in favor of
senior housing.
r. Trustee Thill asked if Mayor Krier heard him say at any time that he doesri't want the project to
go forward. He said he did not feel it was unreasonable to ask for a little more time, consider-
ing that what they would be voting on is something for which 22,000 residents will be putting
up the money. He felt he was within his rights td ask for more time on this.
Mayor Krier agreed and said this wasn't personal.
s. Trustee Marcus saEd that there's no doubt that everfor~e on the Board feels that senior
housing, especially affordable senior housing, is a good cause. He felt that Alden made a
good presentation as well. His concern was more long-term, regarding ownership. He
wondered how will this property be resolved after 30 years; whether it would go back to the
Village, or if its use would be changed. Trustee Minx read from a memo from Alden that said,
in part, "by the Village adding a Special Use for senior housing to the zoning of the site, the
use couldn't be changed to non-senior housing without approval of the Board." Trustee
Marcus said it might be easy for the Board to make a decision today, but there must be a
vision for the future-and the future use of the property. He said that questions were raised
tonight by his colleagues and he didn't know if satisfactory. answers had been given. He asked
what kind of timeframe Alden would be looking at if the resolution isn't approved tonight.
f. Ms. Demes said Alden had proposed fwo schedules; one was more aggressive and hinged on
getting zoning and site plan approval by March to go into the April funding cycle. The Illinois
Housing Development Authority's next application deadline is in December. She admitted that
"sixty days to do everything is just impossible." She noted that, if the process begins now; with
90 days to negotiate; the negotiation process would conclude around the end of April.
Ms. Demes said that Alden is very interested in being in Morton Grove and excited about this
project, but is reluctant to start spending money without the commitment of the Board. She
felt all of the trustees' questions and concerns would be resolved during the negotiation
process. Then the task of getting the zoning and site plan approvals could begin.
u. Trustee Marcus asked how long it takes for the zoning and site plan approval process. Village
Administrator Wade said the Village has historically followed a certain schedule and a "pace"
which is not necessarily the pace of other municipalities. However, he said, in a number of
Villages, the schedule is that if the Board wants to get something done, Village staff will get it
done. The schedule that Ms. Demes suggests - 90 days for the redevelopment agreement -
is reasonable. Ms. Demes added that she would hope that by mid-summer, Alden's could
receive zoning and site plan approval, and then be ready for the December funding cycle.
Trustee Marcus commented that the Board would have a chance to approve the actual project
during the procedural control process.
MinutesvfJanna 26, ~0098oaM iNasEin"
X. TRUSTEES' REPORTS (continued)
D. Trustee Minx: (continued)
v. Trustee Brunner asked if some of the "covenant" type questions would be worked out in the
negotiation process. Ms. Liston said that her understanding is that Alden wouldn't start the
zoning approval process until a redevelopment agreement was approved.
w. Trustee Staackmann had several comments. He said that he is "100% for affordable senior
housing" and felt that Alden's proposal was very impressive. He said that he has checked into
several existing Alden operations and found them quite satisfactory. Regarding the matter of
"haste", he felt the Village was hasty for purchasing the Site B property in the first place,
especially by accepting the IEPA liability without even knowing how much that will cost. Now
the Village has to deal with that. He felt the Board needs to know what those costs will be.
x. Regarding the Produce World project Mayor Krier had alluded to, Trustee Staackmann said
that, at the presentation, the Board was given the information that the Village would split the
cost of the new road three ways, with the Village, Produce World, and the Honda dealership
each paying one-third. It was never explained to the Board, until questions were asked during
the budgeting process, that the reality was that the Village would pay the entire cost of the
street upfront, with Produce World and the Honda dealership repaying the Village over aten-
year period. Trustee StaBCkiiiann Said t7E jiASt didn't Mani any "eleventh hour SLirprlseS". He
wanted to know what the Village was getfing into in terms of its costs from the start.
