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HomeMy WebLinkAboutVILLAGE BOARD - 10/25/2011 - VILLAGE BOARD MINUTES 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 25, 2011 Mayor Craig B. Johnson called the meeting to order at 7:06 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—The Invocation was delivered by Pastor Cerra Castro Rand, Prince of Peace United Methodist Church. 3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Motion to approve the minutes of the Regular Village Board Meeting held on October 11, 2011 as submitted and dispense with the reading. MOVED: Trustee Petri SECONDED: Trustee Czamik VOICE VOTE MOTION CARRIED 4. REPORT OF THE MAYOR AND BOARD OF TRUSTEES—Mayor Johnson reported on a recent newspaper article about the export business in the State of Illinois. Almost half of the State's exports come from the Elk Grove Village Business Park. The entire State of Illinois exported $48 billion in merchandise, and $20 billion of that was from Elk Grove Village businesses. The Business Park is a huge economic engine. Mayor Johnson delivered his annual State of the Village speech to Elk Grove seniors at the Hattendorf Center today. The Mayor reported he was there for over an hour. There were lots of questions for the Mayor to answer and it provided the Mayor with an opportunity to explain things that are going on within the Village. It was an enjoyable session which was beneficial to all. Mayor Johnson announced Elk Grove High School and Conant High School will be competing in a play-off football game this Saturday, October 29, 2011, at 1:00 p.m. at Elk Grove High , School. It is the first time in both school's history that they will be competing in a play-off game. In addition to the play-off game, they will be competing for the Mayor's trophy. Coffee with the Mayor and Board will be taking place on Saturday,November 5, 2011 in the atrium of the Village Hall from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Everyone is invited to attend to ask questions and express their concerns and ideas. Mayor Johnson noted it was recently in the newspaper and on television news that the City of Chicago is considering doubling their water rates over the next four years. Elk Grove Village obtains their water from Lake Michigan through the City of Chicago. By contract, the City of Chicago has the ability to charge the Village the same water rates which they charge Chicago residents. The Elk Grove Village Board has worked hard to keep fees and costs down but the Village is locked into the contract with Chicago until 2023. Because of the contract, the State of Illinois forbids the use of the Village's wells. The Village originally obtained Lake Michigan water because the water supply in the wells was becoming low. The wells can only be used in an emergency situation. Updates on the situation will be given to the community as they become available. Other options will be explored for the future. 1 VBM 10-25-11 Mayor Johnson gave a presentation on the property tax levy. Each December the Village Board has to approve a property tax levy. The Village Board has worked hard over the past three years not to increase property taxes. Economically things are starting to look better. Sales tax has increased, vacancy rates in the Business Park have dropped, employment rates are better, and building permits have increased dramatically. Because of the economic upswing, the portion of the tax levy that the Village controls is decreasing. It is a small decrease of$5,424, but it represents no change in the general property tax levy for the Village. There has not been an increase in the general property tax levy of the Village for the past five years. Mayor Johnson commended the Village Board, staff and employees for a great job. As discussed at previous meetings, residential property taxes have increased due to Cook County shifting a portion of the tax burden from the business community to the residential community. The other portion of the Village property taxes is the pension side. The pension side is an amount given to the Village by the State. The State mandates the pensions. The amount is out of the Village's control. The pensions are State regulated and cannot be changed by the Village. Unfortunately, the pension amount is being increased by close to five percent, representing an increase of almost three hundred thousand dollars. The pension amount is broken out on the tax bill and represents close to forty percent of the property tax which the Village collects. Forty cents of every tax dollar collected by the Village goes towards the pension fund. In 1997 when . Mayor Johnson became Mayor, that amount was approximately twelve percent. That indicates how much the pension amount has increased over the last fifteen years. In the future, it will probably be close to fifty percent of the amount collected. Mayor Johnson stated the pension systems we have are not sustainable and cannot continue on the way they are. The Mayor stated existing pensions should be honored but a change should take place for future employee pensions at all levels of government. Mayor Johnson referenced a