HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011-04-25 MinutesI. 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 In the absence of Village Clerk Tony Kalogerakos, Executive Assistant Susan Lattanzi called
the roll. Present were: Trustees Dan DiMaria, Larry Gomberg, Bill Grear, Shel Marcus, John
Thill, and Maria Toth. Clerk Kaiogerakos was absent with notice.
III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Regarding the Minutes of the April 11, 2011 Regular Meeting, Trustee DiMaria moved,
seconded by Trustee Toth, to accept the Minutes as presented. There was no discussion.
Motion passed unanimously via voice vote.
IV. SPECIAL REPORTS
NONE
V. Pj!.BUCHEARLN.GS
NONE
VI. I RESIDENTS' COMMENTS (Agenda items Only)
X6111
REPORT V11. PRESIDENT'S
Mayor Staackmann said he hoped everyone had a good Easter. He announced that, sadly, a
tragedy had occurred at Bell & Gossett, the oldest manufacturing facility in the Village. An
8" water main under the factory broke over the weekend and before anyone noticed, there
was almost two feet of water in the first floor of the building. The Fire Department responded
immediately when they got the call and shut the power down. Public Works came over and shut
down the water main. They were still cleaning up late last night. Mayor Staackmann said he
was sincerely sorry this happened to them and hoped they could get back up to speed quickly.
Minutes of April 25, 2011 Huartl Mae i "
Vil. PRESIDENT'S REPORT (continued)
2. Mayor Staackmann said that probably everyone's noticed that the Village has had to cut back
on its tree planting program. Unfortunately, at the same time, there's a blight going on with
maple trees, ash trees, pine trees —that is a national issue —and potentially oak trees as well.
He said it's a real possibility that, at some point in the future, the Village's streets could be tree-
less. This is a grave concern, because it takes 20 to 30 years for trees to grow to an apprecia-
ble size. Mayor Staackmann said he was going to ask the Natural Resource Commission and
Trustee Thill to work on a comprehensive plan for a donation program or an "adopt -a -free'
program. This is a real issue, although it's been on the back burner due to other issues, such
as pension funding and the economy in general.
VIII. CLERK'S REPORT
In Clerk Kalogerakos' absence, there was no report.
IX. STAFF REPORTS
A. Village Administrator
1. Mr. Wade said he was going to turn the first report on the Agenda over to Corporation Counsel
as it concerns the Personnel Policy Manual revisions. He noted that Ms. Liston had worked
assiduously on these revisions.
a.
Ms. Liston thanked Mr. Wade and said that this work had really been a cumulative effort, noting
that he, too, had spent countless hours on these revisions. The Village's Personnel Policy
Manual dates back 30 years, although it was significantly updated at the end of 2009 and 2010.
It contains written direction on how Village staff will be treated and the Village's expectations of
staff, and their expectations of management.
b. A major rewrite has now been
done at the request of staff, elected
officials, special counsel,
and auditors. Ordinance 11 -13 approves this major rewrite.
The manual
is available for review
by Village employees through
their department head or the
Village
Administrator's office.
C. Some of the changes include a change in longevity pay, which is an annual stipend paid to
people at different anniversary levels. This is being eliminated for new hires. Also the policy
with regard to layoffs has changed. The old provision stated that if a person was laid off, and
his /her position (or a similar one) opened up within two years, that person had the right to come
back. The new provision changes the timeframe to one year. Another change was in the part
of the Manual that deals with personnel files and records. This was changed to protect the
privacy aspects of employees' personnel records and to ensure that each employee has
access to his /her file. Several other changes were made to be compliant with State and
Federal laws, including
• implementing an anti - harassment policy
• implementing a strong workplace violence protection policy
• implementing technology policies, covering privacy issues when dealing with
technology and data ownership issues
• inclusion of a new vehicle use policy
• inclusion of a new drug /alcohol testing policy
• inclusion of an identity protection policy
• inclusion of a policy protecting employees' political rights.
..... .- -. MinutesufA0126,2011 BOaTd NleHi7 -�
IX.
STAFF REPORTS (continued)
A. Village Administrator: (continued)
e. Mr. Wade said that the Village Board has already sent correspondence to Representatives
D'Amico, Lang, and Biss, and State Senators Schoenberg and Silverstein, urging them to
oppose this measure. Rep. Lang has responded that he supports the Village's viewpoint.
