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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012-11-12 MinutesI & Village President Dan Staackmann called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. and led the II. assemblage in the Pledge of Allegiance. He then directed the Clerk to call the roll. III. In the absence of Village Clerk Tony Kalogerakos, Deputy Clerk Marilyn Sneider called the roll. Present were: Trustees Dan DiMaria, Larry Gomberg, Bill Grear, Shel Marcus, John Thill, and Maria Toth. Clerk Kalogerakos is on his honeymoon. IV. a. Regarding the Minutes of the seconded by Trustee Grear, unanimously via voice vote. b. Regarding the Minutes of the moved, seconded by Trustee unanimously via voice vote. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Special Meeting of October 22, 2012, Trustee DiMaria moved, o accept the Minutes as presented. Motion passed October 22, 2012 Regular Board Meeting, Trustee DiMaria Toth, to accept the Minutes as presented. Motion passed Regarding the Minutes of the October 24, 2012 Budget Workshop, Trustee DiMaria moved to accept the Minutes as presented, seconded by Trustee Toth. Motion passed unanimously via voice vote. V. SPECIAL REPORTS 1. Community Choice Business Awards Presentation Commissioners Jennifer Mitchell and At Heinrich from the Economic Development Commission (EDC) to present this year's Community Choice Business Awards. This is the second year the EDC has presented these awards, which were instituted to recognize Morton Grove businesses who are leaders in any (or all) of three categories: Building Facade and Appearance, Grounds and Landscaping, and Signage. In the Building Fagade and Appearance category, the winner is Pro -Care Family Dental. The winner in the Grounds and Landscaping category is Culver's, and Athans Motors was the winner in the Signage category. Minutes of November 12,2612 Board Meelim. V. SPECIAL REPORTS (continued) Unfortunately, none of the winners was present to accept their awards, which include a large window sign they can display to show they've won a Community Choice Business Award, Trustee Grear thanked Commissioners Mitchell and Heinrich, and the rest of the EDC for doing a wonderful job, noting that this volunteer group dedicates a lot of time to the Village. 2. North Shore Senior Center Update on Available Services Loretta Pable, program coordinator for the North Shore Senior Center, stated that the current membership for Morton Grove's location is 558. Programming continues to expand, notably in the humanities, such as music, history, and film, and programs for wellness activities have also increased. Armchair travel topics also remain popular, and field trips to places such as Pheasant Run sell out quickly. The North Shore Senior Center is partnering with the Advisory Commission on Aging to provide a series of "Community Information" presentations. The subject matter varies, sometimes with a strong appeal to seniors, other times geared toward a broader spectrum of ages. In December, the presentation will be "How Seniors Can Evaluate Their Energy." Also coming up in December will be the annual holiday bash, this year featur- ing a tribute to George Gershwin's music. Ms. Pable thanked the elected officials, especially those who frequently visit the Senior Cen- ter, and thanked the staff and residents for North Shore's continuing success in Morton Grove. RESIDENTS' O (Agenda Items On Y7 NONE VII. PRESIDENT'S REPORT 1. Mayor Staackmann read a statement for the record, responding to concerns raised about the Village's water rates, infrastructure, and response to resident inquiries. He said that Village personnel pride themselves in taking all requests for information seriously, and Village staff responds to all inquiries in a completely and expeditiously. On many occasions, staff has even made house calls to residents to investigate issues they may encounter. b. The Village recently switched to a new water metering system, and since the switch has fielded a small number of calls about the new meters. Compared to the old meters, the new ones provide a much greater level of accuracy in monitoring water usage and now provide a user's actual amount of water consumed. This more accurate monitoring now has the meters closely matching the American Water Works Association standard of 100 gallons per day per person. The remote read capabilities of the new metering software provide leak detection da- ta, enabling staff to be able to alert residents to potential issues more quickly. Minutes of November 12, 2012 Boatd 1Neeti ,r "" VII. PRESIDENT'S REPORT (continued) c. Mayor Staackmann said that, in January of 2012, the City of Chicago raised the water rates they charge the Village for its water. The Village has to pay the rate that Chicago charges. This cost is passed on to water users along with fees to cover the costs of maintaining the Village's 100 miles of water mains and sewers. Neighboring communities who also get their water from Chicago are in similar situations; however, some of the communities have contracts to re -sell large volumes of their water to other municipalities or to large commercial entities, so they can they offer residents lower rates. d. The mayor encouraged any residents having questions related to their water meters or water consumption to call the Water Billing Department at Village Hall for assistance. 