HomeMy WebLinkAboutVILLAGE BOARD - 10/23/2018 - Village Board MinutesMINUTES
REGULAR VILLAGE BOARD MEETING
October 23, 2018
1. CALL TO ORDER - 7:08 P.M.
PRESENT: Mayor Craig B. Johnson, Trustees Nancy J. Czarnik, Patton L. Feichter, Jeffrey C. Franke,
Samuel L. Lissner, James P. Petri, and Christine K. Prochno
ABSENT:None
A Quorum was present.
Also Present: Village Manager Raymond R. Rummel, Village Attorney George B. Knickerbocker,
Village Clerk Loretta M. Murphy
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
INVOCATION - PASTOR CERNA RAND, PRINCE OF PEACE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF OCTOBER 9, 2018 - Motion to approve the Minutes of the Regular
Village Board Meeting held on October 9, 2018 as submitted and dispense with the reading.
Moved by Trustee Petri Seconded by Trustee Czarnik
VOICE VOTE
MOTION CARRIED
4. MAYOR AND BOARD OF TRUSTEES' REPORT -
Mayor Johnson -
Mayor Johnson announced that a report came out with the current vacancy rate and the business park is
now down to 2.5%.
The Manufacturing Expo on October 15u was one of the largest Expos so far. Thank you to Elk Grove
High School for hosting and thank you to everyone that attended and/or participated in the Expo.
The Makers Wanted Bahamas Bowl is on December 215t. The rollout for this event was very well
received by the businesses. Mayor Johnson showed the new commercial for the Makers Wanted
Bahamas Bowl to introduce Elk Grove Village to the world. Commercials are now running on CNN,
MSNBC, Fox and the headline news channels until election day.
Mayor Johnson attended the following meetings:
➢ October 11- Delivered a State of the Village at the Rotary Club meeting;
➢ October 11- SOC Meeting to discuss minimizing the noise impact on the community;
➢ October 12 - Purchased paintings for the Local Artists Wall from the Juried Art Show;
➢ October 14 - Gave speeches on the Elk Grove Village Cares program at Prince of Peace and
Lutheran Church of the Holy Spirit;
➢ October 15 - Made in Elk Grove Manufacturing Expo at Elk Grove High School;
➢ October 18 - Finance, Administration and Operations Meeting at the Tollway;
➢ October 18 - Met with the US Census Bureau for an update on the upcoming 2020 Census;
➢ October 21- Elk Grove Village Cares speech at Trinity Gospel Church;
➢ October 23 - Delivered a State of the Village at the Senior Center;
➢ October 23 - Meet and Greet with the new CEO of Kenneth Young Center, Grace Hong Duffin.
Harper College gave a presentation at the Committee of the Whole Meeting this evening to explain the
reason for the Referendum that is on the ballot for the November 6, 2018 election.
Presentations:
Fire Department Oath of Office - Mayor Johnson swore in Firefighter John Lodewyck as Fire Lieutenant.
Illinois Fire Chief of the Year Award - Mayor Johnson congratulated Chief Rich Mike] on his award from
the Illinois Fire Chiefs Association for Illinois Fire Chief of the Year. This award is acknowledged
throughout the fire service in Illinois and nationwide as a prestigious recognition of the efforts a Chief
Fire Officer takes to protect the community.
Resolution - Cook County Commissioner Timothy 0. Schneider presented Fire Chief Rich Mikel with a
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Resolution to congratulate him on receiving the Illinois Fire Chief of the Year Award.
School District 59 - Mayor Johnson stated that the Village Board has no jurisdiction over School District
59. They have their own duly elected board with the representatives who make the decisions on behalf
of their constituents, the students, and everyone else involved. The Mayor apologized to District 59 for
having this discussion at a Village Board Meeting. This was brought to us at a board meeting and it was
indicated that as residents of the community that we should be aware of their concerns. The Village
Board felt that we should do this as a one-time informational meeting. This will not be a debate and we
will not do this again in the future. If anyone wants to talk to us individually, that is fine but we will not
do this at another Board Meeting.
We will allow a representative from the concerned citizens an opportunity to speak for approximately
ten minutes. Then since this meeting is meant to inform the board, we will allow board members to ask
questions. A representative from District 59 will have the opportunity to speak and I have invited
Principal Paul Kelly from Elk Grove High School to share his comments as someone who sees first-hand
the produce of the students that come out of District 59.
Mary Vicors. for group of concerned citizens for better 59 schools - As a retired teacher spoke about the
citizen concerns on the ratings within the school district. Mary provided the Mayor and Board of
Trustees with an information packet with some charts to assist with tonight's discussion.
