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HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-09-2024MINUTES 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 JANUARY 9, 2024 CALL TO ORDER Village President Dan DiMaria convened the Regular Meeting of the Village Board at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers of Village Hall. II. Village Clerk Eileen Harford called the roll. Present were Trustees Rita Minx, Ashur Shiba, John Thill, Connie Travis, and Janine Witko. Trustee Saba Khan was absent with notice. III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Mayor DiMaria asked for a motion to approve the Minutes of the December 12, 2023 Village Board Meeting as presented. Trustee Minx so moved, seconded by Trustee Witko. Motion passed unanimously (with 1 absent) via voice vote. IV. SPECIAL REPORTS NONE V. PUBLIC HEARINGS NONE VI. PLAN COMMISSION REPORTS NONE VII. RESIDENTS' COMMENTS (AGENDA ITEMS ONLY1 1. Bob Burkhart, 6034 Grove Ct., said he wanted to speak regarding Ordinance 24-01, to be introduced at this meeting under Village Administrator Czerwinski's report. He noted the proposed ordinance doesn't come right out and say this, but it's clear we're talking about the matter of immigrants from Central America being dropped off in buses. That's a large issue for communities like Morton Grove, and so, like many other communities, Morton Grove is proposing an action that would restrict that kind of thing. Minutes of January 9, 2024 Board Meeting VII. RESIDENTS' COMMENTS (AGENDA ITEMS ONLY) (continued) a. Mr. Burkhart admitted our resources are limited—if we had a busload of 50 or more people dropped off here, it would be impossible to feed, clothe, and house all of them. However, he said, he is troubled by the "tone" of the Ordinance and the fact that it avoids the serious situation we face, where people are so desperate to get away from the unbearable situations they've been living in that they'll walk thousands of miles to escape. He said there's something missing when, on one hand, we call ourselves Amazingly Open, but on the other hand, we're saying, "We don't want the "Other" in our Village. b. Mr. Burkhart said he would like to see Morton Grove go further or offer some kind of affirmation that we are a welcoming community, regardless of where the people are coming from. That would be a positive gesture. He'd like to see the Morton Grove spiritual community to step up, stating he doesn't see much of that community feeding/clothing/or housing people in need. c. Mr. Burkhart suggested that perhaps some of our Village entities could think about ways to respond positively instead of saying "we don't want to do this," instead, he hoped we could all think about what we can do to alleviate the situation, regardless of our politics, because the "situation" is here. 2. Denyse Pashup wanted to speak regarding Ordinance 23-32, which defines and discusses short- term rentals (air B&Bs and such). She said she is an active patron of air B&Bs when she travels; however, she had an unfortunate experience when her neighbor vacated his property and it became an air B&B. She said people were coming and going at all hours at night, and she even frightened by a strange man smoking a cigarette in her yard! She felt that Airbnb's give a lot of opportunity to people with ill intent, and asked the Board to please consider the comfort and safety of Morton Grove residents when voting on this Ordinance. VIII. PRESIDENT'S REPORT 1. Mayor DiMaria sought the Board's concurrence with the appointment of Mark Werwath to the Environment and Natural Resources Commission: Trustee Minx moved to concur with the appointment, seconded by Trustee Shiba. Motion passed unanimously (with 1 absent) via voice vote. 2. Mayor DiMaria announced that the Citizens Police & Fire Academy will be back in 2024. It will take place for 12 weeks every Wednesday starting March 6, 2024 to May 22, 2024. Class will be held from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. He encouraged people to register to participate if they're interested in getting an up -close look at what police and firefighters do. The program is designed to give participants an understanding of the operation of the Morton Grove Police and Fire Departments, and a working knowledge of what law enforcement and firefighting are all about. The classes will be held at Village Hall and are limited to 20 students, so register early. There is no cost for residents to participate. Access the Village's website for the online application form or more information. 