HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013-02-11 Board Minutes MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE PRESIDENT
AND THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE VILLAGE OF MORTON GROVE
COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS, HELD AT THE
RICHARD T. FLICKINGER MUNICIPAL CENTER
FEBRUARY 11, 2013
CALL TO ORDER
I & 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.
Ill. Village Clerk Tony Kalogerakos called the roll. Present were: Trustees Dan DiMaria, Larry
Gomberg, Bill Grear, Shel Marcus, John Thill, and Maria Toth.
IV. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Regarding the Minutes of the January 28, 2013 Regular Board Meeting, Trustee DiMaria
moved, seconded by Trustee Grear, to accept the Minutes as presented. Motion passed
unanimously via voice vote.
V. SPECIAL REPORTS
1. Plan Commission Case PC13-01 Requesting a Special Use Permit for a Parking Waiver in
Excess of 35% of the Number of Required Parking Spaces for the Property Commonly Known
as 9400-9416 Waukegan Road.
a. This case was presented by Zoning Board/Plan Commission Chairman Ron Farkas.
Mr. Farkas noted that a Special Use was being requested because the amount of the parking
variance being sought is more than the Zoning Board of Appeals can approve under the
Unified Development Code. The requirement is to have 50 spaces, with 33 being provided
on-site. The Zoning Board can approve a variation of up to 35% of the total number of
required parking spaces, but this is a 39% waiver.
b. Mr. Farkas said the property involved is located in a shopping center. The total number of
parking spaces needed for the various uses of properties within the shopping center is 54,
but there are only 33 spaces, so there is a shortage of 21. Several years ago, when a Korean
BBQ Restaurant had opened in the same shopping center, the Zoning Board had approved a
variance of 17 spaces, but that is no longer adequate. A variance of 21 spaces (39%) is now
needed.
c. Mr. Farkas said the Plan Commission did consider the applicant's business model, which is
that of a casual coffeehouse with seating for 14. The Commission felt it would complement the
other business in the shopping center and the neighborhood area.
Minutes of February 11.2013 Board Meetin•
V. SPECIAL REPORTS (continued)
d. There will be no food preparation on site, and the peak demands will be in the evenings and
on weekends, when the other businesses in the shopping center are closed. Mr. Farkas
pointed out that there are seven public parking spaces adjacent to the shopping center for the
benefit of the businesses in the area.
e. Mr. Farkas said it was unfortunate that the applicant hadn't presented a current traffic study for
the site. The traffic study presented was from November of 2010. It said that there was more
than sufficient parking at the shopping center except for one two-hour window.
f. Mr. Farkas said that the Commissioners felt that the criteria for granting a Special Use Permit
was met and voted 5-1 to recommend approval of the request.
Mayor Staackmann asked if the Board had any questions for Mr. Farkas.
g. Trustee Marcus asked if this was a variation on a variation. Mr. Farkas said no, this variance
would supersede the 17-space variance from several years ago. He explained that the
required number of parking spaces in a shopping center is determined by the uses of the
properties within the center. As uses change, so do the amount of required parking spaces.
h. Trustee Marcus said he had visited the site and was familiar with that particular shopping
center. He was concerned that the amount of parking was inadequate. He felt that several of
the spaces on-site were not usable due to their approach angle. He was also concerned that
this business could be successful if it could only serve 14 people at a time.
i. Mr. Farkas said that, after hearing all the testimony, including the hours of business and the
timing of the main customer base, the Commission felt this business would work. He noted
that there are 21 usable spaces in the front lot and 6 usable spaces in the back, and 7 more
on Emerson.
j. Trustee DiMaria said that if any of the business uses change within a shopping center, an
amendment to the Special Use Permit could be done. He thought this was a good business
practice for the Village, considering its parking problems.
k. Mr. Farkas pointed out that there actually had been a change in one of the businesses which
required an additional parking space. A variance should have been applied for, but wasn't. He
felt that the Village's new Compliance Certificate requirement will be very helpful for this type
of situation in the future.
I. Trustee Toth asked Mr. Farkas why he voted against the approval recommendation. He said
it was because, in part, the Commission's decision was made without the benefit of a current
traffic/parking study.
Trustee Grear then moved to accept the Plan Commission's report, seconded by
Trustee Toth. Motion passed unanimously via voice vote.
VI. PUBLIC HEARINGS
NONE
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Minutes of Februa 11.2013 Board Meeting
VII. RESIDENTS' COMMENTS (Agenda Items Only)
a. Hope Hornstein, a resident for over 50 years, addressed the Board about the North Shore
Senior Center. She said she had been a mental health professional for over 40 years and has
done much work with the elderly. She has worked with the Chicago Department on Aging and
became aware of the North Shore Senior Center in the 80's when they opened in Northfield.
She has made referrals there and has found that they do an outstanding job. Ms. Hornstein
said the NSSC is "the best at what they do," adding that Morton Grove is blessed that NSSC
took over the senior programs. She said she was speaking tonight because she is flabber-
gasted that there's any question about NSSC taking over social services in Morton Grove.
