HomeMy WebLinkAbout11-26-2024MINUTES 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
NOVEMBER 26, 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 November 12, 2024 Village Board
Meeting as presented. Trustee Minx so moved, seconded by Trustee Witko. Motion passed
unanimously via voice vote.
IV. SPECIAL REPORTS
1. Presentation Honoring Police Chief Michael Simo on his retirement
a. Mayor DiMaria asked Police Chief Mike Simo and his family to join him at the podium. He told the
assemblage that the Chief would be retiring officially on December 1, 2024, and many people
wanted a chance to let the Chief know what he's meant to Morton Grove.
On May 5, 2014, Michael Simo joined the Morton Grove Police Department as the 10th Chief in its
129 -year history. During his tenure, Chief Simo led the department to become accredited as a Tier II
Law Enforcement Agency by the Illinois Law Enforcement Accreditation Program (ILEAP), a program
of the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police. He also represented the Village as the Executive Board
President of both the North Regional Major Crimes Task Force (NORTAF), Executive Board President
of the Northeastern Illinois Regional Crime Laboratory (NIRCL), and Trustee of the Northern Illinois
Police Alarm System (NIPAS).
Chief Simo prioritized enhanced training programs, introduced state-of-the-art equipment, fostered
transparent communication, and strengthened ties with the community. These efforts brought
significant and positive change to the department, improving its effectiveness and bolstering
public trust.
b.
c.
d. Mayor DiMaria said, "When I asked Chief Simo about his time at Morton Grove, Mike told me that
he is grateful for the opportunity he had to work with this great group of sworn police officers and
Minutes November 26,2024 Board Meeting
IV.
SPECIAL REPORTS (continued)
civilian employees, as well as the Mayor, Village Administration, and Board. He said he had made
many friends here and would always treasure these relationships."
e. The mayor noted that Chief Simo considers his family his greatest accomplishment and looks
forward to enjoying more time with his wife Nancy, their four adult children—Amanda, Becky,
Emily, and Matt—and their two grandsons, Miles and Teddy, in retirement.
f. Mayor DiMaria said, "I want to thank Chief Simo for his long career in law enforcement, including
the last decade with the Village of Morton Grove. Chief Simo was the catalyst for bringing
significant and positive change to the department with enhanced training, modern equipment,
improved communication, and stronger community relations. Thanks to Chief Simo, the MGPD has
improved beyond measure. On behalf of the residents and Village Board, I would like to express our
gratitude and wish him and his family well in retirement."
g.
Chief Simo's leadership has left an enduring legacy of professionalism and community trust, setting
a strong foundation for the department's future. His contributions will be remembered and
appreciated by the residents of Morton Grove for years to come.
h. Next, Village Administrator Chuck Meyer spoke. He said Mayor DiMaria did an excellent job in
describing the profound effect Chief Simo has had on the Morton Grove Police Department.
Mr. Meyer said that he wanted to take a moment to reflect on the specific accomplishments that
have defined Chief Simo's tenure since he began leading the department in May 2014. These
examples illustrate what it means to be a police chief in a community like Morton Grove.
h.1
Since May of 2024, the Morton Grove Police Department has responded to 253,427 calls for
service—ranging from assisting residents with small quality -of -life issues to executing high-risk
search warrants. During this time, the MGPD made 3,946 arrests and issued 49,095 citations.
However, enforcement statistics alone do not capture the full scope of a police department's
activities, or what Chief Simo has accomplished. Behind the scenes, Chief Simo's leadership has
been transformative, driving innovation and excellence in every facet of the department's
operations.
h.2 • Evidence Management Reorganization: At the start of his tenure, the department faced a
backlog of evidence stored in parking lot trailers. Chief Simo reorganized the evidence
program, hiring a full-time evidence custodian, implementing modern inventory software,
conducting routine audits, and establishing a destruction program in compliance with Illinois
State Statutes.
h.3
h.4
• Accreditation Success: In 2016, Chief Simo initiated the department's membership in the
Illinois Police Accreditation Coalition to formalize and improve its policies and practices.
The department achieved accreditation in 2017 and was reaccredited in 2020.
• Community -Centered Initiatives: Chief Simo created the Community Liaison Officer role,
established a dedicated Traffic Unit, and launched the "Lead the Way" program, offering
10 -week courses in local schools. Since 2015, the department has also hosted the annual
National Night Out, now a community tradition.
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SPECIAL REPORTS (continued)
Minutes November 26, 2024 Board Meeting
h.5 • Operational Modernization: Under Chief Simo's leadership, the department transitioned
from paper-based systems to digital platforms, including electronic accident reporting,
e -ticketing, and an in-house electronic policy manual. In 2024, the department integrated
body -worn cameras into daily operations, supported by upgraded in -car video systems.
h.6 • Officer Development and Training: Chief Simo prioritized professional development by
fostering a partnership with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, resulting in three
command staff members graduating from the FBI National Academy. Twelve sergeants
were sent to the Northwestern Center for Public Safety School of Staff and Command.
