Village of Franklin Park Village Board of Trustees met Dec. 12.
Here is the minutes provided by the board:
CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Hinshaw
The regular meeting of the Village of Indian Head Park Board of Trustees was held at the Lyonsville Congregational Church, 6871 Joliet Road, Indian Head Park, IL, 60525, and was convened at 7:00 P.M. by Mayor Hinshaw.
ROLL CALL: Sharon Allison, Village Clerk
PRESENT (and constituting a quorum):
Mayor Tom Hinshaw
Trustee Sean Conboy
Trustee Rita Farrell-Mayer
Trustee Shawn Kennedy
Trustee Christian Metz
Trustee Brenda O’Laughlin
Trustee Amy Wittenberg
ALSO PRESENT:
John DuRocher, Village Administrator
Mike Kurinec, Acting Chief of Police
Patrick Brankin, General Counsel, Schain, Banks, Kenny & Schwartz
Linda Merrifield, Deputy Clerk and Administrative Assistant
Argelia Garbacz, Finance Manager
Nick Tantillo, Cable Station Manager
VISITORS: 90 Indian Head Park Residents
MAYOR’S REPORT:
Mayor Hinshaw introduced and thanked Pastor Sean Weston for the use of the facility of the Lyonsville Congregational Church for this meeting. Pastor Weston welcomed those present and invited all to his church at any time.
Mayor Hinshaw requested a moment of silence in honor of Police Chief Robert Cervenka who died recently.
Sterigenics—Sterigenics in Willowbrook remains closed and probably will remain closed in the future.
Sidewalks—There presently are four Sidewalk/Road projects under consideration:
Ø Wolf Road Project-- a very positive meeting was recently held with the County which wants to extend the sidewalk to 79th Street on the south. The cost of this would be around $1.3 million dollars and would be paid by the County. The Phase 1 (engineering, etc.) study of the project lies ahead. Also regarding Wolf Road—We are anticipating patching to be done in the spring time. This will be paid by IHP and then reimbursed by the county.
Ø Plainfield Road Project—The Tollway will be re-doing the bridge over the tollway. IHP hopes to get a sidewalk along the bridge to the entry of the frontage road when this construction takes place.
Ø Acacia Road Project—We should know by May 2020 about the options available that will provide minimal impact regarding sidewalks along Acacia with regard to trees, vegetation, etc.
Ø Joliet Road Project—IHP is presently in the state’s budget for $150,000 for land acquisition, and $150,000 for lighting for the most affected area of Joliet Road and Wolf Road.
I-294 Update—In the near future, the tollway will clear the property on the west side of the creek to establish a retention area. The southbound road extension will be construction in 2021; the northbound, in 2022.
Smart 911—This is the way that we communicate within the Village regarding emergencies or important
news. If a resident has not completed registration for this system, please do so as soon as possible. Also sign up on the website for similar notifications.
Village Goals—If you have a goal for the Village, please approach a Trustee or the Mayor to get that goal in the mix before final decisions are made. Presently there are the following items suggested for next year: proactive marketing of the Triangle, the Heritage Center, community events, and infrastructure.
Mayor Hinshaw apologized for the delay in getting the mailing of the announcement of this meeting into the hands of the residents in time. PUBLIC COMMENTS: Twenty-one people spoke to the issue of the cannabis sales in IHP. Several spoke in favor of the sale of cannabis. The majority of speakers were against the sale of cannabis.
CONSENT AGENDA:
Motion to Establish Consent Agenda as Printed.
Moved by Trustee O’Laughlin. Seconded by Trustee Wittenberg.
Motion carried by roll call vote (6-0). Trustees Conboy, Farrell-Mayer, Kennedy, Metz, O’Laughlin, and Wittenberg voted Yay. No Nay Votes.
Motion to Approve Consent Agenda as Established.
Moved by Trustee Wittenberg. Seconded by Trustee O’Laughlin.
Financial report was presented by Treasurer Garcia. Cash on Hand on October 31, 2019, was $2,268,386.51. Payables amounted to $697,507.01. Total Revenues amounted to $403,948.40. Ending Balance on November 30, 2019, was $1,974,827.90.
Trustee O’Laughlin explained the McCook Library Intergovernmental Agreement which allows for IHP residents to use the McCook Library at a cost of $100 per year per person. This allows access to 97 other libraries in the state of Illinois. This is the 3rd agreement between the two towns. Mayor Hinshaw thanked Trustee O’Laughlin for initiating and maintaining this Agreement (in effect from March 2020 to March 2022) for the residents of IHP.
Mayor Hinshaw requested an edit to the November 2019 Board Meeting Minutes. He asked that the last sentence regarding the Sidewalks part of his Report be modified. The original Consent Agenda was modified by Trustees Wittenberg and O’Laughlin to include a change in the wording to read: “The Invest in Cook Grant work is still in the works as a draft part of Phase I of the project.”
