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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2006-07-31 Town Hall MinutesTOWN HALL MEETING MINUTES VILLAGE OF MORTON GROVE AMERICAN LEGION MEMORIAL CIVIC CENTER 6140 DEMPSTER STREET, MORTON GROVE, ILLINOIS July 31, 2006 The meeting was called to order at 7:05 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, and Roy Kogstad and Clerk Carol Fritzshall Absent: Trustees Daniel DiMaria and Dale Senensky, Village Staff: Administrator Joseph Wade, Corporation Counsel Teresa Hoffman Liston, Community and Economic Development Director Bill Neuendorf, Building Commissioner Ed Hildebrandt, Deputy Building Commissioner Bill Zimmer, Commander Brian Bolger, Family and Senior Services Director Jackie Walker-O'Keefe, Fire Chief Tom Friel, Public Works Director Andy DeMonte, Guests: Approximately 14 members of the public Mayor Krier explained the Town Hall meeting process and stated there was no special topic for this evening. Members in the audience were invited to make comments on any topics. Comments were then received from the following individuals: John Thill stated there is no need for further town hall meetings due to sparse attendance, and since the Mayor has open hours on Thursday evenings. Chris Arns voiced approval of the Bowman settlement, and asked the Board to consider closing the Lehigh/Ferris TIF early. Raymond Solal congratulated the Mayor for settling the Bowman lawsuit, praised the July 26, 2006 Community Workshop for the Lehigh/Ferris TIF District vision, and noted his concern that the METRA station be improved. Mr. Solal criticized construction related problems on Mansfield Avenue, and the legal strategy of the pending Capulinarfght-of--way litigation; Mr. Solal believes this lawsuit should be thrown out of Court, since the 1963 condemnation is based on the wrong legal description. Mr. Solal requested the Mayor acquire a new special counsel to resolve this matter. Sherwin Dubrin was disappointed he could not speak individually at the TIF workshop, and asked when the summary of the residents' comments would be posted on the Village website. Mr. Neuendorf stated the workshop's presentation was already on the website, and the summary would be posted within two weeks. The Mayor also responded the workshop had over 150 people and each table group elected its own spokesman. Mr. Dubrin also asked for a list of everyone who attended the meeting. The Mayor stated he was not inclined to make that list public Mr. Dubrin also asked the Mayor to consider the live broadcasting of Village Board meetings. The Mayor explained the Village had experienced technical difficulties because the Village's equipment is inadequate for lengthy meetings. Mr. Dubrin also asked for status on an assistance program for solid waste costs. The Mayor responded funding for this program had doubled to $10,000 and welcomed suggestions for improving this program. Mr. Dubrin also stated he was energized to participate at meetings since he just received his tax bill, and did not want to see town hall meetings stopped. Mr. Dubrin asked for a status of the Harlem Avenue construction; Mr. DeMonte stated it was being resurfaced. He also asked about Shermer Road, and Mr. DeMonte stated he would look into the matter. Marion Thill thanked Public Works for its quick response to recent tree damage on their parkway. Nancy Lanning asked Village Officials not to publish names of people who attended the TIF workshop. She praised the Village for a successful TIF workshop. Samina Hussain thanked the Village for sponsoring the Morton Grove Days; she stated it was fantastic Ms. Hussain asked for details on the Vamstead settlement. The Mayor explained the history of the detention pond at Beckwith and Neenah, the lawsuit as to who owned the pond, and what the Village's responsibility is or should be regarding the maintenance of the Delaine Farm detention pond if it accepts the detention pond from the Vamsted subdivision. Raymond Solal stated the Mayor had accused him of harassing people; the Mayor stated he had not. Mr. Solal also stated his comments were shut-off at the workshop, and the moderator had misrepresented herself and the sentiments of his table. There being no further business, Trustee Staackmann moved to adjourn the Town Hall meeting at 7:48 pm. The motion was seconded by Trustee Minx and approved unanimously pursuant to a voice vote. Minutes by: Carol A. Fritzshall, Village Clerk PASSED THIS day of 2006. Trustee Brunner Trustee DiMaria Trustee Kogstad Trustee Minx Trustee Senensky Trustee Staackmann APPROVED BY ME THIS day of 2006 Richard Krier, Village President Village of Morton Grove Cook County, Illinois ATTESTED and FILED in my office This day of 2006 Carol A. Fritzshall, Village Clerk Village of Morton Grove Cook County, Illinois Admin/Legis/Minutes/town hall minutes 0731-06