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HomeMy WebLinkAbout07/09/1994 Coffee with Council MinutesMINUTES COFFEE WrM COUNCIL July 9, 1994 The meeting was called to order by Michaele Skowron at 9:00 a. m. Trustees present were Tim Corcoran, Richard Hendricks, Paul Hoefert and Irvana Wilks. Also present were Village Manager, Michael E. Janonis, Planning Director, William J. Cooney, Jr. and twelve Village residents. Frank Vlazny handed out two articles that recently appeared in the newspaper. The first article related to a request by Illinois Mayors to enable them to initiate tax increases. Mr. Vlazny wanted to know what Mayor Farley's position was and reasons for that position. Since Mayor Farley was not in attendance, Mr. Vlazny stated he would bring this issue up at a later date. The second article related to a Governor's Award to the Village for the RAPP program. He was pleased to see positive recognition for the Village in this regard. Luke Praimare questioned the Village's role in the Library expansion. He was curious that if the Village Board allowed the item to go to referendum if this meant the Village Board supported it. He was informed that the action did not necessarily mean the Board supported it, but that it would allow the voters the opportunity to decide. Board members stated that the intent of the meeting with the Library Board was to review the proposal which would be presented to Village residents on July 14. Art Dieterich and George Schweda, Old Orchard Country Club Village Homeowners Association, requested that the Village Board consider the dedication of private roads in their development. They stated that they pay Village taxes and feel they should receive the benefits which all other residents receive, i.e. snow plowing, maintenance, salting, etc. They also have insurance and tax burdens which other residents do not have on the streets in front of their homes. Mr. Janonis stated that the Village has previously supported creating tax parcels for the roadways to relieve the tax burden on this land for private developments. The Board generally discussed the concept of dedicating private roads, and it was decided it was not an issue that they supported.. They stated that there are several planned unit developments that have private streets and would likely request the same consideration if this was approved. These roadways were not constructed to the same standards as other Village roads; and would, therefore, be costly to maintain for the Village. Jack DeVito, Grace DeVito, Doris Lenga and Nancy Hafertype, stated that they are property owners along Weller Creek and that they have experienced erosion and flooding problems. Ms. DeVito stated that she felt this was a serious problem which the Village should address. She is aware of several other storm water projects in the Village, and she felt that this area should also benefit. Trustee Corcoran stated that the Village had looked into a storm water control project along Weller Creek in the past, but had mixed reviews by property owners. At that time, the residents were split between those who wished to have the erosion problems solved with a concrete riprap, and those who wished to leave the property in its original landscaped setting. He stated that whenever the storm water issue is raised, the Weller Creek area is mentioned. The Trustees felt that if these residents could unify and reach a consensus on an appropriate solution to the erosion, the Village would consider spending the dollars necessary to address this. However, it was noted that it would be several years before the Village would have bonding authority to address such a project. Ms. Devito stated that another problem was that some of the property owners owned to the middle of the creek while others did not. The owners in possession of the creek do not allow the Village and/or IDOT officials to cross over their property. Ms. DeVito asked if the Village could determine who owned to the center line of the creek. Mr. Cooney stated that the Planning Department has Sidwell maps available and they could determine boundary lines of properties. He invited Ms. Devito to come to the Planning Department to review these maps if she desired. The final resolution was that Ms. Devito would attempt to unify the neighborhood on this issue and approach the Board with the results. Mr. Hoefert stated that it might be an appropriate Committee of the Whole meeting item in the future if the residents could come to a consensus. Gerald Sodaro addressed the Board requesting support from the Village Board to allow a debate between candidates for the Presidency of the Cook County Board at the Village Senior Center. He stated he is requesting approval to utilize the Communication Division's equipment to hold this debate. There was general discussion regarding the appropriateness of the Village sponsoring such an event. It was determined that Mr. Sodaro should approach TCI in the Kensington Center to utilize their public access channel. Tom Hames stated that he had concern with a property at the northeast corner of Owen Street and Millburn Avenue. He stated that the landscaping on this property was overgrown onto the public sidewalk which makes it very difficult for residents to use this sidewalk. He asked if the Village could require the resident to cut back this landscaping so that it does not overhang on the sidewalk. Mr. Jannis stated that there is a property maintenance code within the Village ordinances which requires maintenance of these areas. If there is a violation, the Village could request the resident to fix the property or the Village would clean it and bill the resident. He stated that staff would follow up on this matter. Paul LaRock stated that he had concerns with the recent trends on the south side involving crime and graffiti. He had general questions regarding the Village's efforts to address these issues. He was informed of the recent staff additions in the Police and Human Services Departments to address this issue. In addition, the Visions Committee had been formed to address social concerns in this area. The Village Trustees invited Mr. LaRock to participate in these meetings and become involved in the Village's efforts. He stated that presently he would not participate, but would appreciate any information he could receive. Cathy Ross stated that she addressed the Board at their June Coffee with Council meeting concerning noise coming from the Kensington Business Center. She stated that police officers were at her property to investigate the matter, but that they determined that there was no apparent problem. Ms. Ross stated the police were on her property on July 4, and she felt that was not an accurate reading of the noise... She asked that if the Village has a way of monitoring the noise. Mr. Janonis stated that he would follow up with the Inspection Services Department to determine if there is indeed a noise issue at this location. Ms. Ross said she felt the noise is coming from the HVAC equipment at the 1200 Business Center Drive property. It was not a loud noise, but it was a constant sound which became annoying over time. Mr. Janonis said that staff would investigate it and would contact her. The meeting adjourned at 11:30 a.m. Respectfully Submitted, William J. dooney, J ., lanning Director