Mayor Johnson - Since this is the first that we are looking at these charts, I see a pattern. Do you think
that there is a correlation between the number of low-income students and the performance ratings at
the schools? Mary - There are some schools that have a high percentage of low-income students but
their scores are doing better than the schools in Elk Grove Village.
Mayor Johnson - The Board will only discuss comparisons within Elk Grove Village and not those from
schools in the surrounding communities. He also referenced an article from the Tribune on Sunday,
October 215t, that talked about the New Illinois School Report Cards and how they are shifting emphasis
on student growth. A discussion took place regarding the ranking of the schools. Mayor Johnson
thanked Mary for providing the materials this evening but the Village Board will need the chance to
review the materials in more detail. Mayor asked if any of the Trustees had any questions for Mary.
Trustee Czarnik - Can you please explain the difference of when they had switched from the one test to
the current test? The previous tests were called MAP which charts student progress and approximately
three years ago they switched to the FAST test. In my opinion the MAP test is a better way to predict
student progress and with the FAST test there are no other schools in the area that use it to compare.
Trustee Czarnik - After briefly looking at some of the comparisons that you've given to us tonight, can
you explain why some of the Elk Grove schools are so much lower than others? Mary stated that District
59 can probably tell you more as to why some schools do better than others. A discussion continued
regarding changes made in the curriculum within the past 3-4 years that may be affecting the ratings.
Trustee Prochno - With the curriculum being experience -based now rather than printed -material based,
are there any other school districts that use this type of curriculum. None like District 59.
Trustee Prochno - So the experience of the students at a particular grade level can be totally different
from school to school based on what the teacher chooses to include in the curriculum. Yes.
Trustee Franke - As for me, 1 will not slam any other governmental body as a Trustee but as a resident of
Elk Grove I understand the concerns. You have spoken very well on the subject and you've done the
research but the only way that change will occur is if one of you run for the school board. Mary stated
that as citizens of this community she is asking the Village Board to get involved.
Mayor Johnson - Has this group brought this information to Arlington Heights and Mount Prospect
board meetings since there are residents from those communities in the same school district Not yet.
Trustee Feichter - Were you able to get any of the PARCC test scores in advance for this meeting? A
FOIA was submitted to the District but they are not able to share the preliminary results until after the
release on October 315t. Mary stated that she does know that from 2015-2017 the scores have declined.
Dr. Art Fessler. Superintendent for District 59 - Gave a presentation to explain the what we do, how we
do it and why we do it to the Village Board. Dr. Fessler stated that the mission of District 59 is to prepare
students to be successful for life. This statement was chosen very deliberately and very purposefully
because the responsibility of a school is to prepare kids not just for a one-time assessment but get them
ready to be contributing, successful citizens. Dr. Fessler spoke about the District 214 national movement
called Redefining Ready where they moved away from standardized test scores and focused on
research -based experiences that show college and career readiness. In collaboration with District 214,
District 59 has followed their lead and have been encouraged by their approach and even their feedback
to try to work more on a skill -based outcome. There was a discussion on preparing the students for
changes in the job market, the global economy, communication and social media, and transportation. It
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is the school district's job to prepare students for the future job market not only in the existing industrial
park but also for jobs that will exist in the new technology park. The high school needs the students to
have more experience, more practice, and more development in skills and Dr. Fessler explained that the
school district built the curriculum around more of a skill -based performance. It is no longer good
enough to tell kids what to learn and have them repeat but instead let them see what they can do
through learning. There is a significant number of low-income students in the District but we look at
diversity as a strength that allows us to have programming that is rich, different, and gives the students
the opportunity to see what the real world will look like.
The school will have their first community forum on November 8th to give families the opportunity to
come in and engage in a dialog around the work that they are doing in District 59 to ensure that the
students are ready to succeed at the high school level.
Tom Luedlof£ Associate Superintendent of Schools for District 59 - Spoke about the accountability issues
from a student growth perspective. He stated that kids are much more than a number on a test. The
total amount of hours that kids spend on taking standardized tests is approximately 8-8 1/2 hours. As
for the PARCC scores discussed earlier, those scores are under embargo from the state. The schools are
not authorized to share preliminary numbers until the state releases the final numbers on October 31st.
There are about 40% of the students that are second language learners which does reflect the test scores
since the tests are in English. The reality is we want our kids to do their absolute best on that test and
we are working on that. As we look at the pieces of the test, a second language learner or a special
education student will automatically score at the lowest level on this test. That is across Illinois and all
the PARCC consortiums which have roughly 2,000,000 students. Is that okay? No. So, we look at how
our kids are doing over time and the proficiency is increasing with each year. The demographics
continue to change and we have a very balanced district where there is no majority group in our
ethnicity.