y. Trustee Staackmann asked if approving this resolution would make Alden the Village's sole
agent. Corporation Counsel Liston responded that, by approving the resolution, the Board is
authorizing staff to retain special counsel and to utilize the services of S.B. Friedman Associ-
ates to negotiate a redevelopment agreement with one entity, Alden. That makes Alden the
preferred developer at this time, however, the Village is not obligated to enter into an agree-
mentwith them. The only thing the Board is committing to at this point is to spend the out-of-
pocket costs to negotiate an agreement and get some of the concerns that have been raised
answered. Trustee Staackmann said another concern he has is that the Village doesn't know
how much money in TIF assistance or property discount Alden is looking for. If the numbers
reached several million, tfiat's a large ihvestmerit; with nb guarantee fior Morton Grove
residents to reside there.
z~ Trustee Staackmann asked Ms. Demes to respond to his statement. Mayor Krier stated
he preferred to answer for Ms. Demes even though Ms. Demes stated she would like to
answer since this was the second time the "guarantee" issue was raised. There was a
brief discussion wherein Trustee Staackmann felt parliamentary procedure was being
set aside. Mayor Krier did not agree.
aa. Mayor Krier said there were a lot of false assumptions out there. He said it would be illegal for
Morton Grove residents to be "guaranteed" entry to this housing project. Trustee Staackmann
said the Village would be making a substantial investment in this project without any protection
to put Morton Grove residents first. Mayor Krier said Alden can do "preferences", as they've
done elsewhere. He also said that no one could say what the Village's investment in the pro-
ject would be until the negotiations begin. Ms. Demes said that, in their proposal, Alden's had
said they'd give community preference to Morton Grove residents. Their findings historically,
in their seven projects, are that 80%-90% of the residents in their properties come from the
local community. They cannot make it exclusive; that would be, as Mayor Krier said, illegal.
" `.1Ninutes ofJanUary ~0,"2009~oard ~Aeeting'.
X.
TRUSTEES' REPORTS (continued)
D. Trustee Minx: (continued)
ab. Ms. Demes said that they can do a formal agreement, as they did in Barrington, but that would
need to be approved by HUD. She invited the Board to talk with other municipalities where
Alden is operating to find out their experiences as far as community preference.
ac. Trustee Staackmann asked if there was a way to make the project "exclusive" to Morton
Grove residents and their families. Ms. Demes said she didn't believe it could be done,
especially if State and Federal funding are involved. She said this would be a $20 million
dollar project, which necessitates outside funding.
ad. Trustee Staackmann said he hoped Ms. Demes appreciated that he was just trying to safe-
guard the Village's investment, and thanked her for being forthright and professional. Trustee
Staackmann said he felt this was moving too quickly. He said he was not trying to be an
obstructionist; he only wanted this project to be a benefit for the Village's residents.
ae. Trustee Marcus said he concurred with Trustee Staackmann's concerns, pointing out that
any money the Village uses for this project is basically coming from the residents. He said he
understood that Alden couldn't discriminate against anyone moving into the project, but he,
t00, wanted tC @nsure that MGE'fOn Gr'.';ve reSldentS ai e gettli g a preference.
af. Corporation Counsel Liston said that if the trustees are wondering if they could limit
occupancy to Morton Grove residents if the Village built senior housing on its own-without
funding assistance, the answer is no. There are State and Federal fair housing laws that
would make it very difficult. The Village could possibly rent or sell units to anyone, and offer
subsidies only to Morton Grove residents or relatives thereof. She said she was unaware of
any such agreements, however, and she was unaware of any community that has built a
project of this nature without State and Federal funding assistance.
TIF consultant Steve Friedman said he believed that the Village of Rosemont did something of
this nature, but he did not know the details.
ag. Trustee Minx said she found it unusual that Trustee Staackmann would object to giving TIF
assistance to this project when he didn't seem to have a problem giving another developer
$5 million dollars-and that developer didn't give the Village anything for its seniors. She was
surprised by Trustee Staackmann's total about-face on this matter. Trustee Minx said she
opposed halting this project for six months, and didn't think Alden would want to provide the
Village with hard figures because their out-of-pocket expenses would be high with absolutely
no guarantees that they're a preferred developer for the Village whatsoever.
ah. Trustee Staackmann said that the Village's original agreement with Elliott Developers (the en-
tity that received the $5 million) had been negotiated before he was on the Board, and that
$5 million investment will generate approximately $40 million dollars over the life of the TIF.
