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HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-09-2023MINUTES 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 MAY 9, 2023 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 Saba Khan, Rita Minx, Ashur Shiba, John Thill, Connie Travis, and Janine Witko. IV. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Trustee Minx moved to approve the Minutes of the April 25, 2023 Village Board Meeting as presented. Trustee Khan seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously via voice vote. V. SPECIAL REPORTS VI. VII. NONE PUBLIC HEARINGS NONE PLAN COMMISSION REPORTS Mayor DiMaria introduced Community Development Administrator Zoe Heidorn to present four (4) zoning cases. Note: At the request of the Applicant, Lexington Homes, Case PC23-08 shown on this evening's Agenda has been postponed until the Board Meeting on May 23, 2023. 1. Plan Commission Case PC 23-05, Request by Everclean Car Wash for Approval of a Special Use Permit for a Car Wash in a C-1 General Commercial District for the property commonly known as 9120 Waukegan Road. a. Ms. Heidorn said the Special Use Permit being request will authorize modifications to an existing car wash, currently operating as Platinum Car Wash. The Applicant plans to make various building and site improvements. On April 4, the Appearance Commission recommended approval of the application with conditions, and on April 6, the Traffic Safety Commission also recommended approval of the application. Minutes of May 9, +023 Board Meeting VII. PLAN COMMISSION REPORTS (continued) 2. Plan Commission Case PC 23-06, Request by Imagine MG LLC for Approval of a Text Amendment to Sections 12-4-2:C and 12-17-1 to Define "Educational Institution" and to Authorize that Use as a Special Use in the Residential Zoning Districts. 3. Plan Commission Case PC 23-07, Request by Imagine MG LLC for Approval of a Special Use Permit for a Daycare Center, Educational Institution, and House of Worship in an R-1 Single Family Residential District for the property commonly known as 9233 Shermer Road. 2a. Ms. Heidorn said the text amendment being requested in PC 23-06 defines "non-profit educational institutions." Because the definition is broad, and to ensure future educational institutions are compatible with surrounding residential use as well as to mitigate any negative impacts associated with the use, staff is recommending that the use is listed as a Special Use in the Village's residential and commercial zoning districts. 3a. Regarding PC 23-07, Ms. Heidorn said the Special Use Permit would authorize a non-profit educational institution/daycare center/house of worship at 9233 Shermer Road. The existing Kids Academy and Daycare Center and church are jointly operated by St. Luke's United Church of Christ and the Korean Ark Covenant Church are currently operating without a special use permit. The intensity, in particular, of the daycare center has increased incrementally since it began in 1994, while the intensity of the house of worship use has decreased quite a bit. No significant changes to those uses are proposed. This new non-profit educational institution will provide on-site and off-site early childhood education and programs. 4. Plan Commission Case PC 23-09, Request by Jamar Group, Inc. for Approval of a Special Use Permit for a Drive -Through Facility in a C-1 General Commercial District for the property commonly known as 5843 Dempster Street. a. Ms. Heidorn said the Special Use Permit would authorize the construction of a 1,500-sq.ft. restaurant with a drive-through to be operated as a Dunkin' restaurant. The proposed site plan complies with all dimensional requirements of the Unified Development Code. On April 4, the Appearance Commission recommended approval of the application with conditions, and on April 6, the Traffic Safety Commission also recommended approval of the application. b. Ms. Heidorn noted that all four of these cases were unanimously recommended for approval by the Plan Commission at a Special Meeting on Monday, April 24, with various conditions contained in the draft ordinances to be presented this evening by Trustee Witko. Ms. Heidorn said she'd be happy to answer any of the Board's questions. There were none. VIII. RESIDENTS' COMMENTS (Agenda Items Only) NONE 2 Minutes of May 9, 2023 Board Meeting IX. PRESIDENT'S REPORT 1. Mayor DiMaria sought concurrence from the Board for his appointment of Michael Lukich as the Director of Public Works for the Village of Morton Grove. Trustee Minx so moved, seconded by Trustee Thill. Trustee Thill commented on how impressed he was by Mr. Lukich's resume. Motion passed: 6 ayes, 0 nays. Tr. Khan aye Tr. Minx ave Tr. Shiba aye Tr. Thill aye Tr. Travis aye Tr. Witko aye a. Mayor DiMaria asked Mr. Lukich to say a few words. Mr. Lukich thanked the Board for their vote of confidence and for the opportunity to be a part of a team that provides such a high level of service to the residents. He said he looked forward to getting to work. b. Mayor DiMaria also thanked Kevin Lochner for filling in as interim Public Works Director while the search for a permanent director was being conducted. He asked Kevin to take Mike under his wing and show him how Morton Grove does things. 