HomeMy WebLinkAbout11-28-2022MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE PRESIDENT
AND THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE VILLAGE OF MORTON GROVE
RICHARD T. FLICKINGER MUNICIPAL CENTER COUNCIL CHAMBERS
NOVEMBER 28, 2022
CALL TO ORDER
I. Village President Dan DiMaria convened the Regular Meeting of the Village Board at 7:00 p.m.
&11. in the Council Chambers of Village Hall.
III. Village Clerk Eileen Harford called the roll. Present were Trustees Saba Khan, Rita Minx, John Thill,
Connie Travis, and Janine Witko.
IV. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
a. Clerk Harford noted that the Minutes mistakenly show that Trustee Thill was absent during the
roll call vote to adjourn the Executive Session at the meeting on November 14. In fact, Trustee
Thill was present for the vote, but left shortly thereafter.
b. Trustee Minx moved to accept the Minutes of the November 14, 2022 Village Board meeting
with the correction noted by Clerk Harford. Trustee Thill seconded the motion. Motion passed
unanimously via voice vote.
V. SPECIAL REPORTS
1. 2022 Fire Prevention Poster Contest Awards Presentation
a. Mayor DiMaria introduced Fire Prevention Bureau Coordinator Rick Dobrowski to present these
awards. Rick thanked the Firefighters Association and those present this evening.
b. Rick stated that there were approximately 150 participants in the poster contest this year—a
really good turnout—with all the schools in the Village represented. He said the children could
choose between several fire safety messages. The winning posters were based on whether the
fire safety message was correct, whether the message was clear, and the quality of the artwork.
c. Winners were as follows:
• Damaluya Salim, Kindergarten, MCC Academy
• Hussain Grandhi, First Grade, MCC Academy
• Sayaam Ali, Second Grade, MCC Academy (arrived late)
• Aaban Faujdar, Third Grade, MCC Academy
• Trinity Vo, Fourth Grade, Jerusalem Lutheran
• Aubrey Elise Cruz, Fifth Grade and Overall Winner, Thomas Edison
• Esther Yoon, Sixth Grade, Jerusalem Lutheran (ill; not present; school principal will deliver award)
Minutes of November Z14,2022 Board Meeting
V.
SPECIAL REPORTS (continued)
• Jack Becker, Seventh Grade, Jerusalem Lutheran
• Grace Vo, Eighth Grade, Jerusalem Lutheran
Rick thanked the Village Board for its support of the annual Fire Prevention Poster Contest, all the
children'who participated in the contest, and the parents, families, and teachers present tonight.
2. Outstanding Neighbor Award
a. Mayor DiMaria introduced Community Relations Commission Chair Arcelia Pimentel and
Commissioner Kristey Chalabi to present this month's Outstanding Neighbor Award.
b. Ms. Pimentel explained the purpose of the Community Relations Commission (CRC): To foster,
encourage, and improve a sense of community through positive interactions among all Morton
Grove residents regardless of age, gender, religion, national origin, or economic status. She said,
each month, the (CRC) acknowledges an "Outstanding Neighbor" from nominations received by
residents regarding someone in their neighborhood for doing special things that help make the
neighborhood a better place. This month's Outstanding Neighbor is Bette Horstman. Bette's
nomination comes from her neighbor, Susan Andrews. Ms. Pimentel invited Bette and Susan, and
any family members, to the podium.
c. Commissioner Chalabi noted that Susan had many nice things to say about Bette in her
nomination. She said Bette was always out in her yard making it tidy and decorative. Bette
decorates for every holiday, brightening her neighbors' spirits. She plants beautiful flowers and
annually grows lot of vegetable, and is always eager to share them. She is 101 but you'd never
know it by seeing her; she is always active. Last year, Bette started raising swallowtails and
monarch butterflies. She's very active in Village events as well.
d.
e.
