Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-08-2024MINUTES 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 OCTOBER 8, 2024 CALL TO ORDER I. Village Clerk Eileen Harford called to order the Regular Meeting of the Village Board at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers of Village Hall. She led the assemblage in the Pledge of Allegiance, then explained that Mayor DiMaria was absent with notice this evening, and asked for a motion to appoint one of the trustees to serve as President pro tem for tonight's meeting. Trustee Travis moved, seconded by Trustee Thill, to appoint Trustee Witko to serve as Mayor pro tem for this meeting. Motion passed: 5 ayes, 0 nays. Tr. Khan ave Tr. Minx absent Tr. Shiba aye Tr. Thill aye Tr. Travis aye Tr. Witko II. Clerk Harford called the roll after noting that Trustee Minx was also absent with notice. Present were Trustees Saba Khan, Ashur Shiba, John Thill, Connie Travis, and Janine Witko. 111. APPROVAL OF MINUTES a. Village Administrator Chuck Meyer presented the Minutes, Part 1 and Part 2, of the September 24, 2024 Board Meeting. He pointed out that one of the Ordinances that was on the Agenda for the September 24th meeting was Ordinance 24-15. This Ordinance number had been previously used. After speaking with Corporation Counsel Liston, the recording secretary changed the ordinance to be Ordinance 24-16. b. The Minutes reflect that Ordinance 24-16 was presented and discussed. Mr. Meyer suggested that staff add a footnote to these Minutes noting the reason for the difference between the Agenda item (Ordinance 24-15) and the Minutes (Ordinance 24-16). c. Mayor pro tem Witko asked for a motion to approve the Minutes of Part 1 and Part 2of the Regular Meeting of the September 24, 2024 Village Board as amended. Trustee Travis so moved, seconded by Trustee Shiba. Motion passed via voice vote with 5 ayes, 0 nays. Minutes October 8, 2Q24 Board Meeting IV. V. SPECIAL REPORTS NONE PUBLIC HEARINGS NONE VI. PLAN COMMISSION REPORTS Three Plan Commission reports were read out by Anne Kirchner, Planner/Zoning Administrator. 1. In Plan Commission Case PC 24-05, the MCC Academy is requesting approval of an amendment to a Special Use Permit to allow for the expansion of the existing gymnasium and the installation of a two-lane clay track for the existing field. An amendment is also needed to increase the maximum permitted student enrollment to 350. In response to mediation agreement requirements, Resolution 04-32, the Applicant provided a parking management plan to address concerns regarding observed on -street parking activity in the area surrounding the MCC. The Appearance Commission and the Traffic Safety Commission both unanimously approved the project. The Plan Commission also voted unanimously to recommend the project for the Board's approval. None of the Board Members had questions regarding this case. 2. Next, in Plan Commission Case PC 24-06, the Applicant is requesting a Special Use Permit for a parking variation for the entire Dempster Commons shopping center at 6015-6049 Dempster. Due to existing limitations, individual uses must apply for parking variations, and the proposed Special Use Permit will identify the total maximum parking at the site, beyond by -right parking ratios, and will enabling the leasing of several smaller vacant spaces currently available at the site. Both the Traffic Safety Commission and the Plan Commission voted unanimously to recommend approval of this request. None of the Board Members had questions regarding this case. 3. Lastly, in Plan Commission Case PC 24-07, the Applicant is requesting approval of a Special Use Permit for the redevelopment of an automobile minimart station, including a new 2,500 square foot retail building with two pick-up windows for walk-up customers. The project was unanimously approved by the Appearance Commission and Traffic Safety Commission, and the Plan Commission voted unanimously to recommend the project for approval. As a condition of the approval, the Plan Commission denied the Applicant's request for use of the alley as a southern egress point for the project. Trustee Shiba asked why the request was denied. Ms. Kirchner said the alley not used for ingress/egress currently; it's a one-way alley going west and we want to discourage patrons from leaving the station and possibly making an illegal maneuver to go east, utilizing Ferris Avenue to use the traffic signal on Dempster. Trustee Shiba asked if that denial will harm or hurt any of the proposed construction. Ms. Kirchner said it would not. 2 Minutes October8, 2024 Board Meeting VII. VIII. RESIDENTS' COMMENTS (AGENDA ITEMS ONLY) NONE PRESIDENT'S REPORT 1. Mayor pro -tem Witko proclaimed October 6-12, 2024, as Fire Prevention Week in the Village. She said the Village is committed to ensuring the safety and security of all those living in or visiting the Village, and