HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-22-2023MINUTES 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
AUGUST 22, 2023
CALL TO ORDER
I. In the absence of Village President Dan DiMaria (absent with notice), Village Clerk Eileen Harford
& II. called the Regular Meeting of the Village Board to order at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers of
Village Hall and led the assemblage in the Pledge of Allegiance. She then asked the Board for a
motion to approve one of their colleagues to serve as President pro -tem for tonight's meeting.
Trustee Travis moved to name Trustee Witko as President pro -tem for this meeting, seconded by
Trustee Thill. Clerk Harford called the roll:
Motion passed: 6 ayes, 0 nays.
Tr. Khan aye Tr. Minx aye Tr. Shiba aye
Tr. Thill aye Tr. Travis aye Tr. Witko aye
Village Clerk Eileen Harford called the roll. Present were Trustees Saba Khan, Rita Minx,
Ashur Shiba, John Thill, Connie Travis, and Janine Witko.
III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Trustee Minx moved to approve the Minutes of the August 8, 2023 Village Board Meeting as
presented. Trustee Travis seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously via voice vote.
IV. SPECIAL REPORTS
NONE
V. PUBLIC HEARINGS
NONE
Minutes of Aug 22,i(23 Board Meeting
VI.
VII.
PLAN COMMISSION REPORTS
NONE
RESIDENTS' COMMENTS (Agenda Items Only)
President pro -tem Witko noted that on this evening's agenda is Resolution 23-29, Approving and
Adopting the 2023 Village of Morton Grove Strategic Plan Update.
She said a number of residents are present this evening to comment on the Strategic Plan Update.
She asked that each limit their speaking time to four (4) minutes, and asked them to try not being
repetitive in their statements.
1. Janice Cha, 8924 Olcott. Ms. Cha is a 20 -year resident and is on the leadership team for Vision
Morton Grove. She said her husband is Asian—a Korean American—who grew up in Quincy, IL, so
he knows first-hand how it feels to live in a community where diversity and inclusion do not exist
She said she was glad to see that diversity is a part of Morton Grove's Strategic Plan. In the section
titled "Long Term—Routine," the plan notes the Village's intention to continue to embrace diversity
and promote a unified community by maintaining and increasing community engagement from all
ethnic groups, cultures, and residents; and further, will implement and support programs and
activities.
a. Ms. Cha said she's asking that the Village act on those points by signing on to Cook County's
"United Against Hate" campaign. This initiative disrupts discrimination by providing pictorial,
verbal, and education examples of how to stand up against all forms of hate. Neighboring
communities that have already joined this campaign include Arlington Heights, Glenview, Glencoe,
Wheeling, and Wilmette. The website 2ookCountvUnitedAainstHate.com has more
information.
2. Bob Raccuglia, 7439 Arcadia, is a 19 -year resident and a member of Vision Morton Grove's
leadership team. He said he was happy to see the Strategic Plan includes a goal of continuing to
promote equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) within the Village. Mr. Raccuglia said he's aware that
there can be a "backlash" against terminology like EDI, some see it as being a form of political
correctness or as a fad, but it speaks to something more important and substantial than that,
something that is neither liberal nor conservative. He explained that "Equity" involves creating a
fair playing field so everyone has the same opportunities and rights. "Diversity" recognizes and
celebrates our differences. "Inclusion" creates an environment where everyone has a place at the
table and is valued for their distinctive skills, experiences, and perspectives.
a. Mr. Raccuglia hoped that "EDI" was not just a cosmetic catchphrase in the Strategic Plan
document, and encouraged the Village to keep the goal of equity, diversity, and inclusion as a
guiding principle in implementing all of the objectives in the Strategic Plan. He also urged the
Board to make EDI an important element of the Village's hiring practices, of Village policy-making,
in the planning of Village events and celebrations, and in the Village's distribution of services and
resources.
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Minutes of Aug 22, 2023 Board Meeting
VII.
RESIDENTS' COMMENTS (Agenda Items Only) (continued)
3. Jon Cole, 6023 S. Park Ave. Mr. Cole said he is a 30 -year resident, a member of the Village's
Ad Hoc Strategic Plan Committee and he also serves on the leadership team of Vision Morton
Grove. He thanked everyone who had played a role in the development of the new Strategic Plan.
