Village of Forest Park Village Council met April 11.
Here are the minutes provided by the council:
Mayor Hoskins led all assembled in the Pledge of Allegiance at 7:00 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Commissioners Byrnes, Maxham, Nero, Voogd and Mayor Hoskins answered the Roll Call. Commissioner Nero was absent.
APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS
It was moved by Commissioner Byrnes and seconded by Commissioner Maxham that the minutes from the March 28, 2022, Regular Meeting of the Council be approved without reading as each member has received a copy thereof.
ROLL CALL:
AYES: Commissioners Byrnes, Maxham, Voogd and Mayor Hoskins
NAYES: None
ABSTAIN: Commissioner Nero
The motion carried.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Mr. Mark Boroughf, representing the Forest Park Historical Society, announcing that IDOT has installed signs along the Eisenhower expressway directing tourists to the Haymarket Martyrs’ Monument in Forest Park. Getting the attraction sign has been a years-long goal of the Historical Society. In addition, every year the Historical Society hosts a May Day event at the Haymarket Martyrs’ Monument in the Forest Home Cemetery.
Mr. Dan Riley expressed his concerns about cars parking on the 1100 block of Marengo, with no village stickers and no citations being issued. Mr. Riley also reported that the public sidewalk at 1127 Marengo needs replacement.
COMMUNICATIONS:
None
DEPARTMENT REPORTS:
None
APPROVAL OF BILLS:
R-39-22 RESOLUTION APPROVING BILLS IN THE AMOUNT OF $323,887.79
APPROVED
It was moved by Commissioner Byrnes and seconded by Commissioner Maxham that the Resolution for the payment of bills be adopted. The bills totaled $323,887.79.
ROLL CALL:
AYES: Commissioners Byrnes, Maxham, Nero, Voogd and Mayor Hoskins
NAYES: None
ABSENT: None
The motion carried unanimously.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
None
NEW BUSINESS:
O-14-22 ORDINANCE AMENDING WATER AND SEWER CHARGES EFFECTIVE JUNE 1, 2022
APPROVED
It was moved by Commissioner Nero and seconded by Commissioner Voogd that the Ordinance amending Section 7- 4-7 of the village code of the Village of Forest Park with respect to Water and Sewer rates and charges be adopted.
ROLL CALL:
AYES: Commissioners Byrnes, Maxham, Nero, Voogd and Mayor Hoskins
NAYES: None
ABSENT: None
The motion carried unanimously.
R-40-22 RESOLUTION ADOPTING FUND BALANCE POLICY AND ESTABLISHING SPECIAL REVENUE AND CAPITAL ASSET FUNDS
APPROVED
It was moved by Commissioner Byrnes and seconded by Commissioner Nero that the Resolution providing for and adopting a Fund Balance Policy relating to Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) statement No. 54; and establishing Special Revenue and Capital Asset Funds for the Village of Forest Park be adopted. Finance Director Olmsted was recognized for her hard work and efforts in getting the special funds established.
ROLL CALL:
AYES: Commissioners Byrnes, Maxham, Nero, Voogd and Mayor Hoskins
NAYES: None
ABSENT: None
The motion carried unanimously.
R-41-22 RESOLUTION APPROVING BIDDING OF 15TH STREET SEWER SEPARATION PROJECT
APPROVED
It was moved by Commissioner Nero and seconded by Commissioner Voogd that the Resolution approving the specifications and authorizing the advertising of bids for the Village of Forest Park 15th Street Sewer Separation (Circle Avenue to Marengo Avenue) CDBG Project be adopted.
ROLL CALL:
AYES: Commissioners Byrnes, Maxham, Nero, Voogd and Mayor Hoskins
NAYES: None
ABSENT: None
The motion carried unanimously.
BLUEBERRY HILL ENTERTAINMENT LICENSE APPLICATION
APPROVED BY MOTION
It was moved by Commissioner Maxham and seconded by Commissioner Nero to approve the Entertainment License application submitted by Blueberry Hill, 427 Des Plaines Avenue. There was a lengthy discussion regarding clarity between self-DJ and hiring a DJ and the need to provide better guidance to the liquor license holders as to the specific information the Village Council needs in order to make decisions on entertainment licenses.
ROLL CALL:
AYES: Commissioners Byrnes, Maxham, Nero, Voogd and Mayor Hoskins
NAYES: None
ABSENT: None
The motion carried unanimously.
