Village of Western Springs President and Board of Trustees met July 13.
Here is the minutes provided by the board:
President Alice F. Gallagher, Presiding
Call to Order, 7:00 p.m.
James Horvath, Acting Village Clerk
Board Members Present
Nicole Chen*
Alan Fink*
James John*
Scott Lewis*
Heidi Rudolph*
James Tyrrell*
Others Present
Ingrid Velkme, Village Manager
Aleks Breidis, Director of Recreation*
Grace Turi, Director of Finance*
Pat Schramm, Director of IT
Matt Supert, Director ofMun Svcs.*
Brian Budds, Director ofLES*
Mike Kelly, Deputy Director Fire & EMS*
Ellen Baer, Director ofAdmin*
John Mastandona, Asst. Dir. Finance*
Pat Schramm, Director of IT*
Elaine Haeske, Deputy Clerk*
Michael Jurusik, Village Attorney
John McFarland, Foxford*
Nicole Nutter, II St Toll Highway*
Bridget Malinowski, II St Toll Highway*
* Electronic Attendance - Authorized by CDC directive of no more than 10 persons in attendance at a group meeting and Illinois Governor Disaster Proclamation dated April 30, 2020 and Executive Orders: Numbers 2020-32, 2020-33 and 2020-34 dated April 30, 2020 (Modified "Stay-at-Home" Order).
CALL TO ORDER
The meeting opened at 7:00 p.m.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
President Gallagher led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance.
ROLL CALL (Acting Clerk Horvath)
As noted above
President Gallagher said that in response to Covid-19, Governor Pritzker recently issued a new disaster proclamation dated June 26, 2020. He has signed an amendment to the Open Meetings Act regarding remote meetings by municipalities and he has issued additional executive orders to implement Phase 4 of the Restore Illinois plan and to extend his prior executive orders relating to the COVID-19 pandemic. In accordance with these Executive Orders, which suspends provisions requiring in-person attendance of the public body and amends conditions when remote participation is permitted, we are conducting this meeting of the Village Board via teleconference. A conference ID number has been posted on the Village's website and we invite members of the public to remotely attend the meeting. We are making a concerted effort to conduct these special meetings as similar to our regular board meeting format as possible. The public may participate during the citizen comments portion of the meeting. Any members of the public who wish to make comments are asked to respect the Village's public comment participation guidelines. The audio will be open for public participants and then muted when public comment is concluded.
READING OF AGENDA - ADDITIONS - DELETIONS
President Gallagher said she would like to rearrange the agenda so that we bring up the Tollway presentation first so that the Tollway representatives do not need to wait.
TOLLWAY PRESENTATION - 47TH STREET PEDESTRIAN BRIDGE
Illinois Toll Highway Representative Nicole Nutter gave the Board an overview of the 47 pedestrian bridge. The new bridge will be ADA compliant and located at the southwest corner of Spring Rock Park. Two different bridge types were shared with the Board including the Pratt style and the modified bow style. There would be an additional cost of $200,000 for the modified bow style which the Tollway would request to be split between the Village of Western Springs and the Village ofHinsdale. The Board discussed the design options as well as the color of the pedestrian bridge. The color options are auburn, a deeper red tone, or black. The black painted color is non- standard. Maintenance after installation would be the responsibility of the two Villages. Discussion about the bridge design and how to prevent bridge users throwing or dropping something off the bridge followed.
PUBLIC HEALTH UPDATE
President Gallagher said that throughout the course of the COVID crisis, the number of reported positive cases in Western Springs has remained low as compared to our neighbors and the entire region, however, we have seen an increase over the past few weeks especially in the under thirty (30) demographic. As we moved to Phase 4 of the Governor's Restore Illinois plan, an increase in reported positive cases was anticipated since this phase represents a loosening of certain restrictions and allows for larger gatherings. The gradual reopening of the state necessarily provides more opportunities for the virus to spread. In Western Springs, we are closely tracking the reports and we will continue to strictly adhere to the Governor's orders and public health guidelines as we expand our programs and relax restrictions. At that same time, we are reaching out to remind residents that it is still very important to wear masks and to socially distance. Look for our posts on social media, the Village website and in Tower Topics. We are also investing in signs to place around town in high traffic areas to remind people of the proper guidelines. We ask everyone to exercise caution when out and about. If you have children at home, please impress upon them the importance of following the guidelines. Make sure they have their masks when they leave the house. Our youth are just as likely to contract the virus as are adults. Take this risk seriously, wear a mask. It's how you protect yourself and the people around you. It is how we, as a community, control the spread. It's not about politics, it's about public health. Don't panic, just wear a mask. Right now, this is the only route to a full re-opening. Enjoy your summer but do so in a caring and responsible manner said President Gallagher.
