At a recent meeting, the River Forest Village Board discussed options for the site of a closed supermarket.
The board is the legislative and policy-making body of the village. It includes the village president and six trustees.
Below are the minutes from this meeting, as provided by the board.
VILLAGE OF RIVER FOREST REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES MINUTES July 12, 2016
A regular meeting of the Village of River Forest Board of Trustees was held on Monday, July 12, 2016 at 7:04 p.m. in the Community Room of Village Hall, 400 Park Avenue, River Forest, IL.
1. CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL
The meeting was called to order at 7:04 p.m. Upon roll call, the following persons were:
Present; President Adduci, Trustees Conti, Cargie, Colwell-Steinke, Corsini, Dwyer and Gibbs Absent: None Also Present: Village Clerk Sharon Halperin, Village Administrator Eric Palm, Assistant Village Administrator Lisa Scheiner, Police Chief Greg Weiss, Public Works Director John Anderson, Fire Chief Jim Eggert, Finance Director Joan Rock, Deputy Police Chief James O'Shea, Management Intern Jon Pape, Village Attorney Everett Hill
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
President Adduci led the pledge of allegiance.
3. CITIZENS COMMENTS
Susie Goldschmidt and Steve Grabavoy from MB Financial Bank discussed their presence in the community as well as their participation and support of local events and organizations. Mr. Grabavoy stated that MB looks forward to continuing and deepening their relationships with the local community, businesses and organizations.
4. ELECTED OFFICIALS COMMENTS AND ANNOUCEMENTS
Trustee Gibbs thanked everyone for coming.
Trustee Cargie stated he listened to the audio from the previous Board Meeting and thanked everyone for their comments.
Trustee Corsini thanked the Police Department for their assistance with the recent Wounded Warrior Project cycling event. Trustee Corsini thanked the men and women of the Armed Forces as well as their families for their service and sacrifices to the country.
a. Promotion - Fire Lieutenant John Carter
Fire Chief Jim Eggert introduced Fire Lieutenant John Carter and discussed his service and experience with the River Forest Fire Department. Village Clerk Halperin administered the Oath of Office.
July 12, 2016
b. Resolution - A Resolution honoring Thomas Michael and providing an honorary designation of the 1200 block of Ashland Avenue as "Thomas 'The Big Guy' Michael Way"
Trustee Corsini made a motion, seconded by Trustee Gibbs to pass a resolution honoring Thomas Michael and providing an honorary designation of the 1200 block of Ashland Avenue as "Thomas 'The Big Guy' Michael Way".
Roll call;
Ayes: Trustees Conti, Gibbs, Colwell-Steinke, Corsini, Dwyer, and Cargie Absent: None Nays: None Motion Passes.
President Adduci read the Resolution honoring Mr. Michael aloud and presented an honorary street sign that will be installed in recognition of his many contributions to the community.
Trustee Corsini recognized Mr. Michael's contributions to the community and thanked him.
a. Resolution - A Resolution honoring Laurel & Dennis McMahon and providing an honorary designation of the 300 block of Keystone Avenue as "Laurel & Dennis McMahon Way"
Trustee Dwyer made a motion, seconded by Trustee Corsini to pass a resolution honoring Laurel & Dennis McMahon and providing an honorary designation of the 300 block of Keystone Avenue as "Laurel & Dennis McMahon Way".
Roll call:
Ayes: Trustees Conti, Gibbs, Colwell-Steinke, Corsini, Dwyer, and Cargie Absent: None Nays: None Motion Passes.