fire is a serious public safety concern. Roughly three out of five fire deaths happen in homes with either no smoke alarms or no working smoke alarms. Working smoke alarms cut the risk of dying in reported home fires almost in half. Smoke alarms sense smoke well before a person can. They alert people to danger in the event of a fire, in which you may have as little as two minutes to escape safely. It is suggested that residents should install smoke alarms in every sleeping room, outside each separate sleeping area, and on every level of the home. Installed smoke alarms should be tested at least once a month. a. The theme of Fire Prevention Week this year is "Smoke alarms: Make them work for you." It reminds us of the importance of having working smoke alarms in the home. Mayor pro tem Witko urged all residents of Morton Grove to make sure their homes have working smoke alarms, and to support the many public safety activities and efforts of Morton Grove's fire and emergency services. 2. Mayor pro tem Witko announced the work on Gateway Plaza is wrapping up shortly. The new green space south of Lincoln Avenue at Ferris Avenue includes a public plaza, bicycle parking racks, planting beds, and commemorative bricks donated by the community. The ribbon -cutting is scheduled for Thursday, October 24, at 1:00 p.m. at the site. 3. Mayor pro tem Witko said that, starting on Monday, October 14, construction will begin for the new Metra station just south of Lincoln at Lehigh. It is anticipated that parking will be reduced due to the construction; however, the Village has authorized additional Metra parking on Main Street just west of Lehigh and on Nagle Avenue to the west of Main Street. The new parking spots will tie into the daily Metra parking stations and be marked for the public's use. The new spots will replace the vast majority of parking spaces lost during the early stages of construction. 4. Mayor pro tem Witko encouraged everyone to stay up to date on the latest Village events and news by signing up for E -News and following the Village of Facebook and Instagram. IX. CLERK'S REPORT Clerk Harford reported that early voting begins at the American Legion Memorial Civic Center on October 21 and runs through November 4. Hours are 9am to 5pm Monday through Saturday, and 10am to 4pm on Sundays. You can register and vote at the same time. She reminded everyone that Election Day is Tuesday, November 5. 3 Minutes October 8, 24 Board Meeting X. STAFF REPORTS A. Village Administrator: 1. Mr. Meyer said the Village has begun the 2025 Budget Process. Over the past several months, staff has been developing their Budgets to meet the needs of the community as efficiently as possible. The Village will hold Budget Workshops on October 15 and 16 at Village Hall. The final Budget and tax levy will be considered later this year. 2. Mr. Meyer noted that September 1st was the deadline to display 2024-2025 Village vehicle stickers. A late fee will now be imposed if you haven't yet purchased your sticker. Please call Village Hall at 847-965-4100 for assistance. If you want to make changes to your existing vehicle(s), you can make those changes online or with your renewal form and return the changes with your form of payment. B. Corporation Counsel: Corporation Counsel Liston was absent with notice this evening. Xl. TRUSTEES' REPORTS A. Trustee Khan: Trustee Khan had no formal report this evening. B. Trustee Minx: Trustee Minx was absent with notice—no report. C. Trustee Shiba: Trustee Shiba shared some highlights of the 2024 Sustainability Expo. The event hosted over 30 vendors, live music, and over 200 people registered for the popular raffle prize program. The Village is starting the planning process for next year's Sustainability Expo, so if anyone has anyone suggestions for ways to improve the event, please call Village Hall. 4 XI. D. Trustee Thill: TRUSTEES' REPORTS (continued) Minutes October 8, 2024 Board Meeting 1. Trustee Thill presented Resolution 24-57, Authorizing a Task Order with Ciorba Group, Inc. for the Austin Avenue Resurfacing Project. a. This Resolution will authorize the Village Administrator to authorize a task order with Ciorba Group, Inc. to perform design engineering services for the Austin Avenue Resurfacing Project. b. The segment of Austin Avenue south of Main Street is being rehabilitated as part of a federally funded project. This work will be completed in 2025. The Village desires to resurface Austin Avenue from Main Street to Lincoln Avenue because the pavement surface has deteriorated. Federal project development rules preclude the Village from incorporating this work into the federally funded project. The design engineering would need to be completed in 2024 to have the property ready for bidding in 2025. The design engineering for this contract exceeds the capacity of the Public Works Department—Engineering Division. Resolution 