2. Next, Mayor DiMaria proclaimed the week of May 20-26, 2023 as "National Safe Boating Week." He noted that, on average, 650 people die each year in boating -related accidents in the U.S., with 75% of those being fatalities caused by drowning. The vast majority of these accidents are caused by human error or poor judgment, not by boat, equipment, or environmental factors. A significant number of boaters who lose their lives by drowning each year would be alive today, had they worn their life jackets. The mayor urged everyone to practice safe boating habits and to wear a life jacket at all times while boating. a. Mayor DiMaria introduced Bill Luksha and thanked him for first bringing this to his attention. He invited Mr. Luksha to speak further about this. b. Mr. Luksha is a 22 -year resident of Morton Grove, he's been a Boy Scout leader for 15 year and his wife recently taught at Golf School. He said Lake Michigan is the most dangerous of the Great Lakes, but for that matter, any body of water of water can be dangerous. Mr. Luksha said he's on Boat Crew out of Wilmette Harbor, and they always wear their life jackets. Recently the Wilmette Fire Department has gotten involved with doing patrols and being ready. Anecdotally, Mr. Luksha said that, 40 years ago, he fell off his sailboat. The sailboat sailed away. Luckily he was wearing his life jacket—luckily, because it was Memorial Day and the water was still very cold— and a fellow sailor picked him up. Twenty years ago, he was out with friends on his 35 -foot sailboat. They had gone out of Belmont Harbor and were a few miles out on the lake when they came upon a young man floundering in a smaller sailboat. They rescued him but he had been out there for an hour and had hypothermia. Fortunately they had a doctor on board who gave the 27 -year old man oxygen for 30 minutes as they got back to Belmont and called an ambulance. Mr. Luksha concluded by urging fellow boaters to be safe and always wear a life jacket. 3 Minutes of May 9,4123 Board Meeting IX. PRESIDENT'S REPORT (continued) 3. Mayor DiMaria congratulated the Lady Crescents 7th and 8th grade girls' volleyball teams at the MCC Academy as they celebrate history -making regional final wins. This is the first time in the State of Illinois, and in the U.S., for a Muslim school to have two different grade levels go to the sectionals and state. The school recently joined the Illinois Elementary School Association and the Illinois High School Association to compete in sports. Unfortunately, the two teams lost at sectionals, but they realize that going this far is already a huge win. Again, congratulations to the MCC Academy and especially to the coaches, staff, and athletes. 4. Mayor DiMaria thanked MG Park District Commissioners Paul Minx and Keith White for being here this evening, and former Trustees Bill Grear and Steve Blonz for attending as well. 5. Mayor DiMaria reminded the assemblage and those viewing at home of the following events: • Electronic Recycling & Document Destruction Event: Saturday, May 13, from 9:OOam to noon at Public Works, 7840 Nagle. • Neighborhood Outreach: Thursday, May 18, 6:OOpm at Edison School • First "Community Clean Up Event": May 20, 2023, from 9:OOam to noon. Meeting point is the Civic Center to check-in, pick-up supplies, and a map of pre -selected clean-up site. Visit the Village website to sign up to participate. X. CLERK'S REPORT 1. Clerk Harford presented Resolution 23-23, Accepting the Canvass Results and Proclamation for the April 4, 2023 Consolidated Election. a. Clerk Harford stated that this resolution will formally accept, confirm, announce, and record the results of the April 4, 2023 Consolidated Election. b. Three candidates ran for three offices of Village Trustee for four-year terms. One candidate ran for one office of Village Trustee for a two-year term. Two candidates ran for two offices of Library Trustee for six-year terms. One candidate ran for one office of Library Trustee for a four- year term, and one candidate ran for one office of Library Trustee for a two-year term. c. Clerk Harford noted that total ballots cast in this election were 1,707. The following canvassing results have been certified by the Board of Election