He said it wasn't comparable because, at this point, the Village has no idea what amount of
TIF assistance would be requested for the Alden project.
ai. Trustee Minx said the Village would get hard numbers during the negotiation process, and
said that nothing's being given away tonight. Trustee Staackmann said that Alden has
mentioned they'd like assistance in the purchase of the land. Trustee Brunner pointed out
that they may have said that, but there's nothing definite about that yet, certainly nothing in
the resolution being debated.
~o
Minutes of,laouary 25,2009 Board Mee'tiuag:
X. TRUSTEES' REPORTS (continued)
D. Trustee Minx: (continued)
aj. Trustee Thill commented that the Village is an aging community, and wondered if it would be
possible to do a "census" or a survey in the Village asking seniors if they would need or want
this type of housing. Mayor Krier said Trustee Thill was asking unanswerable questions,
looking for concrete numbers that the Village would have to pay to obtain. Trustee Thill said
he was looking for something less formal, perhaps a survey of all the members of the Village's
senior center, asking "Would you take advantage of this type of housing?" He wondered how
many seniors in town would. Mayor Krier again stated that this is unanswerable, and felt that
Trustee Thill was only asking for this information to justify waiting to act on this.
ak. Mayor Krier said that Morton Grove is getting a reputation as a town that can't make a deci-
sion, adding that there is no additional information that the Village can get in two weeks.
aI. Trustee Marcus said that he was in favor of the development moving forward, but in the hopes
of getting some questions answered, moved to postpone any action on Resolution 09-6 until
the next Board Meeting. Trustee Staackmann seconded the motion, and asked that all
residents reach out to the Village to comment on this project, to let the Board know how they
feel about it.
Mayor Krier called for a vote on the motion to postpone. Motion passed: 4 ayes, ?nays.
Tr. Brunner Tr. Kogstad a~!e Tr. Marcus
Tr. Minx ~ Tr. Staackmann a~ Tr. Thill awe
am. Mayor Krier apologized to Ms. Demes and said he hoped Alden wouldn't be discouraged by
this. He asked residents for their input about this, adding that he has already heard it for the
last four years.
2~ Trustee Minx then brought forward Resolution 09-13, Authorizing Staff to Proceed with
Necessary Work to Refinance Municipal Bond Obligation Series 1999.
She explained that the Village's financial advisor, Speer Financial, has suggested that there is
a window of opportunity for the Village to avail itself of savings through refinancing. its General
Obligation Bonds, Series 1999. This resolution will authorize Village staff to retain special
counsel and take all necessary steps to begin the refinancing process. It is estimated that
the savings over the life of the bond issue would be $460,000. The estimated cost of the re-
financing is $65,000, for a net savings of $395,000. Trustee Minx moved to approve
Resolution 09-13. Trustee Staackmann seconded the motion. Motion passed: 6 ayes,
0 nays.
Tr. Brunner aye Tr. Kogstad afire Tr. Marcus
Tr. Minx awe Tr. Staackmann awe Tr. Thill awe
Trustee Brunner noted that the Board doesn't have "solid" numbers on this, but Trustee
Staackmann voted for it.
3. Trustee Minx said she was at an event recently and a person complimented Morton Grove on
having the "cleanest streets in town". She passed the compliment along to the Public Works
Department and said that they are very much appreciated.
Minutes of January 26, 20A9 Baartl Meeting:
X.
E.
TRUSTEES' REPORTS (continued)
Trustee Staackmann:
Trustee Staackmann had no formal report, but offered condolences to former trustee Larry
Gomberg, whose mother had just recently passed away.
Trustee Thill
Trustee Thill presented Resolution 09-07, Authorization for the Purchase of a Three-
Wheeled Front Dump Sweeper (Pelican).