Mayor Johnson - When I was a teacher, they used an Iowa test and you basically taught the students all
year for that test Mr. Luedloff stated that the PARCC test is aligned to the common core. That is an area
that we will continue to work on and hope that the scores will continue to improve.
Mayor Johnson - My grandson is at a school that has dual language and it has been very successful. Is
District 59 providing that at all of the schools? Dr. Fessler stated that District 59 is moving forward with
dual language but there is a shortage of teachers that speak a second language so it is difficult. Each year
we look at the interest to see if there is a need for more classrooms with dual language and we try our
best to fill that need. Some students in District 59 actually start school at 3 grade levels below what is
standard. An assessment is given at the beginning to show what level a 5-year-old should be performing
at and there is a cut score. It is just under 50% of our students that are not ready. Teachers have some
students still learning their sounds in Kindergarten and in many cases it is multiple levels below the
grade level. That is an extreme example of a small number of kids but Dr. Fessler could not comment
specifically because there are different circumstances as to why a child is not ready for school.
Trustee Petri - What will you do differently after listening to these people that have attended the various
board meetings plus coming here tonight at this meeting? Dr. Fessler stated that we recognize that the
education of the past is of concern where teachers are doing all the talking and kids are only using a
single source resource such as a text book but taking tests and repeating information is not the way to
prepare kids for the future. When you are learning a skill, you cannot be lectured but teachers are
teaching more mini lessons and allowing the students to practice what they are learning. The teachers
try to provide a learning experience that supports the skills that they are teaching. We have done much
work with the common core and we are looking into the resources that we can provide right now to be
aligned with the common core. We have purchased more research -based resources and have made
many improvements in math, science and social studies in the past year. We are reading the research
with the dual language approach and the results may not be as fast as we would like but learning is a
lifelong process. We celebrate as they improve and we are proud of their improvements but the impact
of income and also second language on test scores does exist The stressors of home life or adverse
situations is also another factor that affects the test scores. We have added staff to help with the home
life issues to get kids in an emotionally healthy state so they can perform academically.
Trustee Lissner - The presentations were excellent tonight but I wonder can we just be using the wrong
test? PARCC sounds like it is the stem of the problem. Dr. Fessler stated that there has to be some form
of assessment testing and next year there will be a new test entitled Illinois Assessment of Readiness but
it will be similar to the PARCC test. The proficiency element that is included with the test is somewhat
challenging to some of the students.
Trustee Czarnik - Will the new test be adding some of the things to level out the proficiency part?
Dr. Fessler stated that the new test will look at a preliminary score as to where they are at and will also
measure the growth element tied to the score. We do think that it may impact the results.
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Mayor Johnson - Some residents are worried about their home values going down. Are you saying that if
there is improvement that it should help with the home values? Dr. Fessler stated that we have done
some checks on our end on real estate sales and there is no difference between the west side and the
east side in the amount of homes that have sold. Our demographic remains challenging and we struggle
to announce that publicly because we believe that our students are more than a test score.
Paul Kelly. Principal at Elk Grove High School - As someone who joined this community six years ago, he
has a special connection to the Village and to the school district. He doesn't live in Elk Grove Village, but
if he was to move this would be the place where he would want to raise his family. He thanked the
community members for attending the board meeting as there is nothing more important than the
education of their children. He has so much pride for this community and hates to hear all the negatives
between community members. In regard to school ratings, I have a couple of general observations as an
educator for 21 years. I have worked at four different schools and some of those schools were
considered a flagship and others were not I have seen parents that were for and against the ratings for
the schools that he worked at and these are common concerns because people do care so much. In my
opinion, the tests that we have kids take are somewhat fickle. The tests that we use in District 214 is one
of the most common ones and our Superintendent has made a campaign to talk about the students as
being more than just a score. We do know that the scores that they get sometimes truly do matter. Even
at a school that is a 9 or a 10 on the realty sites, he hopes that they end up on a positive light on those
sites.
