Village of Western Springs President and Board of Trustees met Feb. 10.
Here is the minutes provided by the board:
President Alice F. Gallagher, Presiding
Call to Order, 7:00 p.m.
James Horvath, Acting Village Clerk
Board Members Present
Nicole Chen
Alan Fink
James John
Heidi Rudolph
William Siffermann
James Tyrrell
Others Present
Ingrid Velkme, Village Manager
Grace Turi, Director of Finance
John Mastandona, Asst. Dir. of Finance
Patrick Kenny, Director of Fire & EMS
Ellen Baer, Director ofAdmin Svcs
Brian Budds, Director of Law
Enforcement Services
Martin Scott, Director of Community
Development
Aleks Briedis, Director of Rec
Matt Supert, Director ofMun Svcs
Casey Biernacki, Asst. Director of Mun Svcs
Daisy Chavez, Analyst
Patrick Schramm, Director of IT
JeffZiegler, Village Engineer
Michael Jurusik, Village Attorney
CALL TO ORDER
The meeting opened at 7:00 p.m.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
President Gallagher led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance.
ROLL CALL
Electronic attendance at meeting: None.
As noted above.
READING OF AGENDA - ADDITIONS - DELETIONS
There were none.
MOMENT OF SILENCE FOR FORMER VILLAGE PRESIDENT LOUIS F. SCHAUER
President Gallagher asked for a moment of silence for former Village President Louis F. Schauer who passed away on December 20, 2019. Mr. Schauer served as Village Attorney for Western Springs and later as President of the Board of Trustees of the Village from 1981 - 1985. President Gallagher also asked everyone to observe a moment of silence for former Village employee Dick Skoda, who passed away last weekend. Mr. Skoda was a firefighter and Public Works Director at the Village of Western Springs.
CITIZEN COMMENTS
James Holderman addressed the Board regarding 5G / small cell on behalf of Stop 5G Liaison Moira Zellner whose daughter is ill and asked about the status of information requested by the group previously. Mr. Holdermann requested that the Board direct Attorney Jurusik or staff to put agenda packets on the Village website on the Friday before the meeting.
Nicole Christensen asked who owns the small wireless telecommunications facilities on the Village water tower, who has the contracts with these telecommunications companies and at what frequencies these facilities are running. Ms. Christensen continued, if our town has the contract, how much money is the Village getting each year from each company.
Adam Hirson addressed the Board and thanked staff for marked improvement with more communication and more progress. Mr. Hirson encouraged the Board to deny the permit for the Leadcore application which he said looks clearly like the first step in laying the ground with fiber for the small cell / 5G project and the application looks wholly incomplete. Mr. Hirson said he appreciates the Town Hall meeting, would like to view the RSVP list and would like the chance to speak at the Town Hall meeting.
CONSIDERATION OF AGENDA ITEMS DUMNG THE WORKSHOP PORTION OF THE COMBINED MEETING
1) PROPERTIES AND RECREATION - TRUSTEE CHEN
A) Agreement with Healing Hearts for Ashley
Trustee Chen reported on a proposal to extend an agreement between the Village and Healing Hearts for Ashley. Healing Hearts has been the Village's partner for the Tower Trot race in 2018 and 2019. The foundation provided about 40 volunteers for the race which is very helpful for the administration of the race. The foundation also solicits sponsors for the race. Those sponsors provide the snacks at the finish line and the balance of funds goes to Healing Hearts for Ashley Foundation. The Recreation Department registers participants and fees collected go toward the race costs including timing, shirts and other race supplies. This agreement would continue the partnership for 2020 and 2021.
Trustee Chen welcomed Matt Jurjovec, President of Healing Hearts for Ashley Foundation. Mr. Jurjovec said the foundation has been the benefitting charity for the Western Springs Tower Trot for the last two (2) years. Mr. Jurjovec's late wife, Ashley, was a teacher at McClure Junior High School. She passed away suddenly in 2016 from an undetected heart condition called ARVC. On behalf of the foundation, Mr. Jurjovec has been working with Lurie's Children's Hospital and a specific group called cardiovascular genetics group to help raise money to detect these heart conditions through genetic sequencing. The foundation has raised over $136,000 to support the research in the last two years. The Tower Trot alone has actually helped the foundation raise $53,000 in the last two years and the foundation has secured about 40 sponsors a year to help with that benefit. The foundation is very excited to work with Western Springs once again and to be partners for the next two years to help raise money for the foundation and work in the community where Ashley taught. President Gallagher said we are honored to partner with the foundation, and we feel that connection with Mr. Jurjovec's wife and her service at McClure. The Board appreciates the opportunity to partner with the foundation and looks forward to many more years.
