HomeMy WebLinkAbout05/12/2018 CWC Minutes MINUTES
VILLAGE OF MOUNT PROSPECT
COFFEE WITH COUNCIL
SATURDAY, MAY 15, 2018
Community Center
1st Floor Village Hall
The meeting convened at 9:00 AM with Mayor Arlene Juracek, Trustee Richard Rogers, Trustee
Paul Hoefert, Trustee Bill Grossi, and Trustee Coleen Saccotelli in attendance. Assistant to the
Village Manager Nellie Beckner, and Village Clerk Karen Agoranos represented staff. Residents
in attendance were:
Pat Moran Redwood Dr.
Katy Moran Redwood Dr.
Jim Chylik Locust
Vicki Chung Wille St
Dennis Palubicki Main St
Louis Goodman School St
Kathy Scaletta School St
Jerry Boldt School St
Bill Millar Central Rd
Walter Szymzak Eastwood
Pat Szymczak Eastwood
Dan Sullivan Crestwood
Rich Rogers Laurel Dr
Chris Rogers Laurel Dr
Linda Brady I-Oka
Mari Otto Burr Oak Dr
Bill Grossi Burr Oak Dr
Terri Gens Elm St
Jeanne Brock Prospect Manor
Ryan Brock Prospect Manor
Jeff Mejoll MacArthur
Ken Koepper Linneman
Liz Fischer Inner Circle
Paul Hoefert Evergreen
Bruce Nejdl MacArthur
Tina DeAragon Sitka Lane
Rachel Rothrauff Busse
John Krupa William
Carol Tortorello Elmhurst Ave
Nancy Wagner Azalea
Chris Hitchcock Sir Galahad
Yulia Bjekic Hi Lusi Ave
Pam Mueller I Oka
Tom Manion Edward
Vince Niccarao Pine
Peter Leoschke Elm
David Schen Na Wata
Pat Moran, Redwood Dr. Noted that there seems to be more houses being rented in the Village,
and some of these properties are not being maintained. Asked if we have a monitoring program
for single-family rentals. Mayor Juracek explained the crime free housing program and Asst. to
the Village Manager Beckner explained the Village's property maintenance program.
Katy Moran, Redwood Dr. Asked if the historic buildings in downtown are in danger of being
demolished. Mayor Juracek noted that there are no plan to tear any buildings down, in reference
to Block 56, which includes the Busse Florist and Emerson Ale House businesses, and noted the
historic buildings with character are nice to have in downtown. Katy also noted that the dahilia
plant sale is next Friday at Friendship Park from 11 am —2 pm.
Jim Chylik, Locust Ln. Recommends that the next Village Newsletter include a section warning
seniors of common "money for bail" telephone scams, giving an example of a scam he has
encountered. Others commented on their own scam experiences and steps to protect seniors.
Vicki Chung, Wille St. Asked about Tuesday's COW meeting, the CM contract discussion and
Block 56. Mayor Juracek explained where we are in the Construction Management selection
process (for 799 Biermann Ct), and how staff conducted the review. Trustee Saccotelli added
supportive statements related to the staff's review process and Trustee Rogers added his
supportive statements regarding Camosy Construction, the staff's recommend firm. Related to
Block 56, the Mayor noted that the discussion on Block 56 at the meeting was simply to open up
the discussion related to the vision for the block, noting that the focus would be the Public Safety
parcel (112 W. Northwest Hwy). Discussion continued with Trustees Hoefert and Grossi added
their thoughts on how the block should redevelop, with Hoerfert noting the importance to protect
the historic structures on the block and Grossi mentioning that the entire block is in the TIF and
therefore should be open for potential redevelopment.
Dennis Palubicki, Main St. Noted that the 400 N. Main Street block is having standing water
issues. The backyards in this area have standing water, 6 inches deep, for several days beyond
rainstorms. He also noted that Joe Picardi was on site but was not able to provide a satisfactory
response; suggested that that this situation should be looked at as a whole rather than a single-
parcel issue. He also suggested that this happened after sewer improvements at Memory Lane.
Staff noted that we will follow up with Public Works for further examination.
Louis Goodman, School St. Noted he was impressed with Camosy Construction's presentation
at the last COW meeting.
Kathy Scaletta, School St. No comments.
Jerry Boldt, School St. No comments.
