The URL can be used to link to this page

Home My WebLink About2009-12-14 MinutesCALL TO ORDER 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. Village Clerk Tony Kalogerakos called the roll. Present were: Trustees Dan DiMaria, Larry Gomberg, Bill Grear, Shel Marcus, John Thill, and Maria Toth. APPROVAL OF MINUTES a. Regarding the Minutes of the Special Meeting of November 20, 2009, Trustee Thill moved, seconded by Trustee Toth, to accept the Minutes as presented. There was no discussion. Motion passed unanimously via voice vote. IV. 2. Regarding the Minutes of the November 23, 2009 Regular Meeting, Trustee Marcus moved, seconded by Trustee Thill, to accept the Minutes as presented. There was no discussion. Motion passed unanimously via voice vote. SPECIAL REPORTS Presentation of Employee Anniversary Awards Mayor Staackmann and Village Administrator Joe Wade presented awards honoring the following: — Michael Dahm, for 25 years of service in the Public Works Department; — Michael Arcangeletti, for 20 years of service in the Fire Department; and —Susan Platz, for 10 years of service in the Police Department. The Board joined the Mayor and Administrator Wade in congratulating these employees. Plan Commission Chairman Ron Farkas presented these cases. - _..... Minutes of December 14,2009 Smud Meeting) IV. SPECIAL REPORTS (continued) a. The Applicant is Madco, LLC, who wants to build an assisted living facility on the site of the former Jamaican Gardens. Chairman Farkas explained that Cases PC 09 -07 and PC 09 -08 are related. A text amendment would first be needed to be made to the Village's Unified Development Code in order to add "assisted living facilities' as an acceptable Special Use in any of the Village's zoning districts. Currently there is no reference at all to "assisted living facilities ". The text amendment proposed in PC 09 -07 would list "assisted living facilities" as a Special Use in the Village's CR zoning districts as well as in R3, C1, and C2 zoning districts. Chairman Farkas noted that a text amendment cannot just benefit a certain applicant; it must benefit the Village as a whole. In PC 09 -08, the Applicant is seeking a Special Use Permit to build an assisted living facility on the aforementioned property. Thus, PC 09 -07 is the "threshold" case, because without the text amendment to the Village's code, there cannot be a Special Use Permit for an assisted living facility. The Unified Development Code does provide for amendments to be made to it when new conditions or situations occur. "Assisted living" is not the same as "independent living facilities" or "nursing homes'; it's a different type of housing altogether. The Plan Commission therefore unanimously agreed that the text amendment should be made and approved Case PC 09 -07. b. In Case PC 09 -08, the applicant is proposing to build a 128- unit/168 -bed facility. Construction would occur in two phases; the first occurring immediately and phase two within the next five years. The applicant was requesting a variation in the building height also. The code allows up to 45 feet in height; the proposed facility would be 57 feet tall. The Commission felt the variation was appropriate. Parking would be provided at one -half space per bed, which should be more than adequate. Another variance would be needed to allow for parking along Frontage Road, as the shape of the parcel and the angle of the street necessitate front -yard parking. The Commission felt that was an appropriate request as well. c. This would be a private pay facility, largely providing for dementia and Alzheimer's residents. Doors will be alarmed with a delay. The Commission unanimously voted to recommend approval of PC 00 -08, with several conditions. d. There were no questions or comments from the trustees. Trustee Thill moved to accept the Plan Commission's recommendations in the matter of PC 09 -07 and PC 09 -08. Trustee Gomberg seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously via voice vote. 3. a. Chairman Farkas presented these cases. He explained that, before hearing these cases, Commissioner Shimanski recused himself because his company does work for MB Financial Bank (the Applicant). In PC 09 -03, the bank is seeking a rezoning of their eastern -most parking lot, which is south of the bank building, from R3 General Residential to C1 General Commercial. In PC 09 -04, the bank is seeking a Special Use Permit to construct a drive -thru banking facility on the rezoned parcel. The bank has only been using that lot for parking, which is permitted in an R3 zone. b. Chairman Farkas explained that, for a map amendment, the subject property must meet at least one of the following criteria: it must contain at least' /4 of an acre (this does not) or have frontage of at least 330 feet (this does not) or adjoin a parcel having the same zoning as that being requested (this does). As in the preceding case PC 09 -07, a text amendment cannot just benefit an individual applicant; it must be in the public interest for the Village as a whole. - -- - -- Minutes of December 14, 2009 Board Meetin IV. SPECIAL REPORTS (continued) c. The Commission felt the rezoning was in the public interest, based on a number of factors. In fact, Chairman Farkas noted, the 2001 Dempster Street Corridor Plan specifically recom- mended that the bank relocate its drive -thru facility to this under- utilized parking lot. As a result, the Commission voted to recommend approval of the rezoning, with the condition that the zoning would revert to its previous zoning (R3) upon the lapse of the drive -thru facility for a period of one year. d. In Case PC 09 -04, the Commission heard several witnesses. Tracy Ernst of MB Financial testified that this will provide more efficiency for the bank. The applicant's lighting engineer also testified, and stated that the microphones will not be audible, even from lane to lane, so will not disturb any adjacent neighbors. The traffic consultant said that traffic volume will not be affected overall, and felt that the traffic flow will actually be improved because of the availability of the signalized intersection at Dempster and Fernald. The Applicant is request- ing an eight -car variation in its parking plan, which the Commission felt was acceptable. e. Access to the drive -thru will be from the alley behind the bank, just west of Georgiana. Three lanes will be formed as vehicles travel south into the lot, which will wind around ultimately to the canopies on the north. Exit will be"back into the alley, generally directed toward Fernald, although it will be possible for cars to turn onto Georgiana. The site plan includes a ten -foot fence around the bank's emergency generator, which would cause the entrance aisle to be only 22 feet wide. The Commission felt the fence would serve no great purpose and there would be more benefit in having a 24 foot aisle, so one of the conditions of the Special Use is that a revised site plan be submitted, showing a 24 -foot aisle and the elimination of the ten -foot fence. Several interested and concerned parties spoke. The biggest concern was the danger to children using the alley to get to the traffic signal at Fernald that could be caused by the proposed increased use of the alley. Commissioners asked why the children didn't use the sidewalks on Dempster. Residents responded that it's not very safe because the sidewalks are narrow, the curbs are low, and the traffic speeds by. Children are encouraged to use the alleys. Although the sidewalks on Dempster are going to be widened to ten feet next year, the Commission felt it was reasonable to assume that pedestrians would continue to use the alley. Since the bank would be monopolizing the alley, the Commission included a condition that the bank should stripe off a walkway portion on the bank's property on the north side of the alley. The Commission also added a condition requiring a 7 foot high fence for 48 feet on the west side of the north /south alley starting at the south property line of the bank's west lot. The Commission voted unanimously to approval the Special Use, with conditions. Trustee Grear asked a question regarding the east side fence. Mr. Farkas said that the Applicant didn't want to conceal too much of the drive -thru facilities canopies as a matter of security. Trustee Grear said, regarding the children using the alley, he was concerned about the children darting thru the bushes. He also said it's key to note that, if MB Bank "vacates" the drive -thru, the property would revert to R3 zoning. h. Trustee Thill said the plan includes a four -foot fence on the inside of the hedges to act as a buffer so that headlights wouldn't be disturbing the neighbors. Trustee Gomberg moved to accept the recommendations of the Plan Commission in the matter of PC 09 -03 and PC 09 -04. Trustee Thill seconded the motion. Motion passed un- animously via voice vote. IV. _.. _. , _...... _... _... _.. _.. . Minutes of Dederfi6er 44.2009.136ard Meeting'. SPECIAL REPORTS (continued) 4. Presentation of Proposed 2010 Budget a. Village Administrator Wade thanked the Financial Advisory Commission, Finance Director Ryan Horne, and the department heads for all their hard work and efforts on the 2010 budget. He said that the Board has also been working on the budget for a number of months; in fact, budget development is almost becoming a six- or seven -month process. Mr. Wade noted that the 2009 Budget tapped into the Village's reserves for about $1 million dollars. The 2010 Budget taps the reserves again. He emphasized that the Village recognizes it cannot keep going into its reserves. b. The challenge of the 2010 Budget was to meet a $3 million dollar gap between revenue and expenses, without raising property taxes, while maintaining essential core Village services. He pointed out that the Village's services are excellent; for example, response time for emergency (fire /paramedic) services is less than four minutes and for police, less than five minutes. In trying to close the $3 million gap, the Board said that nothing was "off- limits'. Personnel reductions were considered and have been included. The budget contains no cost -of- living increase for non - contractual personnel, and in some cases, salary reductions. Positions that were lost in 2008 and 2009 have not been filled other staff reductions occurred in November. A full -time position has been reduced to part-time. Six crossing guards have been eliminated; the Village will now provide just one crossing guard per school. c. This budget only contains two capital projects: the Dempster Street water main replacement, which has been in the planning stages for the last 12 years, and work to be done on Lehigh, which will be paid for with monies from the Economic Stimulus package. A replacement ambulance (to replace the Village's 1997 ambulance) has been eliminated from this budget. d. The 2010 Budget proposes the removal of solid waste and recycling from the Village's tax levy to a total user -fee system. This will save the Village $722,000 annually. At present, approximately 42% of the solid waste fee is paid by the Village, with individual consumers paying the balance. Mr. Wade noted that there is an "equity' issue here, in that the Village's business community ends up paying for solid waste and recycling twice —once via taxes and again with each business' own hauling contract. Going to a user -fee system addresses this inequity for the Village's businesses. He said the Village recognizes that there's a concern about being able to deduct this from federal income taxes, although research indicates that only about 36% of those filing federal income tax itemize. Nevertheless, it is a concern and the Village has written to its State legislators asking for a review of the Internal Revenue Service tax code to see why this can't be claimed as a deduction if it's being paid direct on via the water bill versus being paid as part of the property tax. e. Another area that has been scrutinized is the area of Senior and Family Services. This budg- et has resources for continuation of these services through March 31, 2010. That includes the lunch program and bus service. The Fire Department is looking