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HomeMy WebLinkAbout07/11/1998 CWC minutesMINUTES COFFEE WITH COUNCIL SATURDAY, JULY 11, 1998 9:00 AM VILLAGE HALL, 100 SOUTH EMERSON STREET Mayor Farley called the meeting to order at approximately 8:50 AM. Trustee Timothy J. Corcoran and Trustee Irvana K. Wilks arrived at approximately 9:00 AM. Representing Village staff were Deputy Director of Public Works Sean P. Dorsey and Village Engineer Jeffrey A. Wulbecker. Village residents in attendance were: Walt and Marie Trendota, 1581 Mura Lane Richard and Hazel Patala, 1412 Indigo Drive Bob Cassie, 1431 Greenbriar Drive Lee Gunter, 1400 Blackhawk Drive Jeff Adams, 1451 Blackhawk Drive Leo Floros, 111 North Emerson Street Cathy Nolan, 1825 Boulder Drive (arrived at approximately (9:10 AM) Laura Moore, 1805 Boulder Drive (arrived at approximately (9:10 AM) Al Andreoni, 730 Creekside Drive (arrived at approximately (9:20 AM) Al Engberg, 1801 Hopi Lane (arrived at approximately (9:20 AM) Bob Nuccio, Huntington Commons Apartments (arrived at approximately (9:30 AM) Jim Corman, 1348 Indigo Drive (arrived at approximately (9:30 AM) Isabella Rochman, 915 Quince Lane (arrived at approximately (10:00 AM) Unknown Female Resident. Asked to speak to the Mayor regarding the railroad crossing gates at Route 83. She explained that she was recently stuck in traffic congestion caused by malfunctioning gates at that crossing. She related that the gates were in the down position for over ten (10) minutes without any trains crossing or even approaching Route 83. After several minutes of waiting, she observed a motorist maneuver around the downed gates. The motorist was promptly stopped by a police officer on the other side of the tracks. She opined that it was unfair to ticket the motorist because malfunctioning railroad gates actually caused the problem. She also asked if the railroads are punished when crossing gate failures caused traffic problems? Mayor Farley responded that the railroads are indeed obligated to limit the amount of time street crossings are obstructed by railroad operations. Although uncertain of the precise amount of time railroads gates are legally allowed to obstruct vehicular traffic, Mayor Farley explained that the time restrictions are enforced and railroads must consider them when considering how many rail cars are assigned to a train. Should the situation occur again in the future, Mayor Farley suggested that the best course of action would be to contact the Police Department immediately so that the frequency and nature of these events can be documented and monitored appropriately. Leo Floros, 111 North Emerson Street. Mr. Floros explained that he was working with a group of residents attempting to raise funds for the construction of a veterans memorial bandshell at Lions Park. Mr. Floros also explained that the fund raising efforts will include a direct mail solicitation for contributions. He asked if the Village Board would consider underwriting the cost of the initial mailing. Mayor Farley stated that he would bring the matter forward for consideration by the Board. Mr. Walt Trendota, 1518 Mura Lane. Mr. Trendota stated that he and his wife were attending to find out the status of the Village's efforts to resolve his rear yard drainage problem. Mr. Trendota explained that water flows from his neighbors' yards and accumulates on his property. He also suggested that improper grading in his neighbors' yards cause much of his problem. Mr. Trendota commented that he has been working with the Village to resolve this matter for the past 14 months without success. Village Engineer Jeff Wulbecker responded that staff has developed a drainage plan that would probably help resolve Mr. Trendota's problem. However, the plan calls for financial participation from Mr. Trendota and two (2) of his neighbors. At present, Village Attorney Buzz Hill is handling the matter. Mr. Hill is attempting to negotiate the matter with Mr. Trendota's attorney. Mayor Farley stated that he would talk to Mr. Hill on Tuesday and attempt to identify the status of this matter. Mrs. Hazel Patala, 1412 Indigo Drive. Mrs. Patala stated that she and her husband were attending to voice their objections to Metra's proposal for sound mitigation along the Wisconsin Central railroad right-of-way. Specifically, she felt that Metra's current offer to construct a 10' fence and plant some trees on her property was inadequate and unfair. She stated that she would like to see a 30' soundproofing wall and plantings placed on the railroad right-of-way instead of her property. Ms. Laura Moore, 1805 Boulder Drive. Ms. Moore identified herself as Mrs. Patala's daughter. She stated that for the last 30 years, the area adjacent to the current Wisconsin Central railroad right-of-way has been a