Commissioners: d. Village Trustee: Three (3) four-year terms Village Trustee: One (1) two-year term Rita Minx 1,088 Ashur E. Shiba 1,180 John C. Thill 1,050 Janine Witko 1,096 4 Minutes of May 9, 2023 Board Meeting X. CLERK'S REPORT (continued) e. Library Trustee: Two (2) six-year terms Joanne Pelletier 1,070 Emily Macejak 1,124 f. Library Trustee: One (1) Two -Year Term Mohammed Azam Hussain 1,084 Library Trustee: One (1) four-year term Mark Anthony Flores 1,166 g. This Resolution confirms and accepts the certification by the Board of Election Commissioners and proclaims the newly election officials as follows: h. Rita Minx, John C. Thill, and Janine Witko as Village Trustees of Morton Grove, each for 4 years Ashur Shiba as Village Trustee of Morton Grove for a 2 -year term Joanne Pelletier and Emily Macejak as Library Trustees of Morton Grove, each for a 6 -year term Mark Anthony Flores as a Library Trustee of Morton Grove for a 4 -year term Mohammed Azam Hussain as a Library Trustee of Morton Grove for a 2 -year term Clerk Harford asked for a motion to approve this resolution. Trustee Travis moved to approve Resolution 23-23, seconded by Trustee Minx. Motion passed: 6 ayes, 0 nays. Tr. Khan aye Tr. Minx ave Tr. Shiba aye Tr. ThiII aye Tr. Travis aye Tr. Witko aye XI. STAFF REPORTS A. Village Administrator: Village Administrator Czerwinski had no formal report this evening. B. Corporation Counsel: Corporation Counsel Liston had no formal report this evening. XII. TRUSTEES' REPORTS A. Trustee Khan: Trustee Khan had no formal report this evening. 5 — Minutes of'May9,- .923 Board Meeting XII. B. Trustee Minx: Trustee Minx had no formal report this evening. TRUSTEES' REPORTS (continued) C. Trustee Shiba: Trustee Shiba encouraged residents to participate in these upcoming Village activities: • Morton Grove 2023 Tree Walk: Saturday, June 10 at 10:OOam, starting at Village Hall • 2023 Crayon & Marker Recycling Program: Collection points will be at Village Hall and the Library from April 1 to June 30, 2023. Remember to dispose of crayons and markers appropriately as the school year ends. D. Trustee Thill: Trustee Thill had no formal report this evening. E. Trustee Travis: 1. Trustee Travis noted that details regarding these upcoming community events are on the Village website: a. • Summer Adopt -a -Planter Program: program registration is open and available on the Village's website. Plant pick-up is scheduled for Saturday, June 3, at Village Hall. • The Community Garage Sale will be held on June 9, 10, and 11. Registration information is on the Village's website. Trustee Witko: Trustee Witko presented several ordinances this evening, each pursuant to Community Development Administrator Zoe Heidorn's presentation earlier this evening. As each of these ordinances is a first reading, no action on any of them will be taken tonight. 1. Ordinance 23-09, Approving a Special Use Permit For a Car Wash at 9120 Waukegan Road, Morton Grove, Illinois. This is pursuant to Plan Commission Case PC 23-05. 6 Minutes of May 9, 2023 Board Meeting XII. F. Trustee Witko: (continued) TRUSTEES' REPORTS (continued) 2. Ordinance 23-10, Approving a Text Amendment to Modify Regulations Relating to Non -Profit Educational Institutions in Morton Grove, Illinois. This is pursuant to Plan Commission Case PC 23-06. 3. Ordinance 23-11, Approving a Special Use Permit for a Daycare Center, Non -Profit Educational Institution, and House of Worship at 9233 Shermer Road in Morton Grove, Illinois. This is pursuant to Plan Commission Case PC 23-07. 4. Ordinance 23-13, Approving a Special Use Permit for a Restaurant With a Drive -Through Facility at 5843 Dempster Street in Morton Grove, Illinois. This is pursuant to Plan Commission Case PC 23-09. XIII. OTHER BUSINESS 1. Mayor DiMaria performed the swearing-in ceremony for Trustees Ashur Shiba, Rita Minx, John Thill, and Janine Witko. Mayor DiMaria thanked everyone who participated in the elections, both the winners and the losers, noting that it takes a lot for a person to step up to serve his/her community, especially in the crazy times in which we live. He said he admired all those who threw their hat in the ring—it's not a "real fun" spot to be sometimes, especially in these days. He assured the assemblage that this Board, the people elected by the residents of Morton Grove, whether unopposed or not, will keep this community moving in the right direction. Mayor DiMaria said he's humbled and blessed to work with this group, adding, "It's great to have a team, and we have a great team assembled here." He then invited each of the newly elected/reelected trustees to speak. 