CITIZEN COMMENTS
Resident Jessica McGinnis commended Western Springs on keeping numbers down and then expressed her concern with increasing number of COVID-19 cases in the Village. Ms. McGinnis asked about the Village's role and responsibility in managing the pandemic. She also requested that the Village provide updates to residents and work to improve communications in this area. President Gallagher said she would call or email Ms. IVtcGinnis with the Village's response.
Resident Rob Foster discussed recent Patch and Western Springs Journal news articles about former Village tennis coach Dave Evans which included documents obtained from the Village via a Freedom of Information (FOIA) request. Mr. Foster shared his wish for changes with the Village employee performance review process and recreation program management.
DISCUSSION ITEMS - SPECIAL MEETING AGENDA
1) PROPERTIES AND RECREATION - TRUSTEE CHEN
A) Grand Avenue Community Center Reconfiguration
Trustee Chen said the committee did not discuss this topic at length but did discuss some needed changes at the Village Hall counter in order to open up to the public as well as a few office reconfigurations. Director Briedis said the Grand Avenue Community Center reconfiguration was determined not to be necessary.
B) Capital Summary Report
Trustee Chen reported that as of the committee meeting last week, ComEd had not yet done necessary work to hook-up electricity on the project known as the West Suburban Mass Transit District Grant for the Electric Charging Station Project. Director Supert said the Village's portion of the work is complete which included signage and striping. We are hopeful the ComEd work will be done in the next week and that the invoices will be submitted to the West Suburban Mass Transit District by the end of the month for reimbursement of the grant funds on the project. Regarding the East Train Platform project, that punch list is complete, and the Village is currently waiting final invoicing from IDOT on the project. The Village did learn that there are two (2) trees that are not in the purview of that project that need to be replaced and that is being looked at by Village staff. V3 Construction has been engaged for Phase II engineering work on the Wolf Road Bike Path project. There is an upcoming intergovernmental agreement which will be negotiated with the Forest Preserve. The West Pedestrian Underpass project was let by IDOT on June 12,2020. The apparent low bidder was D. Construction of Coal City, Illinois and IDOT will be providing the Village with project award information.
The committee also received an update from Director Supert on the Tollway presentation which the Board actually heard this evening on the pedestrian crossing at 47 Street over the 1-294 tollway connecting the Village of Western Springs to the Village ofHinsdale. The committee saw the two pedestrian bridge designs, the Pratt style and the modified bow style.
Trustee Chen added that since the Board would like to discuss the Tollway presentation and proposed designs this evening, she wanted to state that she did not see a need for the aesthetic that increases the cost of the pedestrian bridge. She is fine with the Pratt style and the color that naturally is being proposed by the Tollway. She is interested in consulting on the spacing of the fencing and some of those items which are not pressing now but will need to be determined. Trustee Tyrrell added that from his perspective, he would lean more toward the Pratt style. The butterfly, or modified bow, design looks nicer, but he doesn't feel the added contribution required by the Village of $100,000 for that design is needed as he did not feel that it was that much more noticeable for the user. Trustee Tyrrell added that he did like the black color better than the natural color of the bridge, but he would want to know the projected annual maintenance costs of the black color.