She said she was saddened by the departure of Jackie Walker-O'Keefe and said Jackie had
done a wonderful job. But she is astonished that there is apparently some doubt about NSSC
taking over the social services. She urged the Board to have NSSC and said it would be a
grave mistake and a great disservice to the Village residents if it did not. She also felt it would
be a "political blunder"to vote against having NSSC.
b. Pat Donahoe, a 22-year resident, said that a year and a half ago, she was diagnosed with
Alzheimer's. She said the NSSC offers a program called "Mind Matters" twice a week which
she attends. They do brain-stimulating exercise and offer support for group members. The
group is about 12 people currently. Some members move on to a similar program that runs
five days a week. Ms. Donahoe said she strongly recommended NSSC.
c. Ellie Davis, also a 22-year resident, is Ms. Donahoe's caregiver. As a caregiver, she took part
in a two-day workshop that NSSC offered for caregivers and learned a great deal. There is
... also a support group for caregivers. Ms. Davis said she is grateful for the breadth of services
offered by the NSSC, which includes respite care for caregivers. She said she hoped the
Board would vote to approve the contract with NSSC.
d. Pat Kansoer, 8545 Major, a 15-year resident, noted that his late wife had served on the
Village's Commission on Aging and had only started missing meetings close to the end of her
life. When the Village originally transition the senior programs to NSSC, she was there. There
had been some concern and anxiety about services during the transition process, but there
were for naught. Mr. Kansoer said that NSSC provides excellent services. He urged the
Board to vote in favor of NSSC expanding their services to provide social services for Village
residents. He felt it would be a travesty and political suicide not to continue with NSSC.
VIII. PRESIDENT'S REPORT
1. Mayor Staackmann welcomed everyone in attendance this evening. He complimented Public
Works Director Andy DeMonte and his staff for their hard work over recent weeks, salting and
snow plowing.
2. Mayor Staackmann said that he has previously stated that he would form a special commis-
sion to look into what affect a Waste Transfer Station—or any kind of Recycling Center—
would have on the life, property, and health of residents of the Village. If the special commis-
` sion's finding reflect that such a venture would have a negative effect, Mayor Staackmann
said he would not endorse any changes to the Village Code that would allow such a use.
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Minutes of February 11,2013 Board Meeting
VIII. PRESIDENT'S REPORT (continued)
Mayor Staackmann said the commission would be comprised of Andy DeMonte, representing
Public Works; Bonnie Burnett from the Department of Health, who has retired but offered to
come back to sit on this commission; Lee Tamraz from the Traffic Safety Commission, and
three citizens-at-large from the Village. He asked that any Morton Grove residents interested
in serving on this commission and taking part in this fact-finding to contact his office. He
thought it was imperative to have the findings before any application was filed, and hoped for
a target date for a report on their findings of July 31, 2013.
IX. CLERK'S REPORT
Clerk Kalogerakos had no formal report, but announced that early voting has begun. Early
voting will continue, Monday through Saturday, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., at Niles Village
Hall (located at Oakton and Waukegan) up to and including Saturday, February 23.
X. STAFF REPORTS
A. Village Administrator
1. Village Administrator Ryan Home said there would be a couple of presentations this evening,
one regarding the Village's economic development plans, and one about water rates. He
said the Board would hear from David Lewis, Chairman of the Economic Development
Commission, and from Nancy Radzevich of the Economic Development Department, about
the importance of strategic planning and comprehensive planning. He noted that, at the last
Board meeting, the Board had approved a contract with Administrative Consultants to provide
grant writing services again and to have a more expanded role as well. One recommendation
from Administrative Consultants is that the Village should update its Comprehensive Plan, as
it is one of the documents municipalities use when applying for various Federal and State
grants.
a. Mr. Home said that he and the mayor are currently actively involved in working on the
development of an overall strategic plan for the membership of the Northwest Municipal
Conference's member communities. They also, over the summer, worked with Metra in their
long-range strategic planning. He said that long-range strategic planning is important for a
community of Morton Grove's size.
b. Mr. Home said that the Village had received a grant from CMAP to work on strategic planning
and analysis of the Village's manufacturing areas. Strategic planning is an arduous process;
decisions cannot be made lightly. It requires a lot of input from staff, elected officials, and all
the various stakeholders. Mr. Home said he was recently asked to participate in aspects of the
Park Districts strategic planning efforts and noted that sometimes, the information from one
strategic plan is necessary to support another taxing body's strategic plan.
2. He then introduced David Lewis to provide an update of the Economic Development
Commission (EDC)'s activities.
a. Mr. Lewis said that the EDC's first meeting of 2013 was last Monday; they are just beginning
their planning for the year. Returning events will include the Health & Fitness Expo, which is
scheduled for Saturday, May 18, from 11 am to 2pm at the Civic Center.
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Minutes of Februa 11.2013 Board Meetin.
X. STAFF REPORTS (continued)
b. This event is to promote any Morton Grove business involved with health, maintenance, and
appearance of the body and the spirit. Also returning are the Classic Car Shows. The first
one will be on Friday, June 7`h. Culvers will be supplying ice cream and Nikki Nolo's will be
supplying hot dogs and pizza. There is no cost to any Morton Grove business to participate in
either of these events.
c. Mr. Lewis said the goal of these events is to promote the business community to the public,
both in Morton Grove and beyond. Another activity promoting businesses are the "Business
Profiles" featured in the Morton Grove newsletter, The Exchange. This is the fourth year that
various businesses will be profiled in the newsletter. Mr. Lewis said if a business wants to be
profiled, contact newsletter editor Janice Cha or the Community and Economic Development
Department at 847 663 3061.
d. Mr. Lewis said the EDC is continuing to work with Comcast to promote Morton Grove
businesses. To date, programs have been done on the Morton Grove Animal Hospital,
Roughneck Concrete, and Dr Christopher Rose, plus three shows featuring Robin Elliot
Fashions. Next up is Emmanuelle Tuxedos. These shows are broadcast on Comcast and on
MGTV.
e. In 2013, the EDC will continue to partner with the Morton Grove Chamber of Commerce; in
fact, Mr. Lewis said they plan to do more together this year. The EDC's next meeting is
February 18 at 5:30pm at Village Hall, in the trustees' conference room on the second floor.
The meeting is open to public, and he encouraged everyone to attend.
f. Trustee Grear commented that the members of the EDC to a fine job, and it's an honor to be
their trustee liaison.