After the first draft was released, he submitted some comments to the members of the
Committee and the Village Board, and said he appreciated that some people took the time to
respond back to him. When the second draft of the plan was released, he was pleased to see that
some changes had been made based on the input the Village received.
a. Mr. Cole said his comments tonight have to do with the next phase of taking the goals of the new
plan and developing and implementing action steps and strategies in the coming months and
years. He said he was not speaking just for himself, but on behalf of all the members of Vision
Morton Grove and over 200 individuals, businesses, and organizations who signed on to this
request last year. One of the specific actions they are all advocating is to have EDI plans for
recruiting, hiring, and retaining employees in all Village departments and in appointing individuals
to Village Commissions. Mr. Cole said that some efforts and actions have already been made
towards this and applauded the Board for those, adding, "We hope to see these built upon and
expanded in an organized and comprehensive manner and we look forward to collaborating with
you to make this happen."
4. Bob Burkhart, 6034 Grove Ct. Mr. Burkhart is a 16 -year resident speaking about EDI as part of the
Strategic Plan. He said he appreciated the dialogue that he and some others have had with
Mr. Czerwinski and the changes that resulted from those talks. He also thanked the Board for
keeping everyone informed. He said his comments are directed more to the implementation of
the plan rather than the plan itself.
a. Mr. Burkhart said Vision MG hopes EDI will be kept continually in mind as the Strategic Plan
unfolds. He said, "There's a saying: If something is everyone's responsibility, it ends up being no
one's responsibility." He said he is aware that every member of the Village staff has a full plate and
that there is no particular commission or committee set up to implement EDI. As it stands, EDI
could very easily fall through the cracks.
b. Mr. Burkhart said EDI developments don't happen merely by saying so. EDI is a complex matter
with numerous underlying sociological and economic practices. Most municipalities and
companies that take EDI seriously set up specific groups or hire staff specifically skilled in EDI
practices. That said, Mr. Burkhart said he hoped the Village would either hire or designate a
specific staff member to be an EDI officer, even if only part-time.
c. Mr. Burkhart said, alternatively the Village could set up an EDI Commission, as they did with the
recently established Environmental and Natural Resources Commission (ENRC). He felt that, given
the size of the total Village budget, it should be possible to find dollars to assist in accomplishing
this goal. His experience is that when a group decides to do something, it will find the money to
do it.
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Minutes of Aug 22, .'23 Board Meeting
VII.
RESIDENTS' COMMENTS (Agenda Items Only) (continued)
5. Beverly Copeland, 9323 Olcott Avenue, is a 58 -year resident who said she has seen many
changes. She said she likes the new Village "tagline" of Incredibly Close. Amazingly Open.
She also likes how diversity within the Village has been evolving, but, she said, she would also like
to see more diversity in the various Village departments and commissions. She asked the Village to
sign on to Cook County's "United Against Hate" campaign and to also consider EDI in all matters.
6. Akhter Sadiq, 5736 Main Street is a 33 -year resident commenting on the proposed updated
Strategic Plan. He said there are mentions of EDI but he did not see a concrete plan or commission
to deal with it. He noted that are over 125 people serving on various Village Commissions,
Committees, and Boards, such as the Advisory Commission on Aging, the Appearance Commission,
the Cable and Telecommunications Commission, the Community Relations Commission, the
Economic Development Commission, the Environmental and Natural Resources Commission, the
Fire and Police Commission, the Plan Commission/Zoning Board of Appeals, and the Traffic
Safety Commission. He asked the Board, speaking as a minority, why is there not an Equity,
Diversity, and Inclusion Commission, or failing that, an EDI Officer?
7. Jim Szczepaniak, 8525 Lillibet Terrace. He said that he's a 31 -year resident, and he and his wife
find the Morton Grove community warm and welcoming, with excellent level of municipal
services. He thanked the Board and the Ad Hoc Committee, and said it's great to see the Village
acknowledge not only the varying weaknesses and challenges of this diverse community, but also
its strengths and opportunities. Regarding EDI, he said, lots of people have good intentions, but
they're busy or they're employed. He was the Community Relations Director for Niles Twp.
