West Cook News

Village of Hodgkins President and Board of Trustees met Nov. 12.

Here is the minutes provided by the board:

Meeting called to order: 7:00 P.M.

Those Present:

President: Noel Cummings 

Trustees: Timothy Kovel

Vicky Moxley 

Larry Rice 

Paul Struve 

Dominic Misasi

Lida Mills 

Attorney: John O'Connell

Pledge of Allegiance

Motion to approve the minutes of the special board meeting on October 15, 2018 as recorded by the Village Clerk. A motion to approve the minutes of the October 15, 2018 board meeting was made by Mr. Misasi. Second by Mrs. Mills Voting Aye: Mr. Kovel, Mrs. Moxley, Mr. Rice, Mr. Struve, Mr. Misasi and Mrs. Mills. Voting Nay: None.

Mr. Cummings asked for a motion to file for audit the finance statement for September 2018. A motion to audit the finance statement for September 2018 was made by Mrs. Moxley. Second by Mr. Rice. Voting Aye: Mr. Kovel, Mrs. Moxley, Mr. Rice, Mr. Struve, Mr. Misasi and Mrs. Mills. Voting Nay: None.

Mr. Cummings asked for a motion to approve the payment of bills as submitted for the month of October, 2018. A motion to approve the payment of bills for October, 2018 was made by Mr. Struve. Second by Mrs. Moxley. Voting Aye: Mr. Kovel, Mrs. Moxley, Mr. Rice, Mr. Struve, Mr. Misasi, and Mrs. Mills. Voting Nay: None.

Presentation by Steve Bahn, Superintendent of School District #105:

Mr. Bahn thanked the Board for allowing him to come and speak. Mr. Bahn took over as Superintendent of District 105 on July 1, 2018. Mr. Bahn has been in the district for 13 years, 10 years as Principle of Ideal Elementary school and the last three years as Assistant Superintendent.

Some of the challenges that the district is facing the performance of the schools. He realizes changes take time and he is committed to Hodgkins School. He has tremendous pride in Hodgkins School. He wants all the schools in the district to be the absolute best for our children. He is concerned and disappointed with the performance over the last few years. There is one assessment that has changed every year over the last 5 years, and the district struggles with this. Because of the struggles on this assessment we are viewed as a lesser school and school district. He does not believe this is true. He is very proud of our school and welcomes anyone to take a tour at any time. The Illinois Report cards were released within the last week. One of the rankings is based on growth. 50% of the rating is from the Growth of Students from one year to the next. Hodgkins School did very well. Hodgkins School is ranked as Commendable, this is the second highest rating in the Illinois. The top 10% of schools receive an Excellent. There are 4 ratings possible, Dr. Emily Crement the new principle of Hodgkins School was present for the meeting.

Mr. Bahn said he has never been involved in a conversation with anyone from District 105 about closing Hodgkins School. There is a challenge with enrollment. Currently there are 105 students and approximately 100 preschool kids. The enrollment for the students, not including preschool, is down 50% from three years ago. All the research shows that when class sizes are too small it does not provide a good educational environment. This past spring there were only 6 children in the kindergarten class, so that is why they were moved to another school. These situations concern him. A classroom of 13 is a viable classroom. They can go as low as 10 children in a classroom. Mr. Bahn would make recommendation to the Board, but he does not have the overall say in what happens to the school. He is concerned about lack of enrollment at Hodgkins, but overcrowding at other schools. Enrollment will be discussed every year. Other challenges are a State that would like to reduce property taxes that could cripple a school district.

Clerk Gardner asked about making the District into Grade Centers. Mr. Bahn said this has only been discussed briefly.

Mr. Kovel asked how Hodgkins School faired compared to other schools in the district, 2 school were rated Exemplary and 2 were rated Commendable.

Mrs. Mills asked about the students that have been moved to another school due to lack of enrollment. Mr. Bahn said that has not been determined yet.

