West Cook News

Village of Franklin Park President and Board of Trustees met March 4.

Here are the minutes provided by the board:

I. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 

II. CALL TO ORDER: Village President Pedersen called to order the Board of Trustees of the Village of Franklin Park in special session at 7:00 p.m. 

III. ROLL CALL; ESTABLISHMENT OF QUORUM Village Clerk April J Arellano called the roll: 

Present at Board Meeting: Barrett F. Pedersen (Village President) and April J Arellano (Village Clerk), Joseph Montana (Village Attorney) 

Trustees (Present in the Room): Mr. Ruhl, Mr. Ybarra, Ms. Avitia, Mr. Johnson, Ms. Special, and Mr. Hagerstrom 

Department Heads: 

Mark Stewart (Fire Department Chief) 

Mike Witz (Director of Police) 

Frank Griesshamer (Treasurer) 

Nick Weber (Deputy Utilities Commissioner) 

Lisa Manzo (Deputy Building Director) 

Nick Walny (Community Development and Zoning Director) 

Dan Corcoran (IT Director) 

Lisa Anthony (Health and Human Resources) 

The Village Clerk declared a quorum was present. 

IV. Motion made by Mr. Ybarra and seconded by Mr. Hagerstrom to approve the Appointment of Brenda Rodriguez and Yulissa Bacerra as Auxiliary Police Officers 

Roll Call: Ayes - Mr. Hagerstrom, Mr. Johnson, Mr. Ruhl, Ms. Avitia, Mr. Ybarra and Ms. Special 

Nay-0. Absent - 0 Abstain - 0. 

Village Clerk April J Arellano administered the oath of office to Brenda Rodriguez as Auxiliary Police Officer 

Village Clerk April J Arellano administered the oath of office to Yulissa Becerra Auxiliary Police Officer 

V. PUBLIC COMMENTS (Limit to 2 minutes per speaker, Ordinance 1415- G-43) 

1. NONE 

VI. COMMITTEE REPORTS 

1. FINANCE AND SPECIAL EVENTS COMMITTEES (Mr. Johnson, Chair) 

1. MR. JOHNSON REPORTED HE DID NOT HAVE A REPORT FROM THE FINANCE DEPARTMENT 

2. MR. JOHNSON REPORTED STAFF HELD THE 2ND MEETING FOR THE FRANKLIN PARK FEST. THE NEXT MEETING WILL BE ON MONDAY, APRIL 29 at 11AM 

2. WATER AND SEWER/FLEET MAINTENANCE COMMITTEE (Ms. Avitia, Chair) 

1. MS. AVITIA REPORTED 4 WATER MAIN BREAKS 

2. MS. AVITIA REPORTED STAFF REPLACED 2 LEAD SERVICE LINES 

3. MS. AVITIA REPORTED M.E. SIMPSON IS IN TOWN DOING THE SCHEDULED VALVE EXERCISING PROGRAM. THEY ALSO HAVE A CREW IN TOWN DOING LARGE METER TESTING 

4. MS. AVITIA REPORTED THE UTILITY SERVICE GROUP WAS IN TOWN LAST WEEK TO SERVICE AND CHECK ALL MIXERS ON ALL OF THE STORAGE TANKS 

5. MS. AVITIA REPORTED STAFF ARE RAMPING UP APPOINTMENTS WITH 2 METER CREWS TO HANDLE THE 670 ESTIMATED METER ACCOUNTS. STAFF ARE ON SCHEDULE TO HAVE ALL ESTIMATED ACCOUNTS CAUGHT UP AT THE END OF MAY. THEY ARE ALSO PLANNING TO HAVE ALL 1000 ACLARA METERS SWITCHED TO NEPTUNE THAT ARE LEFT ON THE OLD PLATFORM BY THE END OF THE YEAR 

