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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011-03-14 Minutes�. Village President Dan Staackmann called the meeting to order at 7:01 p.m. After leading the assemblage in the Pledge of Allegiance, he directed the Village Clerk to call the roll. il. Village Clerk Tony Kalogerakos called the roll. Present were: Trustees Dan DiMaria, Larry Gomberg, Bill Grear, Shel Marcus, John Thill, and Maria Toth. W..� a. Regarding the Minutes of the Special Meeting of February 28, 2011, Trustee DiMaria moved, seconded by Trustee Toth, to accept the Minutes as presented. There was no discussion. Motion passed unanimously via voice vote. b. Regarding the Minutes of the February 28, 2011 Regular Meeting, Trustee DiMaria moved, seconded by Trustee Thill, to accept the Minutes as presented. There was no discussion. Motion passed unanimously via voice vote. IV. SPECIAL REPORTS NONE V. PUBLIC HEARINGS NONE Vl. RESIDENTS' COMMENTS (Agenda Items Only) NONE VII. . ill Minutes of March 14, 2011; Board M6014 1. Mayor Staackmann proclaimed March 26 as "Lights Out America —Earth Hour" in the Village. He noted that Earth Hour encourages communities, businesses, and individuals to turn off non - essential lights for one hour, a simple step which is needed to cut carbon dioxide emissions. He urged residents and businesses to participate by turning off all non - essential lights between 8:30 and 9:30 p.m. on March 26. 2. Mayor Staackmann introduced Ordinance 11 -11, Amending Title 4, Chapter 3, Sections 9 and 10 Entitled "Liquor Control" of the Municipal Code of the Village of Morton Grove. VIII. He explained that this ordinance will make updates to the Village's code, specifically identify- ing Class °F" licenses and creating a new Class "K" license for temporary tastings at licensed establishments. It will also increase the number of Class "D" licenses issued. Trustee Grear asked Corporation Counsel Liston to explain the ordinance in greater detail. Ms. Liston said that, at the direction of the Board, staff continually reviews ordinances for compliance and relevance. This ordinance makes some minor changes, including revising the qualifications for a Class "F" specialty license. Class "F" licenses authorize the sale of alcohol at establishments where the principal business is a grocery or a drug store, and the sale of liquor represents less than half of all gross sales. Ms. Liston added that some gas stations hold this type of license. It will no longer be allowed for gas stations; however, gas stations currently holding a Class "F" license are grandfathered in. The amount of Class "D" (full package liquor licenses) available will increase from five to ten. A new Class "K" temporary tasting permit authorizes the holder of a Class "A ", "B ", "D ", "E ", or "F" license to provide small samplings of liquor at on- premise tastings in connection with sales promotional efforts. The Class "K" permit is limited to one six -hour period and only one per week is allowed. 1. Clerk Kalogerakos stated that a ground - breaking ceremony would take place at the Homestead of Morton Grove (the new independent senior living facility on Lincoln Avenue) at 1:00 p.m. on April 6. 2. Clerk Kalogerakos noted that early voting began today. People can vote at Village Hall, upstairs in the Mayor's Conference Room, Monday through Saturday, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. He also reminded the assemblage that no political literature can be distributed or buttons worn within 100 feet of the entrance to any polling place. 3. Mayor Staackmann added that the Village has an ordinance prohibiting "politicking" on Village property at any time. IX. STAFF REPORTS A. Village Administrator 1. Mr. Wade announced that there would be a Village Board workshop at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, March 21, on development issues, such as Lehigh- Ferris, Dempster & Waukegan, and Dempster Street. 9 � Minutes of March 14 2011 BQartl Mdet tti "i IX. STAFF REPORTS (continued) The meeting will be held upstairs in the Trustees' Conference Room and the Board will likely go into Executive Session at points during the workshop. 2. Mr. Wade introduced Police Chief Mark Erickson to update the Board and the assemblage on the police department's findings and recommendations in terms of animal control. a. Chief Erickson said that, in November 2010, the Police Department was directed to research animal control issues and procedures after receiving several complaints from residents about this. There have been several meetings since then, and the Police Department presented the Village Administrator and several Board members with five potential options for review. After much discussion, the Police Department was given direction to further research one of those options, which includes a limited animal control program with part -time personnel (already in the budget) and limited equipment. The equipment may come with mutual cooperation and potential resource - sharing with another local police department. Although at the early stages of discussion, Chief Erickson said that the other police department and the MGPD will attempt to formalize an agreement wherein duties could be shared, as well as resources and philoso- phies. Such a cooperative agreement would also limit costs. He pointed out that changes will need to be made to the Village's Municipal Code to ensure that the Village's limited animal control program is a self - sustaining