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HomeMy WebLinkAboutVILLAGE BOARD - 10/26/2010 - STATE OF THE VILLAGE MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE MAYOR AND BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE VILLAGE OF ELK GROVE VILLAGE,ILLINOIS HELD AT THE CHARLES J. ZETTEK MUNICIPAL BUILDING, 901 WELLINGTON AVENUE ON TUESDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2010 Mayor Craig B. Johnson called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m. 1. ROLL CALL: Present: Mayor: Craig B. Johnson; Trustees: Nancy J. Czarnik, Patton L. Feichter, Jeffrey C. Franke, Samuel L. Lissner, James P. Petri, Chris Prochno Also Present: Village Manager Raymond R. Rummel; Village Attorney George B. Knickerbocker; and Village Clerk Judith M. Keegan A quorum was present. 2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE/INVOCATION 3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Motion to approve the minutes of the Regular Village Board Meeting held on October 12, 2010 as submitted and dispense with the reading. MOVED: Trustee Petri SECONDED: Trustee Czarnik VOICE VOTE MOTION CARRIED 4. REPORT OF THE MAYOR AND BOARD OF TRUSTEES Mayor Johnson stated that he and Trustee Czamik attended a meeting today which was organized by Josh Grodzin, Director of Business Development and Marketing. A presentation and tour of the Business Park was given to real estate developers. Mayor Johnson complimented and thanked Mr. Grodzin for doing a good job. The Mayor delivered a "State of the Village" speech to the seniors at the Hattendorf Center today. Mayor Johnson said he appreciates being able to speak with the seniors every year. They always have some very unique and hard questions. Mayor Johnson thanked the seniors for their hospitality. Mayor Johnson commended staff on being well prepared for the storm taking place. A phone blast was put out to residents warning them of the possibility of severe weather. The seniors in attendance at the Hattendorf Center stated they appreciated the advance warning and thanked the Mayor for the Village's concern. Storm warnings were also posted on the Village website, Channel 6 and sent out via email. Mayor Johnson advised residents who did not receive a phone call to contact Village Hall to get their name and phone number added to the data base for future notifications. Mayor Johnson announced that Assistant Village Manager Beth Jacobsen is leaving Elk Grove Village. Ms. Jacobsen has accepted a new position in her hometown in Wisconsin. The Mayor thanked Beth for her hard work on behalf of the community. Mayor Johnson wished Beth the best of luck in all of her future endeavors. Mayor Johnson displayed an award which was presented to the Village by Elk Grove High School. The award was presented in appreciation of the exceptional support and service provided by Elk Grove Village to the high school and the community. A presentation was given at the school during half-time of the homecoming football game. Mayor Johnson accepted the award on behalf of the community and stated the award will be on display in Village Hall. Mayor Johnson gave a presentation on the financial status of Elk Grove Village. The Mayor stressed that despite national and local financial woes, Elk Grove Village has maintained its strong financial status. 1 VBM 10-26-10 Over the past three years the Village has reduced its overall property tax rate. Property tax levies can be viewed in different ways. Mayor Johnson explained that tonight he was referencing the General Revenue Fund property tax area. That is the area of the property tax rate that the Village has control over. The General Revenue Fund has not been increased in the past three years. The General Fund budget has been cut each year. The anticipated 2011 General Fund Budget is expected to be decreased by almost three million dollars. The vast majority of expenditures by any Village are for personnel. Personnel are needed to deliver services to the residents. The Mayor explained that service needs change over the years and the Village is "right sizing" to meet the needs of today. The Village staffing is down approximately 9%. This has been done by not filling twenty five positions through attrition not layoffs. In the fifty four year history of Elk Grove Village there has never been an employee laid