Chief Simo has made 11 promotions to the supervisory ranks and to the command staff.
He also sent personnel to the Suburban Law Enforcement Academy to serve as class
supervisors, developed training manuals for new sergeants, and obtained certification
through the Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board for in-house range,
tactical medical, and traffic stop training courses.
h.7 • Enhanced Officer Equipment: The department updated duty firearms, replaced outdated
Tasers, and distributed state-of-the-art body armor. Chief Simo also introduced portable
truck scales for traffic enforcement, FLIR night vision systems for squad cars, and
Starcom 21 radios to replace outdated communication equipment.
h.8 • Technology and Safety Upgrades: Chief Simo spearheaded the installation of Federal Signal
Software in local schools to notify the department of critical incidents. He also replaced the
community's tone alert system with the Everbridge notification system, implemented a
Smart 911 program, and created a public safety drone program, with three drones operated
by certified officers. He also oversaw the implementation of the Flock Public Safety Camera
system, which has become an invaluable tool identifying and interdicting stolen motor
vehicles and other types of crime.
h.9 • School and Community Safety: He established a School Safety Task Force, which brought
together school leaders to conduct reunification and lockdown drills. The department's
Narcan Administration Program, introduced under Chief Simo's leadership, has saved
countless lives during opioid overdoses.
h.10 • Commitment to Wellness: Chief Simo remodeled the department's facilities, including the
dispatch center, locker rooms, break rooms, and weight room. He also launched a Therapy
Dog program, "Law Enforcement Heelers," to support officer and community well-being.
He established a Peer Support Team and a Safety Committee, both designed to create
better working conditions for Morton Grove Police Department personnel.
h.11 • Policy and Procedural Improvements: Chief Simo replaced the use of external vendors
for policy manuals with an in-house electronic management system. He overhauled the
records section, including securing destruction orders for outdated files, and oversaw the
signing of four bargaining agreements with the Fraternal Order of Police (2014, 2016, 2020,
and 2024).
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IV.
SPECIAL REPORTS (continued)
h.12 • Community Recognition and Awards: The department has earned numerous accolades,
including the Department of Defense Freedom Award for its support of Army Reserve and
National Guard personnel. Under Chief Simo's leadership, MGPD also won the Illinois
Traffic Safety Challenge three times since 2019.
h.13
J•
k.
• Finding Good People for the Police Department: During his tenure, Chief Simo has
overseen the recruitment and hiring of personnel. Forty-one officers and civilians have been
hired since May of 2014. He also created a lateral police officer hiring process which has
been utilized numerous times.
Some of Chief Simo's additional accomplishments include:
> Replacement of the department's AED inventory;
> Redesigned the squad cars;
> Established a voluntary Police Jiu-Jitsu Program;
> Conducted radio drills for neighboring municipalities;
➢ Joined the Northeastern Illinois Regional Crime Laboratory;
➢ Implemented customer satisfaction surveys for residents served by MGPD,
beginning in 2016; and
➢ Certified numerous personnel as Force Science Analysts.
Mr. Meyer said, "From enhancing daily operations to strengthening ties with the community and
modernizing the department, Chief Simo has left an indelible legacy of innovation, excellence, and
service. He has not only guided the department through significant change but has also ensured
that it is better equipped to meet the challenges of the future.
Chief Simo, your leadership has truly set a gold standard. On behalf of the entire Morton Grove
community, we thank you for your extraordinary service and wish you all the best in this next
chapter of your life."
The next speaker, State Senator Ram Villivalam, noted that Chief Simo has touched an incredible
number of lives in his 44 years of public service. He said, "Today, in your retirement, your legacy
will live on for decades." Senator Villivalam said that safety is the number one issue on peoples'
minds. He said he'd love it if people could feel 100% safe, but that's an elusive goal. Chief Simo has
demonstrated on a daily basis his commitment to his job and to that goal." The senator read a
proclamation from the Illinois State Senate congratulating Chief Simo on his retirement after
44 years in law enforcement.
m. Deputy Police Chief Mike Weitzel presented Chief Simo with a Retirement Badge plaque and
thanked him for his years of service and dedication to the Village of Morton Grove.
n. Chief Simo addressed the Board and the assemblage, thanking people for coming out and saying he
was honored by their doing so. He thanked Mayor DiMaria and the Village Board for their trust and
support over the last 10 years.
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IV.
SPECIAL REPORTS (continued)
Minutes Nove,1 bPi:26, 2024 t3aaK1 Meeting
o. Chief Simo said has appreciated working well with great people. He thanked Senator Villivalam for
his and the State Senate's good wishes. He spoke highly of former Village Administrator Ralph
Czerwinski and current Village Administrator Chuck Meyer, and all the department heads as well.