6. MS. AVITIA REPORTED SEWER BAD SPOTS WERE CHECKED AROUND TOWN ON 02/28/24 WITH NO NEW ISSUES 

7. MS. AVITIA REPORTED IN THE LAST COUPLE OF WEEKS THE VACTOR 211 HAS BEEN ON THE STREET 6 TIMES ASSISTING WITH MAIN BREAKS AND 1 BACKED UP SEWER AT ON HAWTHORNE 

8. MS. AVITIA REPORTED STAFF HAS 3 COMPLETED OF 7 ADDRESSES FOR LEAD SERVICE REPLACEMENT DUE TO DISRUPTION OF THE LEAD SERVICE. ALL THESE SERVICES ARE SCHEDULED TO BE REPLACED BEFORE MAY 2024. THIS IS TO FOLLOW THE GUIDELINES OF THE IDPH 

3. POLICE AND FIRE COMMITTEE (Mr. Ruhl, Chair) 

1. MR. RUHL REPORTED THE POLICE DEPARTMENT HAS RESPONDED TO 3248 CALLS FOR SERVICE, ISSUED 899 PARKING CITATIONS, ISSUED 44 LOCAL CITATIONS AND ISSUED 362 STATE CITATIONS, MADE 53 ARRESTS AND 597 TRAFFIC AND PEDESTRIAN STOPS IN THE MONTH OF FEBRUARY 

2. MR. RUHL REPORTED COMMANDER ROBERT ROBERT JENSEN HAS ANNOUNCED HIS RETIREMENT EFFECTIVE APRIL 03, 2024, AFTER 30 YEARS OF SERVICE 

3. MR. RUHL REPORTED THE 2023 POLICE DEPARTMENT YEAR IN REVIEW IS NOW POSTED ONLINE 

4. MR. RUHL REPORTED THE FIRE DEPARTMENT HAS RESPONDED TO 346 FIRE AND EMS CALLS IN THE MONTH OF FEBRUARY 

5. MR. RUHL REPORTED THE FIRE DEPARTMENT IS STILL DOWN 4 FIREFIGHTER/PARAMEDICS 

4. STREETS, ALLEYS AND FLEET MAINTENANCE (Mr. Ybarra, Chair) 

1. MR. YBARRA REPORTED 1 TRUCK WAS SENT OUT FOR REPAIRS 

2. MR. YBARRA REPORTED THE EAST SIDE AND MIDDLE OF TOWN WAS POTHOLE PATCHED, 3 TEMPORARY PATCHES WERE DONE FROM WATER REPAIRS 

3. MR. YBARRA REPORTED 6 SIGN POSTS WERE INSTALLED 

4. MR. YBARRA REPORTED MISCELLANEOUS BRANCHES WERE PICKED UP FROM THE HEAVY RAIN AND WIND 

5. MR. YBARRA REPORTED ALL STREETS WERE SWEPT 

6. MR. YBARRA REPORTED 2 FLY DUMPS WERE PICKED UP, 2 HONEYBEE HIVES WERE RELOCATED, 3 LOADS OF SPOILS WERE HAULED OUT AND 1 LOAD OF SCRAP TIRES WERE HAULED OUT, THERE WAS 1 MINOR SNOW EVENT

5. PROPERTY, PLANNING, ZONING, BUILDING, AND TREE PRESERVATION COMMISSION (Ms. Special, Chair) 

1. ON BEHALF OF THE TREE PRESERVATION COMMISSION, MS. SPECIAL REPORTED SUSTAINABILITY, FORESTRY, PARKWAYS AND FACILITIES DIRECTOR ANDY SMOLEN, MS. SPECIAL REPORTED THE MARCH 5TH SUSTAINABLE PRESENTATION AT EAST LEYDEN IS SET. 

