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HomeMy WebLinkAbout3.COFFEE WITH COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES 01/08/11MAYOR Progpec t VILLAGE MANAGER Irvana K. Wilks Michael E. Janonis TRUSTEES VILLAGE CLERK Paul Wm. Hoefert M. Lisa Angell Arlene A. Juracek Ardyce Lane A. John Korn Phone: 847/392 -6000 John J. Matuszak Fax: 847/392 -6022 Steven S. Polit TDD: 847/392 -6064 Michael A. Zadel wuw.mountti Village of Mount Prospect 50 South Emerson Street, Mount Prospect, Illinois 60056 MINUTES COFFEE WITH COUNCIL Saturday, January 8, 2011 Community Center, Village Hall The meeting convened at 9:00 a.m. Village Board members present were Mayor Irvana Wilks, Trustee Paul Hoefert, Trustee Arlene Juracek, and Trustee John Matuszak. Representing Staff was Assistant Village Manager Dave Strahl and Community Development Director Bill Cooney. Residents in Attendance John Ellenberger Redwood Drive Jim Chylik Locust Lane Jan Kent Briarwood Drive Mal Holec Quince Lane Max Romanowicz Ardyce Lane Carol Tortorello Elmhurst Avenue Steve and Barbara Van Arsdale Can Dota Avenue Thomas Tezky School Street David Schein Na -Wa -Ta Avenue Brian Lechner Kingston Court Mayor Wilks opened the meeting with general remarks, introduced the Trustees in attendance and then moved to the resident portion of the meeting. John Ellenberger, Redwood Drive — Mr. Ellenberger indicated that he is attending the meeting to thank the Fire Department for their service on a recent ambulance call to his home. He stated that the Fire Department was very professional and assisted him through his situation. Mr. Ellenberger displayed Sunday's Chicago Tribune headline that indicated the State of Illinois was going to raise income taxes by 75 %. He stated what he appreciates the quality of Mount Prospect Elected Officials and Staff and their ability to hold the budget with a 0% tax increase. He feels very fortunate to live in such a community. He understood the several staff cuts that were required to make the 0% increase work, but knows decisions were in good hands with the Village Board. Jim Chylik, Locust Lane — Mr. Chylik said he was attending to listen what others had to say, but also wanted to thank the Public Works Department for their efforts in snow plowing throughout the community. He indicated that when he talks to people who live in adjoining towns, they always comment on the high quality snow plowing provided by the Village of Mount Prospect. Coffee with Council Minutes Page 1 of 3 January 8, 2011 Jan Kent, Briarwood Drive — Ms. Kent stated that she recently noticed markings in the street from utility companies related to the upcoming sewer work to be done in the neighborhood. She was thankful for the Village Board's follow- through on this issue and was happy that the project was funded even in tight budgetary times. She said that she and her neighbors look forward to the project being completed and the basement flooding issue going away. She then stated that she recently attended a Chat with Chief Dahlberg. One of the issues that came up was some strange activities iii the townhome development immediately south of Briarwood Subdivision. She stated that are approximately 20 townhomes in this location; some are in the Village while others are in Unincorporated Cook County. She inquired whether the Village could annex the remainder of the units so the Village's Police Department could enforce laws in this location. Mr. Cooney stated that one of the upcoming issues for the Committee of the Whole in 2011 would be annexation opportunities and that this could be one of the locations that Staff could provide an overview on. Ms. Kent also questioned whether ComEd was required to provide fencing along the property line between their right -of -way with the high -lined wires and to the residential neighborhood to the west. There was general discussion and Ms. Kent was advised that ComEd was not required to provide fencing, but that the residents could apply for fence permits along their rear property lines adjacent to that right -of -way. Mel Holec, Quince Lane — Mr. Holec provided a story about a neighboring house that has been vacant for some time that was recently under contract for purchase. He said that he recently walked out and saw water running out of the home and contacted Illinois American Water to come out and shut the water off. He said that Illinois American Water said they would be out within 5 hours. Mr. Holec called the Fire Department about the same issue. He said the Fire Department was out within a few minutes and was able to shut the water down and minimize what would have been even more significant damage. He asked about a status of the Ye Olde Town Inn Litigation. He was advised that it was basically status quo and that the judge needs to make a determination on some outstanding motions. He stated he thought that the new roundabouts at the Randhurst Village redevelopment project needed improved signage. He has seen several people having problems navigating through the roundabout. There was general discussion regarding the roundabout and affirmation that there would be improved signage once the project neared occupancy. Max Romanowicz, Ardyce Lane — Mr. Romanowicz stated he wanted to also acknowledge the fine work by Public Works snow plowing throughout town. He said that he was very pleased with the work. Carol Tortorello, Elmhurst Avenue — Ms. Tortorello distributed an article about street deicing and the use of beet juice. She wanted to know if the Village utilized this and was advised that the Village did. She then indicated that she was recently at the intersection of Route 83 and Northwest Highway heading north on 83 and that an emergency vehicle approached the intersection and that the opticom did not work. Mr. Cooney stated that he would advise the Police and Fire Departments of that. Ms. Tortorello provided a story of a few blood drive veterans and their loyalty to the program. Steve and Barbara Van Arsdale, Can Dota Avenue — Mr. Van Arsdale indicated that they were working with Crime Stoppers International to bring their program to Mount Prospect. He stated that they are very close to initiating the program and they are having a fundraiser on January 23 at the Brunswick Zone from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. to raise money to help initiate that program. There was general discussion about the value of the program and overall support of the program. Thomas Tezky, School Street— Mr. Tezky stated he was just attending to observe and listen to comments. Coffee with Council Minutes Page 2 of 3 January 8, 2011 David Schein, Na Wa Ta Avenue — Mr. Schein stated that he recently attended a Fish Fry /Mexican Buffet at the Mount Prospect Golf Course and was pleasantly surprised by the overall quality and attendance at the event. He recommended it to all at the meeting. He then raised an issue with the Youth Commission regarding creating a Facebook page. The Mayor indicated strong objection to this with concerns involving privacy for Facebook members. Mr. Strahl stated he already had this discussion with the Village Attorney and they would review the matter with the Village Board as it is appropriate. Mr. Schein then indicated that with the recent discussion on feral cats that he thought it would be appropriate for the Village to initiate a licensing program for both cats and dogs. He thought that this would create a revenue opportunity for the Village in a time when revenues are down. There was general discussion that this would not be a revenue producer since it would generate a significant amount of Staff time to process the licenses and to implement the program overall. Brian Lechner, Kingston Court — Mr. Lechner stated that he is the owner of Lechner and Sons which is located within the Kensington Business Center. He said he was attending to listen to what issues where current in the Village and to find out more about Mount Prospect. He stated that he has been in the business park for several years and appreciates the work of the Community Development Department when they were reviewing sites and ultimately chose Mount Prospect for their current location. He said his wife works at Metrodocs which is also located within Kensington Business Center and they were both pleased with the business environment in the Kensington Business Center and the Village in general. The meeting was adjourned at 11:00 a.m. Respectfully Submitted, W Bill Cooney Director of Community Development Coffee with Council Minutes Page 3 of 3 January 8, 2011