HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-13-2024MINUTES 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
FEBRUARY 13, 2024
CALL TO ORDER
I. 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 Saba Khan, Rita Minx,
Ashur Shiba, John Thill, Connie Travis, and Janine Witko.
III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Mayor DiMaria asked for a motion to approve the Minutes of the January 23, 2024 Village Board
Meeting as presented. Trustee Minx so moved, seconded by Trustee Khan. Motion passed
unanimously via voice vote.
IV. SPECIAL REPORTS
NONE
V. PUBLIC HEARINGS
NONE
VI. PLAN COMMISSION REPORTS
NONE
VII. RESIDENTS' COMMENTS (AGENDA ITEMS ONLY)
NONE
Minutes of February 13,.1(124 Board Meeting
VIII.
PRESIDENT'S REPORT
1. Mayor DiMaria presented Resolution 24-12, Approving a Professional Services Agreement With
MGT of America Consulting, LLC for Executive Recruitment Services.
a. He said that this Resolution will authorize the Village Administrator to execute a contract with
MGT of America Consulting, LLC for recruitment consulting services for a new Village Administrator.
b. Mayor DiMaria said the Village Administrator is responsible for day-to-day administration of the
Village, the direction and supervision of all departments, the preparation and management of the
Village budget, the implementation of all Village ordinances and resolutions, and the care and
custody of all Village property. Village Administrator Ralph Czerwinski has announce that he will
be retiring in June 2024 after almost 50 years of public service, including his tenure as Village
Administrator since 2015.
c. MGT has proposed to conduct an executive recruitment search for a Village Administrator which
will include the assessment of the position, preparation of a recruitment brochure, extensive
targeted marketing for the position, evaluation, initial screening, and interviewing of applicants.
background check of chosen candidate, and salary and benefit negotiations. The process is
expected to last 12 to 14 weeks and cost $20,500 plus advertising and recruitment expenses
resulting in an anticipated total cost of $24,500.00. This Resolution will authorize a contract with
MGT consistent with its proposal.
Mayor DiMaria asked for a motion to approve Resolution 24-12. Trustee Thill so moved, seconded
by Trustee Minx.
Motion passed: 6 ayes, 0 nays.
Tr. Khan aye Tr. Minx aye Tr. Shiba aye
Tr. Thill ave Tr. Travis Tr. Witko Ayg
2. Mayor DiMaria read portions of a letter received by Fire Chief Ralph Ensign, from a resident who
witnessed the Morton Grove Fire Department in action on January 29, 2024. The resident said she
had never been that close to a major fire before, and she'd by lying if she said she wasn't afraid, but
watching the firefighters in action and their professionalism allayed her fears. This was a very
serious situation and it was heartwarming to see the presence of so many emergency personnel
on the scene. The writer is a resident of the 9130 block of Birch Avenue. The Board and assemblage
honored the MGPD and MGFD with a round of applause.
3. Mayor DiMaria reminded everyone who might be interested in getting an up -close look at what
police and firefighters do to register to participate in the Citizens Police & Fire Academy. This is a
free program with classes held every Wednesday for 12 weeks starting March 6, 2024 and ending
on May 22, 2024. Class will be held from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. The classes are designed to give
participants a working knowledge of what law enforcement and firefighting is all about. The classes
will be held at Village Hall and the program is limited to 20 students, so register soon. Access the
Village's website for the online application form or more information about this program.
2
Minutes 04 Fibrua is, 2024 ; • • , i. ; ;v
VIII.
PRESIDENT'S REPORT (continued)
4. Mayor DiMaria announced that February is "National Restaurant Month" and 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 photo 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!
5. Mayor DiMaria invited residents to attend the upcoming Neighborhood Outreach event, taking
place at Melzer Elementary School, 9400 Oriole Avenue, Morton Grove on Thursday,
February 15, 2024, at 6:00 p.m.
a. Mayor DiMaria said this is a great way for people to meet and talk with elected officials and staff to
learn about what's happening in the Village, ongoing and new projects, discuss issues one-on-one,
ask questions, and meet your neighbors. He added that, for this particular neighborhood outreach,
all of Morton Grove's State representatives have been invited to attend, so anyone within the
Village who feels haven't been "heard" by their State representatives will have a chance to talk
directly to the legislators who attend.
