HomeMy WebLinkAbout09/14/1996 CWC minutesMINUTES
COFFEE WITH COUNCIL
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 1996
9:00 a.m.
LOCATION: 2nd FLOOR CONFERENCE ROOM, VILLAGE HALL
The meeting was called to order by Mayor Gerald Farley. Trustees present were George Clowes,
Michaele Skowron, and Irvana Wilks. Representing staff were Village Manager Michael E.
Janonis and Finance Director Brian Caputo. Village residents were:
Nancy Bobikewicz, 1114 Meadow Lane
Geraldine Bowman, 602 S. Wille Street
Joyce Bregy, 502 N. Pine
Carol Hafertepe, 1102 Brentwood Lane
Rick Lohrstorfer, 900 Quince Lane
Chuck Peterson, 606 Prospect Manor
Mary Kay Risler, 1 E. Milburn Avenue
Denise Rominski, 210 S. Main Street
Frank Smith, 903 Quince Lane
Nancy Bobikewicz, 1114 Meadow Lane, announced that East Wedgewood Park was reopened
by the Prospect Heights Park District on September 13 after rehabilitation work. Ms. Bobikewicz
also requested that Girl Scout Troop 597 be permitted to attend a future session of Coffee With
Council. Mayor Farley suggested that the Girl Scouts attend Coffee With Council in November.
With regard to the commercial vehicle signage ordinance currently being considered by the
Village, Ms. Bobikewicz commented that she is against any commercial signage in residential
areas because it introduces commercialism. She also pointed out that, if the Village Board is
trying to get a feel for the various sizes of commercial lettering which might be allowed, Public
Works van #305 provides an example of standard size lettering. Ms. Bobikewicz suggested that
this vehicle be parked outside the Senior Center on the night of a Village Board meeting so the
board members could examine it.
Gen9dine Bowman, 602 S. Wille Suet, stated that the spotlights illuminating the sign in front
of the Lincoln Junior High School are tilted at an angle such that the vision of those driving by
is impaired by glare. Mr. Janonis said that staff would contact the school to discuss the problem.
Ms. Bowman also stated that Council Trail, west of Route 83 toward the Golf Course, is in need
of repair. Trustee Wilks responded that the Village has identified the problem and the street is
on the list of those projected for repair.
Ms. Bowman encouraged the board to take a more active role in encouraging the library to
expand its computer resources. The board and others in attendance discussed various
intergovernmental arrangements whereby the Village's youth could gain greater access to
computer and other academic resources. Trustee Skowron stated that the board would consider
the establishment of an ad hoc committee to look into the matter after the upcoming election.
Joyce Bregy, 502 N. Pine, commented that she had been following the board's discussions of
potentially permitting commercial signage on vehicles in residential areas. She stated that a
solution to the matter might be to encourage the use of magnetic signs which could be removed
from vehicles when parked in residential areas. Mr. Janonis responded that magnetic signs had
been considered in the past but that some residents have maintained that the magnetic signs
oftentimes do not stay affixed to vehicles very well or, in cold weather, are difficult to remove.
Ms. Bregy said that, on the contrary, her experience with magnetic signs was very good.
Carol Hafertepe, 1102 Brentwood Lane, asked if portable, outdoor fireplaces are legal. She
described how the smoke from these fireplaces can cause various health problems and property
damage. Mr. Janonis responded that staff would review Village Codes to see if outdoor fires are
permitted. Mayor Farley stated that this may be an issue the Safety Commission could review.
Chuck Peterson, 606 Prospect Manor, stated that the traffic on Prospect Manor near Kensington
and Prospect High School is oftentimes traveling much faster than the posted speed limit in the
early morning and mid-afternoon. Mr. Peterson said that he felt that high school students
accounted for most of this traffic. Mayor Farley asked Mr. Janonis to have the Police
Department implement selective enforcement.
Mr. Peterson also said that a resident in his neighborhood is keeping 12 animals as pets in the .
home. Mr. Janonis stated that he would have staff look into the situation.
Mary Kay Risler, 1 E Milburn Avenue, announced the formation of the Citizens for Retaining
Good Government. The group will hold a press conference at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September
17 at the Village's gazebo. The inclement weather site for the press conference will be the
Boston Coffee & Cappuccino Bar.
Denise Rominski, 210 S. Main Street, asked if there is any requirement that dumpsters be placed
behind a fence. Mr. Janonis responded that he would have staff determine whether any
requirement currently exists.
In addition, Ms. Rominski discussed various problems with the operation of the PADS sites,
especially the one at St. Mark's Church. Mayor Farley stated that a meeting would be convened
with the churches involved to address the problems.
Frank Smith, 903 Quince Lane, stated that the public bench which used to be in place in the
Brentwood subdivision had found its way into McDonald Creek. Mr. Janonis stated that he
would ask Public Works to remove the bench.
Mr. Smith also asked if the Village had a program to publicize services which are specially
designed for seniors. Trustee Wilks stated that hospitals typically have that kind of information.
Trustee Skowron added that Northwest Community Hospital offers special services for seniors.
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Mary Kay Risler suggested that such information be placed in the Village newsletter. Mr.
Janonis said that he would have the Village's Human Services Department examine the adequacy
of the publicity on senior programs.
The meeting was adjourned at 11:00 a.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Brian W. Caputo
Director of Finance
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