HomeMy WebLinkAbout2007-01-29 Town Hall MinutesTOWN HALL MEETING MINUTES
VILLAGE OF MORTON GROVE
OKETO PARK FIELD HOUSE
8950 OKETO, MORTON GROVE, ILLINOIS
JANUARY 29, 2007
The meeting was called to order at 7:07 pm by Village President Richard Krier. He led the assemblage
in the Pledge of Allegiance and then introduced the elected officials and staff that were in attendance:
Elected Officials: President Richard Krier, Trustees Georgianne Brunner, Rita Minx,
Daniel Staackmann, Dale Senensky and Clerk Carol A. Fritzshall
Absent: Trustees Daniel DiMaria and Roy Kogstad, and Clerk Carol A. Fritzshall
Village Staff: Administrator Joseph Wade, Corporation Counsel Teresa Hoffman
Liston, Community and Economic Development Director Bill
Neuendorf, Building Commissioner Ed Hildebrandt, Police Chief Paul
Tasch, Fire Chief Tom Friel, Firefighters Will Paces and Dennis
Kennedy, Family and Senior Services Director Jackie Walker-O'Keefe,
Public Works Director Andy DeMonte, Finance Director/Treasurer
Daniela Partipilo
Guests: Approximately 16 members of the public
Mayor Krier thanked the assemblage, especially the Community Relations Commission for hosting the
Town Hall meeting. He then introduced Chief Friel and Firefighters Will Paces and Dennis Kennedy
who gave a report on the Village's new ambulance that was displayed in front of the building. The
ambulance was purchased through a joint purchasing agreement through the Northwest Municipal
Conference and had been in service since the end of December 2006 out of Station #5. The cost of
putting the ambulance and its apparatus into service was approximately $200,000. They then
presented a demonstration of an electric power-lift stretcher which cost approximately $10,000 and
would make lifting and transporting patients safer for not only the patients but the firefighters as well.
Mayor Krier then asked for comments from the assemblage.
Marianne Thill thanked the Mayor for hosting the Town Hall meeting at park districts though out the
Village during 2007 and asked him to also consider this format in 2008.
Samina Hussain asked if Avon was moving. Mayor Krier replied Avon's distribution center in
Glenview would be moving in 2010 but the manufacturing center in Morton Grove would be staying.
Avon is being proactive about the move. Ms. Hussain also asked for the status of development at the
former Par King. Mayor Krier said nothing was currently in the works but the Village constantly talks
to and solicits new businesses and developments. The shopping center has had some problems
attracting large retailers because Bally's takes up so much of the parking. Bally's has five years
remaining on their lease.
Nancy Lanning complimented the new parking areas on Dempster Street and Mayor Krier noted the
Village received a grant from the township and state legislators to complete this project.
Marianne Thill then asked for the status on attracting new restaurants. Mayor Krier noted Bill
Neuendorf is going to a shopping center convention later this month and is constantly seeking to attract
new restaurants. Bill Neuendorf stated larger restaurants want two to three acres of land which is
usually not available in the Village. He noted the former Lochner's site would be the home of a new
larger Pequods pizzeria and restaurant. Other restaurateurs are interested in the Menard's site but the
price is an issue.
Terry Cousar asked about the status of the train station. Joe Wade reported Metra is having financial
problems and was using its capital budget to pay for its operational expenses. Metra is interested in
building a new train station but would like the Village to pay the cost. Mr. Wade noted one of the TIF
proposals was to improve the train station but at minimal cost to the Village.
Robyn Caplan asked about the resurfacing of side streets perpendicular to Beckwith on the west side
of town. She noted curbs were falling apart. Mayor Krier noted the Board had budgeted an additional
$700,000 for street improvements. Public Works had performed a study to prioritize improvements to
streets throughout the town. The worst streets would be done first. Osceola from Beckwith to
Emerson and the last phase of the Greenwood reconstruction would be completed in 2007.
A resident noted the forest preserve on Dempster Street was a mess and inquired about the rapport
between the Forest Preserve District and the Village. Mayor Krier noted the Village had an excellent
relationship with the Forest Preserve District including its Commissioner Larry Sufferdin.
Marianne Thill is a steward for the Friends of the Morton Grove Forest Preserve District and gave a
report on what the Friends of the Forest Preserve District did to monitor and clean-up the forest
preserve. She invited all persons to participate in their endeavors.
There being no further comments, Mayor Krier again thanked the Community Relations Commission
and noted the neat Town Hall meeting would be on Apri130, 2007, at Mansfield Park, then July 30,
2007, at the Prairie View Center, and finally October 29, 2007 at Austin Park.
Trustee Brunner then moved to adjourn the Town Hall meeting at 7:41 pm. The motion was seconded
by Trustee Minx and approved unanimously pursuant to a voice vote.
Minutes by:
Carol A. Fritzshall, Village Clerk
Admin/Legis/Minutes/town hall minutes 01-29-07