Everybody should know that the PARCC test that was once used for Illinois high schools for two years
was jettisoned because it did absolutely nothing for the kids of Illinois. The reason is that our PARCC
test scores literally had no impact on the students at Elk Grove High School. No college looked at the
PARCC test, no scholarship agency looked at the PARCC test and the kids did not look at the PARCC test
Unfortunately, our PARCC test proficiency at Elk Grove High School in math two years ago was as low as
2% but I did not answer for that at any board meeting and not a single reporter asked me about our test
results. There was not one parent that called because it did not carry much value to the people that
were exposed to it most importantly of whom were the children. Mr. Kelly stated that when the PARCC
test was coming up, he told the students to be respectful, carry yourself with dignity, and do the best by
your conscience. Make sure that you are doing what makes yourself and us proud.
As principal of Elk Grove High School, I do see what the graduates of District 59 are doing and I can
honestly say that we get an outstanding product and really, really great kids who are ready for so many
things.
Mayor Johnson - You speak proudly about the AP classes or college level classes that Elk Grove High
School students take. Are there a lot of students that take the AP classes? Mr. Kelly stated that any
student in high school, not just seniors, can take an AP course. District 214 has an open AP enrollment
policy that students can be assessed to determine if that is a good fit After high school, we have dual
credit partnerships with Eastern Illinois University, Harper College, Lewis University, and Arizona State
University. We look for opportunity to get the students access to college level curriculum before they
leave high school. This year in our senior class, 80% of our students are enrolled in college course work
in either English or math or both. There are unmeasurable ways that kids may have that you can't put a
score on. Many of the kids are more ready for life than we are with the things that they have
experienced at such a young age. There are multiple ways to assess whether a kid gets it or not but they
all have the ability on how to access resources. We have such a range of students that are ready to
move on to any path that they choose.
Trustee Prochno - And we thank you for that
Mayor Johnson - Are you happy with the kind of education that the students are getting from District 59
when they come to Elk Grove High School? Mr. Kelly stated that he is more than comfortable with the
education level that they are receiving.
Trustee Feichter - As a retired teacher of 43 years, I can relate to the problems that teachers have with
Advanced Placement Testing. One of the bits of wisdom that I received from our Superintendent is that
quality education is equivalent to teacher student contact. Mr. Kelly stated that he is definitely in favor
of testing that brings a specific value to the kids and their families. We want our kids to do well on the
exams like the SAT as that test helps our students get into college. If 80% of our students are accepted at
Eastern Illinois University then I would say that they are definitely ready for college.
Mayor thanked everyone for sharing their thoughts with the Village Board. He reiterated that we are
not the government entity to make decisions for District 59. I appreciate 59 on the innovative way that
they are trying to educate the students and I thank Paul Kelly for giving us your input on this topic.
A brief recess was unanimously approved by the Village Board at 9:50 p.m.
At 10:00 p.m. the meeting resumed.
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PRESENT: Mayor Craig B. Johnson, Trustees Nancy J. Czarnik, Patton L. Feichter, Jeffrey C. Franke,
Samuel L. Lissner, James P. Petri, and Christine K. Prochno
5. ACCOUNTS PAYABLE WARRANT: Motion to authorize payment of invoices as shown on the
October 23, 2018 Accounts Payable Warrant in the amount of $3,161,719.83.
Moved by Trustee Petri Seconded by Trustee Czarnik
AYES: Trustees Feichter, Franke, Lissner, Petri, Prochno, Czarnik
NAYS: None
MOTION CARRIED
6. CONSENT AGENDA
a. Authorization of a request from the Elk Grove High School Instrumental Music Association to waive
permit fees for a holiday tree and wreath sale commencing on November 23, 2018 at Elk Grove High
School located at 500 W. Elk Grove Boulevard in the amount of $200.
b. Authorization to accept the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) for the Fiscal Year ended
April 30, 2018.
C. Authorization to award a purchase contract through the Illinois Department of Central Management
Services to Morton Salt, Inc. of Chicago, IL for the delivery of 2,400 tons of bulk rock salt at $46.93 per
ton in the amount of $112,632.
d. Authorization to award a professional service contract to HR Green, Inc. of McHenry, IL for Phase I1
Engineering Services for the water main extension on E. Higgins Road (IL 72) in the amount of
$98,615.00 from the Water and Sewer Fund.
e. Authorization of a request to award a sole source purchase contract to Stryker Medical of Johnsburg, IL
for the purchase of a new Power Load Stretcher System with Power Stretcher in the amount of
$47,851.71 from the Capital Replacement Fund.
f. Authorization to adopt Resolution No. 45-18 entitled, "A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE
MAYOR TO SUPPORT NEXT LEVEL NORTHWEST'S APPLICATION TO RECEIVE GRANT
FUNDING FROM THE JP MORGAN CHASE ADVANCING CITIES PROGRAM.'
g. Authorization to adopt Resolution No. 46-18 entitled, "A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE
MAYOR AND VILLAGE CLERK TO EXECUTE AN AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE VILLAGE
OF ELK GROVE VILLAGE AND THE SUBURBAN BUS DIVISION (PACE) OF THE REGIONAL
TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY (DIAL -A -RIDE)."