President Adduci read the Resolution honoring Mr. and Mrs. McMahon and presented an honorary street sign that will be installed in recognition of their service on advisory boards and commissions as well as their many contributions to the community.
a. Recognition of State Champion OPRF Girls Softball Team
President Adduci recognized the Oak Park River Forest High School Girls Softball Team for their 2016 state championship. President Adduci and Coach Mel Kolbusz presented certificates of recognition to the members of the team.
b. Update - Mid-America/Fresh Thyme Status
Village Administrator Palm provided the Village Board with a status update on the former Dominick's site at 7501 W. North Avenue. He explained that after a lack of activity following the collapse of a wall, the Village engaged the property owner, Mid-America, and the tenant, Fresh Thyme, in a legal process to address the condition of the building. He stated that the Village's attorney, Greg Smith, appeared in Circuit Court earlier in the day and an agreed upon order was entered into the record that requires complete drawings for the repairs be submitted by August 2, 2016, application for permits be submitted by August 16, 2016, and repairs to be completed by December 31, 2016. He said currently Mid-America is working to determine the condition of the foundation in order to finalize their scope of work.
Michelle Panovich, a senior partner at Mid-America, reported that the foundations do not need to be replaced and they are awaiting soil testing results.
In response to a question from Trustee Cargie, Patty Mahoney, Vice President of Construction Management, stated that with the original construction the face brick was not tied back to the block, the wind separated the face brick, and it fell. She said the bracing is a precautionary measure. Trustee Cargie stated he hopes December is a pessimistic date and the work will be completed sooner. Ms. Mahoney indicated that there is time built in for weather delays. She said once they receive the exploratory report, which is due Thursday, July 14lh, they can make the final plans to submit for the permit.
In response to a question from Trustee Cargie, Ms. Mahoney stated that the delay was because the tenant tried to do the work themselves, realized they were over their heads, and then requested that Mid-America take over. Ms. Panovich indicated that structural work is not within Fresh Thyme's expertise and that they did not hear from Fresh Thyme until late March/early April. She explained that the lease states the tenant is responsible for doing the work and Mid- America is financially responsible for it. Trustee Cargie inquired how long it will be until Fresh Thyme occupies the building once it is repaired. Ms. Panovich stated she believes that Fresh Thyme is being conservative with their estimate of opening the store seven months after the space is turned over to them. She added that she believes that they can reduce that period. She stated that Mid-America is going to try to convince Fresh Thyme to work alongside of them when enough of the repair work is done. She said they are anxious to get Fresh Thyme in the building. In response to a question from Trustee Cargie, Ms. Panovich stated the worst case is that the building would be complete in a year from now.
In response to a question Trustee Corsini, Ms. Panovich stated that the intention is to repair the building but there has been a question about possible additional foundation. They will know that after the soil testing report is delivered. She noted that MidAmerica will complete landscaping to improve the appearance of the site, and as soon as the walls are secured and the shoring comes down it will look a lot better. She said she hopes to be able to move forward with the landscaping in the next three to four weeks. Trustee Corsini commented on the poor appearance of the site and Ms. Panovich agreed. Trustee Corsini reported that the neighbors are anxious for the store to open.
Trustee Gibbs thanked Ms. Panovich and Ms. Mahoney for coming and said he is still excited about Fresh Thyme coming to River Forest.
President Adduci stated that she appreciates that they have a road map to completion. She noted that it has been a hot topic and that there is a desire for a grocery store on the north end of town. She said she is surprised that is almost a year since the wall came down and the building has not been repaired, being that it is owned by a for-profit company. Ms. Panovich said it has been a painful experience and they expected the tenant to be in the space and paying rent months ago. She stated that it was unfortunate that Fresh Thyme had not spoken up sooner and noted Fresh Thyme has a lot of projects in the works. In response to a question from President Adduci, Ms. Panovich stated that Fresh Thyme is still interested in and committed to opening the store in River Forest. She added that they are renegotiating the contract.
In response to a question from Trustee Conti, Ms. Panovich said she believes it's about two and one half years since Dominick's left the site, but some audience members stated that they thought it was longer.
In response to a question President Adduci, Ms. Panovich stated they considered demolition and reconstruction but they considered the timeline and the existing mortgage on the property. She said financially the cost between repair and demo was close but repairing the building was the right thing to do and they have a tenant who really wants to be here.