quiet, single-family residential neighborhood. For most of this time, residents have only had to deal with a single track run by an increasingly defunct railroad. The accelerated activity of the Wisconsin Central, the addition of Metra trains, and now the addition of second track with the promise of even more rail traffic, have significantly changed the nature of the neighborhood. For this reason, the railroad needs to make a better attempt at sound mitigation. Mayor Farley explained that the Village is attempting to get better sound mitigation but Metra and the Wisconsin Central have been unreceptive to the idea of constructing a soundproof wall. Mayor Farley also noted that the Village has no real authority over Metra; the Village cannot force Metra to do anything. Nevertheless, through a process of negotiation and compromise, the Village has gotten Metra to improve upon its initial Page 2 of 6 sound mitigation proposals. He also noted that the railroad right-of-way has always been there; its existence predates most of the adjacent residential developments. Consequently, most people knew about the trains when they bought their homes. The expectation that the track would always host a low volume of train activity or always be a single track was unrealistic. Mayor Farley also noted that the Village's efforts to obtain sound mitigation for Mount Prospect residents is balanced by competing interests in other communities along the rail corridor that want to see increased train activity. Ms. Moore suggested that the Village do something to lessen the frequency of train whistle -blowing. She observed that, in recent years, all trains have been blowing their whistles at each crossing regardless of the time of day. She noted that the Wisconsin Central's nighttime freight trains are particularly disruptive. Trustee Corcoran noted that Ms. Moore's observations on train whistle -blowing coincide with the enactment of a federal law two (2) years ago requiring trains to sound their whistles at all grade crossings. Trustee Corcoran explained that the increased whistle -blowing has nothing to do with Metra or the Wisconsin Central. It is a federal law that they are bound to comply with. Trustee Corcoran also suggested that any residents who would like to see changes in the whistle -blowing law should call or write their representatives in the federal government. Ms. Moore responded that the crossing that seems to cause the most disruption is the Morrison Road crossing. She related her observations that train engineers seem apprehensive about that particular crossing because it has no signal and no gates. She suggested that this apprehension causes the engineers to start sounding the whistle well in advance of the crossing. She stated that she would like to see the Village eliminate the Morrison Road crossing. Mayor Farley responded that the Village is attempting to do something about the Morrison Road crossing. However, the matter is complicated by the fact that Morrison Road is a private street that is actually outside of Village boundaries. Mayor Farley also concurred with Trustee Corcoran's recommendation that, currently, the best thing for residents seeking a change in the whistle -blowing law to do is to contact their elected federal representatives. Trustee Wilks explained that the Village has worked very hard to get Metra to improve its sound mitigation and landscaping options. She noted that, originally, Metra only wanted to plant some bushes. The Village has gotten them to include additional landscaping and a board on board fence up to 10' in height. Ms. Moore commented that the 10' fence and landscaping will do nothing to deaden the sound. Trustee Corcoran noted that Metra is a "superauthority". It is not accountable to municipal governments, regional authorities, or the state government. Its officials are not elected, they are appointed. It receives it's funding from the federal budget. The Village Page 3 of 6 truly has no influence with Metra. He suggested that the best way to affect what Metra does is through structuring the federal laws and regulations under which it must operate. Trustee Corcoran also noted that Mount Prospect has already gotten more from Metra in terms of commitments to sound mitigation and landscaping than most other communities. Ms. Moore noted that the letter explaining residents' landscaping options was printed on Village letterhead. Therefore, she received the impression that the Village was telling residents what could, and what could not be done. Trustee Corcoran responded that the letter residents received was a presentation of the options the Village was able to negotiate with Metra. He noted that Metra officials essentially "wordsmithed" the document and were extremely particular about what words were used and how the options