3. Potential Economic Development Proiects
a. Nancy Radzevich of the Economic Development Department then spoke, dovetailing on
what Mr. Lewis said. She talked about several proposed projects to promote economic
development. She showed the Village's zoning map, which indicates that Morton Grove is
largely residential, with a couple of strong commercial corridors plus two industrial areas and
a mixed use area by the train station. As Mr. Home had alluded to, right now the Village is
availing itself of an opportunity to have CMAP (Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning)
do an industrial sub-area plan, paid for by a grant awarded to the Village in 2012. CMAP will
presenting an existing conditions report at the Plan Commission's meeting on February 18 at
7:30 p.m.
b. Ms. Radzevich said that Morton Grove, with its mix of residential, commercial, industrial,
and open space, has a lot of opportunities and diversities that help promote it. To help
businesses prosper, some of the things the Village can do include creating more definable
and understandable development review process; making updates to and/or creating codes
and ordinances that encourage the types of development the village needs and wants to
sustain a diverse economic base; and working with community partners (the Chamber and
EDC) to promote and enhance business retention. Ms. Radzevich said, in short, the Village
needs to make itself"ready"for businesses locating within Morton Grove.
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Minutes of February 11.2013 Board Meetin.
X. STAFF REPORTS (continued)
c. Some potential projects identified by staff to help create a more business-friendly environment
are updating the Unified Development Code, including parking requirements, residential
density, and appearance review process; updating the sign code; and consideration of an
overlay district for the east Dempster commercial corridor.
d. Other potential projects include updating the Village's Comprehensive Plan; doing a Dempster
Street parking study; completing the industrial sub-area plan; and doing a "presence/absence"
study to get a sense of what types of businesses Morton Grove has or doesn't have, with an
eye toward recruiting businesses that are currently "absent".
e. Ms. Radzevich has been talking with the EDC and Chamber about working to increase
communications with the business community. One way would be to create a comprehensive
local business directory. Other ideas include having more dynamic updates to the Village's
website and Facebook page for Business Services, and using other media to promote
businesses; reestablishing a regular system for business visits; establishing a list-serve
meeting schedule with local real estate brokers and property owners, and setting up a "meet
and greet"with the Chamber and Village staff and businesses.
f. Ms. Radzevich said that the Economic Development Department has been busy; a lot of
businesses are calling; a lot of businesses want to come to Morton Grove. Obviously, looking
at the list of potential projects, there are a lot of things to do, so in terms of next steps, the
Village will review and edit these potential projects, as appropriate, prioritize them; and
establish reasonable timeframes for their completion. They will also seek out assistance from
volunteer boards and committees and/or other community partners to assist Village staff.
g. Mr. Home thanked Ms. Radzevich and noted that he's been in various meetings lately and has
been hearing repeatedly that "manufacturing" is an area of growth, not a dying industry. This
is another area where it's important to "be ready."All in all, he felt that 2013 would be a very
interesting year for economic development in Morton Grove.
h. Trustee Toth asked Ms. Radzevich to briefly describe the process a business would have to
go through to open in Morton Grove.
i. Ms. Radzevich responded that it varies depending on where the potential business is locating.
The Village's zoning classifications dictate what types of uses (businesses) can be opened
where. The main corridors (Dempster and Waukegan) are zoned C-1. Another factor that is
considered is the previous use. One of the challenges faced by Ms. Radzevich and Capt. Bill
Porter, Interim Building Commissioner, is that if there's a change in the use for a particular
site, it triggers a number of things—parking requirements, fire safety requirements, building
code requirements, etc. Ms. Radzevich said the Village needs to engage in a better dialogue
"up front" to get all information it can to give the potential business the best and most complete
answers. She and Capt. Porter make sure that the zoning complies, and determine whether
any special use permit is needed. If the potential new business is a change in the use of the
site, the Village needs to look at the parking requirements, especially if the location is in a
shopping center/strip mall. Ms. Radzevich said the Village needs to ask itself if it can simplify
this process, simplify its codes. She said that she brings Capt. Porter into the process as
early as possible, especially if there's going to be a change in the use, as that may mean the
new business may need a sprinkling system or may have to meet certain ADA requirements.
She felt the Village should try to flag or identify these things as early as possible.
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Minutes of February 11,2013 Board Meetin■
X. STAFF REPORTS (continued)
k. If the potential business is a permitted use in its location and not a significant change from the
location's previous use,then the potential business will file a building permit. At that point, the
Village does a zoning review and TPI does a structural review (especially if construction or
remodeling is being done). She felt the Village needed to fit the sign review process in a little
earlier. Ms. Radzevich said she'd saw a need for a step by step guide for businesses coming
in to the community.
I. If the potential business is planning on locating in the East Dempster corridor, it could be more
difficult, as most of the buildings there are non-conforming buildings on non-conforming sites.
She felt it was unfortunate that the Village's parking requirements don't differentiate between a
shopping center on Waukegan Road built in the 1970's and buildings on Dempster built in the
1950's.
m. That's why the Village is discussing having an overlay district; it would help with parking and
signage requirements.
n. Trustee Grear said it was very important for the Village to be more business-friendly and for
the Chamber, the Village, and the EDC all to be on the same page. It's also important to have
the Plan Commission, Traffic Safety Commission, and Appearance Commission to know
what's what when a business wants to come to town. The Village needs streamlined
processes as well. He applauded her report.
o. Ms. Radzevich said it's crucial for the Village to carefully review Title 12. Right now the code is
pretty black and white; there's no room for interpretations or fluidity. It's too easy to handcuff
ourselves.
p. Trustee Marcus said he agreed with Trustee Grear, adding that he appreciated her coming
tonight, especially because she's been ill. He said Morton Grove has offered incentives to
businesses to come into our town, and wondered if Ms. Radzevich had any thoughts on what
else, if anything, the Village should be doing.
q. Ms. Radzevich said that an incentive conversation is a difficult one to have right now. A bigger
issue—and challenge—for the Village is being ready. She emphasized the importance of
getting the Village's codes in place to allow businesses to get through the process in a timely
manner. One of the biggest obstacles to businesses coming to town is that they don't have the
financing to make them pay rent for a few months while going through the procedural review
process.
r. Trustee Gomberg thanked Ms. Radzevich for her energy. He said the Village has been talking
about making changes to its Sign Code for a while now, and has been working with the
Chamber to get their membership advised of the changes. He wondered if there was a plan
for reaching non-Chamber businesses to advise them about these changes as well.
s. Ms. Radzevich said she has had some conversations with local real estate brokers and
property owners to let them know these changes are coming. This would be in conjunction
with building a list to let all businesses know about these types of things in the future.