CAROLE’S ENTERTAINMENT LICENSE APPLICATION
APPROVED BY MOTION
It was moved by Commissioner Maxham and seconded by Commissioner Nero to approve the entertainment license application submitted by Carole’s, 7307 Roosevelt Road.
ROLL CALL:
AYES: Commissioners Byrnes, Maxham, Nero, Voogd and Mayor Hoskins
NAYES: None
ABSENT: None
The motion carried unanimously.
LATHROP HOUSE CAFÉ ENTERTAINMENT LICENSE APPLICATION
APPROVED BY MOTION
It was moved by Commissioner Maxham and seconded by Commissioner Byrnes to approve the entertainment license application submitted by Lathrop House Café, 26 Lathrop.
ROLL CALL:
AYES: Commissioners Byrnes, Maxham, Nero, Voogd and Mayor Hoskins
NAYES: None
ABSENT: None
The motion carried unanimously.
PIONEER TAP ENTERTAINMENT LICENSE APPLICATION
NOT TAKEN UP
It was moved by Commissioner Maxham and seconded by Commissioner Nero to approve the entertainment license application submitted by Pioneer Tap, 7445 Randolph. A discussion ensued regarding the application, and the fact that the request covers entertainment for every day in the month of May from 4:00 to 11:00 p.m. There is a need for more clarity from the applicant and the item was not taken up at this time, pending more specifics from the applicant.
SHORTSTOP LOUNGE ENTERTAINMENT LICENSE APPLICATION
NOT TAKEN UP
It was moved by Commissioner Maxham and seconded by Commissioner Nero to approve the entertainment license application submitted by Shortstop Lounge, 7425 Madison Street. There was discussion about the need for clarity from the applicant and the potential that there may not be a need for an entertainment license. The request was not taken up at this time pending more information/specifics from the applicant.
HEPHZIBAH BANNER REQUEST
APPROVED BY MOTION
It was moved by Commissioner Voogd and seconded by Commissioner Nero to approve the request from Hephzibah Children’s Association to display banners promoting their Kids Resale Event at St. John Lutheran Church on April 28-30, 2022.
ROLL CALL:
AYES: Commissioners Byrnes, Maxham, Nero, Voogd and Mayor Hoskins
NAYES: None
ABSENT: None
The motion carried unanimously.
ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT:
None
COMMISSIONER’S REPORTS:
Commissioner Byrnes commented on the successful Easter Egg Hunt, held at the Park District and the Pinewood Derby held by the Scouts. Both community events had a nice attendance.
Commissioner Maxham thanked the Historical Society for hosting their amazing Speakeasy event. The commissioner further expressed her pride in working with Commissioner Voogd to develop a dedicated page on our website for the Altenheim project, complete with FAQs. The commissioner further thanked the mayor for his guidance and willingness to proceed with caution.
Commissioner Nero reported that the Safety and Traffic Commissioner, chaired by Jordan Kuehn, will be meeting on April 21st. One issue they will be discussing and submitting their recommendation on is Circle and Lehmer. The commissioner invited anyone with issues or concerns to email or call him directly.
Commissioner Voogd reported that the Altenheim property has a dedicated page on the village’s website, adding that the page contains all kinds of information and an email link, as well as the restricting covenants that apply to the parcel. The commissioner further advised that the village needs time to collect public input and that she recommends that an advisory committee be formed. Next, Commissioner Voogd reminded all about the community cleanup event being held on April 24th. There is a link on the website for volunteers and Brown Cow is donating refreshments to the volunteers. On April 29th, at 9:00 a.m. the village is planting their Arbor Day tree at Garfield School in conjunction with “Kindness Week.” Last, the commissioner reported that the village has received its 2021 Tree City designation.
Mayor Hoskins echoed Commissioner Byrnes’ comments about the Pinewood Derby, adding that it was great to see the families and the scouts at that event. The mayor expressed his gratitude to Mark Boroughf and the Historical Society for their efforts in getting the signage installed for the Haymarket Monument, which is a gem for Forest Park. The mayor congratulated Chief Chiappetta and the Forest Park Firefighters for their heroism, on March 31st, when they responded to a house fire in River Forest, going into the structure, searching and rescuing a woman who was inside. There will be a ceremony recognizing these brave firefighters in the near future.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to be addressed, Commissioner Nero moved and Commissioner Byrnes seconded to adjourn the meeting. The motion carried unanimously.
Mayor Hoskins declared the meeting adjourned at 7:48 P.M.
https://www.forestpark.net/dfp/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/3A-041122VillageCouncilMinutes.pdf
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