Village of Western Springs President and Board of Trustees met Oct. 23.
Here are the minutes provided by the board:
President Heidi Rudolph, Presiding
Call to Order, 7:00 p.m.
Village Clerk Edward Tymick
Board Members Present
Amy Avakian
Nicole Chen
Alan Fink
Scott Lewis
Philip Nawrocki
James Tyrrell
Electronic Attendance: None
Ellen Baer, Village Manager
Casey Biernacki, Deputy Village Manager
Sean Gilhooley, Director of LES
Matt Supert, Director of Mun Svcs
John Mastandona, Director of Finance
Jeff Koza, Director of Engineering
Mike Kelly, Director of Fire & EMS
Aleks Briedis, Director of Rec
Michael Jurusik, Village Attorney
CALL TO ORDER
The meeting opened at 7:00 p.m.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
President Rudolph led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance.
ROLL CALL
Roll call as noted above.
CITIZEN COMMENTS
There were none.
CAPITAL INFRASTRUCTURE PLAN 90% UPDATE – BAXTER & WOODMAN
Baxter & Woodman and Village staff presented an update on the Capital Infrastructure Plan. The 90% update included a comprehensive look at projects being outlined as high risk throughout the community for each category of infrastructure. The plan, built in the Village’s existing GIS system, will act as a dynamic tool to assist long term capital planning. The presentation also took a detailed look into a handful of example projects to better understand project costs, separated into each different type of infrastructure, to assist the Village in reviewing future funding options. The future iterations of the plan will include similar detailed information for all high- risk projects and the current examples are in no way indicative of project priority.
The 90% interactive report is available at www.wsprings.com/capitalplan at the top of the page, and a video recording of the October 23 presentation will be available on the Village website later in the week.
NEW BUSINESS
1. STATUS REPORT REGARDING:
RESOLUTION NO. 23-2758
AUTHORIZING AND APPROVING A LABOR AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE VILLAGE OF WESTERN SPRINGS AND TEAMSTERS LOCAL 700 (Term: October 23, 2023, through March 31, 2026) (Trustee Tyrrell)
Trustee Tyrrell presented a resolution and the proposed collective bargaining agreement between the Village of Western Springs and Teamsters 700 which is on the omnibus vote list for consideration of approval later this evening. Trustee Tyrrell asked Deputy Village Manager Biernacki to provide the Board with some particulars which were previously discussed by the Board of Trustees in closing meetings.
Deputy Village Manager Biernacki explained that the Teamsters 700 represents nine (9) Maintenance Journeyman positions in the Public Works division of the Department of Municipal Services. The prior agreement expired on April 30, 2023, and negotiations began promptly. After a couple of meetings, the Village and the union came to a tentative agreement which is now before the Board. The proposed agreement has been ratified by the union and staff recommends that it be approved and ratified at the October 23, 2023, Board Meeting. Deputy Village Manager Biernacki covered some of the highlights of the contract. With no objection from the Board, the resolution providing for approval of the agreement will be considered later this evening.
2. STATUS REPORT REGARDING:
RESOLUTION NO. 23-2759
APPROVING AND AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF A SECOND ADDENDUM TO EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT TO BE ENTERED INTO WITH VILLAGE MANAGER ELLEN J. BAER (Trustee Tyrrell)
Trustee Tyrrell presented a resolution and second addendum to employment agreement between the Village of Western Springs and Village Manager Ellen J. Baer which is also on the omnibus vote list for consideration of approval later this evening.
Trustee Tyrrell provided some of the highlights of the second addendum to the Board of Trustees. This agreement was discussed by the Board of Trustees in previous closed meetings. With no objection from the Board, the resolution providing for approval of the agreement will be considered later this evening.
3. STATUS REPORT REGARDING:
RE-APPOINTMENT OF JOHN BROOKS, THOMAS KELLY AND JOSE VENEGAS AS MEMBERS OF THE TRANSPORTATION AND SAFETY COMMISSION FOR A THREE-YEAR TERM TO EXPIRE IN JULY 2026 AND REAPPOINTMENT OF WILLIAM SWANSON AS MEMBER OF THE TRANSPORTATION AND SAFETY COMMISSION FOR A THREE-YEAR TERM TO EXPIRE IN DECEMBER 2025 (President Rudolph)
President Rudolph announced her intention to re-appointment several members of the Transportation & Safety Commission who are willing to serve additional terms as noted above. With no objection from the Board, these additional re-appointments were added to this evening’s omnibus vote list.
CONSIDERATION OF AND ACTION ON AGENDA ITEMS EXPLANATION OF OMNIBUS VOTING PROCEDURE
President Rudolph said that 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 of Trustees 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. She asked if there was any such request. There were no changes.
Trustee Tyrrell moved that the following ordinances, resolutions, and motions as contained on the meeting agenda for October 23, 2023, be adopted and/or approved under an omnibus vote.
