HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011-04-11 MinutesI. Village President Dan Staackmann called the meeting to order at 7:00 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 DiM aria, Larry
Gomberg, Sill Grear, Shel Marcus, John Thill, and Maria Toth.
APPROVAL 1
Regarding the Minutes of the March 28, 2011 Regular Meeting, Trustee DlMaria moved,
seconded by Trustee Toth, to accept the Minutes as presented. There was no discussion.
Motion passed unanimously via voice vote.
f i i Y Y ar Y MEN=, MEMO=
O' i
a. Kristina Otte and Rosetta Metz of the Farmers' Market, were present this evening to present a
plaque to John Hill, Director of the Village's Emergency Management Agency (EMA), in rec-
ognition of that group's service to the Farmers' Market. They were joined by Chamber of
Commerce President Christine Sullivan and Jacky Liston, Executive Director.
b. Ms. Otte said that the members of EMA are an "amazing group of volunteers," stating that
they had provided security, safety, electricity, and a number of other things during the
Farmer's Market last year. She presented a plaque to John Hill, who accepted it on behalf
of all of the EMA members. Mr. Hill thanked the Chamber and the Farmers' Market for the
honor.
C, Mayor Staackmann commented that the EMA volunteers are always the first to step up to
help. He cited a case in point, a fatal car accident that had occurred a few weeks ago on
Lincoln Avenue. Despite the fact that the accident happened at 2:00 a.m., shortly thereafter,
EMA volunteers were on the scene to support and assist the Police Department. He said it's
a tribute to this community to have volunteers of this caliber.
d. Ms. Otte said the first year of the Farmers' Market was fairly successful. This year, they're
increasing the number of vendors from 16 to more than 20. New items such as meats, olive
oils, and alpaca wool products will be sold. The Farmers' Market opens on June 4, but there
will be a "preview" Market on Saturday, May 7 (the day before Mother's Day). Market hours
this year are from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Volunteers are welcome; anyone interested should contact
the Chamber office. She thanked the Village for being a huge supporter of the Market.
V. PUBLIC
(Agenda V1. RESIDENTS' COMMENTS
IilkXI
. PRESIDENT'S REPORT
Mayor Staackmann had two proclamations:
1. He proclaimed April 29, 2011 as "Arbor Day," noting that this holiday was first observed with
the planting of more than a million trees in Nebraska in 1872. He said that trees are not only a
renewable resource, they help increase property values, enhance the economic vitality of
business areas, and beautify the community. Mayor Staackmann urged all citizens to support
efforts to protect trees and woodlands and to support the Village's urban forestry program.
2. Mayor Staackmann then proclaimed April 22, 2011 as "Earth Day." He encouraged everyone
to be mindful of local, state, and national laws which protect the environment, and to join in
efforts to preserve the beauty and wonder of the lands, skies, and waters of the earth.
VIII.
Clerk Kalogerakos announced that the Chamber of Commerce's annual golf outing would take
place on June 15, 2011, at Chevy Chase. Anyone interested in participating or in being a
sponsor should contact the Chamber office for more information.
iX. STAFF REPORTS
A. Village Administrator
1. Mr. Wade introduced Mary Futrell of the North Shore Senior Center (NSSC) to provide a
report concerning programs and activities at the Civic Center.
a. Ms. Futrell said that it's almost a year to the day since the Village and NSSC entered into a
partnership to have the NSSC provide programs and activities to the Village's seniors. The
NSSC was warmly welcomed by Village officials, staff, and the seniors who participated in
the programs. She said that, over the last year, the NSSC's first task was ensuring a smooth
transition. All clubs were continued; some have grown and new ones have been created.
The Monday Senior Club is being rejuvenated; it's open on Mondays between gam and 1 pm.
b. The NSSC's second goal was to "get the word out." They redesigned the programs and
activities calendar and mailed it out to all seniors in Morton Grove age 05 and older, and to
people in Skokie, Niles, and Glenview as well. The new programs have been built on what
people enjoy, and they've retained certain presenters that people particularly like. They've
also added fitness and wellness classes, because those are one of the strengths of the NSSC.