Mr. Wade pointed out that the Village has cut $1.2 million in salaries, including police and fire,
public works, and administrative personnel. Essentially the Village has addressed its local
budget issues; and feels it's unfair that the State utilizes revenue intended to come back to
municipalities as a way to address its budget woes. The state income tax was established with
the agreement that a portion collected would come back to municipality. Mr. Wade said that,
basically, they're welching on the agreement.
g. Trustee DiMaria said that not only is the State welching on the agreement, it increased the
state income tax by 2% —and now they want to decrease the share that goes back to the
municipality which serves the same residents hit by that tax increase. Trustee DiMaria said
people should remember that the next time they go to the polls.
Trustee Thili asked about the retail and gas tax. Mr. Horne said he was only referring to the
impact that a reduction in the local distributed tax would have. Mr. Wade said the white paper
was vague, but did say that all of these redistributed funds should be reviewed. In a municipal-
ity's view, if the State can withhold one, it can withhold all. Trustee Thill was concerned that
further reductions could impair the Village's ability to do road repairs.
Corporation Counsel:
Corporation Counsel Liston had no report.
M
A. Trustee DiMaria:
Trustee DiMaria introduced for a first reading Ordinance 11 -12, Granting an Amendment
to the Special use Permit for the Property Located at 6101 Capulina, Morton Grove,
Illinois, for the Replacement and Installation of Antennas on a Cellular Phone Tower.
He explained that, in 1997, the Village approved a special use permit for a cellular tower and
antennas to be installed on the Village Hall /Police Station site. The applicant is now request-
ing to replace six antennas and install three additional ones, to accommodate newer cellular
technologies. Pursuant to the Unified Development Code, this type of minor change can be
approved without the need of going through a full formal Plan Commission process, as long
as the amendment has been approved by the Village Administrator, Corporation Counsel,
Building Commissioner, and Plan Commission Chairperson. All these officials have approved
the proposed amendment.
There was no further discussion on Ordinance 11 -12.
0
A. Trustee DiMaria: (continued)
TRUSTEES' REPORTS (continued)
'Miaotes of April 25, 2077.Board Meeting;
2. Trustee DiMaria also reported that the Economic Development Commission (EDC) has
initiated a Community Choice Business Awards Program. All residents, businesses, and other
interested parties are invited to nominate any business in Morton Grove —even themselves —
for these awards. Businesses will be considered in three categories: (1) Building, Facade, &
Appearance; (2) Grounds & Landscaping; and (3) Signage. Nominations should be submitted
to commdev(@mortonoroveil-org by June 30. More information is available on the Village's
website.
3. Trustee DiMaria announced that a Pet Adoption event would take place on Saturday, June 11,
at Paws between 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. Paws is located at 7961 Golf Road in the Wash-
ington Commons shopping center. Pet adoption applications will be available from several
rescue organizations, and a trainer and veterinarian will also be on hand to answer questions
or give advice to pet owners.
4. Trustee DiMaria noted that the EDC and Kappy's will be hosting three "classic car" shows
this summer, on June 16, July 14, and August 11. These are all Thursday evenings, and
rain dates will be the following week after each scheduled show. Family entertainment and
refreshments will also be available at these events.
5. Trustee DiMaria said there is a new Storefront Art program going on right now on the
6100 block of Dempster Street. Artwork by Parkview students is featured in several
storefronts, as an effort to "dress up" some vacant properties.
B. Trustee Gomberg:
Trustee Gomberg presented Resolution 11 -18, Authorizing Extending the Village's
Membership in the intergovernmental Personnel Benefit Cooperative.
Trustee Gomberg said that units of local government in Illinois, including Morton Grove, have
found it increasingly expensive to provide health and life insurance benefits to their employees
and retirees. The volatile health insurance market led several local government entities to
enter into an Intergovernmental Personnel Benefit Cooperative (IPBC) to administer health
and life benefit programs. Through its membership in the IPBC, Morton Grove gains the ability
to achieve economies of scale in the administration of benefit claims for its employees. The
By -Laws of the IPBC require that each member pass an ordinance or resolution agreeing to
continue as a member for a three -year cycle; failure to do so in a timely manner constitutes a
withdrawal from the IPBC. The next three -year cycle begins on July 1, 2011.