A Hodgkins Resident asked about the preschool class and asked why Hodgkins School cannot have some of the preschool kids stay at Hodgkins and attend Kindergarten, so it helps with crowding at other schools. She feels kids can be bussed to Hodgkins School just as we have had to bus our kids out due to lack of students. Mr. Bahn said this has not happened in the past, because they would go back to their home school.

Mr. Kovel asked if any of the schools have sprinkler systems. Mr. Bahn said as far as he knows none of them are, but he was not sure and he would look into it and get back to Mr. Kovel. Mr. Struve explained that the Village of Hodgkins paid for a line to be run to Hodgkins School in order for the District to Sprinkle the school. Mr. Tholotowsky believes the 6" water line was installed about 25 years ago and is sitting dormant in the school. The Village would like to see sprinklers added to the school. Mr. Tholotowsky knows that Ideal School is 100% sprinkled because he was Fire Marshall at the time. He knows that other schools are partially sprinkled, but Hodgkins School is the only school in the district that has no sprinklers.

Mr. Struve realizes a large amount of our population was lost with the Lenzi Avenue project. We do have 8 new homes being built in the community. He would also hope to see growth in the school. Mr. Bahn is not a fan of the state assessment, he does agree with standardized assessments. Our schools are very competitive especially when it comes to advanced placement at Lyons Township High school.Our district has seen more progress than any of the feeder districts in L.T.H.S. Mr. Bahn's goal is to provide the students with the best education possible and perform at a high level. Mr. Bahn and Dr. Crement welcome any families wanting to purchase homes in this community to come and tour our school. Mr. Bahn said he is willing to provide personal tours to any one or family that would be interested in purchasing a home in this community

Mr. Bahn addressed a concern that was brought to his attention at Hodgkins School. He wanted Mayor Cummings to know that he spoke with this particular family and this concern has been addressed. He takes any issues very seriously. He is committed to having the highest level of test scores in the community. Students have been spoken to and addressed the expectations and they are going to make good choices. Things are going well, and he asked he be contacted with any questions or concerns. Mr. Cummings thanked Mr. Bahn for coming and a great job.

Motion to approve/deny Payment #3 and Final to MYS Inc. in the amount of $15,450.43 for Bridge Repair and Roadway Maintenance, Leon Cook Drive, and Santa Fe Drive to River Road. Mr. Cainkar said this work has been completed. A motion to approve Payment #3 and Final to MYS was made by Mr. Misasi. Second by Mr. Struve. Voting Aye: Mr. Kovel, Mrs. Moxley, Mr. Rice, Mr. Struve, Mr. Misasi, and Mrs. Mills. Voting Nay: None.

Motion to approve/deny Payment #2 and Semi-Final in the amount of $15,478. 40 to Chicagoland Paving Contractors Inc. for 75th St., Santa Fe Drive & River Road Pavement Repairs. A motion to approve Payment #2 to Chicagoland Paving Contractors Inc. was made by Mr. Rice. Second by Mr. Misasi. Voting Aye: Mr, Kovel, Mrs. Moxley, Mr. Rice, Mr. Struve, Mr. Misasi, and Mrs. Mills. Voting Nay: None.

Motion to approve/deny payment to Suburban General Construction in the amount of $28,617.16 for emergency water main repair. Mr. Misasi explained this was a water main that broke. It took all night to repair. Mr. Cainkar said 275 ft of the water main will need to be replaced. Amotion to approve payment to Suburban General Construction was made by Mr. Misasi. Second by Mr. Struve. Voting Aye: Mr. Kovel, Mrs. Moxley, Mr. Rice, Mr. Struve, Mr. Misasi, and Mrs. Mills. Voting Nay: None.