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A. Village Administrator: (continued)
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c. Ms. Futrell said NSSC bases all of its programming on enhancing "mind, body, and spirit."
They've added `Better Balance" and "Sit and Get Fit" classes. Line dancing is also proving
very popular. They've also added a number of Arts and Humanities classes. NSSC continues
to offer trips that seniors enjoy —trips to theaters and other regional destinations. There are
reciprocal benefits between the Northfield location of the North Shore Senior Center and the
Morton Grove location, so seniors can get membership discounts on trips whether they
originate in Morton Grove or Northfield. The NSSC is very interested in everyone's feedback.
d. There are now about 530 members, an increase from 465 in 2009 and 498 in 2010. 85% of
the members are from Morton Grove. Ms. Futrell added that NSSC also offers a number
of caregiver support programs, which is very beneficial to members of the "Sandwich
Generation" (people who are raising children while caring for elderly parents).
e. Ms. Futrell thanked and encouraged everyone to stop by and see everything that's happening
at the Senior Center.
Administrator Wade then introduced Village Engineer Chris Tomich, present this evening to —
give the Board and the assemblage an update on the Metra Track Realignment project.
Mr. Wade explained that, about 10 years a plan was developed which recognized the realign-
ment of the Metra train crossing as a great need, This was also reinforced at a public meetint
about four years ago. The Village sent plans to Metra for review proposing a realignment of
the train crossing. At present, it is a difficult angled crossing which the Village would like to
see be made more perpendicular. The Village would also like to realign the Lincoln/Ferris
intersection, as it, too, is angled and can be difficult to negotiate. Doing both would provide
better coordination of traffic flow. The third area of the plans is the beautification of the train
station area. Mr. Wade said the train station is an asset to Morton Grove, noting that about
1 000 commuters daily travel through the Village and view the train station area. Mr. Wade
said that Metra has reviewed the plans, and Mr. Tomich s presentation tonight will update the
Board ! ` I. feedback.
a. Mr. Tomich showed a video of the train crossing taken during a morning rush hour last August.
He noted that the Village had purchased a parcel from the Woodlands for about $250,000 for
the sole purpose of improving the intersection. There is a road there that the Fire Department
uses. Trustee Thill asked if the entrance to the road could be moved further to the east, so
that the "green space" wouldn't be broken up. Mr. Wade said it could be looked into, but
the Fire Department recognizes it as something they need to have. Mr. Tomich showed the
Village's proposed realignment plan showing the train crossing and the Lincoln Ferris
intersection at 90- degree angles. There is a railroad siding that would be impacted, as well
as the train platform. Metra responded with their own plan, which would see a slight realign-
ment of the tracks and slightly reduced, redistributed green space. The estimated cost of
this project is $2.5 million. Mr. Tomich said that a lot of work is still unscoped, however, so
$2.5 million is a very "basic" cost. Originally, about $1 million was planned to come from TIF
funds, with the balance coming from Metra, State and Federal resources. Recently the Village
received a Federal grant of $446,000 for the Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program.
These funds are meant to be used to enhance a roadway project, so they can be used to buy
property, benches, fountains, etc. (not street lighting, though). Mr. Tomich said he was still
getting clarification on what would be considered "eligible" expenses.
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IX.
A. Village Administrator: (continued)
III! 111, 111111 IN •# !
c. Ms. Futrell said NSSC bases all of its programming on enhancing "mind, body, and spirit."
