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HomeMy WebLinkAbout03/10/2001 CWC minutes MINUTES VILLAGE OF MOUNT PROSPECT COFFEE WITH COUNCIL SATURDAY, MARCH 10, 2001 9:00 A.M. 2nd Floor Conference Room, Village Hall The meeting was convened at 9:00 a.m. Those present were Mayor Gerald Farley, Trustees Timothy Comoran, Paul Hoefert, Richard Lohrstorfer, Dennis Prikkel, Michaele Skowron and Irvana Wilks. Representing staff were Village Manager Michael Janonis and Director of Finance Douglas Ellsworth. Residents in Attendance: Carol Tortorello 223 S. Elmhurst Rd. Elmer Colliu 1 W. Hiawatha Trail Martha Ruetsche 610 N. Fairview Ave. James Ruetsche 610 N. Fairview Ave. Pankaj Parikh 401 S. Emerson St. David Schein 512 S. NaWaTa Richard Hendricks Twin Lakes, WI. Trustee Dennis Prikkel: Trustee Prikkel reported that there was a separation of the sidewalk at 107 N. Main Street that could be a tripping hazard. He also said there was a sidewalk hazard at the southeast comer of Thayer and Main Street. Trustee Michaele Skowron: Trustee Skowron reported that there is still a Route 83 Detour sign going eastbound on Central Road. She said the sign is actually behind the fence on the Norwood propen'y, but suggested we arrange to have the sign removed. Ms. Carol Tortorello, 223 S. Elmhurst Avenue: Ms. Tortorello requested an update on the status of Randhurst Mall. There was general discussion about the conditions at Randhurst as well as the impact of the soft retail market. It was suggested that the Village look for opportunities to assist Rouse/Randhurst by looking at ways to improve land use around the mall. Ms. Tortorello asked about the Louis Velasco Beautification Fund. Trustee Skowron stated that it is still in the planning stage. Mr. Elmer Collin, 1 W. Hiawatha Trail: Mr. Collin did not have anything specific to talk about. He said he enjoys coming to Coffee with Council to listen and converse with the Board. Mr. James Ruetsche, 610 N. Fairview Avenue: Mr. James Ruetsche came to the Coffee with Council with his mother, Ms. Martha Ruetsche, to request that he be re-appointed to the Youth Commission. Mayor Farley stated that appointments cannot be made at the Coffee with Council, but the re-appointment would be made at an upcoming Board meeting. Coffee with Council Minutes March 10, 2001 Page Two There was general discussion about the quality of schools in Mount Prospect and the many challenges facing the youth of America. There was also discussion about the Character Counts program being initiated by the local governments in Mount Prospect. Mayor Farley suggested that we put up street banners to promote Character Counts. Mr. Janonis said that staff is working on getting banners. Mr. David Schein, 512 S. NaWaTa: Mr. Schein inquired about what responsibilities and obligations the Village would have as part of the Des Plaines Watershed Study. Mayor Farley said the Village is cooperating and participating in the study, but the obligations and responsibilities have not been determined yet. Mr. Schein inquired as to whose responsibility it is to clean up after automobile accidents. He said there was an accident on his block, and he and his neighbors had to clean up the broken glass. Trustee Corcoran stated that the tow truck driver is suppose to clean up the broken glass when a tow truck is called to the scene of the accident. There was a question as to who cleans it up ifa tow track is not called. Mayor Farley questioned whether or not the Village sends out the street sweeper. Mr. Janonis said he would find that information out. Trustee Wilks asked if we were going to have a Spring Village cleanup. Mr. Janonis said that the Public Works Department is changing over to its Spring/Summer operations, He further said that he has asked employees to pick up larger items of debris if they see such on the side of the road as they drive around the Village. Mr. Schein also suggested the Village have Police direct traffic after big events at Prospect High School. Mr. Schein asked Mayor Farley if individuals under the age of 21 can purchase non-alcoholic beer. Mayor Farley said they could not. Mr. Richard Hendricks, Twin Lakes, Wisconsin: Mr. Hendricks asked if the Board received a copy of his letter asking for a motion. Trustee Hoefert stated that the Board did receive a copy of the letter. Mr. Hendricks wished the Board well with the upcoming election. Mr. Pankaj Parikh, 401 S. Emerson: Mr. Janonis started out by saying that Mr. Parikh is here because he is trying to put together a Mount Prospect relief effort for the victims of the earthquake in India. Mr. Parikh was hoping the Village would sponsor the event, in conjunction with a local bank. Mr. Janonis said that LaSalle Bank is willing to open an account for the relief effort, but that they require someone serve to as trustee of the account. Mr. Janonis further said that the Village 2 offee with Council Minutes March 10, 2001 Page Three Board would have to approve of such an arrangement. Mr. Parikh said that he would be willing to research the best ways to use the monies. Mayor Farley inquired as to why Mr. Parikh did not want to use the International Red Cross or another established not-for-profit corporation. Mr. Parikh said those organizations have overhead, and that this way, they can be assured all the money goes to a specific project. Trustee Skowron expressed the opinion that we should use an existing organization. Trustee Prikkel agreed, saying that there is also the World Relief Organization that provides long-term relief programs. Trustee Wilks asked why Mr. Parikh did not want to serve as trustee of the bank account. Mr. Parikh said he did not think about it. Trustee Lorhstorfer expressed the opinion that the Village should support the relief program but not serve as the main organizer. Mayor Farley recommended we use a reputable, established charitable agency to accept the donations so that the donations are tax-deductible. He said the organization chosen should be able to identify specific projects that the Mount Prospect funds would be used for. The Board asked the Village Manager to work with Mr. Parikh on researching established not-for- profit organizations. Trustee Skowron suggested the Rotary Club be considered, rather than a specific church. She said the project might get wider community support if it wasn't tied to a specific denomination. The meeting was adjourned at 10:40 a.m. Douglas R. Ellsworth, CPA Director of Finance I:\Corresp2nfl~2001\CoffeeCouncil - 3-10.doc