Village of Western Springs President and Board of Trustees met June 12.
Here is the minutes provided by the Board:
President Alice Gallagher, Presiding
Call to Order, 7:00 p.m.
Bridget M. Fitzgerald, Village Clerk
Board Members Present:
Berry Allen
Sheila Hansen
Heidi Rudolph
William Siffermann
Edward Tymick
James Tyrrell
Others Present:
Ingrid Velkrne, Deputy Village Manager
Grace Turi, Director of Finance
Daniel Albrecht, Deputy Director of Law
Enforcement:
Casey Biernacki, Mun Svcs Coordinator
Rita Ligeikis, Rec Coordinator
Patrick Kenny, Director of Fire & EMS
Marty Scott, Director of Community Dev
Jeff Ziegler, Village Engineer
Michael Jurusik, Village Attorney
Call to Order:
The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m.
Pledge of Allegiance:
President Gallagher led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Roll Call:
As noted above.
Electronic attendance at meeting: None
Reading of Agenda - Additions - Deletions:
President Gallagher removed agenda items 8 and 9 from the special meeting omnibus vote list. There are still a few open issues related to the right of way sales which must be addressed prior to consideration of approval.
Citizen Comments:
Resident Mike Vespa expressed his concerns about brown water and staining from the water. He also reported that an automatic flusher has been running continuously in Ridgewood. He voiced concern about the Village's water issues which he said erodes residents' confidence. Mr. Vespa suggested that Board consider a referendum question on water delivery and revisit the 2008 recommendations and assumptions for Village water production.
Trustee Allen said a portion of the June 26 Board meeting will include a water quality update by Director Matt Supert and Water Plant Superintendent Erin Duffy. An open forum meeting on water in July 2017 is also planned which will include a question and answer session.
Resident and former Village Trustee Jim Horvath thanked Mr. Vespa for his comments and said the water is safe. He added that Lake Michigan water would be cost prohibitive.
Resident Mary Ann Quinlan updated the Board on the minimum wage/sick leave bill which is before Governor Rauner. Ms. Quinlan said Governor Rauner indicated he will veto it. Ms. Quinlan added a few comments on the issue. She said there was misinformation at the May 8, 2017 Board meeting presented by a business owner. Teen workers below 18 are not covered by the Cook County Minimum Wage ordinance. At the Gathering on the Green on June 9, Ms. Quinlan obtained 108 additional signatures in support of the Cook County ordinance. She asked what the next step would be regarding minimum wage support. President Gallagher said the General Government Committee will again study the matter in late summer or early fall.
Consideration Of And Action On Agenda Items During The Workshop Portion Of The Combined Meeting
1) Public Works and Water - Trustee Allen
A) Well #3 Update
Trustee Allen said Well #3 is partially repaired and is producing water which is blended into the distribution system but not running through the reverse osmosis system. Water restrictions have been lifted. Well #1 is not being used or blended into the system. Well #l is a shallow well and is the source of discolored water. Well #3 is supplementing Well #4 water. A forensic investigation into electrical issues on Well #3 which occurred on Easter Sunday is ongoing.
B) Well #1 Update
Trustee Allen noted that the Village has authorized Baxter Woodmen to provide a cost analysis of pre-treatment of Well #l. The cost/benefit analysis is expected in the August or September timeframe.
C) Capital Projects Summary Report
Trustee Allen presented the committee's Capital Projects Summary Report. The 2017 Sewer Televising Program which is mandated. Two repairs projects, the Johnson Avenue heavy cleaning and the Lawn Avenue cleaning, were identified by the televising program and have been completed. The 2017 Roadway Program is about to commence. Legal work is ongoing on the Ridgewood Oaks Basin and the Rose and Garden Avenue water services projects.
D) Water System Presentation to Board-June 26,2017
Trustee Allen said this update will be provided to the new Board on June 26, 2017 and is intended to be an overview. Ongoing study of the matter is needed. At the last Public Works and Water Committee meeting, many residents were present for an in-depth session on water quality and concerns. The intention is to hold several more Infrastructure Commission meetings over the summer as well as an in-depth town hall type meeting in July regarding the water system.
2) Properties and Recreation - Trustee Hansen
Right of Way (ROW) Sales - 5142 Lawn Avenue & 4947 Woodland Avenue
Trustee Hansen said the 5142 Lawn Avenue right of way sale is to be considered for approval later this evening. There are no encumbrances on the property and the sales price is $51,425. There were no questions or comments from the Board on the sale. Consideration will be completed during the special meeting portion of this combined meeting.
3) General Government - Trustee Tymick
A) Prevailing Wage Ordinance
Trustee Tymick presented the prevailing wage ordinance for the Board's consideration. Illinois law requires the adoption of an ordinance each year in June and publication of same. The June 2017 Cook County prevailing wages were provided to the Board. The ordinance must be published in July 2017. These are the rates for laborers, mechanics and other workers on public works project. The adoption of the prevailing wage ordinance was added to the omnibus vote list scheduled on June 26, 2017.