program, supported by sound municipal legislation. b. Chief Erickson said discussion of the Village's animal control program included movement to annual pet registration (coinciding with annual vehicle registration) — although that will have a grandfather clause; the implementation of mandatory micro - chipping of pets in cooperation with Cook County Animal Control; an administrative fee for recovered pets that are transported the Police Department, and an increase in current fees and fines as they relate to animal control. Discussion continues regarding limiting costs for such things as housing of animals, equipment and resource sharing, and transporting animals from one shelter to another, should the need arise. c. Trustee Thill asked about Chief Erickson's reference to a grandfather clause. The chief said that currently residents have the option to purchase a "lifetime" pet registration. If the Village changes to an annual pet registration (eliminating the lifetime option), pet owners who have already opted for the lifetime registration will be grandfathered in and will not have to go through annual registration for that particular pet(s). d. Trustee Toth asked about what's going to happen in July. Chief Erickson said that, in cooperation with Cook County Animal Control, the Village will be having a registration for pet micro - chipping at the Civic Center. For a very minimal cost, residents will be able to get their pets micro - chipped and registered with the Village. Trustee Marcus thanked Chief Erickson and Commander Paul Yaras for all their efforts and research on this matter. B. Corporation Counsel: Corporation Counsel Liston had no report. 94 Minutes of Marcti U 2011; Board Meeting X. TRUSTEES' REPORTS A. Trustee DiMaria: 1. Trustee DiMaria presented Ordinance 11 -10, Authorizing an Economic Incentive and Tax Increment Allocation Financing Development Agreement By and Between the Village of Morton Grove, Illinois, and Keith R. Jackson. This is the second reading of this ordinance. Trustee DiMaria noted that the Village had received a proposal from Keith R. Jackson who plans to construct a 6,000 to 7,500 square foot multi -use structure which will include the relocation and enlargement of his popular Pequod's Pizza Restaurant, a "destination" restaurant which is just what the Village was looking for. Once the new building is constructed and Pequod's is relocated, Mr. Jackson will sell his property at 8520 -22 Fernald Avenue to the Village. The new Pequod's will also have a non - exclusive right to use commuter parking space within the area free -of- charge after 5:00 p.m. on weekdays and all day on Saturdays and Sundays. Trustee DiMaria moved to adopt Ordinance 11 -10, seconded by Trustee Toth. Motion passed: 6 ayes, 0 nays. Tr. DiMaria awe Tr. Gomberg Me Tr. Grear gye Tr. Marcus aye Tr. Thill awe Tr. Toth awe 2. Trustee DiMaria asked the Board and assemblage for a moment of silence for the earthquake and tsunami victims in Japan. B. Trustee Gomberg: Trustee Gomberg had no formal report, but announced that the Community Relations Commission would be meeting tomorrow night at 7:30 p.m. in the Trustees' Conference Room on the second floor of Village Hall. The meeting is open to the public and all are welcome to attend. C. Trustee Grear: Trustee Grear had no formal report, but noted that an Emergency Weather Preparedness seminar will be held on March 26 at 2:00 p.m. at the Civic Center. EMA Director John Hill has prepared a family - friendly, multi -media presentation, along with educational literature, displays, and a raffle of necessary home emergency preparedness items. Trustee Grear said this is a valuable program to attend as we start getting into the warmer months with the severe weather that often accompanies them. El X. TRUSTEES' REPORTS (continued) Trustee Marcus: Minutes of March 14, 2011 Board Meeting Trustee Marcus had no formal report, but congratulated the Morton Grove Foundation on another very successful "Taste" fundraiser. Over 650 were in attendance, and grants were distributed to 23 local community organizations. He urged residents to "get active" in the Foundation by contacting the Chamber's Executive Director, Jacky Liston. Trustee Thill: 1. Trustee Thill presented Resolution 11 -12, Authorizing an Agreement With HD Supply Waterworks, Ltd., for the Master Project Agreement to Supply and Install Water Meters For Customers Within the Village of Morton Grove, Trustee Thill moved to approve Resolution 11 -12, seconded by Trustee Toth. Motion passed: 6 ayes, 0 nays. Tr. DiMaria afire Tr. Gomberg afire Tr. Grear aye Tr. Marcus aye Tr. Thill aye Tr. Toth awe 2. Trustee Thill next presented Resolution 11A4, Authorizing the Annual Memorial Day Parade and Closure of Dempster Street, Trustee Thill moved to approve Resolution 11 -14, seconded by Trustee DiMaria. Motion passed: 6 ayes, 0 nays. Tr. DiMaria aye Tr. Gomberg aye Tr. Grear aye Tr. Marcus aye Tr. Thill aye Tr. Toth aye F. Trustee Toth: Trustee Toth had no report. XI. OTHER BUSINESS NONE XII. WARRANTS Trustee Gomberg presented the Warrant Register for March 14, 2011 in the amount of $461,756.34. He moved to accept the Warrants, seconded by Trustee Thill. There was no discussion. Motion passed: 6 ayes, 0 nays. Tr. DiMaria awe Tr. Gomberg aye Tr. Grear aye Tr. Marcus as e Tr. Thill ave Tr. Toth aerie 5 XIII. Minutes of March 14, 2011 Board Meeting 1. Mike Kalodimas. Mr. Kalodimas said that all his research regarding School District 67 has reinforced his belief about the