off. The Mayor stated the employees of the Village stepped up by taking a 0%pay increase this year. That includes Fire, Public Works and Police union employees who had guaranteed contracts for a 3.5% increase. The employees showed their support of the community by voluntarily taking a 0% increase. Mayor Johnson thanked all of the employees. Despite the tough economic times, Elk Grove Village received the highest bond rating possible. A good bond rating is important to a municipality. When a municipality borrows money they receive a better interest rate when they have a high bond rating. Due to the economy, many towns have cancelled their special events. Elk Grove Village continues to hold special events. The budgets were trimmed to save money but the events were still held for the community. During tough economic times it is important for the community to come together and enjoy free events. During this economic downturn the Village has remained financially stable by using the "rainy-day funds." When the economy was good the Board established funds to be used during tough times. The rainy-day funds protect the Village's four month reserve fund. The reserve and rainy-day funds helped the Village earn the highest bond rating. It is anticipated that in April of 2011 the Village will still have approximately 2.3 million dollars above the four month reserve. The Village is starting to see positive signs for the future. Two new restaurants will be opening in the Town Center and a White Castle is looking to locate in Elk Grove. Building permits are trending upward after several years of trending down. The most important sign is a decline of the vacancy rate in the Business Park. Last December the vacancy rate was at an all time high of 14%. In the first nine months of this year the vacancy rate has dropped to 11.8%. This represents the first strong sign the Village has seen in years. When trying to get businesses to come to Elk Grove we compare ourselves to surrounding communities. Businesses interested in relocating look at what the costs are to do business in a community. A survey was conducted three years ago and again recently. Property taxes, utility costs, vehicle sticker fees, local fuel taxes and other taxes were all compared. When looking at all of those fees, Elk Grove Village retains the lowest annual cost per home, based upon a$300,000 home. Elk Grove Village ranked number one. Elk Grove is nearly 11% less expensive than the closest comparison and more than 22% less expensive than the highest comparison. Elk Grove Village offers the lowest Village property taxes, lowest combined property taxes, no gasoline tax, no electric and gas utility tax, no amusement tax and the lowest telecom tax. Elk Grove does not charge a flat rate water and sewer user fee and there are no water and sewer taxes. Elk Grove Village is the Exceptional Community at an Exceptional Value. Next year's tax levy is coming up and for the fourth year in a row, there will be a 0% General Fund Property Tax increase. In addition, the board is recommending no 2 VBM 10-26-10 increases to other taxes and fees. Mayor Johnson stated the Village Board and Staff has worked very hard and should be very proud. The Mayor is very proud to say Elk Grove Village is fiscally strong during such difficult times. The first reading for the Property Tax Levy will.take place at the November Board meeting and a formal adoption of the Levy will be done in December. Trustee Prochno asked that residents who have elderly or handicapped neighbors to please remember to check in with them during the storm and with winter coming they may need help with snow removal. On Thursday, November 11, 2010, at 10:45 a.m. the VFW will be having its Annual Veteran's Day Observation. The ceremony will be held at the VFW Hall, 400 E. Devon Avenue. It is a great time to honor the Veterans who have sacrificed so much for their country. Mayor Johnson advised the press that packets of his presentation will be available to them after the Board meeting. Trustee Franke announced the seventh CERT class graduated last Saturday. Seventeen residents graduated. A mock emergency was conducted. The class prepares people for any type of emergency. Three classes will be held next year. The first class will be held in April. Anyone interested in signing up should contact the Fire Department at 847-734- 8025. Trustee Feichter stated that last Saturday the Community Character Coalition participated in Make a Difference Day. Volunteers stationed themselves outside of Walgreens and Walmart and asked for donations of household items. Trustee Feichter and Trustee Prochno worked outside at Walmart. They were helped by a group of students from Elk Grove High School. Trustee Feichter stated the students were a big help and did a great job. People were very generous with donations and the whole event was a huge success. Trustee Petri thanked Beth Jacobsen for all of her hard work and wished her well in Wisconsin. 