HomeMy WebLinkAbout07/17/2007 CWC minutes
MINUTES
VILLAGE OF MOUNT PROSPECT
COFFEE WITH COUNCIL
SATURDAY, July 17, 2007
9:00 AM
Community Room, Village Hall
Meeting convened at 9:00 AM. Those present: Mayor Wilks, Trustee Arlene Juracek, Trustee
Lohrstorfer, Assistant Village Manager Strahl, and Fire Chief Mike Figolah.
Residents in Attendance:
Carol Tortorello South Elmhurst Avenue
David Schein North Na- Wa-Ta Avenue
Don Burger Bob-a-Link
Kimberly & Andy Skic North Owen Street
John Dunn Jr. North Owen Street
Kimberly & Andy Skic, North Owen Street had no specific issues.
Don Burger, Bob-O-Link explained that he and his wife have been discussing their complaints
about the Auto Barn (333 West Rand Road) with the Village Board since 2001 and problems
continue to exist. The outstanding issues include:
. New fence not stained
. Cars parked in fire lanes
. Fan on roof runs late into the evening and is very loud
. Garbage trucks in early morning
. Pneumatic tool noise
. Honking horns constantly
Trustee Juracek stated that the staining of the fence is required by Village code since approval
was conditional. Staff will follow-up. The fire department will follow up with enforcement of
proper signage for fire lanes. Mr. Burger was also told by Auto Barn that a timer was placed on
the roof fan so as to eliminate the noise after hours. Staff will follow up with Auto Barn regarding
proper timer settings.
Carol Tortorello, South Elmhurst Avenue expressed concern regarding property
maintenance of a home at the corner of Evergreen & I-aka.
Ms. Tortorello also noted the potential safety hazards created by candy being thrown during the
4th of July parade; children run into the streets to get the candy. Trustee Juracek explained
each of the groups participating in the parade are given instructions as how to hand out the
candy on the other side of the curb. However, due to the pace of the parade this can be difficult.
Ms. Tortorello asked if all Village and park district personnel are required to wear seatbelts. Mr.
Strahl explained that in addition to the state law, all Village employees are required to wear
seatbelts. Ms. Tortorello stated that she has observed Village employees not wearing the belts.
John Dunn, North Owen Street asked when the Village plans on allowing the use of credit
cards to pay water bills. Mr. Strahl stated the Village has been accepting credit cards for a while.
Mr. Dunn was glad to hear about the enhancement. Mr. Dunn also inquired into paying water
bills through automatic checking account withdrawal. Mr. Strahl stated that there is significant
costs associated with automatic withdraw payments and it was felt that there weren't too many
residents that would take advantage of the program. The Village is working on the ability to pay
by credit card via the Village web-site. Mr. Dunn stated that would have tremendous value.
Mr. Dunn asked why not all of the handicap signs in the Village conform to the newest state law.
It was explained that the Village handicap signs are up to the current law. Some signs on private
property may not be up to date and the Village doesn't have jurisdiction on private property.
Mr. Dunn asked about the Village policy in regards to maintaining residential sewer lines from
the house to the main sewer line. Mr. Strahl explained that the owner is responsible for the line
leading from the house. Mr. Schein stated that he just received an estimate to replace his sewer
pipe and it was $8,000 to $10,000. Trustee Lohrstorfer explained that the Illinois American
Water Company offers annual insurance to the residents to cover the repair/replacement of the
sewer line from the home. Trustee Lohrstorfer estimated the insurance at about $140 annually.
Mayor Wilks stated that this matter may be appropriate for future Village Board discussion.
David Schein, North Na-Wa-Ta expressed his interest in turning Randhurst into a butterfly
garden, zoo and water park. A brief discussion took place.
Mr. Schein asked about the policy of allowing residents to plant a garden in the Village-owned
parkway. He stated he is seeing more and more gardens in the parkways.
Mr. Schein asked if there was a local ordinance regarding the use of temporary portable storage
units, i.e. PODS. Staff advised that there currently may not be any municipal guidelines
regarding their use, but will review.
Mr. Schein questioned why the police were checking for vehicle stickers at the golf course
recently. Staff advised Mr. Schein that the police department has several methods of vehicle
sticker enforcement. A lengthy discussion ensued about the cost effectiveness of having the
police perform vehicle sticker enforcement. It was stated that while the vehicle sticker program
has been talked about for years, as long as these stickers are required there will be
enforcement.
Mr. Schein stated he was going to have to personally pay to have a feral cat euthanized
because it is once again pregnant and he is very concerned about the feral cat population in his
area. He suggested the Village develop a program to reduce the feral cat population through a
service fee assessed to all residents. He stated that he would be willing to pay a fee for such a
service. Mayor Wilks suggested this matter be an item for Village Board discussion.
The meeting was adjourned at 10:45 a.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Michael J. Figolah
Fire Chief