22-01, approved January 10, 2022 authorized the execution of a task order contract with Ciorba Group, Inc. for engineering services needs that may arise. Village staff has negotiated a scope of services with Ciorba Group, Inc. to perform the design engineering services. The fiscal impact of this Resolution is $27,839.14. Trustee Thill moved, seconded by Trustee Shiba, to approve Resolution 24-57. Motion passed: 5 ayes, 0 nays, 1 absent. Tr. Khan aye Tr. Minx absent Tr. Shiba lys Tr. Thill ave Tr. Travis aye Tr. Witko aye 2. Next, Trustee Thill presented Resolution 24-58, Authorizing a Task Order with Ciorba Group, Inc. for the Beckwith Road Resurfacing Project. a. This Resolution will authorize the Village Administrator to authorize a task order with Ciorba Group, Inc. to perform design engineering services for the Beckwith Road Resurfacing Project. The Village desires to resurface Beckwith Road from Waukegan Road to Austin Avenue. The Public Works Department has identified an opportunity to request federal funding to pay for up to 80% of this work's construction and construction engineering costs in 2025. The design engineering would need to be completed in 2024 to have the property ready for bidding in 2025. The design engineer- ing for this contract exceeds the capacity of the Public Works Department—Engineering Division. Resolution 22-01, approved January 10, 2022 authorized the execution of a task order contract with Ciorba Group, Inc. for engineering services needs that may arise. Village staff has negotiated a scope of services with Ciorba Group, Inc. to perform the design engineering services. The fiscal impact of this Resolution is $44,817.46. b. 5 Minutes October 8, 2. 24 Board Meeting XI. D. Trustee Thill: (continued) Trustee Thill moved to approve Resolution 24-58, seconded by Trustee Travis. Motion passed: 5 ayes, 0 nays, 1 absent. TRUSTEES' REPORTS (continued) Tr. Khan aye Tr. Minx absent Tr. Shiba aye Tr. Thill gyp_ Tr. Travis aye Tr. Witko aye 3. Trustee Thill then presented Resolution 24-59, Authorizing a Task Order with Ciorba Group, Inc. for the Central Avenue Resurfacing Project. a. This Resolution will authorize the Village Administrator to authorize a task order with Ciorba Group, Inc. to perform design engineering services for the Central Avenue Resurfacing Project. b. The Village desires to resurface Central Avenue from Dempster Street to Golf Road. The Public Works Department has identified an opportunity to request federal funding to pay for up to 80% of this work's construction and construction engineering costs in 2025. The design engineering would need to be completed in 2024 to have the property ready for bidding in 2025. The design engineer- ing for this contract exceeds the capacity of the Public Works Department—Engineering Division. Resolution 22-01, approved January 10, 2022 authorized the execution of a task order contract with Ciorba Group, Inc. for engineering services needs that may arise. Village staff has negotiated a scope of services with Ciorba Group, Inc. to perform the design engineering services. The fiscal impact of this Resolution is $43,925.48. Trustee Thill moved to approve Resolution 24-59, seconded by Trustee Shiba. Motion passed: 5 ayes, 0 nays, 1 absent. Tr. Khan aye Tr. Minx absent Tr. Shiba Tr. ThiII aye Tr. Travis aye Tr. Witko aye 4. Lastly, Trustee Thill presented Resolution 24-60, Authorizing a Task Order with Ciorba Group, Inc. for the Gross Point Rod Resurfacing Project. a. This Resolution will authorize the Village Administrator to authorize a task order with Ciorba Group, Inc. to perform design engineering services for the Central Avenue Resurfacing Project. b. The Village desires to resurface Gross Point Road within the Village limits. The Public Works Depart- ment has identified an opportunity to request federal funding to pay for up to 80% of this work's construction and construction engineering costs in 2025. The design engineering would need to be completed in 2024 to have the property ready for bidding in 2025. The design engineering for this contract exceeds the capacity of the Public Works Department—Engineering Division. 6 Minutes. October $.:2024 d mice XI. TRUSTEES' REPORTS (continued) D. Trustee Thill: (continued) c. Resolution 22-01, approved January 10, 2022 authorized the execution of a task order contract with Ciorba Group, Inc. for engineering services needs that may arise. Village staff has negotiated a scope of services with Ciorba Group, Inc. to perform the design engineering services. The fiscal impact of this Resolution is $33,706.25. Trustee Thill moved to approve Resolution 24-60, seconded by Trustee Shiba. Motion passed: 5 ayes, 0 nays, 1 absent. Tr. Khan aye Tr. Minx absent Tr. Shiba aye Tr. Thill aye Tr. Travis aye Tr. Witko 2y1 5. Trustee Thill noted that the Morton Grove -Niles Water Commission, the Village's provider for potable