Ms. Maloney stated they have been in frequent contact with Village staff and the consulting engineers.
Village Administrator Palm commented that the removal of signage spurred questions regarding whether or not Fresh Thyme has pulled out. He noted the signs were taken down as a precautionary measure and that signage in front of a building in that condition is not good marketing.
Ms. Mahoney noted that they also pulled off the rooftop units.
5. PUBLIC HEARING - PROPOSED MADISON STREET TAX INCREMENT FINANCING DISTRICT
At its last meeting, the Village Board directed the Village Staff to amend the Madison Street TIP plan regarding eminent domain relating to single family residential properties. While the public hearing has been noticed and will be held in order to maintain the existing process, a second public hearing under the revised plan will take place at a later date.
President Adduci called the public hearing to order at 7:46 p.m. with all members present.
President Adduci stated the Board met June 27 th
primarily to discuss issues of eminent domain and how to manage it with the TIP Ordinance. She said there was consensus that the Board would instruct staff to put the language provided by the neighbors into the TIF ordinance. She noted the Board approved an ordinance that began a process in which meeting dates were identified. She indicated that tonight's public hearing in regard to the TIF had already been announced and must be held by law even though the ordinance will be changed to include the eminent domain language requested. She added the new ordinance will also include an updated project plan and an updated housing study based on comments from the first public hearing.
In response to a question from Nick Altier of 12 Ashland Avenue, Trustee Gibbs stated the stand alone ordinance in regard to eminent domain is off the table. Mr. Altier expressed his distrust of the TIP and stated he is not in favor of the TIP. President Adduci explained that the meetings had to take place. Village Attorney Everett Hill further explained that it was required by law to hold the previous meetings and the Board later voted to change the ordinance. He noted there was no point for any votes to take place at the subsequent hearings since the original ordinance will be supplanted. President Adduci informed Mr. Altier that he will see two documents, an updated TIP project plan and updating housing, within the next thirty days. She stated the TIP will be rewritten to include the language the residents requested in regard to eminent domain, the ordinance will be voted on, and that ordinance will include the public hearing schedules. Trustee Conti indicated that there will be more meetings concerning the new version of the TIP where Mr. Altier can speak.
Susan Altier, 12 Ashland, suggested that the current version of the TIP has gone through the required legal process and can be voted on as-is. Village Attorney Hill stated the Board would have to vote affirmatively pursuant to this public hearing. Village Administrator Palm stated that the Board motioned, seconded, and took a vote to direct staff to amend the plan and bring it back. He said that staff would be derelict in their duty if they did not amend the plan. He indicated that he does not often amend plans and that staff is working through the process diligently and accurately. He noted that all of this is on the public record and reiterated the amended plan is in progress.
Trustee Steinke reminded attendees that the Village must provide notice if the Board is to legally vote on anything and that anything the Board is to vote on must be on the agenda. She stated that a vote on the existing TIP is not on the agenda and that when it comes time for a vote, residents will receive notification.
Trustee Gibbs motioned, seconded by Trustee Conti to close the public hearing regarding the TIP district on Madison Street.
Roll call:
Ayes: Trustees Conti, Gibbs, Colwell-Steinke, Corsini, Dwyer, and Cargie Absent: None Nays: None Motion Passes.
6. CONSENT AGENDA
a. Village Board Regular Meeting Minutes - June 27, 2016 b. Purchase of a 2017 Ford Utility Police Interceptor through the Suburban Purchasing
Cooperative from Currie Motors, Frankfort, IL for $30,189 c. Purchase of a 2016 Ford Transit Connect through the Suburban Purchasing
Cooperative from Currie Motors, Frankfort, IL for $23,942 d. Purchase of a 2017 Dodge Durango Police Interceptor through the Suburban
Purchasing Cooperative from Thomas Dodge, Tinley Park for $26,747
e. Monthly Department Reports f. Performance Measurement Report g. Village Administrator Report
Trustee Dwyer made a motion, seconded by Trustee Conti to approve the Consent Agenda.
