Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout04/14/2018 CWC Minutes MINUTES VILLAGE OF MOUNT PROSPECT COFFEE WITH COUNCIL SATURDAY APRIL 14, 2018 Community Center 1' Floor Village Hall The meeting was convened at 9:00 A.M. by the Mayor Arlene Juracek. Trustee Richard Rogers, Trustee Paul Hoefert, Trustee Bill Grossi, and Trustee Coleen Saccotelli are in attendance. Director of Building& Inspection Services William Schroeder,Village Clerk Karen Agoranos, Police Chief John Koziol, Fire Chief Brian Lambel, Finance Director Dave Erb, Deputy Director of Building & Inspection Services Mark Rysavy, and Administrative Analyst Alex Bertolucci represented staff. Residents in attendance were: Sue Elenberger Redwood Drive John Elenberger Redwood Drive Walter Szymczak Eastwood Drive Prakash Bhatt Myrtle Drive Bruce Nesdl MacArthur Avenue Vicki Chung Wille Street John Dunn Owen Street Jerry Boldt School Street Louis Goodman School Street Mal Holec Quince Lane Chris Rogers Liz Fischer Inner Circle Drive Frank Whitecotton Bobby Lane Jane Whitecotton Bobby Lane Bill Millar Central Road Linda Brady I-Oka Avenue Yulia Bjekic Hi Lusi Antonine Borowski See Gwun Thomas Tezky School Street Terry Gens Elm Street Peggy Pissarreck Waverly Place Steve Pissarreck Waverly Place Ronah Albert Pam Mueller I-Oka Avenue David Horwitz Linneman Road Rachel Rothrauff Busse Avenue Dave Zamjahn Maple Avenue Tom Mancon Edward Street David Schein Na Wa Ta Avenue Mayor Juracek advised the attendees that there are additional staff at the meeting to answer any questions about the proposed relocation of the Police Headquarters and Fire Station 13. In addition,the Mayor noted that all non-Police and non-Fire related questions will be handled first, then she will go through the list to any attendees that have questions on the proposed relocation of Police Headquarters (HQ) and Fire Station 13. [Annotation for these minutes: each residents comments whether non-Police/Fire or related thereto are included in one section for readability after the residents name and street] Sue Elenberger, Redwood Drive. Commented that with weather like today, common to have small branches come down. Doesn't indicate a dying tree. John Elenberger, Redwood Drive Wished prayers for country with everything happening herein the last 24/48 hours. He disagrees with the speed of the relocation efforts of the Police HQ and Fire Station 13. A few newspaper articles were referenced by John. John also spoke to Chief Lambel and went to the open house. He doesn't agree with the proposal. He indicated to slow down the process. John referred to business closings like Sears and he is concerned with the economy/another recession. The Mayor indicated to John that the process is not being rushed through and it wise to not spend more money on repairs to the old building. The Village has to move to offer a bid on the properties because real estate moves off the market quickly. She also indicated that the Standard & Poor's (S&P) says that we are in great shape. She understands that financial considerations and public safety are significant concerns. John commented that there is a vacant property at Central & 83. Why are we allowing another possible property to remain vacant in the downtown? In response to the resident's questions, the Mayor asked the Finance Director Erb to briefly highlight plan. Director Erb proceeded to provide the finance plan for the two relocated facilities. The Mayor and John had a brief discussion about the order of speaking at the CWC meeting. The Mayor asked Director Erb to continue with the financial highlight plans. Director Erb highlighted the costs of both new facilities, the money saved with adaptive reuse, explained the 3 bond issuances, and highlighted that there are healthy reserves. Erb stated the plan is solid. Director Erb indicated to the room that the Village has been transparent with the information out for a long period of time. The Finance Commission had many detailed discussions and the proposal received 100% support. Erb indicated that S&P rated Mount Prospect an AA+ very strong and stable outlook. The proposal supports redevelopment in the TIF and opportunities with adaptive reuse saving 14 million. Both the Mayor and Erb indicated that the plan was responsible. Walter Szymczak, Eastwood Drive No comments Prakash Bhatt, Myrtle Drive 1St time at meeting. The resident had concerns about a possible dying tree between 1720 and 1722 Myrtle Lane. The tree is right by a sewer line and cover. He thinks it is dying because branches are falling. The Mayor indicated the process for contacting the Public Works Department. The address was also noted for PW follow up. Bruce Nesdl, MacArthur Avenue Offered up the idea of the reuse of the bank building (i.e. Chase Building 111 E Busse). He thinks the relocation process is moving too fast. Referendum is not a good idea. Bruce indicated that both Police HQ and Fire Station 13 are too small. The old design was bad. Leave the current plan for a new building up to the professionals doing the study. He indicated that the Kensington (i.e. 799 Biermann Court) site is a good site. Kensington Road needs a turn lane in each direction. People speed down Kensington. Bruce liked the Fire Department report that indicated response coverage of the Village would increase to 97%with the proposed new station on Rand