at possibly taking over the blood pressure screening service, with the understanding that if there's an emergency call, they'd have to leave. Mr. Wade said he's been around as a public administrator for a number of years, and typically, senior recreational services and activities are not considered a municipal function. In light of the current economic climate, the 2010 Budget focuses on vital services, with much less emphasis on "nice to have" services. Mr. Wade cited as an example, the senior bus service. Records indicate that only 61 unique individuals use this service, yet it costs the Village $60,000 annually. He said that staff is looking for an alternative provider, possibly PACE, for the bus service and other services now provided by Village. He pointed out that liability is also a concern for the Village with the senior bus service, citing an accident last year that cost the Village $35,000 and one years ago that cost significantly more. _. _. Minuies of December 14.2009 Spard Meeting IV SPECIAL REPORTS (continued) f. Mr. Wade said that, if pension reform legislation would have passed in Springfield, these measures may not have been needed. However, the Board received word right before Thanksgiving that the legislative relief they had hoped for did not pass. g. Mr. Wade said the Board's goal was to prioritize services, and the fact is, the core municipal services are public safety and infrastructure. He repeated that the 2010 Budget does provide for continuation of senior services, at a reduced level, through March 31, 2010. h. This budget also proposes an increase in vehicle sticker fees from $30 to $55 and from $15 to $25 for seniors. L As mentioned previously, the 2010 Budget only contains two capital projects. Mr. Wade said the Board recognizes that many residents are rightfully concerned about the conditions of their streets. He said that, at the January 11, 2010 Board Meeting, a bond issue will be considered for capital needs. This would be called the "Forward Morton Grove" program and would be a way for the Village to "reinvest" in the community. The bond issue would include bonds for local street /infrastructure improvements (a $5 million dollar project over the years 2010, 2011, 2012, and 2013); a much - needed Village -wide water meter replacement program (approximately $2.58 million); $275,000 for a replacement ambulance; $230,000 for feeder main relocation by the north pumping station; $700,000 for feeder main replacement by the river; $294,000 for replacement of the salt dome; and $35,000 for the west basin drainage study. Mr. Wade said these are significant capital needs, and the timing is right because the Village is currently seeing the best interest rates for borrowing money that it's seen in a very long time. Mr. Wade then turned the discussion over to Finance Director Ryan Horne. Mr. Horne began by reviewing the timeline of this budget, which began basically in February of 2009 with a bond refinancing opportunity, followed by a Moody's rating call in March, in which the Village's AA3 bond rating was reaffirmed. Mr. Horne said the budgeting process included a Capital Needs bus tour in August, as well as five budget workshops and one executive session devoted solely to the budget. In the last six months, the Village has refinanced two bonds for a significant savings. The 2009 Budget included a $3 million dollar budget deficit. As of November 23, the Village's fund balance is at 23.1%. (25% is the recommended threshold.) As stated earlier by Mr. Wade, the 2010 Budget as initially proposed had a gap of $3 million dollars between revenue and expenses. The budget currently awaiting approval by the Board still shows a gap, but it has been narrowed to $1.2 million dollars. In comparing the first proposed 2010 budgets to the one before the Board tonight, spending has been reduced by $1.6 million. Part of that reduction comes from the proposed elimination of the replacement ambulance and the solid waste subsidy, reductions in personnel, and department consolidations. Increased revenues from the proposed increase in vehicle sticker fees were also factored in. Mr. Horne next focused on the Family and Senior Services Department. It provides services in three key areas: Social Services, Nursing Services, and Senior Citizen Services. There are currently three full -time employees and seventeen part -time employees. For FY 2009, the Village anticipates revenue from senior programs of approximately $50,000. However, expenses show that, for every $1 that comes in, the Village spends $8.23. For FY2010, not- ing the shorter timeframe, revenues are projected at approximately $11,000, and expenses at roughly $186,OOO.What this means for the fund balance is that for FY2009 the Department decreased fund balance by about $346,000, and for FY2010, it is projected that it would decrease fund balance by an additional $175,000. __... - ... Minutes cf December 14, 2009: Board Meeting, IV. SPECIAL REPORTS (continued) 1. In taking a closer look at the bus service, Mr. Horne commented that ridership has been declining over the last several years. In 2007, the logs indicate that there were 8,777 riders; in 2008, 8,237 riders, and year -to -date 2009, 6,465 riders. Ride trips are classified as "Medical" (approximately 20 rides per month); "Educational" (approximately 20 rides per month), "Nutritional" (in excess of 100 rides per month), "Shopping" (in excess of 100 rides per month), and Social (approximately 40 rides per month). There are approximately 61 specific unique riders who use the bus service. Mr. Horne noted that estimated costs do not include liability costs, which are a factor because the Village is self - insured. Per rider, the bus service costs the Village annually approximately $1,000 per year, or $17 round -trip (per trip). m. Mr. Horne then reviewed the American Legion Civic Center, which is a multi- purpose facility that has become a community focal point for senior citizen activities and services, service club meetings and fundraisers, civic and government events; and private functions such as wedding receptions, birthday celebrations, anniversaries, theatrical productions, classes, dances, seminars, support groups, and picnics. The Family and Senior Services Department was tasked with maintaining, scheduling, cultivating, and managing activities within the facility. n. Mr. Horne said that he is often asked if the Civic Center is a "profit center" for the Village. Quite simply it is not. In FY2009, approximately 140,000 of revenue was generated, but expenses are estimated at $289,000. For every $1 that comes in, the Village spends about $2. For FY2010, again, noting the shorter timeframe, it is anticipated that $70,000 of revenue will be generated, with expenses of $170,000. For 2009, the Civic Center decreased fund balance by $148,000, and for 20101 it will decrease fund balance by $100,000. In total, the Department of Family & Senior Services and the Civic Center will decrease fund balance by nearly $500,000 in fiscal 2009, and roughly $275,000 in fiscal 2011 o. Mr. Horne explained the importance of "fund balance'. He said fund balance provides a financial cushion potential unanticipated circumstances and events. A look at the history of the Village's fund balance shows that, in 2006, the fund balance was at 44 %. In 20101 it is projected to be 23 %. The Moody's rating call has forced the Village to look at its operations and how it's funding them. Mr. Horne said he feels that a measure of the Village's economic stability is appropriate management decisions and appropriate fund balance. Mayor Staackmann asked if the Board had any questions. P, Trustee Thill asked Mr. Horne how much money the Village has saved by refinancing the two bonds. Mr. Horne said that it was actually two bonds and one note, and the Village has saved itself in excess of $1 million. q. Trustee Marcus asked about the Village's bond rating. He wondered, if the bond rating was lowered, what impact it would have on the Village's cash status. Mr. Horne said a rating had no impact on the Village's cash on hand. What it can impact is the cost to the Village to borrow money. It would end up costing more. Mr. Horne said it was akin to a person's personal credit score —if your credit rating is 700 or better, that's pretty good. You don't want it to fall below that. r. Mayor Staackmann asked Mr. Horne if his costs of the Civic Center included some of the major repairs undertaken in 2009. Mr. Horne said he thought that the chimney repairs were included in 2010, but wasn't sure about the roof repairs. Mayor Staackmann asked, with regard to maintenance at the Civic Center, whether exterior maintenance (i.e., snow plowing the lot, grounds- keeping) had been included. (This was estimated at over $45,000 annually by the Public Works Department.) Mr. Horne said that those costs had not been included. IV. I I I ... Minutes of December 14,2609 BiDaYA Meeting SPECIAL REPORTS (continued) 5. Presentation of Pace Transportation Services a. Ms. Lee Blackman said she was pleased to let the Board know about some services that might address their transportation needs. Pace has several services, but after speaking with Jackie Walker - O'Keefe, she felt that two of the services probably wouldn't benefit the Village. b. The first service is Pace's locally -based program. This is where Pace provides the Village with a 12- passenger vehicle with a wheelchair lift. It would cost $100 per month with a $1,000 security deposit. The Village would also be responsible for all maintenance and repairs, although the vehicle would be new and under warranty. c. The second is the Dial -a -Ride program. Several communities, including Skokie, participate in this program. Pace covers dispatchers, drivers, fuel costs, days of operation, etc. The Village pays $50 to $60 an hour for the service, and gets to decide how much to charge passengers, how many days it wants to operate the service, etc. If the Village can handle portions of this (i.e., the dispatching), it can take those services out of the contract. Reducing hours and being more specific with the service can also help lower costs. She suggested doing a survey of the seniors to determine which day works best for going to the store or to the doctor, etc. d. The last program is the Municipal Van Pool Program. It's similar to the first program in cost, but Pace is responsible for maintenance and repair. Ms. Blackman said she was now aware that the Village had its own vehicles, and likely would not be interested in the first or third programs where a vehicle is provided. She thought that the Dial -a -Ride program might be more suitable for the Village, but suggested the Board talk to the regional director about a paratransit program. Mayor Staackmann asked if she was familiar with the Skokie program. Ms. Blackman said she was only slightly familiar, and could provide more information at a later date. The mayor asked her if she was aware that Skokie had cut $104,000 from senior transportation services in its 2010 budget. He wondered how that related to the Dial -a -Ride program. She said she would find out and get back to the mayor tomorrow. g. Trustee Thill asked Mrs. Blackman if she was aware of any other municipality providing senior transportation services on its own, other than Morton Grove. After giving it some thought, she said that Palatine Township and Wheeling might be, but both are using Pace vehicles. h. Trustee Marcus asked if the Village's seniortran drivers could apply to Pace and become Pace employees. She said they could, if a job was open, but there was no guarantee that they would get the job. i. Trustee Thill asked, with regard to grocery shopping, how it would were if one day was to be designated. Ms. Blackman said the way she's seen it is, the Village could schedule a 10 a.m. trip and a 3 p.m. trip, picking up residents from the north /east side of town for one of the trips and residents from the south/ west side of town for the other. V. PUBLIC HEARINGS Mayor Staackmann opened the Public Hearing, and, in the interests of time, he said this would be a Public Hearing on both the 2010 Budget and the 2009 Tax Levy. V. - - - - 11 1 "' Minutes ofDeceMber 14, 2009. Board Meeting PUBLIC HEARINGS (continued) Mayor Staackmann asked if any member of the Board wanted to comment or ask a question. None did. He then opened the Hearing up for public comments and questions. 