Chief Simo also thanked the MGPD staff and civilian supervisors, and the three administrative
assistants he's had, who made sure that everyone got paid. He said he was especially grateful for
his Deputy Chiefs, Brian Fennelly, Norm Stromberg, and Mike Weitzel. Deputy Chief Stromberg
retired a few years ago, and Deputy Chief Weitzel will be sworn in as Police Chief in December, with
Dennis Johnson being promoted to Deputy Chief.
p. Lastly, Chief Simo said he's very proud of his family, especially his wife Nancy. He thanked her for
her love, support, and patience, noting that, when he chose a career in law enforcement, he was
looking for adventure, and even though it's difficult being the spouse of a person with this type of
career, she's been with him every step of the way.
2. Fire Prevention Week: Poster Contest Winners Announced
Mayor DiMaria called Fire Prevention Coordinator Rick Dobrowski to the podium to announce the
winners of the 2024 Fire Prevention Week Poster Contest Winners and present the awards to them
Rick stated that students in grades K-8, in all the schools located within the Village, were invited
to participate. As was done in last year's contest, the children could choose between several fire
safety topics. The winning posters were based on whether the fire safety message was correct,
whether the message was clear, and the quality of the artwork.
Winners were as follows:
• Abigail Lee, Kindergarten, Jerusalem Lutheran
• Esme Pop Buia, First Grade, Jerusalem Lutheran
• Mohammed Umar Ebrahim, Second Grade, MCC Academy
• Raheeba Farhan, Third Grade, Melzer Elementary (also the overall contest winner)
• Kinsley Rae Hardt, Fourth Grade, Jerusalem Lutheran
• Abby Nicole de la Rosa, Fifth Grade, Edison Elementary
• Trinity Vo, Sixth Grade, Jerusalem Lutheran
• Louisa Big, Seventh Grade, Jerusalem Lutheran
• Esther Yoon, Eighth Grade, Jerusalem Lutheran
Each winner received a plaque with a digitized photo of their winning photo. Rick thanked the
Village Board for its support of the annual Fire Prevention Poster Contest, all the children who par-
ticipated in the contest, and the parents, families, and teachers present tonight. Rick also thanked
the Firefighters Association and noted they not only pay for the awards, they do all the judging.
The contest winners joined Mayor DiMaria, Mr. Dobrowski, and other Fire Department reps in
several rounds of photo opportunities.
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Minutes November 26, 2124 Board Meeting
V.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
a. Mayor DiMaria opened the Public Hearing on the proposed 2025 Budget and turned it over to
Village Administrator Meyer.
b. Mr. Meyer said the Budget was presented at a Village Workshop held on October 15 and tonight, a
Public Hearing on the Budget is taking place. Public notice of the hearing was published in the
Chicago Tribune Local newspaper on November 14, 2024. The Budget has been available at the
office of the Village Administrator, the Public Library, and posted on the Village's website since at
least November 4, 2024.
c. Mr. Meyer said the General Fund total in the 2025 Proposed Budget is $39,500,000; the Library's
total budget is $4,086,844, and the total budget, including the Library's budget, is $83,820,786. He
said he would be happy to answer any questions.
d. Mayor DiMaria asked the Board if any of them had any questions on the Budget. No one did. The
mayor then asked for a motion to close the Public Hearing. Trustee Minx so moved, seconded by
Trustee Travis. The motion passed unanimously via voice vote.
VI. PLAN COMMISSION REPORTS
NONE
VII. RESIDENTS' COMMENTS (AGENDA ITEMS ONLY)
NONE
VIII. PRESIDENT'S REPORT
1. Mayor DiMaria said he was happy to announce that, starting today, a new drop-off/pickup
("Kiss -and -Ride") driving arrangement for commuters at the Metra station during construction.
a. Thanks to the Public Works staff, and in response to commuter feedback, the Village is allowing
drop-off/pickup ("Kiss -and -Ride") in front of the Morton Grove Metra station. Commuters are
asked to please use the entrance at the south end of the station and follow the drop-off/pickup
diagram posted at the Metra site for the exact location and routing. Note that drop-off/pickup and
U-turns will continue to be prohibited on the roadways surrounding the Metra station per a police
order. Visit the Village's website for more information.
2. Mayor DiMaria also announced that, on December 7, 2024, Santa will be coming to Morton Grove!
The annual "Santa Comes To Town" parade will start at Greenwood & Waukegan Road, and will
conclude between 1:15 and 1:30 pm at Main Street and Austin Avenue. The parade will be followed
by visits with Santa at the Prairie View Community Center. More details can be found on the
Village's website at www.mortongroveil.org/santa.