2 Minutes of January 9, 2024 Board Meeting VIII. PRESIDENT'S REPORT (continued) 3. Mayor DiMaria also announced that February is "National Restaurant Month" and, once again, the Village will be holding a contest encouraging residents to dine at a local eatery, so that they can be in the running to win one of ten $25 gift cards. a. To enter, you need to submit a phot of you, your friends, or your family dining at a Morton Grove restaurant or submit receipts totaling at least $25 and bearing a February 2024 date. Entries are due by Monday, March 11. Dine -in, take-out, and delivery are all eligible. Submit your receipts and/or photos to www.mortongroveil.org/dinemg. There's no need to submit photos if you're submitting receipts. The winning entries will be announced at the March 19 Village Board meeting. Only one winner per household. And, new this year, the Village will be featuring on its social media accounts discounted coupons for participating Morton Grove restaurants! IX. CLERK'S REPORT Clerk Harford had no formal report this evening. X. STAFF REPORTS A. Village Administrator: 1. Mr. Czerwinski said the Village is offering "holiday lights recycling" through February 1, 2024. A hol- iday light recycling bin is located in the lobby of Village Hall for people to place their non -working or unwanted holiday lights. He emphasized that it should be strings of lights ONLY—no garland or other adornment. a. This program is being brought to the Village by the Solid Waste Agency of Northern Cook County (SWANCC) and Elgin Recycling. Mr. Czerwinski said residents should NOT place holiday lights in their home recycling containers. 2. Mr. Czerwinski then presented Ordinance 24-01, Amending Title 5 Entitled "Motor Vehicles and Traffic," Chapter 4 Entitled "Rules of the Road" to Regulate Certain Charter Bus Services Within the Village of Morton Grove. a. He explained that this Ordinance will approve an amendment to Title 5, Chapter 4 of the Municipal Code to establish regulations and a permit process for chartered bus services that drop off passengers in the Village of Morton Grove without provisions for their housing and safety. b. Mr. Czerwinski explained that the City of Chicago recently passed an ordinance restricting the drop-off of inbound migrants to a specified landing zone with limited hours and capacity. Bus drivers failing to comply with the City's ordinance are subject to both severe fines and impounding. As a result, buses have been dropping off migrants in the suburbs, especially those with METRA stops. The drop-offs are unscheduled and can place a significant burden on the receiving municipality to provide temporary support and/or transportation to route passengers to the designated landing zone in the city. 3 Minutes of January 9, 21024 Board Meeting X. STAFF REPORTS (continued) A. Village Administrator: (continued) c. Mr. Czerwinski stated the Village has significant concerns for the health and safety of its residents and potential passengers who could be dropped off unannounced within the Village. Passengers dropped off outside of Metra scheduled service hours would be unable to find transportation to the designated Chicago landing zone and there is limited shelter from inclement weather available on-site. Further, an unscheduled drop-off could occur without the Village's knowledge, leaving passengers exposed to the elements and without food or water. d. Mr. Czerwinski said the proposed Ordinance amends Title 5, Chapter 4 of the Municipal Code and regulates private chartered bus services that will drop off ten (10) or more passengers within Morton Grove. The Ordinance does not apply to Pace or Metra buses, cabs, limousines, or ride - share vehicles or buses that operate pursuant to a published schedule or round-trip services. e. The Ordinance requires covered buses expecting to drop off ten (10) or more people to submit a permit application at least ten (10) calendar days before their expected arrival in Morton Grove. The application requires contact information for the operator, proof of licensing, insurance, and a plan for housing and feeding the people to be dropped off. Drop-offs are limited to the MG Metra station or an alternate designated location approved by the Police Chief during