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HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-09-2024MINUTES 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 APRIL 9, 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 and led the assemblage in the Pledge of Allegiance. 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 March 26, 2024 Village Board Meeting as presented. Trustee Minx so moved, seconded by Trustee Thill. Motion passed unanimously via voice vote with one absent. IV. SPECIAL REPORTS NONE V PUBLIC HEARINGS NONE VI. PLAN COMMISSION REPORTS 1. Mayor DiMaria introduced Community Development Administrator Brandon Nolin to report on Plan Commission Case PC 24-02, Requesting a Special Use Permit for the Operation of an Indoor Recreational Facility in an M-2 General Manufacturing District with select variations for the property commonly known as 8150 Lehigh Avenue. a. Mr. Nolin said that the Applicant, Egret Badminton, is requesting a Special Use Permit to operate a members -only badminton training facility at 8150 Lehigh Avenue in the M-2 District. The proposed facility would feature six (6) indoor courts and would accommodate up to 24 players. Members range from elementary school -age to college -age and many are dropped off and picked up by their parents. The Applicant operates similar facilities in Schaumburg and in Chicago. Both locations are in industrial buildings as well. Minutes of April 9, 2024 Board Meeting VI. PLAN COMMISSION REPORTS (continued) b. The Traffic Safety Commission unanimously recommended approval this request at its meeting on March 7, and the Plan Commission made a unanimous recommendation for approval on March 19. VII. RESIDENTS' COMMENTS (AGENDA ITEMS ONLY NONE VIII. PRESIDENT'S REPORT 1. Mayor DiMaria proclaimed April 26, 2024 as "Arbor Day" in the Village. He said that Arbor Day was first observed with the planting of more than a million trees in Nebraska, and is now observed throughout the nation and the world. He spoke of the benefit of trees —how they can reduce erosion of precious topsoil by wind and water; how they can cut heating and cooling costs; moderate the temperature; clean the air; produce oxygen; and provide a habitat for wildlife. a. Mayor DiMaria said that trees are a renewable resource, giving us paper, wood for our homes, fuel for fires, and countless other wood products; and that trees in Morton Grove increase property values, enhance the economic vitality of business areas, and beautify our community. b. Mayor DiMaria said this is the 23rd year that the Village has been recognized as a Tree City USA by the National Arbor Day Foundation, and this is the third year Morton Grove has received the foundation's "Growth Award" for demonstrating a higher level of tree care and community engagement during the calendar year. The Growth Award is only given to Tree Cities who have exceeded the standards of Tree City USA. The standards include having a tree/forestry department, a public tree care ordinance, a community forestry program with an annual budget of at least $2 per capita, and an Arbor Day observance and proclamation. c. Mayor DiMaria urged all citizens to support efforts to protect our trees and woodlands and to support the Village's urban forestry program. He also thanked and congratulated the Public Works staff, led by Mike Lukich, the department head. d. Trustee Thill said he wanted to thank his wife Marian, because it was 23 years ago that she came before to a Board meeting and encouraged the Board Members to pursue having the Village become a Tree City. 2. Mayor DiMaria noted that April is Earth Month. He encouraged everyone to read the special Earth Month edition of the Village newsletter. It will have information about upcoming programs and events, such as: a. • Tree Giveaway: those who take the Morton Grove sustainability pledge can sign up to receive an evergreen tree to plant on your own property; 2 Minutes of April 9, 2024 Board Meeting VIII. PRESIDENT'S REPORT (continued) b. • Greener Morton Grove Award: this program recognizes businesses, organizations, groups, and multifamily residential facilities in Morton Grove that have promoted or implemented environmentally sustainable practices; c. • Community Clean-up Day: Saturday, May 18 is earmarked for this day. Make a difference in our community by helping clean up the Village's parks, trails, and green spaces; d. • Community Garage Sales: This is scheduled for June 7-9. Registration to participate in this event begins this week; e. • Electronic Recycling & Document Destruction event: This is set up for May 11 from 9am to noon; f• • Summer Adopt a Planter: Registration begins soon for this annual event. Please note, this year, no planters at the Metra station will be available due to construction; g. • Free Kids Explorer Kit: Kids can also get involved in the Village's sustainability efforts by signing the Kids' Sustainability Pledge in the Earth Month newsletter. Bring your pledge to Village Hall to receive a Morton Grove Explorers' Activity Kit. There's a lot going on so check out the newsletter for detailed information. 