The Distinguished Budget Award has been presented to the Village for the third year in a row. This award is a measure of the transparency of the work done in preparing the Village budget. Administrator DuRocher complimented Argelia Garbacz, Village Finance Manager, for her exemplary work.
Administrator DuRocher also reported on the Village’s Bond Rating. Over the past several years Standard & Poors has increased the bond rating from AA- to AA+. This is a recognition of the financial stability of IHP. Mayor Hinshaw thanked Administrator DuRocher and Finance Manager Garbacz for their dedication to the Village.
Motion carried by roll call vote (6-0). Trustees Conboy, Farrell-Mayer, Kennedy, Metz, O’Laughlin, and Wittenberg voted Yay. No Nay votes.
NEW BUSINESS:
ORDINANCE 2019-23, AN ORDINANCE MAKING REVISIONS TO THE ANIMAL CONTROL ORDINANCE Motion to pass Ordinance 2019-23 making certain revisions to the Animal Control Ordinance was moved by Trustee Farrell-Mayer; seconded by Trustee Wittenberg. Administrator DuRocher explained that this Ordinance was tabled from the November meeting to allow further study of the conditions and language of the Ordinance. A better definition of a “dangerous” animal, consideration of lot sizes, and number of cats or dogs allowed were considered. The new changes modernize our current Animal Control Ordinance. Motion carried by roll call vote. Trustee Conboy, Farrell-Mayer, Kennedy, Metz, O’Laughlin, and Wittenberg voted Yay. No Nay votes.
ORDINANCE 2019-25, AN ORDINANCE SETTING THE TAX LEVY FOR 2019 Motion to pass Ordinance 2019-25, an ordinance establishing the tax levy for the year 2019 was moved by Trustee Metz; seconded by Trustee O’Laughlin. Administrator DuRocher explained that every December we are required to pass a tax levy. This year’s increase will be about $60,000 which will amount to $16-48 per house per year. Motion carried by roll call vote. Trustee Conboy, Farrell-Mayer, Kenney, Metz, O’Laughlin, and Wittenberg voted Yay. No Nay votes.
PROPERTY TAX EXTENSION LIMITATION FOR 2019-RESOLUTION 07-19 Motion moved by Trustee Metz to pass Resolution 07-19, the 2019 Property Tax Extension Limitation Resolution; seconded by Trustee Wittenberg. Administrator DuRocher explained that the County gives us an estimation of our taxes each year. If we are taxed too much, we can tell the county from which areas to take the money. Therefore, it is to our advantage to be as accurate in our estimate as possible. Motion carried by roll call vote (6-0). Trustees Conboy, Farrell-Mayer, Kennedy, Metz, O’Laughlin, and Wittenberg voted Yay. No Nay votes.
APPROVE CHANGE ORDER—WATER MAIN REPLACEMENT PROGRAM Motion by Trustee Metz to approve the change order for the water main replacement program for Austin-Tyler Construction in an amount not to exceed $28,829.86. Seconded by Trustee Wittenberg. Administrator DuRocher explained that the emergency access driveway into Chestnut on the Green must be repaired. This is due to damage incurred during water main construction. The repair of the driveway will take place next spring. Motion carried by roll call vote (6-0). Trustees Conboy, Farrell-Mayer, Kennedy, Metz, O’Laughlin, and Wittenberg voted Yay. No Nay votes.
RESOLUTION 09-19 REGARDING THE SUBMISSION OF A PUBLIC REFERENDA QUESTION. Motion moved by Trustee Farrell-Mayer to pass Ordinance 09-19, a resolution regarding the submission of a Non-Binding Public Referenda question regarding the sale of recreational adult cannabis in the Village of Indian Head Park; seconded by Trustee O’Laughlin. Administrator DuRocher explained that in order for this question to be placed on the March primary ballot, it would have to be submitted to the County Clerk by December 31, 2019. Mayor Hinshaw stated that the Village has had one previous referendum on the sale of the Heritage Center. That referendum failed. Trustee Wittenberg asked Counsel Brankin to explain the difference between a binding and a non-binding referendum. A non-binding referendum is strictly advisory. In the case of the state cannabis law, it does not allow for a binding vote, only non-binding. Mayor Hinshaw expressed his opinion on this issue by stating that he felt that there was no need for further delay of the vote to allow recreational cannabis sales in IHP as there has been discussion of this issue since August. Motion failed by roll call vote (3-4). Trustees Farrell-Mayer, O’Laughlin, and Wittenberg voted Yay. Trustees Conboy, Kennedy, Metz, and Mayor Hinshaw voted Nay.