Motion to approve/deny Change Order #005 to Carlson Brothers in the amount of $45,601.50 for installation of East Avenue Fence. Mr. Misasi said the fence has not been completed, only the posts are up. Mr. Kovel said part is not up yet. Mr. O'Connell recommended paying the bill, but withholding payment until the work is completed. A motion to approve change Order #005 to Carlson Brothers, but withhold payment until the work is complete, was made by Mr. Rice. Second by Mr. Kovel. Voting Aye: Mr. Kovel, Mrs. Moxley, Mr. Rice, Mr. Struve, Mr. Misasi, and Mrs. Mills. Voting Nay: None.

Motion to approveldeny Resolution #2018-10 approving the execution of the exchange agreement with the Hodgkins Park District. This is the agreement that was approved on November 8, 2018 by the Hodgkins Park District. A motion to approve Resolution #2018-10 was made by Mr. Misasi. Second by Mrs. Mills. Voting Aye: Mr. Kovel, Mrs. Moxley, Mr. Rice, Mr. Struve, Mr. Misasi, and Mrs. Mills. Voting Nay: None.

Motion to approve/deny Resolution #2018-11 approving 6B tax classification for Giordano Recycling (Waste Management) at 6120 River Road. Mr. O'Connell explained this is for the old Industrial Steel Building. This is a subsidiary of Waste Management. Approximately $20 million in improvements will be made. The property has been vacant for 12 months, not 24 months, which is required to obtain a 6B tax classification. There are special circumstances in this case, particularly the amount of money being put into the project. It is all explained in the resolution. A motion to approve Resolution #2018 11 was made by Mr. Struve. Second by Mr. Misasi. Voting Aye: Mr. Kovel, Mrs. Moxley, Mr. Rice, Mr. Struve, Mr. Misasi, and Mrs. Mills. Voting Nay: None.

Motion to approve/deny low bid of $19,927 to Ridge Fence for Kimball Avenue. There were 4 bids. This is for an 8 foot fence. Ridge Fence was the lowest bid. A motion to approve low bid to Ridge Fence was made by Mr. Kovel. Second by Mr. Rice. Voting Aye: Mr. Kovel, Mrs. Moxley, Mr. Rice, Mr. Struve, Mr. Misasi, and Mrs. Mills. Voting Nay: None.

Motion to approveldeny approval of T-Mobile lease agreement on Quarry Water Tower.

This will provide the village with $1,700.00 per month. There is a 5 year period with three renewals followed by one year extensions. He is waiting for consent from the owners of the Quarry Shopping Center. We have done this in the past with other communication devices. A motion to approve T-Mobile lease agreement was made by Mrs. Mills. Second by Mr. Misasi. Voting Aye: Mr. Kovel, Mrs. Moxley, Mr. Rice, Mr. Struve, Mr. Misasi, and Mrs. Mills.Voting Nay: None.

Report from Village Engineer, Jim Cainkar

No Report

Report from Village Attorney, John O'Connell

Mr. O'Connell reported on October 15th there was a closed session meeting to discuss

the sale of 62,000 square feet of the East side of Lenzi Avenue. It was posted for bid as required by law. It was published in Des Plaines Valley news each week for 3 consecutive weeks. There was a bid from ODM, the law requires the bid not be accepted for 30 days after the first date of publication. Mr. O'Connell asked the Board to Authorize the Finance Committee to approve the Bid from ODM. A motion to authorize the finance committee to approve the bid from ODM at the next finance committee meeting was made by Mr. Rice. Second by Mrs. Moxley. Voting Aye: Mr. Kovel, Mrs. Moxley, Mr. Rice, Mr. Struve, Mr. Misasi, and Mrs. Mills. Voting Nay: None.

Report from Chief of Police, Ernest Millsap

Chief Millsap was absent. Police Clerk Rodney Cummings reported November 4, 2018 through November 7, 2018, Trustee Larry Rive, Chief Millsap, Lt. Ceplecha, Allan Mills, and himself attended the 2018 Illinois Public Safety Telecommunications Association conference in Springfield. The conference offered professional networking opportunities with local, state, and national leaders in the field of telecommunications, contact vendors for an assortment of cutting edge technologies in the field, breakaway sessions covering a vast array of technology application, law updates, and procedural best practice topics. Participation in the even provided an excellent opportunity for professional development and rounding out our command of the current issues faxing telecommunications in our community and at large.

