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HomeMy WebLinkAbout03/09/1996 CWC minutesMINUTES COFFEE WITH COUNCIL March 9, 1996 The meeting was called to order by Trustee Irvana Wilks at 9:10 a.m. Council members in attendance were Trustees Tim Corcoran, Richard Hendricks, Michaele Skowron, and Irvana Wilks. Also in attendance were Village Manager Michael E. Janonis, Finance Director David C. Jepson, and residents Nancy Bobikewicz, Frank Smith, Mary Kay Risler and David Schein. Mary Kay Risler stated that she was concerned that the Mount Prospect Herald was delivering sample newspapers to non -subscribers and these samples were creating a nuisance. She stated that the newspapers were often delivered in the driveways and parkways and sometimes in the street and when they were not picked up by the residents they would blow around and cause litter. Trustee Hendricks stated he called the Herald and asked them to stop delivering the samples and to confirm it in writing. He added that his request was honored. It was suggested that if the situation is not corrected in the future, some type of restrictions should be placed on this type of advertising. Nancy Bobikewicz stated that she had several concerns that affected herself and her neighbors in the Wedgewood area of Mount Prospect. 1. Mrs. Bobikewicz said that the increase in the refuse sticker for excess refuse containers would put additional stress on Village residents and encourage "fly dumping." She stated that some of her neighbors often had more than two containers of refuse and she thought that larger families were being penalized. She also said that Arc Disposal recently put out notices that they would no longer pick up corrugated materials. Trustee Corcoran explained that starting May 1, 1996 the Village will be paying about $500,000 per year more for refuse disposal than we previously were paying and that the Village must do something to try to reduce the volume of refuse. He added that we need to educate residents and suggested that a future newsletter article be written to explain the cost of refuse disposal and how it is paid for. It was also stated that corrugated materials were part of the Village's recycling program and Arc would be notified that they are required to pick up these materials. 2. Mrs. Bobikewicz said she recently learned that the project to improve the stormwater ditches in the Wedgewood area is scheduled for the year 2001. Village Manager Janonis stated that Village policy places a higher priority on sanitary sewer problems than stormwater problems. He said that 2001 is the earliest that funds will be available. 3. Mrs. Bobikewicz stated that most of the streets in Wedgewood need reconstruction but that she heard that some will be resurfaced in 1996. She asked if this was cost efficient. Village Manager Janonis stated that he will ask the Public Works Director to contact her regarding this question. 4. Mrs. Bobikewicz said she has written a letter to the Police Chief regarding drinking parties on the weekends in the Wedgewood subdivision. It was suggested that a neighborhood watch program be established to help inform the police on a timely basis when a problem occurs. 5. Mrs. Bobikewicz said she has had a serious problem with TCI regarding improper billings. She stated her family is a subscriber to Intelligent Television (IT) service but over the past six months has had numerous overcharges and that she has not received satisfactory answers from TCI. She said she had contacted Cheryl Pasalic and Cheryl said other residents had also complained about similar problems. The Village will continue to document the problems and bring them to TCI's attention. 6. Mrs. Bobikewicz stated that during the last storm, she and her neighbors lost electricity. Her concern was that ComEd has only one 800 number and it is very difficult to get through and when you do get through, it is only to an automated device. Village Manager Janonis said the reason for this is to ensure that each call is recorded. He added that the Police and Fire Departments are notified when there is an outage, but we are not informed when the service is expected to be restored. It was suggested that residents send letters to the ICC or the Citizens Utilities Board. 7. Mrs. Bobikewicz said that she has requested a lower speed limit and signs around a neighborhood park that inform motorists that children are present. It was stated that the Safety Commission will make a recommendation to the Village Board when it has sufficient information. 8. Mrs. Bobikewicz requested that she be informed when the Village Board will be discussing the Commercial Vehicle issue. Frank Smith stated that he recently sent a letter to Mayor Farley regarding an unacceptable roofing job that a contractor had performed on his residence. Village Manager Janonis said he was aware of the problem and would follow up with Mr. Smith. Mr. Smith also said he was concerned about the noise of Wisconsin Central freight trains and the possible consequences of a derailment. He said that recently he noticed two propane tank cars placed next to each other in the train and he thought this was dangerous. Village Manager Janonis said he will ask for documentation from Wisconsin Central Management regarding promised track improvements. David Schein reported to the Trustees that he was at Dr. Thomas' office at the corner of Northwest Highway and William Street at 5:45 p.m. on Friday night and there was not a parking problem. He also said that commuters were concerned over the interpretation of the law prohibiting pedestrians from going around railroad crossing gates. Specifically, he asked how this applies to persons exiting the train. Village Manager Janonis stated that the law is not being enforced in regard to commuters exiting the train. He also said that a task force is being created to review the law and to make recommendations for possible changes. Mr. Schein also stated that he recently had a very positive experience regarding a lost briefcase on a METRA train. He said METRA employees went out of their way to return the briefcase to him and he was very pleased. The meeting adjourned at 11:20 a.m. Respectfully submitted, David C. Jepson, Finance Director [)CJ/em