were phrased. Mrs. Patala commented that the Metra train engines currently stop directly behind the houses. They do not stop behind the plaza like Metra said they would during initial discussions about the Prospect Heights commuter station. Because of this practice, she is forced to endure the unmitigated noise generated be the idling train engines. In addition, she noted that train passengers seated on the upper deck can easily see into her yard and into her home. For these reasons, she insists that a 30' fence is necessary. Mr. Trendota suggested that the Village consider including the names and addresses of appropriate federal transportation committee representatives in the next issue of the Village newsletter. Mr. At Engberg, 1801 Hopi Lane. Mr. Engberg stated that he appreciates the Village's efforts with regard to Metra and the Wisconsin Central. He also wanted to enlighten the Board about his efforts to get federal officials to answer some poignant questions relating to the Wisconsin Central's second track. He related that he is trying to find out why over $180 million in federal money is being used to benefit a private company (Wisconsin Central). He is also trying to find out why the second track or "siding" cannot be shifted north of Camp McDonald Road. Mr. Engberg suggested that such a shift would free up six (6) road crossings and only add one (1) new one. He stated that he.is aware of the railroad's response that such a shift is not possible due to environmental impacts. However, he feels that the Wisconsin Central can deal with the environmental issues if they are willing to spend some money. He cited the Illinois Tollway Authority's experience with Interstate 355 as an example of money subduing environmental issues. He concluded by encouraging the Village to obtain and review a copy of the environmental impact study once it is completed. Mr. Jim Corman, 1348 Indigo Drive. Mr. Corman explained that he is attending to update the Board on the response he received from Metra regarding his proposal to install the second track west of the existing track. Metra refused to implement his proposal. Mr. Corman explained that Metra's response cites unwieldy forces created by the reverse curves necessary to align his proposal with the existing track system as the primary reason the track cannot go in on the west side. They also cited wetland preservation as Page 4 of 6 another reason the track must be east of the existing track. Mr. Corman suggested that Metra's reasoning seems abbreviated and simplistic. Mr. Jeffery Adams, 1451 Blackhawk Drive. Mr. Adams identified himself as the president of the Golfview Estates homeowners' association. Mr. Adams explained that he was attending to present the association's objection to the stone shoulder being installed in the Golfview Estates subdivision as part of the Village's street resurfacing program. Mr. Adams noted that the shoulder is crooked and unsightly. He also suggested that there is no need for a stone shoulder since the streets have held up well for a number of years without them. In addition, passing cars often throw stones from their tires creating a hazard for children in the neighborhood. Mr. Adams concluded by presenting a petition signed by residents of the Golfview Estates subdivision requesting the Village to remove the stone shoulders. Mayor Farley responded that the Village is spending a large amount of money to repair streets. Consequently, the Board is reluctant to do anything that might limit the effectiveness or reduce the lifespan of the Village's investment. Village Engineer Jeff Wulbecker explained that the reason stone shoulders are installed on curb -less streets is to provide lateral support for the pavement edge. Compacted stone provides much better lateral support than dirt and sod. Mr. Wulbecker also stated that many of the aesthetic issues associated with the stone shoulder will be resolved when the contractor completes the project. The stone shoulders will be straightened and compacted. Mr. Wulbecker also related his personal observation that at least one of the streets in the Golfview Estates subdivision was originally constructed with a stone shoulder. Over the years, however, the stone shoulder had become overgrown by grass and weeds. Mr. Wulbecker suggested that most, if not all, of the streets in the subdivision share a similar history. Mr. Bob Cassie, 1431 Greenbriar Drive. Mr. Cassie asked if a compromise was possible. Specifically, he was interested to know if the Village would accept a 6" wide shoulder rather than the 24" wide shoulder currently being installed. Mr. Wulbecker responded that a 6" wide stone shoulder would not provide adequate support for the pavement. Mr. Bob Nuccio, Huntington Commons Apartments. Mr. Nuccio identified himself as the owner of