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HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-24-2022MINUTES 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 OCTOBER 24, 2022 CALL TO ORDER I. Village President Dan DiMaria convened the Regular Meeting of the Village Board at 7:00 p.m. & II. in the Council Chambers of Village Hall. III. Village Clerk Eileen Harford called the roll. Present were Trustees Rita Minx, John Thill, Connie Travis, and Janine Witko. Trustee Saba Khan was absent with notice. IV. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Trustee Minx moved to accept the Minutes of the October 10, 2022 Village Board meeting as presented, seconded by Trustee Witko. Mayor DiMaria requested a roll call vote. 2. Motion passed: 4 ayes, 0 nays, 1 absent. Tr. Khan absent Tr. Minx aye Tr. Thill Tr. Travis aye Tr. Witko aye Trustee Minx then moved to accept as presented the Minutes of the October 11, 2022 Special Meeting—Budget Workshop. Trustee Witko seconded the motion. Motion passed: 4 ayes, 0 nays, 1 absent. Tr. Khan absent Tr. Minx aye Tr. Thill aye Tr. Travis Ey± Tr. Witko i V. SPECIAL REPORTS 1. Outstanding; Neighbor Award Presentation a. Mayor DiMaria introduced Community Relations Commission (CRC) member Kristey Chalabi to present the winner of this month's Outstanding Neighbor Award. b. Commissioner Chalabi explained the purpose of the Commission: To foster, encourage, and improve our sense of community through positive interactions among all Morton Grove residents regardless of age, gender, religion, national origin, or economic status. Minutes of October 24, 21022 Board Meeting V. SPECIAL REPORTS (continued) c. Ms. Chalabi said, each month, the Community Relations Commission (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 Peggy Klein of 8340 Callie Avenue. d. Peggy was nominated by Jody McKeown. Jody's nomination of Peggy noted that she has long been an "outstanding neighbor." During COVID, when Jody's parents, ages 93 and 94, were on lockdown, Peggy went over by them often, bringing homemade food and gifts. Jody said, "she is the best cook! Her unselfish gestures meant so much to my parents." Even after they moved into an assisted living facility, Peggy would visit them and continue to help however she could. Jody said Peggy is so kind, so warm, and so generous, she is truly a person who deserves this award. e. Commissioner Chalabi called on Mayor DiMaria to come to the podium and present the award to Peggy. Mayor DiMaria said "This award the Community Relations Commission has put together highlights people who epitomize what it means to be a community. We see it time and time again. There's always a block or an area where people come together to help each other." f. Mayor DiMaria congratulated Peggy and presented to her, on behalf of the Village Board and the Community Relations Commission, with a pen, a special pin, an "Outstanding Neighbor" certificate signed by Mayor DiMaria, and a gift card. The Board and assemblage applauded Peggy. g. Ms. Chalabi invited the assemblage to join the Commission, noting that meetings are held on the second Tuesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at Village Hall. The next meeting is November 8, 2022. Additional information is available on the Village's website. Mayor DiMaria thanked the Commission for all their hard work. 2. Swearing In of Police Officer Matthew Wells a. Mayor DiMaria introduced Mike Simkins, Chairman of the Fire and Police Commission, to perform the swearing-in. b. Chairman Simkins asked the Mayor, Trustee Liaison Rita Minx, Chief Simo, and Matthew to approach the podium, asked Matthew to bring his guests. Matthew introduced his mother and one of his three sisters—the other two are teachers and couldn't attend this evening. c. Mr. Simkins gave some background on Matthew. He began his employment on June 20, 2022. He was born and raised in Palatine, attended Fremd High School, graduated and went to Roosevelt University, where he earned a bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice. Matthew is the first in his family to become a police officer. In his free time, he enjoys working out and spending time with his family. After being sworn in, Matthew's mother pinned on his badge. The Board and assemblage applauded and congratulated Officer Matthew Wells. 