1. Georgianne Brunner addressed the Board. She said she was surprised by the many cuts in the 2010 Budget. She felt the lack of funding for all the items and positions that had been cut is not only a result of the recession, it is also partially self - inflicted. She pointed out that three of the current elected officials lobbied hard last year and the year before against any property tax increases because they felt there was "too much" money in the reserves. She said she wished she had been more vocal about the consequences of their decisions. Mrs. Brunner said she's been told by two trustees that there was "nothing more" that could be out from the budget, but she felt that, had the Mayor, Board Members, and certain paid commissioners given up their stipend, it would have amounted to $60,000, or enough money to fund the bus service for the entire year. She felt that giving up their stipends would have sent a message to residents and Village staff about the gravity of the Village's economic situation. a. Mrs. Brunner said she had attended all the budget workshops, and there was never any public discussion about any of these proposals. The Board never publicly commented on staff's recommendations for personnel reductions, department consolidation, the elimination of the solid waste subsidy, or the vehicle sticker increase. She felt their minds were made up. b. Mrs. Brunner said the most obvious choice would be to raise the property tax levy, although this was not the choice the Board was going to make. She said she was very aware that doing so would be quite unpopular, commenting that she's reminded daily of the 2006 budget, which increased property taxes by 20 %. But that budget was passed with many hours of public discussion and comment. And, she said, the result of that increase was that all Village services were maintained, the police and fire pensions were properly funded, and capital projects were planned and accomplished. And it built up the reserves, so that funds were available for unexpected events such as increased fuel prices, increased salt prices, and storm clean -ups. The higher balance in the reserves also helped gain the Village a favorable bond rating. c. Mrs. Brunner said that, during the 2006 public hearing on the budget, there was much criticism from the residents. She quoted from the Minutes of that meeting, wherein Trustee DlMaria said, "The Board is elected to make decisions that are best for the Village. The department heads have cut expenses as far as they can without sacrificing services. This Board has done a good job of working together. I am proud of the Caucus Party for stepping up. They are diligent and take their fiscal responsibility seriously." Of course, she said, that support evaporated in future political campaigns. She wondered if anyone on this Board would "step up ". She thought it unlikely. Mrs. Brunner said that, by not stepping up now, problems will be compounded and future Boards will have to solve them. Future Boards will again have to ask residents for property tax increases. d, Mrs. Brunner said that the current budget, in essence, levies taxes on the residents —but not in the form of real estate taxes. For example, the elimination of the solid waste subsidy is tantamount to a 12% levy; the increased vehicle sticker prices are equal to a 2% levy. She felt the budget cuts were short - sighted and that the Board was making them so they would be able to campaign and say they didn't raise property taxes, and that, she said, wasn't the best thing for the Village. Mrs. Brunner was applauded by the audience. 2. Ellie Davis, 9024 Major. Ms. Davis said she was shocked to read that the senior center would be closing. She said that she's 68 years old and takes advantage of many of the activi- ties offered there, including monthly health checks and driving improvement programs. ...... _ _... I Minutes of December 14. 2000, Board Meeting: V. PUBLIC HEARINGS (continued) a'. Ms. Davis talked about the importance of these activities to the senior community, how they fulfill a need for socialization, especially for older seniors in their 70's and 80's. Without these programs, these seniors, many of whom live alone, could be prone to depression. b. Ms. Davis said that she had spoken with the new Park District Director, Mark Langdon. He had spoken of the need for grant writing to find funding sources. She suggested to him that the Park District could use the senior center to sponsor some of the senior programs, original- ly under the auspices of the Park District. Ms. Davis noted that the Park District and Civic Center are funded by all residents. She said she encouraged Mr. Langdon to be proactive in rescuing the "disappearing rights' of seniors. He pointed out that many seniors use programs at the Park District, and she responded that there are many more who do not drive or who only go out in the daytime hours. She felt it would be perfect for seniors to have programs at the Park District between 9 am and 2 pm, with park district programs for children and adults held later in the afternoon and on weekends. c. Ms. Davis said that the Village's budgeted income for 2009 is $22,172,674. In looking at the line item for seniors, only 3% of that income is budgeted for senior services —and seniors are 25% of the population. She asked if the Village really needs to "take back" that 3% for the seniors who have built Morton Grove. Ms. Davis said that, according to some online statistics, 64% of the Village's households earn between $50,000 and $200,000 annually. She won- dered if there could be a small tax increase for younger folks to care for their folks and their senior neighbors. She hoped the Village and residents could work together to maintain senior services without closing the senior center, and asked the Board to vote against closing it. Ms. Davis was also applauded by the audience. d. Mayor Staackmann noted that this was an opportunity for comments on the budget and the tax levy. Other comments should be saved for the "Resident's Comments' portion of the meeting, which is next on the Agenda and is the proper place for comments not directly related to the budget or the tax levy. Some members of the assemblage began engaging the mayor in a dialogue. He stated that some ground rules should be set, the first of which would be that everyone should be respectful of other speakers and the Board. He said everyone was welcome to speak, civilly, and with facts, not innuendoes. Mayor Staackmann said that he has probably spoken to over 150 seniors in the last week or so, in addition to sending out over 450 letters to seniors explaining what's going on with the senior center. He pointed out that the senior center is not closing its doors on January 1s'. It will remain open and the Board is trying to find a way to keep it open or to keep providing services. He asked if there were any more comments on the levy or the budget. 3. Joe Hedrick, 8610 School. Regarding the tax levy, he felt that fees equal a tax. To say there's no tax increase in this budget is wrong; there is one. He noted that the Village is currently putting into the police and fire pensions what they should be doing, but they are just treading water. They need to bite the bullet and increase the amount in the pension funds to "catch up ". The pension funds are running low. It's mandated by the State. Mayor Staackmann asked if Mr. Hedrick was saying the Village is not funding the pensions in accordance with the law. He responded that the Village is, but it needs to do more to catch up. He felt the Board should put more emphasis on increasing pension contribution funds when it begins the next budget process. ... .... Minutss of DeceMber 14, 2UX15 Board.Moetin9 V. PUBLIC HEARING (continued) A resident spoke. She thanked the Board for their hard work and for doing their homework. She wished there was a better way for them to share with the community some of the decisions the Board was contemplating. She felt that 3% is not a lot. She said she had no problem with the Board's priorities of maintaining vital police and fire services. She questioned, however, the need for Public Works to send two snowplows down her street when there had been hardly any snowfall. Eliminating such practices would be a cost - savings. She said that everyone's aware of the difficult economic times and everyone has to deal with their own budget and managing costs. She said she doubted very much whether any particular household would make the decision not to feed a grandparent because they'd save a lot of money that way. The decisions the Board will be making will have a big effect on everyone. She agreed that, it's one thing for the Board to say they didn't raise taxes, but, in effect, they are— by raising the garbage fees and the vehicle sticker fees. She said that, letting seniors know "at the last minute" that the Village is "pulling the cord" on the senior center wasn't the way to do it. The Board should have communicated its intentions a while ago. Jim Quinn, 612 Callie Ct. Mr. Quinn said he lives in the Woodlands, and pays taxes for snowplows that he never sees. The plows don't come in there because the roads are private. He said his taxes are $7,500 and he's retired. He's paid $5,000 this year to school districts, sending other people's children to school. Regarding the pension funds, he said he believed that the amount the actuary recommends assumes a 7.5% return, which he felt was absurd. He felt the return assumption should be about 4 %. Mr. Quinn said he wouldn't mind paying more in taxes if it meant keeping the senior center, and he thought a lot of people felt the same way. He reminded the Board that prior administrations had under - funded the police and fire pensions because they didn't want to raise property taxes. When former Mayor Krier raised taxes, he came under a lot of fire, but Mr. Quinn felt he did the right thing. Mr. Quinn said, if it's time to raise taxes, raise them. 6. Marlene Worthley. Mrs. Worthley, a 38 -year resident and a senior, said she's heard a lot of comments from many people. She said that sometimes a person has to step back and ask, what is it we're asking for? What is it we're demanding? She said that sometimes people get used to things, and view things that used to be "privileges" as "rights ". She said she loves to get things free and to get senior discounts. But she wondered if people were willing to give up their police or fire services so they could play bingo. She felt that maintaining vital services was the most important thing for the Village to do. Mrs. Worthley said that no one wants to pay more for vehicle stickers or have their taxes raised, but if that's what's necessary to maintain services, she's happy to do it. She said she's very proud of Morton Grove and everything it does. She said she paid for her children to go to school and she'll pay for other people's children to go to school —this is what Morton Grove is all about. She said this is a hard time and everyone's making sacrifices. It's crazy to point fingers and go back years and years. Morton Grove should be a forward- thinking community. Seniors deserve everything they can get, but not at the cost of giving up vital services. She said she'd rather pay more for her vehicle stickers and garbage than move out of Morton Grove. She also pointed out that this isn't "forever " —it could come back. All these services and programs weren't around years ago. Mrs. Worthley's comments were met with much derision from the assemblage. Mayor Staackmann pointed out that other speakers had been treated respectfully, and Mrs. Worthiey should be accorded the same respect, even if the audience didn't agree with her comments. IV# _.... _.... _.. _.. Minutes of December 14,3008.Soa7diVleeGngl V. PUBLIC HEARINGS (continued) 7. Pat Donahoe from Major Avenue said her major difficulty is that it seems the seniors, as a group, have been selected to forego services they have received from the