an apartment building in Mount Prospect. He stated that he is attending to ask the Village to do something about the proliferation of ducks and geese around retention ponds and landscape ponds. He complained that the ducks and geese defecate everywhere creating unsanitary conditions. Trustee Corcoran responded by noting that the geese are federally protected birds. It is against the law for the Village to do anything to or with the geese. Trustee Corcoran also cautioned that any solution to the geese problem must be comprehensive in scope. If efforts are successful in removing one flock of geese, the vacated pond will likely be Page 5 of 6 claimed by another flock in short order. Trustee Corcoran asked Mr. Nuccio if he had any suggestions as to a course of action. Mr. Nuccio stated that he has no ideas about how to control the ducks and geese. However, he insisted that the problem should be viewed as a health department issue. Trustee Corcoran concurred and asked staff to investigate how other communities are handling the duck and geese problem. Mr. Al Andreoni, 730 Creekside Drive. Mr. Andreoni identified himself as a new Mount Prospect resident and explained that he was attending to see if the Village was interested in supporting a fundraiser for the Sister Cities International organization. Mr. Andreoni explained that he is working as a volunteer to help Sister Cities raise money to increase the number and frequency of its cultural exchanges. Mayor Farley responded that the Village does, if fact, already support the Sister Cities organization. Ms. Isabella Rochman, 915 Quince Lane. Ms. Rochman explained that she is attending to voice her objections to the sound mitigation being offered by Metra and the Wisconsin Central railroad in conjunction with the installation of a second track. Ms. Rochman related that she has invested over $10,000 into improving her backyard. She suggested that this investment will be for naught if passing freight and commuter trains limit her ability to enjoy her backyard. She stated that she would like to see some kind of sound barrier constructed along the railroad right-of-way adjacent to her property. Mayor Farley responded that the Village has already asked Metra to install a sound barrier and Metra has denied the request. He also explained that the Village cannot force Metra to install a sound barrier or perform any sound mitigation whatsoever. Mayor Farley concluded his comments by suggesting that municipalities will remain wanting in these situations until federal regulations regarding the operation of railroads are changed to empower local authorities. There being no further business to discuss, Mayor Farley adjourned the meeting at approximately 10:20 AM. Respectfully Submitted, Sean P. Dorsey Deputy Director of lic Works Attachments SPD/spd CACOFFEE WrM COUNCII.UULY 11 1998.DOC Page 6 of 6 MINUTES FLOATING COFFEE WITH COUNCIL SATURDAY, JULY 11, 1998 10:30 A.M. ST. JOHN SCHOOL, 1100 S. LINNEMAN ROAD The meeting was called to order by Mayor Farley at 10:30 a.m. Trustees Timothy Corcoran and Irvana Wilks were present. Representing staff were Assistant Manager Dave Strahl, Deputy Public Works Director Sean Dorsey and Police Chief Ron Pavlock. Village residents in attendance were: June Richards, 1412 S. Hickory Drive Edgar Biberdorf, 1107 Linneman Road David Schein, 700 Ivanhoe Lane, #3B Jerri Inssaurate, 1421 Chestnut Ken Koeppen, 1040 Linneman Mike Collins, 1103 Ash Mike Bednarz, 1050 Linneman Cathy Schubkegel, 1745 Verde Drive Joe D'Aniello, 1766 Azalia Place Mike Collins, 1103 Ash. Mr. Collins brought forth four issues for discussion. His first concern was the possibility of the Chicago Bears moving to Elk Grove and the impact that the stadium would have on traffic congestion and parking in the Village of Mount Prospect. Mr. Collins' second concern was airport noise. It is his understanding that the Airport Authority will be adding 100 additional flights a day to O'Hare Airport. Another resident present reported that Glenview is even raising complaints about the noise. Mr. Collins' third issue dealt with his belief that World War II veterans should be given piority as guests of honor at the annual Independence Day Parade. He feels they should be given vehicles and offered the opportunity to be recognized at this annual event. Mr. Collins also raised the issue of areas covered under Section 8 Housing and felt that this housing should be available throughout the Chicagoland area, and not just in specific areas. He also stated that he thought the Village should have a building appearance committee to review new stores like Menards, as they come into Mount Prospect. Trustee Corcoran responded to the parade issue by stating that although he felt it might be a good idea, the veterans are honored at the annual Memorial