2. Mayor Staackmann reminded the assemblage about American Legion Post 134's annual Thanksgiving Dinner for Naval Recruits. He hoped everyone would come and say hello. He said he was proud that the board members and village staff members attend every year. 3. Mayor Staackmann noted that he had received a letter from Lakeshore Waste Service regard- ing the Village rescinding the Host Agreement it had entered into with Lakeshore in March of this year. Lakeshore stated that it has no objection to voiding the Host Agreement. The mayor asked for a motion to accept Lakeshore's letter. Trustee DiMaria so moved, seconded by Trustee Marcus. Lotion passed unanimously via voice vote. VIII. CLERK'S REPORT Deputy Clerk Sneider congratulated Clerk Kalogerakos on his marriage and wished him well. IX. STAFF REPORTS A. Village Administrator Village Administrator Ryan Horne announced that the third Budget Workshop will be held on Tuesday, November 20, at 6:00 p.m. in the Trustees' Conference Room at Village Hall. The budget workshop is open to the public and all are welcome to attend. 2. Mr. Horne also noted that tonight's Agenda includes Ordinance 12 -38, which updates sections of the Municipal Code having to do with Business Regulations. Tonight will be the first reading of this ordinance, but staff is recommending that the second reading be delayed until the Board meets on December 10", to allow more time for input from the Board, residents, and businesses. He commented that staff has been working on this ordinance for about six months, and everyone wants to ensure that it's understandable and clear. ... . Minutes of Xouembprl2, 2e128oard Meott IX. STAFF REPORTS (continued) B. Corporation Counsel Corporation Counsel Liston had no report. X. TRUSTEES' REPORTS A. Trustee DiMana: Trustee DiMaria had no formal report, but announced that the Firefighters Association was once again holding its annual Holiday Food Drive. Last year, they were able to help 68 families and this year, they hope to be able to help over 70 families. The food drive continues through December 14", and the food collected will be distributed to local needy families. Cash contributions are also welcome, and will be used to purchase gifts for the children. Trustee DiMaria encouraged residents to participate in the food drive by donating non - perishable good with a current expiration date at any one of several drop -off points throughout the Village, including Fire Station #4 on Lincoln Avenue, the Prairie View Center, the Civic Center, and Village Hall. For more information, please contact Erik Miller at 847 -470 -5226. B. Trustee Gombero Trustee Gomberg had no report. C. Trustee Grear: Trustee Grear wished the board and assemblage a Happy Thanksgiving. D. Trustee Marcus: Trustee Marus presented Resolution 12 -78, Authorizing the Purchase of 2,500 Tons of Roadway Salt. He explained that the Village purchases its roadway salt from the Joint Purchasing Program for the State of Illinois, which allows units of local government to participate in State - negotiated contracts, thereby taking advantage of State contract pricing, which results in savings to local governments. The Village must purchase a minimum of 80% of its order and can go as high as 120% of its order. The estimated contract value is $128,7251 but since this is a unit price contract, the final contract amount will be based on the actual quantity of salt purchased (per ton cost of $51.49). Trustee Marcus moved to approve Resolution 12 -78, seconded by Trustee Toth. Motion passed: 6 ayes, 0 nays. Tr. DiMaria aye Tr. Gomberg aye Tr. Grear aye Tr. Marcus aae Tr. Thill aye Tr. Toth aye _ Minutes of November 12, 20,12Oosrtl Meeti"g' X. D. Trustee Marcus: (continued) TRUSTEES' REPORTS (continued) Trustee Marcus thanked Public Works for its historic excellence in snow removal services. Trustee Marcus also acknowledged the American Legion's Thanksgiving Dinner for Naval Recruits, noting that they're always looking for volunteers and contributions. He encouraged everyone to go and bring their families. 3. Trustee Marcus commented that he had participated in yesterday's Veterans Day Parade, along with representatives from the Morton Grove Police and Fire Departments, EMA, and his colleagues on the Village Board. The ceremony was symbolic of those who have given their lives. He commended the American Legion on their commitment to those who have served, and said he hoped that next year, all servicemen could be reunited with their families. Trustee Marcus noted that he had received correspondence from Kristina Otte, chairman of the Farmers Market, reminding all that there would be two "Winter Markets" this year, both in the Civic Center. One would be held on December 1 from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m„ and the other on February 2, 2013. There will be all sorts of foods, gifts, meats, cheeses, baked goods, and live music available. He urged all to attend. E. Trustee Thill: Trustee Thill had no report, but extended his sincere thanks to all the veterans for their service to our country. F. Trustee Toth: Trustee Toth introduced for a first reading Ordinance 12 -3E, Amending Titles 1, 3, and 4 of the Municipal Code to Update Business Regulations and Establish a Compliance Certificate Program for Businesses and Non- Residential Properties. She explained that Village staff periodically reviews Village codes and ordinances to ensure they are compliance with current State statutes and practices. The Village's current business regulations require all individuals or entities who operate or conduct a business in the Village to obtain a business license. However, State and Federal