Crain's Chicago Business article and provided several examples of how the pension system is failing. Mayor Johnson asked Ross Rowe, Channel 6 Cable Coordinator, to join him at the podium. Mayor Johnson stated that the status of Channel 6 and AT&T was discussed with the seniors at the Hattendorf Center this morning. The seniors seemed very positive about the Village waiting and making sure that AT&T does everything properly to air Channel 6. Channel 6 recently won two awards. Mr. Rowe displayed the Hometown Video Award for Overall Excellence in Government Access Television. The award was presented to Channel 6 in July. The Alliance for Community Media presented the award to Channel 6 for being the best. government access television channel in the country in their budget category. This was the second time within five years that this award was presented to Channel 6. It is rare to be presented with this award twice. The award is unique in the fact that recipients are chosen by their peers in the industry. The second award was an original sculpture by Nathan Bennett which was awarded to Channel 6 by the Illinois Association of Park Districts. It is their top journalist award. Channel 6 was recommended for the award by the Elk Grove Park District. The award is for the coverage that Channel 6 does of Park District activities. The Award was presented to Channel 6 on October 14, 2011. Mr. Rowe thanked the Village Board for their continued support. He also thanked the staff of Channel 6, Debbi, Beth and Rob, the volunteers and interns that help with programming and the viewers and residents that make it possible for Channel 6 to do what they do. Mr. Rowe stated the Elk Grove High School and Conant High School football game will be aired on Channel 6 at 7:00 p.m. on Saturday. Channel 6 is looking into the future possibility of providing the Elk Grove High School football games live instead of taped delay. Mayor Johnson thanked Mr. Rowe on behalf of the Village Board and the Community for a phenomenal job covering Community events and providing quality programming. Mayor Johnson asked Mr. Rowe when Channel 6 was going to be available in HD. Mr. Rowe advised that was up to Comcast. Channel 6 has the capabilities and does film some of their programming in HD, however Comcast is not carrying Channel 6 in HD. 2 VBM 10-25-11 Mayor Johnson wished Trustee Czarnik a Happy Birthday. Everyone in attendance at the Board meeting sang Happy Birthday to Trustee Czarnik. Trustee Czarnik thanked everyone and stated this was a milestone birthday for her and she is grateful for her wonderful family and friends. Mayor Johnson announced the Trick or Treating hours for Halloween are 1:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Trustee Prochno announced the 23rd Annual Kenneth Young Fashion Show is being held on Saturday, November 5, 2011 at the Belvedere. The theme of this year's show is "How Sweet It Is." The cost is $45.00 per person, $450.00 for a table of ten and $550.00 for a premier table of ten. Cocktails begin at 11:00 a.m., lunch is at noon and the fashion show is at 1:15 p.m. There will be raffle prizes, split-the-pot, and much more. Make reservations by October 28, 2011. To purchase tickets, contact Sherri Sealy at 847-524-8800 ext. 141 or at sherris ,kennethyoung.org. Elk Grove High School was voted to be the week's Prep Destination for NBC Today on Friday morning, October 14, 2011. NBC began broadcasting early Friday morning and highlighted the football game against Hersey High School as well as showcasing the students and community in a pep rally atmosphere. Elk Grove High School received this designation through a vote on the NBC5 Facebook page. Trustee Prochno stated she and Trustee Franke attended the Fire Department Open House on Sunday, October 16, 2011. Trustee Prochno pointed out that the Elk Grove Firefighters used their own funds to purchase pink polo shirts to wear in support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The Firefighters wore the shirts throughout the Month of October. The Firefighters also sold t-shirts to friends, family and anyone interested in purchasing a t-shirt to support the cause. Through the sale of the t-shirts and personal donations, the Firefighter Union Leader, Howard Hall, will be presenting a check in the amount of$1,500.00 to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. Mayor Johnson made note that Elk Grove High School Football Coach, Coach Doll, was named as one of the Chicago Bears Coach's of the Week and will be honored at one of the Bears football games in December. Trustee Feichter reported that Lions Club members were on street corners collecting donations on Friday, October 14, 2011. The donations are for the hearing and vision impaired. The Lions Club collected $1,100. It was a successful event and everyone was very generous. On Saturday, October 15, 2011, the Community Character Coalition was collecting donations of white goods for the Elk Grove Food Pantry and Elk Grove Township. Trustee Feichter and Trustee Prochno were taking donations at Wal-Mart and there were other representatives at Walgreens accepting donations. Everyone