Trustee Gomberg moved to approve Resolution 11 -18, seconded by Trustee Toth.
Trustee Gomberg asked Mr. Horne to explain why membership in this cooperative is better for
the Village than other options available.
Mr. Horne
explained that the
preliminary aggregate increase
to the Village for healthcare costs
for the 2011
plan year is at 2.32
%, up from 2.01 % last year.
The Village joined the IPBC in
2007, and
since then, the rates have remained very stable.
Minutes OFA M 26, 20'Yb Board Me41'in `..
X. TRUSTEES' REPORTS (continued)
B. Trustee Gomberc: (continued)
c. IPBC has been in existence for 25 years and has 61 members. Being a member of the IPBC
means that the Village deals with very manageable incremental increases. The advantages of
membership are rate stability, economies of scale (very significant), and transparency (the
Village knows its true costs of healthcare insurance), and a knowledge base (with members
having a wealth of experience in these matters).
Another benefit of membership in the IPBC is risk- sharing. Mr. Horne explained that the
Village self- insures the first $30,000 of its employees' health claim costs. Annual claims
over $30,000 up to $125,000 are pooled and shared evenly among all members. The IPBC
purchases excess coverage to losses over $125,000 per claimant.
Mr. Horne said that representatives from IPBC were present if anyone had questions.
e. Trustee Marcus asked if the IPBC has been affected by the Healthcare Reform Plan, Greg
Aleman of Gallagher Benefit Services said that the overall impact financially to the Village is
about 3.7% through 2014, when the insurance exchanges go in. As a contrast, organizations
that were one -off customers of BlueCross BlueShieid were seeing increases of 5 % -7%
almost immediately. IBPC views this as a phased -in process. Mr. Aleman noted that many
communities are beginning to adopt maximums.
f. Trustee Marcus asked, if the Healthcare Plan changes in Washington, will the percentages of
increase change also? Mr. Aleman said the Village controls its own plan design. If there are
mandates, the Village can choose to phase them in.
There being no further discussion, Mayor Staackmann called for the vote on Resolution 11 -18.
Motion passed: 6 ayes, 0 nays.
Tr. DIMaria aye Tr. Gomberg acre Tr. Grear aye
Tr. Marcus afire Tr. Thill awe, Tr. Toth aye
2. Next, Trustee Gomberg presented Resolution 11 -21, Opposing Reduction of Local
Government Distributive Funds.
This is pursuant to the earlier presentation by Administrator Wade and Finance Director
Horne.
a. Trustee Gomberg explained that this resolution recognizes that the loss of distributive
fund revenue, such as the municipal portion of the State income tax collection, will have a
detrimental impact on Village taxes and /or services. The resolution notes that local taxpayers
deserve to have those tax dollars returned to their communities to pay for local employees
who provide local services. It is foreseeable, if faced with further financial difficulty, that the
State may restrict or eliminate the Village's share of State income tax ($1,766;942) and its
share of other taxes ($7,462,559) for a total "at risk" revenue of $9,229,501. The resolution
urges every senator and representative to reject this reduction of desperately needed
municipal revenue by keeping the municipal portion of the State income tax (10 %) whole.
Trustee Gomberg moved, seconded by Trustee DiMaria, to approve Resolution 11 -21.
Motion passed: 6 ayes, 0 nays.
Tr. DiMaria aye Tr. Gomberg aye Tr. Grear aye
Tr. Marcus ayre Tr. Thill aye Tr. Toth aae
MinUtet W April 25,2011 Eeaw Wlegttea
X. TRUSTEES' REPORTS (continued)
B. Trustee Gomberg: (continued)
3. Trustee Gomberg, in his role as liaison to the Morton Grove Public Library, said that the
Library would be holding a "Spring Blast" on Saturday, April 30, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
He urged everyone to attend.
C. Trustee Grear:
1. Trustee Grear thanked Sue Lattanzi for filling in for Clerk Kaiogerakos.
2. Trustee Grear announced that the next meeting of the Morton Grove Days Commission would
be held on May 10 at 5:30 p.m. in the Trustees' Conference Room, second floor of Village
Hall. Donations and volunteers are urgently needed.
