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HomeMy WebLinkAbout02/10/1996 CWC minutesMinutes COFFEE WITH COUNCIL February 10, 1996 The meeting was called to order by Trustee Timothy Corcoran at 9:00 a.m. Other Trustees present were George Clowes, Paul Hoefert and Irvana Wilks. Also present were Assistant Village Manager David Strahl and Police Chief Ronald Pavlock. Village residents present were Carol Tortorello, Ernie Lasse, Martin Kobler, Frank Smith, Al Boldt, Chris Campos, Greg Paradowicz and Chris Lenz. Carol Tortorello (233 S. Elmhurst Avenue) requested the Village Board members reconsider the real estate transfer tax waiver and that it be extended from one year to two, in order to be consistent with IRS regulations. Trustee Corcoran suggested that this matter be referred to the Village Manager for a possible future Committee of the Whole meeting-, and asked that the resident receive an answer from the Village within the next two or three weeks as to a status update of her request. Ernie Lasse (805 S. Elm St.), Martin Kobler (1711 W. Lincoln St.) And Greg Paradowicz (1102 S. Cherrywood), expressed their concerns with the Northwest Suburban Special Education Organization (NSSEO) going into Westbrook School. These residents were concerned with the lack of notification by the School District, whether or not the curriculum of the NSSEO would meet Mount Prospect's Zoning Code definition of "public school," whether the Village Board could do anything about the change of use, and whether legislation could be passed to prohibit this situation from occurring again. The residents also expressed concern of the perceived impact these types of students would have on police services. Trustee Corcoran responded by stating that there may be nothing that the Village could do about the School District's current plans for the school, but we could look into legislation to possibly prevent this from happening in the future. Trustee Clowes gave examples of other situations in the community where organizations not governed by the Village Board were reviewed and guidelines were established. The examples he gave were a religious use of residential property and home-based businesses. He also discussed the parallel between the situation at Westbrook School and Citizens Utility, and the fact that the Village Board took official action in the past when the issues of rate changes or lack of service occurred in the Citizens Utility area. Trustee Corcoran stated the Village was informed about the School District's plans at approximately the same time as the citizens. Any notice to area residents would be part of a rezoning and hearing, but since no hearing was necessary the notice was not required. However, the means in which this agreement was arrived at by the School District may be an issue with their constituents which the School District should Minutes -Coffee with Council February 10, 1996 Page -2- address. Trustee Wilks stated there were other issues in the past that may appear to be similar, but they involved zoning issues and, therefore, the Village was able to respond under the requirement to enforce the Zoning Code and any necessary changes to the current zoning would cause a hearing. The Prospect Heights Metra Train Station and the Trade Services/Mount Prospect Park District building issue were issues related to a zoning change of use. Trustee Hoefert advised the residents that the best avenue for recourse would be to continue to express their concerns to the School District #57 Board. He indicated that pressure should be put on the School Board, and that is where they should use their energy, because the Village Board has very limited or no legal authority over this case. There was also a general discussion among the residents and the Trustees as to the cost for the police officer proposed for this program, and whether or not that would negatively impact services provided to other areas of the Village. It was indicated to the residents that this was an issue that would be discussed further in the future when both School Boards approach the Village for the actual police officer. The Village has already requested funding for the police officer in the school. Mr. Al Boldt inquired as to the current status of the Village Ordinance pertaining to the storage of recreational vehicles and boats on private property. Trustee Corcoran advised that this has been an ongoing discussion between the Village Board members. This resident also expressed a concern about a lot south of his property that is owned by the Village. He would like to see the maintenance of this lot enhanced. The Trustees suggested that he consider purchasing the property from the Village. Mr. Boldt indicated that because it would increase his taxes by $250.00 a year he was not interested. Frank Smith inquired about the status of track repairs of the Wisconsin Central Railroad line through Mount Prospect. Assistant Village Manager Dave Strahl informed Mr. Smith the tracks are expected to be continuously welded, the bed improved, and the ties improved prior to passenger service starting in late summer 1996. Greg Paradowicz wanted to know if anything could be done about the annual occurrence of standing water due to leaves blocking storm sewers at the intersection of Palm and Cherrywood. He stated that Public Works does respond when the storm sewer is blocked at this location. Sometimes the water is in excess of four feet deep. He wondered if there was anything that could be done to permanently eliminate this situation. Assistant Village Manager Dave Strahl indicated this matter would be passed on to Public Works and Engineering for their review. He also asked whom he should call about correcting some surface drainage problems he has in his neighborhood. Minutes -Coffee with Council February 10, 1996 Page -3- Chris Lenz, newly appointed member of the Board of Fire and Police Commissioners, stopped by to say hello to the Village Board. The Trustees discussed an inquiry about the delivery of advertising literature to private driveways. Assistant Village Manager Dave Strahl stated the company involved has been contacted, and if residents have a problem they should advise the Manager's office. They will be given an address they can write to in order to stop these deliveries. He indicated the Village is actually going to court on this issue on March 12, 1996. Village Staff is continuing to pressure the delivery agents to arrive at a reasonable solution. Trustee Corcoran then reported on a program he thought the Police Department might want to look at currently being used in Gainesville, Florida. Twenty-four hour mini - markets are required to have at least two clerks on staff after 11:00 p.m. as well as video surveillance cameras, and the windows must be kept clear of all advertising. Chief Pavlock advised that the Crime Prevention Unit currently works with these stores on these issues, and certainly will contact the Gainesville Police Department to review ordinances that require more than one person working after certain hours of the night. Trustee Corcoran complimented Officer Bill Roscop on his excellent approach to the children in the schools in Mount Prospect, as his children come home and are overwhelmed by Officer Roscop's presentations and representation of the Police Department. Greg Paradowicz wanted to extend his thanks to the Police Department, and especially Investigator Bob Rzepecki for his efforts on a recent case involving his family. He appreciated the way in which it was handled. The meeting was adjourned at 10:58 a.m. RWP:jd