Commissioner Chalabi said Bette is no stranger to being recognized by the Village of Morton
Grove. In December of 2020, December 6 was proclaimed as "Bette Horstman Day" in honor of
her birthday and the contributions she has made to Morton Grove and our country. This
December 6, she will be 101. Ms. Chalabi gave some background on Bette's past and her
accomplishments. Bette graduated from the University of Michigan in 1943, and received her
physical therapy certification from the Mayo Brothers School of Medicine in 1944. She joined the
U.S. Army Medical Corps as a First Lieutenant in 1945, serving two years during WWII in the
South Pacific as the only physical therapist on the island of Saipan. Bette was honorably
discharged with the rank of Captain in 1946.
Bette served as the head of Physical Therapy for several Chicago -area hospitals before founding a
private physical therapy business in 1970, becoming the first female physical therapy business
owner in the State of Illinois. Bette has served her community by volunteering for Catholic
Charities, and being an active member of the MG Moose Lodge and Niles VFW Post 1172, where
she currently serves as a trustee. She volunteers annually at the Morton Grove Days Information
Booth.
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V.
SPECIAL REPORTS (continued)
Minutes of November 28, 2022 Board Meeting
f. Bette is most proud of her service to her country and to veterans. She has volunteered at the
North Chicago Veterans Medical Center for over 18 years, and for the past several years, she has
been a volunteer for the "No Vet Dies Alone" program, where she is a comforting and reassuring
presence to veterans who would otherwise be alone at the end of their lives. She has received
scores of medical recognitions and many military awards and recognitions, including traveling to
Washington DC as an Honor Flight participant in 2021. She also has numerous medals for bowling
in the Senior Olympics.
g.
Ms. Chalabi said that Bette's seemingly inexhaustible energy and passion to serve her country and
her community is an example to all of us. She is a living testament to a life of service, selflessness,
compassion, and civic pride, and just another reason why she is and Outstanding Neighbor.
She then invited Mayor DiMaria and Trustee Travis to the podium.
h. Mayor DiMaria told Bette, "You art truly an American hero and a Morton Grove hero." He then
presented Bette with a pen, a gift card, a certificate naming her as an Outstanding Neighbor, and
a special pin, only give to people who make the community better, who live our tagline
"Incredible Close. Amazingly Open." Mayor DiMaria said this is a small token of our gratitude for
everything you've done for our Village. He noted that Bette still bowls on Fridays and Tuesdays!
He congratulated her again and said he looked forward to seeing her at her birthday party.
i. Ms. Pimentel said this is just one of many things the CRC does for Morton Grove. She invited
anyone interested in joining the CRC to come to the next meeting on December 13. The
Commission meets the second Tuesday of every month at 6:30 in the Conference Room on the
second floor of Village Hall.
VI. PUBLIC HEARINGS
a. Mayor DiMaria opened the Public Hearing on the 2023 Village of Morton Grove and Morton
Grove Public Library Budget, and turned it over to Village Administrator Ralph Czerwinski.
b. Mr. Czerwinski said he was pleased to speak for the Village Management Team and present the
annual budget for fiscal year 2023 for review and consideration by the Village Board. This
proposed budget was presented on October 11, 2022 at a Budget Workshop which was open to
the public. A first reading of the Budget and Tax Levy Ordinances was on the November 14, 2022
Village Board Agenda.
c. This recommended budget represents the proposed expenditure plan for the delivery of
municipal services and capital improvement needs for the Village in 2023. It represents a
continuing effort to maintain the high-level services of the Village while keeping expenses
controlled. The proposed budget document provides financial and informational data. From a
financial perspective, it includes line -item details by fund, including revenues and expenditures. It
also includes budget references for fiscal years 2021 and 2022; projected expenditures for 2022,
and proposed budgeting for fiscal year 2023 expenditures and revenues. Mr. Czerwinski said this
may sound "dry," but it is mandatory.
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Minutes of November 28, •022 Board Meeting
VI.