Day Parade. Mayor Farley responded to the issue of the Chicago Bears Stadium in Elk Grove. He indicated that he and staff have been in contact with representatives of Elk Grove, including Elk Grove's Mayor. He will continue to communicate with Elk Grove and express the concerns of all residents to make sure the citizens of Mount Prospect are taken into consideration should this project become a reality. A short discussion followed regarding the reality of this project with some uncertainty shown as to whether or not it will actually take place. Mayor Farley responded to the issue of Section 8 Housing by stating that all housing should be kept in compliance with. code requirements. That is why Village staff works with all property owners to make sure high standards are met in all housing stock. If we keep all housing stock in compliance with strict code requirements, all neighborhoods will remain attractive to any new resident, regardless of their economic standards. Mayor Farley responded to the issue of O'Hare Airport noise by stating that they have been meeting for a year with the Chicago Noise Compatibility Commission and have achieved a certain amount of success. They have been working with pilot representatives in an attempt to get the pilots to take off and land in such a manner as to lessen the amount of noise. He then pointed out that the airlines are changing their fleets to a quieter type aircraft (Fly Quiet Program), and if this program continues it could prove to have the greatest impact on the elimination of airport noise at O'Hare. The Mayor and Assistant Village Manager have met with representatives of the Commercial and Cargo Pilots Association with some success in formulating programs for pilots to fly quieter over residential areas. As far as the need for an Appearance Committee to review new buildings coming into Mount Prospect, the Mayor does not feel a need for that specific type of committee. He feels most businesses would want to put their best appearing structure in Mount Prospect. Finally, the Mayor did agree with the concept of honoring the Vets at the annual Independence Day Parade. Trustee Corcoran stated that the Mayor of Elk Grove has the same concerns that the residents of Mount Prospect have expressed and has advised Mount Prospect's Mayor and Board as well as his constituents in Elk Grove that he will make sure that the impact is not negative. The Elk Grove Mayor has stated to him that he is aware of the concerns of neighboring communities. He is certainly aware of how noise in a community can impact bordering communities as he has experienced in dealing with Chicago on the O'Hare Noise Compatability Commission. Assistant Village Manager Dave Strahl passed out a brochure that is available to residents that describes the number of flights, and what the Airport Authority is attempting to do in its reconfiguration of takeoffs and landings at O'Hare. The Airport Authority is doing a survey of people who have called in complaining about the noise. Based on this survey they are attempting to make some changes in the flight plan and in educating the pilots about some of the problem areas. He noted we are not spending tax dollars to make these changes. The Mayor and staff are constantly reminding them about the problem. Trustee Wilks reported that she has been attending several of the meetings where there have been discussions related to soundproofing homes as well as schools. Mr. Collins replied that the soundproofing of homes will only have a small impact on the problem and that the best solution is working with the airlines to convince them to move quickly to the quieter planes. Trustee Wilks also explained what she has heard and seen at the airport. Comparing different types of aircraft the newer models are definitely quieter than some of the older aircraft. Mayor Farley commented that we are also working with the cargo airlines expressing the same concerns in an attempt to convince them to also upgrade their planes to the quieter models in a similar fashion to the passenger carriers. 2 There was considerable discussion between Board members and residents about the different types of planes and the impact this could have on future noise elimination at major airports throughout the country. Trustee Wilks explained to the residents at the Coffee with Council that if people would call in and express their concerns, giving dates, times and location the airlines can then identify the pilots who are causing some of the problems. She explained that the group of trustees and residents representing the Village have talked to the pilot representatives who have been quite cooperative in seeking solutions for eliminating these problems. Trustee Wilks expressed her views on the Chicago Bears moving their organization to Elk Grove. She