They've added `Better Balance" and "Sit and Get Fit" classes. Line dancing is also proving
very popular. They've also added a number of Arts and Humanities classes. NSSC continues
to offer trips that seniors enjoy —trips to theaters and other regional destinations. There are
reciprocal benefits between the Northfield location of the North Shore Senior Center and the
Morton Grove location, so seniors can get membership discounts on trips whether they
originate in Morton Grove or Northfield. The NSSC is very interested in everyone's feedback.
d. There are now about 530 members, an increase from 465 in 2009 and 498 in 2010. 85% of
the members are from Morton Grove. Ms. Futrell added that NSSC also offers a number
of caregiver support programs, which is very beneficial to members of the "Sandwich
Generation" (people who are raising children while caring for elderly parents).
e. Ms. Futrell thanked and encouraged everyone to stop by and see everything that's happening
at the Senior Center.
Administrator Wade then introduced Village Engineer Chris Tomich, present this evening to —
give the Board and the assemblage an update on the Metra Track Realignment project.
Mr. Wade explained that, about 10 years a plan was developed which recognized the realign-
ment of the Metra train crossing as a great need, This was also reinforced at a public meetint
about four years ago. The Village sent plans to Metra for review proposing a realignment of
the train crossing. At present, it is a difficult angled crossing which the Village would like to
see be made more perpendicular. The Village would also like to realign the Lincoln/Ferris
intersection, as it, too, is angled and can be difficult to negotiate. Doing both would provide
better coordination of traffic flow. The third area of the plans is the beautification of the train
station area. Mr. Wade said the train station is an asset to Morton Grove, noting that about
1 000 commuters daily travel through the Village and view the train station area. Mr. Wade
said that Metra has reviewed the plans, and Mr. Tomich s presentation tonight will update the
Board ! ` I. feedback.
a. Mr. Tomich showed a video of the train crossing taken during a morning rush hour last August.
He noted that the Village had purchased a parcel from the Woodlands for about $250,000 for
the sole purpose of improving the intersection. There is a road there that the Fire Department
uses. Trustee Thill asked if the entrance to the road could be moved further to the east, so
that the "green space" wouldn't be broken up. Mr. Wade said it could be looked into, but
the Fire Department recognizes it as something they need to have. Mr. Tomich showed the
Village's proposed realignment plan showing the train crossing and the Lincoln Ferris
intersection at 90- degree angles. There is a railroad siding that would be impacted, as well
as the train platform. Metra responded with their own plan, which would see a slight realign-
ment of the tracks and slightly reduced, redistributed green space. The estimated cost of
this project is $2.5 million. Mr. Tomich said that a lot of work is still unscoped, however, so
$2.5 million is a very "basic" cost. Originally, about $1 million was planned to come from TIF
funds, with the balance coming from Metra, State and Federal resources. Recently the Village
received a Federal grant of $446,000 for the Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program.
These funds are meant to be used to enhance a roadway project, so they can be used to buy
property, benches, fountains, etc. (not street lighting, though). Mr. Tomich said he was still
getting clarification on what would be considered "eligible" expenses.
9
IX. STAFF REPORTS (continued)
A. Village Administrator: (continued)
b. Thus the Village would need to come up with over $2 million for this project. Finance Director
Ryan Horne has projected that there would be about $2 million in the Lehigh - Ferris TIF in
about 2 -3 years. Metra has already told the Village they cannot pay for any of these im-
provements, and the likelihood of receiving State or Federal monies is slim.
c. The $2.5 million for this project is about equal to what the Village just spent on the infra-
structure, roadway improvements and traffic calming measures it just performed on Lincoln
and Ferris Avenues. While it would be difficult to compare the streetscape and the impact
on residents and businesses, the return on investment would essentially be the same.
Mr. Tomich said he wanted the Board to focus more on the qualitative value of the project.