Dist. 219 for 15 years, and said there were various efforts under way to try to get racial equity,
social justice, and ethnic diversity ingrained in the local culture. It wasn't until an Equity Director
was hired that things began to move.
a. Mr. Szczepaniak said he's impressed with the points of the Strategic Plan, but it struck him that,
in the "Overall Themes Based on All Focus Group Feedback," there are some very specific things,
which include "Recruiting and retaining quality employees who are representative of the
community" and "Continuing efforts to promote equity, diversity, and inclusion in the Village."
But when he moved to the "Goals" section, which sometimes looks and feels like a "checklist," he
found it to be much more general. He said the Village should want EDI in a checklist so that
important work doesn't get lost. Especially given the fact that Morton Grove's population is over
33% Asian; that we have so many immigrant families we can't assume they are proficient in
English, or that they know how to access Village services. We can't assume they would "know" to
pick up a phone and call the Village, or the Library, or Niles Twp. Government.
b. Mr. Szczepaniak said he doesn't really expect the Village to hire another staff member for EDI, but
he did hope that, at the least, the Village would consider an advisory commission on EDI, so they
can say they are doing everything possible to make sure they're reaching out to those people, so
that all the great services and efforts the Village is making to serve residents really will be serving
all residents.
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Minutes of Aug 22, 2023 Board Meeting
VIII.
PRESIDENT'S REPORT
1. President pro -tem Witko said she was proud to report that the Morton Grove Police Department
has won first place in the 2023 Illinois Traffic Safety Challenge for municipal police departments
with 36 to 50 sworn members. This is the third time the MGPD has won the challenge, having also
prevailed in 2019 and 2021. The Police Department also won the Rail Safety Specialty Award for
the third year in a row. President p -t Witko said the Illinois Traffic Safety Challenge is a friendly
competition between law enforcement agencies of a similar size and type, sponsored by the
Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police. Departments submit a very detailed application highlighting
the community's traffic safety program and the effect it has on reducing traffic crashes, injuries,
and fatalities. The Board joined her in congratulating Chief Simo and the MGPD on these
accomplishments.
2. Next, President p -t Witko presented Resolution 23-29, Approving and Adopting the 2023 Village
of Morton Grove Strategic Plan Update.
a. She said, in 2015, the Village Board adopted a strategic plan to assist the Village in formulating and
prioritizing its goals, strategies, and direction, and to provide a framework for the allocation of its
resources for the next five to seven years. In 2022, the Village engaged Northern Illinois University
Center for Government Studies to assist the Village in updating the Strategic Plan. An Ad Hoc
committee of 11 residents was appointed to ensure the Strategic Plan was reflective of the
Village's unique needs and desires. The process included numerous opportunities for residents,
business owners, elected and appointed officials, and other internal and external stakeholders to
share their vision for the future of Morton Grove through community meetings, workshops,
targeted focus group discussions, and interviews.
b. The Plan is organized into four strategic categories: Character, Community, Governance, and
Economy, and sets forth strategic goals to accomplish positive change and community
improvement over the next five to seven years. The Strategic Plan is not designed to be a static
document and will be continually assessed and adjusted to reflect the changing environment and
evolving needs of the community.
c. President p -t Witko said the draft strategic plan was introduced for consideration at the July 25th
Village Board meeting, and, at Mayor DiMaria's request, the resolution was tabled to tonight's
meeting to give residents additional time to provide comments and suggestions. The draft plan has
been posted on the Village's website since early July. She said the Village is grateful for the many
positive comments received, and also appreciates and has taken into account the constructive
criticism and suggestions offered, and refined the Plan accordingly.
d. The revisions to the Plan include highlighting the importance the Village places on serving all
residents. One of Morton Grove's greatest strengths is our diversity, as we welcome and use our
efforts to respond to the needs of all ages, genders, races, national origins, and cultures. Key
emphasis has been and always will be focused on our seniors, as they are a very important part of
our community. The revised Plan identifies 20 strategic goals sorted by category, timeframe, and
complexity. Based on comments from residents and direction from the Board, priority rankings
which were included in the first draft of the Plan have been removed, because the Village believes
all of the identified strategic goals are important and can be achieved.
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Minutes of Aug 22,
23 Board Meeting
VII.
PRESIDENT'S REPORT (continued)
President pro -tem Witko asked the Board for a motion to approve Resolution 23-29.
Trustee Travis so moved, seconded by Trustee Shiba.
Motion passed: 6 ayes, 0 nays.