5. APPROVAL OF WARRANT Motion to authorize payment of invoices as shown on the October 26, 2010 Accounts Payable Warrant in the amount of$640,275.55. MOVED: Trustee Petri SECONDED: Trustee Czarnik AYES: Trustees Feichter, Franke, Lissner, Petri, Prochno, Czarnik NAYS: None MOTION CARRIED 6. CONSENT AGENDA A. Elk Grove Village Park District—Authorization of a request to waive the permit fees to remove and replace concrete sidewalks at Morton Park located at 957 Brantwood Avenue in the amount of$595. B. Third Millennium Associates, Inc, Chicago, IL—Authorization to renew an existing service contract for the printing and mailing service of utility bills in an amount not to exceed $13,500. C. Holiday Design. Inc.. Plainfield, IL—Authorization to renew a service contract for holiday decorations and lighting services around the Municipal Complex in the amount not to exceed $27,800. D. Northstar Foods—Authorization of a request to hold a Public Hearing before the Plan Commission to consider the petition of Stanley Tomala, for a Special Use permit for a fresh meat processing, cooling, and storage facility in an 1-2 Industrial District at 2601 American Lane. 3 VBM 10-26-10 E. MS Consultants. Inc. / White Castle —Authorization of a request to hold a Public Hearing before the Plan Commission to consider the petition of Todd Harkins for the rezoning of property located at 1800 Oakton Street from 1-1 to B-3 for the purpose of constructing a restaurant with a drive through. F. Authorization to adopt Resolution No. 57-10 entitled "A RESOLUTION DETERMINING THE APPROPRIATENESS FOR CLASS 6B STATUS PURSUANT TO THE COOK COUNTY REAL PROPERTY CLASSIFICATION ORDINANCE AS AMENDED FEBRUARY 15, 2006 FOR CERTAIN REAL ESTATE LOCATED AT 950 ARTHUR AVENUE, ELK GROVE VILLAGE, ILLINOIS." G. Authorization to Adopt Resolution No. 58-10 entitled "A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO EXECUTE LETTERS OF UNDERSTANDING AMENDING THE SOLID WASTE & RECYCLING CONTRACT BETWEEN THE VILLAGE OF ELK GROVE VILLAGE AND WASTE MANAGEMENT FOR SINGLE-FAMILY DETACHED AND SNGLE-FAMILY ATTACHED PROPERTIES AND MULTI-FAMILY PROPERTIES, CHURCHES, CONGREGATE HOUSING UNITS AND ALEXIAN BROTHERS MEDICAL CENTER." H. Authorization to Adopt Resolution 59-10 entitled "A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR AND VILLAGE CLERK TO EXECUTE A, FIFTH AMENDMENT TO AGREEMENT BETWEEN REDSPEED ILLINOIS, LLC AND THE VILLAGE OF ELK GROVE VILLAGE PREVIOUSLY ADOPTED BY RESOLUTION NO. 50-07 AND AMENDED BY RESOLUTION NO. 22-08, RESOLUTION NO. 17-09, RESOLUTION NO. 11-10 AND RESOLUTION NO. 18-10 FOR THE INSTALLATION AND OPERATION OF AN AUTOMATED TRAFFIC ENFORCEMENT SYSTEM." I. Authorization to Adopt Resolution 60-10 entitled"A RESOLUTION DIRECTED TO THE COOK COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS, COOK COUNTY BOARD OF APPEALS, AND THE COUNTY CLERK FOR TRANSMITTAL TO COOK COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS IN RESPONSE TO THE PUBLIC HEARING TO BE HELD BY THE COOK COUNTY BOARD OF APPEALS ON NOVEMBER 8, 2010 REGARDING THE SPECIAL USE FOR UNIQUE USE REQUEST TO PERMIT A RECYCLING FACILITY WHICH WILL PROCESS ASPHALT AND CONCRETE MATERIALS ON THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT THE SOUTH SIDE OF OAKTON STREET, APPROXIMATELY 421 FEET EAST OF CROSSEN AVENUE IN ELK GROVE TOWNSHIP." Motion to approve Consent Agenda items "A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H and I." Mayor Johnson made note that Item E. approved a public hearing for White Castle. (Mayor Johnson asked for comments or questions from the Village Board, staff or members of the audience. There were none.) MOVED: Trustee Czarnik SECONDED: Trustee Franke AYES: Trustees NAYS: None MOTION