stated that due to transportation, parking and other concerns she could not conceive of them making the move to Elk Grove from Chicago. The site in Elk Grove is not large enough and public transportation is not available. June Richards, 1412 S. Hickory Drive. Ms. Richards announced to the residents at the Coffee with Council that, "the new Frost South School is having an Open House on this date." Mayor Farley also announced that there is going to be a formal Open House in September where everyone will be given an advance notice to come visit the newly remodeled school. Ms. Richards also reported that the house at 1421 Hickory has been sold and Mr. Brent Burns has purchased it and is rehabbing the property to be used as rental in the future. She also stated that when Frost South School opens this fall she is asking that the Police Department enforce the laws prohibiting cars blocking the sidewalks in the area of the school. Chief Pavlock explained that he would have Community Service Officers survey the area and post warnings educating residents of their responsibility to comply with the law regarding blocking sidewalks. Edgar Biberdorf, 1107 Linneman Road. Mr. Biberdorf expressed his concerns about a "no parking" sign laying on the ground beside Hunt Club Road where they put in the lights, and about a problem with fruit trees along Linneman Road on Village property. Public Works will check this out. He feels the fruit trees need to be watered more often. He also asked questions about a resource with the Village regarding diseased trees on private property. Sean Dorsey replied he would have Forestry/Grounds Superintendent Sandy Clark give him a call next week regarding this issue. David Schein, 700 Invanhoe Lane, #3B. Mr. Schein expressed a concern about tenants of rental property receiving tax bills that should be paid by the property owner. He failed to see why the tenant had an obligation to respond to that type of bill that is a responsibility of the property owner. Trustees Corcoran and Wilks along with Assistant Village Manager Dave Strahl reported that it is convenient to mail the bill to the tenant, but if it is the property owner's responsibility to pay, the tenant should forward the bill to the property owner. Mr. Schein asked if this has been a successful program and the Trustees indicated it definitely was, and has allowed for successful collection of some utility taxes and other revenues expected by the Village. 3 Cathy Schubkegel, 1745 Verde Drive. Ms. Schubkegel wanted to make sure that the Mayor and Board were aware during their discussions with Commonwealth Edison that the Hatlen Heights area also had problems with power surges. She also expressed some concerns with the lack of space at the Mount Prospect Library and wanted residents at the Coffee with Council meeting to be aware that there are ongoing concerns at the library. She was directed by the Mayor to bring this concern to the Library Board. Mike Bednarz, 1050 Linneman. Mr. Bednarz, a resident since 1994 came to the meeting to announce that the North American Youth Basketball Association is looking for sponsors for their ongoing basketball program in the Mount Prospect area that involves area 13 and 14 year old youth. The Mayor and Board as well as Village staff directed him to various funding sources, including TAP Mount Prospect and the Randhurst Foundation. Joe D'Aniello, 1766 Azalia Place. Mr. D'Aniello stated that he was at the meeting to express his grave concerns about the new second track being added to the Wisconsin Central/North Central Commuter line. The Mayor and Trustees present explained that at the earlier morning Coffee with Council meeting at the Village Hall on this date there was an extensive discussion regarding this matter. The Mayor and Trustees reported they have been diligently working to force the railroad to take into consideration the residents of Mount Prospect during their upgrading of their railroad system. They indicated they went to several meetings and have had some success in getting the railroad to comply with additional shrubbery and a 10' fence along a portion adjacent to the tracks to help reduce the noise caused by the trains. Mr. D'Aniello was advised that several citizens were present at the early morning meeting to discuss these concerns, and that the Village Board will continue to work with staff's support to attempt to eliminate some of the problems. However, the resident was advised the Mayor and Board has little control over this property and have received minimal cooperation from the entities involved. The meeting was adjourned at 11:50 a.m. Respectfully Su , (-., Qu Ronald W. Pavlock Chief of Police RWP:jd (for -1 5 L D D (2- Gr_ S WL ��U�- �� ti ��—� c16 VA q5-7 --7-7373 Litinemcfe M(Ke,, &-dnarz- S6, K- 7 c 15 2- 11,4 6 -1 5