B) Salty Fig Class B, G & H Liquor License Request and Temporary Use Permit
The General Government Committee met on April 4, 2017 to review a request from Village residents Suzanne and Anthony Florek for a Class B, G & H liquor license request for their new restaurant which will be located in the former Snacker's location. The Liquor Commission met on June 6, 2017 to review the application and unanimously recommended approval of the license. Trustee Tyrrell asked a few questions about the outdoor caf6 and liquor service hours which Attorney Jurusik answered. Food service is required with alcohol consumption and sales for all license classes (percentage wise: 60oA food, 40% alcohol). Tmstee Tymick explained there will be a counter with diners sitting on the inside and outside. Staff is working with the Floreks to insure all the appropriate spaces include bollards and safety features to make sure cars cannot come up on the sidewalk. Mr. Florek said the plan is to run a full service restaurant on Monday thru Friday from s :30 a.m. until 7:00 p.m. Attorney Jurusik noted that the license would allow liquor service during the hours as established by Village code. Liquor sales for private parties are included in the license. A decision was made by the Floreks to retract the BYOB license request at this time. President Gallagher reminded the Board to keep the menus confidential as requested by the Floreks. With no objection from the Board, consideration of approval of the liquor licenses was added to the June 26, 2017 omnibus vote list.
4) Public Health and Safety - Trustee Siffermann
Trustee Siffermann did not meet this month. Trustee Siffermann encouraged residents to view the Western Springs Police Department Facebook page which provides information on the ?circle of safety" for this Village and provides timely information on Village police programs. Trustee Siffermaru'i also expressed his kudos to the Police Department on their handling of and presence at the Gathering on the Green on June 9, 2017.
5) Finance - Trustee Rudolph
Trustee Rudolph reported that the Finance Committee met earlier this evening. The committee conducted a budget review and will continue that review in July. Tmstee Allen asked for clarification from Trustee Rudolph that the budget review was 2017 actual against budget and not the 2018 budget. Trustee Rudolph confirmed this was the case.
6) Planning and Zoning - Trustee Tyrrell
Trustee Tyrrell provided an update on the Foxford Station project. ComEd is completing relocation of underground and overhead feeder lines that service various parts of the Village. This work is ongoing and ComEd hopes to complete same within two weeks barring and delay caused by the hot weather. Once this work is complete, Foxford Station can begin work on underground storm water detention and the foundation for the building. A formal groundbreaking is planned for later this summer. The construction process is anticipated to last 16-18 months. Trustee Gallagher commented that ComEd has been delayed a bit due to hail and other weather issues. Director Scott said that is part of the cause of the delay but ComEd. Trustee Tymick asked if the poles which run down which was the old alley will be going away. Director Scott said they will but that will take some time because the poles still have AT&T and Comcast lines on them. Removal will be dependent on those services moving elsewhere. This is not anticipated to slow down the Foxford construction project.
Consideration Of And Action On Agenda Items During The Special Meeting Portion Of The Combined Meeting
Since agenda items 8 & 9 were removed from the omnibus, agenda item 7 will be considered by a roll call vote.
7) Ordinance 17-2892 Approving And Authorizing The Vacation Of The North Ten (10.00) Foot By East-West One Htjndred Eighty- Seven (}87.00) Foot Portion Of The 52nd Street Right-Of-Way Located Adjacent To And South Of The 5142 Lawn Avenue Property Located In The Forest Hills Of Western Springs Subdivision And Approving Of A Plat Of Vacation And Reservation Of A Stormwater Drainage Facilities And Utilities Easement Area Relating To Said Right-Of-Way Vacation
Motion:
Tmstee Tymick moved, seconded by Hansen, to approve and authorize The Vacation Of The North Ten (10.00) Foot By East-West One Hundred Eighty- Seven (187.00) Foot Portion Of The 52nd Street Right-Of-Way Located Adjacent To And South Of The 5142 Lawn Avenue Property Located In The Forest Hills Of Western Springs Subdivision And Approving Of A Plat Of Vacation And Reservation Of A Stormwater Drainage Facilities And Utilities Easement Area Relating To Said Right-Of-Way Vacation.
The motion passed on a roll call vote. Voting aye: Trustees Allen, Hansen, Rudolph, Siffermann, Tymick and Tyrrell. Voting nay: None.