Trustee Rudolph preferred the Pratt style and thinks you lose the aesthetic of the modified bow so why spend the additional money and she likes the auburn, natural color, but could be swayed toward the black color. She wouldn't want to see a lot of chipping or peeling paint which would require a lot of maintenance and would require the Village and Hinsdale to coordinate that. President Gallagher said that if we went with the black painted finish, we would have to enter into some sort of separate agreement with Hinsdale to iron out what the maintenance would be. President Gallagher said projected maintenance costs and schedule would be good to obtain. Director Supert said it would probably require a five (5) year touch-up/paint cycle. Trustee Fink said he liked the Pratt design better and the easy maintenance of the auburn color but could be sold on the black color. Trustee Lewis said he is fine with the Pratt design and the auburn color. Trustee John said he is for the Pratt style and likes the black color, but he assumes the color and paint finish is not a decision that needs to be made in the near term. President Gallagher said she also likes the Pratt design and with the consensus of the Board, the Tollway was notified about that decision. Village Manager Velkme said staff will have conversations with the Tollway this week about the paint maintenance issue and provide information to the Board on that.
2) PUBLIC WORKS AND WATER - TRUSTEE FINK
A) Inflow & Infiltration Control Ordinance
Trustee Fink reported that staff is working with Village Attorney Jurusik to finalize language to the Village's illicit discharge ordinance pertaining to stormwater. The illicit discharge ordinance governs regulations pertaining to illegal discharges of unapproved materials or water to the Village's sewer system. As part of the Village's annual municipal separated sanitary system MS4 permit, updates are required to remain compliant. This is to make sure the stormwater and sanitary water systems are separated systems. The ordinance will be on the July 27, 2020 omnibus vote list for consideration of approval.
B) Springdale Drainage Study (Presentation for 7/27/2020 Board Meeting)
On July 27, 2020, the Board will hear a presentation from Christopher B. Burke Engineering on the Springdale Drainage Study with recommendations to the Village.
C) Ridgewood Oaks Phase III Engineering Proposal
The Public Works and Water Committee would like to accept the professional services proposal from James J. Benes and Associates Inc. for construction engineering services for the Ridgewood Oaks Detention Basin Improvements project in an amount not to exceed $35,223. Approval was added to the July 27, 2020 omnibus vote list.
D) Ridgewood Oaks Public Utility Easements
Trustee Fink reported that there are four (4) plats of survey indicating temporary construction easement and permanent maintenance easements in and around the Ridgewood Oaks Detention Basin. One (1) document includes a blanket utility easement for the Ridgewood Oaks subdivision for the construction activities and for the relocation of other public utilities. The remaining three (3) documents illustrate temporary and permanent construction easements for three properties located in Ridgewood where the rear-yard property lines adjoin to the (3) proposed stormwater improvement area. A resolution providing for approval was added to the July 27, 2020 omnibus vote list for consideration of approval.
E) Water Quality Report Findings
Trustee FinJ< shared the annual Water Quality Report which was mailed to residents in June. The report is an aimual requirement through the IEPA. The report was also posted to the Village website. There were changes in disinfectants this year and it is good to know that the Village is under the maximum contaminants' levels for those disinfectants. The Water Department will also be doing testing for lead and copper at the end of August.
PLANNING AND ZONING - TRUSTEE JOHN
F) Capital Summary Report
Trustee Fink reported on several capital projects. Regarding the Well #5 Electrical Building and Pumping Equipment project, equipment is going to be delivered in September. Pouring of the cement pad, on which the structure will be placed, is ongoing. Village staff met with ComEd on July 6, 2020, to discuss the electrical primary installation. Storm sewer structure work has been completed at Hillgrove/Prospect. The contractor is moving north installing storm sewer on Prospect. Regarding the Clausen Avenue project, the Notice to Proceed from the IEPA was received by the Village on July 1, 2020. Work will start on this project in the next two to three (2-3) weeks. Project work on the 2020 Motor Fuel Tax (MFT) resurfacing program started on July 6, 2020. On July 15, 2020, the plan is to start grinding the street on 40th Street and Willow, as long as weather permits, for the asphalt pavement replacement.
G) Other
Attorney Jurusik reminded the Board that an ordinance establishing Special Service Area Number 8 (Ridgewood Oaks) will also be on the July 27, 2020 omnibus vote list. A public hearing is scheduled for that meeting which is required prior to adopting the ordinance formally forming the special service area. Everything has been shared with legal counsel for the homeowner's association board and the homeowner's association board. Discussion followed about the numbers of homeowners, which is approximately sixty-two (62) per Attorney Jurusik. Attorney Jurusik provided the Board with a review of the project payback schedule.