Minutes of February 11.2013 Board Meeting
X. STAFF REPORTS (continued)
t. Trustee DiMaria said he didn't think that the Economic Development Department has the
tools. How can we be competitive with surrounding communities like Niles, Glenview, Skokie,
and Lincolnwood? He was curious if she thought Morton Grove had the tools, i.e., a Facade
Improvement Program, which the Village had at one time but didn't market it properly. How
can the Village promote the businesses?
u. Ms. Radzevich said a Facade Improvement Program is a good opportunity, most that she's
seen have been like a 50-50 match or a loan program. She said she wanted to get more
background and history on this before getting into conversations about incentives and tools.
She really felt that the Village's codes and regulations are outdated and a "time suck". With
respect to having the tools in place, updated codes and a streamlined, user-friendly process
will alleviate staff time that can then be devoted to other opportunities. Trying to update the
codes while at the same time trying to administer them is very time-consuming.
v. Trustee Thill commented on an article in the Illinois Municipal Review which noted that "what
to market" is often the most critical decision a community can make. Competitive advantages
can include: better location, exceptional public services, TIF funding, below-cost land or
buildings—all of which Morton Grove has—but a valid competitive advantage must be
supported with facts and figures, not just empty boasts. The cost of incentives is paid by
taxpayers. Too many businesses with lavish incentives are no longer around. Incentives
can be good, but have to be handled carefully.
Mayor Staackmann thanked Mr. Home and Ms. Radzevich , stating that, in all his years of
public service, he has never seen a more comprehensive plan of attack.
4. Water Rates:
a. Next, Mr. Home said that a question that frequently is asked in the Village is about water
rates. This has been discussed since 2008, when the Board was given direction (after a
comprehensive water and sewer rates study by Municipal Financial Services)that the Village
should be investing a million dollars annually on its water distribution system and $500,000
annually on its sewer distribution system. Other recommendations resulting from that study
were to include a meter replacement fee on water bills (which the Village does not do); to
charge customers a capital connection fee (which the Village does not do), and to use those
monies to establish a reserve fund for operation and maintenance and a reserve fund for
repair, replacement, and rehabilitation projects.
b. People often compare their water rates to various towns. Mr. Home said the Northwest
Municipal Conference (NWMC) has done several water and sewer rate studies showing
how municipalities charge for water because this question comes up everywhere. Every
municipality has a different way of how they charge for water and sewer.
c. Municipalities were asked: "What is your rate?" and "In addition to your rate, do you also
charge a flat rate for water usage?" There were as many different answers as there are
municipalities. For example, Evanston charges a minimum amount based on meter size
(a water meter fee). Morton Grove could do that too. Mr. Home said that there are many
ways to fund an Enterprise Fund, which, in this Village, is not subsidized by the General Fund,
as it may be elsewhere. It exists (in Morton Grove) strictly to operate and manage water and
sewer operations.
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Minutes of February 11,2013 Board Meeting
X. STAFF REPORTS (continued)
d. In Northbrook, there is a minimum charge equal to 7,000 gallons used; in Morton Grove, it's
equal to 3,000 gallons used. Some towns use cubic feet of water instead of gallons used.
Billing frequency (monthly, bi-monthly, quarterly) also varies by town.
e. Another study NWMC did asked the question "Based on your water billing and your sewer
billing, what would the cost be to a resident for 8,000 gallons of water?" In Barrington, a
resident would pay$94, in Grayslake, $87; in Evanston, $60; in Glencoe, $45; Hoffman
Estates, $50; Lake Forest, $73; Des Plaines, $44. In Morton Grove, at the time this study was
done, the cost was $56; in Mt. Prospect, $58; in Niles, $40; Northfield, $68. Each municipality
has a different way of calculating this.
f. Morton Grove currently charges for its sewer rate, $1.09 per 1,000 gallons. Some people
question having a sewer rate charged on water used to fill up a swimming pool. The Village
tries to allocate water and sewer to properly fund sewer repair and water repair. Some munici-
palities don't have a sewer fee, rather, they bill everything under"water." The Village could
have one fee to fund both water and sewer, or break them out, or implement a meter fee.
g. Mr. Home said he believed that the Finance Advisory Committee should review the findings of
the various surveys done by the NWMC, then take a look at and evaluate the Village's water
rate structure and come to the Board with a recommendation of a fair and equitable way to
charge consumers for water and sewer usage.
h. The City of Chicago charges Morton Grove a certain rate per 1,000 gallons; the Village
increases the retail rate to residents to help pay for infrastructure repairs and improvements.
i. Mayor Staackmann asked about alternatives to purchasing water from Chicago. Mr. Horne
said that staff is looking at alternatives; there are three possibilities. Evanston would like us to
buy in to a study of what it would cost to run lines to Morton Grove. That project itself could be
anywhere from $10 million to$20 million. If the Village had to pay even just 10% of the cost
of the study, that in itself could pay for a lot of water. The Village is also talking with a
municipality to the north of us, and also to another supplier, Northwest Water. The good thing
about dealing with another supplier is that the Village would have a contract that would have
price increases built in, instead of the way the City of Chicago does it.