Village. Why is this group or any particular group being picked on? She felt the seniors were being the "sacrificial Iambs" for the Village's being able to balance its budget. She felt that was very un- American. There should be sacrifice on everyone's part, not just one group. She asked the Board to re- examine their decisions and spread the sacrifice across the board, rather than singling out one particular group. Agnes Quinn. Mrs. Quinn said, one thing that hasn't been mentioned is the work and efforts the senior services group does to keep residents in their homes. She said she hopes that aspect will be included in any alternative plans the Village is making. Mayor Staackmann reiterated that the Village is looking and has been looking for alternative providers, alternative funding, and/or volunteers to carry on with many of the current senior programs. Mrs. Quinn said this is very traumatic to the seniors. There being no further comments, Trustee DiMaria moved to close the Public Hearing, seconded by Trustee Thill. Motion passed unanimously via voice vote. VI. RESIDENTS' COMMENTS (Agenda Items Only) Harvey Ruby, 8930 N. Oak Park, a 40 -year resident, said he's been a part-time bus driver at the Civic Center for the past four years. He felt that the Board has a cavalier attitude toward "his flock ", the seniors that he picks up and takes home. He felt that the Board doesn't appreciate the sense of freedom that having transportation can give a senior. He pointed out that 25% of the Village's population is seniors and they've all paid and still pay taxes. By taking the 3% away, and not providing services in the future, is like stealing. It would be giving seniors exactly what everyone else in the Village is getting. Mr. Ruby said the seniors can't get to the doctor and do their shopping without the senior bus service. He didn't feel Pace was a viable alternative, especially since the Village has its own vehicles and drivers. He felt that if the Board stopped senior services, it would be putting a nail in the coffin of the senior residents. Joe Hedrick. Mr. Hedrick spoke regarding Plan Commission Case PC 09 -07 and PC 09 -08. He was concerned about the State putting convicted felons and /or sex offenders in assisted living facilities (in other areas), and said he hoped the Village would put something in its Ordinance that would prevent the State from doing so in this facility in Morton Grove. Regarding Resolution 09 -75, Mr. Hedrick said he applauded the Board for being aggressive to get this business (Culver's). He questioned, however, the sales tax concessions. He felt that "less is more' and that if the Village removed its local sales tax and gas tax, it would be more competitive with other areas. He asked the Board to consider lowering or removing those taxes in order to bring more businesses to the Village. 3. Dale Senensky. Mr Senensky spoke regarding Ordinances 09 -33 and 09 -34. He thanked the Board for working with the neighborhood, for listening to the neighbors. He appreciated the Board going to bat for the residents. MB had agreed to a 4 -foot fence but the residents would rather have a 5 -foot fence. He said that MB had already said that wouldn't be a problem. 11 Minutes bf December 14, 2009'. Board Meefinglill VI. RESIDENTS' COMMENTS (Agenda Items Only) (continued) Mr. Senensky asked the Board to consider that change, and thanked them again for all their support. 4. Patrick Kansoer. Mr. Kansoer noted that there was a lot of anger in the room tonight, some justified, he felt, and some misplaced. He told the Board that he hates the 2010 Budget, but he had some observations. a. Regarding the senior center, Mr. Kansoer said that he, too, is a senior and a member of the senior center, and in fact, his wife serves on the Village's Commission on Aging. He said that he's heard tonight that the Village is "taking away (seniors') rights'. He pointed out that Village government exists for public safety, which is fire and police protection, and public works, which is fixing streets, water mains, snowplowing, etc. b. Senior services are "nice to have ", but that means that seniors are asking fellow residents, in tough times, to subsidize senior services. He wondered how many in attendance tonight had really looked at their tax bills, and if they had, had they noticed what percentage of their taxes goes to the Village compared to what goes to District 219? Mr. Kansoer said that District 219 has an "interesting" practice —when a teacher or administrator is nearing retirement, they receive a 20% raise, so as to help them in their retirement, because when they retire they get 80% of their salary. He wondered why people didn't get upset about that, or show up at school board meetings complaining about that. c. Mr. Kansoer asked if people were aware of what they paid for township services, and what they received in return. He said he couldn't speak for Maine Township, but he could speak about Niles Township, and noted that a previous Village official is now working for Niles Township in a job that pays $40,000, yet has no job description or duties, and was never posted for applicants. He wondered if that wasn't something worth being upset about. d. Mr. Kansoer said that the Library, which he believes does good things, has a move afoot to hire a consultant to put together a $20 million dollar bond issue to build a new library. He didn't feel that, in a recession, this was the time to spend $20 million dollars on a new build - ing. That money would be better spent on a new ambulance, which is desperately needed. 2. Mr. Kansoer noted that Mr. Wade had mentioned that the Village can't keep going to its fund balance to pay for things. He agreed. Mr. Kansoer mentioned Ordinance 99 -49, the ordinance whereby the Village paid the American Legion $1.4 million dollars to buy the Legion Hall. In retrospect, it probably wasn't such a good idea. Part of that agreement says the American Legion gets their heat, their lighting, maintenance, and free use of the meeting rooms for 99 years, at the cost of $1 per year. He said that's a wonderful deal for the American Legion, adding that he's all for veterans, and honors them —but the American Legion has a treasury of $1.4 million dollars, yet the Village is subsidizing their operations. He felt that, since everyone is being asked to "share the pain" by the Board, the American Legion should "man up'. f. Mr. Kansoer pointed out that there had been an agreement between the Park District and the Village to "co- provide" senior services. The Commission on Aging, which meets once a month, has a representative from the Park District assigned to attend its meetings. He said that, in the six months his wife has been on that Commission, she has never seen the Park District representative. Mr. Kansoer said it was about time for the Park District to "man up" too. 12 -... .... ....... Minutes of December'14, 2009; Beard Meeting. VI. RESIDENTS' COMMENTS (Agenda Items Only) (continued) g. Mr. Kansoer said that no one likes to give up something they've had and enjoyed, and no one likes to pay more taxes. He commented that there's another group that should perhaps "man up," and that would be the police and fire unions, because, he felt, some of the Village's contractual obligations negotiated by the unions were "killing" the Village and its residents. h. Mr. Kansoer reiterated that he hates the 2010 budget. But he didn't see any way to change what the Board is doing to keep the Village afloat, noting that hard times are now, but they won't last forever. He felt the budget hits every age group, not just the seniors. He felt that everyone in the audience hated the budget, and some will show personal animosity to the Board. He believed that would be misdirected. Others might use it for political advantage, as a "phony" campaign issue next year. Mr. Kansoer said it was phony because the previous administration has no answers now, and it had no answers in the past, except to lie to people and tell them what they thought the people wanted to hear. Those who have no solution might as well adopt the motto "Mia est," which translates to "Where's mine ?" I, Mr. Kansoer pointed out that some of the "pain" of this budget could, perhaps, be spread to some of the Village's higher -paid employees, on a temporary basis. He said there are municipalities that are asking for and receiving "give -backs =why can't Morton Grove? He told the Board they were not elected to be loved or even liked, they were elected to lead. And sometimes that means making hard, unpopular decisions for the betterment of the Village. He urged them not to give in to timidity and pressure, but to pass the budget because it's the hard thing, and the right thing, to do. 5. Marissa Durek. Marissa said that she is the social worker at the senior building at 9016 Waukegan, which houses approximately 75 low- income seniors, who rely on the senior center daily for many things, including tax preparation, transportation, monthly health education programs, flu shots, and social activities. They are very concerned about the proposed closing of the senior center, she said, and thanked the Mayor and other Board members who have come over and spoken with the seniors at that address. She added she was glad to hear that other options are being considered for after March 31. a. Marissa said that almost 40% of the residents there are over 80 years old and cannot drive. To them, the senior bus is a lifeline. The senior services offered have helped to keep them in their homes. While the Pace bus is an alternative, the $6 round -trip fare would be cost - prohibitive for them to use on a daily basis. She said she's seen these seniors' bank statements —at the end of the month, they only have $30 or $40 left. b. Marissa said that "socialization" is extremely important to these seniors, although possibly not as necessary as trips to the grocery store or the doctor. Having strong social networks has been linked to positive physical and mental health outcomes. She was concerned that, without the senior center, seniors in Morton Grove would become more isolated, and the cost of that isolation would be high. c. Marissa said she's very concerned about seniors in her building walking down Waukegan Road to go to Walgreens and Dominicks. Waukegan Road is extremely busy, and she worried that without the bus service or some alternative, even more will be walking up and down Waukegan Road. d. In addition to providing transportation and educational and socialization activities, the senior center has served as an important resource to the residents in her building in other ways. The Village Nurse visits on a monthly basis, to do screenings and health educational programs. 13 _..... _.... ..._ _ -.... _.. Whutes of December 14,2609 Board Meeting'. VI. RESIDENTS' COMMENTS (Agenda Items Only) (continued) e. These monthly visits have allowed the nurse to develop a rapport with these residents, which Marissa has been able to capitalize on in emergency situations. When a resident doesn't feel well, they may be reluctant to call 911 or call their doctor for fear of ending up in the hospital. -- Because the nurse has a rapport with them, sometimes a call from her can persuade them to get in touch with their doctor. Harvey, too (a previous speaker) has a great rapport with these residents. Marissa said this is something they'll lose out on if the Village goes with an alter - - nate provider, such as Pace. She said that, unfortunately, Pace is not as reliable as they would like. f. Marissa said that the loss of the senior center would be a huge loss for the residents in her building. There are no alternatives to some of the services the senior center has been providing. She recognized the difficulty of the budget situation, and urged the Board to reconsider the senior center costs. She felt that the cost savings from these cuts would be short-term compared with the long -term personal costs involved. 