West Cook News

Village of Western Properties & Recreation Committee met June 17.

Here is the minutes provided by the committee:

Call to Order: 9:03 A.M.

Committee Members 

Nicole Chen – Trustee, Chair 

James Tyrell – Village Trustee

Present: Staff Present: 

Alice Gallagher- Staff 

Ingrid Velkme - Staff

Matthew Supert – Staff 

Casey Biernacki - Staff 

Jenny Pesek- Staff 

Chris Breakey Staff 

Aleks Briedis- Staff 

Liam Sullivan - Staff

Others:

Public Comment: None

Approval of Minutes:

The meeting minutes from 05/14/2020 were approved by Trustee Tyrell and seconded by Chair-Trustee Nicole Chen.

Tree Preservation and Protection Ordinance:

Director Supert recounted that in 2019 the Village received a grant from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources that was administered through the Morton Arboretum, to conduct an updated inventory of the Village’s tree stock. This inventory of trees in the Village right of way was completed by Plan-it Geo in a little over three weeks. The data that was collected includes various information about the species, health, maintenance recommendation, and approximate age of the trees, all of which was uploaded into the GIS software. The overall condition of the Village’s tree stock is in fair to good condition. The health of the tree is rated one through six. One being the best rating and six being the worst rating. This inventory will benefit the maintenance and future planting schedules. Director Supert demonstrated to the committee how the data collected can be used on the GIS software. Superintendent Breakey explained that the GIS system works in conjunction with the work order system so that the data from the inventory can be updated as time goes on.

A requirement of the grant is that the Village establish a Tree Preservation and Protection Ordinance. The proposed ordinance is a combination of the Village’s existing tree policies and the components required by the grant. Director Supert lead the discussion about the individual components of the ordinance. Trustee Tyrell inquired about whether this ordinance applies to trees on private property. Director Supert explained that this ordinance only applies to trees in the Village right of way. An additional requirement of the grant is the creation of a tree board. The Properties and Recreation Committee will be the recommending body and act as the tree board for the Village.

Trustee Tyrell motioned to recommend the proposed ordinance be formally presented to the board for approval.

Chair-Trustee Chen seconded the motion.

Chair-Trustee Chen and Trustee Tyrell voted Aye in the roll call vote.

Capital Summary Report:

Assistant Director Biernacki provided updates on the electric vehicle charging stations, which are almost complete. The contractor is close to completing their portion of the project before ComEd connects the charging stations to the power grid to activate them. The project is projected to be complete by the end of June. The proposed budget for the project was $120,000 with sixty-six percent being paid for through the West Suburban Mass Transit District Grant. The project is currently trending to come in under budget.

Director Supert provided an update on the West Underpass project. The Village was on the IDOT bid letting on Friday, June 12th. The selected bidder was D. Construction Inc. with a bid on $1,373,592.06. This will be processed with IDOT information and it will be presented for the July or August meeting for the board approval.

The Wolf Road Bike Path project update was presented by Director Supert. The Village received a proposal and is the process of negotiating with V3 engineering which will be finalized by June 22nd and ready to be presented to the board for approval.

Update on Recreation Programs:

Director Briedis provided an update on recreation programs. The Recreation Department has started offering programs following IDPH/EEOC guidelines. Director Briedis created a COVID training program that is mandatory and all staff has been trained. A COVID waiver has been created and has become a mandatory part of the registration process. Tenants are operating at a limited capacity. Facilities are closed to the general public, only program participants are allowed to enter. The Recreation Department is awaiting Phase Four guidelines in order to determine how the July programs will be conducted.

Other:

Chair- Nicole Chen, Trustee-Chair motioned to adjourn

James Tyrell, Trustee seconded motion

Chair-Trustee Chen and Trustee Tyrell voted in favor during the roll call vote. The meeting adjourned at 10:18 A.M.

https://il-westernsprings2.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_06172020-1068