IX. CLERK'S REPORT
Clerk Harford had no formal report this evening.
X. STAFF REPORTS
A. Village Administrator:
Mr. Czerwinski had no formal report this evening.
B. Corporation Counsel:
Corporation Counsel Liston had no formal report this evening.
3
Minutes of February 13, 2024 Board Meeting
XI.
A. Trustee Khan:
Trustee Khan had no formal report this evening.
TRUSTEES' REPORTS
B. Trustee Minx:
1. Trustee Minx presented Resolution 24-13, Authorizing a Contract With Division 9 Inc. of Bothell,
Washington for the Fire Station #4 Bunk and Living Space Flooring Project.
a. She explained that the Fire Department staff at 6250 Lincoln Avenue (Fire Station #4) utilizes the
bunk side of the facility as their living quarters. Fire Station #4 currently has 1,936 square feet of
carpet in the crew side of its living quarters. Carpet in fire stations collects contaminants and
potentially infectious materials from response footwear worn by fire and EMS personnel. Public
Works Building Maintenance staff and Fire Department staff recommend that the carpeting in the
bunk side living space, including the bunk room, hallway, and locker room of Station 4 be removed
and replaced with vinyl plank flooring. This flooring improvement will provide Tong -term health
benefits to Fire Department staff as well as ease of cleaning and Tong -term maintenance. The
removal, purchase, and installation of flooring was competitively bid through the Sourcewell
Procurement Agency, with Division 9 Inc. of Bothell, Washington being the low bidder in the
amount of $26,290.44. This contract must conform to the requirements of the Prevailing Wage Act.
Trustee Minx moved, seconded by Trustee Witko, to approve Resolution 24-13.
b. Trustee Thill asked how a company from Washington came to bid on a Morton Grove job.
Mr. Czerwinski responded that Sourcewell Procurement Agency is a national cooperative, which
gives the Village a larger pool of companies looking to bid on a job. The Village is also a part of
another procurement entity from Houston/Galveston, TX for the same reason.
Motion passed: 6 ayes, 0 nays.
Tr. Khan lys Tr. Minx aye Tr. Shiba
Tr. ThiII aye Tr. Travis ave Tr. Witko aye
2. Next, Trustee Minx presented Resolution 24-14, Authorizing a Contract with Superb Steel, Inc. of
Skokie, Illinois, for Fire Station #5 Facility Renovations.
a. She explained that the Fire Department and Public Works staff have determined Fire Station #5 is in
need of upgrading due to prolonged normal wear, operational inefficiency which no longer meets
the needs of the Fire Department staff who utilize this facility during their twenty-four hour
on -duty shifts. Fire Department and Public Works staff developed a project plan and bid the project
in conformance with the Village's procurement requirements. This project was initially bid in 2023;
however, all proposals received were higher than the $250,000 budgeted for the project.
4
Minute{ of F€brua 13, 2024 Board Meetin:
XI.
TRUSTEES' REPORTS (continued)
B. Trustee Minx: (continued)
b. Trustee Minx said the scope of the project was then reduced, and the project was rebid.
Superb Steel, Inc. of Skokie, IL was the lowest responsible bidder with a bid of $174,980.00. This
Resolution will authorize a contract with Superb Steel Inc. for this work. This contract must conform
to the requirements of the Prevailing Wage Act.
Trustee Minx moved to approve Resolution 24-14, seconded by Trustee Travis.
c. Trustee Thill commented that it was hard to believe Station #5 is nearly 60 years old!
Mr. Czerwinski agreed, noting that the facility was refurbished in the mid -90's, but currently it
really needs to be made functional again.
Mayor DiMaria called for the vote on Resolution 24-14.
Motion passed: 6 ayes, 0 nays.