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Minutes November 26, 2024 Board Meeting
CLERK'S REPORT
Clerk Harford was pleased to announce that, beginning on December 2, the Park District's Prairie
View Center will be open Monday through Friday, between 8 and 9am, for people to enjoy indoor
fitness walking There is no charge for this.
STAFF REPORTS
A. Village Administrator:
Mr. Meyer first apologized because the original Agenda had been posted with several errors. It was
subsequently corrected and the Amended Agenda posted to replace the original one.
Mr. Meyer said he had several Ordinances to report on this evening:
1. Ordinance 24-23, An Ordinance Approving and Authorizing the Modification of an Economic
Incentive and Tax Increment Allocation Financing Development Agreement By and Between the
Village of Morton Grove, Illinois and P&P Properties, LLC in Regard to Certain Real Property
Located in the Lehigh/Ferris Tax Increment Financing Redevelopment Area and the Expenditure
of Funds from the Lehigh/Ferris Tax Increment Financing District Funds.
a. The modification of the Economic Incentive and Tax Increment Allocation Financing Development
Agreement between the Village and P&P Properties will support a ten -unit townhome and a duplex
development within the Lehigh/Ferris TIF District.
b. Mr. Meyer explained that, in July of 2022, the Village Board adopted Ordinance 22-15, approving
and authorizing the execution of an economic incentive and tax increment allocation financing
development agreement between the Village and P&P Properties, LLC for the redevelopment of
property commonly known as 8721, 8733, and 8735 Narragansett Avenue and 8720 through 8726
Ferris Avenue in Morton Grove. The Agreement requires the Developer to develop and construct
a ten -unit townhome development and two -unit duplex development on the property in order to
receive certain economic incentives as set forth in the Agreement.
c. The developer has failed to meet certain timeline obligations of the Agreement and is currently in
default thereof, but continues to make good faith progress toward completion of the development.
Due to the ongoing cooperation of the developer, Village staff is seeking the Board's authorization
to reinstate the Agreement and authorize the following modifications and extension of time to the
deadlines contained therein:
c.1
• The principal balance and all accrued interest shall be immediately due to the
Village on the 2 -year, 8 -month anniversary of the Closing Date (May 22, 2025)
unless all Certificates of Occupancy have been issued for the 10 townhouse
units and the 2 duplex units.
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X.
A. Village Administrator: (continued)
STAFF REPORTS (continued)
c.2 • The Village shall forgive the principal and interest owed on the note if the
Developer has constructed and obtained Certificates of Occupancy for
all 10 townhome units on the Townhome Property and has constructed
and obtained Certificates of Occupancy for the 2 duplex units on the
Duplex Property on or before the 2 -year 8 -month anniversary of the
Closing Date (May 22, 2025.
c.3 • The $250,000 in TIF Assistance eligible to be paid to the Developer
shall be reduced by an amount determined by the Village Administrator
to reimburse the Village for incurred expenses of staff time and to
reimburse for the loss of property taxes associated with the extended
timeline, as deemed reasonable and appropriate by the Village Administrator.
c.4
• Under no circumstances will the Village be obligated to provide any
TIF Assistance to the Developer for any Eligible Expenses after May 1, 2025,
or pursuant to any request for reimbursement, including proof of payment,
and paid receipts for Eligible Expenses shall be submitted to the Village
no later than March 1, 2025.
d Mr. Meyer said this is the first reading of this Ordinance; therefore no action will be taken tonight.
2.
a.
Ordinance 24-24, Authorizing the Transfer of Funds From the Lehigh Avenue/Ferris Avenue Tax
Increment Financing District to the Lincoln -Lehigh Tax Increment Financing District Within the
Village of Morton Grove, Cook County, Illinois.
Mr. Meyer explained that provisions in the Tax Increment Redevelopment Act allow the Village to
transfer funds from one TIF District to a contiguous TIF District. This Ordinance will authorize the
transfer of $1,750,000 from the Lehigh/Ferris TIF to the Lincoln/Lehigh TIF. The funds will be used
to further redevelopment projects within the Lincoln/Lehigh TIF District.
Again, this is a first reading, so no action will be taken tonight.
3. Ordinance 24-20, Terminating the Designation of the Ferris Avenue/Lehigh Avenue
Redevelopment Project Area.
a. This Ordinance will formally terminate the Ferris Avenue/Lehigh Avenue TIF District effective
December 31, 2024.
b. Mr. Meyer said that, in January of 2000, the Village established the Ferris Avenue/Lehigh Avenue
Tax Increment Financing District via Ordinances 00-01, 00-02, 00-03, and approved a
Redevelopment Project and Plan and increment financing for the TIF District.
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Minutes Nownb r 26, 2024 80ard Meeting
X.