2 Minutes of October 24, 2022 Board Meeting V. SPECIAL REPORTS (continued) 3. Swearing in of Firefighter Kevin Donoghue a. Chairman Simkins called the Mayor, Chief Ensign, and Kevin and his family to the podium. Kevin introduced his parents, grandparents, his Uncle Mike, and his little brother, Pat. Mr. Simkins noted that Kevin has a legacy with Morton Grove, as he is related to the Welter (Welter Plumbing) family. Mr. Simkins provided some background on Kevin. He began his employment with the Morton Grove Fire Department on July 5, 2022. After spending nine weeks at NIPSTA, he was assigned to the Black shift as a fully certified Firefighter/Paramedic in September. b. Kevin grew up and still lives with his parents and brothers in Arlington Heights. He graduated Buffalo Grove High School and attended Western University, where he earned two bachelor's degrees—one in Fire Service Protection and one in Sports Broadcasting. Before his employment in Morton Grove, Kevin had also earned an EMT -B license through Elite Ambulance and a Paramedic license through Lutheran General Hospital c. Kevin's mother pinned on her son's badge as his family, the Board, and the assemblage applauded and congratulated him. d. Mayor DiMaria commented on how difficult it is these days to be in public safety service, both as a police officer and as a firefighter. Police, especially, it seems, are frequently targets of criticism. Yet, tonight, a young man stepped up to do the job. Mayor DiMaria said, "It's very commendable to see this—to me, these are what heroes look like." VI. VII. PUBLIC HEARINGS NONE PLAN COMMISSION REPORTS NONE VIII. RESIDENTS' COMMENTS (Agenda Items Only) NONE IX. PRESIDENT'S REPORT 1. Mayor DiMaria stayed at the podium and asked Director of Public Works Joe Dahm to join him as he proclaimed November 11, 2022 as "Joseph Dahm Day" in the Village on the occasion of Joe's retirement. 3 Minutes of October 24, 922 Board Meeting IX. PRESIDENT'S REPORT (continued) b. Mayor DiMaria said Joseph Dahm joined the Morton Grove Public Works Department in April of 1980. He started in the Street Division, worked in the Water/Sewer Division, and served as a Serviceman at the Pumping Station. In 1987, Joe was promoted to Maintenance Supervisor, and in 2001, he was promoted to Public Works Inspector. Joe's experience and leadership led him to be promoted to Division Superintendent in the Water Division, and in 2010, he was promoted to Assistant Director of Public Works. c. After long-time Public Works Director Andy DeMonte retired in 2018, Mayor DiMaria appointed Joe to the position of Public Works Director, where he successfully lead over 40 employees, managed a budget of over $12 million dollars, and oversaw the transition of the purchase of water from the City of Chicago to the City of Evanston. d. Mayor DiMaria said Joe has proven himself as an exemplary leader who always met the challenges, responsibilities, and duties associated with the position with poise and professionalism, and with unwavering commitment to the mission of the Department and the Village of Morton Grove. Joe Dahm will retire from the Village and his life as its Director of Public Works on November 11, 2022, after more than 42 years of dedicated service. e. Mayor DiMaria said he frequently gets calls from residents about real or perceived Public Works problems. He said that Joe has consistently been a department head that he can call regarding a resident's complaint, and Joe will immediately take a look at the problem and report back to him as to what Public Works personnel can do/has done to address, or what it will take to solve the problem. The mayor said the entire Public Works Department makes his job easier, and they make him and his fellow Board members look good. f. Mayor DiMaria presented Joe with a Morton Grove pin and heartfelt thanks. Joe responded by thanking the Board members, the administration, his department head colleagues, and said it had been an honor and privilege working with them all. He thanked all the Public Works personnel, noting how proud he was of each of them and how much they accomplish, year in and year out. g. Joe said he was starting a new chapter in his life, adding that he would be back to "check in" on things. He said there are projects that the Village is waiting for funding so they can be completed, and he wants to see the progress of those projects. 2. Appointment of Kevin Lochner as Director of Public Works effective November 12, 2022 a. Mayor DiMaria said, upon hearing of the imminent retirement of Joe Dahm, he began to search for a new Public Works Director. He let the Department know and began taking applications for a replacement for Joe, and with some guidance from Joe, selected a person he felt had all of the qualifications necessary for the position of Director of Public Works. That person is Kevin Lochner. Mayor DiMaria said he is fully confident that Kevin will lead the Department in the same way Joe did. He said the Lochner name is almost synonymous with Morton Grove, and he's glad because he knows how very much Kevin cares for this town. 4 Minutes of October 24, 2022 Board Meeting IX. PRESIDENT'S