Trustee Cargie asked that the minutes are amended on page two of the previous Board Meeting minutes to reflect that he was absent and was not opposed to the purchase of the street sweeper.
Trustee Gibbs commended Deputy Chief O'Shea for reducing the purchase of a squad car by 25%.
Roll call:
Ayes: Trustees Conti, Gibbs, Colwell-Steinke, Corsini, Dwyer, and Cargie Absent: None Nays: None Motion Passes.
7. RECOMMENDATIONS OF BOARDS, COMMISSIONS AND COMMITTEES
a. Traffic & Safety Commission - Review of Roosevelt Middle School Sub-Area -
Ordinance
Trustee Dwyer made a motion, seconded by Trustee Gibbs to accept the five recommendations from the Traffic and Safety Commission regarding modifications to the existing traffic control measures surrounding the Roosevelt Middle School area and amend Title 9 of the Village Code.
Village Administrator Palm discussed the history of the traffic modifications and noted the changes that were put in place by the Traffic & Safety Commission were to be revisited in a year. He reported that the changes made are working well and there has been positive feedback from the school and neighbors. He reviewed the recommendations of the Traffic and Safety Commission:
1. Change the 30 minute time limit of the five parking stalls on the east side of Lathrop between Chicago and Oak to 60 minutes (requested by the River Forest Public Library). 2. Move the drop-off zone on Jackson farther north closer to the existing fire hydrant and shift staff parking farther south towards Quick. 3. Change the 'do not enter' time restrictions on Oak. 4. Install more robust cones or barricades in the teacher's parking area to prevent vehicles from passing through. 5. Look at a more permanent crosswalk solution at the west leg of Chicago Avenue and Jackson.
Village Administrator Palm discussed his concerns about the false sense of security that signage can provide and noted that pedestrians must remain alert to motor vehicles. He noted that the five recommendations have been folded into an ordinance which is before the Board for their consideration.
Trustee Gibbs inquired whether Chief Eggert is comfortable with the parking restrictions. Chief Eggert stated any time the fire trucks are given more room it is appreciated. He reported that they drove a truck there and were able to negotiate it.
Trustee Corsini stated she listened to the recording of the Traffic & Safety Commission meeting where these recommendations were discussed. She noted that another review will need to be done after the school has completed construction to ensure the recommendations are working. She suggested that some striping of school zones can be folded into budget discussions. In response to a question from Trustee Corsini, Village Administrator Palm stated the concerns submitted by Carrie Cragin came in late and he was not certain the Commission reviewed them. Trustee Corsini reviewed the concerns which includedg moving the parking which was included in the recommendations, Circle Drive curb cuts, and opening the school lot to in and out traffic during the day. In response to a question from Trustee Corsini, Village Administrator Palm stated the traffic counts and comments from the traffic engineer were available to the school for their review. Trustee Corsini questioned changing the ordinance to 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. westbound from Jackson to Oak noting all other signs stated 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. She said she is concerned about the confusion that might arise though she understands we are trying to accommodate the teachers. William Grieve, Senior Traffic Engineer of Gewalt Hamilton stated the Commission thought it necessary for just that one block to accommodate teachers arriving after 7:30 a.m. He noted there will be physical barriers at that location.
Trustee Corsini suggested changing to a four-way stop at Quick and Jackson because of her concern, and observations of the traffic engineer, that northbound Jackson traffic at Quick may not be aware that southbound traffic on Quick does not stop. Mr. Grieve stated the Village could put up an informational sign. He said that a request for a stop sign needs to be reviewed using a series of thresholds to determine whether it is necessary. He said it is not good practice to mix yield signs with stop signs.