The approval of the agreement between the Village and Healing Hearts for Ashley Foundation will be on the February 24, 2020, omnibus vote list for consideration of approval.
B) HVAC Services Contract Renewal
C) Tree Trimming Contract Renewal
D) Tree Removal Contract Renewal
E) Janitorial Services Contract Renewal
F) Landscaping Services Contract Renewal
G) Emerald Ash Borer Contract Renewal
The Properties and Recreation Committee discussed several contract renewals in detail at their last Committee meeting on January 28, 2020. Based on staff recommendations, the Committee recommends approving renewing several contracts. The contract renewals include the HVAC Preventative Maintenance Services contract with The YMI Group for $19,900, and a Janitorial Services for Municipal Buildings/Public Works for $31,499.75 and $3,143 respectively, Landscaping Services from Brightview Landscapes, LLC for $34,700. The next three (3) contracts all involve trees. These three (3) contract renewals are for the Tree Trimming contract to Winkler Tree & Landscaping in the amount of $105,000, the Tree Removal contract to Homer Tree Care Inc. for $75,000, and the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) Treatment contract with Trugreen for $16,751.28. The Committee discussed the EAB treatment contract and learned a bit about when the insects are attracted to the trees and how they then destroy them. It is estimated that the Village has about 500 of these ash trees in Western Springs. This contract will treat about 250 trees this season and the treatment is done by schedule. Treatment is by injection into the tree trunk and protects against this insect that will attack these trees. Village policy is not to plant any ash trees going forward, but this treatment helps to avoid having a large section of trees in an area die from the insect. Once the tree is infected, the treatment won't remove the infection. Discussion followed.
Tmstee Chen noted that tree trimming occurs in the winter when the trees are dormant. Trustee Chen also mentioned that the Village just received a grant from the Morton Arboretum which will be used to inventory our trees in late spring after the bid process. The three (3) contract renewals will be on the February 24, 2020 omnibus vote list for consideration of approval.
H) Surplus Equipment/Vehicles Disposal Request - One (1) 1988
Hendrickson VT-100 4x4 Dump Truck and one (1) 1994 International Model 4900 6x4 DT 466 Dump Truck)
Municipal Services staff has been analyzing equipment owned by the Village and used by staff which has either become obsolete, no longer can function for the intended purpose or is not mechanically sound. Staff identified two pieces of equipment that are too costly to repair. Both are dump trucks, one which has been replaced, and the other that will not be replaced. With the Board's permission and approval, staff will dispose of this surplus equipment which includes one (1) 1988 Hendrickson VT-100 4x4 dump truck with 34,505 miles. The dump truck needs a new dump box cylinder. This is the second cylinder replaced on this truck. It also has other issues which are beginning to show based on the age of the vehicle. The second vehicle is a 1994 International Model 4900 6x4 dump truck with 138,779 miles and 12,616 HRS of services. This truck needs an engine overhaul.
With no objection from the Board, an ordinance providing for disposal of this surplus equipment will be added to the February 24, 2020 omnibus vote list.
I) Hi-Ranger Inspection and Report
The Hi-Ranger is a piece of equipment used by Public Works to work on trees or on streetlights to repair streets lights. The Hi-Ranger needs some maintenance work and staff received a proposal from Terex ofWaukesha, Wisconsin for the work in the amount of $7,100. Approval of the proposal was added to the omnibus vote list.
J) Replacement Equipment Purchase John Deere Tractor
Staff is requesting approval to purchase one (1) John Deere 3046R Compact Utility Tractor to replace the 2013 Polaris Ranger Crew 800 vehicle which was approved for disposal in January. This vehicle, a John Deere tractor, will be used for snow removal on the train platform and in the commercial district and was budgeted for 2020 at a cost of $35,000. With no objection from the Board, approval was added to the February 24, 2020 voting list.