6. Nancy Lanning. Ms. Lanning said she thinks that seniors are very giving people, and they have given over many years to the Village. They are not asking for anything; they-are just feeling that this happened so quickly, and they want to help find some way to help keep the senior center open. 7. Gary Melby. Mr. Melby is the President of the Firefighters Pension Board. He said he was very proud of the Morton Grove Fire Department, and commended the Board for funding the pension funds appropriately. He said he was in favor of Resolution 09 -72, which is a resolution authorizing the support of regional actions to attain long -term pension sustainability. The Village, as a member of the Northwest Municipal Conference (NWMC), is supporting measures to raise public awareness about the public safety employee pension crisis. The purpose of the pension board is not only for employee benefits, its main goals are to provide benefit security for employees and to provide predictable and reasonable costs for the employer. Mr. Melby said that sometimes the NWMC portrays pension boards as "greedy ". This is not true. The Morton Grove pension crisis was caused by a previous administration. From 1995 to 2002, the Village was supposed to be contributing over $3 million dollars, but in fact, only $300,000 was put in —less than 10% of the recommended amounts. This present Board is putting in $1.8 million dollars, a substantial amount He realized that this creates a hardship for present and future taxpayers of the Village. b. Mr. Melby asked to meet with the Board at some point to explain some of the myths that the NWMC is stating as facts. He said that he supports senior services, and doesn't want to take anything away from them because of pension obligations. The seniors are the backbone of the community, and he felt it was unfortunate that the Village's monetary situation necessitated cuts in senior services. 8. Pat Devaney. Mr. Devaney is the President of the Associated Firefighters of Illinois (AFFI). He said he was here tonight on behalf of the Morton Grove Firefighters Union. The AFFI also supports Resolution 09 -72. He said that, in January of 2008, the AFFI worked with the NWMC and the Illinois Municipal League on HB.5088, a pension reform bill which eventually passed. One of the things that legislation did, which employers and municipalities insisted upon, was to agree to further analyze any benefit increases from that point forward to determine what financial and fiscal impact it would have on the communities and taxpayers. 14 Minuteso fDecember14,2009 Board Meetin" VI. RESIDENTS' COMMENTS (Agenda Items Only) (continued) a. He believed that was working well. Other things included in the pension reform were addition- al transparency, so that residents could see how their pensions were locally funded and additional transparency for the people investing the money to ensure a maximum investment return, another way of providing taxpayer relief. b. In 2009, the AFFI worked on a second piece of legislation, SB.2011. it had to do with the timetable ( "mortgage ") of how a pension is funded. Unfortunately, the lawmakers and AFFI were unable to come to an agreement. The legislation didn't address the root cause of the problem. Mr. Devaney said that the pension crisis is happening all over. For many years, appropriate funding wasn't done in this community or in many other communities. He said that some advocacy groups are trying to 'drive a wedge" between the firefighters and the citizens they protect, or between the elected officials and the citizenry. The AFFI just wants to make sure that any reform measures include provisions to prevent this same situation from occurring ten or fifteen years from now. This situation isn't because the firefighters have overly rich pension benefits; it's because of irresponsible contribution approaches that have been taken here, and everywhere else. He said that no one disputes how great the MG Fire Department is, and pointed out that the #1 priority of firefighters everywhere is serving and protecting the safety of the citizens. ° Marian Thill. Mrs. Thill is a 43 -year resident who lives on Major Avenue and is the wife of Trustee John Thill. She said that running the Village is somewhat like running a household. When there's no money in the checking account, you don't write a check. She said most residents know what it's like to try to balance a budget. Mrs. Thill said she remembered when children took care of their older parents or grand- parents, rather than expect government to do it all. She thought of the senior program as a "gift" —it's wonderful if funds are available for it. But the Village is in a crisis. The cuts don't affect only the seniors. People have lost their jobs, department cars have been eliminated, and the replacement ambulance has been postponed. She said it takes courage to make hard decisions, and said she was proud of the Board and their attempts to balance the 2010 budget. 10. Jim Quinn. Mr. Quinn commented about the 3% figure; he said it was more like 2 %. He said again, that sometimes elected officials have to raise taxes. By going into the reserves, it just makes the problem worse. He said he and his wife have lived in Morton Grove since 1967. They sold their house in 2006, and decided to stay in Morton Grove, although they could have moved anywhere. By moving into the Woodlands, their taxes doubled. He's aware that the cost of things goes up, and they have to be paid for. He said the Board will probably have to raise taxes next year, and they should let the people know it. VII, PRESIDENT'S REPORT 1. Mayor Staackmann established the Board Meeting Schedule for 2010. All meetings will begin at 7:00 p.m. In 2010, the Board will meet on January 11 and January 25; February 8 and February 22; March 8 and March 22; April 12 and April 26; May 10 and May 24; June 14 and June 28; July 12; August 9; September 13 and September 27; October 11 and October 25; November 8 and November 22; and December 13. Trustee Marcus moved to accept the Board Meeting Schedule as submitted. The motion was seconded by Trustee Toth and passed unanimously via voice vote. M .... .., . _,... _ _ - .. Minutes of December 14, 2009 Aosrd Meeting: VII: PRESIDENT'S REPORT (continued) 2. Mayor Staackmann then asked for a motion to concur with the appointments of Commission chairpersons. Chairpersons will be as follows: Advisory Commission on Aging Anne Marrazzo Appearance Commission.: Deanna Gotta Cable and Telecommunications Commission: Ron Fine Community Relations Commission: Samina Hussain Economic Development Commission: Donna Hedrick Board of Environmental Health: Georgianne Brunner Finance Advisory Commission: Doug Steinman Fire and Police Commission.' Mike Simkins Natural Resources Commission: Mary Busch Plan Commission/Zoning Board of Appeals: Ron Farkas Solid Waste Ad Hoc Committee: John Thill Traffic Safety Commission: Keith White Trustee Thill moved to concur with these appointments, seconded by Trustee Marcus. Motion passed unanimously via voice vote. 3. Mayor Staackmann established the meeting schedule for each Commission, and noted that it will be posted on the Village's web site. The schedule is as follows: Advisory Commission on Aging: Meets the 2nd Tuesday of every month at 1 pm at the Civic Center Appearance Commission: Meets the 1" Monday of every month at 7pm in the Council Chambers Cable and Telecommunications Commission: Meets the 2nd Thursday of January, May, and September at 7:30pm in the Council Chambers Community Relations Commission: Meets the 2nd Tuesday every other month at 7pm in the Trustees' Conference Room Economic Development Commission: Meets the 3`d Wednesday of every month at 6pm in the Trustees' Conference Room Board of Environmental Health: Meets the 1 s` Tuesday of every month at 7pm in the Trustees' Conference Room Finance Advisory Commission: Meets the 4'" Thursday of every month at 7pm in the Trustees' Conference Room Fire and Police Commission: Meets the 4`" Tuesday of every month at 7pm at Fire Station #4 Natural Resources Commission: Meets the 3rd Monday of every month at 6pm in the Trustees' Conference Room Plan CommissiowZoning Board of Appeals: Meets the 3`d Monday of every month at 7:30pm in the Council Chambers Solid Waste Ad Hoc Committee: Meetings vary 16 _... _._. ... _. - -- - Mimi'tes of December 14, 2009 $oard Meeftatl VII. PRESIDENT'S REPORT (continued) Traffic Safety Commission Meets the 1s' Thursday of every month at 7:30pm in the Council Chambers 4; Mayor Staackmann asked for the Board's concurrence of the Village Administrative Appointments for calendar year January 1 through December 31, 2010. They are as follows: Village Administrator: Joseph F. Wade Adjudication Officer: Elizabeth M. Rochford Building Commissioner: Ed Hildebrandt Corporation Council: Teresa Hoffman Liston EMA Director John Hill Family and Senior Services Director: Jackie Walker- O'Keefe Finance Director/Treasurer. Ryan Horne Fire Chief Tom Friel Police Chief. Mark Erickson Public Works Director: Andy DeMonte Village Prosecutor: Nate Brenner and Frank Tennant Trustee Thill moved to concur with these appointments, seconded by Trustee Toth. Motion passed unanimously via voice vote. 5. Mayor Staackmann had a comment regarding one speaker's assertion about the average household's wages in Morton Grove. He said her figure was based on the 2000 Census, and felt that the number will be quite different after the 2010 Census. The amount of unemployment in the Village has skyrocketed. Mayor Staackmann said that a lot of the decisions reflected in the Budget are the Board's attempt to equalize the hardship on everyone. He said that home foreclosures increase weekly. The Village's Assistance Fund was depleted in August. It was able to be partially replenished by the graciousness of employees and some Board members who donated their stipend checks to help families in need. He said the need for assistance is great in Morton Grove, and it's not isolated to seniors, or single parents, or one age group —it's across the board. Many residents are in financial crisis. Mayor Staackmann said that, contrary to a previous speaker's statement, the Board's decisions were not just "picking on" one group of people. It's a matter of trying to make sure that people can stay in their homes. a. Mayor Staackmann also commented on pension obligations. He said he's attended the Fire Pension Board meeting. The Board is committed to meeting its pension obligations according to actuarial recommendations. But the percentage of the return on investment is going down, not up. Other factors that affect the pension fund are contribution amounts (as Mr. Melby referred to); and the number of people that retire through disability or attrition. He noted that, if a community has an older Fire Department, its pension obligations will go up. Mayor Staackmann said that Morton Grove was lucky in that its pension obligation only increased by 14% this year. In other Cook County communities, the pension obligation has increased by as much as 115 %. This crisis is greater than in the 1930's because of all the contractual obligations the Village has, that it didn't have in the 1930's. b. Mayor Staackmann said that a four - minute response time of the firefighters is phenomenal, and everyone should be proud of that. He said there were complaints about losing the senior bus service, but it would be worse to call for an ambulance and not have it there when you need it. It comes down to public safety for Village residents. ii VII _ .... . - INinnfes of December 14, 2009 Board MeefinB: PRESIDENT'S REPORT (continued) c. Mayor Staackmann said that last year, the Village was down 4 sworn police officers. By the middle of the year, 3 had been added on. These are the things that are important, as well as taking care of seniors. He emphasized the senior program is not being cut January 1 . The Village is trying to reorganize and find a better way to deliver those services at less cost. He said it was important to maintain the core services: the 4 minute response time; the less than 5 minute response time when someone's breaking into your house; dedicated crew who will fix the water mains and restore your water pressure when it's 4 below zero. d. Mayor Staackmann said that, since he's been on the Board, every department has been asked to cut back on spending and make other cuts -- except Senior and Family Services. Unfortunately, now