PUBLIC HEARINGS (continued)
d. From an informational perspective, the document includes summary information identifying
department objectives for key budget requests, and a summary of budget modifications from the
prior fiscal year.
e. Mr. Czerwinski said the total proposed budget, including all expenditures and interfund transfers
is $78.14 million, an increase of 5.70% from the 2022 budget of $73.93 million. This is due to
equipment purchases such as a new fire truck, police vehicles, and public works equipment,
all of which have seen a significant increase in price due to inflation. The budget also includes
continued funding for redevelopment projects such as the Metra train station and surrounding
sites. Funding for projects not completed in 2022, such as capital expenditures for Austin Avenue,
the Oakton Street Path, and street resurfacing ($1.8 million in capital projects and MFT projects)
are also included. The General Fund budget, which includes the basic operating expenditures of
the Village for administration, public works, police, fire, building, and senior and family services
departments is $35.11 million, an increase of $1,758,583 or 5.36% above the 2022 budget. This
increase can be attributed to inflationary increases in operating expenses, as well as an increase in
the equipment purchases mentioned above (fire truck, police vehicles, public works equipment).
f. The General Fund has continued to see an increase in sales and home rule taxes in 2022, helped
by the new Sawmill development. The Village has also received American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA)
funding from the federal government to replace some of the revenue lost in 2020 caused by the
pandemic. Due to improved revenues and continued cost containment, the Village projects it will
add $562,000 to the fund balance, which is estimated to be $13,354,000 at the end of 2022,
which is 40.9% of the 2023 budgeted expenditures. The Village has worked to build the General
Fund balance over the last few years and maintain it during the COVID pandemic. The Village is
also going to designate $300,000 of the expected 2022 surplus to be transferred to the Capital
Projects Fund, as it has done in pre-Covid years, to allow for future capital projects. The General
Fund has also budgeted for funding future equipment purchases through a capital replacement
fund, which will ease future expenditures.
g.
Mr. Czerwinski said the 2023 Proposed Budget includes a 2% property tax increase, representing a
$29.65 annual tax increase for a property valued at $400,000. This increase is necessary to keep
pace with the continuing increase in operating costs. Department directors continue to diligently
control expenditures and monitor revenues as well as all of the assets of the Village in a fiduciary
manner. This proposed managed budget is the result of those efforts.
h. The budget also contains a 2.5% water rate increase. The Village transitioned from buying water
from the City of Chicago to forming the Morton Grove -Niles Water Commission for the purpose of
buying water from Evanston, and the Village has seen a significant savings in the cost of water
purchased since this transition. These savings have been used to fund capital improvements in the
water fund. However, the other operational costs of the water department have continued to
increase with inflation. The Village has not had a water rate increase since 2015, and this is
necessary to keep pace with operational expenses, for examples, maintenance/replacement of
fire hydrants, the cost of sand and cement, etc.
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-Minutes of Ntnarrnbvr28, 2022 Boattl Meeting
VI.
PUBLIC HEARINGS (continued)
i. Mr. Czerwinski said that, while this proposed budget is significantly controller, it does offer
some progressive enhancements and organizational outcomes which support the long-term
stability and operational needs of the Village, such as Bond Rating Stabilization (Maintenance of
Financial Reserves and Pension Contribution); Austin Avenue Reconstruction (Lincoln Avenue to
Oakton Street); Oakton Street Path (overcoming some material shortages); Maintenance of Public
Facilities (Fire Station improvements and a new roof for the Village pumping station); Systematic
Replacement of Operational Equipment (new fire truck, police squad cars; street maintenance
equipment); Resurfacing of Streets; and Water Main Replacement. The end result reflects the
work of department directors and their staffs in constructing the operation and expenditure plan
of the Village for 2023, and the support of the Village Board in ensuring the high-level of service
provided to Village residents.
J•
Mr. Czerwinski thanked the department directors and their staffs, and specifically recognized
Hanna Sullivan, Finance Director, and Tom Friel, Assistant to the Village Administrator, for their
work in the development of this document. Mr. Czerwinski said it's not a small task to put all this
together, and he truly appreciated their efforts.
k. Mayor DiMaria asked if any of the Board members or any member of the public had any questions
before the Public Hearing closed.
