Village of Western Springs General Government Committee met April 6.
Here are the minutes provided by the committee:
Present Chair Tyrrell, Member Rudolph, Village Manager Baer, Deputy Village Manager Biernacki, and Village Attorney Jurusik
Present at Village Hall, 740 Hillgrove Avenue, Western Springs, IL
Chair Tyrrell moved to open the Committee meeting, seconded by Member Rudolph. The motion passed on a roll call vote. Voting aye: Chair Tyrrell and Member Rudolph. The General Government Committee meeting was called to order at 6:52 p.m.
Agenda Items
1. Public Comment
There were no public comments.
2. Approval of Minutes
Chair Tyrrell moved, seconded by Rudolph, to approve the January 10, 2022, and March 8, 2022, meeting minutes as read. The motion passed on a roll call vote. Voting aye: Chair Tyrrell and Member Rudolph. Voting nay: None.
3. Western Springs Business Association (WSBA) Class "J" Liquor License Request -
Jammin' in July, Wednesdays, July 13th, 20th and 27th from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m.
Director Scott provided background information on this request for a class “J” liquor license (which allows alcohol on Village property) to the committee. In addition to Gathering on the Green and the Fall Festival, WSBA is seeking to add a summer concert series in July. WSBA representative Lauren Goodwin answered a few questions about the request. This is a new idea in Western Springs. Neighboring communities thrive on these events. Gathering on the Green will serve as the kick-off event prior to the three consecutive Wednesdays in July events. WSBA has proven they are capable of managing these summer concerts. Staff believes that the additional events also align nicely with the Village Board's strategic goal of having more public events within the Downtown. Since this event is new to the Village, this request will move from the committee to the Liquor Commission for review. On April 11, 2022, Chair Tyrrell will report to the Board on the request and this committee's recommendation for the event move to the Liquor Commission for review.
4. Western Springs Park District Class "I" Liquor License Request - Rock N Rhapsody - July 16, 2022, from 2-8 p.m.
Director Scott provided background on a request from the Western Springs Park District for a class "I" liquor license (alcohol on non-profit property) and a temporary use permit for a craft marketing on July 16, 2022, from 2-8 pm. The event is planned to take place in Spring Rock park and include a market, alcohol sales, music, food, and other entertainment. A similar event was approved in 2017. At that time, there were approximately 500 guests to the event. Western Springs Park District Executive Director Walt Knake provided a description of the event and an event map.
Staff reviewed the information provided and Mr. Knake is aware of the road construction planned on both Burlington and Central Avenues in spring and summer 2022. While some of the work may be substantially complete by July 16th, other portions of the roads and parkway may still be in process with pavement, curbs and other infrastructure removed or reconstructed. Staff is working with the District to discuss these concerns and provide timeframes, schedules, etc. One concern raised by the Fire Department relates to emergency access for any large public event. Vehicle access is critical and could be inhibited in this area. In addition, public parking must be considered along with safe pedestrian access. To that end, conversations about site logistics will continue.
After discussion, the committee recommended this event move forward to the Liquor Commission for review. Mr. Knake assured the committee there are many areas for guests to park on the travel parking lot located where the old tennis courts were located. Guests might also be able to park on fields depending on conditions. Chair Tyrrell will report to the Board of Trustees on April 11, 2022, regarding this event.
5. Ridgewood Civic Association Class “I” Liquor License Request - Ravinia in Ridgewood - 12:00 p.m. (noon) until dark
Director Scott provided information on a request from the Ridgewood Civic Association (RCA) for a license for "Ravinia in Ridgewood" for July 9, 2022. This is a repeat event which was successfully run in 2021 by a group of volunteers who obtained permission to use Ridgewood Park. Tony Holmes will again serve as the Event Chair and has provided information which was included in the committee agenda packet. The event would be very similar to last year with the exception that it would start at little earlier, at 12:00 p.m. (noon) rather than 2:00 p.m. There will be six bands as well as a kid's zone with a bouncy house, the Frankie Ace Magic Show, food, and Windy City Concessions will provide the alcohol and BASSETT trained servers. Mr. Holmes commented on how beautiful Grand Avenue is post-construction. He added that it is such a pleasure to have a beautiful street for residents to use to walk on over to the event. After discussion, the committee recommended this event move to the Board of Trustees in the April meeting cycle for consideration of approval.
6. The Opry Class “O” Liquor License Request
Mr. Dan Schovain was issued a class “O” license in March of 2020. He never activated the license by finishing the leased space, providing insurance, paying fees, and meeting the other minimum standards. In conjunction with this 2020 request, the Liquor Control Ordinance was amended to create the unique class “O” category. Mr. Schovain provided information on the challenges he encountered the past two years and his eagerness to open The Opry this spring. The committee reviewed his request and decided to move this request forward to the Board of Trustees with a recommendation to approve the request in the April meeting cycle.
7. Network Switch Purchase Request
Director Schramm presented a request for approval to purchase a core network switch to replace the Village's existing core switch which is the center of our network. All connections to remote facilities and the other Village switches connect there. The current core switch was purchased in February 2013 and has reached the end of its useful life.
The proposed new switch would allow for 10Gb connections where needed and provide better redundancy. This purchase was included in the 2022 budget and Director Schramm recommended purchase of this equipment from CDW-G. The price quote for the purchase of the HPE Aruba core switch of $29,608.04 was negotiated through CDW-G's government pricing schedule. There is a shortage of these products, therefore, staff recommended waiving the bid process in lieu of purchase from CDW-G under its governmental pricing schedule at the April 11, 2022, Board meeting to expedite the order.
9. Memorandum of Understanding Between Metropolitan Alliance of Police (MAP) 360 and the Village of Western Springs
Deputy Village Manager Biernacki presented this agenda item. The Village hired Aaron Riley as a probationary Patrol Officer on March 12, 2020. New Patrol Officers, not certified by the Illinois State Training Board, are required to attend, and complete the Police Academy during their 18-month probationary period. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Officer Riley was unable to attend the academy until July 27, 2020. The Village employed Aaron Riley during the months preceding his attendance the academy as a non-sworn Community Service Officer until the academies reopened. Officer Riley's original probationary period would have completed in January of 2022 if it were not for the pandemic delays. Due to the delays, Officer Riley completed the academy on November 9, 2020.
Staff presented a proposed Memorandum of Understanding providing Officer Riley with a probation end date retroactive to January 10, 2022, in consideration of the unusual circumstance. The committee reviewed this Memorandum of Understanding and recommended approval by the Board of Trustees in the April meeting cycle.
10. Revised Board Meeting Schedule
In March, President Gallagher expressed a desire to modify the Board's summer meeting schedule to have only one meeting during the months of June, July, and August. Deputy Clerk Haeske presented a revised Board meeting schedule which reflects that change. The committee will recommend Board approval of the modified schedule during the April meeting cycle. The revised schedule will be published on the Village website, posted at Village Hall, and shared with the news media.
11. Other
There was none.
12. Schedule Next Committee Meeting
The General Government Committee will meet on Wednesday, May 4, 2022, at 7:00 p.m.
4. Adjourn
MOTION:
Chair Tyrrell moved, seconded by Member Rudolph, to adjourn this meeting.
The motion passed on a roll call vote. Voting aye: Chair Tyrrell and Member Rudolph. Voting nay: None.
The meeting adjourned at 7:42 p.m.
https://www.wsprings.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_04062022-1355
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