K) BNSF Underpass Agreement
Trustee Chen reported on the draft BNSF agreement which includes an easement agreement for the proposed pedestrian underpass under the tracks at Prospect Avenue (West Underpass). The agreement is being reviewed by Attorney Jurusik and to maintain the schedule of an April 24, 2020 bid letting for the project, the Board needs to approve and execute the agreement and get it to the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) by March 2. Staff also recommended approval of the West Underpass Phase III construction engineering agreement with Christopher B. Burke Engineering at a cost of $185,049.42. Phase III engineering includes construction supervision, material review and required submittals to state and federal agencies. The west underpass is scheduled to appear on the IDOT April bid letting with construction tentatively scheduled for the summer but the committee discussed that there are a lot of moving pieces to that project between various parties including BNSF who has a very big window for the work that they have to do prior to when we begin work. Trustee Chen said there is a potential for a lot of construction projects in the Spring Rock Park area, including the shoo-fly bridge, perhaps this west underpass. Central Avenue and the pedestrian overpass. Both agreements will be on the February 24,2020 omnibus vote list for consideration of approval.
Resident Lisa DenBesten asked how the BNSF west underpass agreement compared to the east underpass agreement. Director Supert responded that the agreement for the west underpass agreement is completely different than the east underpass agreement. The agreement process with the BNSF is very different.
L) Capital Summary Report
Trustee Chen said there were no updates on the Historical Water Tower front door or the East Train Platform project. Staff is still waiting for an IDOT response on an issue that they raised for the Wolf Road Bike Path project. The West Underpass project will now be included in the Properties and Recreation Capital Summary report.
Trustee Rudolph asked for confirmation that all the contract renewals as well as the Hi-Ranger maintenance are falling within budget. Director Supert confirmed that is the case.
2) PUBLIC WORKS AND WATER - TRUSTEE FINK
A) Special Service Area #8 - Ridgewood Oaks Subdivision Basin Project
Trustee Fink reported that this project went to bid on February 4, 2020 and staff expects to present bid results at the March Board meeting. Staff is meeting with the homeowner's association to continue work on development of the special service area agreement for the project. There is a push to get this project completed as the costs continue to rise.
B) Sidewalk Replacement Contract Renewal
C) Sidewalk Shaving Program Contract Renewal
D) Street Sweeping Contract Renewal
E) Smoke & Dye Testing Program Contract Renewal
Tmstee Fink reported on four (4) contract renewals which the Public Works and Water Committee discussed at their last meeting. The Village does not have to go out to bid if we are happy with the work performed over the last year and wish to extend the contract.
The Sidewalk Saw-Cutting contract was bid and awarded in 2015 to Safe Step for a unit price of $28.50/inch ft. Sidewalk saw-cutting is a method of eliminating displacements and trip hazards between sidewalk squares without removing and replacing concrete. Staff was pleased with the services provided by Safe Step and recommended renewing the contract for 2020.
The Sidewalk Replacement contract was bid and awarded in 2019 to Strada Construction for a total contract price of $76,612.50. The contract includes quantities for the replacement of public sidewalk identified as a trip hazard, spot curb/gutter and the 60/40 shared replacement program between residents and the Village, respectively. Staff was pleased with the services provided by Strada Construction and recommended renewing the contract for 2020.
The Street Sweeping and Disposal Services contract was bid and awarded to Lakeshore Recycling Systems for an annual total cost of $71,045.69.
The Smoke Testing Services contract was bid and awarded to RJN Group in 2019 for a total cost of $19,998.88. Smoke testing detects water entering the sanitary sewer system, which is not allowed by the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District (MWRD).
Staff was pleased with the services provided on each of these four contracts and recommended renewing the contract for 2020. The approval of the renewal of these contracts will be on the February 24, 2020 omnibus vote list for consideration of approval.
Trustee Rudolph asked if all these contract renewals were within budget. Tmstee Fink confirmed that is the case.
F) 2020 Motor Fuel Tax (MFT) Roadway Program Phase 2/3 Engineering Proposal
The Village has budgeted $420,000 for construction related to the 2020 Motor Fuel Tax (MFT) Resurfacing Project. The following roadways are scheduled for asphalt resurfacing in 2020:
*40th Street (Johnson Avenue to Franklin Avenue) * 40th Street (Ellington to Gilbert Avenue) * Willow Street (Western Avenue to Hampton Avenue) * Walnut Street Alley (between Walnut and Reid Streets)
The committee recommended approval of a proposal from Christopher B. Burke Engineering LLC (CBBEL) for Phase II (Design) and Phase III (Construction) engineering for a not-to-exceed fee of $64,920. The Village budgeted $73,100 for Phase II/III engineering services in 2020. Staff recommended that the proposal be approved in order to start project design in March. With no objection from the Board, the approval will be on the Febmary 24 omnibus vote list for consideration of approval.