Foxford Station Request No. 1 for Reimbursement of Village of Western Springs Downtown South TIF Funds for TIF Eligible Redevelopment Costs
Trustee John reviewed this item which was discussed at the last Board meeting along with other Foxford Station related items. Foxford LLC requested to begin receiving the incentive payments promised through the Redevelopment Agreement (RDA). The RDA was made possible by the creation of the TIF district. This item was not acted on at the last meeting because Attorney Jurusik was verifying some of the expenses provided by M.T. McFarland ofFoxford. Attorney Jurusik has confirmed that the expenses were appropriate. Foxford Station was required to expend significant extraordinary expenses to develop the property including underground stormwater detention, ComEd feeder and more. The incentives paid back to Foxford are only drawn from incremental property tax revenue generated by Foxford's property in order to not draw down the balance of the TIF fund. The RDA allows for a 70% (Foxford) and 30% Village split of the increment created by the project until the payback is complete. Trustee John said he believed the total payback was approximately $2.2 million. Attorney Jurusik added that he and Mr. McFarland spoke at length today and worked through their submittal which was about a 10 Ib. packet binder. The developer is definitely entitled to $2.2 million of TIP eligible reimbursement. That will be payable through the TIF incentive agreement that the Village signed with him. The only caveat is that today Attorney Jurusik and Mr. McFarland notice that two (2) of the line items were actually costs related to the project that were for work that was done outside of the TIF district. The two (2) project costs were the Johnson street repair which was about $80,000 and the SBC access repair. The access repair cost was church payment to rehab their parking lot which was a $25,000 work item. Both of those items relate to work that is outside the TIP boundary per Attorney Jurusik so we cannot use TIF dollars to reimburse the developer for those costs. Attorney Jurusik explained that what Mr. McFarland and Attorney Jurusik agreed to was, the developer had only submitted just over $19,000 for the land acquisition costs although they actually spent far in excess of that amount and they are entitled to 100% of their land acquisition cost. The Village has taken those two (2) withdrawals that total about $105,000 and the developer just increased his request for the land acquisition line item to $125,794. With that little modification, the developer is still entitled to his original request of $2.2 million dollars. Attorney Jumsik's recommendation is for the Board to move forward this evening and approve that reimbursement request resolution. We do not have that money sitting on hand, it will be a number of years before the Village satisfies that payback and the developer is aware of that. On a year to year basis, the developer will receive 70% of the Foxford TIP incremental revenues that are generated by the project site and the Village is entitled to 30% of those dollars that are generated. Once the developer is reimbursed to the amount of $2.2 million dollars, whether it's eight (8), ten (10) or fifteen (15) years from now, then their incentive agreement will terminate, and everybody's obligations will be fulfilled. President Gallagher thanked Attorney Jurusik for that clarification. Trustee John noted that the Board will be voting on the resolution this evening authorizing these funds.
FINANCE - TRUSTEE RUDOLPH
A) Budget Amendments & Transfers
Trustee Rudolph reported on two (2) budget amendment and transfer requests which the Finance Committee reviewed. The first is from Chief Kenny regarding a study where the Village looked back at the overtime and part-time, paid on call work. As a result of that administrative review, it was determined that some rate adjustments were required, and we did pay out those funds for the past three (3) years. As a result of that, we have $40,000 that needs to be made-up with a transfer. In Chief Kenny memo requesting the budget aiTLendment and transfer, he stated that through the 12- week period of the pandemic, to date, we have had a lot of training cancelled. As a result, this will be ending up almost working out so that there will not be an overage. A budget transfer will be part of the resolution on omnibus on July 27, 2020. Deputy Chief Kelly said the department is requesting to transfer $20,000 from two (2) different line items to make up that deficit.
Director Turi explained the need for the second budget transfer request which relates to the Burlington Northern Municipal Services Fund (Land Improvements). The 2020 budget has a land improvement line item and the land improvements dollars were to be spent for an electric vehicle charging station, however, in the interim, we had an unforeseen expense for acquisition of a Burlington Northern Santa Fe easement for the underpass. Director Turi explained the request to move money from the grant that the Village received in 2017 from the West Suburban Mass Transit District to put monies back into the land improvements line item. Director Turi said we are not taking money out of reserves; we are simply taking the grant monies the Village received and putting them to the appropriate use to fund the easement of the land. Trustee Rudolph underscored that there is no need for additional funding out of reserves, but rather a transfer between the funds. This budget transfer will also be part of the resolution which will come before the Board for approval on July 27, 2020.