Road. The current Station 14 is in a bad location. He recommended to trust our Finance people. The Mayor commented to the room that the Finance Committee is a very important part of accountability within the Village. Vicki Chung, Wille Street Vicki asked questions about the proposed settlement and general questions on TIF. A discussion about EAV and TIF followed. She was concerned about transparency about the costs of the proposed building relocations. John Dunn, Owen Street He is concerned about deteriorated Euclid Ave west of River Road. The Mayor indicated that Public Works will follow up with the county about the deteriorated road. Jerry Boldt, School Street Jerry would like to see updated traffic counts on Isabella, Louis, and Gregory usage. He is also opposed to both new buildings. He recommends moving Police HQ to Biermann Court and for the Fire Station to stay. Jerry indicated that Mount Prospect is not being responsible with the plan. He noted the world, US, and Illinois are a disaster. He also indicated that there is bush blocking the site line corner at Lincoln and We Go. Mal Holec, Quince Lane Mal commented that he was concerned about the new type of liquor license that allows sampling and tastings. He asked if people are required to be Basset trained even on this new license? The Mayor responded, yes, and that the tastings are intended to enhance the experience at local stores. For example,jewelry stores or art galleries,with a limited amount of alcohol being served. Mal Holec continued... Mal further explained what a mistake the Public Safety Building was 20+ years ago. The Mayor further detailed how the policing environment changed over the years and how that has changed the requirements for the building size requirements. She also indicated that the community placed a constraint on the Public Safety budget originally and that has caused current design issues. Mal also commented that the existing trains still make that clankety clank noise when the trains brake. Are they getting a new brake system as we were promised? The mayor indicated that there is a new brake system that is smoother however the devices have to be funded by the rail companies. Police Chief Koziol explained that the architect (FGM) for the Police HQ space needs study are thoughtful in their analysis. He further detailed out how FGM included the future expansion needs in the plan. The Chief further highlighted that the proposed Biermann Court location will be a solid building for at least 60-70 years and most likely more. Trustee Grossi indicated that the staff and planners 25 years made the best decision at the time based on their budget constraints. Louis Goodman, School Street Louis wanted to know the status of the Sub Express property and if it was acquired by the developer for 20West. The Mayor indicated that the Sub Express property is still Tom's(owner's) property and it is not included in the 20West project. Frank and Jane Whitecotton, Bobby Lane 111 time attending in 40 years. Jane said thank you for the Texas Roadhouse Restaurant that is coming to Mount Prospect. Great warm dinner rolls and some to take home when you leave. Bill Millar, Central Road Bill asked when the shredding event is scheduled? Village Clerk Agoranos indicated the time and date of the event. A discussion followed about the car show start time and dates. Linda Brady, I-Oka Avenue Linda was concerned about the lighting at the Golf Plaza II (GP2) site. The Mayor indicated that the lights are tilted away from her house to prevent glare. Linda also asked about the site and incomplete road started by the property owner. Director Schroeder stated that the Village is currently in court with the property owner/developer. There is a new property manager onsite and he has proven that he follows through on items. Court is scheduled for May 2018. The Mayor requested Director Cooney provide an economic development update on the GP2. Director Cooney provide updates on Starbucks, Walgreens, and that no applications for drive through have been received by the Village. A discussion on signage at the plaza followed. Yulia Bjekic, Hi Lusi Yulia indicated that the community policing should continue. Police Chief Koziol indicated it would and that they are looking at future enhancements including an introduction to the new K- 9 for the department. A discussion between resident Yulia and Director Erb followed which included water/sewer fees, bonding, and the costs of the relocated facilities including interest. The Mayor explained the investment in the properties and what value it brings to the Village. The resident was concerned that the downtown public safety building will sit vacant for a long time and recommended to be ready to award a project quickly. She was also concerned if there was a downturn and the property would remain vacant. The Mayor reminded everyone in the room that doing nothing about this Police study report is not an option or plan. The Mayor commented that there are steps that we can take to meet the downtown strategic goals. There are many positives happening here at the Village and projects such as: 20West, the Parenti site, and townhome project by the post office are really encouraging for the Village's future. Peggy Pissarreck, Waverly Place Peggy asked what the total costs for each resident for the proposed relocations of the Police HQ and