Tr. Khan aye Tr. Minx Ey± Tr. Shiba aye
Tr. Thill aye Tr. Travis aye Tr. Witko aye
3. Lastly, Trustee Minx presented Resolution 24-15, Authorizing the Purchase of a 2027 Emergency -
One Cyclone Rescue Pumper E -Max and Declaring the 1993 Pierce Arrow Squad and 2006
Smeal Quint Surplus Equipment.
a. She explained the Fire Department's apparatus fleet is aging and in need of modernization.
Currently the department's heavy rescue is a 1993 model, and the reserve quint is a 2006 model
with over 116,000 road miles. Both vehicles are at the end of their useful life and are in need of
replacement. The department has the opportunity to replace both vehicles by integrating the
functions of both into one rescue pumper. This will result in downsizing the department's heavy
fire apparatus fleet by one vehicle.
b. The Houston -Galveston Area Council (H -GAC) Cooperative Purchasing Program has solicited quotes
for the Cyclone Pumper by E -One. The manufacturer's local contract dealer is Fire Service, Inc. of
Naperville, IL, with a purchase price of $1,260,398.00 and estimated delivery in 35 months. A pre-
payment discount of approximately $143,251.50 (4% annual percentage rate [APR], simple
interest rate of the purchase price from the time of payment to the time of delivery) will be paid to
the Village upon delivery of the vehicle. The purchase price also includes the $4,980.00 fee for a
performance bond.
c. Trustee Minx said this Resolution will approve the purchase of the 2027 Emergency -One (E -One)
Cyclone Rescue Pumper and will declare the 1993 Pierce Arrow Squad and the 2006 Smeal Quint as
surplus equipment. The sale of these vehicles will be pursued contingent with the Fire
Department's operational readiness as determined by the Village Administrator and the Fire Chief.
5
M.inutes•of February 23,.2D24 Board Meeting
XI.
TRUSTEES' REPORTS (continued)
B. Trustee Minx: (continued)
d. The source of funds for this purchase is funds from the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 and a
$500,000 Illinois DCEO grant.
Trustee Minx moved, seconded by Trustee Travis, to approve Resolution 24-15.
Motion passed: 6 ayes, 0 nays.
Tr. Khan aye Tr. Minx ave Tr. Shiba ave
Tr. Thill aye Tr. Travis aye Tr. Witko aye
C. Trustee Shiba:
Trustee Shiba had no formal report this evening.
D. Trustee Thill:
1. Trustee Thill presented Resolution 24-16, Authorizing the Purchase of a New 2024 Ford F250
XL 4x4 Pickup From Sutton Ford Inc. of Matteson, Illinois.
a. The Public Works Vehicle Maintenance Division routinely review vehicle and equipment for fuel
economy, safety, dependability, age, and excessive repair cost, and has recommended that its fleet
be upgraded by the purchse of a 2024 Ford F250 XL 4x4 utility pickup truck. The Village participates
in the Northwest Municipal Conference Suburban Purchasing Cooperative to take advantage of
volume purchasing discounts for vehicles. The Suburban Purchasing Cooperative conducted a
bidding process for 2024 Ford F250 XL pickup trucks and awarded a contract to Sutton Ford, Inc. In
Matteson, IL. Sutton Ford provide a quote to the Village of $47,690. This Resolution will authorize a
Purchase Order for this expenditure.
Trustee Thill moved, seconded by Trustee Minx, to approve Resolution 24-16.
Motion passed: 6 ayes, 0 nays.
Tr. Khan ave Tr. Minx ly± Tr. Shiba aye
Tr. Thill aye Tr. Travis ly± Tr. Witko ave
6
Minutes of Februaty 13, 2024 Board Meeting
XI.