G) Capital Summary Report
Trustee Fink reported on the Well 5 Transmission Main project. The work is complete, and staff is coordinating final payment with the IEPA. Regarding the Well 5 Electrical and Pumping Equipment project, staff has the construction permits and we are now just waiting for IEPA notice to proceed. The waiting period has resulted in the project completion schedule to be delayed by four weeks. The cellular providers are reinstalling equipment on the Standpipe now that the repainting project is complete. Staff is coordinating payment with the IEPA on this project. The 2019 Referendum project and the 2019 MFT Resurfacing program work has been completed. Staff is waiting on the parkway restoration which will happen in the spring. The IEPA loan for the Clausen Avenue main replacement project is completed. Regarding the Central Avenue Reconstruction/MWRD project, staff is coordinating with the Park District and the Illinois Tollway on easements needed for the new storm sewer. Phase I Project Development Report (PDR) will be submitted to IDOT once easements have been secured. The Village is waiting for a permit from BNSF for the West Suburban Mass Transit District Grant - Phase 2 Project, which is the electrical charging station project and once the permit is received, work will commence in early spring.
Discussion about the four-week delay on the Well #5 project and the possibility of making up some or all of that time followed.
3) PLANNING AND ZONING - TRUSTEE JOHN
A) Resolution Calling For An Amendment Of The Illinois Small Cell Deployment Act To Return Control Of Local Right-Of-Ways To Local Municipalities Or, In The Alternative, To Repeal Of The Act
B) Resolution Supporting Federal Bills H.R. 530 And S. 2012 To Restore Local Control In 5g/Broadband Deployment
Trustee John presented two resolutions for discussion regarding 5G. Public Act 100-585 has taken away much of the ability of municipalities such as Western Springs to control the rights-of-way and the goal here is to amend it. Attorney Jurusik explained how these resolutions were developed. The first resolution was modeled on a resolution adopted by Burr Ridge a couple of years ago. We have taken that language and adopted most of what they have put in there. Burr Ridge's ordinance was focused on the proposed Small Cell Act and that Act is already with us. Attorney Jumsik said we also took the extra step to doing a separate resolution to support the two pieces of federal legislation submitted in the Senate and the House recently to restore local control in 5 G broadband deployment. There are two particular pieces of legislation that are pending out there. One resolution deals with our State Deployment Act and the other supports two federal bills. Both of these resolutions will be considered for approval later this evening.
Attorney Jumsik also reported that at the end of last week, a State piece of legislation, HB 4653, was submitted by Representative Deanne Mazzochi which creates a local control and protection empowering law, amends the Small Wireless Facilities Deployment Act, and allows property owners who file a petition to require a public hearing by a municipality prior to the municipality approving or denying an installation if the installation is located in an area zoned exclusively as residential purposes. This is a piece of legislation that was just filed, it is not law. It hasn't been approved and it hasn't gone through the process yet. Attorney Jurusik said we will be sure this legislation gets up on the Village's website tomorrow so that everybody could see what it says.
Discussion about the piece of legislation and how it would proceed as well as the purpose of passing these resolutions followed.
Trustee John thanked Attorney Jurusik for his fast action preparing these resolutions, the goal of which is to return local control. These resolutions were fast-tracked for approval this evening in response to residents' concerns.
Trustee John read the two resolutions into the record. Discussion followed. With the Board's consensus, the two resolutions remained on the omnibus vote list later this evening for approval.
4) FINANCE - TRUSTEE RUDOLPH
Timber Trails Update
Village Engineer Ziegler provided the Board with history and an update on the Timber Trails Development. Mr. Ziegler explained the Board's role with the payment process through the Board of Local Improvements. Discussion followed.
5) PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY - TRUSTEE SIFFERMANN
A) Buckle-up your Valentine
Trustee Siffermann reported that the Law Enforcement Services Department is offering a "Buckle-up your Valentine" safe child car seat and seatbelt usage event. Officers Hull, Magnuson and Niezgoda have completed the car seat training and will be on hand to help with training. This event is open to residents and non-residents.