specific dates and times, and a detailed plan identifying how the individuals being dropped off will be cared for, housed, and fed, either temporarily or permanently. A violation of the Ordinance will result in fines of $750 per offense per day, plus the impounding of the vehicle. f. Mr. Czerwinski noted that staff was requesting that the second reading of this Ordinance be waived due to safety concerns caused by severe weather. Trustee Thill moved to waive the second reading of Ordinance 24-01, seconded by Trustee Minx. Motion passed: 5 ayes, 1 absent. Tr. Khan absent Tr. Minx am Tr. Shiba ay± Tr. Thill aye Tr. Travis aye Tr. Witko ay± Trustee Minx then moved to adopt Ordinance 24-01, seconded by Trustee Shiba. Motion passed: 5 ayes, 1 absent. Tr. Khan absent Tr. Minx Tr. Shiba ave Tr. Thill aye Tr. Travis aye Tr. Witko ayg B. Corporation Counsel: Corporation Counsel Liston had no formal report this evening. 4 _ - -: :Minutes ofJanuary9,- 024,13oArd.MIst XI. A. Trustee Khan: Trustee Khan was absent—no formal report this evening. TRUSTEES' REPORTS B. Trustee Minx: Trustee Minx had no formal report this evening. C. Trustee Shiba: 1. Trustee Shiba presented Resolution 24-01, Authorizing a Contractual Agreement With BS&A Software LLC for the Licensing, Implementation, and Maintenance of Software for the Finance and Building and Inspectional Services Departments. a. He explained that the Village recognizes the need to utilize a software solution to improve the management, business process workflow, and recordkeeping for the Finance and Building and Inspectional Services Departments and is satisfied with its current provider, BS&A Software LLC. b. However, the IT Manager has been informed that BS&A is phasing out its sale and maintenance plans for desktop software licenses and will only sell and service cloud -based software in the near future. Utilizing cloud -based software will provide Village staff with greater efficiencies and more flexibility, as information can be added or viewed remotely. Following vendor presentations and demonstrations, along with subsequent staff meetings, the Finance and Building Departments and the Information Technology Division are recommending the new software be purchased from BS&A Software LLC of Bath, Michigan, for $103,360 in 2024. The contract also provides for annual maintenance of software beginning in 2025 at a cost of $65,000 per year. The price will not change for the first two years, and cost increases thereafter will be limited to increases in the Consumer Price Index -All Urban Customers -U.S. City Average (CPI -U). The fiscal impact of this Resolution is $103,360 in 2024 and $65,000 each in 2025 and 2026. Trustee Shiba moved to approve Resolution 24-01, seconded by Trustee Thill. Motion passed: 5 ayes, 1 absent. Tr. Khan absent Tr. Minx aye Tr. Shiba ave Tr. ThiII ave Tr. Travis ly± Tr. Witko aye 5 •Mimutes!of January'•9;• 024 Board Meeting XI. D. Trustee Thill: Trustee Thill presented five (5) Resolutions this evening: TRUSTEES' REPORTS (continued) 1. Resolution 24-02, Authorizing a Contract with Core and Main of Carol Stream, Illinois for the 2024 Fire Hydrant Replacement Program. a. Over the past eight years, the Village has implemented an annual fire hydrant replacement program. This program aims to replace fire hydrants that have reached the end of their useful life, or for which parts are either unavailable or cost prohibitive. Some hydrants to be replaced were installed over 90 years ago. The contract was advertised and four sealed bids were received. The lowest bid was from Core and Main of Carol Stream, IL with a bid amount of $74,804 for twenty fire hydrants. The bid amount is based upon unit pricing proposed by the supplier for the number of units the Village determines to purchase. This Resolution will approve a contract with Core and Main for the 2024 Fire Hydrant Replacement Program. The fiscal impact of this Resolution is $74,804.00. Trustee Thill moved, seconded by Trustee Travis, to approve Resolution 24-02. Motion passed: 5 ayes, 1 absent. Tr. Khan absent Tr. Minx ave Tr. Shiba aye Tr. Thill ave Tr. Travis aye Tr. Witko a� 2. Resolution 24-03, Authorizing a Contract With Lyons Electric Company, Inc. to Replace the Generator at Fire Station #5. a. Public Works staff maintains emergency generators at all Village -operated municipal facilities. The existing 40 -kilowatt (KW) Caterpillar Olympian