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HomeMy WebLinkAbout02/11/2020 COW MinutesMount Pax.417,7 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MINUTES — February 11, 2020 — V Floor, Village Board Room Village Hall, 50 S. Emerson Street ROLL CALL— CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order at 7:04 p.m. in the Village Board Room of the Village Hall, 50 South Emerson Street, by Mayor Arlene Juracek. Trustees present included William Grossi, Eleni Hatzis, Paul Hoefert, Richard Rogers, Colleen Saccotelli and Michael Zadel. Staff present included Village Manager Michael Cassady, Assistant Village Manager Nellie Beckner, Village Clerk Karen Agoranos, Director of Building & Inspection Services William Schroeder, Deputy Director of Building & Inspection Services Mark Rysavy, Director of Community Development William Cooney, Fire Chief Brian Lambel, Police Chief John Koziol, Director of Public Works Sean Dorsey, Director of Finance Amit Thakkar, , Assistant to the Village Manager Alexander Bertolucci, Director of Human Services Julie Kane, Village Engineer Jeff Wulbecker and Assistant Village Engineer Matt Lawrie. 2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Trustee Rogers, seconded by Trustee Zadel moved to approve the minutes of the Committee of the Whole meeting of January 14, 2020. The minutes were approved by unanimous roll call vote. 3. CITIZENS TO BE HEARD Susanne Atanus Des Plaines/Niles resident • Ms. Atanus expressed her concern regarding a wide range of issues. 4. DISCUSSION ITEMS 4.1 Forest Preserves of Cook County Presentation John McCabe, Director of Resource Management for the Forest Preserves District of Cook County presented information about the Forest Preserves District and answered questions from the Board. Mr. McCabe shared the mission of the Forest Preserves District along with its rich history. Mr. McCabe explained the Next Century Conservation Plan for the Forest Preserves of Cook County that includes strengthening relationships between nature, people and community leaders. Mr. McCabe stated the Forest Preserves District provides ecosystem services including flood control, groundwater recharge, water purification and carbon storage. The District also provides habitat restoration, volunteer opportunities, and outdoor recreation space including hiking and biking trials, fishing, picnic groves, golf courses and camping sites. In addition, the District boasts six nature centers offering community engagement events, learning opportunities and enrichment programs. Committee of the Whole Page 1 of 4 02/11/20 Mr. McCabe stressed the importance of public support and participation to maintain the Forest Preserves as a thriving, relevant and important resource for residents of Cook County. Board Comments: • Although no forest preserves are located within the boundaries of our Village, the Forest Preserve District is a very important partner. • Vital resource to the community. Public Comments: Pat Resident • Supports and appreciates the programs provided by the Forest Preserve District, particularly the open spaces and bike paths. Susanne Atanus Has attended and enjoyed many Forest Preserve events 4.2 Bicycle Plan Update Director of Public Works Sean Dorsey reviewed the existing Bicycle Plan, provided an explanation of work to date and requested direction from the Board for next steps. Mr. Dorsey stated the Mount Prospect Bicycle Plan was developed in 2011 after receiving a grant from the United States Department of Energy's Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Program. The plan was formulated by a committee that included several Village departments and the Mt. Prospect Park District. The plan became more a concept guide rather than a rigid plan after its adoptions in 2012 due to costs and plan equitability with other planning tools such as the Comprehensive Plan and the Traffic Calming Program. The plan included three major components: constructing a bike network, adopting bike -friendly ordinances and polices, and programs to encourage bike usage. Initiatives in each of these components were completed over an eight-year span that included three distinct phases. Mr. Dorsey provided details on each of the phases and highlighted key initiatives that were completed in each phase. Phase III includes work intended for the long term. Mr. Dorsey stated staff continues to utilize the Bike Plan for guidance as the Village strives to develop a multi -model transportation network for residents and visitors. Projects will be developed and constructed as opportunities are presented and funding is available. Board Comments: • Increasing rental opportunities in downtown with decreasing automobile travel make this a timely topic. • Discussion regarding use of motorized bikes, currently not allowed in the Village, but are becoming more popular should be addressed in the future. Mr. Dorsey provided the following in response to questions from the Board: Committee of the Whole Page 2 of 4 02/11/20 • Improvements are planned to make it easier to access Randhurst Village by bicycle. • Plans are continuing to develop that will make bike travel safer and more efficient. • Grant funds received in 2011 did not include conditions for future improvements. • Shared use sidewalks with wider pavements are being considered. Public Comments: Three residents from the Village of Mount Prospect provided the following comments: • Understands the challenges the Village is faced with, but would like safer bike paths as a means to get around town easier. • Shared bike lanes are not desirable. • Bicyclists are already biking on Central and Rand Roads; when making plans, don't assume striping for bike lanes will automatically make it safer for bicyclists. • Would like signage to notify motorists that bicyclists may use the full lane in accordance with state law. • The completed repaving of Central Road and Northwest Highway is great for bicyclists. Susanne Atanus Des Plaines/Niles resident • Consider free bus service for residents 4.3 Meadows-Melas Bridge Project Update Director of Public Works Sean Dorsey provided background information on the project. The proposed Meadows-Melas Bridge will improve safety for those who wish to visit the parks without crossing the railroad tracks and/or Northwest Highway. In 2018, staff presented the Board a recommendation to award Burns and McDonnell, consulting engineers, to complete Phase I engineering plans that analyze various bridge designs. In addition, work from this Phase I study will be used to secure grant funding for design and construction of the bridge. The Board tabled the discussion and instructed staff to reach out to interested parties that would benefit from the bridge, particularly the Mt. Prospect Park District and the Arlington Heights Park District, to solicit financial support for Phase I. Mr. Dorsey stated an Intergovernmental Agreement was prepared and presented to participating agencies that included Township High School District 214, Mount Prospect School District 57, Mt. Prospect Park District, Arlington Heights Park District and the Village of Arlington Heights. The IGA suggested a cost share arrangement of $20.700 for each participant. All declined to participate in Phase I; the Mt. Prospect Park District indicated they would contribute only if the other agencies contribute to Phase I as well. Mr. Dorsey stated staff deemed this a worthy project and recommends proceeding with Phase I. Burns and McDonnell have agreed to honor the 2018 technical and cost proposals for the Phase I study. Mr. Dorsey stated staff proposes that subsequent project development, including design engineering, construction and construction engineering be contingent upon receipt of grant funding or agency/partner participation. Committee of the Whole Page 3 of 4 02/11/20 A discussion followed regarding the importance of securing financial commitments from other agencies and the most effective strategy to do so. Board Comments: • Phase I is worth pursuing even without the support of other agencies; once more information is presented, confident support will follow • Metra Railroad should be asked to participate in project. Mr. Dorsey responded, stating they will be part of the Phase 1 discussion. • Not confident other agencies will support project after Village completes Phase 1. Village requested small investment from other agencies ($20,000) for Phase I; if they were unwilling at that point, unlikely they will provide financial support in the future. Mt. Prospect Park District has a big stake in this project; park district should support Phase I. Governing boards of interested agencies should be contacted directly to solicit support and financial backing. Village Manage Michael Cassady responded, stating the completion of Phase / is critical and will provide important information and details that can be used to gain support from the respective Boards for future phases of the project. Mayor Juracek requested that Mr. Dorsey prepare a proposal to move forward with Phase I Engineering for Board approval to at the next Village Board meeting. 5. MANAGER'S REPORT None. 6. ANY OTHER BUSINESS None 7. ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 8:50 p.m. by unanimous voice vote of the Village Board. Respectfully submitted, Karen Agoranos Village Clerk Committee of the Whole Page 4 of 4 02/11/20