3. Mayor DiMaria also announced that the Public Works Department is accepting applications for the position of Summer Seasonal Employee. This is a seasonal, part-time position without benefits. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age, high school graduates, and able to work outdoors in varying weather conditions. Visit the employment page on the Village website for more information. 4. Mayor DiMaria encouraged all to stay up to date on the latest Village events and news by signing up for E-News and following the Village on Facebook and Instagram. 5. Mayor DiMaria stated that the Village is seeking volunteers to assist at various events throughout the year. He is especially hoping people will volunteer for Morton Grove Days, because the entire event has, to date, been run by volunteers. Morton Grove is known for its multiple -day event featuring a carnival, beer garden, entertainment, a parade, and a magnificent fireworks show. Mayor DiMaria said "Nobody does it better than Morton Grove!" Anyone interested in doing any volunteering should sign up on the Village website or contact Village Hall. IX. CLERK'S REPORT Clerk Harford had no formal report this evening. 3 Minutes of April 9, 2024 Board Meeting X. A. Village Administrator: Mr. Czerwinski had no formal report this evening. B. Corporation Counsel: STAFF REPORTS Corporation Counsel Liston had no formal report this evening. Xl. TRUSTEES' REPORTS A. Trustee Khan: Trustee Khan was absent —no formal report this evening. B. Trustee Minx: Trustee Minx had no formal report this evening. C. Trustee Shiba: Trustee Shiba had no formal report this evening. D. Trustee Thill: Trustee Thill had three Resolutions this evening: 1. Resolution 24-28, Authorizing the Annual Memorial Day Parade Closure of Dempster Street. a. The Illinois Department of Transportation requires the Village to adopt a Resolution approving the closure of Dempster Street for the annual Memorial Day Parade. This Resolution will also authorize the Village to file an application the the Illinois Department of Transporation for the closing of Dempster Street, Route 58, between 12:30 and 4:30 pm on Sunday, May 26, 2024 for the Parade, which is scheduled to begin at 1:30 pm on that date. This is a Morton Grove tradition, and each year a Resolution is developed authorizing approving the closure of Dempster Street for the parade and assuming full responsibility for the direction, protection, and regulation of traffic during the time the detour is in effect, and assuming all liabilities for damanges of any kind occasioned by the closing of said state route. 4 Minutes of April 9, 2024 Board Meeting XI. D. Trustee Thill: (continued) Trustee Thill moved, seconded by Trustee Travis, to approve Resolution 24-28. Motion passed: 5 ayes, 0 nays, 1 absent. TRUSTEES' REPORTS (continued) Tr. Khan absent Tr. Minx aye Tr. Shiba aye Tr. Thill aye Tr. Travis aye Tr. Witko aye 2. Resolution 24-29, Authorizing a Contract with Schroeder Asphalt Services, Inc. For the 2024 Street Patching Program. a. The annual street patching program is a preventative measure for asphalt streets to maintain quality, drainage, and drivability, and extend the life of the streets in the Village. This work is typically completed in two weeks. b. The Public Works Department developed contract documents for the program and bids were solicited on the Village website for 11 business days. Seven bids were received, with the low bid coming from Schroeder Asphalt Services, Inc. of Huntley, IL, in the amount of $126,765, which is $43,325 Tess than the $170,000 budgeted for this program. However, the bid amount is based on unit pricing and the contract's final price will be based on the number of units the Village determines. This contract must conform to the Prevailing Wage Act. This Resolution will approve a cotract with Schroeder Asphalt Services, Inc. in an amount not to exceed $150,000 to allow for additional paving within budget. Trustee Thill moved to approve Resolution 24-29, seconded by Trustee Minx. Motion passed: 5 ayes, 0 nays, 1 absent. Tr. Khan absent Tr. Minx aye Tr. Shiba aye Tr. Thill aye Tr. Travis aye Tr. Witko aye 3. Resolution 24-30, Authorizing the Sale of Surplus Village Vehicles and Equipment. a. This Resolution will authorize the sale of nine (9) Village -owned surplus motor vehicles and two (2) Village -owned pieces of equipment at the April 23, 2024 Joint Municipal Auction, organized by the Northwest Municipal Conferece. These are obsolete or surplus vehicles and property that has an estimated value exceeding $1,000, and which is, in the opinion of the Finance Director and the Village Administrator, is no longer necessary or useful to the Village. The Village has sold surplus vehicles and equipment through the Conference's joint municipal surplus vehicle auctions in the past and has found this process to be a cost-efficient way to sell surplus vehicles and equipment. Trustee Thill moved, seconded by Trustee Minx, to approve Resolution 24-30. 