j. Trustee Thill said he thought the Village only charges 3% higher than Chicago. Mr. Home
explained that the water the Village purchases from Chicago is an expense. The Village
buys it and sells it at a higher rate. For a very long time, whenever there were incremental
increases the Village's costs for water, those incremental increases were not passed on to
the residents. In 2005, the ordinance was revised such that, if the Village's costs for water
increase, a similar increase will be pushed through to the end users. Mr. Home pointed out
that it's not penny-for-penny, but a percentage.
k. Trustee Marcus said he realizes this is confusing. The Village needs to pay for the water and
be able to maintain the water/sewer infrastructure. He said the Village staff is outstanding in
terms of dealing with water main breaks, but this is a huge factor in costs. He felt the Village is
charging a fair price for water and repair, but when it's compared community to community,
the Village's price doesn't look as good. He said it's difficult to understand because all the
municipalities calculate it differently.
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Minutes of February 11,2013 Board Meeting
X. STAFF REPORTS (continued)
I. Mr. Home said the Village could charge flat rates and charge for meters instead of a minimum
rate based on 3,000 gallons of water. Or the Village could charge per 1,000 gallons. One of
the things earmarked in the 2010 Bond Issue was $4 million to fund water and sewer capital
projects. The cost of that bond issue is $400,000 per year from the Enterprise Fund.
Mr. Home said the Village could choose to lower the water rate, but include on the water
bills a "Debt Issue" charge. Trustee Marcus said that he would support Mr. Home's
recommendation to have the Finance Advisory Commission look into this and come back
to the Board with some suggestions or recommendations.
m. Mayor Staackmann said it's important to note that Morton Grove sells water to the Village of
Golf. Mr. Home agreed that the Village does make a little money doing so. Public Works
Director DeMonte said that many residents compare Morton Grove's water rates to those of
the Village of Niles, but Niles, at times, takes money from its General Fund to subsidize their
water operations. Also, Niles sells triple the amount of water than Morton Grove does.
Coca Cola is one of their biggest purchasers of water, plus Niles sells water to unincorporated
Glenview.
B. Corporation Counsel:
Corporation Counsel Liston had no report.
XI. TRUSTEES' REPORTS
A. Trustee DiMaria:
Trustee DiMaria had no report.
B. Trustee Gomberq:
1. Trustee Gomberg presented Resolution 13-06, Authorizing an Agreement Between the
Cities of Des Plaines and Park Ridge and the Villages of Niles and Morton Grove For the
Termination and Release of the Intergovernmental Agreement For the Provision of
Public Safety Dispatch by the North Suburban Emergency Communication Center.
a. He explained that, since 2001, the Village has participated in an intergovernmental agreement
with the Cities of Des Plaines and Park Ridge and the Village of Niles to provide police dis-
patch services through the North Suburban Emergency Communication Center (NSECC).
Based on Village staffs recommendations, after investigating alternative opportunities for the
provision of police dispatching services, the Village has entered into a five-year contract with
the Village of Glenview for police dispatching services at a scope equal to or greater than the
services provided by NSECC and at a considerable savings in terms of capital expenditure.
The Village anticipates it will begin using the dispatch services provided through the Village of
Glenview on or about March 4, 2013. Village staff has negotiated a tentative agreement with
the NSECC members for the termination of the Village's rights, obligations, and liability with
respect to its membership in and contractual obligations with NSECC.
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Minutes of February 11.2013 Board Meeting
XI. TRUSTEES' REPORTS (continued)
B. Trustee Gombera: (continued)
b. Under the terms of this agreement the Village will be allowed to withdraw from and will have
no further obligations with respect to its membership in NSECC, and NSECC's remaining
members will release, indemnify, and hold the Village harmless from all claims relating to the
dispatching services provided by NSECC. In return, the Village will give up its rights to its
share of the reserve fund and certain equipment.
Trustee Gomberg moved to approve Resolution 13-06, seconded by Trustee DiMaria.
c. Trustee Thill asked what the cost savings to the Village would be using dispatching services
from the Village of Glenview. Mr. Home said it would be approximately $400,000.
Mayor Staackmann called for the vote. Motion passed: 6 ayes, 0 nays.
Tr. DiMaria aye Tr. Gomberg Lye Tr. Grear ave
Tr. Marcus aye Tr. Thill aye Tr. Toth aye
d. Trustee Grear thanked Mr. Home and Chief Erickson on their hard work on this transfer. He
added that the transition is anticipated to be seamless; residents won't notice any difference.
2. Trustee Gomberg also congratulated the organizers of District 67's"Bids for Kids" dinner. He
said both he and the mayor attended the event, which was very well run and quite successful.
C. Trustee Grear:
Trustee Grear had no formal report, but thanked the Chamber's Executive Director, Debbie
Juris, for doing a great job on the recent VIP Dinner. He also congratulated the VIP for 2012,
Kristina Otte.
D. Trustee Marcus:
1. Trustee Marus presented Resolution 13-07, Approving an Agreement For Access to Cook
County Geographic Information System.
He explained that the Village maintains a geographic information system to manage many
aspects of Village operations. Cook County also maintains a geographic information system
containing similar and additional pieces of data. It is a benefit to the Village to have access to
Cook County's data. The County is willing to share the data at no cost to the Village, but
regulates its use and the distribution of its data through an intergovernmental agreement
process. The Village executied this same agreement in 2010..
Trustee Marcus moved to approve Resolution 13-07, seconded by Trustee Toth.
Motion passed: 6 ayes, 0 nays.
Tr. DiMaria aye Tr. Gomberg ave Tr. Grear ante
Tr. Marcus ave Tr. Thill ave Tr. Toth aye
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Minutes of February 11,2013 Board Meetin.