importance of language and using it precisely. He used the example of the District's plan to eliminate 65% of the District. He wanted to know what the "school impact fees" are, and whether they are imposed by the housing developers of the Woodlands, Trafalgar, and the new Homestead site. He wanted to know where residents could find information on these school impact fees, specifically those that go to School Districts 63, 67, and 70. a. Mr. Kalodimas also wanted to know about any legislation imposed by the Village on the larger housing developments that impede condo conversion. He noted the importance of the accuracy of studies that relate the demographics of the school district. One significant impact is whether the large housing facilities can convert to rental properties right away. b. Another issue he thought interesting was the Pequod's move. He felt that Trustee DiMaria brought it up tonight and it was passed with no discussion. He wondered what the discussions were, and asked about the difference in costs between the Pequod's site on Callie and the new site by the train station. He asked for an explanation of the "but for" argument that would support the development of this project in the TIF District. He felt a lot of residents were interested in knowing that. c. Mr. Kalodimas said that in the Golf School communication tool called "Chalkboard ", there's a statement from the superintendent indicating that the Village had approached her as early as July 2010, encouraging the sale of Golf School. He said that was in direct conflict with what had been stated at the Village Board meetings over the last month or so, and erodes the confidence the residents had with some of the Trustees in those discussions. d. Mayor Staackmann asked Mr. Wade to put together responses to Mr. Kalodimas' various questions, adding that, to respond to Mr. Kalodimas' comment about Pequod's, the ordinance was introduced two weeks ago, to allow time for public review and comment. It has been available for review on the website. The Village has an ordinance stating that all ordinances should go through a "two- reading" process, meaning they are first introduced, and after a two week (or longer) period, they are then voted upon. So the statement implying that it was brought up tonight and suddenly approved, is not accurate. e. Trustee DiMaria told Mr. Kalodimas that if he could provide more specific questions, he would be happy to give him specific responses. f. Mayor Staackmann also said that the property Pequod's is redeveloping has been on the market for at least two years, and no one wanted to develop it. The Village spoke to a number of restaurant developers, did its due diligence, and most said that it would be a better location for a place that wanted to expand that was already established in the community and already had a following. g. Trustee DiMaria said that the TIF laws are complex, about the sale of property, etc. He felt that this project was a win -win situation, in that both parties are getting a great deal. h. Trustee Thill asked Mr. Kalodimas what he meant by condo conversions. Mr. Kalodimas said that refers to conversion from a housing unit in which a person is residing and paying a mortgage, to a unit that is being sublet or offered to rent to another person(s). He said that, if he had money, he would purchase a block of units from the Woodlands and rent them out. Trustee Thill said the rentals are regulated by the condominium boards, not the Village. 0 XIII. RESIDENTS' COMMENTS (continued) i. Trustee Marcus noted that the Village gets involved in property only in terms of how many people reside at a certain property, etc., mostly to maintain the quality of life in the community. Mr. Kaiodimas said he hadn't been expecting responses, but asked the Village to consider how robust their ordinances are in terms of school impact fees. 2. Eric Poders, Mr. Poders said he did a presentation for the Economic Development Commis- sion in August, and has been collecting all the various ethnic newspapers and publications since then. He felt that more publicity of the Village would be beneficial and garner more real estate transfer taxes, and that the Village should publicize the Village in these ethnic news- papers as the great community it is. a. Mr. Poders also said that last week, an Aging Commission meeting was moved from the Civic Center to the Library. It was a great meeting with many people attending. He felt that the Park District and the Library should meet with the Village and arrange to have all their meetings taped for televising. He thought all the executive directors should come together to work something out. XIV. ADJOURNMENT/EXECUTIVE SESSION Trustee Thill moved to adjourn to Executive Session to discuss personnel matters, labor nego- tiations, pending litigation, and real estate. Trustee DiMaria seconded the motion.moved to adjourn the meeting. Motion passed: 6 ayes, 0 nays. Tr. DiMaria awe Tr. Gornberg Rye Tr. Grear aye Tr. Marcus aye Tr. Thill aye Tr. Toth aye The meeting adjourned to Executive Session at 7:37 p.m. PASSED this 28th day of March, 2011. Trustee DiMaria Trustee Gomberg Trustee Grear Trustee Marcus Trustee Thill Trustee Toth �rrr Daniel J. S12 Board of Tru &°t_ of March, 2011. mann, Village President is, Morton Grove, Illinois APPROVED and FILED in ce this 29th day of March, 2011. Tony S. Kalogerakos, Village Clerk Village of Morton Grove, Cook County, Illinois Minutes of March 14, 2011 Board Meeting Minutes by Teresa Cousar