is their time. He said he realized that the "easy answer: would be to raise taxes. Mayor Staackmann said that he's received more letters, phone calls, and emails from people who are very concerned about the number of empty storefronts on Dempster Street and empty industrial complexes on Austin and Oakton. Some of the reasons for this are real estate taxes and the economic times. e. Mayor Staackmann said the Village is fortunate to have a Culver's coming in. Morton Grove will be the first community in this area to have this "hot" franchise. He was very proud of the Board and Village staff for coming together and working to make this happen. Culver's was contemplating going to go to another community, but Morton Grove outbid them. This is a good start, and shows what can be done when we work together. Culver's will generate much - needed revenue to help the community ease its financial problems. f. Mayor Staackmann said that, raising real estate taxes right now will only put a burden on average homeowners who can barely stay in their homes now, even if they have a job. Many people are taking pay cuts and benefit cuts just to keep their jobs. He said we need to come together as a community and not divide ourselves. Mayor Staackmann said he hoped that everyone "got the message" that the Board isn't making cuts just to be mean or vindictive or because it doesn't care. He hoped that next year, the economic situation would be better. Mayor Staackmann wished everyone a safe and happy holiday. VIII. Clerk Kalogerakos had no report. IX. RRMs STAFF REPORTS A. Village Administrator Mr. Wade announced that the December 281h Board Meeting was cancelled due to the Christmas holiday. B. Corporation Counsel`. Ms. Liston had no report. W B 11• X. TRUSTEES' REPORTS A. Trustee DiMaria: 1. Trustee DiMaria said he was proud to present Resolution 09 -75, Authorizing the Negotiation of Economic Development Agreements Between the Village of Morton Grove, Schwinge Family Limited Partners, and Culver's Restaurant of Morton Grove. a• He said that, during the franchisee's site selection process, they found it would be less costly for them to open a new restaurant in a neighboring community. While the shopping center owner offered some concessions to make the Morton Grove site more competitive, a financial gap remained. This gap is primarily due to the additional cost to clear the site and improve the property with new underground infrastructure required for modern developments, and to high property taxes. The Village proposes to bridge this financial gap so the new restaurant has a fair chance to operate successfully in a highly competitive marketplace for many years to come. b. Trustee DiMaria said that this resolution is intended to attract a new restaurant which will provide desired goods and services to Village residents while increasing overall business activity, creating new job opportunities, enhancing the property tax base of the Village, and generating new sales tax revenue that would otherwise not be realized. Trustee DiMaria moved, seconded by Trustee Toth, to approve Resolution 09 -75. C. Mayor Staackmann said it was a long, hard fight to get this Culver's, and he was excited about it. Culver's estimates it will serve 6,000 patrons a month. The Village anticipates realizing over $300,000 in new sales tax revenue from Culver's. Upon the vote, the motion passed: 6 ayes, 0 nays. Tr. DiMaria aye Tr. Gomberg afe Tr. Grear ,aye Tr. Marcus acre Tr. Thill aye Tr. Toth aave, Trustee DiMaria next presented Resolution 09 -74, Authorizing the Execution of Agreements Related to the Purchase of Rights -of -Way Needed for the Construction of the Dempster Street Roadway and Streetscape Improvements. He said that this resolution authorizes the Village to acquire the necessary rights -of -way to construct planned roadway and streetscape improvements along Dempster Street between Ferris Avenue and Central. In layman's terms, the Village needs the corners so that when Dempster Street is widened and the central turning lane is constructed, there will be enough turning space at each of the intersections. Trustee DiMaria moved to approve Resolution 09 -74, seconded by Trustee Marcus.. Motion passed: 6 ayes, 0 nays. Tr. DiMaria aAe Tr. Gomberg aye Tr. Grear aye Tr. Marcus aye Tr. Thill acre Tr. Toth aye 19 Minutes of December 14, 2009:Soard M00410 X, TRUSTEES' REPORTS (continued) B. Trustee Gomberg: 1. Trustee Gomberg presented Ordinance 09 -31, 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, 2010 and Ending December 31, 2010. This is the second reading of this ordinance. a. Trustee Gomberg said the Village budget has been available for public inspection online at www.mortongroveil.org, at the Public Library, and at Village Hall. Notice of a Public Hearing was published in the Pioneer Press newspaper at least a week prior. The Public Hearing was held earlier this evening. The Village budget for 2010 totals $52,140,531. The Library's budget is $2,955,944, for a grand total of $55,096,475. Trustee Gomberg moved to adopt Ordinance 09 -31, seconded by Trustee Toth. Mayor Staackmann asked if there was any discussion. b. Trustee DiMaria had a few comments. He reiterated the dedication of his colleagues, Village staff, and department heads for all the time they put in to developing the Budget. He said this is the hardest decision and hardest vote he has ever faced in any of his years of service as a Trustee. He empathized with the newer Board members having to wrestle with this after only being on the Board for a few months. It's very difficult to do the types of thing this budget proposes. He said the Board has taken its time with staffs recommendations. Every department has seen cuts, and there is zero pay increase for any non - contractual employees. Yet the Board is asking the same people to do more work. c Trustee DiMaria said that, earlier, Mr. Kansoer alluded to this being an unpopular vote. He said that, popular or unpopular, his vote has always been focused on what is in the best interests of Morton Grove. The Village has lost businesses, including a business that could have brought in upwards of $600,000 annually, based on what someone else felt was a "popular" decision. He said he's not going to let that happen again. The Board's decision to- night is based on long -term versus short-term vision. This is the right thing to do. Times are not as good as they used to be, and the Village needs to focus on the long -term. d. Trustee DiMaria said that Morton Grove needs a plan to keep it viable for the next 50 years. He said there was more public input on this budget than he can ever recall. A Financial Advisory Commission was formed by the Mayor, and it provided many ideas that were incorporated into this budget. There were many more budget workshops this time, with much public input. The Board listened. Contrary to what an earlier speaker said, the Board does listen and hears what the residents are saying. He said the he was not going to make decisions based on whether or not he'll be elected again in four years. He said he would vote tonight, and sleep well, knowing he made the best possible decision for the Village. e. Trustee DiMaria noted that the budget process is not perfect, and can always be improved. But when the information was given to the Board, it was digested and the best choices that could be made were made. The bottom line is the economic downturn was much greater than anyone thought. Without making these cuts and implementing these increases, the Village would have had to again turn to its reserves. That practice can't continue. There's no end in sight. Painful decisions have had to been made. People were laid off. That was very difficult for him as a Trustee; some of these people had been with the Village for 20+ years. R Minutes of December 14, 2409 Board McAn.:..." X. TRUSTEES' REPORTS (continued) B. Trustee Gomberg: f. Trustee DiMaria said he didn't want to hear that only one section of people are being picked on. Every aspect has been affected. It's true the people are now going to be paying 100% for their garbage, and that could, in fact, be considered a "use tax ". But most Villages don't pay for their residents' garbage. When things were good, the Village could. But now it cannot. g. Property tax increases are not the answer. He thanked former Trustee Brunner for complimenting him. He said that she verbally demonstrated that he doesn't make decisions based on his political affiliations or whether or not he'll be elected again, but rather, on what's best for the Village. Trustee DiMaria said he voted for the 20% increase because at that time, with that economy, it was the right thing to do. He said that he did, in fact, applaud the Caucus Party but was also a team player and voted for it because it was right. But a property tax increase would not work with today's economic climate. A property tax increase would make it extremely difficult to attract businesses to Morton Grove. The Village would not be able to compete with surrounding communities. The Village truthfully cannot compete now with Skokie, Lincolnwood, and Niles, unless it's extremely aggressive. h. Trustee DiMaria said that if he had to vote for a property tax increase next year, and it was the right thing to do, he would do it. Today, it is not the right decision. The Village still isn't close to a balanced budget— there's still a $1.2 million gap. The Board is going to do everything it can to keep senior services going past March. It's great to have the bus service, the nurse, etc. When things are good, the Village stepped up, better than most other communities. But when things are not good, it cannot keep that up. He said he was voting for the budget tonight because it is the fiscally responsible decision to keep Morton Grove viable today and into the future. I. Trustee Gomberg said that he supported the budget and agrees with some of Trustee DiMaria's comments. He reiterated that it was an extremely tough budget; the Board argued and debated with each other and had many philosophical disagreements. The workshops were grueling and the decision is grueling. He thanked everyone who contributed to the outcome. j. Trustee Grear said that, having been born and raised in Morton Grove, the senior services cuts deeply affect him. So, too, it affected him having to tell dedicated personnel that they would no longer have Village vehicles. He fought for them to have that, because he thought it was a perquisite they deserved. But he now realizes, given the current economy, that can't be done. It wasn't an enormous amount of money, but it is a demonstration that the Village is being fiscally responsible. He said he respected former Trustee Brunner's comments, noting that, in a perfect world, the Board would raise the taxes 35% and go on. However, if the Village raises taxes this year and the economy doesn't turn around, what would it do next year? There are empty storefronts; the Village is trying to keep the tax base down to attract businesses to fund programs, such as the senior services. Trustee Grear agreed with Trustee DiMaria about the garbage fee. It's something that the older communities always did; sixty years ago, his parents didn't pay a garbage fee. Newer communities never even got into it. He said the amount that is tax deductible though, is not that great —maybe $35 to $50. As a new Trustee, he said, he did not want to have to raise vehicle sticker fees, but the Village has to make this adjustment. 