Tr. Brunner afire, Tr. Kogstad a~ Tr. Marcus awe
Tr. Minx afire Tr. Staackmann awe Tr. Thill aye
He moved to approve this resolution, seconded by Trustee Marcus. Motion passed: 6 ayes,
0 nays.
2~ Next, Trustee Thill presented Resolution 09-08, Authorizing the Execution of a Contract
with Ravenswood Disposal Service, inc. For the 2009 Material Fiauiing Program.
Trustee Thiii moved to approve this resolution,
6 ayes, 0 nays.
Tr. Brunner afire Tr. Kogstad
Tr. Minx afire Tr. Staackmann
seconded by Trustee Minx. Motion passed:
Tr. Marcus
,afire Tr. Thill
3. Trustee Thill then brought forward Resolution 09-11, Authorising the Execution of a
Contract with the Davey Tree Expert Company for the 2009 Tree Trimming Program.
He moved to approve this. resolution.,. seconded by Trustee Minx.
Trustee Marcus asked if the Village was still doing the 50150 Tree Planting Program in the
spring. Trustee Thill asked if that program still existed. Director of Public Works Andy
DeMonte said that the program still exists, but last year only 14 people took advantage of it.
Trustee Marcus asked if the program would be promoted via the Village's newsletter.
Mr. DeMonte said yes. Trustee Marcus asked if the Village is still cutting down ash trees.
Mr. DeMonte said that's been stopped for now, but they will do it again in the spring.
There being no further discussion, Mayor Krier called for a vote on Resolution 09-11. Motion
passed: 6 ayes, 0 nays.
Tr. Brunner aye Tr. Kogstad awe Tr. Marcus
Tr. Minx a~re_ Tr. Staackmann a,~re Tr. Thill
4 Trustee Thill lastly presented Resolution 09-12, Authorizing the Execution of a
Professional Services Agreement with Ayres Associates, lnc. For 2009 Aerial
Photogrammetric Mapping.
12
" :Minutes bf January 26, 30D99oard Meeting
X.
TRUSTEES' REPORTS (continued)
Trustee Thill: (continued)
He explained that Ayres Associates does one-fifth of the town every year. This will cost
$17,854. Trustee Thifl moved, seconded by Trustee Minx, to approve Resolution 09-12.
Motion passed: 6 ayes, 0 nays.
Tr. Brunner ~ Tr. Kogstad ~ Tr. Marcus
Tr. Minx ~ Tr. Staackmann aye Tr. Thill aye
3. Trustee Thill announced that the Morton Grove Foundation's "Taste of Paradise" would take
place on March 5. He had promotional posters for it and asked local businesses to display
them to show their support. Trustee Thill also asked for support for anon-profit organization
called Rebuild Together. It helps people who are low income with things like home
maintenance, such as new siding or paint. They're looking for homes that can use this service.
For more information, people should go to their web site "www.rebuildingtogethersc.com°
XI.
OTHER BUSINESS
a. Trustee Brunner Said that She'S lied Some CGn,VerSati::nSwlth Administrator tnrade about
possibly establishing commercial waste hauling agreements in the Village. She asked
Mr. Wade to outline what that would look like.
Mr. Wade said that this is a program from SWANCC whereby the Village has one franchise for
commercial solid waste instead of multiple carriers. The Village could potentially make some
money on this. He felt it might be worth exploring; there are benefits and drawbacks. The
Villages of Skokie and Niles have this and it seems to be working well for them.
Trustee Brunner asked if the Mayor could direct staff to explore this. He asked if there was
any particular timing on this, noting that the Finance Department is short-handed currently.