Mayor asked if anyone had any questions on any of the Consent Agenda items.
Motion to approve Consent Agenda items a. through g.
Moved by Trustee Czarnik Seconded by Trustee Lissner
VOICE VOTE
MOTION CARRIED
7. REGULAR AGENDA - No items.
8. PLAN COMMISSION - Village Manager Rummel - There are no items for discussion under the Plan
Commission.
9. ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS - Village Manager Rummel - There are no items for discussion under
the Zoning Board of Appeals.
10. YOUTH COMMITTEE - Trustee Franke - A total of 60 students attended the Bon Fire on Saturday,
October 20, at Lions Park. Thank you to the Police and Fire Departments for assisting with the event.
11. BUSINESS LEADERS FORUM - Trustee Petri - There is a meeting on Monday, October 29, at
10:00 a.m. in the Chernick Room.
12. CABLE TELEVISION COMMITTEE - Trustee Lissner - No report
13. HEALTH & COMMUNITY SERVICES - Trustee Czarnik - The blood drive is on Saturday, November 3,
from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on the lower level of the Zettek Municipal Building. A Coffee with the
Village Board will also be on Saturday, November 3, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
14. INFORMATION COMMITTEE - Trustee Lissner - The Trick or Treating hours on Halloween is from
1:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Police will have extra patrols in the area that evening.
15. RECYCLING & WASTE COMMITTEE - Trustee Feichter - On Saturday, October 27, from 10:00 a.m.
to 2:00 p.m. the Elk Grove Police Department will participate in the National Prescription Drug Take -
Back Day initiative.
16. PARADE COMMITTEE - Trustee Czarnik - Saturday, September 21, 2019 is the new date for our
Hometown Parade. It will be in conjunction with Elk Grove Village's annual Oktoberfest. The next
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Parade meeting will be on Monday, January 7, 2019 at 5:30 p.m. in Room E of the Zettek Municipal
Building.
17. PERSONNEL COMMITTEE - Trustee Franke - No Report
18. JUDICIARY, PLANNING AND ZONING COMMITTEE - Trustee Prochno - Happy Birthday to Trustee
Nancy Czarnik. The last outdoor Farmers Market will be on Saturday, October 27, from 7:30 a.m. to 1:00
p.m. and they will have Trick or Treating at the vendors so please come in costume for a treat
19. CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS COMMITTEE - Trustee Czarnik - Beisner Road Right of Way Storm
Sewer Improvements - The contractor is rough grading and hauling excess soil from the site in
preparation for the landscape restoration. The construction company completed paving the surface
course on Elk Grove Boulevard from Tonne to Arlington Heights Road and on JFK Boulevard from
Arlington Heights to Brantwood Avenue. Construction continues on the bridge and we are moving
closer to opening all four lanes of traffic over the bridge. Willow Lane - Water Main improvements.
Crews are removing the old fire hydrants and valves and the prep for concrete restoration begins.
20. AIRPORT UPDATE - Mayor Johnson - No Report
21. MID -SUMMER CLASSICS CONCERT SERIES UPDATE - Mayor Johnson - No report.
22. SPECIAL EVENTS - Mayor Johnson - The Tree Lighting Ceremony will be on Friday, November 23,
featuring Gary Puckett and the Union Gap at 4:30 p.m., 5:30 p.m. lights, followed by fireworks and Santa.
23. LIQUOR COMMISSION - Mayor Johnson - No Report
24. REPORT FROM VILLAGE MANAGER - No Report
2S. REPORT FROM VILLAGE CLERK - Early Voting has begun and will run seven days a week through
Monday, November 5, 2018. Elk Grove Village is an Early Voting site and the hours are posted on the
website. Please contact the Village Clerk's Office at 847-357-4040 if you have any questions.
26. UNFINISHED BUSINESS - No Report
27. NEW BUSINESS - No Report
28. PUBLIC COMMENT -10:28 P.M. - Mayor asked if anyone else would like to address the Village
Board this evening.
29. ADJOURNMENT - Motion to adjourn the Village Board meeting at 10:30 p.m.
Moved by Trustee Czarnik Seconded by Trustee Franke
AYES: Trustees Franke, Lissner, Petri, Prochno, Czarnik, Feichter
NAYS: None.
MOTION CARRIED
Mayor Craig B. Johnson
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