B) Disaster Drill
Trustee Siffermann said that Chief Kenny has announced the Emergency Disaster Tabletop Drill which will occur on February 20, 2020. This is an opportunity for the Fire and Police Departments to coordinate their efforts to interact with other city departments and agencies in the event of a disaster or another emergency and prove the competencies of these bodies to interact with each other and Village personnel that will be on-site to go through this exercise. The event will begin at 8:00 a.m. and will take place in the All-Purpose Room at Village Hall. A debriefing session will follow the completion of the drill at about 12:00 noon. As trustees, all are invited to participate in this exercise.
6) GENERAL GOVERNMENT - TRUSTEE TYRRELL
A) Resolution Authorizing The Use Of Village Funds And Authorizing The Approval And Execution Of The Local Public Agency Agreement For Federal Participation To Be Entered Into Between The Village Of Western Springs And The Illinois Department Of Transportation Related To The West Underpass Project
Trustee Tyrrell said the Board has heard from Trustee Chen regarding the west pedestrian underpass earlier this evening regarding approval an agreement with BNSF as well as for the Phase III engineering contract. Trustee Tyrrell presented a third item, a resolution, with the Illinois Department of Transportation which will hopefully be on the February 24, 2020 omnibus vote list. The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) requires all municipalities utilizing federal funding to approve a Local Agency Agreement (BLR 05310) and accompanying resolution prior to bid letting. The West Underpass will essentially connect the Western Springs Pool area with Spring Rock Park. Surface Transportation Program (STP) federal funding is being used to pay for 75% of the West Underpass construction costs. The cost is in excess of $3 million. The federal contribution is to be about $2.2 - $2.4 million dollars. The attached agreement and resolution state that the Village will fund the remaining 25% of the project. Grant funding from Metra, Invest in Cook and the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) will be used to pay for the remaining 25%. The Metro grant is expected to cover $200,000; the Invest in Cook grant is expected to cover $200,000, and the ICC grant is expected to cover approximately $900,000. In order to channel all this money, we need a resolution and local agency agreement. This resolution needs to be approved as soon as possible because the bid letting is planned for April 2020 and we must have this in place before that time. With no objection from the Board, the resolution approving the agreement with IDOT was added to the omnibus vote list on February 24, 2020.
B) Resolution to Celebrate the 100th Anniversary of the League of Women Voters
Trustee Tyrrell introduced a resolution celebrating the 100th anniversary of the League of Women Voters. Former Village Clerk Jasica provided history of the League of Women Voters to the Board. Former Trustee and resident Lisa DenBesten and Mrs. Jasica were present on behalf of the League. The resolution will be approved later this evening on omnibus. President Gallagher commended former Clerk Jasica on all her many years of civic service. Trustee Tyrrell read the resolution into the record.
C) An Ordinance Amending The Western Springs Municipal Code, Title 4 (Liquor Control); Chapter 1 (Alcoholic Liquor) Relative To Adding Specialty Drinks Under Class "J" (Special Events Only On Village Owned Property) Liquor Licenses And Class "M" (Theater License) Liquor Licenses
D) An Ordinance Amending Title 4 (Liquor Control); Chapter 1 (Alcoholic Liquor); Section 4-l-10a(13) Of The Western Springs Village Code Relative To The Creation Of A Class "M" (Theater License; Beer, Wine And Specialty Drinks Only) Liquor License For Issuance To The Theatre Of Western Springs For The Property Located At 4384 Hampton Avenue, Western Springs, Cook County, Illinois
Trustee Tyrrell presented a request to add specialty drinks under the Class J (Special events) and Class M (Theatre) license. A request to issue a Class M license to the Theatre of Western Springs was also before the Board for consideration. These two ordinances will be on the omnibus vote list on February 24, 2020. In December, Trustee Tyrrell and Chen presented information on the request to amend the liquor code regarding the Theatre of Western Springs. They wanted a Class M license to sell beer and wine at their events. In addition, the Theatre is seeking to expand alcohol sales to include liquor in the form of theme-based drinks based on their performances. There will not be a bar, not rather, there will be one specific "theme" drink per performance. Professional bar servers (Basset certified) will provide the drinks and there will be a two-drink limit for drinks to be consumed during the event. The license would allow drinks only at an adult performance.