ORDINANCE 2019-26, AN ORDINANCE IMPOSING A 6-MONTH MORATORIUM ON ALL ADULT RECREATIONAL CANNABIS USES IN THE VILLAGE. Motion moved by Trustee Wittenberg to pass Ordinance 2019-26, an Ordinance Imposing a 6-Month Moratorium on all Adult Recreational Cannabis Uses in the Village; seconded by Trustee O’Laughlin. Administrator DuRocher explained that the moratorium, if passed, would allow a pause on accepting applications to sell recreational cannabis in IHP. It will allow for further time to make recommendations before recommending possible sellers to the Board. All Trustees added to the discussion of the advantages/disadvantages of the moratorium. Issues discussed involved keeping an open mind, seeking as much information as possible, keeping the Planning and Zoning Committee involved in decision-making (which includes “special use zoning control”), and being financially and fiscally responsible regarding the decision. In answer to inquiries about starting a recreational cannabis business in IHP, Mayor Hinshaw stated that one company—Northern Illinois Associates—has expressed an interest on the property of Joliet Road and Vine. Motion failed to pass by roll call vote (3-4). Trustees Farrell-Mayer, O’Laughlin, and Wittenberg voted Yay. Trustees Conboy, Kennedy Metz and Mayor Hinshaw voted Nay.
ORDINANCE 19-22, AN ORDINANCE PROHIBITING ADULT CANNABIS USES IN THE VILLAGE. Motion moved by Trustee O’Laughlin to pass Ordinance 19-22, an Ordinance Prohibiting Adult Cannabis Uses in the Village; seconded by Trustee Wittenberg. Trustee Kennedy took the time to share his opinions and why he has those opinions regarding the use of cannabis before the vote on this issue took place. Motion failed to pass by roll call vote (3-4). Trustees Farrell-Mayer, O’Laughlin, and Wittenberg voted Yay. Trustees Conboy, Kennedy, Metz, and Mayor Hinshaw voted Nay.
H. ORDINANCE 2019-21, AN ORDINANCE REGULATING CERTAIN CANNABIS USES IN THE VILLAGE.
Motion made by Trustee Kennedy to pass Ordinance 2019-21, an Ordinance Regulating Certain Cannabis Uses in the Village; seconded by Trustee Farrell-Mayer.
Counsel Brankin was asked to explain where it would be legal to smoke cannabis. We must follow the Illinois State law which prohibits smoking in public—any place where a smoker could be reasonably seen by others, not in the proximity to anyone under the age of 21, not in restaurants, among other restrictions.
Mayor Hinshaw stated that he and other Board members work very hard for the benefit of IHP. He particularly is interested in Infrastructure and working through a Capital Plan for the Village. He sees the sale of cannabis as an opportunity to increase Village income as a positive. He answered the comment of a resident who questioned if the Mayor or any other Board members stood to reap income from the sale of cannabis in the Village. The answer was NO by all Board Members. Trustee Wittenberg expressed the importance to put guardrails around this cannabis situation. This would be the vote for the “special use zoning control” that she feels is necessary. In her opinion, this is a very important topic.
Motion carried by roll call vote (6-0). Trustees Conboy, Farrell-Mayer, Kennedy, Metz, O’Laughlin, and Wittenberg voted Yay. No Nay votes.
REPORTS: TRUSTEES:
Trustee O’Laughlin: Santa will be coming to the Village Hall on December 21 between 9:30-12:30. Thanks to the Fun Committee.
Trustee Metz: Thanks to Danielle Svestka and her neighbors for decorating the Heritage House for Christmas. Honey, T-Shirts, and Tote Bags are on sale in the Heritage Center and Village Hall. Coffee and Donuts with the Mayor was recently held at the Heritage Center. Thanks to Oak Pantry for their coffee and donuts donation. VILLAGE CLERK: No Report VILLAGE TREASURER: No Report VILLAGE ATTORNEY: No report VILLAGE ADMINISTRATOR:
Leaf, Trash, Re-cycling Pick-up—A Town Hall Meeting will be held in January to discuss this issue.
Bids will go out in February. Additional Town Halls will be held thereafter.
POLICE REPORT: Acting Chief of Police Kurinec reported that it was a relatively quiet month. Officers were affected by the recent death of Police Chief Cervenka. Police calls were normal. A great deal of training took place for officers.
PUBLIC COMMENTS: Six out of seven residents expressed dissatisfaction with the results of the cannabis ordinances voted upon at this meeting.
At 9:35 P.M. Trustee Wittenberg motioned to adjourn to Closed Session to discuss the following:
5 ILCS 120/2(c)(1)—The appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance, or dismissal of a specific employee (c) (2)—Collective Bargaining
Motion seconded by Trustee O’Laughlin. Motion carried by a roll call vote (6-0). Trustees Conboy, Farrell-Mayer, Kennedy, Metz, O’Laughlin, and Wittenberg voted Yay. No Nay votes. At 10:00 P.M. the meeting reconvened with the following in attendance: Mayor Hinshaw; Trustees
Conboy, Farrell-Mayer, Kennedy, Metz, O’Laughlin, and Wittenberg. At 10:00 P.M. Trustee Conboy motioned to adjourn the Open Session; Seconded by Trustee O’Laughlin. Motion carried by voice vote. Meeting adjourned
http://www.indianheadpark-il.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_12122019-253
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