CONSIDERATION OF AN OMNIBUS VOTE (*)
1) *APPROVAL OF THE MEETING MINUTES OF SEPTEMBER 25, 2023, AND OCTOBER 9, 2023, AS READ
2) *ORDINANCE NO. 23-3147
APPROVING BUDGET AMENDMENT /TRANSFER OVER $10,000.00 TO THE FISCAL YEAR 2023 OPERATING BUDGET IN THE CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT FUND AND THE WATER AND SEWER FUND
3) *ORDINANCE NO. 23-3148
AUTHORIZING THE DISPOSAL OF SURPLUS PERSONAL PROPERTY OWNED BY THE VILLAGE OF WESTERN SPRINGS (PUBLIC WORKS LUNCHROOM CHAIRS)
4) ORDINANCE NO. 23-3149
AMENDING SUBSECTION 5-5-3 (PRESERVATION) AND SUBSECTION 5-5-5 (PERMIT REQUIREMENTS GENERALLY) OF CHAPTER 5 (TREES AND SHRUBS) OF TITLE 5 (PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY) OF THE WESTERN SPRINGS MUNICIPAL CODE RELATIVE TO UPDATING CERTAIN PROVISIONS OF THE URBAN FOREST MANAGEMENT PLAN TO CONFORM TO THE TREE CITY USA ORDINANCE REQUIREMENTS
5) *RESOLUTION NO. 23-2754
APPROVING AND ADOPTING AMENDMENTS THE URBAN FOREST MANAGEMENT PLAN TO ADD VILLAGE INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS FOR GUIDANCE ON URBAN FORESTRY ISSUES WITH THE VILLAGE OF WESTERN SPRINGS
6) *RESOLUTION NO. 23-2755
AUTHORIZING AND APPROVING THE EXECUTION OF AN AGREEMENT ENTERED INTO BETWEEN THE VILLAGE OF WESTERN SPRINGS AND SIKICH LLP FOR AUDITING SERVICES FOR FISCAL YEAR 2023
7) *RESOLUTION NO. 23-2756
APPROVING THE REGULAR MEETING SCHEDULE FOR THE 2024 CALENDAR YEAR OF THE PRESIDENT AND BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE VILLAGE OF WESTERN SPRINGS
8) *RESOLUTION NO. 23-2757
APPROVING AND AUTHORIZING THE USE OF A LICENSE AGREEMENT FOR USE OF PROPERTY FOR FIRE DEPARTMENT AND POLICE DEPARTMENT TRAINING EXERCISES SUBJECT TO APPROVAL BY THE VILLAGE MANAGER
9) *RESOLUTION NO. 23-2758
AUTHORIZING AND APPROVING A LABOR AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE VILLAGE OF WESTERN SPRINGS AND TEAMSTERS LOCAL 700 (Term: October 23, 2023 through March 31, 2026)
10) *RESOLUTION NO. 23-2759
APPROVING AND AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF A SECOND ADDENDUM TO EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT TO BE ENTERED INTO WITH VILLAGE MANAGER ELLEN J. BAER
11) *MOTION TO WAIVE THE COMPETITIVE BIDDING PROCESS IN LIEU OF PURCHASE VIA SOURCEWELL COOPERATIVE PROCUREMENT PROGRAM OF ONE (1) 2023 JOHN DEERE 3720 TRACTOR FOR DELIVERY IN 2023 IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $44,948.66 [SOURCEWELL PURCHASING CO-OP CONTRACT 031121-DAC] AND ONE (1) 2024 WESTERN STAR 47X SINGLE AXEL CHASSIS DUMP TRUCK AND UPFITTING (DUMP BODY, HYDRAULICS, ELECTRICAL) VEHICLE FOR DELIVERY IN 2024 IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $251,531.00 [SOURCEWELL PURCHASING CO-OP CONTRACT 062222- VCM]
12) *MOTION TO WAIVE THE COMPETITIVE BIDDING PROCESS IN LIEU OF SOLICITATION OF PROPOSALS AND AWARD A CONTRACT TO CALUMET CITY PLUMBING OF CALUMET CITY, IL FOR THE HYDRANT AND VALVE REPLACEMENT PROJECT (6″ EZ VALVE INSTALLATION AT 49TH STREET & CENTRAL AVENUE, 4” EZ VALVE INSTALLATION AT 47TH STREET & WOODLAND AVENUE, AND 8″ EZ VALVE INSTALLATION AT GRAND AVENUE AND BURLINGTON AVENUE) IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $27,785
13) *MOTION TO APPROVE THE FOLLOWING RE-APPOINTMENTS AND APPOINTMENTS:
A. RE-APPOINTMENT OF PETER GLIMCO AS CHAIR OF THE PLAN COMMISSION FOR A THREE-YEAR TERM TO EXPIRE IN DECEMBER 2025;
B. APPOINTMENT OF STEVE WINEGAR AS MEMBER OF THE PLAN COMMISSION FOR A THREE-YEAR TERM TO EXPIRE IN OCTOBER 2026;
C. RE-APPOINTMENT OF JOHN BROOKS, THOMAS KELLY AND JOSE VENEGAS AS MEMBERS OF THE TRANSPORTATION AND SAFETY COMMISSION FOR A THREE-YEAR TERM TO EXPIRE IN JULY 2026; AND
D. RE-APPOINTMENT OF WILLIAM SWANSON AS A MEMBER OF THE TRANSPORTATION AND SAFETY COMMISSION FOR A THREE-YEAR TERM TO EXPIRE IN DECEMBER 2025.