The Board needs to decide if this project is valuable enough to spend money on. Mr. Tomich
said he personally believes that this project has merit, but wondered if the Board was
supportive of it and wanted the staff to proceed. Mayor Staackmann asked Mr. Tomich if
he was seeking a vote on the matter this evening. He felt it would be premature. Mr. Tomich
said he was just asking for discussion and feedback. He pointed out that TIF funding could
make this project possible. He said the next steps would be to refine the scope and the
costs; evaluate alternatives; and refine the financing. He wondered if the Board's desire
was to re- ratify the project or abandon it.
manpower d. Mayor Staackmann said that the key element here is safety, the safety of the train crossing
area. Four previous Village Boards have decided to go forward with this project. He urged his
fellow Board members to consider the safety factor. He didn't know of any recent accidents,
but recalled incidents of vehicles mistakenly turning onto the railroad tracks.
e. Trustee Marcus thanked Mr. Tornich and asked what it would cost the Village in time and
±r •M the next steps. • • it would be • stly staff time, but possibly the
Village's engineering consultant would need to be involved too. With staff s current workloads,
he said he would probably not be able to report back to the Board until late June.
f. Trustee Marcus also asked about putting traffic signals at Ferris and Lincoln. It was an
idea that had been previously discussed. He wondered if that cost had been factored in.
Mr. Tomich said that the changes that have already been made to that intersection will help
calm the traffic down. A traffic consultant has advised that current traffic volumes don't
support the installation of traffic signals, although that, of course, could change.
g. Trustee Marcus noted that Mr. Tomich had said that the Lehigh - Ferris TIF Fund would
have the needed $2 million in it within the next couple of years. He commented, for public
clarification, that TIF funds, by law, can only be used within the TIF itself, not in other parts
of the Village. He remarked that he would love to use some of that money on street improve-
ments in other parts of the town. Mr. Tomich concurred that TIF funds were limited in where
they could be used.
h. Trustee Thill asked the Chief Friel if the fire apparatus has had trouble making the turn at the
railroad crossing. Chief Friel said yes, under certain conditions and with certain vehicles. It
depends on the vehicle's turning radius, weather conditions, time of day, etc.
i. Trustee Thill thought the original plan had Lincoln Avenue connecting with Chestnut Street.
Mr. Tomich said that wasn't the case. Trustee Thill said that he's not in favor of the crossing,
although he felt the video was fairly convincing that the crossing need to be improved.
EH
IX.
am
`� • •i
A. Village Administrator: (continued)
j. But Metra's plans are not as great of an improvement as what the Village had proposed, and
he wasn't sure the Village should spend that much money on it. He said he could remember
going to a public meeting about the Woodlands project when it was first being proposed,
and the traffic consultant opined that the Woodlands would not impact the traffic on Lincoln
Avenue. Now, there are multiple cars daily entering and leaving the Woodlands, and there is
an impact on Lincoln Avenue traffic. Trustee Thill felt the Village should discuss this with the
people who live in the area and take the opinion of "experts" with a grain of salt. He said that
his current opinion is to leave the crossing alone.
k. Trustee Toth asked when the $2.5 million was arrived at. Mr. Tomich said it predates 2009.
Trustee Toth said that the cost could ultimately go up. Mr. Wade said it could, or it could
go down. A number of contingencies were built into that original figure. That's one of the
difficulties of a large -scale engineering project. More detail will provide the Village better
clarification on the costs. Mr. Tomich added that anytime one works with Metra or the federal
government, it's complicated, because those entities are harder to communicate with and
slower to respond. He commented that Metra felt that the pricetag of $2.5 million was In
the ballpark."
Trustee DiMaria'said that he would love to add an element, such as a fountain or a square,
in the green space noted in the plan, and wondered if any provision for that was in place.