Tr. Khan ave Tr. Minx ly± Tr. Shiba
Tr. Thill aye Tr. Travis aye Tr. Witko aye
e. Trustee Thill commented that, this past Saturday, he had attended the Assyrian Food Festival and
then an event at the Muslim Education Center. Seeing all the families enjoying themselves at both
events, he couldn't help but feel like he was actually witnessing diversity.
IX. CLERK'S REPORT
1. Clerk Harford announced that the September Senior Luncheon will be at the Civic Center on
September 1, 2023. Seniors should call 847-868-5928 to reserve a spot.
2. Clerk Harford also announced that free blood sugar and cholesterol screenings for seniors will be
taking place the third Thursday of every month at 10am at the Civic Center. The Village's senior
programming has recently engaged with Oak Street Health (a division of CVS Health) to be able to
offer these screenings to local seniors. Health progressions will provide the service and no
appointment is necessary. The screenings are free.
3. Lastly, Clerk Harford promoted the Senior Ride Share Program. This program is supported by funds
through the SafeLIGHT Foundation and private donors. The program offers free Lyft rides to
registered residents who are at least 65 years old. A total of 60 Morton Grove senior "households"
are currently registered and receiving services. As of the end of July, a total of 171 rides have been
provided since the program's inception in late 2022. Scheduled rides are provided to grocery
stores, pharmacies, and medical appointments within Morton Grove. Rides are also available to
medical appointments at most area hospitals and medical buildings. The program will continue as
long as funds are available.
X. STAFF REPORTS
A. Village Administrator:
Village Administrator Czerwinski wanted everyone to be aware that the National Weather Service
has issued an Excessive Heat Watch from Wednesday, August 23 at 11:00 a.m. through Thursday,
August 24, at 8:00 p.m. and an Excessive Heat Warning from Wednesday, August 23 from
11:00 a.m. through 9:00 p.m.
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X.
STAFF REPORTS (continued)
Minutes of Aug 22, 2023 Board Meeting
a. Cooling center will be available during regular business hours at the following locations:
• American Legion Memorial Civic Center, 6140 Dempster Street, 847-470-5223,
from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
• Prairie View Community Center, 6834 Dempster Street, 847-965-7447,
from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday, closed Sundays
• Morton Grove Public Library, 6140 Lincoln Avenue, 847-965-4220,
from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 9:00 a.m. to
6:00 p.m. Fridays, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Saturdays; and 1:00 p.m. to
5:00 p.m. on Sundays
Mr. Czerwinski noted that seniors can be particularly susceptible to the effects of extremely hot
weather and encouraged neighbors of elderly folks to check in on them. The Village website also
contains best practice reminders for the public with this in mind; see www.mortongrov€,I.org.
• Drink plenty of water.
• Air conditioning provides the safest escape from the heat.
• Go elsewhere to get relief during the hottest part of the day if you have
no air conditioning.
• Stay indoors as much as possible, on the lowest floor out of the sun. Keep
heat outside and cool air inside by closing any doors or windows that may
allow heat in.
• Plan to check on family, friends, and neighbors (especially the elderly) who
do not have air conditioning or who spend much of their time alone. Be a
friendly neighbor—make sure they're safe.
• Eat small meals of carbohydrates, salads, and fruits, and eat more often.
Avoid foods that are high in protein because they increase metabolic heat.
• Slow down. Reduce, eliminate, or reschedule strenuous activity. If you must
engage in strenuous activity, do so during the coolest part of the day, which
is usually in the morning between 4:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m.
• Stay in the shade.
• If you experience an emergency, dial 911.
B. Corporation Counsel:
Corporation Counsel Liston had no formal report this evening.
Minutes of Aug 22, 2Q23 Board Meeting
XI.
A. Trustee Khan:
Trustee Khan had no formal report this evening.
TRUSTEES' REPORTS
B. Trustee Minx:
Trustee Minx had no formal report this evening.
C. Trustee Shiba:
1. Trustee Shiba encouraged everyone to "mark their calendar" for the upcoming Morton Grove
Sustainability Expo on Saturday, September 9 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Morton Grove
Civic Center, 6140 Dempster Street. Enjoy family -friendly activities, kid's crafts, and connect with
eco -friendly vendors! New this year will be a "Recycling Fest" at the Expo—a convenient one-stop
drop-off recycling event for various items. For more information, see the Expo webpage on the
Village's website.
