Village of Western Springs Government Committee met Oct. 2.
Here is the minutes provided by the committee:
Present Chair Tymick, Member Tyrrell, Manager Velkme, Director Budds, Director Baer, Analyst Chavez, Attorney Jurusik, and Rich DeMatteo, Dan Shick and Deborah Tracy of Nazareth Academy, and Rich Vandermolen and Jocelyn Kruis of Republic Services
Electronic Attendance at Meeting: None.
Chair Tymick called the General Government Committee meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
Agenda Items
1. Public Comment
There were no public comments.
2. Approval of Minutes
Chair Tymick moved, seconded by Committee Member Tyrrell, to approve the minutes of September 10, 2018 as read.
3. Nazareth Academy Raffle License Request (Drawing at Salerno's Pizza)
This request was reviewed by the General Government Committee on September 10, 2018. After this review, the committee had a variety of questions and concerns and the Nazareth Academy representatives were present at this meeting.
Rich DeMatteo of Nazareth Academy gave the committee an overview of Nazareth Academy's request for a Queen of Hearts raffle at the Salerno's Pizzeria and Rbar in Western Springs from October 2018 through April 2019. The raffle proceeds are to be used to raise funds for the school. Mr. DeMatteo said the reason Salerno's Pizzeria and Rbar Restaurant was selected as a location for the ticket sales and drawing is to reach additional raffle ticket purchasers, who may or may not be alumni, beyond those who would buy raffle tickets at Nazareth school. Tuesday nights were selected since that night was not perceived to be a busy night in Western Springs. Mr. DeMatteo said he believes the crowds would grow slowly and he does not anticipate problems. Nazareth would secure resources to assist if problems occur. Mr. DeMatteo said they could always have the drawings at Nazareth Academy located in LaGrange Park after say, week 30.
Chief Budds expressed the Department of Law Enforcement Services concerns with crowds, congestion and security, which a raffle of this sort could cause. Chief Budds added his further concerns regarding the limited parking in the area, ongoing construction on Lawn and Johnson Avenues, impact on the business association, upcoming Tollway work, and Park District modifications to their parking lot and tennis courts. Mr. DeMatteo said he spoke with Linda Johnson of True Value who was supportive. Chief Budds said this raffle could be taxing on his staff and he is hesitant to move in untreaded waters. Chief Budds concurs with the recommendation not to approve this raffle request based on all these concerns. Manager Velkme said she has a concern with the impact on her staff as we do not have resources to handle a crowd. Chief Budds added this restaurant is located in somewhat of a residential neighborhood. Manager Velkme also has concern about opening up a "Pandora's Box" as the Village has received a second inquiry for a Queen of Hearts raffle from another local organization.
After much discussion, Nazareth Academy President Deborah Tracy asked the committee if it would be possible for the Village consider an alternate proposal, to license ticket sales at Salerno's in Western Springs, with the actual Queen of Hearts drawings to be held at Nazareth Academy in LaGrange Park. Manager Velkme said she would ask Attorney Jurusik if that approach is a possibility under the Village's raffle license law.
4. Refuse and Recycling Contract Extension
5. Refuse and Recycling Contract Requirements
The Village's contract with Republic Services expires December 31, 2018. In September, the committee reviewed the results of a refuse and recycling survey which was available for residents to complete during the month of August. The committee received some valuable feedback from residents with some very clear likes and dislikes with the current service. The committee asked staff to arrange for our Republic Services representatives to join the committee at the October General Government Committee meeting to give some feedback on the survey, to see if that feedback is consistent with what Republic is seeing in other areas, and to discuss what service alternatives Republic might have to meet some of these concerns. Municipal Services Manager Rich Vandermolen and General Manager for Melrose Park, Jocelyn Kruise, are the Republic Services representatives assigned to the Village's account who attended to discuss the Village's current program and future requirements as well as industry trends.
Rich Vandermolen gave an overview of the pluses and minuses of the Village's current program from an aesthetic and hauler safety perspective. Mr. Vandermolen distributed information to the committee regarding the changing environment of recycling
That information was shared with Village staff in June. Mr. Vandermolen explained that the blue recycling bags are not recyclable because they come in contact with liquid or food waste and the grime left on the bag makes the bag not recyclable. The Village's current program is unique and we are the last community in the area using blue bags for recycling rather than carts. He added that about 50% of the Village residents subscribe to back door service and 50% utilize curb collection for refuse. Mr. Vandermolen added that when residents have the sticker option for refuse, the hauler sees greater levels of contamination of recyclables. Other users are subsidizing sticker-only users.
Mr. Vandermolen shared information on some of the surrounding communities refuse and recycling programs. Discussion about the size of containers for refuse on carts as well as automation of pick-up service followed. Mr. Vandermolen said it is no more difficult to move a 65-gallon cart than a 35-gallon cart. Hinsdale has moved to curb side service and offered a senior discount to their residents to make it more palatable to move to subscription service. They also continue to offer back door service at premium rates. Subscription service include two carts, one for refuse and one for recycling.
Regarding yard waste, the hauler prefers containers. A yard waste container on a cart holds approximately three standard garbage cans of yard waste. Containers are cleaner than Kraft bags and the user can save money. The Kraft bags break when they are wet. While the option of allowing yard waste only, with 33-gallon cans, which have a decal, could be offered, the problem for the hauler is distinguishing what is in the can. Larger size cans become too heavy. The yard waste pick-up would be the 8-month cycle (April – November). Ms. Kruise said that in general, lidded, multiple cart solutions result in less workers compensation claims. A suggestion was made to put the various sizes of carts out in common areas for residents to see [i.e., Village Hall, Recreation Center, train station and Mariano's].