21 X TRUSTEES' REPORTS (continued) B. Trustee GombeE k. Trustee Grear said the seniors of this community are his idols. He said the Board is not throwing the seniors out; they are looking at budgetary responsibility. They're looking at reducing services. He noted that, for every dollar that's brought in by senior programs, the Village spends $8. He said the Board will evaluate the senior center after three months, stating that it is looking into alternative service providers. They have 90 days to find some answers. The Board had to took at all of its options when it put together this budget. I. Trustee Greer said it was important to realize that we are all in this together. He encouraged people to shop in Morton Grove and support its businesses. He said he hasn't heard anyone saying anything about that. He said this isn't an easy vote, and he hopes people understand that the Board is doing what it can. Maybe taxes will have to be raised next year, he doesn't know. But he felt this is the right choice for Morton Grove, even though it's unpopular. Trustee Grear said he loves the seniors, and vowed to do whatever he could to keep the senior center operating, even if services remained reduced. He said it killed him that people were losing their jobs, and pointed out that Village staff is down to bare bones. He said he realized that all the Board can do is work together to make Morton Grove the best place it can be. M. Trustee Marcus thanked Trustee Grear for speaking from his heart; he said it's a wonderful attribute. This is a difficult budget. The Board spent much time and struggled long and hard to come up with a budget that makes sense and provides needed core services for this year and into the future. Knowing that you don't have the revenue to provide the services you want to provide is very difficult. Trustee Marcus said he realized the decisions the Board makes are not the same decisions people in the audience would make. He said he frequently attended school board meetings, and always used to wonder why it took Boards so long to make certain decisions, but now realizes that it's because those decisions have an impact on everyone. The toughest decision the Board had to make was to let people go. He said he didn't know if people in the audience ever had to do terminate people, but it's an extremely difficult thing to do. n. Trustee Marcus said he couldn't speak highly enough of the administrative staff. Each and every one worked many, many hours to come up with the numbers shown tonight. They've done an outstanding job. For people to say that they should have had this information earlier —he wondered why they hadn't attended any of the budget hearings. All too often, people wait until the last minute to get involved. This is an ongoing process; it didn't just happen overnight. o. Trustee Marcus felt the Board has made every attempt to be as transparent as possible about what it's doing. He noted that the assemblage was shown some budgetary figures earlier this evening. He guessed that many people didn't even bother to look at those numbers because their minds were already made up that this was something they didn't want and they didn't like. He said it reminded him of his children and grandchildren. He tells them things, but they don't listen. They want what they want when they want it. p. Trustee Marcus said that, as has been earlier stated, this Board has come together to make decisions that make sense and have "legs" for the community. There are things in the budget he's not excited about, and if there was more revenue, he'd love to change them. He said he was elected to provide leadership. He's doing that by making decisions that have merit and sense, not decisions based on the next election. He said he wished our State, Federal, and County officials would make their decisions the same way. 22 X. ..... ...... Minutes of December U. 2009 Board Meaning ". TRUSTEES' REPORTS (continued) B, Trustee Gomberg: q. Trustee Marcus said he hoped the Village would be able to find a way to continue the senior program, but in all honesty, felt the budget presented today was in the best interests of everyone in the Village. He said he pays taxes just like the assemblage, and we're all in this together. He quoted a philosopher who had said, "We can all get across the river if we all row in the same direction." Trustee Marcus said he hoped everyone would help "row together" so the Village could get across this river! Trustee Thill read from an Illinois Municipal League magazine and asked if anyone could guess what year the article was from. The article was titled "Who Killed the American Tax- payer?" It was a "call to arms to strengthen local governments after years of federal and state governments' passing the buck of financial burdens and unfunded mandates to local governments." Trustee Thill said it was written in 1931. In 80 years, things haven't changed. s. Trustee Thill noted that, at a recent meeting of the Condominium Association, Mayor Staackmann was explaining the Village's budget crisis, and the role unfunded mandates play. One of the attendees asked why they'd never heard this before. Trustee Thill pointed out that there was an article in the Fall edition of the Village newsletter, explaining everything and asking people to take a minute to call or write to their State legislators regarding passing unfunded mandates. He wondered if there was even two people in this room who had done that. Trustee Thill said that when his elderly aunt needed help, he and his siblings got together and opened an account for her and funded it monthly. That subsidized her. She never knew it though. She went to her grave believing she was able to take care of herself. t. Trustee Thill said this crisis has done two good things. It's filled the room tonight and it's forced more people to focus on the budget. One thing it's also done is clouded people's minds and stopped them from thinking straight. Oftentimes, crisis brings out the best in people. This is the same thing. The Commission on Aging is meeting tomorrow to talk about things that can potentially be done. He encouraged people to attend and to offer any suggestions they may have. Or they can call the Village with their suggestions. He encouraged everyone to come together to work through this crisis. Trustee Toth said she didn't want to be redundant. She said she wholeheartedly believed the Board was not singling out any specific group. She said that everyone's being asked to tighten their belts and open their wallets to pay for services necessary for all of us. Trustee Toth said that her decision tonight is based on what she feels is in the best interests of Morton Grove, not only just for today, but for the future. There being no further discussion, Mayor Staackmann called for the vote on Ordinance 09 -31. Motion passed: 6 ayes, 0 nays. Tr. DiMaria aye Tr. Gomberg acre Tr. Toth awe Tr. Marcus aye Tr. Thill aye Tr. Toth awe 2. Trustee Gomberg next presented Ordinance 09 -32, Levying and Assessing Taxes for the Village of Morton Grove, Cook County, Illinois, For the Fiscal Year Beginning January 1, 2010 and Ending December 31, 2010. This is the second reading of this ordinance. 23 Minutes of December 14, 2009 Beam R�eefin" X. TRUSTEES' REPORTS (continued) B. Trustee Gomberq: Trustee Gomberg explained that this ordinance sets the levy for property taxes for tax year 2009 which are collected in 2010. It has been determined to be in the public interest to levy the following amounts in order to fund the Village's operations and projects for the year 2010. A Public Hearing on the Tax Levy was held earlier this evening, after public notice duly published at least a week ago. This ordinance provides for a total Village property tax levy, including all debt service requirements, before abatements, of $11,676,163. The levy for the Morton Grove Library is $2,680,689, for a combined total levy of $14,356,862. However, the Village Board intends to adopt resolutions abating $2,317,303 from the com- bined total levy, which will result in a net tax levy for 2009 of $12,039,549. These abatements will be made because the $2,317,303 will actually come from sources other than property taxes; however, by law, they must be included in the total levy figure. These other sources include the Water /Sewer Fund, home rule sales taxes, and interest earnings from the debt service fund. c. Trustee Gomberg also pointed out that the Village's portion of the levy this year, compared to last year's, has a 0% increase. Trustee Gomberg moved, seconded by Trustee DiMaria to adopt Ordinance 09 -32. Motion passed: 6 ayes, 0 nays. Tr. DiMaria acre Tr. Gomberg aye Tr. Grear aye Tr. Marcus acre Tr. Thill awe Tr. Toth acre Trustee Gomberg then brought forward the first of four tax abatement resolutions: 3. Resolution 09 -68, Tax Abatement Resolution for 2009 Tax Levy Relating to Ordinance 07 -26. He explained that Ordinance 07 -26 was for the issuance of $9,200,000 in general obligation bonds. The ordinance provided that the levy of taxes for the year 2009 should include sufficient funds to pay $776,800 for the payment of prinicipal and interest on said bonds. The 2010 Budget has allocated revenue from the Lehigh- Ferris TIF Fund in the amount of $776,800 to pay for this debt service. Trustee Gomberg moved to approve Resolution 09 -68, seconded by Trustee Toth. Motion passed: 6 ayes, 0 nays. Tr. DiMaria aye Tr. Marcus aae Tr. Gomberg aye Tr. Grear afire Tr. Thill aae Tr. Toth aae 4. Resolution 09 -69, Tax Abatement Resolution for 2009 Tax Levy Relating to Ordinance 09 -06. He explained that Ordinance 09 -05 was for the issuance of $7,650,000 in general obligation bonds. The ordinance provided that the levy of taxes for the year 2009 should include sufficient funds to pay $1,231,780 for the debt service payment on said bonds. The 2010 Budget has allocated revenue from the Local Sales Option Tax in the amount of $440,000; revenue from accumulated interest earnings of $2,500; and revenue from the Water /Sewer Fund in the amont of $307,945 to pay for this debt service. YJ - - -. -- -- wn tes of December 14, 2009 Boatd M80001 X. TRUSTEES' REPORTS (continued) B. Trustee Gomberg: Trustee Gomberg moved to approve Resolution 09 -69, seconded by Trustee Thill. Motion passed: 6 ayes, 0 nays. Tr. DiMaria aye__ Tr. Gomberg aye Tr. Grear aye Tr. Marcus ave Tr. Thill aye Tr. Toth aye 5. Resolution 09 -70, Tax Abatement Resolution for 2009 Tax Levy Relating to Ordinance 09 -15. He explained that Ordinance 09 -15 was for the issuance of $4,920,000 in general obligation promissory notes. The ordinance provided that the levy of taxes for the year 2009 should include sufficient funds to pay $520,162 for the debt service payment on said bonds. The 2010 Budget has allocated revenue from the Waukegan Road TIF Fund in the amount of $520,162 to pay for this debt service. Trustee Gomberg moved to approve Resolution 09 -68, seconded by Trustee Thill. Motion passed: 6 ayes, 0 nays. Tr. DiMaria aye Tr. Gomberg He Tr. Grear aye Tr. Marcus aye Tr. Thill aye Tr. Toth aye 6. Resolution 09 -71, Tax Abatement Resolution for 2009 Tax Levy Relating to Ordinance 98 -41. He explained that Ordinance 98 -41 was for the issuance of $3,165,000 in general obligation bonds. The ordinance provided that the levy of taxes for the year 2009 should include sufficient funds to pay $269,896 for the debt service payment on said bonds. The 2010 Budget has allocated revenue from Waukegan Road TIF Fund in the amount of $269,896 to pay for this debt service. Trustee Gomberg moved to approve Resolution 09 -68, 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 aae 7. Next, Trustee Gomberg presented Resolution 09 -72, Authorizing the Support of Regional Actions to Attain Long -Term Pension Sustainability. a. He explained that the Village is a member of the Northwest Municipal Coference. Numerous discussions have been held regarding the public safety pension issue. b. Trustee Gomberg stated that the actuarially required contribution for the Village public safety employee pension funds has increased by $386,165, or 12.77% in 2009 alone. This is the result of a number of factors, including investment losses, legislatively - mandated pension benefit increases, cumulative wage increases, among other things. These steadily - increasing pension costs have created a fiscal crisis that is consuming an ever - increasing portion of the Village's municipal budget. ME _.... ,... Minutes of Pecembe04. 