HomeMy WebLinkAbout08/11/2001 CWC minutesMINUTES
COFFEE WITH COUNCIL
Saturday, August 11, 2001
09:00 a.m.
2ad Floor Conference Room, Village Hall
Meeting convened at 9:00 AM. Those present: Michaele Skowrorb Paul Hoefert, Village
Manager Michael Janonis, Police Chief Richard Eddington, and Fire Chief Mike Figolah.
Residents in Attendance:
David Schein
Ramon Ruble
Carol Tortorello
Merrill Cotton
A1 Pastemak
700 West Ivanhoe
412 North Elmhurst
223'S. Elmhurst Ave.
2710 Briarwood Drive West
1906 Connie Lane
Ramon Ruble inquired about the reason the Village ground the sidewalk in fi'ont of his home
and why Ms neighbors' sidewalk was patched with blacktop. Village Manager Janonis stated that
grinding was one method of making sidewalks safe for travel. Janonis went on to explain that
some of the sidewalks are being patched with blacktop until money was made available to
replace.
Merrill Cotton asked if a definition of "hardship" could be provided to the .Zoning Board of
Appeals. At the last Village Board meeting the meaning of hardship was once again questioned.
A discussion ensued. Trustee Skowron stated that she thought that this topic has merit for
discussion. Mr. Cotton asked for statistics regarding Senior Center use anfflibrary transactions.
Mr. Cotton also stated that in lieu of the poor 2002 budget projections, the Village Board should
consider putting the Village Hall and parking structure project on hold until better economic
times. Trustees Skowron and Hoefert explained their reasons that they believe the projects
should continue.
Al Pasternak opened with a general discussion about the downtown redevelopment. Mr.
Pasternak expressed concern that the Village Board is going forward with a new village hall and
parking structure without asking for resident input in the form of a referendum. Trustees
Skowron and Hoefert explained why they supported the decision. Mr. Pasteruak provided his
opinion that redevelopment should not be solely based on bricks and mortar. He favored having
activities that bring people together. He passed out examples of car shows that take place in
Downers Grove, Elmhurst, and Lombard. Trustees Skowron and Hoefert identified many similar
activities that are held in Mount Prospect. Mr. Pasternak also questioned the Senior Center space
use in the proposed Village Hall. Trustees Skowron and H0efert explained that they favor
Community" space rather than specific "Senior" space. Within that space many of the existing
senior programs will be provided for. Mr. Pastemak expressed concern that the Mount Prospect
Public Library is poised to ask for a large mount of money for additional space and renovation.
A lengthy discussion ensued regarding how librari6s and other public entities have changed over
the years. The last issue from Mr. Pastemak was a request to the Village' Board n6t to raise the
cost of vehicle stickers. He explained that he is a car enthusiast and owns several collector
automobiles.
Carol Tortorello questioned the Village Manager about the fees paid to SWANC. In view of
recent decisions will the Village be refunded their contributions? The Village Manager explained
that the sale of property will be used to retire existing debt. The Village will realize some cost
savings from a reduction in future tipping fees.
The meeting was adjourned at 11:00 am.
Respectfully Submitted,
Michael Figolah
Fire Chief