Report from Code/Life Safety Officer, Dan Tholotowsky.

Mr. Tholotowsky reported business and liquor license distribution has been started. Mr. Struve and Mr. Tholotowsky have conducted inspections. They have been working with some residents on complaints at Valley Oaks.

Mr. Tholotowsky attended a teleconference with trustees, officials, and the potential owners of Valley Oaks Property.

He is working with B&F Code consultants and Sterling Codifiers, Matt Struve and Sharon Wells to work through building code revisions.

Report from Building Inspector in Training, Matt Struve Mr. Matt Struve reported Runnion and Advantage Chevrolet are progressing on their projects. UPS will be relocating from the end of 75th St, to the 6901 Santa Fe Drive. Arrow Corporation is purchasing the 7225 Santa Fe Drive property.

Mr. Matt Struve attended a 2 day course on Manufactured Home Installation. 1800 hours of installation experience is needed to be a certified HUD installer.

Committee Reports:

Finance Committee, Chairman, Vicky Moxley Mrs. Moxley said there will be an upcoming Finance Committee Meeting to discuss the 2019 budget. Date is to be determined.

The IMRF Early Retirement meeting will be 12/5/18 at 7:00 pm

Public Works Committee, Chairman, Dominic Misasi

Mr. Misasi reported Public Works has been busy vacuuming leaves.

All the snow equipment has been brought out and is ready to go for winter.

The fencing has been removed from Lenzi Avenue and is to be used on the East Avenue project. Mr. Kovel commented that they did a nice job with this.

Building Committee, Chairman, Tim Kovel

Mr. Kovel reported new homes are being built. The Advantage Chevrolet and Runnion projects are finishing up. They should be done within the next few months. The fencing project has been started in front of these businesses.

There was an intense meeting with the prospective new owners of Valley Oaks. He feels things are sounding promising.

Water Committee, Chairman, Dominic Misasi

Mr. Misasi announced Water Department Foreman Vern Millsap will be retiring at the end of the year. Mr. Misasi thanked Mr. Vernon Millsap for his service to the Village

Public Works employee Andrew Salerno passed the water certification test.

Police Committee, Chairman, Larry Rice

No Report

Zoning Committee, Chairman, Paul Struve

No Report

E.S.D.A. Committee, Chairman, Paul Struve

Mr. Struve deferred to Mr. Mills for a report. Mr. Mills reported Halloween went well. There was a presence from E.S.D.A. and the Police Department. There was a 36 hour, 2 man coverage for the weekend Railroad closure. They are also preparing for the Thanksgiving and Christmas shopping season.

Public Relations Committee, Lida Mills

Mrs. Mills reported Coffee with a Cop was on 10/17/18. The Milo gun simulator was demonstrated. There were about 30 people present.

The next Aging Well meeting is November 26, 2018 at 10:00 a.m.

Breakfast with Santa is Saturday, December 1, 2018 9:30 am and it is free to residents.

The Hodgkins Tree Lighting is Monday, November 26th at 6:30 p.m.

Health, Safety & Human Resource Chairman, Vicky Moxley.

No Report

Comments from the audience

Old Business

New Business

A motion to close the meeting was made by Mrs. Moxley. Second by Mrs. Mills Voting Aye: Mr. Kovel, Mrs. Moxley, Mr. Rice, Mr. Struve, Mr. Misasi, and Mrs. Mills. Voting Nay: None

Meeting closed at 8:00p.m.

Stephanie Gardner

Stephanie Gardner, Clerk

Date Passed: 11 29-18

Voting Aye: 6

Absent: 0

Voting Nay: 0

Abstain: 0

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