HomeMy WebLinkAbout2007-07-30 Town Hall MinutesTOWN HALL MEETING MINUTES
VILLAGE OF MORTON GROVE
PRAIRIE VIEW COMMUNITY CENTER- COMMUNITY ROOM
6834 DEMPSTER STREET, MORTON GROVE, ILLINOIS
JULY 30, 2007
The meeting started at 7:00 pm by Village President Richard Krier. Clerk Fritzshall called the roll. In
attendance were:
Elected Officials: President Richard Krier, Trustees Georgianne Brunner, Shel Marcus,
Rita Minx, Daniel Staackmann, John Thill and Clerk Carol A. Fritzshall
Absent: Trustee Roy Kogstad
Village Staff: Village Administrator Joe Wade
Guests: Members of the Community Relations Commission, members of the
public
Village President Krier called the meeting to order and advised that there was not a scheduled topic.
Melinda Mulford stated that personal use of fireworks is getting worse. It is more prevalent and lasts
longer.
Village President Krier stated that the week of July 4 is very difficult for police response because the
department is very busy with events and stretched thin.
Trustee Marcus said that obviously fireworks are illegal in Illinois and that you as a resident should
call the police if you are being bothered late in the night.
Trustee Thill stated that a resident called and asked why the Village cuts grass on County property near
Austin and Beckwith at the deep tunnel shaft.
Village President Krier said that the Village would review this. (Note: It was later determined from
Public Works Director DeMonte that the Village maintains this area per a long standing agreement
with the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District.)
Marion Thill asked to publicly thank the Fire Department for their response to a fire incident at her
home.
Ms. Kaplan stated that trees are bent in the alley behind Washington Commons.
Village President Krier said that the Village will look into the tree issue at Washington Commons.
Trustee Thill asked the Village to send a letter to the County Sheriff expressing the Village's thank you
for maintenance of Beckwith Road and for picking up all the debris.
Samina Hussein advised that a street sign is missing at the southwest corner of Church and Waukegan.
Village President Krier said the sign would be replaced.
Bill Jacobson stated that the condition of 8701 Waukegan is in poor condition. Also, in the area of
Beckwith and Austin Avenues some of it is maintained and some is a disaster.
Trustee Thill said the Forest Preserve maintains areas in their natural state.
Trustee Marcus said that County resources are also stretched. The County is maintaining an area for 5
million people.
Mr. Jacobson also stated that some code enforcement activities are excessive.
Village President Krier said that the enforcement standards are minimal and notification efforts are
intended for people to maintain the appearance of property.
Mr. Jacobson said that in the case of a code enforcement notification for overgrown hedges, the action
was excessive.
Mr. Jacobson also stated that a worker on the property told him that the building going on the site was
8,000 square feet, which he said was too large. Trustee Marcus cautioned about taking statements as
true to fact. (Note: It was later determined by Building Commissioner Hildebrandt that the building
was less than 4,800 square feet.)
Eric Poders said that the peeling paint at Dempster Street Autocare needed attention.
Village President Krier stated that the property would be checked by Code Enforcement.
Mr. Poders also asked about the status of Project Lightspeed.
Village President Krier stated that the Governor has signed the legislation. AT&T has begun working
with the Village on planning for construction in Morton Grove.
Trustee Brenner said that the legislation did not require a 100% build out plan. The Village still does
not know what will be built in Morton Grove. Village President Krier said that Comcast is also
reviewing the legislation and their reaction to it.
Mr. Poders said that the Village should use vegetable oil in its vehicles.
Trustee Staackmann said that Village is already using biodiesel fuel. This is required by law, because
we are a municipal fleet, but we can only use so much of a mix before it because ineffective. We are
using the maximum that we can.
There being no further business, the meeting ended at 7:49 pm.
Minutes by:
Joseph F. Wade, Village Administrator
Admin/Legis~Minutes/Wwn hall minutes 0730-07