5 Minutes of April 9, 2024 Board Meeting XI. D. Trustee Thill: (continued) Upon the vote, the motion passed: 5 ayes, 0 nays, 1 absent. TRUSTEES' REPORTS (continued) Tr. Khan absent Tr. Minx aye Tr. Shiba ave Tr. Thill ave Tr. Travis aye, Tr. Witko 4. Trustee Thill also thanked Mike Lukich and his staff for doing a wonderful job in cleaning up the front portion of the little "finger" of forest preserve property along Lehigh Avenue between Elm Street and Chestnut. XI. E. Trustee Travis: TRUSTEES' REPORTS (continued) Trustee Travis reported on behalf of the Community Relations Commission. Earth Month -related activities include: • Community Garage Sales: This is scheduled for June 7-9. Registration to participate in this event is open; and • Summer Adopt a Planter: Registration begins soon for this annual event. Please note, this year, no planters at the Metra station will be available due to planned construc- tion. F. Trustee Witko: 1. Trustee Witko presented for a first reading Ordinance 24-05, Approving a Special Use Permit for an Indoor Recreational Facility at 8150 Lehigh Avenue in Morton Grove, IL. a. Trustee Witko explained that this case is pursuant to Plan Commission Case PC 24-02, which was presented earlier this evening by Community Development Administrator Brandon Nolin. As this is the first reading of the Ordinance, no action will be taken this evening. 2. Next, Trustee Witko presented Resolution 24-31, Approving an Economic Incentive and Tax Increment Allocation Financing Development Agreement by and between the Village of Morton Grove, IL, and 6724 Dempster LLC in regard to Certain Real Property Located in the Sawmill Station Redevelopment Area and the Expenditure of Funds from the Sawmill Station Tax Increment Financing District Fund. 6 Minutes of April 9, 2024 Board Meeting XI. F. Trustee Witko: (continued) TRUSTEES' REPORTS (continued) a. Trustee Witko explained that the Developer, 6724 Dempster Street LLC, became the owner of a 1.10 acre unimproved property commonly known as 6724 Dempster Street in Morton Grove. The Developer was authorized under Ordinance 24-03 to construct a mixed -use development on the property, to include six residential apartments, and ground -floor commercial units including an approximately 2,000 square -foot Joe Donut restaurant. Construction of this development is expected to cost $5.9 million and is not economically feasible without Village assistance. b. The Developer and Village staff have negotiated an Economic Development Agreement that will reimburse the Developer up to $1.45 million in TIF-eligible costs incurred by the Developer in return for the construction of the Development. Under the terms of this Agreement: • The Village will reimburse the developer up to $368,000 in the first six (6) years following Development completion in amounts equal to 75% of sales taxes generated by the Development and received by the Village. • The Village will reimburse the developer up to $137,000 in the seven (7) to twelve (12) years following Development completion in amounts equal to 25% of the sales taxes generated by the Development and received by the Village. • The Village will reimburse the developer up to $945,000 in amounts equal to 95% of the incremental property taxes generated by the property and received by the Village within the 15 years following development completion. • The Assistance will be reduced by 50% of the difference between the projected project budget of $5,907,900 and the actual project costs. • If the developer sells the property within 12 years following development completion, the Assistance will be reduced by 50% of the difference between the projected sales price by year as defined by the Agreement and the actual sales price. Trustee Witko noted the Assistance to the Developer represents 24.5% of total project costs, and the Development is projected to generate approximately $4 million in incremental property tax and local sales tax over the life of the Sawmill Station TIF District. The Developer may receive up to $1,450,000 in TIF funds from the Sawmill Station TIF District upon satisfying certain development requirements. c. Trustee Witko moved to approve Resolution 24-31, seconded by Trustee Travis. d. Trustee Thill commented that this is why TIFs exist —to bring new businesses to town. This is great for the Village, but he's worried about what Joe Donut will do to his waistline! Trustee Thill welcomed them to Morton Grove. Mayor DiMaria called for the vote on Resolution 24-31. 