B) Timber Trails Special Assessment Bonds
Attorney Jurusik explained that the Board received a memo in their agenda packet from the Village's bond counsel which summarizes what we are looking to do here. The developer is requesting essentially a re-issuance of the Special Assessment Bonds that were issued back in 2006 to help fund the infrastructure that was built out in Timber Trails such as streets, sewer, drainage and also to pay for the public lands, the greenspace that is out in the development. This would be a bond re-issuance. The developer owns both the land and the balance of the Special Assessment Bonds. There was $55 million issued initially and there is now about $20 million of bonds outstanding. A number of years ago, there was waiver of interest that occurred when PNC bank owned the bonds. The developer, now that they own the bonds, wants to undo that waiver and they want to pay all the back interest that was due on the bonds. They want to re-activate the interest component, changing it from a variable rate to a fixed rate bond, and they want to set a new date for the bonds based on a December 1, 2025 termination date. All of this is due to the fact that they want to manage the bonds more consistently with the special assessments now with their control of the bonds. Nothing with the Village really changes. This is really a financial transaction on the developer's side. The Village's special bond counsel will handle the document preparation and will make sure that the Village is indemnified under this transaction. The Village will not have any liability in any way, shape or form. These bonds do not result in liability for the Village. They are not general obligation bonds and even if the developer were to default on the bonds again, the property is the security paying those bonds off. The Village is not at risk under this bond transaction, it is more of a paper processing transaction at the request of the developer. Discussion followed.
Attorney Jurusik said that most likely, in August, we will have two (2) documents, a bond ordinance and then there will be an amendment to bond indenture which is the bond overriding regulations before the Board for review of approval. Ray Fricke, the Village's bond counsel, will prepare both of those documents so that we can take action on them. Attorney Jurusik said that is the anticipated schedule if we move forward tonight in a favorable m.anner. Attorney Jurusik said all that is needed tonight is a consensus from the Board that the Board wants to continue to move down this path and have this brought back as an action item next month. The Board unanimously agreed to move forward in August with this request.
5) PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY
No report.
6) GENERAL GOVERNMENT - TRUSTEE TYRRELL
A) Potential Liquor Control Ordinance Amendments
Trustee Tyrrell reported on a possible liquor code amendment to include the package sale of beer and wine for carryout restaurants having no indoor seating. The committee received a request from Lou Malnati's restaurant seeking permission to sell packaged beer and wine at the Garden Market location. The restaurant is carryout only with no seating and they wanted to have their customers to have a choice of beer and wine to go along with their pizzas. Our current liquor code does not allow this type of liquor sale and we will need a specific liquor code ordinance to get this set up at Lou Malnati's and elsewhere in the Village. The General Government Committee reviewed this request and thought favorable to this proposal and believed it was proper to process this next to the Liquor Commission for their deliberations and advice.
The committee also discussed a second amendment proposal at our committee meeting to allow live music outdoors at a restaurant which our current liquor license prohibits at this time. Some restaurants can pipe music through outdoor speakers, but live music is not allowed. The Village has not received any complaints about the piped in music and the Village has had requests in the past for musicians to sit outside, buskers, guitar musicians, nothing heavy, no hard rock, just acoustic guitar, that sort of thing. In the past, the Village has had to deny those requests because our code doesn't allow it. We are proposing to have the code be amended to allow outdoor music. This would need some definition of decibel levels, hours, number of musicians, and the season that the outdoor music would be allowed. The General Government Committee recommended that this request move forward to the Liquor Commission for consideration along with the prior request. The committee also discussed an executive order for a temporary use order that would allow this of entertainment this summer and fall as a pilot program.