was very generous and many paper goods were collected. Trustee Franke complimented the Fire and Police Open House which took place on Sunday, October 16, 2011. The Police Department conducted a police dog training exercise which was very interesting. The State Police were in attendance conducting a vehicle roll-over demonstration. The demonstration was very informative and demonstrated what can happen during an accident if you are not wearing a seatbelt. There was a great turnout and it was a very successful event. The CERT team was represented at the event and was taking names for future classes. There are over 100 CERT members at this time. Trustee Czarnik commented about the Elk Grove High School and'Conant High School football game, stating that it will be a win for Elk Grove Village no matter which team wins the game. 5. APPROVAL OF WARRANT Motion to authorize payment of invoices as shown on the October 25, 2011 Accounts Payable Warrant in the amount of$653,897.81. 3 VBM 10-25-11 MOVED: Trustee Petri SECONDED: Trustee Czarnik AYES: Trustees Feichter, Franke, Lissner, Petri, Prochno, Czarnik NAYS: None MOTION CARRIED 6. CONSENT AGENDA A. Elk Grove Park District— Authorization of a request to waive permit fees to patch, sealcoat, and stripe the Ridge Avenue (south) parking lot at the Al Hattendorf Center located at 225 E. Elk Grove Boulevard, in the amount of$349. B. Third Millennium Associates, Inc., Chicaeo, 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. Class 6B — 300 Lively Boulevard—Adopt Resolution No. 43-11 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 300 LIVELY BOULEVARD, ELK GROVE VILLAGE, ILLINOIS" Mayor Johnson asked if any of the Trustees or staff had any questions or comments regarding the Consent Agenda. There were none. The Mayor asked if anyone in the audience wished to address the Village Board regarding the Consent Agenda. No Response. Motion to approve Consent Agenda items "A, B,and C." MOVED: Trustee Czamik SECONDED: Trustee Franke AYES: Trustees Feichter, Franke, Lissner, Petri, Prochno, Czamik NAYS: None MOTION CARRIED 7. REGULAR AGENDA A) Authorization to amend a sign variation for White Castle at 1800 Oakton Street. Item Proposed Permitted by Variation Ordinance Requested 1800 Oakton Street— Double-sided, illuminated 90 sq. ft. for sign Additional Free-standing, sign measuring 41 sq. ft. area and 18 ft. for 32 total sq. illuminated sign per side, 82 sq. ft. in total. sign height. ft. in sign identifying the new area and 7 restaurant. The sign will also include a ft. in sign "white field" for height. changeable copy letters measuring 20 sq. ft. per side, for a total of 40 sq. ft. in total. An overall 122 sq. ft. in area is proposed with a proposed height of 25 ft. Mayor Johnson asked if there was a representative from White Castle in attendance. There was no one in attendance. Motion to amend a sign variation for White Castle at 1800 Oakton Street. MOVED: Trustee Franke SECONDED: Trustee Feichter AYES: Trustees Feichter, Franke, Lissner, Petri, Prochno, Czamik NAYS: None MOTION CARRIED 4 VBM 10-25-11 BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS S. CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS COMMITTEE - CHAIRMAN PETRI—Item c. 2011 MFT and Build America Street Program is winding down. Brummel and Greenleaf have both been milled but still need to be paved. Trustee Petri called a meeting of the Capital Improvements Committee for Wednesday, November 2, 2011 at 9:00 a.m. in the Chernick Conference Room to discuss the 2012 Streets Program. 9. JUDICIARY, PLANNING & ZONING COMMITTEE - CHAIRMAN LISSNER— There has been a delay in the installation of the No-Idle Zone signs. The sign posts that were delivered were defective and are being replaced. 10. PERSONNEL COMMITTEE - CHAIRMAN FRANKE —No Report 11. RECYCLING & WASTE COMMITTEE—CHAIRMAN FEICHTER—On October 29, 2011, the Elk Grove Village Police Department will be participating in a National Take Back Initiative. The event will be taking place at the Police Department between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. They will be collecting all controlled, non-controlled and over the counter substances. Controlled substances are typically pain medications and such that are prescribed by your doctor. The Elk Grove Village Health Department accepts non-controlled substances and sharps during normal business hours, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. December 15, 2011 is the last day for yard waste pick-up. Waste Management has put some new containers at Village Hall, the Pavilion and by the Town Square water feature. The new containers have an automatic compacting system. Recyclables are deposited into one side and refuse in the other side. When the container fills to a certain level it is recognized by a sensor and is automatically compacted. When the container reaches full capacity it automatically notifies Waste Management for pickup. The containers are solar powered. Mayor Johnson noted that the Village has its first electric charging station at Walgreens. 12. INFORMATION COMMITTEE - TRUSTEE PROCHNO —Trustee Prochno thanked Trustee Feichter for providing the information about the new containers. 