water, is currently undertaking a lining project for the existing 20 -inch main that provides for the western portion of the Village. This will significantly extend the life of the water main and help address water leakage issues. During this time, the Village is operating on an existing 12 -inch water main as a backup. While additional backup services were requested of the Water Commission, the Village has taken on the responsibility of finding additional backup services in case the 12 -inch water main experiences a significant break that exceeds the 20-24 hours of service provided through water reserves through neighboring communities. While the likelihood of such a break is low, the Village is taking on this responsibility to ensure residents receive potable water in all possible circumstances. 6. Trustee Thill encouraged residents to keep watering their trees; we're in a drought. He added that people should leave fallen leaves on their lawn when they mow it; the leaves make a good fertilizer. E. Trustee Travis: 1. Trustee Travis presented Resolution 24-61, Authorizing a Contract with Ray O'Herron Company of Danville, IL for the Purchase of Bulletproof Vests and Rifle Rated Ballistic Plates. a. She explained the Morton Grove Police Department recently began a program to purchase critical safety equipment, including bulletproof vest, for its officers to wear while on duty. Although in the past, each officer purchased his/her own equipment, having the Department purchase this equipment ensures uniformity and ensures that all vests used by the officers are covered by a manufacturer's 5 -year warranty. b. After conducting considerable research and testing, the Department selected the United Shield International Model UPT Moody Airius II bulletproof vest for its officers to wear while on duty. 7 Minutes October 8, 2024 Board Meeting XI. E. Trustee Travis: (continued) TRUSTEES' REPORTS (continued) c. A unique feature of this fest is the ability for officers to quickly insert rifle rated ballistic plates into the vest to increase its ability to stop rifle bullets. This is desirable because the vest can be worn without the plates for normal duties and be quickly transformed to a rifle -resistant tactical vest in critical incidents. United Shield International APL RF2-300 ballistic plates are made for the Model UPT Moody Arius II bulletproof vests, and they are only available from United Shield International through their distributor, Ray O'Herron Company. d. The Department has already purchased 21 of these vests, and with this Resolution, the police department will be purchasing 10 more vests, along with 31 sets of rifle rated ballistic plates for officers that received vests from prior purchases as well as the 10 from this purchase. This purchase will be paid for partially from the General Fund, which will be reimbursed from the Bulletproof Vest Reimbursement Grant, and the remainder of the cost will be paid with Seizure Funds. The fiscal impact of this Resolution is $56,479.70. Trustee Travis moved to approve Resolution 24-61, seconded by Trustee Thill. e. Trustee Thill asked Chief Simo how heavy the vests are. The chief said the vests are comfy; the plates are a couple of pounds each, so the more plates you're wearing the heavier the vest will be. Mayor pro tem Witko called for the vote on Resolution 24-61. Motion passed: 5 ayes, 0 nays, 1 absent. Tr. Khan aye Tr. Minx absent Tr. Shiba Tr. Thill aye Tr. Travis aye Tr. Witko aye 2. Trustee Travis said the Village is gearing up for the Winter Adopt -a -Planter Program. Those interest- ed in adopting a planter should register online by November 10. She also reminded people who had adopted planters at the Metra Station to please collect those as soon as possible, as construction will start on October 14. She encouraged people to visit the Village's website to learn more. 3. Trustee Travis noted that, starting October 1, there will be pink Police Department patches available at the front desk of the Police Department for $15 each. The program is being administered in conjunction with the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 135 to raise awareness about breast cancer during the month of October and to donate proceeds to charity. Residents interested in purchasing a patch may do so at the front desk of the Police Department, starting at the beginning of October. 