A. Village Administrator: (continued)
STAFF REPORTS (continued)
c. On October 25, 2021, pursuant to Ordinance 21-08, the Village amended the Redevelopment
Project and Plan to remove certain parcels from the Redevelopment Project Area. On
November 14, 2022, pursuant to Ordinance 22-19, the Village amended Ordinance 00-01 to extend
the estimated date of completion of the Plan and Project to December 31, 2024. This Ordinance
will formally terminate TIF incremental financing for the TIF District effective December 31, 2024,
and enable the other taxing bodies in the TIF District to extend their levies and receive the
incremental taxes produced by the TIF.
d. Mr. Meyer said the TIF District will be maintained for the limited purpose of completing and paying
for approved redevelopment project, receiving incremental property tax revenues for tax year 2023
and prior tax years, and to settle claims and lawsuits affecting the Project Area.
This is a first reading, so no action will be taken tonight.
4. Ordinance 24-25, Exempting Certain Morton Grove Employers From The Cook County Paid Leave
Ordinance.
a. This Ordinance exercises the Village's Home Rule Authority to exempt the Morton Grove Park
District, school districts, and other employers located within the Village from the requirements of
the Cook County Paid Leave Ordinance.
b. In 2023, Cook County passed the "Cook County Paid Leave Ordinance," which is inconsistent with
the Illinois Paid Leave for All Workers Act. The Village has been notified by impacted schools and
the Morton Grove Park District that complying with the County's Ordinance will negatively impact
their governmental operations and affairs, especially their ability to provide efficient services to
young residents, and will place an undue burden on their ability to provide uninterrupted services
to their constituents.
c. The Illinois Constitution, in Article VII, Section 6c, provides that "if a home rule county ordinance
conflicts with an ordinance of a municipality, the municipal ordinance shall prevail within its
jurisdiction."
d. It is the Village's intent, by adopting this Ordinance, to exercise its home rule authority to opt out of
the requirement of the Cook County Paid Leave Ordinance so that its requirement shall not be
imposed on the Morton Grove Park District, school districts located in the Village, and other village
employees.
This is the first reading of this Ordinance; no action will be taken this evening.
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Minutes Novenib:er26; 2. 24 Board Meeting
X.
B. Corporation Counsel:
Corporation Counsel Liston had no formal report this evening.
XI.
STAFF REPORTS (continued)
TRUSTEES' REPORTS
A. Trustee Khan:
1. Trustee Khan presented Ordinance 24-21, Adopting the Budgets for All Corporate Purposes of the
Village of Morton Grove and the Morton Grove Library, Cook County, Illinois, For The Calendar
Year Effective January 1, 2025 and Ending December 31, 2025.
a. Trustee Khan noted the Budget was presented at a Village Workshop held on October 15 and a
Public Hearing on the Budget took place earlier in this meeting. Public notice of the hearing was
published in the Chicago Tribune Local newspaper on November 14, 2024. The Budget has been
available at the office of the Village Administrator, the Public Library, and posted on the Village's
website since at least November 4, 2024.
b. Some highlights of the Budget are progressive enhancements (i.e., bond rate stabilization) and
long-term goals such as maintaining the Village's financial reserves and continuing pension
contributions at an appropriate level. The Budget also focuses on resurfacing streets, replacement
of water mains, and sewer lining projects. The Austin Avenue reconstruction will continue, as well
as the work being done on the Oakton Street pedestrian path. Maintenance of public facilities,
systematic equipment replacement, and IT security enhancements are also included in the 2025
Budget.
Trustee Khan moved to adopt Ordinance 24-21, seconded by Trustee Minx.
Motion passed: 6 ayes, 0 nays.
Tr. Khan aye Tr. Minx aye Tr. Shiba aye
Tr. Thill aye Tr. Travis aye Tr. Witko aye
2. Next, Trustee Khan presented Ordinance 24-22, Levying and Assessing Taxes for the Village of
Morton Grove, Cook County, Illinois, for 2024 to be Collected in the Fiscal Year Beginning
January 1, 2025 and Ending December 31, 2025.
a. Trustee Khan explained that the amount necessary to be levied for the 2024 property taxes is
$12,104,185 for Village operational expenses; $660,213 for Village debt service; and $3,908,808 for,
the Public Library. This will result in a levy of $12,764,398 for the Village and $3,908,828 for the
Library, for a total levy of $16,673,226. The effective result is a 3.74% increase in the Village's
portion of the tax levy and a 4.85% increase in the Library's portion of the tax levy, resulting in an
overall increase of 4.0% from the final extended tax levy from the previous year.
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XI.
A. Trustee Khan: (continued)
Trustee Khan moved to adopt Ordinance 24-22, seconded by Trustee Minx.
Motion passed: 6 ayes, 0 nays.