2. MS. SPECIAL REPORTED MORTON ARBORETUM HAS GRACIOUSLY DONATED 45 DIVERSIFIED TREES TO FRANKLIN PARK 

3. MS. SPECIAL REPORTED THAT ON MARCH 7TH, THE FRANKLIN PARK TREE BOARD ARE INVITED TO GIVE A PRESENTATION TO ADDISON WOMEN'S CLUB 

4. MS. SPECIAL REPORTED INVITATIONS TO RESIDENTS WHO WOULD LIKE TO RESERVE A RAISED BED GARDEN BOX LOCATED ON THE WEST SIDE OF VILLAGE HALL WILL BE SENT OUT SOON, IT WILL BE FIRST COME FIRST SERVE, AND ONE BOX PER FAMILY 

5. MS. SPECIAL REPORTED THE FIRST ANNUAL POLLINATOR DAY CELEBRATION WILL BE ON MAY 18, 2024. STAFF WILL BE SENDING OUT INVITES TO MULTIPLE ORGANIZATIONS TO PARTICIPATE 

6. MS. SPECIAL REPORTED THE TREE BOARD/BEE BOARD IS PLANNING TO HOLD SEVERAL MONTHLY MEETINGS AT DIFFERENT PARKS TO BETTER ENGAGE THE COMMUNITY. THE GOAL IS TO GET RESIDENTS INTERESTED IN SUSTAINABLE ISSUES IN FRANKLIN PARK 

7. ON BEHALF OF THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT, MS. SPECIAL REPORTED VILLAGE STAFF HAD ITS MONTHLY CHECK IN WITH THE CHICAGO METROPOLITAN AGENCY FOR PLANNING TO DISCUSS PROGRESS ON THE GRAND CORRIDOR STUDY. UPDATES AND MORE INFORMATION ON HOW TO GET INVOLVED WITH THE STUDY BY VISITING THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT WEBPAGE 

8. MS. SPECIAL REPORTED STAFF CONTINUES TO WORK WITH DEVELOPERS, BROKERS, AND PROSPECTIVE BUSINESS OWNERS REGARDING ONGOING PROPOSALS AND POTENTIAL DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES 

9. ON BEHALF OF THE BUILDING DEPARTMENT, MS. SPECIAL REPORTED 25 CONTRACTORS APPLIED FOR LICENSES, 30 BUILDING PERMITS, 11 ELECTRICAL PERMITS, 1 SIGN PERMIT,11 DUMPSTER PERMIT, 4 FIRE PERMIT AND NO POD PERMITS WERE APPLIED FOR A TOTAL OF 47 PERMITS. SHE ANNOUNCED 6 PROPERTY CLOSINGS FOR RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL, 7 NEW BUSINESS APPLIED FOR OCCUPANCY AND 2 NEW BUSINESS WERE ISSUED AN OCCUPANCY CERTIFICATE 

6. HUMAN RESOURCES, SUSTAINABLE PRACTICES AND SENIOR SERVICES COMMITTEE (Mr. Hagerstrom, Chair) 

1. MR. HAGERSTROM ANNOUNCED THE FIRST BLOOD DRIVE OF THE YEAR TOOK PLACE ON FRIDAY, MARCH 01, 2024, THERE WERE 15 DONORS 

2. MR. HAGERSTROM REPORTED ON THE CONSENT AGENDA 4 ORDINANCES FOR THE LANDSCAPERS TO PERFORM THE SENIOR/DISABLED GRASS CUTTING PROGRAM, ALONG WITH THE ORDINANCE FOR THE SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAM

VII. STAFF REPORTS AND COMMENTS: DISCUSSION ON AGENDA ITEMS 

1. Community Development and Zoning Director Nick Walny briefly went over the conditions and  statuses of several properties in Franklin Park including 3107 Maple, 9514 Grand Avenue and 3335 Schierhorn Court 

VIII. CONSENT AGENDA 

(Items on the Consent Agenda will be enacted or approved by a single motion or omnibus vote. There will be no separate discussion on these items unless so requested by a member of the Village Board, in which case that item will be removed from the Consent Agenda and considered in the normal sequence of the Agenda.) 

1. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES FROM: 

(a) THE MEETING OF THE PRESIDENT AND BOARD OF TRUSTEES HELD ON TUESDAY FEBRUARY 20, 2024 

2. APPROVAL OF VOUCHER EXPENDITURES LIST IN THE AMOUNT OF: $ 3,129,742.45 

3. RESOLUTION NO. 2324 R 

A RESOLUTION OF THE VILLAGE OF FRANKLIN PARK, COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS ESTABLISHING GUIDELINES AND PROCEDURES FOR THE 2024 GRASS CUTTING PROGRAM FOR SENIORS AND DISABLED PROPERTY OWNERS 

4. RESOLUTION NO. 2324 R 

A RESOLUTION OF THE VILLAGE OF FRANKLIN PARK, COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS ESTABLISHING GUIDELINES AND SPECIFICATIONS FOR THE 2024 SUMMER YOUTH AND COLLEGE INTERNSHIP WORK PROGRAM 

5. RESOLUTION NO. 2324 R 

A RESOLUTION PROVIDING FOR AND REQUIRING THE SUBMISSION OF AN ADVISORY REFERENDUM TO THE ELECTORS OF THE VILLAGE OF FRANKLIN PARK, COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS, AT THE GENERAL ELECTION TO BE HELD ON NOVEMBER 5, 2024, THE QUESTION OF WHETHER THE ILLINOIS GENERAL ASSEMBLY SHALL AUTOMATICALLY INCREASE THE AMOUNT OF THE HOMEOWNER AND SENIOR CITIZEN PROPERTY TAX EXEMPTIONS EVERY YEAR BASED ON THE RATE OF INFLATION TO HELP REDUCE PROPERTY TAXES 

6. RESOLUTION NO. 2324 R 

A RESOLUTION PROVIDING FOR AND REQUIRING THE SUBMISSION OF AN ADVISORY REFERENDUM TO THE ELECTORS OF THE VILLAGE OF FRANKLIN PARK, COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS, AT THE GENERAL ELECTION TO BE HELD ON NOVEMBER 5, 2024, THE QUESTION OF WHETHER THE ILLINOIS GENERAL ASSEMBLY SHALL INCREASE THE ANNUAL HOUSEHOLD INCOME QUALIFICATION FOR THE SENIOR CITIZEN FREEZE PROPERTY TAX EXEMPTION 

7. RESOLUTION NO. 2324 R 

A RESOLUTION PROVIDING FOR AND REQUIRING THE SUBMISSION OF AN ADVISORY REFERENDUM TO THE ELECTORS OF THE VILLAGE OF FRANKLIN PARK, COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS, AT THE GENERAL ELECTION TO BE HELD ON NOVEMBER 5, 2024, THE QUESTION OF WHETHER THE VILLAGE OF FRANKLIN PARK SHALL CONTINUE TO PROHIBIT THE CONSUMPTION OF ALCOHOL IN GAS STATIONS 

8. RESOLUTION NO. 2324 R 

A RESOLUTION OF THE VILLAGE OF FRANKLIN PARK, COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS DECLARING AS SURPLUS PROPERTY THE VILLAGE OWNED PARCEL OF REAL PROPERTY AT 3010 MANNHEIM ROAD AND AUTHORIZING VILLAGE STAFF TO MARKET THE PROPERTY FOR DEVELOPMENT AND DIRECT THE VILLAGE CLERK TO MAKE A COPY OF THE APPRAISAL OF THE PROPERTY AVAILABLE TO ANY PARTY 

9. ORDINANCE NO. 2324 VC 

AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 6-6F-8 OF CHAPTER SIX OF TITLE SIX OF THE VILLAGE CODE OF THE VILLAGE OF FRANKLIN PARK, COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS TO ELIMINATE THE HANDICAPPED RESERVED PARKING SPACE AT 9533 SCHILLER BOULEVARD, UNIT 2N 

10. ORDINANCE NO. 2324 VC 

AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 3-2-7 OF CHAPTER TWO OF TITLE THREE OF THE VILLAGE CODE OF THE VILLAGE OF FRANKLIN PARK, COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS TO DECREASE THE NUMBER OF CLASS D-2 LIQUOR LICENSES (SHELBY'S: 2735 N. MANNHEIM ROAD) 