4. Trustee Travis encouraged people to attend the next Neighborhood Outreach, which takes place on October 17 at 6:00 p.m. at Park View School. It's an opportunity to learn about what's happening in the Village. You can meet your elected officials and department heads, and learn about ongoing and 8 • IVIInuta &MOM 2024110etlFt IX. E. Trustee Travis: (continued) TRUSTEES' REPORTS (continued) new projects. You can use this opportunity to discuss issues one-on-one or ask questions. You can even use it as an opportunity to meet your neighbors! F. Trustee Witko: 1. Trustee Witko presented for a first reading Ordinance 24-17, Approving an Amendment to a Special Use Permit (Ord. 18-09) Granting the Expansion of an Existing School at the Property Commonly Known as 8601 Menard Avenue in Morton Grove, IL. a. This was reported out earlier this evening by Anne Kirchner, Village Planner/Zoning Administrator. As this is a first reading, no action will be taken this evening. b. Trustee Thill commented that he thought the MCC had come up with a very good parking plan. He said he knows that many of the neighbors of the MCC are very unhappy with the parking situation. He said he hoped the neighborhood would give this updated parking plan a chance, give it some time so that tweaks could be made, if needed. Trustee Witko said that, as liaison to the Plan Commission, she had learned that one of the conditions of the Ordinance is that the track can't be built until it's proven that the parking has worked out. 2. Trustee Witko then presented Ordinance 24-18, Approving a Special Use Permit for a Parking Variation at 6017-6049 Dempster Street in Morton Grove, IL. a. This, too, was reported out earlier this evening by Ms. Kirchner. As this is a first reading, no action will be taken tonight. Trustee Witko noted that the reason for this Ordinance is to make the property more marketable, as it will be easier to lease smaller units when the parking is factored as the whole parking lot. 3. Lastly, Trustee Witko presented Ordinance 24-19, Approving a Special Use Permit for an Automotive Minimart Station at 6335 Dempster Street in Morton Grove, IL. a. Trustee Witko noted that this had been reported out earlier in the meeting by Ms. Kirchner. As it is the first read of this Ordinance, no action will be taken this evening. XII. OTHER BUSINESS NONE 9 Minutes October 8, 2024 Board Meetin: XIII. WARRANTS Trustee Khan presented the Warrant Register for October 8, 2024 in the amount of $706,278.26. She moved to approve the Warrants as presented, seconded by Trustee Travis. Motion passed: 5 ayes, 0 nays, 1 absent. Tr. Khan aye Tr. Minx absent Tr. Shiba Tr. Thill ave Tr. Travis aye Tr. Witko aye XIV. RESIDENTS' COMMENTS 1. Bob Burkhart appeared before the Board as a regular traveler on Lehigh Avenue. He said he often sees the available parking areas for the Metra completely full by 9am on certain days of the week. He said it makes him wonder about how many more people couldn't park there because they didn't get there early enough. Mr. Burkhart said that he's always been a person to think about doing things differently. He said that, when the new train station is constructed, there will be a loss of parking for commuters because there will be a retail element in the area, which will also need parking. He was hoping that some people would park there, and then patronize the business(es) after getting off the train. He felt the "premium" parking space was the lot that is now used by a car company. He suggested that instead of "kicking our residents way down the street" to find parking, that the Village reclaim that lot for commuter parking, or even consider a two-story parking garage in that area; something that could make life easier for the residents/commuters. Trustee Thill remarked that the car company's lease is limited, and as soon as their new building is completed, they will be vacating that lot. But, Trustee Thill said, a development will be happening there. Mr. Burkhart felt that was just "sad." But he hoped the retail entities would allow commuters to park and to take advantage of what they're offering. 2. Kim Moldofsky said she would urge everyone to think more creatively. What Morton Grove does with public transportation is really important, and it sets the Village up as a leading community. The future of our country is not fossil fuel or cars. She said she would recommend having more covered, and more secure, bike parking—maybe something that has a live feed to Village Hall or the Police Department so people can feel more secure. She thought there were probably other creative non -car solutions that could also be reviewed. She hoped everyone would think creatively for the future and for the planet. XV. ADJOURNMENT As there was no further business before the Board, Trustee Travis moved to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Trustee Thill. Motion passed unanimously via voice vote. The meeting adjourned at 7:31 p.m. 10 Minutes October 8, 2024 Board Meeting PASSED this 22nd day of October 2024. Trustee Khan Trustee Minx Trustee Shiba Trustee Thill Trustee Travis Trustee Witko APPROVED by me this 22nd day of October 2024. • Daniel P. DiMaria, Village President Board of Trustees, Morton Grove, Illinois APPROVED and FILED in my office this 23rd day of October 2024. Eileen Harford, Village Clerk Village of Morton Grove, Cook County, Illinois Minutes by Teresa Cousar 11 I]