3. Trustee Grear said that the Chamber of Commerce's annual golf outing will be held on
June 15 at Chevy Chase. "Early bird" specials are still available, but they expire on May 13.
He encouraged people to participate, noting that even non - golfers can sign up for the dinner.
4. Trustee Grear commented that the Village had spent $118,000 altogether on the blizzard that
happened in early February. He was happy to report that the Village will be reimbursed for
75% of this expense from FEMA. He said it's important that residents are aware of this.
5. Trustee Grear agreed with Mayor Staackmann that the tree issue needs to be addressed,
and wondered if the money the Village will be receiving from FEMA could be allocated to the
purchase of trees. Mayor Staackmann deferred to Finance Director Horne, who said that the
FEMA reimbursement is allocated to repay the accounts from which the money for the blizzard
clean -up originated.
D. Trustee Marcus:
1. Trustee Marcus had no formal report, but encouraged all to attend the Chamber golf outing,
pointing out that there's no requirement to be a member of the Chamber in order to enjoy this
event.
2. Trustee Marcus congratulated Public Works and the Police and Fire Departments on their
work and Bell & Gossett this weekend. He said the Village is very proud of its public service
providers.
E. Trustee Thill:
Trustee Thill had no report.
04
. ... Minutes of AI)ril251 26M 174oatd Mec int(
TRUSTEES' REPORTS (continued)
Trustee Toth:
Trustee Toth presented for
a first
reading
Ordinance
11 -13, Approving Updates to the
Personnel Policy Manual
of the
Village
of Morton
Grove.
a. As per tonight's earlier presentation, Trustee Toth noted that the Personnel Policy Manual
serves as the written directive for policies and procedures that guide administrative actions
relative to personnel activities and transactions. Its purpose is to provide personnel with daily
guidelines and procedures, and maintain a document that is compliant with federal and state
laws and regulations. This updated policy has been reviewed by Village staff to ensure its
relevance and effectiveness.
There was no further discussion on Ordinance 11 -13.
2 Trustee Toth invited everyone to attend a program taking place in the Baxter Room at
the Morton Grove Public Library on May 4 from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. entitled "A Look at
Immigrants and Housing in Chicago's Northern Suburbs." This program will discuss recently
released U.S. Census figures showing that Morton Grove is one of the most culturally
diverse towns in Illinois. Having such a diverse population presents challenges in the form
of languages and cultural barriers. Janet Smith, co- director of the Voorhees Center at the
University of Illinois - Chicago, will present findings of a recent census study done for the
Interfaith Housing Association. These findings show the impact of the changing population
on housing and living in Morton Grove. This program is co- sponsored by the Morton Grove
Community Relations Commission and the ELL (English Language Learners) Center,
XI. OTHER BUSINESS
NONE
XII. WARRANTS
Trustee Gomberg presented the Warrant Register for April 25, 2011 in the amount of
$589,514.13. He moved to accept the Warrants, seconded by Trustee Thill. Motion passed:
6 ayes, 0 nays.
Tr. DiMaria pore Tr. Gomberg ave Tr. Grear afire
Tr. Marcus aye Tr. Thill aoe Tr. Toth aye
XIII. RESIDENTS' COMMENTS
NONE
. Minutes ofApril 26,19118perd
XIV. ADJOURNMENTIEXECUTIVE SESSION
Trustee DiMaria moved to adjourn to Executive Session to discuss personnel matters, labor
negotiations, pending litigation, real estate, and review of Executive Session Minutes. Trustee
Grear seconded the motion. Motion passed: 6 ayes, 0 nays.
Tr. DiMaria ale Tr. Gomberg aye Tr. Grear aye
Tr. Marcus aae Tr. Thill aye Tr. Toth aye
The meeting adjourned to Executive Session at 7:50 p.m.
PASSED this 9th day of May, 2011
Trustee
DiMaria (i
Trustee
Gomberg
Trustee
Grear
Trustee
Marcus
Trustee
Thill
Trustee
Toth
day of May, 2011.
Daniel U. Staackrrann, Village President
Board of Trustees, Morton Grove, Illinois
FILED,Krnykffica,1Pis 1,Gth day of May, 2011.
Tony S. Kpn"ogers, Village Clerk
Village o'1 /Ma oo rove, Cook County, Illinois
Minutes by Teresa Oousar