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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011-10-24 MinutesIV. CALL TO ORDER Village President Dan Staackmann called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. and directed the Clerk to call the roll. Village Clerk Tony Kalogerakos called the roll. Present were: Trustees Dan DiMana, Larry Gomberg, Bill Grear, Shel Marcus, John Thill, and Maria Toth. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Regarding the Special Meeting Minutes of October 10, 2011, Trustee DiMaria moved, seconded by Trustee Toth, to accept the Minutes as presented. There was no discussion. Motion passed unanimously via voice vote. Regarding the Minutes of the October 10, 2011 Regular Board Meeting, Trustee DiMaria moved, seconded by Trustee Thill, to accept the Minutes as presented. Motion passed unanimously via voice vote. SPECIAL REPORTS Community Choice Business Awards Presentation Community & Economic Development Director John Said explained that, earlier this year, he and the Economic Development Commission (EDC) had the idea to come up with an awards program. The result is the Community Choice Business Awards program, a joint effort between the Economic Development Commission, the Appearance Commission, and the Morton Grove Chamber of Commerce. He also thanked the review panel, which consisted of Jennifer Mitchell and Al Heinrich from the EDC, Dee Gotta and Ron Stein from the Appearance Commission, and Rich Block and Cindy Kopczyk for their time and work reviewing all the nominations and visiting the nominees. b. Mr. Said stated that the Community Choice Business Awards were chosen for three categories: Outstanding Building /Fagade, Excellence in Grounds and Landscaping, and Best Business Sign. d. Three businesses were honored for the Outstanding Building /Fagade category: Niles Two. Credit Union on Lincoln Avenue: Giordano's Pizza on Dempster, and Advanced Dental and Medical Center, also on Dempster. Minutes of October 24, 2011 Board Meeting. IV. SPECIAL REPORTS (continued) d. In the Excellence in Grounds and Landscaping category, Niles Twp, Credit Union, Giordano's Pizza, and China Chef on Lincoln Avenue each won. e. "Best Business Sign" winners were Crazy Jaws Restaurant on Waukegan Road and ProCare Family Dental on Dempster. f. Representatives from the Niles Twp. Credit Union, Crazy Jaws, and China Chef were given two large signs, each reading "Village of Morton Grove 2011 Community Choice Business Award Winner" as well as a flarne- shaped trophy. Mr. Said noted that the signs were made by J &D Signs and the trophies by Classic Designs, two more noteworthy Village businesses. g. Mayor Staackmann and EDC liaison Trustee Grear joined Mr. Said to present the signs and the awards to the winners present. 2. Seven Wonders of Morton Grove Presentation a. Community Relations Commissioners Janice Cha and Terri Cousar made this presentation. Commissioner Cha said that the idea for the "Seven Wonders" contest came from a guest at the Library's "Spring Bash" held earlier this year. It was'a way to get residents and frequent visitors to think about the things that make Morton Grove special. Many different things were nominated, including a sidewalk and a house number sign. Nominations closed at the end of September, and for two weeks in October, people were encouraged to vote online at the Village's website or in person at the October 15 "' Farmers Market. In the end, a total of about 150 votes were cast. b. The first "wonder" is the American Legion Memorial Civic Center. Accepting the award was former Trustee Joe Moll, who was integral in the Village's purchase of the American Legion and its renovation into the community center it is today, featuring a variety of meeting rooms and a banquet hall. It is also home to the North Shore Senior Center. Trustee Moll accepted the award in the memory of former Mayor Dan Scanlon. c. Next is the Bringer Inn. Located at Lincoln & Fernald, the Bringer could be called the "Cheers" of Morton Grove. There was no representative in attendance to accept the award. d. The next wonder is the Doughboy Statue at the Morton Grove Public Library. The statue came about thanks to a group of women who corresponded with and sent packages to soldiers away from home to keep up their morale. After the war, these women held a carnival to pay for a memorial for those who had served in World War I. That memorial was the Doughboy Statue. The carnival they held was so successful they decided to do it annually and use the proceeds where needed in the Village. It became known as Morton Grove Days. As liaison to the Morton Grove Days Committee, Trustee Grear accepted the award. e. The next winner is the Haupt -Yehl House /Morton Grove Historical Museum. Accepting the award were Donna Hedrick, President of the Morton Grove Historical Society, and Brian Sullivan, Executive Director of the Morton Grove Park District. The Historical Museum is operated by the Historical Society in conjunction with the Park District. Commissioner Cha noted that the best thing about the seven wonders was the mix of community meeting places and natural places. Minutes of October 24, 2011 Board Meetin" IV SPECIAL REPORTS (continued) The next winner is the Morton Grove Prairie, located behind Crazy Jaws and Prairie View