D. Trustee Thill:
Trustee Thill had no formal report this evening.
E. Trustee Travis:
Trustee Travis reminded everyone that the Summer Photo Contest will end on September 1. Please
submit your photos of people having summer fun in Morton Grove to Village Hall or via the Village
website. Photos must be submitted by September 1, 2023.
F. Trustee Witko:
Trustee Witko presented four (4) Ordinances this evening.
1. Ordinance 23-17, Approving a Special Use Permit for a Nonboarding School and House of
Worship on a Lot Less Than 3.5 Acres at 7800 Lyons Street in Morton Grove, Illinois.
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Minutes of Aug 22, 2023 Board Meeting
XI.
TRUSTEES' REPORTS (continued)
Trustee Witko moved to adopt Ordinance 23-17, seconded by Trustee Minx.
Motion passed: 6 ayes, 0 nays.
Tr. Khan ave Tr. Minx aye Tr. Shiba aye
Tr. Thill aye Tr. Travis us Tr. Witko aye
2. Ordinance 23-18, Approving a Special Use Permit For a Drive -Through Facility Associated with a
Financial Institution in a C-1 General Commercial District with Select Waiver for the Property
Commonly Known as 6210 Dempster Street in Morton Grove, Illinois.
Trustee Witko moved, seconded by Trustee Travis, to adopt Ordinance 23-18.
Motion passed: 6 ayes, 0 nays.
Tr. Khan aye Tr. Minx aye Tr. Shiba kys
Tr. Thill aye Tr. Travis Ays Tr. Witko aye
3. Ordinance 23-19, Approving a Special Use Permit for a Full -Body Massage Establishment in a
C-1 General Commercial District for the Property Commonly Known as 9231-35 Waukegan Road
in Morton Grove, Illinois.
Trustee Witko moved to adopt Ordinance 23-19. Trustee Minx seconded the motion.
Motion passed: 5 ayes, 1 nay.
Tr. Khan aye Tr. Minx aye Tr. Shiba aye
Tr. Thill aye Tr. Travis ave Tr. Witko ry
4. Ordinance 23-20, Approving a Special Use Permit for an Assisted Living Facility in a C/R District
for the Property Commonly Known as 5520 Lincoln Avenue in Morton Grove, Illinois.
Trustee Witko moved, seconded by Trustee Shiba, to adopt Ordinance 23-20.
Motion passed: 6 ayes, 0 nays.
Tr. Khan Tr. Minx ays Tr. Shiba aye
Tr. Thill aye Tr. Travis aye Tr. Witko aye
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Minutes of Aug 22, <1 23 Board Meeting
XII.
XIII.
OTHER BUSINESS
NONE
WARRANTS
Trustee Khan presented the Warrant Register for August 22, 2023 in the amount of $700,889.56.
She moved to approve the Warrant Register as presented, seconded by Trustee Thill.
Motion passed: 6 ayes, 0 nays.
Tr. Khan aye Tr. Minx ky± Tr. Shiba aye
Tr. Thill aye Tr. Travis ky& Tr. Witko
XIV. RESIDENTS' COMMENTS
Rudolf Vilk, 7508 Emerson, said he had received a letter from Mr. Czerwinski dated July 5, 2023
which was in response to 11 letters sent by Mr. Vilk to the Village. He said the administrator is a
liar and the Board Members are liars when they say "justice for all" in the Pledge of Allegiance
because he is not getting justice. He said he has asked for meetings with the mayor and the mayor
has only granted him one meeting. He said the Village is treating his letters as though they are a
joke.
XV. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business being brought before the Board, Trustee Minx moved to adjourn
the meeting, seconded by Trustee Khan. Motion passed unanimously via voice vote.
The meeting adjourned at 7:36 p.m.
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Minutes of Aug 22, 2023 Board Meeting
PASSED this 12th day of September, 2023.
Trustee Khan
Trustee Minx
Trustee Shiba
Trustee Thill
Trustee Travis
Trustee Witko
APPROVED by me this 12th day of September, 2023.
Daniel P. DiMaria, Village President
Board of Trustees, Morton Grove, Illinois
APPROVED and FILED in my office this 13th day of September, 2023.
Eileen Harford, Village Clerk
Village of Morton Grove, Cook County, Illinois
Minutes by Teresa Cousar
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