The survey results indicate residents are open to carts and Village staff is already seeing containers all over town from residents who have moved into town and brought their containers with them.
Chair Tymick and Manager Velkme said the Village is interested in a contract extension, which will allow staff adequate time to complete work on the program details. A one-year extension on a month-to-month basis would be desirable. Ms. Kruise said Republic would require a one-year extension since Republic is moving to a new budget year. Manager Velkme said she would have our Village Attorney draft an extension for Republic to consider.
Chair Tymick asked Mr. Vandermolen about collection of electronic waste. Mr. Vandermolen said curbside electronic collection is problematic due to privacy concerns as well as the chance for creation of toxic waste. A mail in program is an option that Republic has in place but it has an expense associated with it. Mr. Vandermolen said the Downers Grove Township model might be something the Village should look into for electronic recycling. It is a pay as you go system. Manager Velkme said the Burr Ridge electronics recycling option has worked well for our residents.
Director Baer asked about a few additional services survey respondents mentioned.
This included a community-shredding day. Mr. Vandermolen said they have not conducted one lately but it is an option they would consider. The committee thought this would be a good addition to the menu of services. Another program Ms. Baer asked about was a pharmaceutical drop-off program. Mr. Vandermolen said Republic has an online mail-back program for sharps and light bulbs, which is pay as you go.
A drop box for pharmaceuticals at the Village is not available from Republic. Christmas tree collection for two weeks in January, as well as spring clean up, will continue to be on the list of requirements per the committee.
Director Baer asked about a compost bin, which is provided in Downers Grove. Mr. Vandermolen said co-collection of yard waste and food scraps such as fish, meat, and Republic could handle dry dairy products. This is available to Downers Grove residents only for those who have carts and is only during the yard waste season. The committee thought this could be mentioned as an option to those who are interested in such a program.
The committee thanked Mr. Vandermolen and Ms. Kruise for the information they shared. Staff will follow up with the Village Attorney Jurusik regarding a contract extension. Chair Tymick will provide a verbal update to the Board of Trustees at the October workshop meeting.
6. 2019 Public Meeting Notice
The committee reviewed the proposed 2019 Board meeting schedule. This is a housekeeping item for the committee and Board each year. Chair Tymick will present the 2019 schedule and an approval resolution to the Board at the October 8 workshop meeting. If the Board concurs, the resolution will be approved at the October 22, 2018 meeting and the 2019 schedule will be published.
7. Budget Discussion
Village Manager Velkme said staff is in the budget process right now. There is a possibility of some headcount additions for 2019. Moving away from the blue bags will be an approximate $50,000.00 cost benefit to the budget going forward. Director Baer said staff created a step-by-step timeline to get to the next contract and about 6 months is what is needed. Chair Tymick said the document on the Village of Western Springs refuse, recycling program provided this evening and all the refuse, and recycling information to date was very helpful and well put together. Manager Velkme said Administrative Services budget items are relatively flat and there is no car to be purchased in 2019. The portion of the budget, which this committee oversees, will be provided at the next committee meeting.
8. Cable Franchise Agreement
Director Baer presented information on the West Central Cable Agency (WCCA) and Comcast of Illinois proposed franchise agreement, which is a result of negotiations that began in 2012. The agreement is based on a model franchise agreement developed under the guidance of the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus. The franchise agreement must be reviewed and approved by each WCCA member including Western Springs, LaGrange, LaGrange Park, Riverside and Indian Head Park. Discussion about the negotiations over the last several years followed. The committee reviewed the key elements and the benefits of the proposed franchise agreement, which represents a compromise between WCCA and Comcast. The agreement and a resolution providing for approval will be presented to the Board at the October 8, 2018 workshop meeting for consideration of approval on October 22, 2018. This agreement needs to be approved in the October cycle to meet the structure of the agreement. The committee will recommend approval of this contract to the Board.
9. Schedule Next Committee Meeting
The next General Government Committee meeting was scheduled for Monday, November 5, 2018 at 6:00 p.m. Trustee Tymick will be out of town on business and will miss the November 12, 2018 Board workshop meeting.
10. Recess To Closed Session For The Purpose Of Discussion Of:
Collective Negotiating Matters Between the Village and its Employees or their Representatives, or Deliberations Concerning Salary Schedules for One or More Classes of Employees (5 ILCS 120/2c(2))
MOTION:
Chair Tymick moved, seconded by Member Tyrrell to recess for the exception noted above at 8:30 p.m.
The motion passed on a roll call vote. Voting aye: Chair Tymick and Member Tyrrell. Voting nay: None.
11. Adjourn Closed Session and Return to Open Session of General Government Committee
The committee reconvened to open session at 8:44 p.m.
12. Labor Matters - MAP 456 Collective Bargaining Agreement
This matter was tabled.
13. Other
Manager Velkme recently met with Chief Budds regarding the Department of Law Enforcement Services budget and she said we might want to look at staffing changes in the Police Department with part-time, sworn officers for coverage and supplemental services. Chief Budds said this is a concept, which must be explored with staff as well as the officer and sergeant unions. Discussion followed on this concept. The next step will be to talk about this at the October 24, 2018 Public Health and Safety Committee meeting.
14. Adjourn
With no further business to discuss, Chair Tymick moved, seconded by Member Tyrrell, to adjourn the meeting at 8:55 p.m.
http://www.wsprings.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_10022018-776
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