I. Rudy Vilk, 7508 Emerson, said we've all been told by this administration that changing our
purchase of water from the City of Chicago to the City of Evanston would save us $5 million. He
wanted to know where that $5 million is. He said he used to pay $0.63 per gallon for 1,000
gallons of water. Since 2015, he's paying $10.63 for 1,000 gallons of water.
m. Mr. Czerwinski addressed Mr. Vilk's question. He said some of the dollar amounts Mr. Vilk has
stated are inaccurate. "Water" is broken down into two aspects. One is purchasing the water. The
first year the new water program was in place, the Village saved over $600,000. That savings was
put into replacing water mains in streets. But for going to the Morton Grove -Niles Water
Commission to purchase water, The Village would not have been able to do these operational
enhancements. The Village also had an opportunity to get out of a lease for some property at the
pumping station at Caldwell and Oakton which it did not own. The Village negotiated a price with
the Cook County Forest Preserve District and purchased that property. But for having the savings
the Village realized by purchasing water from the Morton Grove -Niles Water Commission, it
would not have been able to afford that expenditure, and it would have been halfway through a
99 -year lease on a critical piece of property.
n. Mr. Czerwinski noted that the monies were saved by the Village purchasing the water at a lower
rate, after the City of Chicago had raised its water rate by 135% over 10 years (which was
unacceptable). The current contract is capped and controlled, and at the end of 40 years, the
Village will have millions of dollars—once the capital investment is paid off—to put back into the
infrastructure. Everyone knows the infrastructure in Morton Grove is no different that the
infrastructure in the United State... it needs to be repaired. By making these moves, saving these
dollars, being progressive, not "kicking the can" to the next generation, the Village Board did the
right thing.
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Minutes of November 28, *122 Board Meeting
VI.
PUBLIC HEARINGS (continued)
o. Mr. Czerwinski said he would be more than glad to sit down with anyone, by appointment, and go
over the actual dollars. He said the Village has saved a lot and spent a lot to ensure it doesn't lose
water underground and that residents and businesses have a safe and defendable water service.
p. As there were no further questions or comments, Mayor DiMaria sought a motion to close the
Public Hearing. Trustee Minx so moved, seconded by Trustee Witko. Motion passed unanimously
via voice vote.
VII. PLAN COMMISSION REPORTS
NONE
VIII. RESIDENTS' COMMENTS (Agenda Items Only)
NONE
IX. PRESIDENT'S REPORT
1. Mayor DiMaria asked that everyone to remember the distressing events in the Ukraine, saying.
"Our hearts and thoughts are with the Ukranian people."
2. Mayor DiMaria reminded everyone that the City of Chicago's annual Christmas tree was home-
grown in Morton Grove and is now brightly lit up, raising peoples' spirits.
3. Mayor DiMaria announced that, speaking of "lit up," actor Chevy Chase (aka Clark Griswold) will
be recreating a scene from his National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation movie at Raising Cane's in
Morton Grove, 6881 Dempster Street, tomorrow night at 5:00 p.m. The actor, along with
Raising Cane's founder Todd Graves, will attempt to turn on the over 13,000 lights decorating the
franchise restaurant.
4. Mayor DiMaria noted that the "Santa Comes to Town" parade is scheduled for Saturday,
December 3. Santa will begin the parade at Greenwood and Waukegan at 11:00 a.m. and end at
Main Street and Austin Avenue between 1:15 and 1:30 p.m. Santa will then reappear at the
Prairie View Community Center at 6834 Dempster Street, where he will greet families, and where
children who received specially marked candy during the parade will be able to redeem the candy
for a Christmas gift. Gift redemption is from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. For a detailed map of
Santa's route through town, please visit www.mortongroveil.org/santa.
5. Mayor DiMaria said that the Police Department's affiliation with the Marines Toys for Tots drive is
underway. New, unwrapped toys can be donated through December 9 at the following locations:
MG Police Department and MG Village Hall, 6101 Capulina; MG Fire Department #4, 6250 Lincoln
Avenue; MG Public Library, 6140 Lincoln Avenue; and MG Park District, 6834 Dempster Street.
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IX.
PRESIDENT'S REPORT (continued)
Minutes of November 28, 2022 Board Meeting
6. Additionally, Mayor DiMaria said that the MG Firefighters' Association is collecting monetary
donations to purchase gift cards, toys, and a holiday ham for families in need. Checks can be
made payable to the Firefighters Association of Morton Grove and can be mailed to, or dropped
off at: Morton Grove Fire Station #4, Attention: Food Drive, 6250 Lincoln Ave., Morton Grove, IL
60053. The collection ends on December 15. If anyone has any questions, please contact the
Fire Department at 847-470-5226.