The motion was seconded by Trustee Nawrocki.
The motion passed on a roll call vote.
Voting aye: Trustees Avakian, Chen, Fink, Nawrocki, Lewis, Tyrrell, and President Rudolph. Voting nay: None.
REPORTS
1) MONTHLY FINANCIAL REPORT (Trustee Chen)
A. The October 2023 Financial Reports will be presented.
Trustee Chen noted that all the trustees had received a copy of the monthly financial report and called attention to a few items. The General Fund maintained a surplus, mainly due to the collection of motor vehicle license fees and other taxes. Revenues have been in line with the budget. Expenditures have been slightly lowered than expected which is mostly due to position vacancies throughout the year.
In the Water/Sewer Fund, consumption billed in September, for the period covering June 15, 2023 to August 15, 2023, was 15% lower than the consumption billed in 2022 for the same period. Year-to-date consumption is approximately 2.18% higher than the same period in 2022. The expenditures include an encumbrance in the amount of $1,738,670 for the meter changeout program, which began in August.
In the Police Pension Fund, in September, the fund posted realized and unrealized losses of (2.92%) and maintained a trailing 12 month return of 11.59% at the end of September. The market value of the Police Pension portfolio decreased to approximately $16.780 million with an additional $845,000 of cash. Investment opportunities for the operating fund remain strong and the Federal Reserve rates remain high. The IMET Convenience Fund average daily year was 4.83% in September.
MOTION:
Trustee Chen moved, seconded by Avakian, to Accept the October 2023 Financial Report as Presented.
The motion passed on a roll call vote.
Voting aye: Trustees Avakian, Chen, Fink, Lewis, Nawrocki, and Tyrrell.
Voting nay: None
2) VILLAGE PRESIDENT RUDOLPH
President Rudolph reported that on October 14, 2023, dozens of family members, friends, and colleagues of the late Village President Gallagher gathered on a rainy Saturday, for the official naming of the Alice Fitch Gallagher Memorial Pedestrian Bridge. It was a terrific event and Senator Glowiak-Hilton attended as did former Minority Leader Durkin.
In March of this year, the Illinois Tollway passed a resolution naming the newly built pedestrian bridge in her honor. At the time of her passing, President Gallagher was also a Director on the Tollway Board.
The pedestrian bridge allows for a safer crossing at 47th Street between Spring Rock Park in Western Springs, and Veeck Park in Hinsdale. Official signage will be placed on the bridge over I-294 once mainline construction in that area has been completed.
3) VILLAGE MANAGER BAER
A. Leaf Collection Program
Residents should have received an orange 2023 Leaf Pickup Program postcard in the mail. Please note that leaf pick-up began today. In lieu of placing leaves at the curb, residents are encouraged to mow leaves and/or add them to garden beds as mulch – it’s environmentally friendly and good for the lawn and soil.
Be a good neighbor – check storm drains near you to ensure they are free from debris prior to any forecasted rain. Thank you for your assistance and cooperation. Residents can view the 2023 Leaf Program postcard on the Village website.
B. Coffee with First Responders – Thursday, October 26, 2023
Residents are encouraged to join representatives from the Western Springs Police Department, the Department of Fire & EMS, and the Lyons Township Area Communications Center, for coffee and conversation on Thursday, October 27, from 911 am Starbucks on 47th/Gilbert.
C. Pumpkin Smash Event – Saturday, November 4, 2023
Each year, the Village partners with SCARCE to provide the opportunity to compost pumpkins after Halloween. The Pumpkin Smash is a fun way the community can divert pumpkins from landfills by providing locations for residents to drop off Jack-o- lanterns to be composted.
This year the Pumpkin Smash will be on Saturday, November 4 from 9 am – noon, at St. John of the Cross School parking lot, 5005 Wolf Rd. More information is available on the Village website.
As a reminder, pumpkins must be contaminant-free. Only pumpkins themselves can be composted. This means no:
○ Candles
○ Yarn
○ Stickers
○ Googly eyes
○ Tape
○ Non-biodegradable materials
○ Plastic or metal of any kind
4) VILLAGE ATTORNEY JURUSIK
No report.
ADJOURN
MOTION:
Trustee Tyrrell moved, seconded by Chen, to adjourn the Board meeting.
The motion passed on a unanimous voice vote.
The meeting adjourned at 8:23 p.m.
https://www.wsprings.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_10232023-1573