2. Trustee Minx thanked her family for supporting her decision to run again for Village Trustee, her fellow Board members for all the good work and collaboration they've put into the collective decision-making process, Village staff for answering questions and providing the Board with the details and knowledge needed to make strong, sound decisions to move the Village forward, and finally, she thanked the residents for turning out for this municipal election and for supporting the party striving to make Morton Grove the best town on the North Shore. 3. Trustee Thill said, when he and his wife were younger, they lived in Rogers Park, and the man he worked for lived in Morton Grove, so for five years, all he heard was "Morton Grove this" and "Morton Grove that." When it came time for them to move, he said, "Let's move anywhere but Morton Grove!" 7 Minutes of May 9, 2023 Board Meeting XIII. OTHER BUSINESS (continued) a. Trustee Thill said he has been lucky to live in Morton Grove because it's a great community. It's a great community because so many people step up and volunteer for the Village's various boards and commissions. Village staff is outstanding, as is the Police Department, Fire Department, Public Works Department, and its leadership. Trustee Thill thanked his colleagues on the board as well, stating "None of us, as individuals, would be here without the others; none of us would be making decisions without the others." 4. Trustee Shiba thanked his wife, who, unfortunately, was home with their children and couldn't be here tonight. He said he was honored to be a part of this team. He's been welcomed with open arms and humbled by the support he's been given. He thanked Village staff as well and said this Village is wonderful; he's happy to live in Morton Grove and be accepted here. Trustee Shiba noted that he had grown up in Chicago and had lived in Skokie for a while, and now he can call Morton Grove. He said he was very lucky to be part of this community. 5. Trustee Witko said she couldn't say it better than any of her colleagues, adding that she is extremely proud to represent the Village and its residents. She said she is grateful for Village staff for every day making the trustees' jobs easier. She said she is thankful to the Board and to Mayor DiMaria for always putting personal wants, needs, and egos aside and putting the Village first, at every step, and taking the Village where it needs to go. XIV. WARRANTS Trustee Khan presented the Warrant Register for May 9, 2023 in the amount of $187,814.10. She moved to approve the Warrant Register as presented, seconded by Trustee Witko. Motion passed: 6 ayes, 0 nays. Tr. Khan aye Tr. Minx aye Tr. Shiba ave Tr. Thill aye Tr. Travis aye Tr. Witko aye XV. RESIDENTS' COMMENTS 1. Rudy Vilk. As Mr. Vilk approached the podium, Mayor DiMaria cautioned him that if he starts talking about matters that have already been discussed, his time will be cut short. Mr. Vilk still claims he's never received answers to his questions. He is very unhappy with Corporation Counsel Liston and Village Administrator Czerwinski, and with Mayor DiMaria. 2. Robert Erickson and Ted Begley, representing the Boy Scouts' Pathway to Adventure. Mr. Erickson said the Boy Scouts are holding a Scouting Showcase on May 25 from 6:30 to 8:30pm at Rivers Casino. Only adults age 21 or older will be admitted. Tickets are $100 per person and for the first 100 people, they will include 2 drinks. The Showcase will demonstrate to people what scouting is currently about—they're coeducational now! Minutes of May 9, 2023 Board Meeting XV. RESIDENTS' COMMENTS (continued) a. Mr. Erickson said the Scouts are reaching out to business and community leaders, adding he'd love to see the Village Board members attend for this good cause. There will even be a Pinewood Derby for adults! More information can be found at www.tinyurl.com/scoutingshowcase2023. Mr. Erickson had some fliers with him and noted that there's a QR code on the flier that will take you to the site. He thanked the Board for their time this evening. b. Mayor DiMaria said it's nice to go back to your roots and get the kids out from under their video games! XVI. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business being brought before the Board, Trustee Minx moved to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Trustee Witko. Motion passed unanimously via voice vote. The meeting adjourned at 7:33 p.m. 9 Minutes of May 9, 2023 Board Meeting PASSED this 9th day of May, 2023. Trustee Khan Trustee Minx Trustee Shiba Trustee Thill Trustee Travis Trustee Witko APPROVED by me this 9th day of May, 2023. Daniel P. DiMaria, Village President Board of Trustees, Morton Grove, Illinois APPROVED and FILED in my office this 10th day of May, 2023. Eileen Harford, Village Clerk Ci Village of Morton Grove, Cook County, Illinois Minutes by Teresa Cousar 10