X.
CLERK'S REPORT
Clerk Harford had no formal report this evening.
XI. STAFF REPORTS
A. Village Administrator:
1. Village Administrator Czerwinski presented for a first reading Ordinance 22-23, Authorizing the
Transfer of Funds from the Lehigh Avenue/Ferris Avenue Tax Increment Financing District to the
Lincoln/Lehigh Tax Increment Financing District, and from the Lehigh Avenue/Ferris Avenue Tax
Increment Financing District to the Sawmill Station Tax Increment Financing District Within the
Village of Morton Grove, Cook County, Illinois.
a. Mr. Czerwinski said this Ordinance would authorize separate transfers of revenue from the
Lehigh/Ferris TIF District to the Lincoln/Lehigh and the Sawmill Station TIF Districts. He said the
Tax Increment Allocation Redevelopment Act allows the Village to transfer funds from one TIF
District to a contiguous TIF District(s). This Ordinance will authorize the transfer of $9,290,000
from the Lehigh/Ferris TIF to the Lincoln/Lehigh TIF and $1,700,000 from the Lehigh/Ferris TIF to
the Sawmill Station TIF. The funds will be used to further redevelopment projects within the TIF
that receives the transferred funds.
Mr. Czerwinski said, as this is a first reading of this Ordinance, no action will be taken this evening.
2. Mr. Czerwinski also presented for a first reading Ordinance 22-24, Authorizing an Amendment to
the Village of Morton Grove 2022 Adopted Budget.
a. He explained that this Amendment is need for certain equipment budgeted in 2021 but not
expended until 2022 due to supply chain issues in the General Fund and for redevelopment costs
for projects in the Lincoln/Lehigh and Sawmill Station TIF Districts.
b. He said ongoing supply chain issues delayed delivery of equipment budgeted in 2021. The
budgeted funds not spent in 2021 are in the General Fund balance. The Village adopted
Ordinance 21-10 in October 2021, which created the Lincoln/Lehigh Redevelopment Project Area
Special Tax Allocation Fund, and Ordinance 21-09 approving the redevelopment plan of the
Lincoln/Lehigh TIF. Pursuant to Ordinance 22-23, funds will be transferred from the Lehigh/Ferris
TIF to the Lincoln/Lehigh and Sawmill Station TIFs to provide funding for redevelopment project
costs.
Minutes of November 28, 21022 Board Meeting
XI.
STAFF REPORTS (continued)
c. Mr. Czerwinski said this Ordinance will amend the 2022 Adopted Budget by adding $2,840,000 to
the Lincoln/Lehigh TIF account; $1,700,000 to the Sawmill Station TIF account; $41,000 to another
account; and $35,000 to another account. As with the previous Ordinance, as this is a first reading
of the Ordinance, no action will be taken on this tonight.
Mr. Czerwinski announced that Village Hall and Public Works will be closed for Christmas on
Monday, December 26, 2022, and for New Year's Day on Monday, January 2, 2023.
B. Corporation Counsel:
Corporation Counsel Liston had no formal report this evening.
XII. TRUSTEES' REPORTS
B. Trustee Khan:
1. Trustee Khan presented Ordinance 22-22, Approving a Special Use Permit for a Full Body
Massage Establishment for the Property Commonly Known as 9136 Waukegan Road, Unit B, in
Morton Grove, Illinois.
a.
b.
This is the second reading of this Ordinance.
Trustee Khan explained that this is pursuant to PC Case 22-12, which had been reported out at the
November 14 Village Board meeting by Zoe Heidorn, Community Development Administrator.
It is a request for a Special Use Permit by Massage by Bogan LLC to operate a full body massage
establishment at 9136 Waukegan Road, Unit B. The Applicant worked previously as a masseuse at
Massage Envy in Niles and is opening his first business in Morton Grove. The Special Use Permit
will authorize full body massages to be provided by one masseuse to one client at a time within
the 644 square foot unit, which is served by two off-street parking spaces.
The Appearance Commission review was waived, and on October 6, the Traffic Safety
Commission voted unanimously to recommend approval of the application with comments.