7 Minutes of April 9, 2024 Board Meeting XI. F. Trustee Witko: (continued) Motion passed: 5 ayes, 0 nays, 1 absent. TRUSTEES' REPORTS (continued) Tr. Khan absent Tr. Minx aye Tr. Shiba a� Tr. Thill aye Tr. Travis ly± Tr. Witko aye e. Mayor DiMaria thanked Nick Philippas for "taking a chance" on Morton Grove. He said many successes have happened thanks to Economic Incentive and Tax Increment Allocation Financing Agreements such as this one. Mayor DiMaria said TIFs in Morton Grove are and have been very successful. He said he was humbled and grateful to welcome this new business to town. f. Trustee Shiba also praised Nick, saying he LOVES their restaurant on Milwaukee Avenue and goes out of his way to go there. XII. OTHER BUSINESS NONE XIII. WARRANTS In the absence of Trustee Khan, Trustee Travis presented the Warrant Register for April 9, 2024 in the amount of $337,662.92. She moved to approve the Warrants as presented, seconded by Trus- tee Witko. Motion passed: 5 ayes, 0 nays, 1 absent. Tr. Khan absent Tr. Minx aye Tr. Shiba aye Tr. Thill aye Tr. Travis aye Tr. Witko XIV. RESIDENTS' COMMENTS 1. David King, a 36-year resident, addressed the Board. He said he has previously written to the Board and spoken at Board Meetings about the dangers of recreational cannabis. He had spoken in oppo- sition to having a cannabis facility in Morton Grove. He said, since the Mad Men store opened in the spring of 023, there have been a number of recent articles about new studies that have come out regarding the risks and dangers of cannabis use, in addition to those we've already know about for many years. Mr. King said, earlier today, he had sent the Board Members a letter containing re- cent articles about the dangers of cannabis use from the American Heart Association, the New York Time, and other media outlets. These articles unequivocally reflect that recreational cannabis use is linked to increased risk of heart attacks and strokes, and increased risks of heart failure, problems with asthma, and an increased rise in psychiatric disorders. 8 Minutes of April 9, 2024 Board Meeting XIV. RESIDENTS' COMMENTS (continued) a. Mr. King urged the Board to read the articles; they're important. He also asked the Board to look at the recreational cannabis building in Sawmill Station, because there are signs posted on the building saying "Premium Highs —Low Prices." He felt those signs were disgusting and even dangerous considering the risks of cannabis use, adding, "If they don't violate the letter of the law, they certainly violate the spirit of it." Mr. King felt those signs were inappropriate and set a bad example for the youth of Morton Grove. He thought a better sign would be "Let's Just Say No to Recreational Cannabis." He asked the Board to keep the dialogue open about the public health risks, and hoped future consideration might lead the Board to ask themselves if having a recreational cannabis facility in Morton Grove is worth the risks to public health and the dangers of having such a facility. b. Mayor DiMaria told Mr. King that he knows the sign he's referring to and the Village will let Mad Men know that residents are complaining about the appropriateness of the sign and that they should take it down. 2. Rudy Vilk. Mayor DiMaria noted that Mr. Vilk had written on his sheet the exact thing he has written at least 100 times before. He pointed out that "Residents Comments" is for comments only, not to be used as a question -and -answer session. He challenged Mr. Vilk to ask a fresh new ques- tion, and said, if he couldn't, it would be the same old thing of Mr. Vilk complaining about how he, the Board members, and Village perform their jobs. a. Mr. Vilk said that he and anyone who uses less than $3,000 gallons of water is charged a lot of money. He also said that he had made a mistake in a recent letter and no one caught it, which makes him wonder if anyone actually read the letter, because if they had, someone would have caught the mistake. Mayor DiMaria said he had met with Mr. Vilk in his conference room and answered every question the man had. The mayor then asked for a motion to adjourn the meeting. XV. ADJOURNMENT Trustee Minx moved to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Trustee Witko. Motion passed unanimously via voice vote with one absent. The meeting adjourned at 7:24 p.m. 9 Minutes of April 9, 2. 24 Board Meeting PASSED this 23rd day of April, 2024. Trustee Khan Trustee Minx Trustee Shiba Trustee ThiII Trustee Travis Trustee Witko SAYY P Aye nAn�YP ' Aim APPROVED by me this 23rd day of April, 2024. WV) Janine v' itko, President Pro-Tem Board of Trustees, Morton Grove, Illinois APPROVED and FILED in my office this 24thth day of April, 2024. Eileen Harford, Village Clerk Village of Morton Grove, Cook County, Illinois Minutes by Teresa Cousar 10