generator at Fire Station #5, which was installed in 2001, has reached the end of its useful service life and needs to be replaced. This contract was bid through a public process in accordance with Village requirements. Three sealed bids were received. Lyons Electric Company, Inc. submitted the lowest base bid in the amount of $65,150. Lyons Electric Company, Inc. has performed work for the Village in the past and is qualified for this project. This contract shall conform to the requirements of the Prevailing Wage Act. The financial impact of this Resolution is $65,150.00. Trustee Thill moved to approve Resolution 24-03, seconded by Trustee Travis Motion passed: 5 ayes, 1 absent. Tr. Khan absent Tr. Minx ay± Tr. Shiba aye Tr. Thill ave Tr. Travis a g Tr. Witko aye 6 Minutes of January 9, 2024 Board Meeting XI. D. Trustee Thill: (continued) TRUSTEES' REPORTS (continued) 3. Resolution 24-04, Authorizing an Agreement with Ciorba Group, Inc. to Provide Construction Engineering Services for Austin Avenue Improvements (MFT Section 12 -00106 -00 -PV). a. The Village has been developing a project to make improvements on Austin Avenue and Oakton Street since 2012, utilizing some federal funding provided by the State of Illinois. The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) will be advertising the construction contract for bids in February and March of 2024. The construction engineering for this contract exceeds the capacity of the Public Works Department. The Village followed a qualifications -based process to select Ciorba Group, Inc. to provide construction engineering services. The Village is responsible for hiring and paying the construction engineering costs of $369,790, and the State will reimburse the Village for eligible construction engineering expenses, estimated to be up to $217,274. As part of the State's bidding process, the Village needs to provide the construction engineering agreement ahead of the advertisement and according to the State's schedule. The fiscal impact of this Resolution is $369,790.00, with up to $217,274.00 expected to be reimbursed from IDOT. Trustee Thill moved, seconded by Trustee Witko, to approve Resolution 24-04. Motion passed: 5 ayes, 1 absent. Tr. Khan absent Tr. Minx aye Tr. Shiba aye Tr. Thill aye Tr. Travis aye Tr. Witko aye 4. Resolution 24-05, Authorizing an Agreement With the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) for Austin Avenue Improvements (MFT Section 12 -00106 -00 -PV). a. The Village has developed improvements to Austin Avenue that include partial reconstruction and resurfacing of Austin Avenue, storm and sanitary sewer improvements, traffic signal modernization at Austin Avenue and Oakton Street, curb ramp upgrades, pavement patching, and sanitary sewer on Oakton Street. The Village has received state and federal funding to pay for construction and construction engineering costs. Additional funding will be provided through IDOT and will require matching funds from the Village. The use of these funds requires a joint funding agreement with IDOT. This Resolution will authorize the required joint funding agreement for this project, which has an estimated total cost of $4,869,790, with $2,737,274 of federal funding, $98,550 of state funding, and $2,033,966 of local (Village) funding. Trustee Thill moved to approve Resolution 24-05, seconded by Trustee Witko. Motion passed: 5 ayes, 1 absent. Tr. Khan absent Tr. Minx aye Tr. Shiba aye Tr. Thill ave Tr. Travis aye Tr. Witko aye 7 Minutes ofDanuary'9 24 Board Meeting XI. TRUSTEES' REPORTS (continued) D. Trustee Thill: (continued) 5. Resolution 24-06, Appropriation of Motor Fuel Tax Funds for Austin Avenue Improvements (MFT Section 12 -00106 -00 -PV). a. Resolution 24-05 authorized a funding agreement for Austin Avenue Improvements MFT Section 12 -00106 -00 -PV. The Village's share of the construction cost to be paid with MFT funds is $460,000. The State of Illinois regulates spending of motor fuel tax funds through its Department of Transportation and requires the appropriation of MFT funds using state-wide forms. b. This Resolution shall approve the appropriation of $460,00 of Motor Fuel Tax funds for the partial reconstruction and resurfacing of Austin Avenue, sewer separation on a segment of Austin Avenue, sanitary sewer installation on a segment of Oakton Street, traffic signal modernization at Austin and Oakton, curb ramp upgrades, and