XI. TRUSTEES' REPORTS (continued)
D. Trustee Marcus: (continued)
2. Next, Trustee Marcus presented Resolution 13-08, Authorizing the Execution of a
Contract With Arthur Weiler, Inc. For the 2013 Tree Planting Program.
Trustee Marcus explained that the Village has an annual program, depending on funding ap-
propriations, to plant trees within Village rights-of-way and on Village property. Public Works
considers it to be cost-effective to hire a contractor to furnish and install the trees. This con-
tract was bid through a public process. The estimated contract value is$13,350. Since this is
a unit price contract, the final contract amount will be based on the actual quantity of work per-
formed.
Trustee Marcus moved to approve Resolution 13-08, seconded by Trustee Thill.
Trustee Marcus asked how many trees the Village would be receiving for this amount. Mr.
DeMonte said he thought it was about 53.
Upon the vote, the motion passed: 6 ayes, 0 nays.
Tr. DiMaria aye Tr. Gomberg aye Tr. Grear aye
Tr. Marcus ave Tr. Thill ave Tr. Toth ave
3. Trustee Marcus noted that, last year, the Village received a rebate from the Solid Waste
Agency of Northern Cook County because of the amount of recycling it had done. The Village
as able to take $10,000 of that rebate and put it toward planting trees. He said he hoped
�— that would happen again this year. He said it's important for the Village to re-invest in trees,
especially with all the ones the Village has lost due to pests and disease. Trustee Marcus
encouraged everyone to recycle!
4. Trustee Marcus announced, as liaison to Morton Grove's Community Council of
Condominiums and Townhomes, that he had attended a meeting a couple weeks ago
about residents appealing their property taxes. He said that that meeting was "standing
room only" and noted that the deadline for filing an appeal has now passed (it was
February 5). The Council is an made of representatives from the Village's various
condominium and townhome associations. The Police Department, Fire Department, and
Public Works Department are also represented. The meetings are open to the public and are
held in the Village Hall Council Chambers. Trustee Marcus invited all interested to attend the
next meeting of the Council of Condominiums and Townhomes, which will be held on April 24.
E. Trustee Thill:
Trustee Thill presented for a first reading Ordinance 13-02, Granting a Special Use Permit
for a Parking Variation in Excess of 35% of the Required Number of Spaces at the
Property Located at 9400-9416 Waukegan Road, Morton Grove, Illinois.
This ordinance is pursuant to Plan Commission case PC 13-01, which was reported to the
Board earlier in this meeting. As this is a first reading, no action will be taken. There was no
discussion on Ordinance 13-02.
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Minutes of February 11.2013 Board Meetin•
XI. TRUSTEES' REPORTS (continued)
F. Trustee Toth:
1. Trustee Toth presented Resolution 13-09, Authorizing an Agreement Between the Village
of Morton Grove and the North Shore Senior Center for Social Services (NSSC).
a. She explained that the North Shore Senior Center currently operates specialized programs
and provides services to older adults in the Village. Until December of 2012, the Village
provided its residents with clinical social services through the Family and Senior Services
Department. The Village has determined that it is more cost-effective to provide social
services through a third-party vendor. The Village staff solicited proposals for social services
from three organizations and met with representatives from the North Shore Senior Center
and OMNI Youth Services. Only the North Shore Senior Center submitted a proposal. Based
on the Village's existing relationship with this organization, Village staff is satisfied that NSSC
can provide clinical social services to Village residents at the same or greater level than is
currently being provided, and for less cost. This resolution will authorize a one-year contract.
Trustee Toth said the cost is approximately$79,000 for one year.
Trustee Toth moved to approve Resolution 13-09, seconded by Trustee Thill.
b. Trustee Thill read a statement noting that all of the services or products the Village requires
are let out to bid. In his six years on the Board, Trustee Thill said he can't recall a time when
staffs ability to properly vet out the most qualified vendor or supplier was questioned. He said
he was quite surprised last month when the Village Administrator was almost"vilified" for the
process used to conclude that North Shore Senior Center should receive a contract from the
Village to handle its social services. He pointed out that the selection committee was
comprised of the Village Administrator, the Fire Chief, the Police Chief, and Corporation
Counsel—all of whom would be on the "front lines" dealing with this organization. Who better
to make this recommendation? Trustee Thill said that it's a shame that any member of the
Board would make a public scene when a phone call would have answered questions that any
Board member may have had. He added that he is seeing people in the audience lately that
he hasn't seen since the last election; he didn't imagine that this is a coincidence. Trustee Thill
said that a vote against this contract could be construed as a vote against seniors or families
in need. He felt that to play politics with such a necessary thing is shameful. Trustee Thill then
apologized to Mr. Home for the treatment he's received at the last two Board meetings over
this matter.
c. Trustee DiMaria responded by stating that he had, in fact, made a couple of phone calls to
Mr. Home, including one before the first Board Meeting in January. For Trustee Thill to say
that this is political is incorrect. Trustee DiMaria said he does not make political statements;
rather, he votes his conscience and votes for what's right for Morton Grove. He added, for the
record, that he is all for improving senior and social services. The seniors expect to be taken
care of and the Village owes it to them to take care of them. Trustee DiMaria said he had
heard the term "political suicide" used earlier to describe what it would be if he didn't vote for
this contract. He responded that it's also political suicide not to do the job he was elected to
do, namely, to make sure the Board's decision is based on knowledge gained from staff and to
make sure the Village is getting the best "bang"for its buck.
d. Trustee DiMaria said he had no argument that NSSC might be the greatest service the Village
can find—but he doesn't know it for sure. He said that Trustee Toth can say he didn't do his
homework, but he has, and said that he has nothing to compare NSSC to.