8) Ordinance No.17-2893 Approving And Authorizing The Vacation Of The North Twenty-Four (24.00) Foot By One Hundred Eighty- Seven (187.00) Foot Portion Of The 50th Street Right-Of-Way Located Adjacent To And South Of The 4947 Woodland Avenue Property Located In The Forest Hills Of Western Springs Subdivision And Approving A Plat Of Vacation And Reservation Of A Stormwater Drainage Facilities And Utilities Easement Area Relating To Said Right-Of-Way Vacation
9) Ordinance No. 17-2894 Approving And Approving Certain Amendments To The Conditions Set Forth In Section 3 Of Ordinance No. 03- 2237 That Vacated And Conveyed Title To The South Thirty (30.00) Feet Of The South Half (33.00 Feet Wide) Of The 50th Street Right-Of-Way, Lying West Of Grand Avenue And Immediately North Of The 5001 Woodland Avenue Property Located In The Forest Hills Subdivision, To The Owners Of Record Of The 5001 Woodland Avenue Property
Motion:
Trustee Hansen moved, seconded by Allen, to continue agenda items 8 & 9 to the June 26, 2017 Board meeting for consideration of approval. The motion passed on a unanimous voice vote.
Reports:
10) Village President Gallagher
A) Board and Commission Appointments
1 ) Appointment of Peter Glimco as Chair of the Plan Commission for a three year term to expire in December of 201 9;
2) Appointment of Jocelyn Brumbaugh as Member of the Plan Commission for a three year term to expire in June 2020;
3) Appointment of Tom Kelleher as Chair of the Infrastructure Commission for the balance of his term to expire in June 201 8;
4) Reappointment of Dan Ruzic as Member of the Infrastructure Commission for a three year term to expire in June 2020; and
5) Appointment of two Members of the Infrastructure Commission for a three year term to expire in June 2020.
President Gallagher announced her intention to make the appointments listed above. President Gallagher said he asked each director to give priority to those applications which are most senior on our list. Directors are contacting candidates to insure the candidates are still interested in serving. The appointments will be part of June 26, 2017 omnibus vote list.
B) Appointment of Village Prosecutor
President Gallagher announced her intention to appoint Mike Chomik as Village Prosecutor on June 26, 2017 with an effective date of July 1, 2017. Mr. Chomik's resume was provided to the Board for their review. She asked that Board members contact her with any questions or comments on this proposed appointment. The Village Prosecutor is the Village's representative at Bridgeview Courthouse. Trustee Allen asked if the prosecutor adjudicates RedLight Photo Enforcement. President Gallagher said that is a different person. This appointment will be included on the June 26, 2017 omnibus vote list.
C) Update on Minimum Wage Issue at the State Level
President Gallagher said the Board is actively supporting the bill mentioned by Ms. Quinlan earlier in the meeting, which is a statewide solution to the minimum wage question, which is on Governor Rauner's desk for signature. She also urged residents to write letters of support to Governor Rauner asking him to sign this bill.
11) Deputy Village Manager Velkme
Deputy Manager Velkme reported that several Board and staff members attended the West Central Municipal Conference annual dinner meeting on Friday, June 9, 2017 at the Rosemont Convention Center. President Rodeghier was honored for his service as Chair of the WCMC. There were over 450 people in attendance. Ms. Velkrne said we greatly appreciate all the work of President Rodeghier with the Conference. The Conference also presented Village Manager Higgins with a Lifetime Achievement Award for his 40 years of public service. Mr. Higgins has been active with the West Central Municipal Conference for 35+ years. The award has also been named for Manager Higgins. Deputy Village Manager Velkme said we are all very proud of him.
12) Village Attorney Jurusik
Attorney Jurusik reminded Board members to comply with Open Meeting Act (OMA) requirements which apply to each as a member of the Board (7 member) as well as a Committee (2 member). OMA also applies to emails and verbal communications so Committee members cannot talk electronically or in person outside their Committee about Committee business. With regard to the Board, Board members cannot discuss or engage in discussion in groups of 3 or more about public business. Additionally, Attorney Jurusik cautioned Board members to use their Village Board badges judiciously.
Recess to Executive Session: For The Purpose Of Discussing The Appointment, Employment, Compensation, Discipline, Performance Or Dismissal Of A Specific Employee Or Legal Counsel (5 'ILCS 120/2(c) (1)).
Motion:
Trustee Tymick moved, second by Tyrrell, to Recess to Executive Session For The Purpose Of Discussing the Appointment, Employment, Compensation, Discipline, Performance or Dismissal of a Specific Employee or Legal Counsel at 7:51 p.m.
The motion passed on a roll call vote. Voting aye: Trustees Allen, Hansen, Rudolph, Siffermann, Tymick and Tyrrell. Voting nay: None.
Reconvene and Adjourn:
The Board reconvened to adjourn at 9:13 p.m.
Motion:
Trustee Tymick moved, seconded by Trustee Hansen, to adjourn at 9:13 p.m. The motion passed on a unanimous voice vote.
http://www.wsprings.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_06122017-592
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