TRUSTEES' REPORTS (continued)
E. Trustee Travis:
1. Trustee Travis presented Resolution 24-17, Authorizing Purchase and Service Agreements with
Axon Enterprise, Inc. of Scottsdale, Arizona for Body Work Cameras, In -Car Cameras, and
Related Equipment and Video Storage.
a. The Morton Grove Police Department's current in -car cameras have proved to be a reliable and
necessary tool for the department, but these cameras are showing signs of age and are
deteriorating quickly in reliability.
b. The 2021 SAFE -T (Safety, Accountability, Fairness and Equity Today) Act requires all Village police
officers to wear body -worn cameras (BWCs) by January 1, 2025. BWCs and in -car cameras
document police activity, can be used for evidence collection, and may help resolve allegations of
officer misconduct. It is also necessary to have the video storage, viewing, and redacting tools
for both systems for police operations to continue to operate efficiently while expanding the
collection of digital evidence. This will require the use of one digital evidence dashboard to
appropriatelly and thoroughly store, review, access, and share this data in compliance with laws,
rules, and regulations of the court.
c. In November 2023, the Village solicited bid proposals for a turnkey solution for body -worn
cameras, in -car cameras, and related equipment and video storage for a five-year period.
Axon Enterprise, Inc. of Scottsdale, AZ was the second -lowest bidder, but their proposal for BWCs
and digital in -car video system upgrade best met the needs and specifications of the MGPD, and
during field trials, their equipment performed significantly better than the others tested. Lower-
priced systems had comparable features with lesser quality and could not offer the same quality of
management of digital evidence.
d. Axon Enterprise Inc.'s total price for the cameras and related equipment and the digital storage and
management of evidence is $311,192.34 payable over five years as follows: Year 1: $158,772.76;
Year 2: $37,168.89; Year 3: $37,776.53; Year 4: $38,408.47; and Year 5: $39,065.69.
e. This Resolution will authorize the purchase of the BWCs and digital in -car video system upgrade
from Axon Enterprise Inc. per the terms and conditions of the Village of Morton Grove proposal
dated December 13, 2023.
Trustee Travis moved to approve Resolution 24-17, seconded by Trustee Shiba.
Motion passed: 6 ayes, 0 nays.
Tr. Khan aye Tr. Minx lig Tr. Shiba aye
Tr. Thill aye Tr. Travis aye Tr. Witko aye
7
Minutes of February 13, 2024 Beard Meeting
XI.
TRUSTEES' REPORTS (continued)
F. Trustee Witko:
1. Trustee Witko presented Ordinance 24-02, Approving a Final Plat of Subdivision and Accepting
Certain Improvements for the Ponto Collection Subdivision Located on Property Commonly
Known as 9312 Shermer Road in Morton Grove, Illinois.
This is the second reading of this Ordinance.
a. Trustee Witko explained that the property commonly known as 9312 Shermer Road is a 1.565 -acre
site and is zoned R-1 Single Family Residence. Based on the Planned Unit Development (PUD)
Special Use Permit and the Subdivision Applications submitted for the subject property by
Varda and Company, LLC ("Developer") under Case PC 22-13, on January 24, 2023, the Village
Board of Trustees passed Ordinance 23-02 approving for the subject property a PUD Special Use
Permit authorizing the development of six (6) single-family detached dwellings and a preliminary
plat of subdivision to create seven (7) new lots of record, one of each new single-family residence
and one for the common areas to be owned and maintained by a homeowner's association.
b. The Village Engineer has provided a certificate of conformance for the development's required
improvements and the Develop has fulfilled the requirements and obligations required by
Section 12-8-3 prior to the Village Board's approval of the final plat of subdivision. Upon the
approval of the Board of the final plat of subdivision, the plat and declaration will be recorded with
the Cook County Clerk and the Department of Building and Inspectional Services will be able to
issue permits for vertical construction of the six (6) single-family residences.
c. Trustee Witko noted that minor changes had been made to this Ordinance since the first reading,
due to the developer's banking logistics. She moved to adopt Ordinance 24-02, seconded by
Trustee Minx.
Motion passed: 6 ayes, 0 nays.
Tr. Khan ky± Tr. Minx aye Tr. Shiba
Tr. Thill aye Tr. Travis ku Tr. Witko aye
d. Trustee Shiba commented that he drives past this property on a daily basis, and complimented the
developer on doing a great job and maintaining the property so well.