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Minutes of February 11,2013 Board Meetin
XI. TRUSTEES' REPORTS (continued)
F. Trustee Toth: (continued)
e. Trustee DiMaria said he didn't feel the Board has seen all of the possible options. He stated
that he was not ready to approve a $78,000 line item when he doesn't know it's the right way
for the Village to spend the $78,000. The Village didn't do any surveys or anything; the Board
has just been told that NSSC is the best option. He wanted more detail and more time to be
sure the Board is making the right decision.
f. Trustee DiMaria said that there's also another problem here. He noted that it is a possible
conflict of interest situation, since Mayor Staackmann's wife is a director of this company and
works there. He said he didn't feel there was any ill intent on the mayor's part, but the Village
has a code of ethics, which states that"It shall be the village's policy that all appearances of
impropriety shall be avoided." Trustee DiMaria said he just wants to make sure he's doing
his job as a Village Trustee and that there's no question or appearance of impropriety. He
commented that he abstains from voting on the Village's Warrants sometimes because one of
his friends is listed in them. He said he doesn't do business with that company or have any
economic interest in it, but also doesn't want any appearance of impropriety.
g. Trustee DiMaria stated again that he didn't believe that the mayor or his wife had any ill will in
this matter, but felt that, in this case, the Board should get all the bids it possibly could so the
public can have confidence in its elected officials. He said he just doesn't want the question
out there, "How can you give a contract to the mayor's wife's company without getting bids?"
He told Trustee Thill to get his facts straight.
h. Trustee Grear felt there was a simple solution to this is a delicate situation. He said, since the
Village contracted with NSSC for one month of service in January, why couldn't the Village
contract with them for one more month but do more investigating in the meantime? He
emphasized that he was only speaking about NSSC providing social services, not the senior
programming component. Trustee Grear said he had dealt with Jackie Walker-O'Keefe
personally because he's had some difficulties dealing with many deaths in recent months.
He said he does not debate the fact that NSSC is a top notch organization, but felt the Board
needed to make sure that everything with this contract is out in the open and transparent.
Trustee Grear recalled that, three years ago, there was a huge issue because seniors thought
the senior center was closing and they were understandably upset. The Village should have
been more open and transparent about that, and should have held general meetings so that
everyone would be on the same page. That's what he's looking for now. NSSC is doing a
wonderful job on the senior programming aspect, but this is social services. He said that
social services are vital and important and felt that it's a blessing that the Village is still willing
to provide them..
i. Trustee Toth said she was concerned because Village staff has already looked into possible
service providers and could only find a couple. She asked Trustee DiMaria, "Who else will be
able find something? Who do you want to go out and look for a group that will provide these
services?" She noted that the Village Administrator, the Police Chief, and the Fire Chief looked
into it. Trustee DiMaria asked why the matter was just dropped on the Board at its first 2013
meeting in January. He felt the information had been thrown at the Board then, when it should
have been under discussion in October or November. He said the process was flawed and the
information was delivered too late. Trustee Toth acknowledged Trustee DiMaria, noting that,
even if he felt the process was, the information is still the information. If there were other
groups out there providing similar levels of service, Village staff would have found them and
brought them before the Board for consideration.
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Minutes of February 11,2013 Board Meeting
XI. TRUSTEES' REPORTS (continued)
F. Trustee Toth: (continued)
j. Trustee Marcus noted that, at the last Board meeting, there had been some discussion about
this matter; some questions had been raised about whether any other organizations out there
could provide the wide scope of services that NSSC is able to provide. Staff had told the
Board that there isn't anyone else out there. He said the Board has now received from staff
the timeline detailing the various discussions staff has had with other organizations. Trustee
Marcus felt that staff had done an outstanding job. He said his understanding is that NSSC
can provide this community, and every resident, with a great service and provide it more
economically than previously. He reiterated that he felt staff did a great job researching this.
Trustee Marcus said, "This is the right move for this community."
k. Trustee Grear said he agreed with Trustee Marcus and said he was not debating the quality
of NSSC or its services. He wondered if any harm would be done by tabling this matter for a
month. He said it would give him an opportunity to do more "homework". He asked if the
Village could sign another one-month contract. He also wondered if another option might be
to see about hiring another part-time licensed social worker. He said he really didn't want to
vote "no"on this tonight, but really felt he needed more time.
I. Trustee Gomberg said that he had done some "homework"this afternoon, he, too, wanted to
see this go out to bid and go out to bid correctly. He said he didn't feel that sending 3 or 4 staff
members out to find agencies is the right way to do this; there should have been an RFP,
and he wondered why that hadn't been done in this case. Trustee Gomberg noted that the
Legislative Summary of Resolution 13-09 says, "Village staff solicited proposals...". He
thought that was a misnomer because that implies that the Village issued either a Request for
Proposals or a Request for Qualifications, and it did not. Essentially this was a "word of
mouth" process. Trustee Gomberg said that's not the process the Village has used before and
it's not the process used in other towns. He felt the Village should send out an RFP and get
more bids. That would help the Board validate its decision. He felt the question on the table
isn't about how great a job NSSC does; it's about doing the correct thing. He agreed that this
matter should be tabled and reiterated that the Village should go through the process that it
should have gone through originally.
Trustee DiMaria moved to table Resolution 13-09.
m. Mayor Staackmann said that the discussion isn't over yet. He clarified for Trustee DiMaria
and the assemblage that the NSSC is not "my wife's company" nor is she a director there. The
NSSC is a 501(3) c non-profit organization." He emphasized that his wife doesn't own NSSC,
is not a director, and, in fact, is not in any way involved with social services. She deals with
lifelong learning." Mayor Staackmann said that if Trustee DiMaria felt there was any kind of a
conflict of interest, the proper thing would have been to say something to him or the Village
Administrator ahead of time. He felt it was very sad that no one has contacted him about this
concern. Mayor Staackmann said that all of the Board members, including Trustee DiMaria,
voted for a budget, and in that pulling together that budge, the decision had been made that
the Village was going to find an outside service to provide social services. He added that, at
no time, did any Board member advocate going out for RFQs. Mayor Staackmann said he
understood Trustee DiMaria's passion and concern, and offered to call the State's Attorney to
ask that office to render a decision on whether there is conflict of interest or collusion here.