Trustee Gibbs discussed the one-way street meeting the point where it is a two way street and the confusion that can cause. Trustee Steinke inquired whether there have been any issues at that intersection. Mr. Grieve stated they did not find any safety issues at that location in their updated traffic study. He noted that they explored the recommendation to continue the one-way southbound pattern on Jackson to Lake and determined it may not be necessary now but could be looked at again in the future.
Trustee Corsini said she would be comfortable with some signage indicating oncoming traffic does not stop.
Trustee Cargie inquired about a more permanent crosswalk solution. Trustee Corsini said she believes Rick Gillis mentioned that pedestrian crosswalk signs could be bolted to the middle of Chicago Avenue. Village Administrator Palm said the idea is to look at it and study it. He reminded the Board that the Traffic & Safety Commission had looked at trying to improve crosswalks on Chicago Avenue. He said staff indicated that Chicago will be resurfaced within
the next few years and it would make more sense to plan to study crosswalks and bump outs to coincide with that project.
In response to a question from Trustee Corsini, Village Administrator Palm stated that Lake is also a state route and they needed to get IDOT permission for the lighted cross walk and the temporary pedestrian signs.
Roll call:
Ayes: Trustees Conti, Gibbs, Colwell-Steinke, Corsini, Dwyer, and Cargie Absent: None Nays: None Motion Passes.
b. Development Review Board - Amend Concordia University Planned Development
Permit to Allow for Construction of a New Dormitory - Ordinance
Trustee Gibbs made a motion, seconded by Trustee Cargie to approve an Ordinance granting the Planned Development Amendment Permit for Concordia University of Chicago's proposed Residence Hall, with conditions as recommended by the Development Review Board and with conditions as recommended by Village Staff.
Dennis Witte, Vice President of Administration at Concordia University Chicago, presented the application to amend the existing planned development for the purpose of constructing a new residence hall. He presented a rendering of the new building, an aerial photograph of the location of the proposed new building, and a description of the project including its size and construction style. He said the University plans to begin construction in September, 2016, and complete it by August, 2017. He stated the plan is to initially complete the exterior of the building (entire five floors) and the interiors of the first two floors. He indicated that the third, fourth, and fifth floors will be completed as demand increases and as funding becomes available. He stated the new residence hall is needed to attract students and discussed a fifth generation Concordia family member would not attend the school because of the housing. He indicated the most recent, new residence hall was built in 1969. He said the University looked at renovating existing housing and found it costs as much to renovate as it does to build a new residence hall. He presented additional project renderings and elevations to the Board, including a gateway from the new residence hall to the existing Mary Martha Hall. He stated the University will renovate the entrance to Mary Martha Hall to tie the two buildings together and create an exterior plaza. He noted that all traffic going to the new residence hall will come from the campus rather than the street.
Gene Sullivan, 1009 Bonnie Brae Place, stated his concerns about traffic and about this project being constructed at the same time as the condo project. Assistant Village Administrator Scheiner stated the Development Review Board (DRB) is aware of the residents' concerns and will do their best to address them. She also explained the status of the planned development application for the condominium development at 1101 and 1111 Bonnie Brae Place. In response to a follow-up question from Mr. Sullivan, Ms. Scheiner stated that the timeline for construction of the Bonnie Brae condominium development is unknown and there are several variables that could impact it. She said the DRB has already directed staff and the Village's traffic consultant to take the matter into consideration. Trustee Gibbs added that the developer indicated in their materials the anticipated number of trucks per day is twenty at their busiest period which equates to 2.5 trucks per hour. Mr. Witte stated the University will work with the Village to coordinate construction and will avoid construction traffic during the drop off/pick up times at Grace School.
Franklin Moore, 947 Bonnie Brae Place, stated his concerns regarding the construction truck traffic and his ability to enter/exit his driveway on Augusta. He also stated his concerns regarding the wear and tear of the roads that could result from the construction traffic. He suggested distributing the construction traffic through other routes in the neighborhood. He asked that the Board give some consideration to assigning the expense of repairing the road post- construction to Concordia should there be any damage from construction traffic. He added that Concordia has been a good neighbor and he is in favor of their project. Mr. Witte stated that the sixth condition established by the DRB is that Concordia repair anything that they damage.