2. Trustee Witko next presented Resolution 24-18, Authorizing and Approving an Amendment
to a Professional Service Agreement Between R.M. Swanson Architects PC and the Village of
Morton Grove for Construction Management Services for the Morton Grove Metra Commuter
Station.
a. She explained that the Morton Grove Metra Station is a commuter railroad station on Metra's
Milwaukee North Line. It was constructed in the 1970's and last updated in the 1980's. The Village
plans to reconstruct the Metra station to include ADA improvements and enhancements to the
8
Minutes of February 13, 2024 Board Meeting
XI.
TRUSTEES' REPORTS (continued)
F. Trustee Witko:
surrounding platform, landscaping, parking lot, bicycle parking, and pedestrian safety upgrades.
The new station will feature quality architecture, incorporate sustainable practices where feasible,
and serve as an attractive gateway to the Village.
b. In 2022, the Village entered into a Professional Service Agreement with R.M. Swanson Architects PC
to prepare and finalize architectural and engineering plans for the reconstruction of the Metra
station. With the assistance of R.M. Swanson Architects PC, the Village is preparing to solicit bids
for construction of the station in the first quarter of 2024 and will need construction management
assistance, including, but not limited to preconstruction services, coordination with and
management of the selected general contractor, and monitoring of construction progress and
costs. Village staff therefore has negotiated an amendment to the original Professional Service
Agreement with R.M. Swanson Architects PC to provide construction management services for
$54,000. Construction management services will begin immediately, with construction expected to
begin in spring of 2024 and to be completed by the end of the year. This Resolution will authorize
the Village Administrator to finalize and execute this contract.
Trustee Witko moved to approve Resolution 24-18, seconded by Trustee Travis.
Motion passed: 6 ayes, 0 nays.
Tr. Khan aye Tr. Minx aye Tr. Shiba
Tr. Thill ave Tr. Travis aye Tr. Witko aye
XII. OTHER BUSINESS
Mayor DiMaria introduced former trustee John Pietron and thanked him for being in attendance
tonight. Mr. Pietron is still involved with the Village as he serves on its Water Commission.
XIII. WARRANTS
Trustee Khan presented the Warrant Register for February 13, 2024 in the amount of
$1,963,708.48. She moved to approve the Warrants as presented, seconded by Trustee Witko.
Motion passed: 6 ayes, 0 nays.
Tr. Khan aye Tr. Minx aye Tr. Shiba
Tr. Thill ave Tr. Travis gy& Tr. Witko aye
9
Minutes of February 13, 2024 Board Meeting
XIV.
RESIDENTS' COMMENTS
Rudy Vilk. Mr. Vilk said that, after the last Board meeting, he had spoken with Corporation Counsel
Liston and asked if she had read his letters. She said she had, and she disagreed with what his let-
ters said. He said that's okay, just "take the microphone" and say in a public meeting what she dis-
agreed with and why, and then make a decision. He said this isn't personal; it's part of her job.
Mayor DiMaria asked Mr. Vilk if he had anything else to bring up before the Board besides ripping
on Village staff members, which he has done numerous times in the past over the last 2-3 years.
The mayor said, "we know you don't think Terry does a good job, we know you don't think I do a
good job, we know you don't think Ralph does a good job, we know you don't think the Board does
a good job," and asked if Mr. Vilk had any other business to discuss this evening. At Mr. Vilk's si-
lence, Mayor DiMaria asked for a motion to adjourn.
XV. ADJOURNMENT
Trustee Minx moved to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Trustee Khan. Motion passed
unanimously via voice vote.
The meeting adjourned at 7:24 p.m.
10
Minutes of February 13, 2024 Board Meeting
PASSED this 27th day of February, 2024.
Trustee Khan
Trustee Minx
Trustee Shiba
Trustee Thill
Trustee Travis
Trustee Witko
APPROVED by me this 27th day of February, 2024.
Daniel P. DiMaria, Village President
Board of Trustees, Morton Grove, Illinois
APPROVED and FILED in my office this 28th day of February, 2024.
Eileen Harford, Village Clerk I'
Village of Morton Grove, Cook County, Illinois
Minutes by Teresa Cousar
11
v