Tr. Khan aye Tr. Minx aye Tr. Shiba ave
Tr. Thill aye Tr. Travis ave Tr. Witko ave
TRUSTEES' REPORTS (continued)
Minutes November 26, 2024 Board Meeting
3. Next, Trustee Khan introduced Ordinance 24-26, Authorizing an Amendment to the Village of
Morton Grove 2024 Adopted Budget.
a. She explained that the Adopted 2024 Budget needs to be amended to include the expenditure of
certain public safety equipment to be paid for by grant reimbursement opportunities and ARPA
funds.
b. The 2024 Budget was adopted by the Board on November 28, 2023. The Budget represents an es-
timate of revenues available and recommended expenditures for the Village. The Municipal Code
allows the adopted budget to be amended by a vote of two-thirds of the Corporate Authorities.
The Village has become aware of grant opportunities to partially reimburse itself for the purchase
of certain necessary public safety equipment. This Ordinance will approve an amendment to the
2024 Adopted Budget to reflect the 2024 expenditures for this equipment and to designate ARPA
fund which have already been received for these expenditures.
This is the first reading of this Ordinance; no action will be taken this evening.
4. Lastly, Trustee Khan brought forward Ordinance 24-27, Implementing a Municipal Grocery
Retailers' Occupation Tax and a Municipal Grocery Service Occupation Tax for the Village of
Morton Grove.
a. She explained that, on August 5, 2024, Governor Pritzker signed legislation repealing the State
grocery tax and authorizing municipalities to recover their share of revenue from the State grocery
tax. The Illinois Municipal Code provides that, beginning in January 2026, all Illinois municipalities
may impose a tax "upon all persons engaged in the business of selling groceries at retail in the
municipality" at the rate of 1% of the gross receipts from these sales, provided the municipality
also imposes a Service Occupation Tax at the same rate "upon all persons engaged, in the
municipality, in the business of making sales of service, who, as an incident to making those sales of
service, transfer groceries" as "an incident to a sale of service." These taxes will be administered,
collected, and enforced by the Illinois Department of Revenue.
b. The Village believes that it is appropriate, necessary, and in the best interests of the Village and its
residents to levy these taxes in order to replace the Village's share of the State grocery taxes. This
tax shall take effect on January 1, 2026, provided a certified copy of this Ordinance is filed with the
IL Department of Revenue on or before April 1, 2025. If no action is taken the Village would lose
approximately $152,000 in revenue currently generated through its share of the state grocery tax.
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Minutes November 26, 2024 Board Meeting
XI.
A. Trustee Khan: (continued)
This is the first reading of this Ordinance; therefore, no action will be taken tonight.
TRUSTEES' REPORTS (continued)
B. Trustee Minx:
a. Trustee Minx had no formal report, but wanted to promote the Holiday Food Drive on behalf of the
Firefighters Association of Morton Grove.
b. The Firefighters Association is collecting monetary donations to purchase grocery store gift cards,
toys, and holiday hams for families in need. Cash and check donations will be accepted until
December 13. Checks can be made payable to: Firefighters Association of Morton Grove.
c. Monetary donations can be delivered by mail or in-person to:
Morton Grove Fire Station #4
Attn: Food Drive
6250 Lincoln Avenue
Morton Grove, Illinois 60053
C. Trustee Shiba:
Trustee Shiba had no formal report this evening.
D. Trustee Thill:
Trustee Thill had several Resolutions to present tonight:
1. Resolution 24-68, Authorizing the Execution of a Service Contract With Municipal GIS Partners,
Inc. (MGP) for Geographic Information System Services.
a. This Resolution will authorize the Village Administrator to execute and the Village Clerk to attest to a
contract extension with Municipal GIS Partners, Inc. (MGP) to maintain and develop Geographic
Information System (GIS) Services in 2025, and to authorize the Village Administrator to renew the
contract for successive one-year periods if then existing circumstances warrant the renewal.
b. The Village has been a member of the Geographic Information System Consortium (GISC) since 200
to reduce the costs of implementing GIS technology by participating in collective bargaining, group
training, joint purchasing, and development and innovation sharing.
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Minutes November 26, 2024. Board Meeting
XI.
D. Trustee Thill: (continued)
TRUSTEES' REPORTS (continued)
c. MGP has been the service provider for GIS services to GISC since the GISC began in 1999. This
resolution will approve a one-year contract with MGP for the term of January 1, 2025 to
December 31, 2025, and will authorize the Village Administrator to renew the contract for
successive one-year periods if then existing circumstances warrant the renewal. The contract may
be terminated by the Village for any reason upon 90 -days written notice.
Trustee Thill moved, seconded by Trustee Witko, to approve Resolution 24-68.
Motion passed: 6 ayes, 0 nays.