Trustee Staackmann said he concurred with this suggestion. He felt that there was a fuel
savings for the vehdor too,"ahd having one carrier would make'the Village cleaner, with more
noise reduction. Mayor Krier directed staff to look into the feasibility of this.
b. Trustee Brunner thanked Building Commissioner Ed Hildebrand for information he provided on
water heater permits. She said she would like to see a reduction in the water heater permit
fee, which is currently $50. She agreed that the permit fee is necessary, but felt it should be
in the $25-$30 range. Corporation Counsel said the permit fee is set by ordinance and the
ordinance can be amended, should the Board wish to do so. Trustee Marcus said he thought
other communities had water heater permit fees of $40. He noted that the fee exists as more
of a safety factor; once the permit is issued, an inspector can come in and check to make sure
the installation is correct and safe. He said he wasn't sure if he was comfortable reducing the
fee to $25 or $30. Mayor Krier said he would direct staff to come up with a dollar amount that
should be charged.
XII. WARRANTS
Trustee Minx presented the Warrant Register for January26, 2009, in the amount of
$1,840,720.01. She moved to approve the Warrants, seconded by Trustee Thili.
13
Minutes efJanuary 26, 2099.Seartl MeeEingi,.
XII. WARRANTS (continued)
Trustee Brunner had questions on page 4 and page 11, regarding utility bill corrections. She
wondered what was corrected. Acting Finance Director Ryan Horne responded that there had
been an issue over the summer as to how certain credits had been applied.
Trustee Brunner also asked about refund checks listed on pages 17-19. Mr. Horne said that
those were for water bill payments that residents had made as "final" versus "estimated".
Trustee Thill said he was glad that the Village was making its last payment to the Elliott Group.
Trustee Marcus asked about a line item on page 7 for "Harry's Laundry". He wondered if that
was a local business. Mr. Horne said he didn't know, but he would find out.
Mayor Krier called for a vote on the Warrants. Motion passed: 5 ayes,1 nays.
Tr. Brunner a~ Tr. Kogstad ~ Tr. Marcus
Tr. Minx aye Tr. Staackmann awe Tr. Thill afire
XIII. RESIDENTS' COMMENTS
a. Bill Zimmer, 7113 Greenwood. Mr. Zimmer commented that he felt there was a pressing
need for senior housing because about 18 months ago the management company from the
White House appeared before the Board for a request, and at that time, the waiting list for
residency was 150.
b. Harold Cohon. Mr. Cohon said tonight's performance by the Board was bad. He said the
Board needed to make a decision on the senior housing, pointing out that all they would have
been agreeing to was to negotiate numbers. He then asked, "Are you waiting for all of us to
die?"
XIV. ADJOURNMENT/EXECUTIVE SESSION
There being no further business, Trustee Minx moved to adjourn to Executive Session
to discuss the sale of real estate; personnel; and labor negotiations. Trustee Brunner
seconded the motion. Motion passed: 6 ayes, 0 nays.
Tr. Brunner awe Tr. Kogstad aye Tr. Marcus awe
Tr. Minx a~~e Tr. Staackmann aye Tr. Thill awe
The Board Meeting adjourned to Executive Session at 9:17 p. m.
Mayor Krier called the Executive Session to order at 9:30 p.m. In attendance were Mayor
Krier, Clerk Fritzshall, Trustees Brunner, Kogstad, Marcus, Minx, Staackmann, and Thill.
Also in attendance were Village Administrator Wade, Corporation Counsel Liston,
Community and Economic Development Director Neuendorf, and Steve Friedman and
David Stamm of S.B. Friedman and Associates.
There being no further business, Trustee Minx moved to adjourn the Executive Session.
The motion was seconded by Trustee Marcus and passed unanimously via voice vote.
The Executive Session adjourned at 10:28 p.m.
Trustee Minx then moved to adjourn the Regular Meeting, seconded by Trustee Marcus.
Motion passed unanimously via voice vote. The Regular Meeting adjourned at 10:29 p.m.
14
-Nlinntes of Janaanl~6,4QU9`-Board Meeting.
APPROVED BY ME THIS 23`d day of February 2009
Richard Krier, Village President
Village of Morton Grove
Cook County, Illinois
ATTESTED AND FILED in my office
This 24th day of February 2009.
~' ~ ,, ~~
Carol A. Fritzshall, Village clerk ~
Village of Morton Grove
Cook. County, Illinois
15