B) Advisory Referendum Question
On July 8, 2020, the General Government Committee discussed placing an advisory referendum question on the November 3, 2020 General Election ballot concerning the operation of recreational cannabis business in the Village of Western Springs. The committee had discussed and had the ability to place up to three (3) advisory referendum questions on the ballot, but the Board members have discussed this and have concluded that it is in the best interests of the Village at this point to just focus on the one (1) question to be on the November 3, 2020 ballot as an advisory question. Trustee Tyrrell then read the proposed question to the Board, "Shall the Village of Western Springs allow cannabis businesses to operate within the Village of Western Springs?" That is a "yes" or "no" ballot question, an advisory question. Attorney Jurusik said that if the Board is in consensus with the placing of this advisory question on the ballot, his suggestion would be that at the next Board meeting on July 27, 2020, this question be voted on, either on omnibus or as a separate new business action item, so that if the resolution does get a favorable vote, we can get it filed with the Cook County Clerk by the end of July or early August because there is a mid- August deadline for filing. As long as the Board takes action on it at the next meeting, we will have ample time to get it filed. With no objection from the Board, the resolution was added to the omnibus vote list on July 27, 2020.
OTHER BUSINESS
Trustee Rudolph asked to speak about communication. Trustee Rudolph said the increase in COVID-19 cases in Western Springs over the last couple of weeks is concerning and she believes the data is showing, too, that those numbers are among a younger population. Trustee Rudolph said she knows the Village is communicating a lot in terms of social media, etc. She added that she knows that in the past, early on, we had the lit-up signs along Wolf Road that were reminders to wear a mask and to social distance. She wondered if that would be appropriate to do that again as a reminder and wondered if on that sign, we could have a case count so that people who aren't reading those other forms of communications would receive a reminder that this is real and it is impacting our community. Trustee Rudolph said she is trying to think of, and certainly welcomes discussion of, ways and means that we can continue to stress to our residents just how real this is. Village Manager Velkme said staff has discussed putting up more signs in the downtown area. We have seen more people congregating, especially the younger people, and possibly in our parks so that they understand that this is a real issue. Village IVtanager Velkme continued saying, in thinking about this, we are not the Illinois Department of Health, however, and we can't and don't have any way of really enforcing this but she thinks we can get the word out more possibly starting with some of our programs in Recreation and so forth. Village Manager Velkme said she will talk to Director Briedis about that because that is the age group that we are seeing spike. Village Manager Velkme said staff will look into putting the lit up sign out again. She's not sure we can get all the case numbers out there; she will have to talk to Cook County Health. In addition, Village Manager Velkme said she is on a hospital call every two (2) weeks and she will ask them for their guidance on this issue. She has that call this Wednesday.
Trustee Rudolph added that this weekend she was out on the streets in our town and she felt that our residents were doing a very good job of wearing masks; that the compliance was excellent. She added that she was in a town in Michigan that had big banners, the kind that are sometimes on the Tower Green, for example, with more reminders about masks. That town also had a lot of yard signs. She thought that was a good idea; there were a lot of signs out in residents' yards with a reminder to wear a mask. She's not sure that that helps but she feels the more reminders, the better.
ACTION ITEMS - SPECIAL MEETING AGENDA
CONSIDERATION OF AND ACTION ON AGENDA ITEMS
7) RESOLUTION 20-2557 APPROVING REQUEST NO. 1 FOR REIMBURSEMENT OF VILLAGE OF WESTERN SPRINGS_DQ_WNTQWN SOUTH TIP FUNDS FOR TIF ELIGIBLE REDEVELOPMENT COSTS INCURRED AS PART OF FOXFORD STATION PROJECT AND AUTHORIZING THE RELEASE OF SUCH TIF FUNDS TO FOXFORD STATION, LLC, OR ITS SUCCESSOR, SUBJECT TO CERTAIN PAYMENT CONDITIONS (JOHN)
Trustee John moved, seconded by Rudolph, to approve Resolution 20-2557 Approving Request Number 1 For Reimbursement of Village of Western Springs Downtown South TIF Funds for TIP Eligible Redevelopment Costs Incurred as Park of Foxford Station Project and Authorizing the Release of Such TIF Funds to Foxford Station, LLC, or its Successor Subject to Certain Payment Conditions. The motion passed on a roll call vote. Voting aye: Trustees John, Lewis, Rudolph, Tyrrell, Chen and Fink. Voting nay: None.