Tr. Khan aye Tr. Minx aye Tr. Shiba
Tr. Thill aye Tr. Travis gy± Tr. Witko aye
2. Next, Trustee Thill presented Resolution 24-69, Authorizing a Task Order with Ciorba Group, Inc.
for Lehigh Avenue Street Lighting Project.
a. Land use on Lehigh Avenue within the Lincoln/Lehigh Tax Increment Financing District is undergoing
significant change with the addition of townhomes, mixed-use development, and a new train
station. As part of this redevelopment, there is a need to improve the level and quality of Village
roadway lighting along Lehigh Avenue between 8300 Lehigh Avenue and Lincoln Avenue along
Main Street. The lighting design for this requirement exceeds the technical expertise of the Village
Engineering Division. Resolution 22-01, approved January 10, 2022, authorized executing a task
order contract with Ciorba Group, Inc. for required engineering services. While the cost for this
specific cost for this project is within the Village Administrator's spending authority, it is being
presented to the Village Board for consideration since the total cost for Ciorba's task orders from
the existing Ciorba agreement exceed the Village Administrator's authority.
b. The fiscal impact of this Resolution is $22,685.80.
Trustee Thill moved to approve Resolution 24-69, seconded by Trustee Travis.
Motion passed: 6 ayes, 0 nays.
Tr. Khan aye Tr. Minx aye Tr. Shiba aye
Tr. Thill aye Tr. Travis aye Tr. Witko aye
3. Trustee Thill next presented Resolution 24-70, Establishing a Moratorium on Processing
Applications for Public Alley Right of Way Vacations.
a. This Resolution would establish a moratorium for 18 months on any new vacations of public alley
rights of way, so as to provide staff with sufficient time to establish a proactive policy regarding
desired alley vacations.
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Minutes November 26, fO24 Board Meeting
XI.
D. Trustee Thill: (continued)
TRUSTEES' REPORTS (continued)
b. Village staff currently receives requests for alley vacations on an occasional basis, typically tied to
the spring/summer construction cycle when homeowners are considering fence replacements and
installations. No formal policy is in place to approve such requests, resulting in a reactive process
where, in the Community and Economic Development Administrator, Public Works Director, and
Village Engineer evaluate the merits of the request against zoning requirements, anticipated Public
Works projects, and existing/proposed infrastructure and utility locations. The piecemeal review of
alley vacation requests results in an inefficient use of Village resources.
c. The Department of Public Works is currently in the process of inventorying public alley conditions
and creating a comprehensive Capital Improvement Program. Based on the data that is being
inventoried for those projects, staff will be able to develop a comprehensive database of public
alley rights of way, including documentation of existing conditions and a Village -wide assessment of
the suitability of alleys for vacation. That inventory will enable the Department of Public Works to
identify right of way segments that would be good candidates for vacation that the Village could
then proactively pursue, or enable staff to quickly respond to vacation requests, including consistent
reasoning for the support or denial of such requests. Staff recommends establishing a moratorium
on alley vacations for a period of 18 months to provide sufficient time for the creation of a proactive
alley vacation policy and related database.
Trustee Thill moved to approve Resolutions 24-70, seconded by Trustee Minx.
d. Trustee Thill suggested not paving over all the alleys, because storm water collects there, and it
can't if it's all paved over. Mr. Meyer responded this is a moratorium to prevent vacating/paving
alleys.
Mayor DiMaria called for the vote on Resolution 24-70.
Motion passed: 6 ayes, 0 nays.
Tr. Khan Tr. Minx aye Tr. Shiba aye
Tr. ThiII aye Tr. Travis aye Tr. Witko ave
4. Lastly, Trustee Thill presented Resolution 24-71, Authorizing the Acceptance of a Material Proposal
from Compass Minerals America Inc. for the 2025 Road Rock Salt Purchasing Program.
a. The Village has an annual program to purchase road salt for the winter snow and ice season. The
road rock salt is used to keep the Village -maintained streets, parking Tots, and facilities safe during
the winter snow and ice season. The purchasing of this material is paid for using the Motor Fuel Ta)
(MFT) fund. The State of Illinois administratively controls the use of MFT funds, and the bidding
procedures and contract documents are required to conform to state requirements for these funds
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XI.
TRUSTEES' REPORTS (continued)
D. Trustee Thill: (continued)
Minutes November 26, 2024 Bbard Meeting
b. This contract was bid through a public process in accordance with the Village's municipal code and
Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) requirements. The contract was advertised and three
sealed bids were received. The low bid was submitted from Compass Minerals America Inc. of
Overland Park, Kansas, with the bid amount of $169,925.00 for 2,500 tons of road rock salt. The
Village included terms in the contract documents to provide an option to purchase between 40 and
120 percent of the 2,500 tons contract quantity. The corresponding contract amount the bidder has
agreed to furnish is $204,000. The bid amount is based upon unit pricing proposed by Compass
Minerals America Inc. for the number of units the Village determines to be in the best interest of
the Village. This Resolution will approve a contract with Compass Minerals America Inc. for the
2025 Road Rock Salt Purchasing Program not to exceed $204,000.
Trustee Thill moved, seconded by Trustee Travis, to approve Resolution 24-71.