On October 17, the Plan Commission also voted unanimously to recommend approval of the
Special Use Permit with conditions.
Trustee Khan moved to adopt Ordinance 22-22, seconded by Trustee Minx.
Motion passed: 5 ayes, 0 nays.
Tr. Khan ave Tr. Minx ave Tr. Thill ave
Tr. Travis ay± Tr. Witko ave
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XII.
C. Trustee Minx:
Trustee Minx had no formal report this evening, but commented that she felt Morton Grove is
very blessed to have the wonderful volunteers it has.
TRUSTEES' REPORTS (continued)
Minutes of November 28, 2022 Board Meeting
D. Trustee Thill:
Trustee Thill had no formal report this evening. Mayor DiMaria asked him how he was doing (he
had taken a fall); Trustee Thill responded, "Absolutely spiffy!"
E. Trustee Travis:
Trustee Travis presented Resolution 22-43, Authorization for the Purchase of a 2022 Ram 1500
4X4 Quad Cab Truck from Larry Roesch Chrysler Jeep Dodge of Elmhurst, Illinois, to Replace the
Village's Animal Control Vehicle.
a. She explained that the Village's current animal control vehicle needs replacing because, due to its
age and high mileage, it has surpassed its useful life. The current vehicle is a 2008 Ford F150. She
said that, in April 2022, the Board had authorized via Resolution 22-19 the purchase of a 2022
Dodge Ram 1500 Express 4x4 Quad Cab 6'4" Box from National Auto Fleet of Watsonville, CA for a
total cost of $38,282.44, pursuant to Sourcewell, which is the State of Illinois joint purchasing
agency) to replace the Village's animal control vehicle.
b. Trustee Travis said, unfortunately, due to nation-wide supply chain -related issues, vehicle
manufacturers have cancelled state bid orders, including all previously approved vehicle
purchase for the police department. The police department has been informed that the vehicle
ordered pursuant to Resolution 22-19 will not be available for the foreseeable future.
c. Police Department staff has contacted several dealerships and has found suitable replacements
for the animal control vehicle which are available for immediate purchase. The PD obtained
three (3) quotes for comparable vehicles and determined that the quote submitted by Larry
Roesch Chrysler Jeep Dodge of Elmhurst, IL, for a 2022 Ram 1500 Tradesman 4x4 Crew Cab Truck
in the amount of $47,110.24 was the lowest qualified bid. Due the immediate need for an animal
control replacement vehicle and the exigent circumstances caused by the national supply chain
shortage, the Village Administrator has recommend that the Village's formal bidding process be
waived for this purchase. The Village Administrator further requests that the purchase order for
the 2022 Dodge Ram 1500 Express 4x4 Quad Cab 6'4" Box from National Auto Fleet Group,
issued pursuant to Resolution 22-19, be allowed to remain open through December 31, 2023, and
if that vehicle becomes available, the Village Administrator be allowed, in his discretion, to
purchase the vehicle and repurpose it as necessary to meet the Village's needs. Pursuant to
Village Code Section 1 -9A -4-B-5, a two-thirds vote of the Corporate Authorities is required to
waive the formal bid process of Section 1 -9A -4-A-4.
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Minutes of November 28, 2022 Board Meeting
XII.
E. Trustee Travis: (continued)
Trustee Travis moved to approve Resolution 22-43, seconded by Trustee Witko.
Motion passed: 6 ayes, 0 nays.
TRUSTEES' REPORTS (continued)
Tr. Khan aye Tr. Minx ave Tr. Thill gyg
Tr. Travis ave Tr. Witko ave Mayor DiMaria ave
F. Trustee Witko:
1. Trustee Witko presented Ordinance 22-20, Adopting the Budgets for All Corporate Purposes
of the Village of Morton Grove and the Morton Grove Library, Cook County, Illinois for the
Calendar Year Effective January 1, 2023 and Ending December 31, 2023.