Fire Station 13? She commented that the reserves are being depleted—there is a perception of a lack of transparency on this project and perception is reality. Finance Director Erb indicated that there is unquestioned transparency presented to the community; Erb followed up by detailing the bond issuances again, payout schedules, and that the tax bill will not go up because of these projects. Erb further discussed our proper debt management. The resident still requested more transparency including the slides presented to S&P. Director Erb will add this presentation to the website. Both Peggy and her husband Steve have questions on the Mount Prospect Plaza environmental clean-up. Director Cooney explained the process of cleaning up the site, removing tanks, and obtaining the NFR letter. Director Cooney further detailed the process of foreclosing on the property and obtaining possession in court. Peggy and Steve indicated that the Village should issue a RFP for the development. Pam Mueller, I-Oka Pam explained that costs are an important part of the proposed projects and wanted to know what impact it has on each resident. Dave Erb will have this information available for the Tuesday Board meeting. Steve Pissarreck, Waverly Place Steve asked for the numbers of Police Officers 25 years ago and today, has crime increased, and did the population increase? Police Chief Koziol responded. Steve does not support the relocation of the Police HQ because he does not see a need for the increased area. The Mayor indicated the existing layout is poorly designed, evidence law requirements have increased, and policing services has changed. The resident thanked the Police. He indicated that maybe they can look at a Southern Satellite Station. Trustee Hoefert, Evergreen Avenue Trustee Hoefert explained that the light industrial marker is not booming right now. He wants more awareness and to slow down the process. He wants to see the existing space analyzed again. He recommends reviewing options to reduce costs of the proposed projects. He stated that once the bonds are issued we are done-process is moving. Trustee Hoefert still recommends an ad hoc committee to decide the direction. He understands something has to be done about the Police HQ. He also indicated that the town is blessed for Finance and thinks that Director Erb has appropriately assembled a financing plan. He wants the plan to include the total costs including finance charges and still believes that things are moving too fast while not looking at all options. Antonine Borowski, See Gwun What is the status of the Hobby Lobby space? There is a temporary warehouse use in the space currently. Director Cooney indicated that there is a tough retail market for leasing right now. The space is approximately 50,000 square feet. Cooney stated that he has constant contact with brokers and the property manager. Thomas Tesky, School Street Just observing and listening. Terry Gens, Elm Street Terry thinks the recycling event is great. She also supports the Monarch butterflies. The Mayor stated that she also supports the Monarch butterfly along with the garden club. Trustee Hoefert also indicated that a recycling of household hazardous waste event is coming soon. It is planned for June 2018. He also indicated that the electronic recycling event has started up again. He also suggested maybe having an alternate day for the event on a Saturday or offer curbside electronic recycling. Chris Rogers Recycling of textiles is an excellent option. Additional orange bags are available at PW. Trustee Hoefert suggested that maybe there should be a COW meeting about recycling. Ronah, Albert Street The Police did a great job by installing her child car seat. Chief Koziol recommended that people call the non-emergency number to coordinate the car seat installations. Fire Chief Lambel Indicated that St. Baldrick's has an event at Blackfinn Restaurant in Mount Prospect today. Chief will not be shaving his head this time. Liz Fischer, Inner Circle Drive No comments David Horwitz, Linneman Road No comments Rachel Rothrauff, Busse Avenue Recycling program is excellent and positive. Dave Zamjahn, Maple Avenue Dave observed hedges blocking site lines at corners at the following intersections: Isabella & Rand, Memory & 83, and Central & Maple. He also indicated that he was concerned with the overnight parking permissions and the limitations of the times it is allowed. Police Chief noted and will review. Tom Mancon, Edward Street No comments;just listening. David Shein, Na Wa Ta Avenue David noted that on the north bound lane of Busse Road between Golf Road and Central there are troughs from the tires of vehicles. The troughs hold water and you could hydroplane. PW will talk to county again but they anticipate 2019 because of funding. Ribbons on trees in the parkway should be removed. The Mayor indicated that the ribbons on parkway trees should be removed. Trustee Hoefert said that we have an ordinance about roadside memorials and that we should discuss expanding it to include removal and new situations. David has some questions on ISO ratings related to the Fire Department. Fire Chief Lambel reviewed and responded to his questions. There was no further business to discuss. The meeting was adjourned at 11:25 A.M. Respectfully Submitted, William M Schroeder Director of Building & Inspection Services