In response to a question from Trustee Cargie, Mr. Witte stated the first excavation will take 10 to 11 weeks and the second will take place in the spring will be around five weeks. Trustee Cargie stated that in his experience the heaviest traffic on Augusta is around 8:30 a.m. in the and 4:30 p.m. He asked if there could be parameters established to eliminate construction traffic during these times. Village Administrator Palm stated the Board can impose conditions in the ordinance. Mr. Witte stated that Concordia has committed to work with the Village to minimize and spread the traffic impact. In response to a question from Trustee Cargie, Mr. Witte stated there will be no parking allowed on Bonnie Brae in the construction zone.
In response to a question from Trustee Corsini, Mr. Witte stated the trucks will arrive via Division. In response to a question from Trustee Corsini, Mr. Witte stated there are two main access points to the proposed building and a third door that leads to the south of the building. In response to a question from Trustee Corsini, Mr. Witte stated the building height is a little over fifty nine feet. He said the University has asked for a nine foot site development allowance to accommodate the parapet wall and other structures on top of the building. Trustee Corsini inquired if the height of the proposed structure is comparable to the parking garage. Mr. Witte affirmed it is similar to the parking garage and Gross Hall, In regard to water service, Trustee Corsini asked what the final outcome is. Glen Steiner, the project manager, stated the water for the building will come from an existing water main through Mary Martha Hall and into the new building, and the fire water will come through a similar path from a separate main. He indicated the exact placement of the new fire hydrant has not been determined but the northeast corner of the building has been discussed as an appropriate location to accommodate the connections. Trustee Corsini stated there was a concern expressed in regard to water pressure. Mr. Steiner affirmed that there would be no effect on the water pressure of existing buildings.
In response to a question from Trustee Corsini, Mr. Witte stated 40% of Concordia students live on campus and 60% are living off campus. He said part of the reason for the new dorm is to draw some of the students living off campus to live on campus. Trustee Corsini stated she is concerned about the indefinite timeline for completion of upper floors. She suggested that the Board consider placing a condition for the University to provide a timeline for the completion of the upper floors within 24 months of completion of the building. Village Administrator Palm stated there is work that must be done on the "moth ball" floors in order to comply with fire department regulations and noted Concordia will have to apply for an additional permit to complete the upper floors. In response to a question from Trustee Conti, Mr. Witte stated all the basic infrastructure will be constructed on the upper floors and reiterated that the exterior of the building will be complete. There was a brief discussion regarding a requirement that the University provide the Village Board with a status update in the future regarding completion of the upper floors.
Trustee Corsini commented that the community seems to be in support of the project. She stated that she would like the Village to communicate the process and timing to the neighborhood. Mr. Witte stated the University has done a good job of informing its neighbors about what is happening and when.
In response to a question from Trustee Gibbs, Mr. Witte confirmed that being a student is generally a requirement of living in the dorms but the University is housing some Trident students. He added that the University is not in the apartment business per se.
Trustee Gibbs clarified that the truck traffic during the excavation will average 12 trucks per day and during construction will average between 12 and 16 trucks.
Trustee Conti commented that the building is nicely thought out and attractive. She inquired whether green roofing was a possibility. Mr. Steiner stated a white reflecting roof is being considered but no plantings.
President Adduci commended Mr. Steiner and his team for their work during the DRB process.
Village Administrator Palm stated the staff memo includes an additional condition of posting a security bond for damages to Village infrastructure.
Trustee Corsini amended her motion to include the condition that the Village and Applicant shall determine a form of security in an amount and with conditions that are agreeable to both the Village and Concordia University Chicago that will be utilized to cover the cost of the public infrastructure damaged as a result of the residence hall construction activities and that such security shall be posted before a building permit is issued. Trustee Gibbs seconded the motion.
