Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout10/09/2010 CWC minutesMINUTES VILLAGE OF MOUNT PROSPECT COFFEE WITH COUNCIL Saturday, October 9, 2010 9:00 A.M. Village Hall, 50 South Emerson Street The meeting convened at 9:00 a.m. Those present were Mayor lrvana Wilks and Trustees Arlene Juracek and Steven Polit. Representing the Village were Village Manager Michael Janonis and Deputy Director of Public Works Sean Dorsey. Residents in Attendance Carol Tortorello Elmhurst Avenue Mal Holec Quince Lane Max Romanowicz Ardyce Lane Jan Kent Briarwood Drive Jim Chylik Locust Lane Bob Kawalek Can Dota Avenue Thomas Tezky School Street Louis Bowers Boxwood Drive Louis Goodman School Street Dave Schein Na Wa Ta Avenue Steve Van Arsdale Can Dota Avenue Nick Kouruklis Hickory Drive Jerry Boldt School Street Andy Vegter Russel Street Mayor Wilks related that she recently received a telephone call at home from an out -of- state number attempting to solicit sales for home insulation. Mayor Wilks noted that during her conversation, she learned that the call was on behalf of a Northbrook, Illinois company. She also reported that the sales agent claimed she could receive $1,000 cash back from the Village of Mount Prospect if she accepted the offer. The caller further claimed that the firm had an exclusive license with the Village to make this offer. Mr. Janonis advised that the caller's claim is not true. The Village has no rebate program for home insulation and has no exclusive contract with any home insulation firms. Carol Tortorello had no issues to discuss. She added that she had the opportunity to enjoy a meal at the recently re- opened Little America restaurant. She commented that she was glad it was able to reopen. Mr. Janonis explained the recent salmonella issue that forced the recent closure of the restaurant. Mal Holec talked about his recent visit to Mount Prospect's Sister City Sevres, France. He also noted that, while reading a recent newspaper article, he learned that the Police Department is forming a gang unit. He asked if a representative from the Police Department could speak about this unit and gang problems at an upcoming senior citizen breakfast. Mr. Holec also commented that he does not favor the Village presenting an award for outdoor holiday decorations. Trustee Polit noted that the Village has actually had a gang unit for 20 years. He suggested that the recent newspaper article that prompted Mr. Holec's comment was misleading. Max Romanowicz asked if any development plans were in place for the former Joe Mitchell Buick property on Rand Road. Trustee Polit and Mr. Janonis responded that the Village is not aware of any plans for selling or re- developing this property. Mr. Janonis commented that the extensive clearing and green space restoration taking place on the property is a Mitchell family initiative. Jan Kent inquired about the status of the Basin 37 sanitary sewer improvements project. Mr. Dorsey responded that a neighborhood meeting is currently planned for 6:30 PM on Thursday, October 28`" at Robert Frost School. The purpose of this meeting is to explain the scope of planned sewer improvements to Lake Briarwood residents. Additionally, Mr. Dorsey explained that funding for the proposed improvements has been included in the 2011 proposed budget and the 2012 budget forecast. Jim Chylik asked if there are going to be personnel layoffs in the Police Department. Mr. Janonis acknowledged that there will be layoffs in all Village departments; including the Police Department. Mr. Chylik suggested that the Village should first consider laying off civilian employees of the Police Department who were already retired and drawing pensions from other agencies. He also opined that these employees should then be replaced with sworn officers. Mr. Janonis explained that there are only 2 Police Department civilian employees that are retired from other agencies (not Mount Prospect). Mr. Janonis noted that these employees, although technically civilians, have highly developed and specified police skills (crime free housing and property room) that are not easily replaced. He also suggested it would be unlikely that lesser trained or less experienced sworn officers could perform the work as effectively or as economically. Mr. Chylik also asked if the Village had thought of refurbishing police cars instead of purchasing new cars. He specifically referenced an advertisement for this service from a Michigan firm. Mr. Dorsey responded that the Village had tried refurbishing police squads several years ago when Chevrolet stopped production of their Caprice police package. Mr. Dorsey noted that the Village did utilize a firm from Michigan for the work. Mr. Dorsey further explained that although the refurbishing worked well, it did not prove to be a cost- effective solution for the Village. The Village found it more cost effective to re -task used police squads as pool vehicles rather than refurbishing them. Bob Kawalek talked about his recent unfavorable experience with the development of the vacant lot next to his home on Can Dota Avenue. He specifically noted that the project revealed a lot line discrepancy he had been unaware of. He suggested that the Village should be more proactive in the resolution of parcel disputes so that potential neighbors could avoid ill will. Mr. Janonis responded that parcel management is legally the domain of Cook County. The Village has no authority and little opportunity to regulate the process. Additionally, Mr. Janonis noted that the Village lacks the resources to proactively monitor the accuracy of parcel transfers. Thomas Tezky had no issues to discuss. Louis Bowers, asked for clarification of an article in the Village newsletter prohibiting parking with the left wheels to the curb. Trustee Polit explained that parked cars must face the flow of traffic. Nick Kourulis stated that the streetlight was out at the corner of Cottonwood and Hickory. He asked for Village assistance to get the light repaired. Mr. Dorsey stated that the light is owned and maintained by Commonwealth Edison. He also advised Mr. Kourulis that he would contact ComEd about repairing the light. Dave Schein encouraged attendees to make certain that their downspouts are disconnected from their house's sewer service line. He related his personal experience with downspouts and concluded that his basement back -up problems were substantially alleviated when he disconnected his downspouts from his footing tile and re- directed them to discharge on the ground. Jerry Boldt observed that the home at 216 North Elm Street appeared to have an improper sump pump discharge. Mr. Dorsey stated that he would have a Public Works inspector examine the discharge. Mr. Boldt also asked when the ADA sidewalk ramps at Maple and Thayer were going to be repaired. Mr. Dorsey explained that Public Works has ordered replacement ramps and plans to install them soon. Steve Van Arsdale had no issues to discuss. Andy Vegter needs advice on move -out/ move -in refuse pickup and hazardous waste (paint) disposal. Mr. Dorsey explained that latex paint could be disposed of as refuse if he solidified the liquid with sand or cat litter. Mr. Dorsey also suggested that Mr. Vegter contact Public Works to discuss the specifics of his move-in/move-out refuse disposal needs. Louis Goodman had no issues to discuss. Having no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 11:05 am. Respectfully Submiyed, Sean P. Dorsey Deputy Director of Public Works