pavement patching. The fiscal impact of this Resolution is $460,000. Trustee Thill moved to approve Resolution 24-06, seconded by Trustee Minx. Motion passed: 5 ayes, 1 absent. Tr. Khan absent Tr. Minx aye Tr. Shiba Tr. Thill ave Tr. Travis Ay& Tr. Witko ave 6. Trustee Thill wished everyone a happy New Year! E. Trustee Travis: Trustee Travis had no formal report, but said, as liaison to the Police Department, she, too, wished to acknowledge National Law Enforcement Day, and extend her and the Board's appreciation and thanks to all of our police officers who work tireless to keep Morton Grove safe. She said, "Our officers demonstrate dedication, compassion, empathy, and bravery day in and day out," and thanked Chief Simo for he and his police personnel do every day. F. Trustee Witko: 1. Ordinance 23-32, Approving a Text Amendment to Modify and Establish Regulations Relating to Short -Term Dwelling Units in Morton Grove, Illinois. a. Trustee Witko said she was presenting for a second reading Ordinance 23-32, which would approve a Text Amendment to modify and establish regulations relating to short-term dwelling units in the Village. 8 • t 1•7' _,_ - = Minutes of January 9, 2024 Board Meeting XI. F. Trustee Witko: continued b. Trustee Witko said, as presented, this Ordinance would legalize short-term rentals and create standards for their operation. TRUSTEES' REPORTS (continued) c. Trustee Witko continued, saying, "At the last Board meeting, I expressed my concerns with the legalization of this use. Based on what I've learned about short-term rentals and how they have already affected our residents, I do not believe the use is a good fit for the community. Short-term rentals have the potential to generate an unacceptable level of disruption to neighbors and neighborhoods, and the Village can only be reactionary when problems arise. 1 believe pressure on staff to enforce requirements and respond to complaints would be burdensome, and I personally would feel uncomfortable if a short-term rental existed next to my home." d. Trustee Witko noted that the Text Amendment originally presented by staff to the Plan Commission in August of 2023 clarified the existing prohibition on short-term rental units to assist with enforcement efforts against properties operating such rentals illegally. She said, for discussion purposes only, she would move to accept Ordinance 23-32 as presented. Trustee Travis seconded the motion. Trustee Witko said, "For the reasons previously noted, I move that this Ordinance be tabled and continued to the January 23, 2024 Village Board meeting, and that Staff prepare an amendment to Ordinance 23-32 to incorporate the original language presented by staff to confirm and clarify the current prohibition of short-term dwelling units." Trustee Travis seconded the motion. e. Trustee Minx asked if, on January 23, the Board would be able to see all the documentation the Plan Commission had seen, and also documentation about what neighboring towns are doing in this regard. Mr. Czerwinski said the Board can certainly have access to all that information. The motion to table Ordinance 23-32 to the January 23rd Board meeting having been made and duly seconded, Mayor DiMaria called for the vote. Motion passed: 4 ayes, 1 nay, 1 absent. Tr. Khan absent Tr. Minx aye Tr. Shiba aye Tr. Thill nay Tr. Travis ave Tr. Witko aye 2. Lastly, Trustee Witko presented Resolution 24-07, Authorizing an Intergovernmental Funding Agreement Between the Commuter Rail Division of the Regional Transportation Authority (METRA) and the Village of Morton Grove for a New Commuter Station and Reconfigured Parking Facility. a. She explained that the Village is engaged in the design and construction of a new Metra commuter station and accessory parking facility located at 8501 Lehigh Avenue in Morton Grove, IL ("Project"). Metra is willing to contribute $300,000 toward the Project cost of approximately $2,500,000. 