CARRIED 7. REGULAR AGENDA -None BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS 8. CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS COMMITTEE - CHAIRMAN PETRI Trustee Petri asked to add the following items to the Agenda: e. 2011 MFT Build America Street Program f. Crossen Avenue Storm Sewer Rehabilitation 4 VBM 10-26-10 Trustee Petri called a meeting of the Capital Improvements Committee for Tuesday, November 2, 2010 at 9:30 a.m. in the Chernick Conference Room. Item c. Add Streets to 2010 MFT Street Resurfacing Program—Nicholas Avenue is progressing and Northwest Point should be complete in about two more weeks. Hopefully, Devon Avenue will be done shortly. Mayor Johnson asked Vito Sammarco, Director of Public Works, what the timeframe is for the work being done at Biesterfield Road and I-290. Mr. Sammarco stated another two weeks. Mayor Johnson confirmed that Biesterfield Road would not be down to one lane through the winter. 9. JUDICIARY, PLANNING & ZONING COMMITTEE - CHAIRMAN LISSNER— No Report. 10. PERSONNEL COMMITTEE - CHAIRMAN FRANKE—No Report. 11. RECYCLING & WASTE COMMITTEE—CHAIRMAN FEICHTER Trustee Feichter reported that 8,000 pounds of paper was recycled and 273 cars participated in the recent document destruction event at Village Hall. The event was a big success. Trustee Feichter announced the Health& Community Services Department would be collecting Christmas lights again this-year for recycling. Trustee Feichter encouraged residents not to throw lights in the garbage but to please bring them to Village Hall to be recycled. Trustee Petri asked Trustee Feichter if item b. Solid Waste Hauling Contract could be removed from the Agenda. Trustee Feichter confirmed that it could be removed. 12. INFORMATION COMMITTEE - TRUSTEE PROCHNO—No Report. 13. INDUSTRIAL/COMMERCIAL REVITALIZATION COMMISSION TRUSTEES LISSNER/PETRI Trustee Petri made note of the Class 613 on the Consent Agenda. It is for a large building on Arthur Avenue which is in need of repair and refurbishing. A food company will be relocating all of their offices to the Arthur Avenue location. Elk Grove Village will be their new headquarters. Item c. Busse Road, Greenleaf Avenue & Pratt Boulevard Intersection Projects—there was approval on the Accounts Payable Warrant in the amount of$35,000 for work being done preliminary to the actual construction. Trustee Petri reported that Josh Grodzin had twenty-six Real Estate Brokers attend the tour of the Business Park today. Trustee Petri complimented Josh on a job well done and stated Josh is looking to bring businesses from DuPage County to Elk Grove. 14. YOUTH COMMITTEE - TRUSTEE FRANKE On November 8, 2010 Trustee Franke will be meeting with the Youth Committee from the Park District and Commissioners O'Malley and Cooke. They will be discussing a time when both Committees can meet. A Committee meeting should be announced at the November Village Board meeting. 15. PARADE COMMITTEE - TRUSTEE CZARNIK The 2011 parade will be held on Saturday, June 18th. The parade theme is "Broadway on Parade." The Parade Committee will not be meeting in November or December. The next meeting will be in January, 2011. 5 VBM 10-26-10 16. PLAN COMMISSION - VILLAGE MANAGER—No Report. 17. ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS - VILLAGE MANAGER ZBA Docket—#10-7—The homeowner at 1273 Diane Lane is seeking to replace an existing fence. The Zoning Board voted unanimously to grant the zoning variation for the fence replacement. One neighbor came to the Zoning Board hearing to support the request of the Petitioner. Homeowner, Mark Kambourelis, was present in the audience. Mayor Johnson asked if any of the Trustees had questions. There were none. Motion to concur with the recommendation of the Zoning Board of Appeals and direct the Village Attorney to prepare the necessary documents. MOVED: Trustee Petri SECONDED: Trustee Lissner AYES: Voice Vote MOTION CARRIED Mayor Johnson advised the Petitioner he does not need to attend the next Village Board Meeting and could begin work after obtaining the necessary permits from the Engineering Department. 