11. ORDINANCE NO. 2324 VC 

AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 3-2-7 OF CHAPTER TWO OF TITLE THREE OF THE VILLAGE CODE OF THE VILLAGE OF FRANKLIN PARK, COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS TO DECREASE THE NUMBER OF CLASS B ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE LICENSES (LAS ISLAS MARIAS FRANKLIN PARK) 

12. ORDINANCE NO. 2324 VC 

AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER SIX OF TITLE SIX OF THE VILLAGE CODE OF THE VILLAGE OF FRANKLIN PARK, COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS (HANDICAPPED RESERVED PARKING SPACE FOR 9655 SCHILLER BOULEVARD) 

13. ORDINANCE NO. 2324 VC 

AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTERS TWO AND THREE OF TITLE THREE AND CHAPTER ONE OF TITLE ELEVEN OF THE VILLAGE CODE OF THE VILLAGE OF FRANKLIN PARK, COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS REGULATING THE LICENSING OF ALCOHOLIC LIQUOR AND LICENSE FEES (CLASS D-2 LICENSE) 

14. ORDINANCE NOL. 2324 G 

AN ORDINANCE APPROVING AN AGREEMENT TO CONTRACT FOR GRASS CUTTING SERVICES BY AND BETWEEN BIUNDO LANDSCAPING AND THE VILLAGE OF FRANKLIN PARK, COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS 

15. ORDINANCE NO. 2324 G 

AN ORDINANCE APPROVING AN AGREEMENT TO CONTRACT FOR GRASS CUTTING SERVICES BY AND BETWEEN JESSE'S LAWN SERVICE AND THE VILLAGE OF FRANKLIN PARK, COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS 

16. ORDINANCE NO. 2324 G 

AN ORDINANCE APPROVING AN AGREEMENT TO CONTRACT FOR GRASS CUTTING SERVICES BY AND BETWEEN PANORAMIC LANDSCAPING LLC AND THE VILLAGE OF FRANKLIN PARK, COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS 

17. ORDINANCE NO. 2324 G 

AN ORDINANCE APPROVING AN AGREEMENT TO CONTRACT FOR GRASS CUTTING SERVICES BY AND BETWEEN ROSEMONT LANDSCAPING, LLC AND THE VILLAGE OF FRANKLIN PARK, COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS 

18. ORDINANCE NO. 2324 G 

AN ORDINANCE APPROVING AN AGREEMENT TO CONTRACT FOR GRASS CUTTING SERVICES FOR PROPERTIES IDENTIFIED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF INSPECTIONAL SERVICES BETWEEN BIUNDO LANDSCAPING AND THE VILLAGE OF FRANKLIN PARK, COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS 

19. ORDINANCE NO. 2324 G 

AN ORDINANCE APPROVING AN AGREEMENT TO CONTRACT FOR GRASS CUTTING SERVICES FOR PROPERTIES IDENTIFIED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF INSPECTIONAL SERVICES BETWEEN THOMAS HERRERA LANDSCAPING SERVICES, INC. AND THE VILLAGE OF FRANKLIN PARK, COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS 

20. ORDINANCE NO. 2324 G 

AN ORDINANCE APPROVING AN AGREEMENT TO CONTRACT FOR GRASS CUTTING SERVICES FOR PROPERTIES IDENTIFIED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF INSPECTIONAL SERVICES BETWEEN JESSE'S LAWN SERVICE AND THE VILLAGE OF FRANKLIN PARK, COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS 

21. ORDINANCE NO. 2324 G 

AN ORDINANCE OF THE VILLAGE OF FRANKLIN PARK, COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS RESTRICTING CAR SHOWS AND SIMILAR AUTOMOBILE OUTDOOR EVENTS TO ENSURE THE HEALTH, SAFETY AND WELFARE OF RESIDENTS AND VISITORS TO THE VILLAGE OF FRANKLIN PARK 