The first ordinance also amends the Village ordinance to allow for specialty drinks for Village events such as the Gathering on the Green. At present, we allow beer and wine at these community events, but the addition of a specialty drink will now be allowed if this ordinance is passed. The Liquor Commission vetted both of these requests and recommended approval.
With no objection from the Board, both ordinances will be considered on February 24, 2020.
E) SEASPAR AIA Contract
Trustee Tyrrell reported that the General Government Committee heard from Director Briedis regarding a need to approve the SEASPAR AIA contract this month. The Board approved the SEASPAR agreement and awarded a construction bid last month to Construction Solutions to proceed with work on the SEASPAR sensory room at Grand Avenue Community Center. Construction on the SEASPAR room is scheduled to begin on February 17, 2020. Tmstee Tyrrell said the Board needs to approve a contract for the AIA. While the contract won't be in place by February 17, 2020, with the Board's consensus, work can commence. The Board would then ratify the contract on February 24,2020 on omnibus. This is a time-sensitive issue, so the Board agreed to allow work to commence on February 17, 2020. Ratification of the contract will be on omnibus.
CONSIDERATION OF AND ACTION ON AGENDA ITEMS DUMNG THE SPECIAL MEETING PORTION OF THE COMBINED MEETING
EXPLANATION OF OMNIBUS VOTING PROCEDURE
President Gallagher said the Illinois State Statutes allow a municipality to collectively vote on a group of ordinances, resolutions, and other motions, such as awards of contract, appointments, etc. This is known as an omnibus vote. All the items contained on the omnibus vote list have been previously discussed by the President and Board ofTmstees on at least one occasion, and often on several occasions. By placing them on the omnibus vote list, a single vote may be taken to approve them. A Trustee may remove any item from the list, and have it discussed and voted on separately, prior to the omnibus vote.
There was no such request.
CONSIDERATION OF AN OMNIBUS VOTE (*)
Trustee February Tyrrell 10, 2020 moved agenda that be the adopted following and/or ordinances, approved resolutions under an and omnibus motions vote: as contained on the
7) *RESOLUTION 20-2527 To Celebrate 100th Anniversary Of The League Of Women Voters
8) *RESOLUTION 20-2528 Calling For An Amendment Of The Illinois Small Cell Deployment Act To Return Control Of Local Right-Of-Wavs To Local Municipalities Or, In The Alternative, To Repeal Of The Act
9) *RESOLUTION 20-2529 Supportine Federal Bills H.R. 530 And S. 2012 To Restore Local Control In 5g/Broadband Deployment
Trustee Siffennann seconded the motion.
ROLL CALL VOTE
MOTION:
The motion passed on a roll call vote.
Voting aye: Trustees Tyrrell, Siffermann, Rudolph, John, Fink, Chen and President Gallagher.
Voting nay: None.
OTHER BUSINESS
10) VILLAGE PRESIDENT GALLAGHER
President Gallagher reminded everyone that due to a lack of quorum and scheduling conflicts, there will only be one Board meeting in the month of March. The Board will have a combined workshop and special meeting on March 16, 2020.
January 28, 2020 - Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP) Council of Mayors Meeting - President Gallagher reported that at that time, we were advised of the change in Federal funding that President Gallagher discussed previously with each Board member that may impact the West Underpass and Central Avenue projects. The change affects every council of government (COG) in the region so it affects essentially every municipality in the region. Our planning liaison with the West Central Municipal Conference is working with others to present a united front as we address the issue, however, we have been advised to continue with our plans and so that is why we are continuing ahead with the April letting for the underpass.
Also, at that meeting, we approved renewal of the planning liaison program which is funded with federal planning dollars. Our Planning Liaison for the Central Council is Mike Fricano with the West Central Municipal Conference. CMAP also identified fiscal year 2021 planning projects for the northeastern region. Of interest to us is a Metropolitan Mayors Caucus project to develop a guidebook for municipal staff and elected officials regarding implementing electrical vehicle infrastructure and challenges and plans for that. That will be coming forth in 2021 and that should be a good blueprint for us as we look into that.
Another interesting project scheduled through the CMAP funding project is an MWRD project for two municipalities to participate in the MWRD stormwater master planning program. Central Council currently has the funding already for storm water regional plan for the 15 communities contained within Central Council. We will be working together with MWRD as a region as we develop the stormwater plan. That will be another layer on top of our transportation regional plan that we just completed in December.