Center. This prairie is a remnant of the natural prairie the Europeans found when they first settled here. Accepting the award on behalf of the Prairie was Trustee John Thill. He provided some history on the prairie. About 25 -30 years ago, there was a two -acre parcel of land owned by Schaff Builders. They were intending to build a development on it. A former resident read about the plan, and contacted John & Mary Helen Slater to let them know that that parcel was a natural treasure, as it had never been farmed. The Slaters had a bio -audit done, and learned that there were at least 100 different species of native prairie plants growing there. As a consequence, they got our legislators involved. The legislators said they would give the Village the money to purchase the prairie with the caveat that it remain in its natural state in perpetuity. The Park District had a steward take care of it, but that particular steward didn't like the use of fire. Trustee Thill said that fire is a useful tool to help keep non- native species out, because the native plants have such deep roots, they will come back after a fire. Typically half an area is burned at a time. The Park District now allows the use of fire. Trustee Thill said he was accepting the award for the Village and for John & Mary Helen Slater, who were the backbone of the prairie project. The next wonder is the Morton Grove Forest Preserves. 20% of the land in Morton Grove is Forest Preserve, owned by Cook County. As an avid environmentalist, Trustee Thill and his wife are stewards of Linne Woods. Trustee Thill accepted the award, stating that the Village is quite lucky to have its forest preserves. He said that he and his crew have hauled out concrete and asphalt out of the forest preserves on their various work -days. The group is also providing "natural" knowledge to the next generation. h. The final wonder is the Morton Grove Public Library, a favorite community gathering point. It serves the needs of Morton Grove's diverse multi - cultural community, with 31,000 square feet housing a collection of more than 142,000 items. Accepting the award are Acting Directors Kevin Justie and Natalia Fishman, and Board President Mark Albers. V. Mayor Staackmann thanked the Community Relations Commission for its hard work on this program. It's one of the things that make Morton Grove residents proud to live here. PUBLIC HEARINGS NONE V1 RESIDENTS' COMMENTS (Agenda Items Only) NONE VII. PRESIDENT'S REPORT Mayor Staackmann had no official report, but commented that it's leaf pick -up time once again. He encouraged residents to move their cars off the streets, if possible, as it helps the Public Works crews be able to accomplish the task of leaf pick -up. He also noted that this is for leaves only, not tree branches or other debris. Minutes of October24, 2011: Boartl Meetin VII. PRESIDENT'S REPORT (continued) 2. Mayor Staackmann wished everyone a good and safe Halloween. VIII. IX. CLERK'S REPORT Clerk Kalogerakos had two announcements: (1) The Police Department has announced its recommendations for child safety during 3 p.m. Halloween. Hours for trick or treating are 3:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on October 21. (2) The Veteran's Day Parade will take place on Sunday, November 6, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. The starting point is the American Legion Memorial Civic Center. A. Village Administrator STAFF REPORTS Mr. Wade noted that it's budget season, and announced a Budget Workshop scheduled for 6 p.m, tomorrow (Tuesday, October 25) at Village Hall in the Trustees' Conference Room. The public is welcome to attend. B. Corporation Counsel: Corporation Counsel Liston had no report. X. A. Trustee DiMaria: TRUSTEES'REPORTS Trustee DiMaria said that Fear City will only be open for one more week. He encouraged everyone to visit and to "talk it up." B. Trustee Gomberg: Trustee Gomberg presented Resolution 11 -52, Authorizing the Purchase of Watchguard Digital In -Car Video Recording Systems for Police Vehicles From the Illinois State Bid Program, Contract #PSD- 4017032. He explained that the Police Department uses the in -car video recorders to document police activity and for evidence collection, court testimony, and to refute claims of police misconduct. b. The new systems will replace units that were purchased in 2007. Those units are now show- ing signs of age and are deteriorating in reliability. Minutes of October24, 2011 Board Meeting'.. X. TRUSTEES' REPORTS (continued) B. Trustee Gomberq: (continued) c. The Village wants to ensure that the Police Department has equipment that is up -to -date and reliable to protect the public safety as well as that of police officers, thereby minimizing liability. Resolution 11 -52 authorizes the purchase of three (3) in -car recording systems at a cost of $14,451. Trustee Gomberg moved to approve Resolution 11 -52, seconded by Trustee DiMaria. Motion passed: 6 ayes, 0 nays. Tr. DiMaria aae Tr. Gomberg aye Tr. Grear aye Tr. Marcus aye Tr. Thill acre Tr. Toth acre 2 Trustee Gomberg read a letter the Village had received from the Northbrook Police Department, detailing a story about a man with a suicidal son who was acting erratically, waving a gun and threatening others. The Northbrook Police Department called out other departments to the