In response to a question from Trustee Gibbs, Mr. Witte stated the DRB was satisfied with the project funding.
Roll call:
Ayes: Trustees Conti, Gibbs, Colwell-Steinke, Corsini, Dwyer, and Cargie Absent: None Nays: None Motion Passes.
8. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
11 July 12,2016
9. NEW BUSINESS
a. Consideration of a First Amendment to Redevelopment Agreement with Lake and Lathrop Partners, LLC
Trustee Conti made a motion, seconded by Trustee Gibbs to approve an Amendment to the Redevelopment Agreement with Lake and Lathrop Partners, LLC
Village Administrator Palm stated the Redevelopment Agreement with Lake and Lathrop Partners called for a planned development application to be submitted by July 14, 2016. He said there is a default of the agreement, in essence, and staff notified the Developer. He indicated the development team informed staff that their initial focus was on site control/property acquisition. He said he feels the Developer has made significant progress in that regard and recommended that the Board extend the deadline for the planned development application to October 14, 2016. He reported that traffic counts have been taken and the traffic study needs to take place. He noted that significant time and effort is required to put together a planned development application and an additional 90 days is appropriate. He added that it is not uncommon to have amendments to planned development agreements and there may be other issues that come up in the future that require an amendment for a project of this scope and magnitude.
David Howat, representing Inland Real Estate Development, stated the Developer respects staffs thoughts on the matter and feels that property control is tantamount to their success in River Forest. He said the Developer is committed to the project and doesn't want the amendment to indicate otherwise.
In response to a question from Trustee Corsini, Mr. Howat stated this deadline is this achievable.
Trustee Conti and President Adduci thanked Mr. Howat and Mr. Hague for coming.
Roll call:
Ayes: Trustees Conti, Gibbs, Colwell-Steinke, Corsini, Dwyer, and Cargie Absent: None Nays: None Motion Passes.
b. Consideration of Dedicated Commuter Parking for Motorcycles/Scooters & Reducing Fee to $1.25
Trustee Gibbs made a motion, seconded by Trustee Cargie, to create dedicated parking for scooters and motorcycles and a motion to Amend Title 9 of the Village Code creating a classification for motorcycle/scooter parking at $1.25 per day.
President Adduci stated that the request for the motorcycle/scooter parking came from a few residents that were concerned about taking up a full parking space.
Village Administrator Palm explained that there are two types of parking: daily fee ($2.50) and monthly fee which is only for residents. He noted there is a long waiting list for the monthly spaces. He stated there are plans to repave the west lot on Thatcher, and the bids for that project and the Quick alley project came in today. He reported that the intergovernmental agreement between the Village and Metra which restricts the west Thatcher lot to daily parking expires next year. He said that the Village can revisit the configuration of that lot at that time. He stated there was a concern that the residents desiring scooter/motorcycle parking would leap frog residents on the waiting list for monthly permit parking which spurred a discussion about what to do for residents requiring full size parking spaces. He said the thought was to create daily spaces for the scooters and motorcycles and reduce the fee since they take up less space.
In response to a question from Trustee Corsini, Village Administrator Palm stated the daily spaces are open to residents as well as non-residents. Trustee Corsini stated she is not in favor of reducing the rate.
Trustee Dwyer stated he is not in favor of reducing the rate. He noted motorcycles would not likely be used in winter.
Trustee Gibbs said he is not in favor of motorcycles taking up an entire space and suggested creating a two-wheel vehicle pen where the bicycle rack is located. Village Administrator Palm stated the Village would like to keep motorized vehicles on the street and not intermingle them with bicycles.
In response to a question from Trustee Conti, Village Administrator Palm stated three to four motorcycles could be parked in each parallel spot. She suggested taking only one of the full sized spots and seeing how that goes.
There was a brief discussion regarding revenue from the motorcycle/scooter parking.
In response to a question from Trustee Corsini, Village Administrator Palm stated the hours for the motorcycle spaces would be the same as the rest of the commuter parking.