Mr. Tomich said that $250,000 of the $446,000 grant the Village received could be allocated
for o g like r fountain, something that attracts people. DiMaria said he rides
the train every day, and all the train areas he sees are gorgeous, But those have been done
by the municipality, He said that Metra doesn't care what the area looks like—they'll never
spend money on "beautification." But it's important to the Village, especially with the new
Pequod's establishment and the new senior housing facility, Trustee DiMaria said the Lincoln-
Ferris TIF District is a highly successful TIF�a perfect" TIF�and TIFs are created to reinvest
in their areas of '
M, Trustee Gomberg asked if there was a Metra-imposed deadline to make a decision on this
project. Mr. Tomich said the Village is the lead agency and there is no deadline,
n, Trustee Thill asked about the driveway of The Landmark, Mr. Tomich said the Village would
need to discuss it with the Fire Department and The Landmark. Mr. Wade said that, initially,
" Village would perhaps soften angle for apparatus r Landmark. *^ a: +
the green space next to Landmark has been reduced, there might be an area close enough
` building safety. + ,+ said he concerned is where + ` o p
who ., at the Landmark would exit onto
o. Trustee Marcus asked who owns the green area to the west. Mr. Wade said it's Metra
right -of -way, and they will likely use it for storage. He said that the Village has talked with
Metra about a number of options for that area, including a bike path. Metra has said that if
they have to move that sideyard, it would be moved to north of Dempster, which would put
it in residential area. The Village has proposed south of Qakton, but Metra has said its best
operations would be to leave it as it is.
p. Mayor Staackmann said all the State and Federal dollars are drying up. He was glad that the
Dempster Street improvement project was already in progress because it probably wouldn't
happen if it had to first be tackled now. That's just the reality of the situation.
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2011
Board-
Meetin
STAFF REPORTS r
B. Corporation Counsel:
Corporation Counsel Liston had no report.
TRUSTEES'REPORTS
A. Trustee DiMaria:
Trustee DiMaria had no formal report, but congratulated Trustee Marcus, Thill, and Toth, and
the other winners of Tuesday's election. He also announced that construction of Culver's has
finally begun.
B. Trustee Gomberg:
Trustee Gomberg ,r d formal report, b repeated an r that he had brought p I r
last Board meeting, which is, in Springfield, there's a proposal
: 1 reduce r amount
of revenue-sharing monies distributed to local governments, including Morton Grove's, in the
amount of about $300,000,000. He revenue local r r r r Local '1 Government Distributed represents .:.
share of r personal and r income a instituted in 1969 in exchange for
municipalities not establishing their own local income tax, That State also distributes motor
r +,, revenues used o local a p rI o.. projects. o c V sales taxes are also the funneled through to the State and are then returned to the originating municipality. This issue
will be subject special presenlation at r next Village meeting
Trustee Gomberg that current estimates r impact o Morton G r o are that its
revenues could be reduced by $500,000 more. r encouraged evro- to contact
State representatives and let them know what the impact the reduction of revenue would have
on Morton Grove,
C. Trustee Grear:
Trustee Grear had no formal report, but thanked the Chamber and the Farmers' Market
committee for their presentation o A He announced r e next meeting of the Morton
tomorrow Grove Days committee is 5-30 at Village Hall. Volunteers and donations
are needed! A . r.. interested invited to contact directly # call Village is l and l ^ rr: ' A4
him ar message.
D. Trustee Marcus:
1. Trustee Marcus had no formal report, but asked Trustee Gomberg what the number was of
the Bill he had referred to. Trustee Gomberg and Mayor Staackmann replied that it's not a Bill
yet; it's part of a plan that's been presented. Trustee Marcus concurred with Trustee
Gomberg that residents should contact their State representatives. He said the Village's
"hands are tied" because of the actions of State legislators. He encouraged everyone to pick
up the phone and find out where their State representatives stand on this issue.
X.
D. Trustee Marcus: (continued)
Minutes of.ApriVlI 2019 :Eiea'rd Meeting":
2. Trustee Marcus also thanked the community for supporting him and his colleagues in the
recent election.
E. Trustee Thill:
He said that the Local Government Public Improvements Consortium was established to
facilitate joint action and intergovernmental cooperation to jointly bid on, and to seek funding
and other resources to assist in public improvement projects, including the Sewer Lining
Program. Participating will help the Village lower its costs for projects of this type. The
Consortium is comprised of the Villages of Buffalo Grove, Glenview, Highland Park,
Northbrook, Northfield, Morton Grove, Skokie, and Winnetka, and the Cities of Lake Forest,
Park Ridge, and North Chicago.