scene to help establish a perimeter. Officer Jim Hanke from Morton Grove was one of the responders. After about three hours, the subject surrendered. Trustee Gomberg congratulated Officer Hanke, Chief Mark Erickson, and the Police Department as a whole. C. Trustee Grear: Trustee Greer had no formal report, but reported that the EDC's Health & Fitness Expo, held on Saturday, October 22, was very successful. There were 18 exhibitors in attendance. He thanked John Said and EDC Chairman David Lewis for doing a fantastic job. D. Trustee Marcus: 1. Trustee Marcus presented for reconsideration Ordinance 11 -34, An Ordinance Amending Title 5, Chapter 13, Article E, Section 1 Entitled "Streets and Alleys Designated as One -Way" of the Municipal Code of the Village. a. He explained that this Ordinance had to do with changing the alley behind CVS Pharmacy from allowing traffic one -way only to allowing two -way traffic. The Traffic Safety Commission had originally recommended changing the alley to two -way traffic. The Board had voted on and passed this Ordinance in September. However, at the October 10 Board Meeting, the Board voted affirmatively on a motion to reconsider this ordinance. b. Trustee Marcus felt this should be a first reading of a reconsideration and should be voted on at the next meeting. Trustee DiMaria asked Corporation Counsel if the first reading could be waived, since this is something the Board has already voted on. Corporation Counsel Liston said it would be difficult to call this a first reading, and suggested it would be more appropriate to table this ordinance to the next meeting. She said she understood from Public Works that there were some considerations for the Board to consider before they voted on the ordinance. X. D. Trustee Marcus: (continued) Minutes of 0Ctober24, 2011 Board Meiatinu' TRUSTEES' REPORTS (continued) c. Trustee Marcus moved to table Ordinance 11 -34, seconded by Trustee Grear, with the caveat that this will be voted on at the next meeting. Trustee Thill asked if the Board would be getting new information about this matter. Mayor Staackmann said they would. Ms. Liston cautioned against any further discussion, as a motion to table does not allow discussion. Mayor Staackmann called for the vote on the motion to table. Motion passed 5 ayes, 1 nay. Tr. DiMaria aye Tr. Gomberg aae Tr. Grear aae Tr. Marcus aye Tr. Thill acre Tr. Toth nay E. Trustee Thill: Trustee Thill had no report. F. Trustee Toth: 1. Trustee Toth had no formal report, but announced that the Finance Advisory Commission would be meeting on November 2 at 7:00 p.m. at Village Hall, upstairs in the Trustees' Conference Room. 2. Trustee Toth noted that the Advisory Commission on Aging would be co- sponsoring an event at the Morton Grove Public Library on November 3 from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. The topic will be "Options for Keeping Your House in Trying Times' and will address things such as home - sharing, fair and affordable housing, and ideas for dealing with foreclosure. XI. OTHER BUSINESS Trustee Grear noted that the owner of Giordano's Restaurant had just arrived. He and Mayor Staackmann presented him with his two Community Choice Business Award honors. XI 1. WARRANTS Trustee Toth presented the Warrant Register for October 24, 2011 in the amount of $924,028.73. She moved to accept the Warrants, seconded by Trustee DiMaria. a. Trustee Thill asked about a $3,600 charge for tree replacement. He wondered how many trees had been replaced. Director of Public Works Andy DeMonte responded that 18 trees had been replaced, five of which were covered under the Memorial Tree Program. Two more trees purchased under that program would be planted in the spring. Trustee Thill encouraged residents to participate in the program, even though planting is now finished until spring. Minutes of October 24, 2011 Board MLet XII. WARRANTS (continued) Trustee Thili asked why 16 people were receiving refund checks. Mr. Horne explained that sometimes, when a transfer of ownership occurs regarding water statements, there's a deposit, and the Village ends up having to give a refund if the final reading is less. c. Trustee Marcus asked if the Village's commuter parking lot was doing any better since the fees had been reduced. Mr. Horne said that, before the rate reduction, only 17 residents had purchased permits. That number has now increased to 47. He said that good rates are still available. XIII. RESIDENTS' COMMENTS Rudy Firenzik, 7628 Lake, Mr. Firenzik noted that he had provided documentation to both the Mayor and the Clerk and would wait for their response. XIV. ADJOURNMENT /EXECUTIVE SESSION Trustee Marcus moved to adjourn the Meeting. Trustee Thill seconded the motion. Motion passed: 6 ayes, 0 nays. Tr. DiMaria aae Tr. Gomberg acre Tr. Grear aye Tr. Marcus aye Tr. Thill aye Tr. Toth aye The meeting adjourned at 7:46 p.m. PASSED this 14th day of November, 2011. Trustee DiMaria Ale Trustee Gomberg 1-1ye Trustee Grear Trustee Marcus Trustee Thill Trustee Toth day of November, 2011. J. St�ackInn, Village President of Tr tees, Morton Grove, Illinois APPROVED and FILED i off i th' 15th day of November, 2011, Tony S. Kalog ko , Village Clerk Village of Morton Grove, Cook County, Illinois Minutes of October 24, 2011 Board Meeting Minutes by ?erase Cousar