President Adduci stated mere is a demand for scooter parking and highly recommended using both spaces for scooter parking and keeping it at the same rate.
Trustee Conti inquired whether there is an area across the street that could be used rather than the proposed full size spaces. Village Administrator Palm stated the plan is to take a few daily spaces and convert them to scooter parking and see how it works and the area she suggested are not part of the daily fee parking. He noted that the Village is providing a service and non- residents paying the fees offset costs for residents for parking improvements.
In response to a question from Trustee Cargie, President Adduci stated daily parking is available. Trustee Cargie indicated the spaces proposed are advantageous spaces. There was a brief discussion regarding the number of scooters/motorcycles currently utilizing daily commuter parking.
Trustee Corsini stated she is concerned that the proximity of the spaces to the park could result in kids playing on the motorcycles. Administrator Palm suggested taking the first space on Hawthorne near Keystone. There was a brief discussion regarding relocating the spots and whether the proximity to the park is an issue.
Trustee Steinke questioned how the motorcycle/scooter spaces would be advertised and whether there would be a penalty for two-wheeled vehicles for taking up full-sized spaces.
President Adduci stated she believes moving the spaces is a good idea and is in favor of incentivizing scooter/motorcycle parking with a reduced fee.
In response to a question from Trustee Steinke, Village Administrator Palm stated when someone uses their smart phone app to pay for parking, they enter the parking space number.
In response to a question from Trustee Steinke, Village Administrator Palm stated the motorcycles would pull in perpendicularly to park in the spaces.
Trustee Steinke stated she would like the Village to convert the Hawthorne spaces by the cut outs and keep the rate at $2.50. Trustee Corsini asked that the Village be cognizant of the handicapped parking on Hawthorne.
Trustee Steinke suggested the people driving their scooters to the train are doing so for the environment and are asking the Village to build spaces for them.
President Adduci said she believes the consensus is to place the parking on Hawthorne and begin with striping one space initially. She indicated that there is not consensus on the fee. Trustee Corsini suggested leaving the rate at $2.50 to avoid accounting issues and revisit at a later time if it is a problem.
Trustee Gibbs amended his motion to convert one space on Hawthorne to motorcycle/scooter parking keeping the rate at $2.50.
Roll call:
Ayes: Trustees Conti, Gibbs, Colwell-Steinke, Corsini, and Cargie Absent: None Nays: Trustee Dwyer Motion Passes.
c. Recommendation of Suspending Electric Aggregation Program and Returning Residential Customers to ComEd - Ordinance
Trustee Conti made a motion, seconded by Trustee Dwyer to adopt the ordinance as presented, which authorizes the Village Administrator to not renew the aggregation program and return to ComEd for their electrical supply.
President Adduci stated that ComEd rates have become lower than some of the aggregators and it makes sense to not renew the program.
In response to a question from Trustee Corsini, Village Administrator Palm stated staff received indicative pricing from the current vendor which was similar to ComEd. He stated that previously the pricing was based on load and is now based on peak demand. He noted that the smart meters zero in on time of use which would increase pricing for River Forest. He said other municipalities are moving away from aggregation.
In response to a question from Trustee Steinke, Village Administrator Palm stated staff can direct residents to the Plug In Illinois website which maintains a list of electricity providers.
Roll call:
Ayes: Trustees Conti, Gibbs, Colwell-Steinke, Corsini, Dwyer, and Cargie Absent: None Nays: None Motion Passes.
10. EXECUTIVE SESSION
11. ADJOURNMENT
Trustee Cargie made a motion seconded by Trustee Dwyer to adjourn the regular Village Board of Trustees Meeting at 9:32 p.m.
Roll call:
Ayes: Trustees Conti, Gibbs, Colwell-Steinke, Corsini, Dwyer, and Cargie Absent: None Nays: None Motion Passes.
Sharon Halperin, Village Clerk
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