This is the second reading of this Ordinance.
a. Trustee Witko explained that the 2023 Budget represents the Corporate Authorities' projections
of revenue expected to become available during fiscal year 2023, as well as Village expenditures.
b. The Budget was presented at a Village Workshop held on October 11, 2022, and a Public Hearing
on the Budget was held earlier this evening. Public notice of the hearing was published in the
Chicago Tribune on November 17, 2022. The Budget has been available for inspection at the office
of the Village Administrator, the MG Public Library, and posted on the Village's website since at
least November 14, 2022.
c. The General Fund subtotal is $35,106,825; the General Operations subtotal is $19,782,621; and
the Economic Development Fund subtotal is $12,655,138 for a total budget (without pensions) at
$67,544,584. Pensions total $10,600,100 and the Library's budget is $3,691,288, resulting in a
Village and Library total budget of $81,835,972.
Trustee Witko moved to adopt Ordinance 22-20, seconded by Trustee Travis.
Motion passed: 5 ayes, 0 nays.
Tr. Khan ay± Tr. Minx ave Tr. Thill ave
Tr. Travis ayg Tr. Witko ave
2. Next, Trustee Witko presented Ordinance 22-21, An Ordinance Levying and Assessing Taxes for
the Village of Morton Grove, Cook County, Illinois for 2022 to be Collected in the Fiscal Year
Beginning January 1, 2023 and Ending December 31, 2023.
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Minutes of November 28, 2022 Board Meeting
XII.
F. Trustee Witko: (continued)
Trustee Witko noted that this is the second reading of this Ordinance.
TRUSTEES' REPORTS (continued)
a. She explained that this Ordinance sets the 2022 property tax levy amount that will be collected
and will fund the 2023 budget. The Ordinance must be adopted and filed with the Cook County
Clerk in order to levy property taxes within the Village of Morton Grove.
b. Trustee Witko said, pursuant to Ordinance 22-20, the amount necessary to be levied for the 2022
property taxes is $10,630, 675 for Village operational expenses, $660,963 for Village debt service,
and $3,601,951 for the Library. This will result in a levy of $11,291,638 for the Village, and
$3,601,951 for the Library, for a total levy of $14,893,589. By law, the Village is required to levy an
additional $797,300 for Village debt service payments authorized by general obligation notes and
bonds for a total levy, before abatements, in the amount of $15,690,889. However, the Village
Board intends to adopt a Resolution that will immediately abate $797,300 from the levy,
resulting in a net levy as intended by the Corporate Authorities in the amount of $14,893,589.
c. Trustee Witko said the effective result is a 2% increase in the Village's portion of the tax levy and a
4.75% increase in the Library's portion of the tax levy, resulting in an overall increase of 2.66%
from the final extended tax levy from the previous year.
Trustee Witko moved, seconded by Trustee Thill, to adopt Ordinance 22-21.
Motion passed: 5 ayes, 0 nays.
Tr. Khan aye Tr. Minx aye Tr. Thill aye
Tr. Travis aye Tr. Witko aye
3. Trustee Witko then brought forward Resolution 22-44, Authorizing a Contract with Mohawk
Distribution, Inc. for Flooring Improvements.
a. She explained that the Building Maintenance Division of Public Works routinely evaluated
facilities to identify where improvements are necessary. Staff identified areas at Fire Station #4,
Public Works, the Police Department and the Civic Center that require improvements. The
purchase and installation of flooring was competitively bid through Sourcewell Procurement
Agency, Contract #080819 -MDC, with Mohawk Distribution, Inc. being the low bidder in the
amount of $28,684.36.
b. Trustee Witko said the crew side area of Fire Station #4, the office area of Public Works, the office
area of the Police Department, and the lobby elevator of the Civic Center will be improved. The
financial impact is $28,684.36.
Trustee Witko moved to approve Resolution 22-44, seconded by Trustee Travis.
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22 Board Meeting
XII.
F. Trustee Witko: (continued)
Motion passed: 5 ayes, 0 nays.