Bill Millar, Central Rd. Asked why the pine trees in front of PW were removed. Assistant to the
Village Manager Beckner noted that the trees were removed because they had disease, and they
have already been replaced. Bill then asked about the potential of vehicle sticker elimination;
Mayor Juracek noted that there are other communities that use a natural gas tax to cover the cost
but the Village generally prefers to use fees to support like efforts in the budget, and there is no
relationship between vehicles, streets, and natural gas usage by residents. Bill then asked that
the Daily Herald correct the Bluesmobile Car Show event times; staff will alert Howard Kleinstein,
Director of Communications, related to the showtimes.
Page 2 of 5
Walter Szymczak, Eastwood. Asked about the plan for the Quinlan and Fabish building on Main
Street. Assistant to the Village Manager Beckner noted that the building has construction fence
as there is a permit in for building demolition; there is potential plans for a children's daycare on
this site, however, the plans have not been formally submitted and would require notice and
appearance in front of the Planning and Zoning Commission.
Pat Szymczak, Eastwood. No comments.
Dan Sullivan, Crestwood. Asked that police enforce regulations related to vehicles blocking
public sidewalks, citing hazards to pedestrians. This statement was supported by Jerry Boldt,
Louis Goodman, Bill Millar, and Jim Chylik. Jim also noted that parking overnight on his street
(Locust Ln) is an ongoing issue and special enforcement should be in place. Staff noted that the
police department will be asked to conduct special enforcement and look for ways to discourage
this behavior.
Chris and Rich Rogers, Laurel. No Comments.
Linda Brady, I Oka. Asked for an update on the DiMucci property (Golf Plaza II). Mayor Juracek
noted that they are going through adjudication for their various violations. Linda gave an updated
on the township property adjacent to the DiMucci property — the severe storm alert has been
activated throughout the night even when the house is not in use. She noted this will finally end
in October when the township no longer uses the building.
Mary Otto, Burr Oak. No comments.
Bill Grossi, Burr Oak. No comments.
Terri Gens, Elm St. Thank you to Public Works (Sean Dorsey and Kristina J.)for the composting
and recycling programs. Also discussed the monarch butterfly kits, noted they received a good
response from their group, adding thanks to Dave Hull. Terri also thanked Trustee Rogers for his
comments related to the 799 Biermann Court, but believes that a second CM firm should be given
an opportunity to present. Terri also noted that a unified vision for block 56 should be agreed upon
by the board before an RFP was released. Mayor Juracek noted that the RFP is not for
construction but for design firms to present ideas to the board, allowing the board to better
understand the market. She also noted that the process would remain transparent and with lots
of opportunity for engagement. Assistant to the Village Manager Beckner explained how RFPs
are released, and there are occasions where the public may be given the impression that a project
is farther along due to newspaper articles and online marketing; explanation of companies
assuming projects will go to bid based upon Village Board action does not mean an RFP has
been released. Assistant to the Village Manager Beckner noted that Block 56 information can be
added to the Transparency Tab.
Jeanne and Ryan Block, Prospect Manor. No comments.
J. Nejtl, MacArthur. Works for Fresh Thyme, noted that the lighting in the parking lot is too dim.
Mayor noted that staff can asked Community Development to follow up on the minimum light
standards for this lot.
Ken Koepper, Linneman. Gave a brief history of the paramedic and emergency dispatch
programs. Mentioned the book Dead in Six Minutes, by Paul Ciolino, Explained the importance of
today's enhanced 911 system, giving specific personal examples. Mayor Juracek noted that this
Page 3of5
topic is clearly important to Ken and the Village will work to give all those helping to implement
this system recognition and perhaps a proclamation could be created to honor of the anniversary.
Liz Fischer, Inner Circle. Encouraged people to get involved and noted Chalk & Talk is great
opportunities for families with children. Mayor Juracek and Trustee Saccotelli noted that the goal
is to have a Talk and Chalk in 31d Quarter/July.
Paul Hoefert, Trustee. No comments.
Bruce Nejdl, MacArthur. Gave his own "senior scam" story and suggested that families institute
a password policy, so if a phone call comes through for a family member, they indicate the
password so you know the person's call is legit.
Tina DeAragon, Sitka Ln. Asked about Village sustainability practices, if there was a
commission, and are we being proactive. Mayor Juracek noted the difference between a
commission and a committee, and explained the variety of green and sustainable programs
offered by the Village, and it would be good to put them all in one place on the web for easy view
and understanding. Tina listed various resources out there, including the 20/30 Challenge.