Motion passed: 6 ayes, 0 nays.
Tr. Khan ave Tr. Minx aye Tr. Shiba aye
Tr. Thill aye Tr. Travis aye Tr. Witko aye
E. Trustee Travis:
1. Trustee Travis announced the Morton Grove Police Department's annual Toys for Tots collection
drive. The drive has already begun and the last day to drop off toys is December 13th. If you are
able and willing to donate, you can drop off a new, unwrapped toy at the following locations:
• MG Police Department, 6101 Capulina Ave.
• MG Fire Department #4, 6250 Lincoln Ave.
• MG Village Hall, 6101 Capulina Ave.
• MG Park District, 6834 Dempster St.
• MG Public Library, 6140 Lincoln Ave.
F. Trustee Witko:
1. Trustee Witko introduced Ordinance 24-28, Approving a Text Amendment to Modify and Establish
Regulations Relating to Tree Preservation and Protection and Establish a Tree Planting Fund.
a. She explained that the Village of Morton Grove recognizes the services and functions that trees
provide as a collective asset to the Morton Grove community. As the Village seeks to enhance
regulations applying to trees on public and private property to better preserve and protect the
urban forest as critical infrastructure, staff is recommending certain modifications to Chapter 12-11
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Minutes November 26, 2124 Board Meeting
XI.
TRUSTEES' REPORTS (continued)
F. Trustee Witko:
b.
and numerous related sections to establish a Tree Ordinance to help preserve and protect the
Village's tree canopy. The proposed amendment was designed to:
• Include a value statement that recognizes the services and functions trees provide
as a collective asset to the Morton Grove community;
• Establish a Tree Planting Fund;
• Clarify public tree removal procedures and enhance tree protection requirements;
• Establish landscape and tree preservation plan requirements, and enhance
planting requirements;
• Prohibit certain invasive plant species and add species diversity requirements; and
• Regulate the removal of select trees on select properties (with exemptions provided
for certain conditions outside the control of the property owner).
At the request of Staff, the Appearance Commission reviewed the proposed amendment on
October 1, 2024, and voted unanimously (7-0) to recommend approval of the amendment as
presented. The Environment and Natural Resource Commission reviewed the proposed amendment
on October 7, 2024, and also voted unanimously (7-0) to recommend approval of the amendment,
with the addition of a value statement to the new Tree Preservation section. If approved by the
Village Board, Staff will provide notice of the new tree preservation and protection regulations by
Village website updates and mail (via the water bill) and provide direct guidance as needed.
Trustee Witko said that no action on this Ordinance will be taken tonight, as this is a first reading.
XII. OTHER BUSINESS
Mayor DiMaria had one more comment regarding Chief Simo, which came via email from former
Trustee Bill Grear: "Just wanted to say that I'm sorry I couldn't be at this meeting to honor Mike, but
I needed to tell all of Morton Grove that when we interviewed Chief Simo for the job, I knew
immediately he was the correct fit! Needless to say, we as a village hit a home run that night when
he accepted the job. Mike, I'll always treasure your commitment and friendship to myself and all of
us that worked with you. 5o enjoy retirement! MG will miss you!! I'll see you getting milk late at
night again someday. Your forever friend, former Trustee Bill Grear"
XIII. WARRANTS
Trustee Khan presented the Warrant Register for November 26, 2024 in the amount of
$1,580,306.90.Trustee Khan moved to approve the Warrants as presented, seconded by
Trustee Travis.
Motion passed: 6 ayes, 0 nays.
Tr. Khan kys Tr. Minx aye Tr. Shiba Lye
Tr. Thill aye Tr. Travis aye Tr. Witko aye
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Mirlutts November 26,2024 rdlNeeti
XIV.
XV.
RESIDENTS' COMMENTS
NONE
ADJOURNMENT
As there was no further business before the Board, Trustee Minx moved to adjourn the meeting,
seconded by Trustee Travis. Motion passed unanimously via voice vote.
The meeting adjourned at 7:59 p.m.
PASSED this 10th day of December 2024.
Trustee Khan
Trustee Minx
Trustee Shiba
Trustee Thill
Trustee Travis
Trustee Witko
APPROVED by me this 10th day of December 2024.
Daniel P. DiMaria, Village President
Board of Trustees, Morton Grove, Illinois
APPROVED and FILED in my office this 11th day of December 2024.
461. -
Eileen Harford, Village Clerk
Village of Morton Grove, Cook County, Illinois
Minutes by Teresa Cousar
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