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HomeMy WebLinkAbout10/11/2008 CWC minutes MINUTES COFFEE WITH COUNCIL SATURDAY, OCTOBER 11,2008 9:00 AM VILLAGE HALL, 50 SOUTH EMERSON STREET Mayor Irvana Wilks called the meeting to order at approximately 9:00 AM. Trustees John Matuszak, Steve Po lit, and Arlene Juracek were also in attendance. Representing Village staff were Village Manager Michael Janonis and Deputy Director of Public Works Sean Dorsey. Village residents in attendance were: Thomas G. Tezky Jack Thomas Rodger Kruse Christy Watychowicz Kimberly Skic Carol Tortorello David Schein North School Street Fern Drive South Louis Street WaPella Avenue North Owen Street South Elmhurst Avenue Nawata Avenue Mayor Wilks welcomed all in attendance. Thomas Tezky stated he is attending this meeting to explain that he is repairing his home following flood damages received during the September 13, 2008 storm. He specifically stated that he is preparing the wood and drywall for collection by the Village's solid waste hauler but wanted the Village Board to be aware that he is temporarily staging debris outside of his home. He also related a story about his father who recently experienced medical problems requiring emergency treatment. He noted that this experience taught him the value of knowing the names and amounts of medicines taken by loved ones. He suggested that every household should maintain such a list. Jack Thomas believes he was inappropriately charged for a Village vehicle sticker. He stated that recently applied for a Village sticker for a vehicle plated with a State of Illinois Korean War veteran license plate. He stated that in the past, the Village had not required him to pay for this type of sticker. Mr. Janonis advised him that he had been charged in error and would make certain that his payment is refunded. He also inquired whether on-street parking on Fern could be restricted or alternated to one-side to better facilitate school bus and emergency vehicle traffic. Rodger Kruse thanked the Police Department for continuing efforts to apprehend traffic violators. He specifically inquired about the disposition of vehicles left on the road after drivers are arrested for not having a valid license. Mr. Janonis advised Mr. Kruse that the vehicles are either towed by the police department's towing contractor or left legally parked until another driver can retrieve the vehicle. Mr. Kruse also stated that sow thistle is growing along the north curb of Prospect between Albert, George, and Edward. Christy Watychowicz announced that the Downtown Merchants Association is hosting a Fall Festival and an Oktoberfest celebration on October 25th. She eXplained that the festival is held between 1 PM and 4 PM and is intended for kids. The Oktoberfest starts 5 PM and lasts until 9 PM. The Oktoberfest is intended for all ages. Ms. Watychowicz also suggested that the Village compile an e-mail directory of residents to communicate with them important time sensitive information (i.e. unlimited waste collection following the September 13th storm). Mr. Janonis Page 1 of 2 stated that Northwest Central Dispatch is working on developing a reverse 911 system that will enable the Village to communicate emergency information to residents in a timely way. She also stated that people turning left off of NW bound NW Highway onto westbound Central Road encroach the intersection restricting the flow of eastbound traffic on Central Road. She also commented about a similar situation at the intersection of Rand Road, Mount Prospect Road, and Central Road. Mr. Janonis stated the Village has petitioned mOT to prohibit right-turn on red movements at Rand and Mount Prospect Road. To date, mOT has resisted this restriction. Nevertheless, the Village is continuing this effort. Additionally, Mr. Janonis stated that the police department routinely enforces traffic violations at this intersection. She also asked if turns could be restricted off of southbound Emerson Street into the East Metra lot. She suggested that drivers needing to access this lot during rush hours could do so off of Northwest Highway without backing up traffic on Southbound Emerson Street. Kim Skic stated that she had no issues. Carol Tortorello stated that she had no issues. Dave Schein stated that there has been a very poor response to FEMA's federal individual assistance program. To date, only 3,400 residents have registered in 11 eligible counties statewide. Mr. Schein suggested that the program may be canceled if the response doesn't improve. He also asked if detention was required for the Westbrook School parking lot improvements. Mr. Schein also asked if the Village duplicates social services that might be provided by the state, county, townships, or other social service agencies. Mr. Janonis advised that the Human Services Department routinely examines the services made available to area residents and strives to avoid duplication of services. As a consequence, the Village's Human Services Department routinely adds, eliminates, or modifies the array of services it provides. Mr. Schein also inquired if the financing for the Randhurst redevelopment is at risk in light of the current international financial crisis. He also asked if the Village's contribution is at risk. Mr. Janonis responded that the financing for the Randhurst project is sound and that the Village's contributions are not at risk. Mr. Schein asked if the Village had considered providing homeowners with mortgage assistance. Mr. Janonis stated that the Village has not considered such a program. Finally, Mr. Schein inquired about the Village's position concerning the partisan election campaign of a candidate seeking statewide office. Specifically, he asked why a recent invitation to a campaign event listed some Village trustees and not others. Mayor Wilks and Trustee Juracek stated that the Village is not partisan and efforts to suggest that it is are not correct. Additionally, Trustee Juracek emphasized that she had specifically requested her name not be associated with the invitation or event Mr. Schein referenced. The use of her name in this case was against her wishes. There being no further business to discuss, Mayor Wilks adjourned the meeting at 1 I :05 AM. Respectfully Submitted, _5P,J? Sean P. Dorsey Deputy Director of Public Works C:\Documents and Settings\djarosz\Local Settings\Temporary Internet Files\OLKBI\OCTOBER 11 2008 (3).doc Page 2 of 2