HomeMy WebLinkAbout2006-10-30 Town Hall MinutesTOWN HALL MEETING MINUTES
VILLAGE OF MORTON GROVE
AMERICAN LEGION MEMORIAL CIVIC CENTER
6140 DEMPSTER STREET, MORTON GROVE, ILLINOIS
OCTOBER 30, 2006
The meeting was called to order at 7:03 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, Roy Kogstad and Dale Senensky
Absent: Trustees Daniel DiMaria 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, Family and Senior Services Director Jackie Walker-O'Keefe, Fire
Chief Tom Friel, Public Works Director Andy DeMonte, Finance
Director/Treasurer Daniela Partipilo
Guests: Approximately two members of the press and approximately 20
members of the public
Mayor Krier stated the Town Hall meeting's main topic of concern would be the proposed smoking
ban ordinance and first asked the audience for questions or comments regarding non-smoking related
issues.
Mrs. LaJude questioned the proposed 2007 tax levy and asked about the Village's progress in
bringing more retail establishments to Morton Grove. Mayor Krier explained the budget increases
provided funds for pensions and also advised her on the Village's efforts to bring in restaurants and
retail establishments to the Village.
Mr. Sherwin Dubrin asked the Village to consider making improvements to the pedestrian crossings
on Waukegan Road between Dominicks and the condominiums. He also asked the status of the
Village's flu shot program. Ms. Walker )'Keefe reported the Village's supply of 825 units had been
used.
Dr. Satarr offered comments on the availability of flu shots in the area. He also commented on the
proposed smoking ordinance. He stated he is a member of the Board of Environmental Health, which
unanimously recommended a ban on smoking in indoor establishments with no exceptions. Mayor
Krier read excerpts of the letter from the Board of Environmental Health and also noted Senator Link
had introduced legislation in the Illinois General Assembly proposing a stringent ban on smoking.
Mr. John Thill suggested local bar owners take a survey as to how many of the patrons smoke and
noted a ban could hurt local businesses.
Dr. Donald Zeigler from the American Medical Association, American Heart Association, and Smoke
Free Illinois gave a Powerpoint presentation as to the dangers of second hand smoke. He noted the
Surgeon General has stated there are no longer any scientific controversy as to the danger of second
hand smoking. It is the third leading cause of preventative death in the United States, and has been
determined to be a class A carcinogen. He noted at least 35,000 die from second hand smoke each
year. He reported on studies that show there is no economic loss if smoking is banned in all
workplaces including bars.
Mr. Matt Maloney from the American Lung Association noted young persons would be less likely to
smoke if they worked in smoke free environments. He noted if smoking is allowed in bars, it would
create a social justice issue.
Mayor Krier noted the entire Village Board agreed as to the overwhelming evidence of negative
impacts by second hand smoking. He stated the Board's concern was how far should the government
intervene in this issue.
Mr. Bill Luksha voiced his opinion in favor of a total ban on indoor smoking.
An unidentified resident asked for the status of the state wide legislation and Village ordinance.
Mayor Krier noted the Village would consider a smoking ban next January.
Mr. Chris Arns voiced his opinion in favor of atotal ban and noted loss of Village revenue should not
be a factor since restaurants in the TIF had already closed.
Another resident spoke in favor of a total ban and noted smokers are not allowed to smoke on planes or
in theatres.
Mr. Eric Poders recommended any smoking ordinance is subject to a vote of the people and
recommended current bars be exempt from a smoking ban.
There being no further business, Trustee Staackmann moved to adjourn the Town Hall meeting at 8:20
pm. The motion was seconded by Trustee Minx and approved unanimously pursuant to a voice vote.
Minutes by:
Teresa Hoffman Liston, Corporation Counsel
Admin/Legis/Minutes/town hall minutes 1030-06