REPORTS
8) VILLAGE PRESIDENT GALLAGHER
A) Board and Commission Re-appointments
1. Re-appointment of Shawn Murphy as Member of the Infrastmcture Commission for a three-year term to expire in June 2023; and
2. Re-appointment of John Brooks, Thomas Kelly and Jose Venegas as Members of the Transportation and Safety Commission for a three-year term to expire in July 2023.
President Gallagher noted that the resumes of several members of various commissions who have previously served were included the Board's agenda packet. President Gallagher said we appreciate their service and if there is no objection, the re-appointments will be added to the July 27, 2020 omnibus vote list for consideration of approval.
9) VILLAGE MANAGER VELKME
Village Manager Velkme reported that after 24 years of service, Sergeant John Piest retired from the Village last Thursday, July 9. Sergeant Piest served the last 12 years as a Sergeant. During his tenure, he proudly served in the Patrol and Detective Divisions and held various titles including Firearms Instructor, Youth Peer Jury Program Coordinator, and is a graduate of Northwestern University's Center for Public Safety School of Police Staff and Command. Village Manager Velkme said we usually have a recognition for the retirements and promotions but due to COVID, he asked that he not be at a Board meeting. Sergeant Piest provided a statement that he asked Village Manager Velkme to share with you:
'To all,
I would have hoped to have sent this out on my last day, but the good times continued right until the end of my shift and time escaped me.
It has started to hit me that I don't have to come back to work on Monday and it is bittersweet. I am truly going to miss every one of you. The Village has been a family to me over the last 24 years. It has been a great place to work and afforded me many opportunities and experiences that I will cherish as the years go on. I want to thank each and every one of you for making my career more than just a job but as much of a pleasure as it could have been considering my position. I am leaving with numerous friendships that will continue into my retirement and for that I am grateful! I wish everyone good health, good fortune and the best of everything in anything you should choose to pursue m your future. Thanks for everything. " John Piest
On the morning of Friday, July 10, 2020, the Board of Fire and Police Commission met to approve Sergeant Piest's successor who is now Sergeant Tony Jemison. Sergeant Jemison has served the department for over 20 years and has held a variety of assignments including Patrol Officer-in-Charge, Juvenile Field Training, and Crime Prevention Officer. Sergeant Jemison is also a certified Evidence Technician, Breathalyzer Operator, and Defensive Tactics Instructor. Sgt. Jemison is a graduate of Triton College with an Associate's Degree in Criminal Justice Administration and has completed Northwestern University's Center for Public Safety Supervision of Police Personnel course. Clerk Horvath swore in Sgt. Jemison last Friday in the Board Room. Village Manager Velkme congratulated Sgt. Piest and Sgt. Jemison. President Gallagher congratulated Sgt. Jemison on behalf of the Board and said we are so thankful ofSgt Piest's many years of service to the community and we wish him many years of health and happiness.
In addition, Village Manager Velkme reported on Plainfield Road. As the Board already knows from previous discussions, the Plainfield Road bridge will be completely reconstructed as part of the 1-294 mainline reconstruction project, This work is scheduled to start in mid-2021 and will wrap up in 2022. The plan is to have the bridge remain open during construction to allow traffic to flow east and west through this entire area and not to overload or burden 55th Street, 47th Street and Ogden Avenue.
In addition, the Cook County Department of Transportation and Highways is planning to rebuild Plainfield Road from East Avenue to County Line Road. This is approximately a 3.5-mile stretch located along a number of communities including Western Springs. The existing pavement has reached the end of life which is about 60 years. The county plans on reconstructing the pavement and drainage improvements. They are currently beginning the Phase 1 study and the first public meeting is scheduled for early 2021 for public input. Public involvement will include an online survey to identify major known issues and priorities along the corridor. The Phase 1 final report will be completed in early 2023 followed by the design and construction in 2025 or later. This will be a big project and there will be multiple communities participating in it. Once the Village has information on the public meetings and, also, the survey, we will make sure you are apprised of everything.
10) VILLAGE ATTORNEY JURUSIK
No report.
ADJOURN
MOTION
Trustee Tyrrell moved, seconded by Chen, to adjourn the meeting at 8:47 p.m.
The motion passed on a roll call vote.
Voting aye: Trustees Lewis, John, Fink, Chen, Tyrrell and Rudolph.
Voting nay: None.
https://www.wsprings.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_07132020-1082
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