CMAP staff gave an update on railroad grade separation projects and crossing improvements. Delays have increased over the past few years due to an increase in the number and length of trains passing through. CMAP has identified 47 priority projects in the northeast region which includes Chicago and the suburbs. Crossings in Berwyn, River Grove, Riverside, Downers Grove and LaGrange Park have all been identified as priority crossings. Also the Federal Railroad Administration has set up a web page for users to report blocked crossings www.fra.dot.gov/blockedcrossing.
On January 29, 2020, we held the West Central Municipal Conference Joint Transportation Committee meeting here in Western Springs, which is a quarterly meeting. Reports from transit and transportation agencies were heard. Pace reported that they did not have a fare increase for 2020 and they had planned to eliminate Route 669 which actually serves Western Springs but due to consumer feedback, they decided to keep that route in service. That route runs three buses in the morning and five buses in the afternoon. The Pace website provides the timeframe. Metra also reported no fare increase for 2020 and reported 95% on-time performance for 2019. Now that the positive train control is in-place, they hope to improve on that performance in 2020. They are set to purchase new engines and they guarantee that some of those engines will be used along the BNSF line. The Tollway also gave a report and ran a video that shows how the shoo-fly will take place, the steps to tear it down and build it back up. Piledriving has begun and railroad construction is scheduled to begin late spring or early summer. IDOT submitted a proposed roadway improvements schedule that is included in the materials that President Gallagher passed along to the Board.
Finally, our consultant reported on that regional transportation plan that President Gallagher mentioned earlier was completed at the end of 2019. This plan is comprehensive across the entire Central Council area and identifies project for each community and steps the community can take to enhance the points system and maximize grant funding for potential transportation projects. The data is also GIS-mapped so that makes it very portable and allows it to be updated as conditions change. This plan is the model that the stormwater sewer plan will follow but this model is also the first of its kind to have this kind of regional mapping and planning take place.
On February 8, President Gallagher, Trustee Chen, Director Turi and Manager Velkme attended the WCMC legislative breakfast along with Attorney Jumsik. Leader Durkin and the new Senate President Don Harmon shared the stage and spoke of the importance of working together to build on the progress made last year. Congressman Danny Davis and Mike Quigley both spoke of challenges facing Congress right now but they both hoped for a brighter future. Manager Velkme sent the WCMC's legislative priorities to the Board in an email today. President Gallagher highlighted a few of those as they relate to Western Springs. Restoring the LGDF to 10%, an initiative to eliminate administrative fees on local sales taxes, support ofnon-home rule sales tax authority up to 1% and ending federal pre-emption of state and local control of small cell wireless facilities are several WCMC legislative priorities.
11) VILLAGE MANAGER VELKME
Village Manager Velkme reminded everyone of the Small Cell Town Hall meeting, which is scheduled on Thursday, Febmary 13, 2020 at 7:00 p.m. at the Lyons Township High School Corral. She encouraged everyone to come out for that so that we can have a very productive discussion of 5G.
12) VILLAGE ATTORNEY JURUSIK
No report.
OTHER
RECESS TO CLOSED MEETING For The Purpose Of Discussion Of:
A) The Appointment, Employment, Compensation, Discipline, Performance, Or Dismissal Of Specific Employees Of The Public Body Or Legal Counsel For The Public Body, Including Hearing Testimony On A Complaint Lodged Against An Employee Of The Public Body Or Against Legal Counsel For The Public Body To Determine Its Validity. However, A Meeting To Consider An Increase In Compensation To A Specific Employee Of A Public Body That Is Subject To The Local Government Wage Increase Transparency Act May Not Be Closed And Shall Be Open To The Public And Posted And Held In Accordance With This Act(5ILCS120/2(c)(l);and B) Pending Litigation (5 ILCS 120/2(c)(l 1)).
The exception for the purpose of the closed meeting was changed to:
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 120/2(c)(2)).
MOTION:
Trustee Rudolph moved, seconded by Siffermann, to recess to closed meeting at 8:45 p.m. 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 120/2(c)(2)).
The motion passed on a roll call vote. Voting aye: Trustees Rudolph, Siffermaan, Tyrrell, Chen, Fink and John. Voting nay: None.
ADJOURN
MOTION:
Trustee Rudolph moved seconded by John, to adjourn at 9:08 p.m. The motion passed on a unanimous voice vote.
https://www.wsprings.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_02102020-1029
Alerts Sign-up