REPORT (continued) b. Mayor DiMaria asked for a motion to concur with the appointment of Kevin Lochner to Director of Public Works effective November 12, 2022. Trustee Thill so moved, seconded by Trustee Witko. Motion passed unanimously via voice vote. c. Mayor DiMaria asked if Kevin wanted to say anything. Kevin thanked the Mayor and the Board for their confidence in him and promised that he wouldn't let them down. d. Mayor DiMaria had several announcements: • He asked that everyone continue to keep the Ukranian people in their prayers. The fighting is still going on, and we don't want to forget them. • Halloween is Monday, October 31. Trick -or -treat hours in the Village are from 3:30 to 7:00 p.m. Please spread the word! • On Saturday, November 5, there will be a Pumpkin Smash at Harrer Park from 9:00 a.m. to noon. Residents are encouraged to bring their used jack lanterns to Harrer Park to be composted. Make it a "green" Halloween! • The Veterans' Day Parade will be on Sunday, November 6 from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. The parade, led by American Legion Post 134, begins at the Civic Center and ends at the Morton Grove Public Library, where a brief ceremony will take place. • Leaf pick-up began today. Mayor DiMaria said residents should place leaves in streets by the curb, away from cars. Do not include other landscape debris. Groot will pick up yard waste until December 15. Yard waste can be collected with regular refuse with as long as a yard waste sticker is attached to the container, or if the yard waste is in a biodegradable yard waste paper bag, or in a landscaper tote. For more information, visit the Village's website. X. CLERK'S REPORT Clerk Harford announced that Morton Grove has begun early voting for the 2022 Gubernatorial election. Early voting is taking place at the American Legion Memorial Civic Center, 2"d floor, 6140 Dempster. Early voting begins today, October 24, and runs through Monday, November 7. Hours are Monday through Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Sunday, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Voters do not need to provide a reason or excuse for voting early. Government -issued photo IDs are not required, but are sometimes helpful with registrations. Also, anyone wishing to do so can register to vote, with two forms of identification, at any early voting site. XI. STAFF REPORTS A. Village Administrator: In the absence of Village Administrator Czerwinski, Tom Friel, Assistant to the Village Administrator, had no formal report this evening. 5 Minutes of October 24, 2b22 Board Meeting XI. B. Corporation Counsel: Corporation Counsel Liston had no formal report this evening. XII. STAFF REPORTS (continued) TRUSTEES' REPORTS B. Trustee Khan: 1. In the absence of Trustee Khan, Trustee Travis introduced for a first reading Ordinance 22-19, Amending Ordinance 00-01 to Extend the Estimated Date of Completion of the Lehigh Avenue/ Ferris Avenue Redevelopment Plan and Project. a. Trustee Travis explained that the Lehigh Avenue/Ferris Avenue TIF District was created on January 24, 2000, pursuant to Ordinance 00-01, which approved the Tax Increment Redevelopment Plan (the "Plan"), Ordinance 00-02, which designated the Tax Increment Redevelopment Project Area (the "Redevelopment Project Area"), and Ordinance 00-03, which adopted Tax Increment Allocation Financing (collectively, the "TIF Ordinances"). The Illinois TIF Act, specifically Sections 11-74.4-3(n)3 and 11-74.4-3.5(a) of the Act, authorize the Village to extend the estimated date of completion of the Plan and Project and the estimated date of retirement of all obligations incurred to finance redevelopment project costs to December 31, 2024, subject to receipt of 2023 incremental real estate tax revenues during 2024. This Ordinance will amend Ordinance 00-01 to extend the estimated date of completion of the Plan and Project, and the estimated date of the retirement of all obligations incurred to finance redevelopment project costs as defined by the Plan and Project, as allowed by law. b. Trustee Travis said, as this is the first reading of this Ordinance, no action will be taken tonight. c. Mayor DiMaria commented that some of the newer members of the Board might not be aware that this is one of the most successful TIFs in the history of Illinois. He said that's very exciting and something for which the Board can be proud. C. Trustee Minx: Trustee Minx had no formal report this evening. D. Trustee Thill: Trustee Thill had no formal report this evening, but commented that it drives him crazy to see people take leaves off their lawns and put them in the street. He said having the leaves on one's lawn is the cheapest form of mulch or fertilizer possible. He said he has 11 trees on his property, and he doesn't have enough leaves—he waits for neighbors to put their leaves in the street and he takes them and uses them as fertilizer over the winter. Trustee Thill said that he's an advocate for the environment, and he hopes residents will give this some thought. 