He explained o . o authorizes ., Village Engineer to submit . change
sidewalk base, ! .
to the Illinois Department of Transportation to include additional work to remove and replac
deteriorated • t ! ! a ! pr ., ` • ace
the asphalt pavement, and restore the abutting roadside areas between the bridge over
North Branch Chicago River and Central Avenue. The estimated cost of the additional
work is $40,000, although the final contract amount will be based on the actual quantity of
work performed. I
Trustee Thill moved to approve Resolution 1 It -20, seconded by Trustee Toth.
Trustee Toth asked if the Material Testing Services included go out and testing asphalt
concrete currently in place. Mr. DeMonte said yes.
Trustee Marcus asked if the additional work would be done by A -Lamp, and if it would be done
once the original project was completed. Mr. Tomich said that it would be A -Lamp, and the
work would be done concurrently with the existing project work.
d
E. Trustee Thill: (continued)
Minutes of April' 11,'2011 Board Maeting
3. Trustee Thill asked residents to, at least once this season, cut their grass and leave the
clippings there. Doing so provides the lawn with valuable nutrients. He also asked residents
to use less chemicals on their lawns — chemicals are poisoning our lands and waters.
When thunderstorms hit during the summer, when the ground is hard and dry, the water often
runs right into the sewers, which run right into the river. That's where the chemicals end up.
4. The Natural Resource Commission announces that the Village does not currently have a tree
replacement program. If a resident wants a tree in front of their property, the Public Works
Department will plant it, if you pay for it. However, some places where trees are sold guaran-
tee the trees only if they're allowed to plant them. Another thing to consider is to plant a tree
as a memorial to a loved one. Residents would have to contact Public Works to select a tree
from the Village's list of approved trees. Trustee Thill pointed out that trees planted now are a
benefit to future generations.
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Trustee Toth:
+r 2M=1
;I"� FUZ Ti
Trustee o:. r. # presented ` Warrant Register o April 2011 in ` amount
$157,509.62. He moved to accept the Warrants, seconded by Trustee Marcus.
Trustee Thill had several questions:
:ar: O page he noted r" payment o $550 o micro-paver r a + .... r and wondered r
that a? for, Mr, Horne said that ` Village Engineer " maintains r pavement inventory,
otherwise known as a rating of the Village's streets. The $550 was for a renewable license
agreement for micropaving software enhancements, Mr, Tomich commented that the soft-
ware hasn't been utilized to its full extent yet; however, if the license were to lapse, it would
cost about five times what we currently pay to buy the software license again. It's a very labo
intensive software to use. I
b. Trustee Thill asked if the Village changed street lights to LED lights, would it save money?
Mr. Tomich said it would be about an 85% savings over the long -term, but it would require a
large up -front cost.
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Minutes nfa4pr'l 91, 2D1'i Board Me eting;
RESIDENTS' COMMENTS
Tony Kovacs, 8302 Avalon. Mr. Kovacs congratulated the Board members who were
reelected, He had a question about the new municipal commuter parking lot. He said that
when he first heard of the Village's plan, he thought it was excellent, However, every time
he's driven past it, the lot seems mostly empty. He wondered how many spaces were rented.
Mr. Horne said that 40 people signed up for it, but only 17 have paid, Mr. Kovacs asked
what the Village planned to do to market this commuter parking lot better. Mr. Wade said
the Village . going to reevaluate it and report back to the i•. • in the near
xlv ADJOURNMENT/EXECUTIVE SESSION
PASSED this 25th day of April, 20111
Trustee DiMaria
Trustee Gomberg
Trustee Grear
Trustee Marcus
Trustee Thill
Trustee Toth
APPROVED and wILEU in Nmy office th
26th day of April, 2011,
Tony S. K togerakos', Village Clerk
Village of Morton Grove, Cook County, Illinois
Minutes of April 11, 20'11 Board Meeting'
Minutes by: Teresa Cousar
iul