2009'$eard Meeting. X. TRUSTEES' REPORTS (continued) B. Trustee Gomberg: c. While the Village recognizes that providing a quality pension program for public employees is vital for recruitment and retention, it also recognizes that increasing pension costs place public pension systems in jeopardy. Without both immediate and long -term legislative relief from escalating pension costs, the Village will be faced with choices including budget cuts that reduce and /or eliminate vital services, deferring critical infrastructure maintenance and repairs, and /or increasing the burden on local taxpayers. d. Trustee Gomberg said the Village has agreed to take progressive action in order to address this pension crisis, and has agreed, with the Northwest Muncipal Conference, to inform the public, and legislators, of the rapidly - approaching crisis stage for these types of pensions. More than half of the surrounding communities are facing 30% or greater increases in the actuarially required contributions to their police and firefighter pension funds. Immediate legislative action is needed, or municipal leaders will end up with reduced ability to manage their budgets, provide services, and protect the interests of their taxpayers. The NWMC intends to develop, implement, and enact legislation and other reforms necessary to provide long -term pension sustainability for its member municipalities. In passing this resolution, the Village is supporting the efforts of the NWMC. Trustee Gomberg moved to approve Resolution 09 -72, seconded by Trustee Grear. Motion passed: 6 ayes, 0 nays. Tr. DiMaria acre Tr. Gomberg aye Tr. Grear aye Tr. Marcus aye Tr. Thill acre Tr. Toth aye 8. Trustee Gomberg wished everyone happy, healthy holidays. C. Trustee Grear: Trustee Grear had no report. He, too, wished everyone a safe and healthy New Year, and wished Jackie Walker O'Keefe a very happy birthday. D. Trustee Marcus: Trustee Marcus presented Ordinance 09 -27, Amending Title 4, Chapter 3, Sections 6, 10, and 14 Entitled "Liquor Control ". Trustee Marcus said he has spoken with Chief Erickson, who has some concerns and would like to do some more research on this matter. Trustee Marcus therefore moved to table this ordinance. The motion was seconded by Trustee Grear. Motion passed: 6 ayes, 0 nays. Tr. DiMaria aye Tr. Gomberg afe Tr. Grear acre Tr. Marcus acre Tr. Thill He Tr. Toth aye Trustee Marcus wished everyone happy holidays, and congratulated Trustee John and Marian 2, Thill on their 47`h wedding anniversary tomorrow. He wished them all the best.- 26 X. E. 11 _. _. _.. _. Minutes pf Apcemberl4,2009:13pard MeeOng,.. TRUSTEES' REPORTS (continued) Trustee Thill Trustee Thill presented Resolution 09 -73, Appropriation of 2010 Motor Fuel Tax Funds for the Maintenance of Streets and Highways, MFT Section 10- 000000 -OOGM. He explained that, each year, the Village receives a portion of the motor fuel tax collected by the State. These funds must be spent on the eligible improvements of roadways. The State requires and estimated and final statement of the maintenance expenses for each year of the program. The total estimated expenses for the 2010 Motor Fuel Tax Program are $575,500. Trustee Thill noted that the motor fuel tax is directly correlated to the number of residents in the Village. He encouraged everyone to make sure they're counted in the upcoming Census; it's crucial. Trustee Thill moved, seconded passed: 6 ayes, 0 nays. Tr. DiMaria acre Tr. Tr. Marcus aae Tr. by Trustee DiMaria, to approve Resolution 09 -73. Motion Gomberg acre, Tr. Grear aae Thill pye Tr. Toth aye 2. Next, Trustee Thill introduced for a first reading Ordinance 09 -37, An Ordinance Amending Title 5, Chapter 13, Article A -1, Entitled "Traffic Schedules" of the Municipal Code of the Village of Morton Grove. He explained that this ordinance would establish stoop signs on southbound Marian Avenue at its intersection with Greenwood Avenue. There was no discussion on Ordinance 09 -37. 3. Trustee Thill wished everyone a happy holiday season. Trustee Toth: Trustee Toth presented Ordinance 09 -39, Extending a Moratorium on New Multi - Family Residential Housing Units in the C -1 Commercial District of the Village of Morton Grove. This is the second reading of this ordinance. Trustee Toth explained that the Village, pursuant to Ordinance 09 -08, established a moratorium prohibiting approval of subdivision plats, special use permits, planned unit developments, and construction permits for multi - family residential housing units in the C -1 Commercial District until December 8, 2010. Trustee Toth moved to adopt Ordinance 09 -39, seconded by Trustee Thill. Motion passed: 6 ayes, 0 nays. Tr. DiMaria aye Tr. Gomberg aaye, Tr. Grear aye Tr. Marcus aye Tr. Thill aye Tr. Toth aye 27 Minutes of December 14, 2009 Board Meeting'{ X. TRUSTEES' REPORTS (continued) Trustee Toth: (continued) Trustee Toth introduced for a first reading Ordinance 09 -33, An Ordinance Rezoning a Por- tion of the Property Commonly Known as 6201 Dempster, Namely, the East Parking Lot South of the Alley, From the R -3 General Residential District to C -1 General Commer- cial District. She explained that rezoning of this property is necessary to allow the construction of a drive - thru banking facility for the adjacent main bank at 6201 Dempster. Drive -thru facilities are not allowed in an R -3 zoning district, but they are allowed in a C -1. This rezoning is consistent with the Dempster Street Corridor Master Plan and the 1999 Comprehensive Plan and up- date, The Plan Commission recommended approval of this request with a condition that the property will revert to its original R -3 zoning upon the lapse of the drive -thru for one year. 3. Trustee Toth also introduced for a first reading Ordinance 09 -34, An Ordinance Granting a Special Use Permit in the Village of Morton Grove for the Property Commonly Known as 6201 Dempster to Allow for the Construction of a Drive -Thru Banking Facility. She explained that a special use permit is necessary to construct a drive -thru banking facility in the east parking lot south of the alley at 6201 Dempster. The bank is also requesting a parking variation of eight cars. The Plan Commission approved this case. Trustee DiMaria said he thought the residents were looking for a 5 -foot fence; he wanted the bank representatives in attendance to be aware of that. Bernard Citroen said the bank agreed to a 4 -foot fence and would like to stick with it; they re- ally aren't sure what benefit a 5 -foot fence would be. The bank is concerned that the higher the fence is made, the less visible the canopies will be. It's a matter of security. However, if the Board's ultimate decision is to go with 5 feet, the bank will do that. Trustee DiMaria said he's spoke with Chief Erickson about this, and he didn't see any problem with a 5 -foot fence. Trustee Thill thanked the bank for being good neighbors 4. Trustee Toth next presented for a first reading Ordinance 09 -35, Amending Title 12, Chapters 4,5, and 17, of the Village of Morton Grove's Unified Development Code to Define, Allow, and Regulate Assisted Living Facilities in the Village. She explained that, currently, the Village's Unified Development Code does not allow this use among the permitted and special uses in the Village. This text amendment is designed to include assisted living facilities as a special use in the R -3 General Residential District, as well as in the C -1, C -2, and C/R Commercial Districts. In a letter sent to the mayor on December 2 "d the applicant requested that the first reading be waived because the Board only meets once in December, and waiting until January for the second reading will jeopardize the appli- cant's purchase contract. Trustee Toth moved to waive the second reading, seconded by Trustee Gomberg. Motion passed: 6 ayes, 0 nays. Tr. DiMaria aye Tr. Gomberg aye Tr. Grear ale Tr. Marcus nay Tr. Thill acre Tr. Toth ave M ....... ........ Minutes of December 14, 2009 Board Meeting X. F. Trustee Toth: (continued) TRUSTEES' REPORTS (continued) Trustee Toth then moved to adopt Ordinance 09 -35, seconded by Trustee Gomberg. Trustee Marcus noted that this text amendment is for "assisted living facilities ", but the case in hand is for an assisted living facility that basically deals with dementia and Alzheimer's residents. He has some knowledge about that, and felt that those types of people need more care than what "assisted living," would seem to imply — almost on the level of nursing homes. He asked the applicant to clarify this. Dan Ambarr, the applicant, said that, according to John Hopkins University, nearly 70% of people living in assisted living facilities have dementia and/or Alzheimers. The difference is basically in the degree of disorientation that residents have. To say that it's almost like a nursing home is putting a severity "grading" on it that's not justified. "Wandering" is the big- gest risk. It's not a question of them being "sicker ". Trustee Marcus said that he felt the care of an Alzheimers patient is greater than in assisted living. Mr. Ambarr said not necessarily. In an assisted living facility, you could have a person who is physically incapable of doing certain things and who needs a two - person assist. They might not necessarily have dementia or Alzheimers though. He said that his group has 16 such facilities and they've never had a resident wander off. There being no further discussion, Mayor Staackmann called for the vote. Motion passed: 6 ayes, 0 nays. Tr. DiMaria aye Tr. Gomberg afire Tr. Grear aye Tr. Marcus aye Tr. Thill ale Tr. Toth aye 5. Trustee Toth then presented Ordinance 09 -36, An Ordinance Granting a Special Use Permit in the Village of Morton Grove for Property Located at 5520 Lincoln Avenue for an Assisted Living Facility. Again, per the applicant's request, Trustee Toth moved to waive the second reading of this ordinance. Trustee Thill seconded the motion. Motion passed: 6 ayes, 0 nays. Tr. DiMaria aye Tr. Gomberg aye Tr. Grear aave, Tr. Marcus nay Tr. Thill aye Tr. Toth ale Trustee Toth moved to approve Ordinance 09 -36, seconded by Trustee Gomberg. Motion passed: 6 ayes, 0 nays. Tr. DiMaria aae, Tr. Gomberg aye Tr. Grear awe Tr. Marcus aaye, Tr. Thill aye Tr. Toth acre 6' Trustee Toth reminded the assemblage that the Community Relations Commission is sponsoring a Village -wide endeavor to put together a book of residents' "most memorable Morton Grove moments'. Entries should be submitted to Village Hall and the submission date has now been extended to January 31, 2010. The essay should be done on a white 8.5 x 11 sheet of white paper and can be typed or legibly handwritten. On the back, it should list the submitter's name, address, and age. The book will be arranged in chapters by generation. The Commission would love to hear from everyone! Proceeds from the sale of the books will benefit the Morton Grove Foundation. For more information, check out the Village's website. 29 X. F. Trustee Toth: (continued) TRUSTEES' REPORTS (continued) 7. Trustee Toth wished everyone happy holidays. XI. OTHER BUSINESS X! I. WARRANTS Minutes of December 14, 2499. Board Meeting;. Trustee Gomberg presented the Warrant Register for December 14, 2009 in the amount of $448,838.96. He moved to accept the Warrants, seconded by Trustee Thill. Motion passed: 6 ayes, 0 nays. Tr. DiMaria acre Tr. Gomberg aye Tr. Grear aye Tr. Marcus afe Tr. Thill aye Tr. Toth aye XIII. RESIDENTS' COMMENTS Carol Murphy asked what about the status of the former Mr. Z's on Dempster Street. Administrator Wade said that it will become a Mr. G's. There is a new owner, who wanted to be open by Thanksgiving and obviously didn't meet that deadline. The menu will be similar. Joe Hedrick said there were some misstatements made earlier tonight about the sale of the American Legion Hall and the arrangement between the Village and American Legion Post 134. He wanted the record to reflect that. XIV. ADJOURNMENT/EXECUTIVE SESSION There being no further business, Trustee Toth moved to adjourn the Board Meeting, seconded by Trustee Thill. The motion passed unanimously via voice vote. The Board Meeting adjourned at 10:47 p.m. 30 PASSED this 11`" day Trustee Trustee Trustee Trustee Trustee Trustee DiMaria Gomberg Grear Marcus Thill Toth _. _ .. Minutes of Decemixer1A, 2009 80er8 Meeting]'.. APPROVED by me this 11th day of January 2010 APPROVED and FILED in my office this 12th day of January ?,0110 ,, Tony S. K#tr6kos, Village Clerk Village of M9 on Grove Cook County, Illinois Daniel J. Strackmann, Village President Village of Morton Grove Cook County, Illinois Minutes by Teresa Cousar 31