TRUSTEES' REPORTS (continued)
Tr. Khan aye Tr. Minx aye Tr. Thill aye
Tr. Travis ave Tr. Witko ave
4. Lastly, Trustee Witko presented Resolution 22-45, Tax Abatement Resolution for 2022 Tax Levy
Relating to Ordinance No. 15-02.
a. She explained that this Resolution authorizes the abatement (reduction) of taxes levied for 2022
which are to be collected in 2023 in the amount of $797,300. Pursuant to the 2023 Budget, the
Village has chosen to pay for certain bond debt service payment from sources other than
property taxes. In order for the County Clerk not to levy said debt service payments, it is
necessary to pass this Resolution and to file a certified copy of same with the County Clerk of
Cook County, Illinois.
b. Trustee Witko said that, in May 2015, pursuant to Ordinance 15-02, the Village Board issued
$10,010,000 in General Obligation Bonds, Series 2015, to refinance a portion of the 2007 Lehigh/
Ferris Tax Increment Financing debt issue and to fund new capital improvements. Ordinance
15-02 provided the Tax Levy for 2022 should include sufficient funds to produce $797,300 for the
payment of principal and interest on said bonds, up to and including December 31, 2023.
c. The 2023 budget has allocated revenue from the Lehigh/Ferris TIF Fund of the Village in the
amount of $797,300 to pay the above -referenced debt service. The law requires the Village to
levy taxes as required by Ordinance 15-02, but the Village may then abate said taxes pursuant to a
Resolution which identifies the alternative source(s) of revenue. It then obligates the Village
Treasurer to set aside and designate those funds to pay the required bond payments. After all
abatements, the net levy for this bond series is $0.
Trustee Witko moved to approve Resolution 22-45, seconded by Trustee Minx.
Motion passed: 5 ayes, 0 nays.
Tr. Khan Tr. Minx ave Tr. Thill aye
Tr. Travis in Tr. Witko aye
XIII. OTHER BUSINESS
a. Mayor DiMaria said it is now time to swear in the Village's newest Trustee, Ashur Shiba, who will
be taking the place of retired Trustee Bill Grear. Present this evening to perform the swearing in is
Illinois 8th District State Senator Ram Villivalam.
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Minutes of November 28, 2022 Board Meeting
OTHER BUSINESS (continued)
b. Mayor DiMaria called Ashur Shiba to the podium. After the swearing-in, Trustee Shiba thanked
the Mayor and the Board and said he was extremely humble and proud; especially, seeing his
family and friends means so much to him. He thanked the mayor and board for "trusting him,"
and thanked Corporation Counsel Liston and Village Administrator Czerwinski as well. He said,
"I'm going to make you all proud."
Mayor DiMaria thanked Sen. Villivalam for being here this evening.
XIV. WARRANTS
Trustee Witko presented the Warrant Register for November 28, 2022 in the amount of
$334,709.02. She moved to approve this evening's Warrant Register as presented,
seconded by Trustee Travis.
Motion passed: 5 ayes, 0 nays, 1 abstention.
Tr. Khan aye Tr. Minx aye Tr. Shiba abtain
Tr. ThiII aye Tr. Travis aye Tr. Witko aye
XV. RESIDENTS' COMMENTS
Rudy Vilk distributed copies of two of his water bills to the Board so they could see how he's
being overcharged. He also protested being charged for a Village vehicle sticker deemed
necessary for a car he does not use, although it is registered in Morton Grove. He said it's not fair
and he did not feel he should be "forced" to purchase a vehicle sticker. He also protested being
cited for having grass "over 6" high" when he sees other places with grass at least that tall.
Mr. Vilk started getting into derogatory personal remarks about some of the Village staff, and
Mayor DiMaria called for a motion to adjourn the meeting.
XVI. ADJOURNMENT
Trustee Thill moved to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Trustee Witko. Motion passed
unanimously via voice vote.
The meeting adjourned at 8:00 p.m.
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Minutes of November 28, 2022 Board Meeting
PASSED this 12th day of December, 2022.
Trustee Khan
Trustee Minx
Trustee Shiba
Trustee Thill
Trustee Travis
Trustee Witko
1-1
APPROVED by me this 12th day of December, 2022.
Daniel P. DiMaria, Village President
Board of Trustees, Morton Grove, Illinois
APPROVED and FILED in my office this 13th day of December, 2022.
Eileen Harford, Village Clerk
Village of Morton Grove, Cook County, Illinois
Minutes by Teresa Cousar
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