13. INDUSTRIAL/COMMERCIAL REVITALIZATION COMMISSION - TRUSTEES. LISSNER/PETRI —Item c. Busse Road, Greenleaf Avenue & Pratt Boulevard Intersection Projects are well under way. Trustee Petri stated it was starting to look nice but the project probably won't be finished until next year. The medians on Busse Road are being redone in brick which will look much better and help to keep the weeds down. There was a final review of Item b. Master Plan to Revitalize the Business Park. It is being put together and will be distributed to the Village Board for review and to meet and discuss the items included. Discussion pursued between Mayor Johnson, Trustee Petri and Trustee Lissner regarding project finding and the budgeting of funds received from the telecommunication taxes received by the Village. Trustee Lissner reported the Class 6B which appears as Item C. on the Consent Agenda is for a company which is currently in Elk Grove Village. The company is in two buildings and is moving into one larger building. They currently have fifteen employees and will be adding two to three more employees. 14. YOUTH COMMITTEE - TRUSTEE FRANKE—The next Junior High teen dance will be Saturday, November 12, 2011 at the Pavilion from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Trustee Franke stated he will have scholarship information available at the next meeting. 15. PARADE COMMITTEE - TRUSTEE CZARNIK—The 2012 Hometown Parade will be taking place on Saturday, June 16, 2012. The theme of the parade is "Great Moments in 5 VBM 10-25-11 History." The Committee is looking for sponsors for the 2012 parade. The next meeting of the Parade Committee is November 7, 2011 at 5:30 p.m. in Room E of the Zettek Municipal Complex. 16, PLAN COMMISSION - VILLAGE MANAGER—No Report 17, ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS - VILLAGE MANAGER—No Report 18. REPORTS OF OTHER BOARDS, COMMISSIONS & COMMITTEES a. CABLE TV COMMITTEE - TRUSTEES PETRULISSNER—Trustee Petri announced there is a meeting on Thursday,November 3, 2011 in the Council Chambers from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. for the Alliance For Community Media National Board of Directors. They will be interacting with the PEG (Public Education Government) Professionals from across the country to find out what is happening on local, state and federal levels with AT&T Uverse issues and the CAP Act. b. HEALTH & COMMUNITY SERVICES ADVISORY COMMITTEE -TRUSTEE CZARNIK—There is a Blood Drive on Saturday,November 5, 2011 from 8:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the lower level of the Zettek Municipal Conference. One unit of blood is a gift for up to three people. The Holiday Adopt-a-Family program is underway. The Community Services Office is looking for families or businesses for donations to the annual program. For Thanksgiving donors are asked to provide the makings of a traditional Thanksgiving meal. Christmas donors are asked to provide the makings of a holiday meal or gifts for the family members. The donations will be distributed to local low-income families through the Food Pantry. For more information, contact the Community Services Office at 847-357-4120. The October Community Spirit Award winners are Jim Hughes and Jackie Roden. Jim and Jackie are both volunteer certified CERT instructors. CERT is Elk Grove Village's Community Emergency Response Team. Jim and Jackie train volunteers to be the first responders to aid the Police and Fire Departments in emergency situations. If you are interested in becoming a CERT team member, contact the Elk Grove Village Fire Administration office to learn about upcoming classes. The classes can be taken for education purposes only. Actual volunteering for the community is completely by choice. The knowledge that Jim and Jackie will teach you is astonishing and potentially lifesaving in the case of an emergency situation. Jim and Jackie will be featured on"In The Grove" during the month of October Acknowledge someone's good deed by nominating them for the Community Spirit Award. Forms are available at Village Hall, the Library, the Pavilion and Jarosch Bakery. The next meeting of the Health & Community Services Advisory Committee is Wednesday, October 26, 2011 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 fourteenth annual Tree Lighting Ceremony will be held on Friday, November 25, 2011. e. TOUR OF ELK GROVE UPDATE—MAYOR JOHNSON—The Alexian Brothers Tour of Elk Grove will be taking place August 3, 4 and 5, 2012. 19. REPORT FROM THE VILLAGE CLERK—No Report 20. UNFINISHED BUSINESS Village Board -None Village Attorney -None 21. REPORT FROM THE VILLAGE MANAGER—No Report 6 VBM 10-25-11 22. NEW BUSINESS -None AUDIENCE— 8:06 p.m. —No Response There will only be one Village Board meeting in both November and December. 23. ADJOURNMENT Motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:06 p.m. MOVED: Trustee Feichter SECONDED: Trustee Czarnik AYES: Trustees Franke, Lissner, Petri, Prochno, Czarnik, Feichter NAYS: None MOTION CARRIED Judith M. Keegan Village Clerk Mayor Craig B. Johnson Village of Elk Grove Village 7 VBM 10-25-11