Mayor Staackmann also pointed out that he had never even met wife until after the Board
chose NSSC to provide senior programming, adding that the Village does not pay NSSC
anything for senior programming services.
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Minutes of February 11,2013 Board Meeting
XI. TRUSTEES' REPORTS (continued)
F. Trustee Toth: (continued)
n. Trustee Thill asked about the cost of the Village's previous social worker. Mayor Staackmann
at that point asked the audience to refrain from being rude; he said this is a meeting to discuss
Village business and everyone should try to be professional. Trustee Toth, responding to
Trustee Thill, said she had asked for that information and had brought it to last week's Finance
Advisory Commission meeting. The base salary for the social worker was $85,000; on top of
that there was longevity pay, taxes, pension, and health insurance, for a total of$116,536
annually, compared to paying the NSSC $79,000 for more depth and breadth of social
services.
o. Trustee Thill also asked about the previous social worker's caseload. Mr. Home did not have
that information readily available. Trustee Grear noted that that was a great question, and
suggested that the Board should have had this conversation earlier.
Trustee DiMaria moved to table Resolution 13-09, seconded by Trustee Grear.
p. Mayor Staackmann said he was unsure of the ramifications if the resolution was tabled; he
asked Mr. Home if he thought there would be a void of services for 30 days if the resolution
was tabled. Mr. Home said he didn't think so; he said that NSSC is committed to providing
these services.
q. Mr. Home also clarified the bidding process, noting that Illinois statutes provide exclusions in
cases where a service might be highly technical (i.e., audit services, certain types of public
works equipment) or when something is recognized as coming from only one source. The bid
process does allow for vetting of qualified providers and Mr. Home said he felt the process
was followed correctly. He assured the Board that no Statutes were violated; the Village was
not derelict in its duty. He added that Village staff is always looking out for the best interests of
the residents.
r. Trustee Marcus wondered if the Board should go into Executive Session since this seems to
be a personnel question. Corporation Counsel Liston said this would be considered a third-
party contract and said there was no need for the Board to adjourn to Executive Session.
Mayor Staackmann called for the vote on the motion to table Resolution 13-09.
Motion failed: 3 ayes, 4 nays.
Tr. DiMaria aye Tr. Gomberg aye Tr. Grear aye
Tr. Marcus my Tr. Thill nay Tr. Toth y
Mayor Staackmann: y
Trustee Marcus then called for the vote on Resolution 13-09.
Motion passed: 4 ayes, 3 nays.
Tr. DiMaria my Tr. Gomberg ray Tr. Grear n y
Tr. Marcus aye Tr. Thill aye Tr. Toth aye
Mayor Staackmann: aye
2. Trustee Toth announced that the Advisory Commission on Aging is having a special presenta-
tion on Februaryl2 titled "Understanding Memory Changes." It will be held at the Civic Center
from noon to 1 pm. On March 12, another presentation will take place at the Civic Center from
noon to fpm, titled "Home Safe Home." All are encouraged to attend.
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Minutes of Februa 11.2013 Board Meeting
TRUSTEES' REPORTS (continued)
Trustee Toth: (continued)
Trustee Toth noted that there are currently openings on the Advisory Commission on Aging,
adding that one doe not have to be age 62 or over to volunteer their time on this Commission.
Those interested should forward their resume to the Mayor's office.
XII. OTHER BUSINESS
NONE
XI I I. WARRANTS
Trustee Toth presented the Warrants for February 11, 2013 in the amount of$201,768.25.
She moved to approve the Warrants, seconded by Trustee Grear.
There was no discussion on the Warrants. Motion passed: 5 ayes, 0 nays, 1 abstain.
Tr. DiMaria abstain Tr. Gomberg aye Tr. Grear aye
Tr. Marcus aye Tr. Thill aye Tr. Toth aye
XIV. RESIDENTS' COMMENTS
a. Todd Bayer, a 14-year resident, said he was present tonight because of the Lake Shore
Waste merger and the potential recycling center. He wanted to let the Board know that the
group "Citizens to Stop the Waste Transfer Station" would oppose Lake Shore's use of its land
for anything but what it is currently being used for. He hoped that Lake Shore would be a good
neighbor and felt that a recycling center would be hard to market, especially with its proximity
to schools, residents, and the train station. He wants the Village to be proactive on this matter,
and suggested the Village impose a moratorium on waste facilities within its boundaries.
b. Nancy Lanning, thanked the Police Department for their recognition of former Police Chief
Norm Glauner's passing. She noted Chief Glauner was buried in his uniform.
Mrs. Lanning also stated that she thought the North Shore Senior Center was doing a fantastic
job, but lamented the fact that the hot lunch program, the senior bus services, and some of the
parties have gone by the wayside. She felt that, overall, the seniors have lost a lot.
XV. 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. Gomberg aye Tr. Grear aye
Tr. Marcus aye Tr. Thill aye Tr. Toth aye
The meeting adjourned at 9:11 p.m.
17
Minutes of February 11,2013 Board Meetin.
PASSED this 25th day of February, 2013.
Trustee DiMaria r /6
Trustee Gomberg f1 VC
Trustee Grear r
Trustee Marcus a
Trustee Thill a `
Trustee Toth h v t
APPROV 0 b,fne this 25th day of February, 2013.
- r
Danie J. Staackmann,Village President
Board •f Trustees, Morton Grove, Illinois
APPROVED and FILED y offic -thi th day of February, 2013.
Tony S. Kalogerak , Village Clerk
Village of Morton Grove, Cook County, Illinois
Mlnules by Teresa Cousar
18