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HomeMy WebLinkAbout01/13/2007 CWC minutes MINUTES VILLAGE OF MOUNT PROSPECT COFFEE WITH COUNCIL SATURDAY, JANUARY 13, 2007 9:00 A.M. Community Center 1st Floor, Village Hall Mayor Wilks called the Coffee with Council meeting to order at 9:07 a.m. Trustees Corcoran, Hoefert, Korn, and Skowron were present. Staff was represented by Police Chief Eddington and Village Manager Janonis. Residents In Attendance Carol Tortorello South Elmhurst Avenue Anita Taylor Burning Bush Lane Lori Hurley Burning Bush Lane Ken Koeppen South Linneman Arlene Juracek South Lancaster Andy & Kimberly Skic North Owen Street Mimi Berger South Emerson David Schein NaWaTa Avenue William Walters Neil Avenue Jim Uszler South Elm Street Sofia Motamedi Randhurst Mall Clare Ross North Owen Street Mal Holec Quince Lane Carol Tortorello. South Elmhurst Avenue Carol Tortorello expressed concern over the vacant property at 200 South Main Street. It has been vacant for several years. Village Manager Michael Janonis stated there was a tenant considering the property. The type of business was undetermined at this time. Anita Tavlor & Lori Hurlev. Burnina Bush Lane Anita Taylor and Lori Hurley of Burning Bush Lane brought to the attention of the council members a drainage problem that is occurring in their backyards. The problem seems to have been exacerbated by an addition on a home that is adjacent to their backyards. Jim Picardi, a member of the Village Engineering Department, has visited the site. Village Manager Michael Janonis promised a follow-up to see if the situation can be rectified. In the context of the West Nile Virus concerns, the standing water could be identified as a health problem. Village staff will pursue that possibility. Ken Koeppen. South Linneman Ken Koeppen of South Linneman had nothing to comment on and attended for the ambiance of the meeting. Arlene Juracek. South Lancaster Arlene Juracek of South Lancaster wanted to comment on the darkness of Route 83 in the Kohl's/Harris Bank area. She is hopeful that with the new lighting alternatives, specifically LED options, that the adjacent property owners could be encouraged to utilize this new lower cost technology. This location has a substantial amount of pedestrian traffic due to Kohl's and other business establishments in the area. Andy & Kimberly Skic. North Owen Andy and Kimberly Skic had nothing to comment on today and appreciate their regular attendance as it helps inform them about the ongoing issues in the Village. Mimi Beraer. South Emerson Mimi Berger of South Emerson wanted to seek input regarding a squirrel problem she is having. The squirrels are repeatedly digging up her lawn. As luck would have it, when she was discussing the problem, David Schein entered the room and offered several ideas, including the probability that a neighbor was feeding the squirrels. Further, he suggested that she contact Professor Joel Brown, a University of Illinois at Chicago biologist, who is a squirrel expert. Jim Uszler. South Elm Street Jim Uszler, Representative of the Chamber of Commerce and Downtown Merchants Association requested a temporary sign like that of the Lion's Club to advertise their Saturday night car shows. The members of the Board expressed support for the concept, but wanted to adjust the ordinance so as to accommodate this type of exception. Additionally, Jim Uszler stated that the Chamber of Commerce would be hosting a Candidates Forum on Saturday, February 24th, from 9:00 a.m. until noon. In addition to Village Board candidates, school board candidates and park district candidates will be invited to attend. Sofia Motamedi. Randhurst Mall The proprietor of Gala Tea at Randhurst wanted to comment on the general situation at Randhurst Mall. Although the internal foot traffic is down, she maintains that the mall is well maintained and wishes the mall ownership would be more aggressive in seeking tenants. This started a general discussion regarding Randhurst. It was mentioned by Jim Uszler that Randhurst has retained a planner to offer several proposals to Urban to help them decide the eventual direction that the property will take. It is anticipated that this report will be completed prior to 2008. Clare Ross. North Owen Street Clare Ross commented on some issues regarding renters at 302 North Owen. There were several property maintenance issues, including running a car repair business from the residence. Additionally, three of the cars that are routinely parked at the residence have no vehicle stickers. She commented that inspectors had been responsive during the summer of 2006; however, the property has again fallen back into disrepair. The Village Manager promised a follow-up on the situation. Mal Holec. Quince Lane Mal Holec wanted to inquire about the status of the facility studies. The Village Manager reiterated that a commitment had been made to share the results of the facility studies when they are available. Dave Schein. NaWaTa Avenue Dave Schein wanted to wish everyone a Happy New Year and wanted to know the results of the traffic calming studies. He felt that there was no noticeable traffic increase on NaWaTa. Village Manager Michael Janonis stated that the studies were not available yet. However, the findings will be made public when the study is completed. Mr. Schein expressed a concern regarding a decision matrix that would lead to only retaining high-end businesses and properties that would in essence ignore diversity issues because of the price points of the properties and stores. A wide-ranging discussion ensued where the Village Board highlighted multiple decisions that ensured continuing affordable housing and similar decisions that encouraged diversity of businesses, their clientele and residents. William Walters. Neil Avenue William Walters had no major issues to discuss, but wanted to inquire about the ownership of Mount Prospect Plaza, which led to a discussion of trucks parking in the rear of Garden Fresh. The meeting was adjourned at 10:45 a.m. by Mayor Irvana Wilks. Respectfully submitted, Richard Eddington Chief of Police