Trustee Saccotelli noted that many sustainable programs offered by the Village, such as the urban
forest program, will be highlighted at the Public Works Open House on Saturday.
Rachel Rothrauff. Supported Talk & Chalk and wondered if childcare could be provided for
people wanting to attend coffee with council with their children. She then asked for a start date
for the Central Road resurfacing project. Assistant to the Village Manager Beckner noted that
the Central Road project is an IDOT project, but the Public Works Department will have
information on the start dates on the Village website. Beckner also concurred with Trustee Grossi
who noted the Central Road streetlight project is also occurring.
John Krupa, William. (left meeting)
Carol Tortorello, Elmhurst Ave. No comments.
Nancy Wagner, Superintendent of Indian Trails Park District. Mentioned the kids
programming offered by the park district, thanked the Police and Fire Departments for their
participation, and noted they will be using facebook live to promote events.
Chris Hitchcock, Galahad Ln. No comments.
Yulia Bjekic, Hi Lusi Ave. Asked about the bond calculations related to the police/fire relocation.
Assistant to the Village Manager Beckner noted they are in the presentation that is posted online,
but the individual slides can be pulled out and highlighted on the web. Yulia also asked for a
Parenti Block update, and update on the Hobby Lobby space, and the Carson's space. Beckner
also noted that staff meets with Nicholas and Associates weekly regarding the Parenti block and
the plans change often depending on staff direction, property acquisition, and
partnerships/outreach with the Mt. Prospect Park District. Discussion was raised about a 9-story
building being construction on the site. Trustee Hoefert noted that these plans were "out there";
Beckner reiterated that any plans created for the site thus far should be considered confidential
in nature and too preliminary to be shared publically. Ms. Bjekic also asked about the status of
Carson's and Hobby Lobby. Mayor Juracek noted that both property owners are looking at filling
these current/future vacancies.
Page 4 of 5
Pam Mueller, I Oka. Wanted to thank the Village for Irish Fest, noting it was a great event. Also
commented on the status of the DiMucci property, Mayor Juracek noted again that this site is
currently in court to remedy code violations.
Tom Manion, Edward. Wished everyone a Happy Mother's Day.
Vince Niccarao, S. Pine St. Mr. Niccarao is relatively new to Mount Prospect. Explained that he
believes he has a septic tank in the front of the house and inquired about a discount on his sewer
rate, as he believed he does not use village sewer. Trustee Hoefert and others commented on
this is likely a"holding tank", meaning that he is still connected to and using Village sanitary sewer.
He also inquired about a home based business, which impacts parking in his neighborhood—this
business is the Pine Manor weddings/events which staff was already aware. It is a challenging
situation to enforce due to strict laws related to religious uses. Staff assured Mr. Niccarao that we
would look into parking impacts in his neighborhood related to the use.
Peter Leoschke, Elm St. Asked why there wasn't signage for the crosswalk which is in front of
the Public Safety Building leading to the East Commuter Lot. Assistant to the Village Manager
Beckner noted that, although signage is typically seen at crosswalks, this roadway is under IDOT
jurisdiction and there may be restrictions on signage, or they may require the crosswalk be
removed. This is a mid-block crossing and IDOT has recently indicated to the Village that they
will not support mid-block pedestrian crosswalks in downtown. Staff will investigate if signage
should be posted. Mr. Loeschke also noted that the Village is spending a lot of money on the
Police station, so it is important that it be"done right this time". Mr. Leoschke, who is an architect,
inquired about Village architectural guidelines. Assistant to the Village Manager Beckner noted
that the Village does not have a Design Review Commission, but there are design guidelines for
downtown construction, and most projects which go through a Planned Development or similar
process will have this type of review completed by the P&Z Commission and Village Board.
David Schen, Na Wa Ta. Apologized for his "inarticulateness" at the COW Tuesday night. Asked
if the Village could consider licensing landscapers, noting that there are instances of landscape
companies that blow yard waste into the streets; this occurred with Walmart's contractor blowing
clippings into Rand Road. Assistant to the Village Manager Beckner noted that any landscape
contractor whose business is in the Village requires a business license, and noted that licensing
any landscape contractor who simply works in the Village is a time consuming endeavor, both
from the staffing side of issuing the permit and the enforcement side for those contractors who
work in the Village but would not be licensed.
There being no further business to discuss, the meeting was adjourned at 10:50 AM.
Respectfully submitted,
Nellie Beckner
Assistant to the Village Manager
Page 5 of 5