18. REPORTS OF OTHER BOARDS, COMMISSIONS & COMMITTEES a. CABLE TV COMMITTEE - TRUSTEES PETRI/LISSNER—No Report b. HEALTH & COMMUNITY SERVICES BOARD -TRUSTEE CZARNIK There will be a Blood Drive on Saturday,November 6, 2010 from 8:00 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. in the lower level of Village Hall. Trustee Czarnik encouraged people to come donate; one unit of blood can assist up to three people. Thanksgiving is coming and anyone that would like to assist families in need can donate food items. The Health & Community Services Department will be making the donations available to Elk Grove residents to make their Holiday easier. Call 847-357-4121 for information. Adopt-a-Family will be available for Christmas. If you would like to participate, call 847-357-4121 and Community Services will match you up with a family. Businesses, groups or departments can all participate in this worthwhile activity too. Elaine Hicks is the November Community Spirit Award winner. Elaine has helped her community by donating money and food to Elk Grove's Food Pantry. In addition, Elaine has purchased new clothing for the less fortunate and school supplies for children of families who could not afford them. On one occasion Elaine filled an entire back pack with miscellaneous supplies and donated it to the school. Elaine's award interview will be shown on Channel 6 during the month of November on "In the Grove." Anyone can acknowledge a good deed by nominating someone for the Community Spirit Award. Forms can be picked up at the Village Hall, the Library, the Pavilion and Jarosch Bakery. The next meeting of the Health & Community Services Board will be Wednesday,November 17, 2010 at 7:00 p.m. in the lower level of the Zettek Municipal Building. c, LIQUOR COMMISSION - MAYOR JOHNSON—No Report. d. SPECIAL EVENTS COMMITTEE—MAYOR JOHNSON The tree lighting ceremony will be held on the Friday after Thanksgiving at 5:30 p.m. in the Elk Grove Town Center. 6 VBM 10-26-10 e. TOUR OF ELK GROVE UPDATE—MAYOR JOHNSON The Tour of Elk Grove will be taking place August 5, 6 and 7, 2011. 19. REPORT FROM THE VILLAGE CLERK Early voting continues for two more days. Early voting will be conducted at Village Hall through Thursday, October 28`h at 5:00 p.m. 20. UNFINISHED BUSINESS Village Board -None Village Attorney—Prepare the necessary documents for a fence variation at 230 Greenbriar Street. Mayor Johnson displayed an original Chicago Blackhawk Stanley Cup Championship ring. Mayor Johnson's son works for the Chicago Blackhawk organization. The Mayor wore the ring today so that he could show it to the seniors he met with earlier in the day. 21. REPORT FROM THE VILLAGE MANAGER—No Report. 22. NEW BUSINESS -None Coffee with the Mayor and Village Board will be Saturday, November 6, 2010 from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. AUDIENCE—7:55 p.m. Mary Allen, 1147 Somerset Lane—Ms. Allen stated she has cable television through AT&T and is unable to receive Channel 6. She asked if the Board could do something about it. Ms. Allen was advised that she needs to contact AT&T. The Village would like AT&T to televise Channel 6 and a station is available but AT&T has chosen not to televise Elk Grove TV Channel 6. Trustee Lissner stated he would like the Village to look into the matter again. There may be an issue on the Village's part in addition to AT&T. Trustee Lissner advised that reports are not given about AT&T at the Village Board meetings because AT&T does not provide the Village with any information. Ms. Allen asked if the hours for trick or treating on Halloween could be shortened. She stated she knew it was too late for this year but asked about future years. Mayor Johnson explained the hours are based on resident requests. The early hours are for parents of young children who wanted to take them out when it was a little quieter, before the older children were out. The later hours in the evening are to accommodate working parents who can't get home until later. Mayor Johnson stated the Village hasn't had any major problems on Halloween. The Village recommends that people turn their porch light off if they do not want any more trick-or-treaters. 23. ADJOURNMENT Motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:04 p.m. MOVED: Trustee Czamik SECONDED: Trustee Lissner AYES: Trustees Franke, Lissner, Petri, Prochno, Czamik, Feichter NAYS: None MOTION CARRIED Judith M. Keegan Village Clerk Mayor Craig B. Johnson Village of Elk Grove Village The next Village Board meeting will be held November 9, 2010 at 7 :00 p.m. 7 VBM 10-26-10