regulations have preempted the licensing of certain businesses, and modern technologies have changed, impacting how businesses operate. The Village therefore recommends an annual compliance certificate for all premises where non - residential uses are operated or conducted, so the Village will have a complete database with current relevant information for owners and tenants of the premises, and to make sure all those premises are in compliance with zoning requirements and that the original use has not changed or intensified without the Village's knowledge or approval. Title 1 has also been amended to the municipal taxes formerly found in Title 4 are now placed in Title 1 with other Village taxes. X. F Minutes ,ritNpvember7�,.2DA3;aosrtl MeeYiY1' TRUSTEES' REPORTS (continued) Trustee Toth: (continued) Trustee Toth said that, per staff's request, the second reading on this ordinance will be delayed until the December 10, 2012 Board Meeting, 2. Next, Trustee Toth presented Resolution 12 -79, Authorization for the Execution of an Agreement Between GovTemp USA, LLC and the Village of Morton Grove for Employee. Leasing. She explained that from time to time, the Village requires temporary personnel to fill various positions. GovTemps USA, LLC provides for the advertising, recruitment and selected, and related services of qualified individuals on a contract basis. The Village and GovTemps have negotiated an agreement to engage the services of supplying "worksite employees" to fill positions or complete assignments for the Village. These individuals will not be considered Village employees, but rather, employees of GovTemps. GovTemps will be paid a specific amount for the use of a "temp" and the Village will not be responsible for the associated employee benefit costs, such as workers compensation, social security, health care, life insurance, pension, etc. If or wehn the "temp" is offered full -time employment with the Village, the Village will pay GovTemps a one -time "placement fee." Trustee Toth moved, seconded by Trustee Greer, to approve Resolution 12 -79. Motion passed: 6 ayes, 0 nays. Tr. DiMaria aye Tr. Gomberg afire Tr. Grear aae Tr. Marcus aye Tr. Thill aye Tr. Toth aye Trustee Toth announced that the Advisory Commission on Aging, in conjunction with the North Shore Senior Center, would be hosting a program program tomorrow (November 13) called "Introduction to the Yellow Dot Program." This is a program offered by the Illinois Department of Transportation to help first responders locate vital information about drivers if they're involved in an accident. The presentation will be held from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Civic Center, following the Advisory Commission on Aging's monthly meeting at 1:00 p.m. Trustee Toth noted that this is not a program for seniors only, rather, for anyone who drives a car. Xl. OTHER BUSINESS NONE XII. Trustee Toth I She moved to There was no Tr. DiMaria Tr. Marcus WARRANTS )resented the Warrants for November 12, 2012 in the amount of $3,609,169.69 approve the Warrants, seconded by Trustee Thill. discussion. Upon the vote, the motion passed: 5 ayes, 0 nays, 1 abstain. abstain Tr. Gomberg aye Tr. Greer aye aye Tr. Thill aye Tr. Toth aye i Minutes of November 12, 20.12`Spard Meeling: XIII. RESIDENTS' COMMENTS Rudy Furundzik, 7628 W. Lake Street, said he was happy to hear what the mayor had to say earlier in the meeting. Mr. Furundzik was still concerned that the numbers still don't make sense. He cannot understand why the City of Chicago, which maintains a water infrastructure, plus cleans and distributes water, can do it for so much less per resident than what Morton Grove charges its residents. He wondered if Morton Grove was inefficient. He again pointed out that Niles charges its residents less for water than Morton Grove does. Mr. Furundzik said he has tried to communicate with the Board to no avail. The Finance Director had responded in writing to his concerns, but the answers didn't seem to address the questions he asked. Regarding the petition he submitted in 2010, he was told that the information was inaccurate, but he pointed out that it was undeniable that people signed his petition. Mr. Furundzik said he has been asking for some time now for information about the new water meters and the old ones so he could make a comparison. He said that for the same two - month period of time, his old meter had registered a usage of 3,000 gallons; the new meter said it was a 9,000 gallon usage. Mr. Furundizk found it incredible that his water usage had gone up 200 %. He continues to seek answers and explanations and feels that he's getting untruthful responses. He still felt that the storm sewer and sanitary sewer systems in his neighborhood are an issue and hoped the Village would work with him to resolve it. XIV. ADJOURNMENT /EXECUTIVE SESSION Trustee DiMaria moved to adjourn the Meeting. Trustee Thill seconded the motion. Motion passed: 6 ayes, 0 nays. Tr. DiMaria aye Tr. Gornberg aye Tr. Grear aae Tr. Marcus aye Tr. Thiil aye Tr. Toth aye The meeting adjourned at 7:32 p.m. .. _. _.. _. Minutes cif November 12, 2012 $hard MeBfiisgi PASSED this 26th day of November, 2012. Trustee DiMaria /7 Trustee Gomberg Trustee Grear Trustee Marcus Trustee Thill Trustee Toth 26th day of November, 2012, Daniell Staackmann, Village President Board of Trustees, Morton Grove, Illinois in n# officer this ?7th day of November, 2012. Tony S. Kalogera 's V%age Clerk Village of Morton ve, Cook County, Illinois Minutes by Teresa Cien58l M