9 Minutes of January 9, 024 Board Meeting XI. TRUSTEES' REPORTS (continued) F. Trustee Witko: (continued) b. The Village plans to seek bids to construct the Project in the first quarter of 2024, prior to which an intergovernmental funding agreement must be executed between Metra and the Village in order for the Village to receive the designated grant funds at the Project's completion. The financial impact of this Resolution is $2,200,000.00. Trustee Witko moved to approve Resolution 24-07, seconded by Trustee Travis. c. Trustee Thill asked if we have any chance of getting federal funding for this project. Mr. Czerwinski responded there are some grants out there, but others would cost us as much as we'd eventually get, and would put the project months behind. However, the Village will continue to look for additional funding resources. Mayor DiMaria called for the vote. Motion passed: 5 ayes, 1 absent. Tr. Khan absent Tr. Minx ky± Tr. Shiba aye Tr. Thill aye Tr. Travis aye Tr. Witko aye d. Mayor DiMaria commented that this is a vital project, as the Metra area is a "gateway" to the Village. The project, and the resolution just passed, is critical. He said he was very proud of the Board for taking this action. He also thanked Village staff and the Metra personnel who worked with our staff. XII. OTHER BUSINESS NONE XIII. WARRANTS 1. In Trustee Khan's absence, Trustee Travis presented the Warrant Register for December 26, 2023 in the amount of $1,557,428.92. She moved to approve the Warrants as presented, seconded by Trustee Thill. Motion passed: 5 ayes, 1 absent. Tr. Khan absent Tr. Minx aye Tr. Shiba aye Tr. Thill aye Tr. Travis aye Tr. Witko kyg 10 Minutes of January 9, 2024 Board Meeting XIII. WARRANTS (continued) 2. Trustee Travis presented the Warrant Register for January 9, 2024, in the amount of $413,731.23. She moved to approve the Warrants as presented, seconded by Trustee Minx. Motion passed: 5 ayes, 1 absent. Tr. Khan absent Tr. Minx aye Tr. Shiba Aye Tr. Thill aye Tr. Travis aye Tr. Witko XIV. RESIDENTS' COMMENTS 1. Ashfaq Nagori, 7101 Emerson testified that nothing is worthy of worship except for Allah, that Jesus, Moses, and Mohammed were prophets and messengers for Allah, and that Allah sees everything done by everyone. He said the reality is that today, there are grave injustices occurring in many parts of the world, and in particular, in the State of Palestine. a. Over 30,000 innocent men, women, and children have been killed, with countless thousands under the rubble of bombed buildings. Tens of thousands of people have been injured and maimed, suffering loss of limbs, eyesight, hearing, and other faculties. Over 70% of the buildings and infrastructure in the city of Gaza has been destroyed, including schools, hospitals, churches, mosques, and homes. b. This genocide and terrorism has continued in Palestine through the holiday season through the support of our own government using our hard-earned tax dollars. Mr. Nagori said, "We need to step up and implore our representatives to stop this terrorism that is being conducted by our government, to stop funding the terrorism and genocide being committed by the Israeli Zionist state, and to work towards a peaceful and just future, for all of humanity. We need to tell our representatives to utilize our hard-earned tax dollar to help the people right here in our country who are struggling, to improve our nation's infrastructure, our education system, and our healthcare system, instead of sending weapons and money to corporations and countries overseas to kill and destroy other peoples and lands. We need to tell them to stop the genocide in Palestine." 2. Shawn M. Hallinan said he was here this evening to ensure that our residents know about all the services and benefits now being offered by the Clerk of the Circuit Court. There are a plethora of services available, from a customer service call center (complete with translators, if necessary) to access to legal aid; from expungement of records to assistance with driver's license reinstatements; and from assistance with e -filing forms to a domestic violence survivor center. Mr. Hallinan said the Village Administrator has been given folders outlining all the numerous services being offered. Mayor DiMaria thanked him for coming and said it's always good to be aware of these types of resources. 11 Minutes of January9, 024 Board Meeting XV. 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 7:42 p.m. PASSED this 23rd day of January, 2024. Trustee Khan Trustee Minx Trustee Shiba Trustee Thill Trustee Travis Trustee Witko Aye_ APPROVED by me this 23rd day of January, 2024. Daniel P. DiMaria, Village President Board of Trustees, Morton Grove, Illinois APPROVED and FILED in my office this 24th day of January, 2024. Eileen Harford, Village Clerk Village of Morton Grove, Cook County, Illinois Minutes by Teresa Cousar 12