6 Minutes of October 24, 2022 Board Meeting XII. E. Trustee Travis: 1. Trustee Travis had no formal report this evening. TRUSTEES' REPORTS (continued) F. Trustee Witko: 1. Trustee Witko presented Resolution 22-40, Authorizing the Purchase of 3,500 Tons of Roadway Salt from Morton Salt, Inc. a. She explained that, for the last 20 years, Morton Grove has participated in the State of Illinois Central Management Services (CMS) Salt Procurement Program for the purchase of the Village's annual road salt. However, the Village did not submit its tonnage allocation in time to participate in this program for the 2022-2023 winter season. Public Works determined that the Village will need 3,500 tons of road salt (the "baseline amount") for the upcoming winter season and solicited quotes to purchase at least 80% and p to 120% of the baseline amount from three CMS salt suppliers (Morton Salt, Cargill, and Compass Mineral America, Inc.). Cargill could not provide any salt supply at this time. Compass Minerals America, Inc. provided a quote of $82.38 per ton, and Morton Salt, Inc. quoted $75.38 per ton with the requirement to purchase 40% of the baseline amount and the ability to purchase up to 120% of the baseline amount, based on product availability. The quote from the lowest qualified bidder, Morton Salt, Inc., is less than the CMS -negotiated price for the 2022-2023 winter season and represents a 65% price increase over the 2021-2022 purchase price for roadway salt. Public Works is concerned that if the Village waits to undertake a formal competitive bidding process for this purchase, the delay will result in much higher per -ton pricing. b. Trustee Witko noted that an affirmative vote of at least 3/5th of the Corporate Authorities (5 votes including the Mayor) is required to waive the Competitive Purchase Requirements of 1-9A-46-5.) Trustee Witko moved to approve Resolution 22-40, seconded by Trustee Travis. Motion passed: 5 ayes, 0 nays, 1 absent. Tr. Khan absent Tr. Minx ave Tr. Thill ave Tr. Travis ave Tr. Witko aye Mayor DiMaria aye 2. Next, Trustee Witko presented Resolution 22-41, Authorizing the Annual Veterans Day Parade. a. She explained that this Resolution authorizes the Village Administrator or his designee to file an application through the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) for the closing of Dempster Street/Route 58, intermittently, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, November 6, 2022 for the annual Veterans' Day Parade. Minutes of October 24, $022 Board Meeting XII. F. Trustee Witko: (continued) TRUSTEES' REPORTS (continued) b. The American Legion Post 134 leads the parade, which begins at the Civic Center, 6140 Dempster Street, crosses Dempster at Georgiana Avenue, proceeds south to Crain Street, goes east on Crain to School Street, heads south on School Street to Lincoln Avenue, then moves west on Lincoln to the Morton Grove Public Library. After a brief ceremony there, the parade will return to the Civic Center following the same route in reverse. c. To facilitate the parade, the Village is required to obtain permission from IDOT to close Dempster at Georgiana and to assume all responsibility and liability involved in the closing of the street and rerouting traffic. Trustee Witko moved, seconded by Trustee Travis, to approve Resolution 22-41. Motion passed: 4 ayes, 0 nays, 1 absent. Tr. Khan absent Tr. Minx aye Tr. ThiII aye Tr. Travis aye Tr. Witko aye XIII. OTHER BUSINESS NONE XIV. WARRANTS Trustee Witko presented the Warrant Register for October 24, 2022 in the amount of $1,488,783.99. She moved to approve this evening's Warrant Register as presented, seconded by Trustee Thill. Motion passed: 4 ayes, 0 nays, 1 absent. Tr. Khan absent Tr. Minx aye Tr. ThiII aye Tr. Travis gyp_ Tr. Witko XV. RESIDENTS' COMMENTS NONE 8 Minutes of October 24, 2022 Board Meeting XVI. ADJOURNMENT Trustee Minx moved to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Trustee Witko. Motion passed unanimously via voice vote. The meeting adjourned at 7:36 p.m. PASSED this 14th day of November, 2022. Trustee Khan Trustee Minx Trustee Thill Trustee Travis Trustee Witko APPROVED by me this 14th day of November, 2022. Daniel P. DiMaria, Village President Board of Trustees, Morton Grove, Illinois APPROVED and FILED in my office this 15th day of November, 2022. Eileen Harford, Village Clerk )74, Village of Morton Grove, Cook County, Illinois Minutes by Teresa Cousar 9 i i i