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HomeMy WebLinkAbout04/03/2004 CWC minutes MINUTES COFFEE WITH COUNCIL Saturday, April 3, 2004 09:00 a.m. 2nd Floor Conference Room, Village Hall The meeting convened at 9:00 AM. Those present: Mayor Gerald Farley, Trustee Michaele Skowron, Trustee Irvana Wilks, Trustee Timothy Corcoran, Trustee Paul Hoefert, Trustee Richard Lohrstorfer, Village Manager Michael Janonis, and Fire Chief Mike Figolah. Residents in Attendance: Liz Lespinasse Bert Hemmawn Francis Vlazny Margaret Lannen Chad Rinella David Schein Denise Rominski Paul J. Hydzik "Ing" Bloomquist Jon Radford Bruce Gillilan Al Engberg Jim Uzler Nancy DiDuca Carol Tortorello 5 South Pine Street 2105 Jody Court 2103 J ody Court 999 North Elmhurst Road, Randhurst 999 North Elmhurst Road, Randhurst 512 South NaWaTa 210 South Main Street 202 East Council Trail 1909 Connie Lane 1400 West Cleven 132 South Waverly 1801 Hopi Lane 9 South Elm Street 1043 Arbor Court 223 S. Elmhurst Avenue Liz Lespinasse asked about whether or not there would be a change to computer parking fees collected on weekends once the new electronic meters are installed. Mr. Janonis stated that there is no change in when fees would be collected. She raised a concern in regards to children's presence in the area of the Capanari's Ice Cream Store and truck traffic. Ms. Lespinasse recommended the Village prohibit trucks or provide signage for drivers to watch for children. Mayor Farley stated that the idea of signs indicating children may have merit and will have staff investigate. Ms. Lespinasse wondered if there was anything being done to prevent the train whistles from starting up again. Mr. Janonis stated that the Village will be sending a letter to the Federal Railway Administration as required indicating our intention of restricting the whistles in the "quiet areas" downtown. Mr. Janonis further elaborated that the Village is working to identify other measures like four-quadrant gates. Bert Hernmawn questioned why Mount Prospect refused to take some of the proceeds from the Rosemont Gaming Property. He explained that Palatine and many other communities would be receiving up to $500,000 annually. Mayor Farley explained that, in a unanimous vote by the Board, the Board thought gambling was not a good method of raising fees for the state and they didn't want to be shown as a supporter of legalized gambling. The Mayor further stated that he doubts these other communities will see the money as promised. Mr. Hernmawn expressed support of the Village Board to not allow a park across from the library. He also asked what was being done to improve Central Road? Mayor Farley explained that the state is willing to repair the roadway surface only if the Village agreed to take over the maintenance forever. Mayor Farley explained that there are more meetings scheduled with state authorities to discuss this issue. Mr. Hernmawn asked about maximum building heights in Mount Prospect. The Mayor stated that the Board had the intent to limit buildings to the 94' mark. Frank Vlazny asked if it were possible to have an underpass downtown to avoid the train congestion? The Village Manager explained that an underpass would not be the best for the viability Mount Prospect's downtown as the gradual grade changes necessary for the underpass will virtually cause people to drive past Mount Prospect without the ability to see the community. Mr. Vlazny was concerned about the rising cost and increased benefits of public pension funds. The Mayor explained that the local jurisdiction has little control over these funds. The Springfield legislators are passing laws to increase benefits without any increased ability to pay for these plans. Trustee Corcoran explained that compounding the problem with pension funds is the investment part of the plans. Decreased investment income is another aspect of the increased costs. Margaret Lannen introduced Chad Rinella, Randhurst Security Manager. She also commented on yesterday's natural gas main break that caused a major problem, but luckily didn't affect the mall with closure since the wind was blowing away from the structure. All went well with little disruption. Ms. Lannen described many of the new potential mall tenants, one of which includes a ballroom dancing instructional store that will take over the basement area. Mayor Farley asked what work was going to be performed on the deteriorated parking lot. Margaret stated that a great deal of work would be done to the parking lot, especially in the area of Costco and the new entrance. Lighting will also be upgraded in those areas. Trustee Hoefert asked if Randhurst is aware of the new lighting trend that uses lower mats with a higher amount of units that provides a much nicer affect. Margaret states that they were committed to keeping Costco's lighting theme. Denise Rominski asked about the future of the Fannie May site. Mr. Janonis stated that in this mornings newspaper an article reported that the Fannie May stores, recipes, and manufacturing processes were sold to Alpine Corporation. It is still too early to know the fate of our site, but knows that our store performed well. Ms. Romonski expressed concern that commuters were parking in the vacated Fannie May parking lot. In fact a Ford pick-up truck has been parked there for several days. Mr. Janonis stated that the Village is limited on enforcement on private property, but would follow-up and see what could be done. Paul Hydzik explained that he was a resident and professional photographer of architecture and would like to do work for the Village. He passed around a portfolio of his work. The Village Manager will contact him if an opportunity arose. Mr. Bloomquist complimented the Village on how the municipality is managed. He discussed some parking concerns, which the Village Manager would follow up on. Bruce Gillilan, a member of the Economic Development Commission, asks the Board to consider rooftop beatification like other communities. Having larger structures creates a different perspective and should be considered. He asked if the Village took control of Central Road, could they then control things like truck traffic? Mr. J anonis explained that would not have control over trucks and little control over other issues. David Schein complimented Tuccio's new endeavor at the train station. He also shared the newspaper article about the Arlington Heights Youth Center and recommended Mount Prospect consider discussions about a Youth Center. AI Engberg recommended that the Board consider working with legislators to collect vehicle sticker fees at the Secretary of State when people apply for license plates. He has spoken with Representative Nekritz and she discussed this issue with the SOS office, but the SOS was not interested. Mr. Engberg said the concept will work, but will need to force the SOS to take on the tasks. Mayor Farley stated that he would share this idea at the Northwest Municipal Conference. Mr. Engberg commented on his concern for public pension costs and the need to establish defined benefit plans as well as to outsource positions. Jim Uszler let the group know that the Chamber of Commerce is now selling gift certificates in $5, $10, & $25 increments that can be used in any Mount Prospect participating business. He notified the group that there is interest to re-establish the Mount Prospect Car Show. Mr. Uszler inquired as to construction/demolition-projected dates of the existing village hall so that he can try to identify potential dates for the car show. Nancy DiDuca explained an inequity in the newly adopted ordinance dealing with military personnel receiving free vehicle stickers. Ms. DiDuca explained that she has 2 sons in the military and only one receives the benefit. And it is the son that will be deployed in Iraq that will not receive that free village sticker. Mr. Janonis will investigate this issue and contact Ms. DiDuca. Trustee Hoefert brought up two issues on behalf of residents that could not attend today's meeting. The first one was the issue of single-family rental properties. Trustee Corcoran expressed concern that due to the instability of the stock market, more and more people will be investing in rental properties. Mr. Janonis stated that under the current Landlord/Tennant ordinance single and two family properties are excluded. Mr. Janonis further explained that this topic is on the list of discussion items for a future Committee of the Whole meeting. The second issue was the consideration of allowing cars to be parked on one side of the street. Trustee Hoefert stated that he was aware that some communities allow parking on alternating sides of the streets on alternating days. A lengthy discussion ensued including the effectiveness of speed tables as a viable traffic-calming device. These issues will be further discussed at a future Committee of the Whole meeting. The meeting was adjourned at 10:40 am. Respectfully Submitted, Michael Figolah Fire Chief