22. MOTION TO APPROVE A COOPERATIVE SERVICES CONTRACT FOR CONSTRUCTION SERVICES UNDER THE GOVERNMENTAL JOINT PURCHASING ACT WITH F.H. PASCHEN, CHICAGO, ILLINOIS FOR THE FIRE MUSEUM GARAGE ROOF, DRYWALL AND FLOORING REPLACEMENT PROJECT IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $68,000.00 AND AUTHORIZE THE OFFICERS AND OFFICIALS OF THE VILLAGE TO EXECUTE THE NECESSARY DOCUMENTS AND TAKE SUCH ACTION TO EFFECTUATE SAME 

23. MOTION TO APPROVE THE ISSUANCE OF A RAFFLE LICENSE TO THE RIVER GROVE LIONS CLUB FOR A RAFFLE TO BE HELD AT THE UNDERPASS LOUNGE, 9400 WEST GRAND AVENUE, FRANKLIN PARK, ILLINOIS ON SATURDAY, MARCH 16, 2024 

24. MOTION TO WAIVE BID REQUIREMENTS AND APPROVE THE PROPOSAL FROM STANDARD FENCING COMPANY, INCORPORATED, CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, TO SUPPLY AND INSTALL TWO HUNDRED FEET OF CUSTOM ORNAMENTAL PARKWAY FENCING ON FRANKLIN AVENUE IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $27,995.00, TO ENSURE THE HEALTH, SAFETY AND WELFARE OF THE RESIDENTS AND AUTHORIZE THE OFFICERS AND OFFICIALS OF THE VILLAGE TO EXECUTE THE NECESSARY DOCUMENTS AND TAKE SUCH ACTION TO EFFECTUATE SAME 

25. MOTION TO APPROVE THE ASSIGNMENT AND ASSUMPTION OF A PROPERTY TAX ASSESSMENT CLASSIFICATION AGREEMENT FOR 11600 KING STREET, FRANKLIN PARK, ILLINOIS AND AUTHORIZE THE OFFICERS AND OFFICIALS OF THE VILLAGE TO EXECUTE THE NECESSARY DOCUMENTS AND TAKE SUCH ACTION TO EFFECTUATE SAME 

Motion made by Mr. Johnson and seconded by Ms. Avitia to approve the Consent Agenda Roll Call: Ayes - Mr. Hagerstrom, Ms. Avitia, Mr. Ybarra, Mr. Johnson, Mr. Ruhl, and Ms. Special 

Nay 0. Absent - 0 Abstain - 0. 

IX. NEW BUSINESS 

X. COMMENTS FROM THE CLERK: 

NONE 

XI. COMMENTS FROM THE PRESIDENT: 

On Saturday, March 02, 2024, chef and Owner Vito Barbanente of Pescatore Restaurant was recognized for nearly five decades of culinary excellence to Franklin Park. On behalf of the Village of Franklin Park, thank him a long and happy retirement 

XII. CLOSED/EXECUTIVE SESSION 

Mayor Pedersen stated there is a need for Purchase of Lease of Real Property, 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(5) and Employment, Compensation, Discipline, Performance or Dismissal of certain Employees 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(1) 

Motion made by Mr. Ybarra, seconded by Mr. Johnson to go into Executive Session at 7:24 p.m. for "Purchase of Lease of Real Property, 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(5) and Employment, Compensation, Discipline, Performance or Dismissal of certain Employees 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(1)” 

Roll Call: Ayes -Mr. Hagerstrom, Mr. Ruhl, Ms. Special, Mr. Ybarra, Mr. Johnson and Ms. Avitia. Nay-0. Absent - 0. Abstain - 0 

RETURNED FROM CLOSED SESSION AT 8:00 P.M. 

Village Clerk, April Arellano, stated to let the record reflect that all members returned. No action was taken in Closed Session 

XIII. ADJOURNMENT 

Motion made by Mr. Johnson, seconded by Mr. Hagerstrom to adjourn at 8:18 pm. Voice vote carried. 

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